Floor Statements

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, in commemoration of National Police Week, families from across the country are gathering in Washington to pay respect to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year.

Mississippi tragically lost four officers who are being recognized this week at ceremonies in Mississippi and here in the Nation's Capital.

On May 17, 2018, Officer Emmett Paul Morris, 61, of Louin, was killed in a car crash. Having served the Raleigh and Reservoir Police Departments, Officer Morris was described as ``a kind man who had the spirit of service.''

Patrolman LeAnn Simpson of Philadelphia, MS, died in an automobile crash while responding to a call on November 24, 2018. She was just 23 years old. Prior to joining the Philadelphia Police Department, Simpson was a sergeant in the U.S. Army.

The loss of two other officers from Mississippi last year has special significance to me because they had dedicated themselves to protecting my hometown of Brookhaven in Lincoln County, MS.

Officers James Kevin White, 35, of Sontag, and Corporal Walter Zachery Marshall Moak, 31, of Brookhaven, lost their lives in a terrible standoff on September 29, 2018.

Corporal Moak served with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office before serving with the Wesson and Brookhaven Police Departments.

Officer White, in addition to being a police officer, served in Iraq with the Mississippi National Guard.

I join the families and communities of these four Mississippi officers in remembering their lives and expressing sincere gratitude for their service.

Sadly, their sacrifice did not end our losses in Mississippi. Mississippians just yesterday, this past Monday, paused to mourn a veteran Biloxi police officer, Robert McKeithen, as he was laid to rest after being gunned down outside the police station on May 5, 2019--last Sunday.

These officers and Trooper Kenneth ``Josh'' Smith of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, along with the more than 160 officers from around the country who lost their lives, deserve national recognition.

Law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to help keep us safe, and any loss of an officer deeply affects entire communities. I greatly admire members of the law enforcement community who remain steadfast in the

dangers of their noble profession. We acknowledge their brave service and fortify our support of their work to protect our families and our communities.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, I respect the time-honored practice of this body which encourages new Members to listen and observe before speaking on the floor. There is value in humility--knowing when to talk and when to listen.

First, let me say it is a great privilege to represent the people of Mississippi in the United States Senate. I am working hard to support the needs of all Mississippians and to justify the confidence placed in me by the people of my great State.

Today I rise to speak on several important topics. First and foremost, I rise to honor Officer Robert McKeithen, a 24-year-decorated veteran of the Biloxi Police Department who lost his life in the line of duty this past Sunday night, May 5.

Officer McKeithen was described by his chief as ``an unbelievably fine policeman.'' He was an Air Force veteran, a husband, and a father who dedicated his life to serving the people of Biloxi, my State, and our Nation. His loss is a tragedy and a stark reminder that law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to keep us safe. Officer McKeithen's family, colleagues, and friends certainly have my deepest sympathy.

Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Madam President, I am pleased to commend LCDR Steven Davies for his dedication to duty and service as a U.S. Coast Guard congressional fellow on my staff. Steve was recently selected to serve as executive officer of USCGC Thetis and will soon depart to fulfill that important responsibility.

A native of Lebanon, PA, Steve was commissioned after his graduation from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in management, served as vice president of his class, and captained the men's soccer team. He is in the process of earning a master's degree.

Steve has served in a broad range of assignments during his Coast Guard career. He has served overseas in Kuwait and deployed with Patrol Forces Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, conducted national security missions on five ships in the Arabian Gulf. In addition to deployments overseas, he has served in vital roles in support of U.S. security interests. As commanding officer of USCGC Sailfish, he led search and rescue operations and various law enforcement missions in the Port of New York and New Jersey. As Commanding Officer of USCGC Kathleen Moore, Steve led a 26- person crew that interdicted $18 million of cocaine and nearly 700 undocumented migrants attempting to reach the United States.

