Floor Statements

Mr. President, I come to the floor today to express my strong support for the legislation we are debating, which will restore economic opportunity, create jobs, help businesses grow, and help every Nevadan as they work to achieve the American dream.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, I can tell you that this legislation is years in the making, and I wish to thank the chairman of the committee, Senator Crapo, and my fellow colleagues who are on the committee for their efforts to get us where we are today.

For years the economy had been growing slowly after the great recession. It was like a truck with a bad transmission. It was moving, but it wasn't going anywhere fast. Today everything has changed. The American economy has been primed, the engine has been started, and through the work of the Senate and President Trump, the gas pedal has been hit, and our economy is finally going full speed ahead.

Just a few month ago, we passed historic tax cuts for Nevada families and for Nevada businesses. A typical Nevada family of four will roughly get a $2,200 tax cut. We lowered the individual rates across the board and doubled the standard deduction used by most Nevadans, allowing them to keep more of their paycheck. This bill also included my efforts to double the child tax credit, from $1,000 to $2,000, further easing the tax burden on working families.

Overall, these tax cuts accomplish my three major goals of creating more jobs, increasing wages, and making America more competitive around the world. I am proud to have worked on these tax cuts, but Congress can do more. That is why we are here today.

The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act we are debating is the next major step that we must take to shift our economy into another gear. This bipartisan bill tailors financial regulations to protect consumers and help Nevadans have more access to financial resources and more access to economic opportunities. It will give Nevadans more choices when it comes to finding a loan to buy a house, to buy a car to get to work, to start a business, and, for that matter, to grow their business. Finally, this bill helps to ensure that local lenders can grow their services for every community in Nevada.

This is the oil in the economic engine. It keeps not only cities like Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno running but all communities in Nevada, such as Mesquite, Pahrump, Carson City,

Fallon, Elko, and Ely. This bill includes many bipartisan proposals that I fought for. I am pleased that the legislation I offered with Senator Menendez to ease workforce mobility for mortgage loan officers who wish to move to Nevada or to change jobs is included in the base text.

In committee I offered an amendment that was based off of legislation I worked on with Senator Warner that would require the regulators for credit unions to publish their annual budgets and to hold a public hearing on that budget. It would increase public transparency and ensure that Nevada credit union members have a voice in Washington, DC.

Working with my friend Senator Tester, we were able to include language to increase congressional oversight of the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department in order to ensure that our best interests are represented at international insurance discussions on capital standards.

I was also pleased that language authored by Senators Perdue, Tester, Donnelly, and myself was incorporated to require consumer credit bureaus to provide free and timely security credit freezes to all consumers. It also requires credit bureaus to provide consumers a notice at any time of their consumer rights and for the credit bureaus to tell consumers on their websites that they have a right to request a security freeze, fraud alert, and an Active-Duty military fraud alert.

Additionally, this bill includes the Community Lender Exam Act that I co-led with Senator Donnelly, which would allow more highly rated community lenders to be examined every 18 months instead of 12 months. This will help safe and sound local lenders to direct more of their time and capital to Nevada communities and ensure the same level of regulatory supervision.

With this bill we are seeing something rare in Washington, DC-- Democrats and Republicans working together to help Americans have more economic opportunities. Let me say that again. This bill will help Americans have more economic opportunities. That is why I am here in the Senate--to give every Nevadan the opportunity to live the fullest life and to achieve their goals. I look forward to voting to support this legislation, and I would encourage all of my colleagues to do the same.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Patti Meals on her retirement from CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada. For 26 years, Patti made an indelible impact on the people of northern Nevada as executive director of CARE Chest.

From serving 334 Nevadans in 1990, when the CARE Chest first opened, to more than 13,000 in 2017, Ms. Meals has helped provide over 139,000 services and distribute 220,000 pieces of medical equipment and supplies in her career.

With Ms. Meals' dedication and passion, CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada has made great strides in improving the health and well-being of countless northern Nevadans by providing free medical resources to those in need.

The group's programs are tailored to aid and support the area's underserved populations and include connecting local families to medical equipment, prescription assistance, diabetic supplies, medical nutrition, home and vehicle modifications, and wellness education.

As a result of Ms. Meals' work, CARE Chest today owns its 5,000- square-foot facility in Reno and is considered a cornerstone of the northern Nevada community. The nonprofit has helped thousands of vulnerable Nevadans in their path to recovery. It is worth noting that, in 2010, during Ms. Meals' tenure, CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada was

named Human Services Network's Agency of the Year.

