Floor Statements

Madam President, I rise today to honor Adam and Melinda Hendrix of Wentzville, MO, for their inspirational work through their nonprofit, Justin Delivers Hope, or JDH.

In 2017, Adam and Melinda lost their 23-year-old son Justin to a heroin overdose. With this tragedy, the Hendrixes decided to devote themselves to helping other families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Motivated by their loss to establish Justin Delivers Hope, this charity has done heroic work. JDH has raised money for the education and prevention of heroin and opiate abuse, distributed Narcan to family members and friends of users, and assisted local police departments by funding more K-9 units to fight drug-related crime.

Since its founding, JDH has raised enough money to fund 18 K-9 units to work in local police departments in St. Charles, MO. In 2022, these dogs have helped officers remove nearly 300 pounds of illegal drugs off the streets.

Adam and Melinda Hendrix are truly Champions of Missouri. Because of their efforts and compassion, the St. Louis community is safer and better equipped to address the tragic effects of drug abuse. I am proud to recognize both Adam and Melinda for their work on this important issue and wish them all the best as they continue to serve the citizens of Missouri.

Madam President, I rise today to recognize the courageous actions of Kevin Jeffries and Justin Parrack of Springfield, MO, who went above and beyond to rescue a distressed driver in their time of need.

While traveling along the highway, Kevin Jeffries and Justin Parrack noticed a driver veering off the road into the median, which was later understood to be due to an untimely medical emergency. These two exemplary men, acting in concert, swiftly entered through the passenger side door, brought the car to a halt, administered CPR, and ultimately saved the life of the driver.

In response to their feats of heroism, they have been honored with the prestigious Honorary Trooper Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. When asked about the situation, Kevin Jeffries humbly remarked, ``Thank you, guys, for calling me a hero, but I just feel like I'm just Kevin,'' while Justin Parrack expressed, ``I wouldn't call myself a hero. I'm just a guy doing and trying to do the right thing.''

Both Kevin Jeffries and Justin Parrack are truly Champions of Missouri. The actions of these men are nothing short of heroic. They prevented further potential fatalities, injuries, or damages, and, most importantly, they saved the life of the driver. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding these two remarkable individuals for their selfless and courageous actions.

Madam President, I rise today to honor John Meehan of Sedalia, MO, for his investment in his community and willingness to serve his fellow Missourians.

John Meehan has been a dedicated member of various community chambers and nonprofits boards, applying his knowledge of the region and his desire to cultivate relationships to make the community better.

Throughout Meehan's varied career, he has served wherever there was opportunity, including as vice president of Third National Bank from 1982 to 2009, Pettis County Presiding Commissioner from 2011 to 2014, serving on the board of directors for the United Way in Sedalia-Pettis County from 2008 to 2015, as president of the board of directors for the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce from 2017 to 2018, and as council chairman of the Wesley United Methodist Church from 2016 to the present. He has even joined as a cohost of a morning talk show called ``Let's Talk,'' to promote local happenings throughout Sedalia.

John Meehan is truly a Champion of Missouri. Even in retirement, Meehan continues to be an active member of civic organizations like the Sedalia Noonday Optimist Club, the Lions Club of Sedalia, and the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce. I wish him and his wife Mary all the best in his retirement, though I suspect he will continue to remain quite active in his community. Missourians are better off because of his servant leadership and his dedication to his neighbors.

Madam President, I rise to recognize Hannah Montgomery of Memphis, MO, for her participation in 4-H and the inspiration she is to her community.

Hannah has been involved in her local community's 4-H program since she was 6 years old and is now 13. She has been in a motorized wheelchair since January 2020, due to a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of her spinal cord. Hannah has never let her physical limitations get in the way of her passion for showing her pigs, and her positive attitude always radiates through to everyone.

At such a young age, Hannah is an active member of her community, demonstrating great advocacy and inclusion for those in similar situations to her. This past August, she was selected as the Adair County SB40 Spotlight Award recipient for Kids Inclusion. Hannah continues to show her community perseverance and the power of a positive attitude.