Most recently, Steve served as the congressional fellow on my staff and, prior to that, for the Honorable Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi. Steve's operational experience in the Gulf of Mexico, Southwest Asia, and the Arabian Gulf, in addition to his technical expertise in counterdrug and migrant interdictions, search and rescue operations, and law enforcement missions, have been pivotal in helping to shape Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Coast Guard appropriations for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

As a congressional fellow, he has served the State of Mississippi, the Coast Guard, and our Nation admirably. My staff and I have enjoyed the benefit of Steve's counsel and have truly enjoyed working with him. Steve's leadership has brought great credit to the Coast Guard, and I appreciate and commend his commitment to continue to serve our nation.

It is a pleasure to recognize and thank LCDR Steve Davies for his service to this country. My staff and I extend our gratitude to Steve and wish him ``Fair winds and following seas'' as he continues his journey in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Mr. President, I am pleased to commend MAJ Paul V. Bankston for his dedication to duty and service as an Army legislative fellow on my staff. In January 2019, Paul will transfer to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army, where he will serve as a congressional budget liaison.

A native of Okeechobee, FL, Paul received a bachelor of science degree in applied science and technology from Thomas Edison State College. He also earned a master of arts degree in legislative affairs from George Washington

University. Paul enlisted in the Army in 2000, rose through the enlisted ranks to sergeant first class, and received his commission in 2008.

Most recently, Paul served as the Army legislative fellow on my staff, and for the Honorable Senator Thad Cochran prior to that. His operational experience in Africa and the Middle East, in addition to his technical expertise in special operations, medical logistics, and combat medical care, have been pivotal in helping to shape Department of Defense appropriations for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

He has served the State of Mississippi and the Nation admirably. The staff and I have enjoyed the benefit of Paul's counsel and have truly enjoyed working with him. Paul's leadership has brought great credit to the army, and I appreciate and commend his commitment to continue to serve our Nation.

It is a pleasure to recognize and thank MAJ Paul V. Bankston for his exceptional service to our country. My staff and I extend our gratitude to Paul and his family for their sacrifices and service to the Nation, and we wish him well as he takes the next step in his admirable career.

Mr. President, I am pleased to commend Mr. John Oscar ``Johnny'' Jones, who is retiring from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development after 37 consecutive years of service to the Nation.

Raised in Coffeeville, MS, Johnny joined USDA in 1980 as a student trainee in the Coffeeville Farmers Home Administration Office. In pursuing a career with USDA, Johnny followed in the footsteps of his father, William Woodrow Jones, and brother, William Woodrow ``Woody'' Jones, Jr., who both made significant contributions to American agriculture and rural economies throughout Mississippi as lifelong USDA employees.

Following his graduation from Mississippi State University in 1982, Johnny was promoted to the position of assistant county supervisor, ACS, for Webster County in Eupora, MS, with responsibility for Webster and Choctaw Counties. In 1985, he was promoted to county supervisor for Attala County. In 1990, Johnny was selected to serve as a rural housing specialist in the State Farmers Home Administration Office in Jackson. Seven years later, Johnny became the State program director for Single Family Housing for Rural Development in Mississippi, a position he has ably held for 21 years.

Working his way up from the Farmers Home Administration Office in his hometown to the State office in Jackson, Johnny not only gained exceptional knowledge and expertise, but he also contributed unique perspective to his work. Johnny understood the needs

of rural Americans, as well as the challenges rural communities must overcome to gain accessibility to the quality of life standards afforded to urban America. Applying his knowledge, expertise, and competence, Johnny devoted himself to making a positive difference in the lives of Mississippians.

Johnny's contributions to the people of Mississippi have been notably remarkable. Throughout his tenure as program director of the Single Family Housing program in Mississippi, he assisted nearly 50,000 families in achieving the American dream of home ownership. Whether a family needed a home or an impoverished elder required emergency home repairs, Johnny effectively managed USDA home loan and repair programs to assure the well-being of people he served, and in the process, he helped them improve themselves and their families.

Johnny Jones made the mission of his profession to selflessly and honorably serve others. He has directly contributed to improving the quality of life of literally tens of thousands of Mississippians. Few individuals have the opportunity through their careers to hold such distinction. On the occasion of his retirement, it is an honor to recognize Johnny Jones for his dedicated service to his State and to the country.