Ms. Meals is also a founding member of Alliance for Nevada Nonprofits, ANN, a group that aims to be a leader and voice for Nevada's nonprofit sector; and the resource for sustainability, advocacy, and professionalism. Since 2009, Ms. Meals has held a board position and currently serves as the board treasurer. She is also an active and long-term member of the Sparks Rotary and has collaborated with countless community organizations over the years.

As Nevada's senior Senator, I want to thank Ms. Meals for her tireless efforts during the last quarter of a century. I offer her the very best during her retirement and my well wishes for many successful and fulfilling years to come.

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

Mr. President, once again, I think Washington, DC, has lost its mind. It is shameful that the minority party has engineered a government shutdown at the expense of our troops and their families, at the expense of our veterans, and at the expense of our children's healthcare. To me, this is politics at its very worst.

Just like every American--the public that is out there--I am frustrated. I am frustrated that I have to come to the floor to talk about Congress once again failing the American public by not doing our jobs.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, time after time, Congress has blown past our deadline to complete all the current fiscal year appropriations and has punted on our responsibilities. Now, today, the government has been shut down.

For years, I have been talking about how it is Congress's most basic responsibility to create a budget and pass all the appropriations bills on time. While some things in the Senate change, others just stay the same. While the majority has been working to restore normal budgeting practices, I am disappointed that my colleagues across the aisle have spent their time doing everything they can to avoid deadlines and choose routes of not working on appropriations bills and now have shut down this government. Not only is this disappointing, it is also not a surprise, given recent history.

I have personally never seen Congress pass all 12 appropriations bills on time and on its own without an omnibus.

I have said this before, and I want to inform my colleagues that in recent history, Congress has been able to accomplish its regular budget and appropriations processes. For example, it happened under President Clinton with a Republican Congress. It happened under President Reagan with a Democratic Congress.

I have always said Washington is a pain-free zone that faces no consequences if Members fail to do their jobs. Maybe it is time to start facing some pain around here. That is why I have reintroduced-- and have introduced for years--my No Budget, No Pay Act. Regardless of who is in the majority or who is in the minority, my No Budget, No Pay legislation says that if Members of Congress do not pass an annual concurrent budget resolution and all 12 spending bills on time each year, then they should not get paid. I want to repeat that last part: If Congress fails to pass all 12 spending bills on time each year, then they should not get paid.

Both Chambers of Congress should pass all 12 appropriations bills on time every year. That is doing our job, and if you don't do your job, you don't get paid. So it is that simple. Most Americans sit around the kitchen table each night paying their bills. Why should Congress be different? It is time for some real responsibility and some real accountability in our Nation's capital.

Since I have introduced No Budget, No Pay, I have been getting a lot of positive support for this idea outside of Washington, DC. Rob from Reno, NV, said: ``I'm fully in support of your stand on No Budget, No Pay . . . because our spending is outrageous, it is ridiculous, and it is out of control.''

James from Henderson, NV, said: No Budget, No Pay ``is the sort of accountability that I expect from the nation's leaders.''

Until No Budget, No Pay is passed into law, I don't see any other way to motivate Members of Congress to do their job and avoid the government shutdowns and the continuing resolutions in the future. We must pass the principles outlined in No Budget, No Pay. It will stop these ridiculous government shutdowns in the future, and it will stop Members of Congress from being right back here, year after year, making the same speeches and taking the exact same votes.

I would say to any of my colleagues who are tired of this whole process that has unfolded, regardless of what specific issues you are fighting for, support my No Budget, No Pay Act. I believe Congress can work together again, but it will take some accountability like No Budget, No Pay to get us there.

Thank you.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, we are nearing the finish line this week on providing Nevadans and all Americans the real tax relief that they deserve and that they have been promised. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I have been fighting every day for the Senate to stay in Washington--even 24/7--until the job gets done. Today, we are getting the job done. That is because I know just how critical middle- class tax relief is for the people in my home State of Nevada. Let me tell you why.

The majority of Americans are not only struggling to get ahead, they are struggling to just get by. It has been reported that nearly 8 in 10 Americans who work full time are living paycheck to paycheck. That is a slight increase from previous years.