Hannah Montgomery is truly a Champion of Missouri. She is an example to each and every one of us to pursue what we love, despite barriers that may come in our way. I am proud to honor her work in 4-H and recognize her parents as they have navigated Hannah's medical diagnosis. Missouri is a brighter place because of her, and I am excited to see all this young lady will accomplish in the future.

Madam President, I rise today to honor an impressive soccer player from my home State of Missouri, Miguel Perez. He has achieved athletic excellence and success at a young age. I am proud to highlight this talented soccer player who should be noted for his ability to perform on the pitch, as well as his desire to serve his neighbors.

Hailing from St. Louis, this young prodigy recently reached a significant career milestone. Two days after graduating from Pattonville High School, Miguel scored his first career Major League Soccer--MLS--goal as a new striker for the St. Louis City SC professional team. Miguel's ascent from local school sports to the pros proves his exceptional skill and work ethic on the field. Yet his achievement also encapsulates the realization of dreams for Miguel, his family, and the wider St. Louis community.

The son of Jackie and Luis Perez, who instilled values of discipline and public service in Miguel from a young age, Miguel grew up embracing soccer as a passion and outlet. During high school and now into his professional soccer career, he maintains academic rigor and community engagement, values modeled by his parents' commitments to Washington University's Orthopedic Department and the St. Louis County Police Department.

Miguel Perez is truly a Champion of Missouri. Furthermore, he is a champion of athletics for Missouri. His early successes in soccer mirror the resilience, character, and work ethic that define our community. I look forward to following his continued growth and career in the MLS. I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Perez for his success and service to Missouri. St. Louis stands proud--``Who are we? S-T-L!''

Madam President, I rise today to honor Hermann Police Officer Adam Sullentrup, of Washington, MO. Officer Sullentrup was shot and critically injured on duty while responding to a call on March 12, 2023.

Officer Sullentrup put himself in the line of fire to protect the Hermann community. He, along with Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith, who was fatally shot during the call, were responding to a disturbance at a local gas station when the shootout occurred. This incident led to a nearly 20-hour standoff with the suspect until the suspect was eventually taken into custody by Missouri Highway Patrol SWAT.

After the March shooting, Officer Sullentrup spent 7 months in a Colorado rehabilitation hospital to begin recovering from his injuries. He was finally able to come home to his family a few days before Thanksgiving, a special gift for the holidays. After landing at Lambert Airport in St. Louis, he and his family were escorted back to his home in Washington, MO, by first responders from several agencies in the St. Louis region. His neighbors also lined 15 miles of highway along the route back to Washington to show their gratitude and to support him and his family. Officer Sullentrup has touched many lives during his time as an officer and continues to be an inspiration during his recovery.

Officer Adam Sullentrup is truly a Champion of Missouri. My State is fortunate to be inspired by his service to his community. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring Officer Sullentrup, and my thoughts and prayers are with him, his wife Michelle, and his entire family during his continued recovery. Officer Sullentrup continues to remain a beacon of hope for all Missourians.

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Senator.

Secretary Mayorkas has utterly failed to secure the border, and we are less safe because of it. Every State is now a border State, and crime and deadly drugs are flowing into our communities. There is a humanitarian crisis at the border, there is a fentanyl crisis at the border, there is a national security crisis at the border, all because Secretary Mayorkas has refused to enforce the law, refused to build a border wall, and has abused the parole process illegally.

I am joining my colleagues on the floor today to express the very sincere sense of the Senate that Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas does not have the confidence of the Senate and, more importantly, does not have the confidence of the American people to faithfully carry out his duties.

I am sure we have all heard the statistics, but I will reiterate a few just to illustrate how horrible the situation is right now at our southern border.

Since Joe Biden took office, there have been over 7.5 million encounters nationwide and 6.2 million encounters at the southern border, in addition to 1.7 million ``got-aways.'' To put that in perspective, and it is hard to put those numbers in perspective--I am a St. Louis Cardinals fan--that is 160 Busch Stadiums. So for the folks who watched the national championship game last night, with a capacity of over 70,000, that is 116 of those stadiums.