Mr. President, 77 years after being killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor, AD2 Durell Wade of Calhoun County, MS, will be laid to rest in the North Mississippi Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.

On December 7, 1941, 429 men lost their lives aboard the U.S.S. Oklahoma, including Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Wade.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1936 and was in line to be promoted to chief aviation machinist mate shortly before his death. His service in the U.S. Navy helped in the ultimate fight to protect our liberty.

The U.S. Department of Defense and its Defense POW/MIA Accounting

Agency deserve commendation for its work to identify casualties, like Durell Wade, and offer some measure of closure to families of fallen servicemembers.

In this instance, I am pleased that Wade's family, including his 99- year-old sister Nancy, have an opportunity to be part of a burial ceremony with full military honors in Kilmichael, MS.

So many families in Mississippi lost loved ones during World War II, but Durell's long absence made this family's sacrifice all the more heartbreaking.

I hope the families of those who perished on the U.S.S. Oklahoma will find comfort and peace in knowing their loved one's service in defense of our Nation helped in the ultimate fight to protect our liberty.

I ask unanimous consent that an August 18, 2018, article from The Baton Rouge Advocate titled, ``Pearl Harbor casualty's remains getting a proper funeral ends lifetime of wondering for Baton Rouge family members,'' be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I am proud to honor Chip Morgan of Leland, MS, for his contributions to the State of Mississippi and the Nation, while serving as Delta Council executive vice president.

Delta Council was founded in 1935 by farmers, entrepreneurs and educators committed to improving agriculture production, transportation, and flood control in the Mississippi Delta. Over the years, Delta Council has become a highly respected economic development organization representing a wide range of issues for northwest Mississippi. I commend Delta Council for its continuous role in improving the quality of life in this unique part of our country, and I applaud Chip Morgan for his many years of good leadership.

Chip began his work with Delta Council in 1975, and was promoted to executive vice president in 1982. Under his leadership, Delta Council expanded its influence beyond agriculture and related industry, which are themselves vital to the economic well-being of the Delta and my State overall. The Delta Council today is involved in a number of important areas, including access to healthcare, funding for higher education, improving adult literacy, among many others. Throughout his tenure as executive vice president, Chip has helped transform innovative concepts and strategies, into meaningful results.

The positive impact Chip has had cannot be quantified, and his awards and achievements are best illustrated by the changes he has made for the Mississippi Delta, rather than on plaques or certificates. Whether through his input on eight farm bills, the successful completion of flood control projects which have brought 100-year flood protection to Delta communities, or his work on major four-lane highway legislation for the State of Mississippi, Chip Morgan has made a difference.

Although a native of Oxford, MS, and a graduate of the University of Mississippi, Chip has dedicated his entire professional career to making the Mississippi Delta a better place to live. After leading Delta Council for over four decades, he will soon turn over his role as executive vice president to the more than capable hands of Frank Howell. I wish Frank the best.

I am pleased to offer well-deserved congratulations to Chip Morgan on his impressive tenure as council executive vice president. I also share this appreciation with his wife, Connie, their two children, Trey and Lindsey, and the many individuals Chip has guided and worked with toward positive outcomes for the Delta and all Mississippi.

Madam President, I would like to call attention to U.S. Navy LCDR Kerry S. Jackson, who is retiring December 7, 2018, after 26 years of honorable service to our country. He enlisted in 1988, completed Navy SEAL Training in 1989, and received his commission as a naval officer in 2003. As a SEAL, he completed eight deployments and a broad scope of high-risk missions across the globe.

From 2015 to 2018, Lieutenant Commander Jackson served as executive officer of the Naval Small Craft Instructional and Applied Technical Training School, NAVSCIATTS, located at Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, MS. NAVSCIATTS trains students from partner nations around the world in small craft and riverine operations. Under his leadership, foreign military students are better prepared to fight both state and nonstate adversaries by employing advanced riverine combat, navigation, and other technical skills developed at NAVSCIATTS. Lieutenant Commander Jackson's leadership of this program created and fostered critical diplomatic relationships with partner nations around the world.