If you live in Nevada, you are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck than if you were to live in most other States. To put that into perspective, housing costs are reported to consume nearly a quarter of Nevadans'

paychecks. One report suggests that after the cost-of-living expenses are taken out of their paychecks, the average Nevadan has a little more than $700 left. During a recent telephone townhall, I heard from a teacher in Las Vegas who spoke about her stagnant wages. This teacher, like most Americans, has not seen a meaningful pay raise in years.

But right now, for many Americans, it is not so much about getting a raise as it is getting back to where they once were. In Nevada, the real median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was in 2007. Let me repeat that. In Nevada, the real median household income is $7,000 lower today than it was 10 years ago. At the same time, childcare expenses have skyrocketed. In this country, the average cost for an infant in center-based care can be as high as $17,082 per year. By the way, that is more than a semester at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It is more than a semester at the University of Nevada, Reno. In Nevada, that means that the average single parent could spend as much as 36 percent of his or her annual income to send an infant to center-based care.

Given rising housing and childcare expenses alone, middle-class families in Nevada and around this country are having a hard time covering day-to-day expenses and planning for their futures. Nearly one in five Americans has nothing set aside to cover an unexpected emergency, while nearly one in three Americans doesn't have at least $500 to cover an unexpected emergency expense. So it is fair to say, in Nevada at least, that the recession has never really ended.

Under the failed economic policies of the Obama administration, Nevadans suffered through 8 years of historically low economic growth. Think about that. In those 8 years, the average economic growth was less than 2 percent. As a result, wages and workers suffered, job creation suffered, and middle-class Americans suffered.

We are now at a crossroads. We have a chance to change course. We have the opportunity to pass meaningful tax cuts that will lift middle- class families, our communities, and our economy.

If you are against this bill, you are satisfied with the anemic 2- percent economic growth that was ushered in by the Obama administration. You accept this dismal growth as the new normal, but I will never accept this as the new normal. I think we can do better. In fact, I know we can do better. We have already seen improvement since President Trump has taken office.

If you are against this bill, you are against giving small businesses the chance to actually get off the ground and hire workers. You are against giving them better opportunities to expand, to invest, to increase wages, and to hire more workers. I know that our small businesses employ nearly half of all U.S. workers, and I know that this bill will make it easier for them to continue doing what they do best, and that is creating jobs.

Lastly, if you are against this bill, you are against tax cuts for the middle class because that is what this bill is all about, and if you know that nearly one-third of Americans don't have $500 to cover an emergency expense, then you know just how important a few extra dollars per month are to them. I do, and that is why I have been fighting to get this bill to the President's desk.

Earlier today, I was pleased to see the House pass the conference report that reconciles our two tax reform bills, and I look forward to soon having the opportunity to vote in support of this pro-growth package that delivers critically important tax relief to America's middle class and small businesses--a pro-growth package that will help boost jobs, a pro-growth package that will increase wages, a pro-growth package that will drive growth in our local communities, and a pro- growth package that will give a Nevada family of four, making $85,000 per year, a tax cut of $2,254 or, roughly, a relief of 20 percent of its tax liability, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation.

Today, our small businesses and middle class suffer under an outdated and unfair Tax Code that crushes job creation and makes it harder for Nevadans and people all across this country to get ahead.

The fact is simple: After 30 years of disrepair and neglect, our current tax system needs to be fixed. Everybody knows that it doesn't work, that it is rigged against our job creators, and that it should be overhauled. These are the very problems our tax relief package helps to address.

I also recently spoke with an ambitious and hard-working Nevadan, an entrepreneur who started his own business while going to school full time. This young job creator brought up the enormous amount of money that he is paying in taxes, as well as how complicated it is to navigate the current system. He also spoke of an uneven playing field that tipped the system in favor of his foreign competitors. He wanted to know when Congress would deliver on reforms to boost the competitiveness of all American job creators.

Lastly, just this past weekend, I ran into a small business owner who said that he paid $160,000 in taxes last year. He said that $160,000 amounted to two pieces of machinery that he could have installed at his small manufacturing facility--machines that would have necessitated the creation of two highly paid jobs--jobs that would have been created but for our unfair tax system.

From their perspectives and from mine, Nevada has been waiting too long for a fairer, simpler Tax Code that they can enjoy. Nevadans, like most Americans, know how important passing this tax relief package is to our country's economy. Nevadans have seen the increased levels of economic growth under the new administration and know that this tax relief bill will add to it.

Let's talk about what this tax bill does and does not do.

This tax bill lowers individual tax rates across the board and let's taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money.