In fiscal year 2023, 169 individuals whose names appear on the Terrorist Watchlist were stopped trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border ports of entry.

In fiscal year 2023, CBP arrested over 35,000 aliens with criminal convictions or outstanding warrants nationwide, including 598 known gang members, 178 of those being MS-13 members. Those are the people we know of.

In fiscal year 2023, the air and marine operations seized over 27,000 pounds of fentanyl coming across the southern border, enough to kill more than 6 billion--billion--people.

What gets lost in the numbers, however, is that Mayorkas hasn't just presided over the worst crisis at our southern border in our history, he is directly responsible for it.

First, Secretary Mayorkas has refused to enforce real immigration laws, the ones that we have right now--not proposed language, the stuff that we have right now. He rescinded the migrant protection protocols, ``Remain in Mexico,'' which would require illegal immigrants to wait out their asylum claims in Mexico.

This policy was working. When I was attorney general--my previous job--we took the Biden administration to court over this, and we won, just to keep that policy in place. It was a temporary injunction. We sued the administration, obtained that injunction to reinstate the program, which was upheld at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. But because of the lawlessness of this administration, we actually had to go back to the district court to force them to abide by the law they were ordered to abide by.

Two, Secretary Mayorkas has similarly refused to build the border wall. Again, I sued the Biden administration and Mayorkas to force them to build the wall, as the money had already been appropriated for that purpose. While that case was still pending at the district court level, Secretary Mayorkas and the Biden administration refused to do it and at the same time were selling the very materials to build that wall that were already bought. This should tell you all you need to know about how seriously they take the crisis and about their willingness to follow the law.

Secretary Mayorkas and Joe Biden have illegally paroled thousands of illegal immigrants into the interior of the United States. Parole authority requires that the Federal Government give immigrants parole on a case-by-case basis, but Secretary Mayorkas and this President have mass-paroled thousands and thousands of illegal immigrants in groups from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. That is illegal. Right now--existing law--to do that is illegal, but they don't care. They would rather break the law than enforce it.

While Secretary Mayorkas is refusing to enforce the law and build the wall, he is outright lying to Congress in the process and thumbing his nose at those who would dare to suggest there is actually a crisis at the southern border.

In an April 2022 House Judiciary Committee hearing, Secretary Mayorkas testified that the country had operational control of the border. That is a lie.

In November of 2022, in a House Homeland Security hearing, Secretary Mayorkas testified that the border is secure. That is a lie.

Secretary Mayorkas's record as DHS Secretary has been shameful. In his refusal to build a wall despite being directed to do so and enforce the law of the land, he alone, in his duty, where he had the responsibility to do so, has created a crisis at the southern border and proves he is not fit for the job he currently has.

He has been derelict in his duty to secure our southern border and to protect our citizens--the people we represent, the people in this country--and has completely lost the faith of the U.S. Senate and the American people.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mrs. Sue Ellen Ball of Houston, MO, for her retirement from the Senate after 20 years of dedicated service.

Sue Ellen is best known for her tireless advocacy for the veterans in Missouri needing assistance to access their hard-earned benefits. She championed their needs and put in the extra effort to offer any assistance, dedicating her own time on evenings and weekends to the brave soldiers who served our country, tracking down the correct Embassy or Agency staff to fix passport or visa issues.

Sue Ellen has been dedicated to the constituents of Missouri. She served in former Senator Roy Blunt's office from 2003 to 2015 in a variety of roles, including constituent services representative, constituent advocate, and as the southwest Missouri district director from 2011 to 2015. Since then, she has specialized as a veterans constituent advocate with my office since January. Throughout her time in the Senate, Sue Ellen has ensured that the citizens of Missouri have an advocate in Congress.