During the course of his military career, he has been awarded three Joint Service Commendation Medals, seven Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one Army Commendation Medal, two Joint Service Achievement Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Combat Action Ribbon, and various other personal, unit, and campaign awards.

I commend Lieutenant Commander Jackson for his 26 years of faithful service to our Nation, extend my deepest gratitude to him and his entire family, and wish him the best during his transition to civilian life.

Mr. President, flags in Mississippi are flying at half-staff as my State mourns the loss of hometown heroes. The Mississippi Highway Patrol Honor Guard stands vigil over three fallen comrades, who swore to protect and serve their communities.

Mississippi law enforcement lost three officers in 2 days.

Early Saturday morning in Brookhaven, Officer James Kevin White of Sontag and Corporal Walter Zachery Marshall Moak of Brookhaven gave their lives in the line of duty.

On Sunday, off-duty Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Kenneth Joshlin ``Josh'' Smith of Walnut was fatally shot near the Tippah and Alcorn county line.

James was 35. Zach was 31. Josh was 32. They leave behind children, wives, parents, and siblings, but they will be remembered not only by their families, but by grateful communities. I know this because I live in Brookhaven. These men protected my family and my neighbors, and I am so thankful for their service.

Local media in Brookhaven and Corinth have published tributes to these men, their service, and those they have left behind.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a September 29, 2018, article from Brookhaven Daily Leader, titled, ``Officers Remembered as Men of Service,'' be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I also ask unanimous consent that excerpts from an October 1, 2018, article from Corinth Today, titled, ``Residents React to Hatchie Bottom Tragedy,'' pertaining to Patrolman Josh Smith be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, hearts are broken in Mississippi as families and friends mourn. Please keep these families and communities in your prayers as they face the difficult times ahead. I hope they will find comfort in knowing these fallen law enforcement officers will be remembered with deep appreciation and gratitude.

Mr. President, this is my first time to address this body. Senate tradition is for new Senators to observe, listen, and learn before delivering a maiden speech, but there is precedent, during matters of great importance and critical times for the future of our country, to make remarks prior to a maiden speech. I will reserve my maiden speech for a future date, but today I am compelled by duty to our country and the people of Mississippi to speak in strong and unyielding support for Judge Brett Kavanaugh.

The Constitution entrusts the Senate with the duty to provide the President the advice and consent for a lifetime appointment on the U.S. Supreme Court. It is a serious responsibility, but the process has devolved into a purely political effort by those who want to keep Judge Kavanaugh off the Court by destroying his reputation and his character.

I have had conversations with several colleagues who tell me they have never seen such chaos and hatred as we are witnessing in this confirmation process. The fact that accusations against Brett Kavanaugh were suspiciously withheld until the eleventh hour really is not surprising. We expected something, but we didn't know what it would be, and we never expected the opposition to stoop to this level.

Let me articulate what is going on here.

Judge Kavanaugh, who has gone through multiple background checks over the years, was unscathed by additional vetting, 31 hours of questioning under oath, and more than 1,200 written questions--all exceeding anything ever experienced by any Supreme Court nominee. When it became clear that Judge Kavanaugh had a clear path to confirmation, the opposition chose to introduce accusations of alleged misconduct that have yet to be backed by verified facts or any evidence. It seems that in their desperation, knowing he was about to be confirmed with no obstacle stopping him, they panicked. In the past 2 weeks, when was the last time you heard talk of federalism or philosophy of jurisprudence? They lost the fight on the issues. They had to try something else-- thus, these eleventh-hour accusations.

Now, I want to be clear. My heart breaks for victims of assault and abuse. It is an issue that must never be taken lightly. That is why unproven accusations are so very unjust.

Faced with these disturbing accusations, Judge Kavanaugh quickly and convincingly refuted them without mincing any words. Throughout this exhaustive process, he has been very straightforward in shooting down these allegations--all under the penalty of law. I believe Judge Kavanaugh when he says these humiliating events never happened--not three decades ago, not ever.