This tax bill roughly doubles the standard deduction that is used by most taxpayers, which gives a massive tax cut to the roughly 90 percent of Nevadans who are expected to use it.

This tax bill includes my amendment to double the child tax credit-- an increase of $1,000 per child over current law--which will go a long way toward addressing the skyrocketing costs of childcare in my State and across the country.

This tax bill also includes my amendment to make it easier for startups and businesses to give lower level employees ownership stakes in their companies' successes by awarding stock options.

This tax bill protects and expands the medical expense deduction for our Nation's most vulnerable, as well as preserves popular retirement savings options, such as 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts.

This bill does not change the tax treatment of the student loan interest. It does not change graduate tuition waivers. It does not change the tax treatment of employer-paid tuition or the teacher deduction.

It preserves the tax exemption for private activity bonds that are used to finance private projects with a public benefit. These bonds benefit a wide array of individuals and organizations, such as charter schools, and are of great importance to the homeschool community.

Overall, this tax bill accomplishes my three major goals of, one, creating jobs; two, increasing wages; and three, boosting American competitiveness.

Regardless of the tales that my friends from across the aisle want to tell you, this bill not only cuts taxes, but it also increases wages.

We have a prime opportunity today to provide real tax relief to Nevadans and other Americans who have been waiting for a fairer, simpler Tax Code, real relief that lets the middle class keep more of its hard-earned money and makes our Tax Code easier to understand. There is less paperwork and more money in people's back pockets. There is real relief that also produces more quality jobs, higher wages, and growth in our communities.

This tax relief bill is a positive step toward restoring Nevadans' faith in the American dream by providing tax cuts for middle-class families and jump-starting job creation, higher wages, and economic growth.

I will continue to work with my colleagues in both Chambers to ensure that this desperately needed legislation makes it across the finish line to the

President's desk before the end of this week.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, today I wish to memorialize Raymond Trevino, a man who gave so much to the people of Reno and who recently passed away at the age of 74.

Known for his kind spirit and generous heart, Mr. Trevino was widely known for helping those in need receive a warm, healthy meal. Mr. Trevino, who first started as a volunteer a quarter of a century ago, served as the dining room director at Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada's St. Vincent Dining Room.

It should go without saying that Mr. Trevino, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada's longest serving employee, was a compassionate man who made a positive impact in the community. As the Reno Gazette-Journal recently noted, it is estimated that he served over 1 million meals to low-income and homeless people during his 25 years of service.

Before setting up the dining room, Mr. Trevino, an Army veteran, was a casino food and beverage executive and the owner of five restaurants.

Mr. Trevino was honored with the Mother Theresa Humanitarian Award in 2013 for his work helping those in need. He was also presented with the Dolan Service Award by Dolan Auto Group for assisting struggling individuals and families in the community.

As a testament to the legacy he leaves behind, at this year's annual Thanksgiving, over 200 volunteers came out to participate in the lunch and help feed more than 1,000 people. During the lunch, attendees paid tribute to Mr. Trevino's work and shared memories of his years of service.

As Nevada's senior U.S. Senator, I know that Mr. Trevino will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Mr. Dave Courvoisier on his retirement from KLAS news station in Las Vegas. I am honored to recognize his dedication to reporting to the citizens of southern Nevada for 32 years, as well as his commitment to the communities he has served throughout his career.

A native midwesterner, Dave received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Illinois. He began his career at KCCC Radio in Carlsbad, NM, and then carried his talents to Grand Junction, CO, where he jumpstarted his television career at KJCT. Dave worked for various news outlets in Indiana, Missouri, and North

Carolina before settling in Las Vegas with his wife in 1985.

Mr. Courvoisier quickly established himself as a tactful and passionate reporter for KVBC in Las Vegas. His numerous reports related to the issues of disadvantaged children yielded both national and local awards. In particular, Mr. Courvoisier is well-known for his involvement with Wednesday's Child, an adoption program, and he distinguished himself with his news feature series focused on helping foster children find permanent homes. His commitment to this issue is also reflected in his personal life; he established a new chapter of Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

While Dave has led an incredibly successful reporting career, he believes his most important work to be raising his three daughters with his wife. As Nevada's senior Senator, I want to thank Mr. Courvoisier for his dedication to keeping the people of southern Nevada informed. I offer him the very best in his retirement and my well wishes for many successful and fulfilling years to come.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor several Nevada heroes who recently received the Congressional Gold Medal for their service in the Philippines during World War II: Sergeant Regalado Baldonado, Private Aurelio Dela Cruz, Corporal Benito Anton, and Private First Class Leonardo Palao and the many other Filipino and Filipino-American veterans across our Nation.