She is married to Ed Ball, has one son Charlie, and enjoys her two grandchildren Logan and Eleanor. I wish Sue Ellen the best in her well- earned retirement, during which she plans on spending as much time with her family and grandchildren as possible. She truly is an example of a public servant, and our Nation and our government is better off because of her tireless efforts.

Madam President, I rise today to honor a group of Missouri's finest high school football teams. Last week, there was a lot of memorable football that was played for State trophies. From Lamar High School's dramatic comeback to Marionville High School's dominant display and Archie Whirlwind's victory, each game encapsulated the spirit of determination and excellence. These championships not only showcased remarkable individual and team performances but also underscored the deep-rooted passion for football in Missouri. The stories of these teams--their struggles, their strategies, and their victories--are a testament to the celebrated history of high school football in the State.

On December 2, 2023, the Lamar High School football team achieved a remarkable 35-28 overtime victory against Valle Catholic (12-2) in the Class 2 Show-Me Bowl. The Lamar Tigers, with a season record of 13-1, overcame a challenging 21-0 first-quarter deficit to clinch their ninth State championship. Quarterback Alex Wilkerson, alongside a formidable defense that conceded only one touchdown after the first quarter, played pivotal roles. Wilkerson's 25-yard touchdown kickstarted the overtime, and the Tigers' defense sealed the win by preventing Valle Catholic from gaining any first downs in OT.

On December 1, 2023, Marionville High School's football team won the class 1 state championship, defeating North Platte (12-2) with a decisive 29-0 score. The team's fast, physical playing style was evident right from the start. Their opening drive was 14 plays that led to a touchdown by Hugh Eaton. Head coach Padden Grubbs commended his team's tough, physical approach and their resilience against challenging weather conditions. For the seniors, this victory marked the culmination of an impressive undefeated 14-0 record this season.

On November 30, 2023, the Archie High School Whirlwinds (14-0), in the eight-man State title game, won 40-26 over the Worth County High School Tigers (12-2). Archie Whirlwinds' quarterback, Briar McIntire, scored an impressive five rushing touchdowns. This strong performance by the team's quarterback was coupled with a dominant offensive and defensive line. Despite Worth County's brief resurgence, Archie maintained control, which was led by McIntire. The game ended with Worth County scoring 12 unanswered points to make it a two-score game; however, their attempt at comeback was thwarted by the Whirlwind's strong defense.

In closing, the Missouri high school football championships of 2023 were an impressive combination of talent, teamwork, and tenacity. Each team, regardless of victory, demonstrated a remarkable blend of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. These teams have etched their names in the annals of Missouri's sports history. Congratulations to all the teams that competed in these games, and a special congratulations to Lamar, Marionville, and Archie for their outstanding accomplishments in the 2023 State championships.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize an outstanding Missourian, Dr. Thomas Davis. Dr. Davis is an internal medicine physician with the Veterans' Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Marshfield, MO.

Recently, Dr. Davis announced he would be retiring at the end of the year, closing out a distinguished medical career that spans 46 years. The last 20 of those years have been spent caring for our Nation's heroes at the Department of Veterans' Affairs. For the last 10 years, Dr. Davis has been at the Marshfield clinic, which is one of eight outpatient veterans clinics connected to the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, MO. Dr. Davis serves approximately 800 veterans in Marshfield and the surrounding area.

Dr. Davis graduated from the St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1977 and completed his residency in internal medicine at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis in 1980. He has been a board-certified physician in the State of Missouri for 46 years. In his retirement, Dr. Davis looks forward to spending time with his wife, two daughters, and three grandchildren.

I applaud Dr. Davis for his 46 years of commitment, dedication, and selfless service to medicine and caring for his patients, especially American heroes he has cared for over the years. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring his impressive career and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor a group of exceptional individuals--and teams--who have greatly impacted the world of sports in Missouri and beyond. The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 is a testament to the rich athletic heritage of my home State and the remarkable dedication and accomplishments of its members and teams. Each inductee has not only achieved personal excellence, but has also inspired and uplifted others through their commitment to sportsmanship, leadership, and public service. It is with great pride that I present these impressive inductees, whose contributions have forever enriched the sports history of Missouri.