It seems that opponents of Judge Kavanaugh are engaged in character assassination to destroy the reputation of a devoted public servant and a loving husband and father. I for one will not stand by and just watch this happen. It is an honor to serve in this body, and our debates should strengthen the integrity of this institution, which the American people have a right to expect.

The confirmation process is not easy. It should be comprehensive, detailed, and allow nominees to prove their worthiness. It should not be malicious. It should not be intentionally destructive. It should not be a weapon to use against a qualified nominee whose life has been given in service to our country's laws, the judiciary, and the American people.

Judge Kavanaugh is such a nominee. I have met him and reviewed his impeccable record of service and integrity. He is a disciple of the rule of law and judicial restraint. He is a champion of the Constitution. He believes, as I do, that all Americans are equal before the law and the courts.

On behalf of all future nominees, I want to applaud Judge Kavanaugh for standing firm and not allowing these tactics to derail his process. It is time to bring Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation to a vote on the floor of the Senate. He has earned my support. I encourage my colleagues to support him as well.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I would like to call attention to a special event occurring this Saturday in Mississippi to honor 16 brave servicemembers who lost their lives a year ago in a tragic military aircraft crash.

I look forward to joining family members, Marine Corps leaders, and the people of Leflore County, MS, to honor the 15 marines and one Navy corpsman who died on July 10, 2017, when their Marine Corps KC-130T ``Yanky 72'' crashed near Itta Bena, MS.

We have a responsibility to ensure we preserve the memory of those who gave that last full measure of devotion for our Nation. Those we lost last July include: Cpl Daniel Baldassare, SSgt Robert Cox, Capt. Sean Elliott, Maj. Caine Goyette, GySgt Sergeant Mark Hopkins, GySgt Brendan Johnson, Sgt Julian Kevianne, SSgt William Kundrat, Sgt Chad Jenson, Sgt Talon Leach, Sgt Owen Lennon, Sgt Joseph Murray, Cpl Collin Schaaff, Sgt Dietrich Schmieman, SSgt Joshua Snowden, and PO 2 Class Ryan Lohrey.

Immediately after the accident and since then, first responders and the citizens of Mississippi rallied in support of the fallen. The unveiling of a permanent monument will culminate a significant effort in Mississippi and across the Nation to memorialize these brave young men.

I am proud of the people of my State for their commitment to remember the fallen and to support their families. A recent Greenwood Commonwealth editorial thoughtfully expresses the significance of this work.

I ask unanimous consent that the July 11, 2018, Greenwood Commonwealth editorial titled ``Open arms for families of the fallen'' be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I am pleased to commend LTC Mariah Smith, U.S. Army, for her more than 18 years of service to the Nation.

Lieutenant Colonel Smith has distinguished herself for the past 2 years as a senior congressional liaison for the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management and Comptroller. In this capacity, she has worked successfully to build and uphold the critical relationship between Congress and the U.S. Army.

Lieutenant Colonel Smith managed the military personnel portfolio, which involves over 1 million soldiers, almost $60 billion in assets, and more than 40 percent of the Army's total appropriation. She approached this task with the dedication expected of an exceptional Army leader: She acted on opportunities to take care of soldiers. She has been notably proficient in resolving innumerable inquiries into individual soldier issues. In the same manner, she enabled Members of Congress to remain devoted to the care of their constituents, while also supporting congressional efforts to shape personnel policy.

Lieutenant Colonel Smith is recognized as a mentor and leader among her peers, with an outstanding depth of service in the legislative affairs area, having previously served as a congressional fellow, military legislative assistant for a Member of the House of Representatives, and a legislative liaison for the NATO training mission in Kabul, Afghanistan. Her tenure in the Army includes almost 5 years of leading soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and the Horn of Africa. Her significant contributions to the Army's budget liaison office are a credit to herself, the Army, and the Nation she serves.

I am pleased to commend Lieutenant Colonel Smith for her many years of distinguished service as a congressional liaison and to wish her well in her continued service.