I would also like to acknowledge Maximino Vasquez, a recognized World War II Filipino veteran and Nevada resident who is on his way to receiving the Congressional Gold Medal as well. My appreciation for all of their service and sacrifice is immeasurable.

During World War II, more than 260,000 Filipino soldiers from the U.S. Commonwealth of the Philippines answered President Roosevelt's call to fight under the American flag. These individuals fought bravely, some making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of democracy and freedom. More than half a century later, our Nation made a commitment to honoring them for their service.

As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I believe it is our solemn responsibility to recognize those who put their lives on the line. That is why I was proud to work with my colleague Senator Hirono to pass into law the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, Public Law 114-265, to recognize the dedication and heroism of these individuals.

On October 25, 2017, Congress paused to recognize Filipino World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal, the Nation's highest civilian honor, and I could not be more proud and humbled that Nevada is home to Filipino veterans who served and are most deserving of this medal. Today I would like to again recognize and honor Filipino veterans who are living in Nevada: Regalado Baldonado, Aurelio Dela Cruz, Benito Anton, Leonardo Palao, and Maximino Vasquez. To these heroes, your place in history will not be forgotten. There are also many other Filipino veterans from Nevada who have passed on, but our gratitude extends to their family members who will ensure their legacy lives on.

While the awarding of this Congressional Gold Medal is a proud moment for the Filipino community and America, many Filipino veterans have yet to receive recognition for their service. There is no doubt to me that Filipino soldiers served honorably in the Commonwealth Army of the Philippines, Recognized Guerilla Forces, and New Philippine Scouts alongside U.S. troops during World War II. However, some have still not been verified by the U.S. for their service because they don't have the documentation the U.S. requires. This is an injustice that I will continue fighting so that every Filipino veteran is afforded respect for and acknowledgement of their contributions to our country.

I am honored to acknowledge all Filipino and Filipino-American veterans for their dedication to our country and am proud this Congressional Gold Medal will serve as a constant reminder of the importance of the Filipino and Filipino-American community in our Nation's history.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that with respect to the Bibas nomination, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to legislative session for a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. President, this week, we have the unique opportunity to move forward on promises we made to the American people last year, confirming judges and providing tax relief to hard-working Americans. The American people sent us to Congress to complete this critical work, and we must stop at nothing to do it. We have already taken significant steps to address both of these issues by confirming 13 judges, with 5 more this week, and passing a budget with instructions for tax reform.

There is still much more that we need to do, and I stand ready to stay here until that job is done. Most people can't go home until their work is finished; I don't think we should either. Imagine dropping your car off at the auto mechanic and, instead of staying to finish the job, they leave at 3 p.m. to go home because that is convenient for their schedule; yet you still have to pay them for a full day's work. That is effectively what we have been doing here in Congress, and that needs to stop. We need to work as much as possible to ensure that the Federal judiciary is filled with judges that will uphold the Constitution and bring us closer to providing tax relief for the American people.

We need to have a fully occupied, fully functioning Federal judiciary to ensure that Americans' constitutional rights are upheld. In almost 10 months, we have started to address the issue of judicial vacancies by confirming 13 judges, most notably Justice Gorsuch, who has already served as a strong, conservative voice on the Supreme Court. As a fellow westerner, I was proud to vote for such a qualified judge to serve in our Nation's highest Court.

Beyond the vacancy we filled on the Supreme Court, there are vacancies on all levels of our Federal judiciary. We cannot forget the importance of every single court that makes up the Federal system. We must prioritize confirming judges to fill these openings, especially those deemed judicial emergencies. The fact that we have so many judicial emergencies is incredibly concerning and should be a wake-up call to all Senators, especially those who are slowing down this important process.

The President is continuing to send us well-qualified nominees, and Chairman Grassley has done an excellent job of moving nominees through the committee process. I am especially encouraged that this week we are confirming five more judges, including four circuit court judges. This is the pace we need to keep. If that means working 24/7 to continue confirming these constitutionalists, you can count me in. Confirming Federal judges is a unique duty of the U.S. Senate, and we cannot allow obstructionism from the other side of the aisle to prevent us from filling vacancies throughout the country.