Adam Wainwright--a St. Louis Cardinals icon, Adam Wainwright's 18- season Major League Baseball career is marked by 200 wins, two World Series titles, multiple Gold Glove Awards, and consistent excellence commanding the bump as the Cardinals' Ace. He is one of the alltime greats to have worn the birds on the bat and is celebrated not only for his on-field achievements, but also for his community contributions, notably founding the nonprofit Big League Impact.

Greg Vitello--with a 46-year tenure, Greg Vitello's coaching career in soccer and baseball at De Smet Jesuit High School includes multiple State championships and a legacy of developing collegiate athletes. His soccer teams won five State titles while his baseball squad also captured a State crown. During my varsity baseball years under Coach Vitello, he not only honed my athletic skills but also taught me invaluable lessons in sportsmanship and integrity. I am honored to have known and played for him and pleased to witness his recognition for not only nurturing athletes but also shaping upstanding members of society.

Bernie Miklasz--a revered sports journalist and broadcaster, Bernie Miklasz's work with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and various media outlets has provided insightful coverage of major sports for over three decades. He has earned numerous national awards during his 30-year tenure at the Post-Dispatch, including the Eppy Award for Best Sports Blog.

Todd Lyght--an outstanding National Football League cornerback, Todd Lyght's 12-season career, primarily with the St. Louis Rams, included 37 interceptions, a Super Bowl win, and Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 1999. Demonstrating consistency and skill with 835 combined tackles in 175 career games, he has extended his football legacy beyond his athletic achievements by enriching the community as a dedicated high school coach and college assistant coach.

Barret Jackman--Barret Jackman, a stalwart defenseman in the National Hockey League, spent 16 seasons with the St. Louis Blues, earning the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2003 as the NHL's Rookie of the Year. He was respected for his physical play and leadership throughout his illustrious career.

Kenny Wallace--a NASCAR legend from St. Louis, Kenny Wallace's racing career spanned an impressive 905 races with 9 wins and numerous top finishes, afterwards being known for his contributions as a broadcaster. Even after his remarkable NASCAR career, he continues to race on local dirt tracks across the country.

Jay Delsing--with over 700 PGA TOUR events under his belt, Jay Delsing notched seven professional wins during his golf career, including making the cut on the PGA TOUR 276 times. Following his athletic career, Delsing has made significant contributions to the sport as a broadcaster for FOX Sports.

Tony Van Zant--a high school football star, Tony Van Zant's record- setting performance at Hazelwood Central High School led to his recognition as the National Player of the Year in 1985 and a State championship for the Hawks. He played for the University of Missouri where he rushed for 2,376 yards and 36 touchdowns.

Kelly Mulvihill Stahlhuth--a tennis powerhouse, Kelly Mulvihill Stahlhuth's achievements include three high school State championships, four All-Big Ten honors at Indiana University, three Big Ten Conference wins, and a successful coaching career at Washington University. She won 215 matches, secured 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament and was selected as the 2015 NCAA Division III Coach of the Year.

The 1959-1974 Saint Louis University Men's Soccer Era--this era of Saint Louis University men's soccer is distinguished by 10 national titles and numerous All-American selections, showcasing dominant collegiate play. Three players combined to win five Herman Trophy awards, the Nation's highest individual honor for collegiate soccer.

Linda Wells--an accomplished softball coach, Linda Wells' career includes over 900 wins, leading teams at the University of Minnesota and Arizona State University to national prominence. She guided teams to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Women's College World Series berths while at Arizona State.

St. Joseph's Academy Girls Tennis Program--this program's unparalleled success includes 18 State championships and numerous individual and doubles titles, reflecting sustained excellence in high school tennis. As of recent, the team has captured an astounding 12 State titles in only the last 15 years.