It is clear that when judges are brought to the floor for a vote by a healthy majority, the gridlock being caused is purely political. Because of this, leadership is having to file cloture on all of these judicial nominees, and some of my colleagues across the aisle

are just running the debate clock on these nominees instead of actually debating. We have what is known as a 1-hour rule in the Senate, and I think it is time to start enforcing it.

Members are entitled to their opinions, and, as the deliberative body, we should debate nominees. But if you are going to debate a nominee, I think you actually need to come here and speak about them. You can't just hide behind your desk and run the debate clock. If you have a problem with a nominee, then you should come to the floor and voice your concerns. If you are not willing to do this, then you shouldn't hold this nominee hostage to an artificial clock. This is what is wrong in Washington. We should use debate time on a nominee to debate the nominee, and if there is no more debate, then we should vote on that nominee and move on to the next one.

The Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial. As the body that confirms judges to make that constitutional right possible, we have a critical responsibility, and we need to do whatever it takes to fulfill this duty. In order to deliver swift justice throughout the country, these seats need to be filled.

I am ready and willing to work day and night, weekends and holidays, to do what Nevadans sent me to Washington to do and to accomplish. As the leader mentioned last week, we should work through the week of Thanksgiving. Hard-working Americans don't go home until their work is complete, and neither should we. That work also includes reforming our Tax Code, providing desperately needed relief to the middle class.

Today Chairman Brady and the Ways and Means Committee released a draft of their tax bill, which is another enormous step forward in providing meaningful tax relief to Nevadans and other hard-working Americans across this country. Middle-class tax relief is particularly critical to the residents of my home State of Nevada. Whether it is the single mother from Gardnerville who doesn't receive child support, works full time, and is simply trying to make ends meet or the entrepreneur in Elko who is fighting hard to get his small business off the ground and wondering whether he will ever catch a break and be able to afford his first employee, I continue to hear from diligent, hard- working Nevada families and small business owners who are struggling to cover their expenses and get ahead in life.

For too many people, the American dream--previously achievable through hard work, sheer determination, and playing by the rules--feels as though it is slipping away. That is in part because, for too long, Nevadans and Americans across this country have faced stagnant wages and slow economic growth.

Under the failed economic policies of the previous administration, we have suffered through 8 years of historically low economic growth. In fact, in those 8 years, we didn't have a single year in which the economy grew by 3 percent. As a result, wages and workers suffered. As a result, job creation suffered. And as a result, middle-class Americans like you and your neighbors suffered.

We still bear the scars of the Obama-era economic policies today. Median household incomes in Nevada are $7,000 lower today than they were 10 years ago. Nevada families are more likely to be living paycheck to paycheck than families living in nearly every other State. It is fair to say--in Nevada at least--the recession has never really ended. To me, this situation is unacceptable. I am doing everything in my power to right the economic wrongs that have been committed by the previous administration.

Under the leadership of the new administration, however, we are starting to see our economy improve. There are positive signs everywhere. Last week, the Commerce Department announced that for the second quarter in a row, the economy had grown by at least 3 percent. This impressive growth occurred despite hurricanes that destroyed the homes and businesses of our good friends and colleagues in Texas and in Florida. Despite these natural disasters, if 3 percent economic growth is possible under the leadership of President Trump and a unified Republican government, just think about how much more we can add to this growth by passing comprehensive tax reform.

As a member of that tax writing committee, I have been working with my colleagues to craft a tax package that accomplishes three major goals: First, create more jobs; second, increase wages; and third, boost Americans' competitiveness worldwide.

What does tax relief mean to you, the average Nevadan who works hard and is trying to provide a better life for his or her children and save for a secure retirement? It means cutting your taxes so that you can keep more of your hard-earned money. It means a bigger child tax credit to help you confront the increasing costs of raising children. It means a simpler and fairer tax code that you yourself can understand. Lower rates for business mean more jobs, higher wages, and growth in our communities--all of which will benefit you. Taken together, all these things mean that you will have a profound increase in your take-home pay and your economic opportunities.

A recent study by the White House Council of Economic Advisers found that reducing the corporate tax rate by 15 percent alone would increase household incomes by an average of $4,000. A similar study by a Boston University economist put the increase at $3,500. I don't know about you, but I think the average American could do a lot with an additional $3,500 to $4,000 in his or her bank account.

As a son of a school cook and an auto mechanic, I understand the discipline and the hard work that go into every dollar and every paycheck, and I am working to see that you have more of it in your back pocket. I am confident that we will fulfill these promises, but that will take a commitment from our colleagues to stay here and work.

In addition to overhauling the Tax Code and confirming judges, we have many other significant legislative responsibilities to complete. I believe we must spend as much time as necessary, including working through the scheduled November constituent work period, to fulfill our commitment to the American people.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, today I wish to memorialize an American veteran and true Nevadan Richard Ziebarth, who recently passed away at the age of 58.

Widely known as ``Zman,'' Mr Ziebarth spent close to 26 years in the U.S. Air Force as a fighter pilot and squadron commander, where he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas in 2003 and retired from the military in 2007. He served his country all over the world in South Korea, England, and at the Pentagon.

Mr. Ziebarth's leadership did not stop after his military service. He was an active member of his community, the Canyon Ridge Christian Church, and chairman of the church's board of elders.

He graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 1981 with a bachelor's in computer science and business. He also graduated from Averett College with an MBA and received a doctorate of strategic leadership from Regent University. Mr. Ziebarth started a business called Integrity Leadership that helped employers determine the best fit for employees within their companies.

Mr. Ziebarth also worked as director of operations for Remote Imagery Technology, Inc., RITI, which provides operational support to Department of Defense contracts.

As Nevada's senior Senator, I know that Mr. Ziebarth's service in uniform and to the community, will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, especially his best friend and wife of 36 years, Beth, his children, and the rest of his family and friends who loved and cared for him deeply.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor the Catholic War Veterans of America's Our Lady of Peace Post 1947 in Las Vegas, NV, and Dennis DeGree, Post 1947 first vice commander and Vegas native.

Post 1947 exemplifies their motto of ``For God, country, and home.'' The group works tirelessly to help veterans, their families, homeless veterans, and active duty personnel. I am deeply appreciative of these veteran members' sacrifices and service, as well as the group's efforts to support Nevadans who have answered our Nation's call.

Founded in 2006, Post 1947 is Nevada's first Catholic War Veterans of America post and one of 215 posts across the country. The organization offers a number of critical initiatives to the veteran and Las Vegas communities.

The group's youth programs include poster and essay contests, letter writing and get-well cards for hospitalized veterans, and the Eugene T. Roark Memorial Junior ROTC Scholarship Program. Additionally, Post 1947 maintains and operates a food pantry, participates in homeless stand- downs, and educates and assists veterans, their families, widows, and orphans in obtaining VA medical care and benefits.

At the 82nd Annual Convention of the Catholic War Veterans held in St. Louis, MO, Post 1947 of Las Vegas was awarded Most Outstanding Post of 2017 out of 215 posts. This award was given to the post by the national department for best overall programs provided to all veterans regardless of religious ethnicity. Our Lady of Peace Post 1947 has won this award 8 of the past 10 years.

Post 1947 was recognized because of a successful veteran service organization program they implemented called the National Veterans Service Office. Since opening in 2013, the National Veterans Service Office has been successful in obtaining over $10 million in awards to veterans. Remarkably, Our Lady of Peace Post 1947 has been named the Most Outstanding Welfare Program 9 of the past 10 years by the national department.

Post 1947's major achievements do not end there. Dennis DeGree, first vice commander of the group, was deservedly named Most Outstanding Catholic War Veteran of 2017 by the National Catholic War Veterans. Mr. DeGree received the award ``for being the individual who, in the opinion of the National Department, has contributed most to the betterment of the CWV.''

It is clear that Post 1947's contributions have made Las Vegas a better place for Nevada's warriors and their families. As a lifelong Nevadan and the senior U.S. Senator for the Silver State, I am honored to recognize both Post 1947 and Dennis DeGree for lending a hand to those who have made sacrifices in the name of this great country.

Madam President, I rise to discuss an issue that is extremely important to me and to many of my colleagues on this side of the aisle--the issue of judicial vacancies. I came here to work and am honored to serve on behalf of the people of the State of Nevada who sent me to Washington. One of the most pressing issues I have found since being here is, all too often Members of Congress go home before their work is finished.

Many of you here know the first piece of legislation I have introduced for the past two Congresses is my No Budget, No Pay Act. The concept is simple. If Congress can't pass a budget and all of its spending bills on time, then Congress itself shouldn't get paid.

The Senate should apply the same concepts, in my opinion, to confirming judges. I commend our majority leader for bringing two more judges to the floor this week, but there is a lot more work to do. We need to work day and night to confirm those judges who are already on our calendar and have moved out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Senate has an incredible opportunity right now to confirm Federal judges who will uphold the Constitution. We should be here every day, for as long as we need, to ensure all judicial vacancies are filled.