Doug Smith--a former singles and doubles champion in the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference, Doug Smith has made a significant mark as the longtime coach of the St. Joseph's Academy Girls Tennis Program by leading them to 12 State championships, the most in State history. His tennis journey includes contributions to multiple State titles and honors such as induction into Aberdeen Central High School's Hall of Fame and the Missouri Valley Tennis Association's Distinguished Service Award.

Lindsay Kennedy-Eversmeyer--a trailblazer in soccer, Lindsay Kennedy- Eversmeyer's career includes both professional athletic and coaching success, notably leading a women's semi-pro team to a national championship. She became the first female to play men's professional indoor soccer with the St. Louis Steamers in Major League Soccer and coached the Fire & Ice squad to the 2017 Women's Premier Soccer League national title.

Dave Loos--the most successful men's basketball coach in the Ohio Valley Conference, Dave Loos' career includes over 500 wins and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances with Austin Peay State University. His teams won nine conference championships, and he is the program's alltime wins leader with 420 victories.

Crystal City High School Girls Track & Field Era, 1984-1989--under Coach Dick Cook, this era of Crystal City High School Girls Track & Field is marked by six consecutive State championships and numerous individual titles, demonstrating a phenomenal period of dominance. The team captured these State crowns behind 16 combined individual and relay gold medals.

Dick Cook--Dick Cook's 49-year coaching career in track and field, including 34 years at Crystal City High School, is highlighted by multiple State championships and a legacy of developing top athletes. His Crystal City teams won six consecutive State titles from 1984-1989 during his legendary tenure.

Khalia Collier--a pioneer in sports, Khalia Collier has made significant contributions as the owner of the St. Louis Surge in the Global Women's Basketball Association and in her roles with the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association and St. Louis CITY SC of Major League Soccer. She built the Surge into a two-time championship franchise, promoting women's sports and community engagement, and became the first female VP in Dallas Mavericks history.

Mark Mullin--Mark Mullin's 40-year career in NCAA Division II athletics, including 28 years as the director of athletics at Missouri University of Science and Technology, is distinguished by numerous team successes and individual honors. His programs captured 24 conference and divisional titles and had student-athletes earn 290 All-America honors under his leadership.

Randy Albrecht--a renowned junior college basketball coach, Randy Albrecht's 36-year career at St. Louis Community College-Meramec includes 736 wins and multiple coaching awards, solidifying his status as a coaching legend. He posted 28 consecutive winning seasons and secured a No. 1 national ranking in 1988-1989.

Dr. Tom Smith--as Missouri Baptist University's athletic director for 22 years, Dr. Tom Smith oversaw the addition of 18 new athletic programs and multiple national championships. His tenure included four NAIA national titles and 33 conference tournament championships.

Harry Weber--an exalted sculptor, Harry Weber's work includes over 150 large, commissioned sculptures, many depicting famous sports figures, and is renowned for his artistic contributions to sports memorabilia. His bronze busts and statues are prominently displayed in 15 professional and college stadiums nationwide, including Busch Stadium in St. Louis and Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

The 1973 Washington High School State Championship Football Team--the 1973 Washington High School football team's outstanding season culminated in an undefeated record and the only State football championship in the school's history, a testament to their skill and determination. The Blue Jays went 11-0 in 1973 behind six All-State players to capture the Class 3 State crown.

In conclusion, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 encompasses an incredibly distinguished array of individuals--athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors--each leaving a unique and lasting imprint on Missouri's rich sports heritage. Their extraordinary achievements and sustained contributions to their respective sports have not only etched their names in history, but also honored the State of Missouri and ignited inspiration in numerous others. Their persistence, exemplary performance, and unwavering commitment stand as beacons of motivation, highlighting the significant influence of sports in cultivating character and fostering civic engagement. Today, we commend these esteemed individuals and teams for their noteworthy feats and express our profound gratitude for their enduring impact on Missourians. I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the inductees of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

Mr. President, I stand in solidarity with my colleagues on separating these issues. I think the American people think that is what we do here. I think the American people think we actually have an appropriations process where we have individual bills come forward and we are offering amendments and Senators can have their say and Republicans and Democrats can have different ideas, offer different amendments and we vote on those things.