Our conference must be willing to work together in order to get the business of the Senate done. Right now, there are 149 judicial vacancies. Let me repeat that. There are 149 judicial vacancies, and the Senate has only confirmed 8 judges this session--149 vacancies, 8 judges confirmed. That means, in 9 months, with well over 100 vacancies and over 60 judicial emergencies, we have only managed to confirm 8 judges.

The minority party has undercut the confirmation process of the administration's nominees and judicial appointments. When new Presidents are elected, they have always been given an opportunity to put their team in place in short order. Historically, this is not just common courtesy, it is an expectation of the American people to have a seamless transition of power, resulting in a functional Federal Government.

One of the eight judges confirmed was Neil Gorsuch, who I am thankful now serves on the Supreme Court. Justice Gorsuch is an example of the type of judge we have the chance to put in place. As with Justice Gorsuch's confirmation, we need to do all that is necessary to fill these vacancies with great judges like him.

President Trump has nominated many judges and has more to nominate. For those he has already nominated, it is our duty to carefully review these nominations and ensure that these judges are confirmed in a timely manner. We must be willing to put in as much time as needed, whether that means working weekends, canceling State work periods, or working all through the night to get these Constitution-loving judges confirmed.

I know this is important to all of us, but we need to do better. Last week, I was a proud partner with Senator Perdue and several of my other colleagues in calling on the Senate to work 24/7 until we get our work done. We have a substantial list of important work to complete, including confirming the judicial nominees the President has sent us, passing tax reform, fixing our broken healthcare system, and funding the government. The American people elected us to complete these critical tasks. They elected us to deliver a simpler, fairer tax code and to make sure our Federal judiciary is fully occupied with judges whose sole purpose is to uphold the Constitution as it was written.

To my fellow Senators, I am calling on all of us to do what the people have sent us to do and not let a light schedule stop us from fulfilling our duties. The American people don't go to work 4 days a week, and neither should we. This isn't France. We need to work a full workweek. We must make it clear to our constituents that we are fighting for the hard-working Americans every single day. Americans do what it takes to get the job done, and we should do the same.

I yield back.

Madam President, today I wish to honor several Nevada heroes who are being recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal for their service in the Philippines during World War II: Sergeant Regalado Baldonado, Private Aurelio Dela Cruz, Corporal Benito Anton, Private First Class Leonardo Palao, and the many other Filipino and Filipino American veterans across our Nation. My appreciation for their service and sacrifice is immeasurable.

During World War II, more than 260,000 Filipino soldiers from the U.S. commonwealth of the Philippines answered President Roosevelt's call to fight under the American flag. These individuals fought bravely, some making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of democracy and freedom. More than half a century later, our Nation made a commitment to honoring them for their service.

As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I believe it is our solemn responsibility to recognize those who put their lives on the line. That is why I was proud to work with my colleague Senator Hirono to pass into law the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, Public Law 114-265, to recognize the dedication and heroism of these individuals.

Now the time has come to award this Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino World War II veterans on October 25, 2017, and I could not be more proud and humbled that Nevada is home to Filipino veterans who served and are most deserving of this medal. Today I would like to again recognize and honor Filipino veterans who are living in Nevada: Sergeant Regalado Baldonado, Private Aurelio Dela Cruz, Corporal Benito Anton, and Private First Class Leonardo Palao. To these heroes, your place in history will not be forgotten. There are also many other Filipino veterans from Nevada who have passed on, but our gratitude extends to their family members who will ensure their legacy lives on.

While the awarding of this Congressional Gold Medal is a proud moment for the Filipino community and America, many Filipino veterans have yet to receive recognition for their service. There is no doubt to me that Filipino soldiers served honorably in the Commonwealth Army of the Philippines, Recognized Guerilla Forces, and New Philippine Scouts alongside U.S. troops during World War II. However, some have still not been verified by the U.S. for their service because they don't have the documentation the U.S. requires. This is an injustice that I will continue fighting so that every Filipino veteran is afforded respect for and acknowledgement of their contributions to our country.

I am honored to acknowledge all Filipino and Filipino American veterans for their dedication to our country and am proud this Congressional Gold Medal will serve as a constant reminder of the importance of the Filipino and Filipino American community in our Nation's history.