That is actually not what happens here at all. And this is now compounding this with a supplemental aid package of putting on a bunch of unrelated issues to try to bootstrap Ukraine aid when the most pressing need we have right now, the most bipartisan support we have right now, is the Israeli aid. And, by the way, it is paid for.

Now, I know listening to the hallways buzz in this town about actually paying for something is, like, unbelievable. You know, it is going to be catastrophic if we actually have that discussion. But I think it is healthy. I think it is healthy. But I think we need to separate these issues.

This is supposed to be the most deliberative body in the history of the world, and what we are told is: We can't do that.

And to my friend from Ohio's point, history doesn't begin and end with Neville Chamberlain. There are a lot of lessons from history about how you confront these things.

And, by the way, each theater is very different. What Israel needs is different; what Ukraine might need is different; what Taiwan might need is different. Oh, and by the way, what the United States of America might need is different as we face our chief rival in the world. We have never had one like this in the history of this country with China. We have never had an economic rival, a nuclear power, a militarized rival like we have with China.

Maybe we should be talking, as we talk about this military industrial base--and I think there is broad support for this--for long-range capability.

Our military industrial base is strapped right now. We are at capacity. We ought to be growing that. I support that. But I think we ought to have a discussion about: What does the United States need too? But as it relates to Israel, they have a clear objective, a likelihood of success, broad support. I have yet to hear any of that as it relates to Ukraine.

All we get are, again, slogans and fearmongering. I think, by the way, if you brought up that for an individual vote, it might pass. I don't know. We ought to try it. But I know this would. It should today. But we are going to hear objections now from the Democrats. They are going to object to this and forestall this important aid that our allies in Israel, who are facing a real existential threat right now, need.

Again--and, by the way, we have thrown in, you know, border here, and call me skeptical as it relates to Joe Biden and his administration on his seriousness when it comes to the border. When I was attorney general of Missouri, we fought some of these fights in court, including keeping ``Remain in Mexico'' in place. We had to get court orders and contempt orders against this administration to actually follow the judge's order to enforce the law.

Now, I am going to support the strongest border package possible, but it is really hard when you have an executive branch that isn't interested in executing the law. And now we have 8-plus million people in this country who have come here illegally. They have admitted that, quite possibly, we have terrorists in this country because we have an open border. Let's have that debate also. But here we are with an opportunity to separate the Israeli funding, again, that has broad support.

Each one of these issues, each one of these funding requests have separate realities on the ground, political support, strategies, likelihood of success. Let's respect that, and let's respect the will of the American people that we can actually come up here and do the important work we were sent here to do, which is to have real debate in what is supposed to be the most deliberative body in the history of the world.

I yield back to the Senator from Kansas.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the quorum call be vitiated.

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

Mr. President, I rise today to bring attention to a problem that is plaguing our great country.

Americans and the rest of the world woke up on October 7 to horrific scenes in Israel, and the ensuing news reports of Hamas's terrorist attack brought to light even more gruesome details--thousands of innocent Israelis slaughtered, babies decapitated, people burned alive, horrific scenes of brutality and brazen disregard for humanity by Hamas terrorists. Israel and American hostages are still awaiting rescue.

These past few weeks following the terrorist attack, there has been a frightening rise of anti-Semitism, particularly on college campuses and from

younger generations in America's major cities.

Jewish students at Cooper Union in New York City had to shelter in a library while pro-Palestinian students banged on windows and doors in a frightening incident. Anonymous posters on a Cornell message board threatened violence, all while a Cornell professor proclaimed Hamas terrorist attacks to be ``exhilarating'' and ``energizing.'' Countless videos show students and even teachers tearing down missing posters for Israeli hostages. The list goes on and on.

Some may be surprised by these incidents, but for those who have been paying attention, it is anything but shocking. For years, the American left has embraced identity politics--DEI and critical race theory. For years, students at some of this country's most elite colleges have had this race essentialism, this oppressor-versus-oppressed ideology, hammered into their heads.

They have tried to make moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas. Every single situation or issue is viewed through the lens of race or other immutable characteristics.

If you don't rank high enough on the totem pole of grievances or score well on the oppression matrix, well, then your views aren't as important. Being right has taken a back seat to your skin color.

DEI and CRT are fruit of the poisonous tree of cultural Marxism, and it is playing out right now in our streets. The proof is in the numbers as well. A Harvard CAPS/Harris poll states that when voters were asked whom they sided with in the Israeli-Hamas conflict, 95 percent of voters age 65 or older said Israel, while only 5 percent said Hamas. In the 18-to-24 age range, 52 percent said Israel, while 48 percent said Hamas. That is a startling generational divide and shows just how entrenched this divisive ideology is.

This ideology completely strips people of their individuality. Ideas don't really matter as much as what the person speaking looks like. It is completely antithetical to the core tenets of our Constitution and the American experiment. It places an unhealthy emphasis on race. It strips people of their dignity and the many layers that define us. It rips away the ties that bind us, and that is exactly the point for these cultural Marxists.

We need to return to the American idea--equality of opportunity, not certainty of outcome or so-called equity. We need to prioritize merit over characteristics that people have no control over. We need to push back against the poisonous DEI and CRT ideology--an ideology that has even made its way into grade schools, where school-age kids are being forced to participate in things called a privilege walk. Until we do that, we will continue to see more race essentialism from groups like Black Lives Matter and more chants of ``from the river to the sea.'' That is not what America is about, but we better get real about the problem before it is too late to fix it.

Nomination of Ramon Ernesto Reyes, Jr.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Madam President, the Biden administration is constantly trying to sell Americans that the economy is improving. They offer miniscule morsels of improvement. The big picture shows an economy that is struggling mightily, and Americans are struggling along with it.

The Biden administration wants to tout Bidenomics as a success. Young Americans, families, elderly Americans, and everyone in between are being crushed under the weight of economic stagnation. According to the New York Times, 81 percent of Americans rated economic conditions as ``fair'' or ``poor.'' CBS News states that 66 percent of Americans rate the national economy as ``bad.'' ABC News has a poll that says 76 percent of Americans say the country is headed in the wrong direction. About two in three Americans say their household expenses have risen in the last year, but only one in four says their income has increased in the same period, according to an AP poll.

Higher prices, stagnant wages, and skyrocketing interest rates are hammering the American people across all demographics.

Typically, young Americans are looking to buy a house, condo, or property, and build some equity. It is a staple of building a fiscally healthy future and the foundation of the American dream. Not only can young people not afford homes with the current obscene interest rates, they can barely afford to keep their heads above water.

While Biden tries to distract young voters with his climate alarmism and that the Earth is going to boil, it is actually Biden's woeful mismanagement of the economy that is the real existential threat to the economy, the real existential threat to the American dream, the real existential threat to their future. Furthermore, it is Biden's insane energy policies that have stifled domestic energy production and made everything more expensive.

For families, it is even tougher in this economy. Household goods and food costs are more expensive now. Families are dipping into their savings and incurring more expenses and credit card debt, which is now at record levels.

Overall prices have risen 17 percent and are costing the average American household $940 more per month. For elderly Americans who are retired or who are about to retire, this economy poses a dire threat. Higher prices on everything doesn't bode well for those on a fixed income, and with people dipping into their retirement savings just

to cover the costs, it doesn't bode well for those hoping to retire soon either.

It turns out that, when you spend trillions and trillions and trillions of dollars you don't have and declare war on domestic energy production, inflation runs rampant. The cost of everything goes up. That is what Americans are living through. They don't need slogans. They are not buying it. No matter how many times he says Bidenomics is working, the American people are struggling with higher costs, and they know it is not.

The antidote to the Bidenomics' poison is clear: Stop deficit spending. Become energy dominant to ease the burden on working families.

I yield the floor.