Floor Statements

Mr. President, I was unable to attend yesterday's vote on rollcall vote No. 347 Confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 415, Martin O'Malley, of Maryland, to be Commissioner of Social Security. I would have voted yea on the confirmation had I been able to attend the vote.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 4 minutes prior to the vote.

Mr. President, I rise in support of Harry Coker's nomination to be the National Cyber Director. The National Cyber Director is responsible for driving cyber security policy and strategy all across the Federal Government.

The Office of the National Cyber Director was established by Congress in 2021 to foster a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to cyber security. Harry Coker is an accomplished leader and a dedicated public servant who is well qualified to lead this important office.

Mr. Coker has over four decades of national security and cyber security experience. He served as a naval officer and in senior leadership roles at the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency, where he worked to combat cyber and national security threats. His nomination received bipartisan support from the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and he has been endorsed by a wide range of bipartisan cyber and national security experts.

During the 2 years since the Office of the National Cyber Director was created, the office has done impressive work, including developing an ambitious national cyber security strategy and national cyber workforce and education strategy. The Office of the National Cyber Director has been without a confirmed leader for almost 10 months. A dedicated, Senate-confirmed leader is critical to building upon these efforts and continuing to grow and mature the Office of the National Cyber Director.

I urge my colleagues to join me in confirming Mr. Coker to this very important role.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, shortly, I will ask unanimous consent for passage of the Armenian Protection Act of 2023.

Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act of 1992 was straightforward. It kept Azerbaijan from receiving military assistance from the United States. In the wake of 9/11, we granted the President the authority to waive the statute and in order to protect American interests, and as a result, we began sending military aid to Azerbaijan.

But we attached a very important condition: The Azerbaijani Government could not engage in offensive attacks or undermine the peace process with Armenia. Their recent actions in Nagorno-Karabakh have clearly failed in meeting this very straightforward standard. Not only did they blockade the Lachin corridor for 10 months, creating significant hardships, they also violently attacked innocent Armenians and forced the dissolution of the Government of Nagorno-Karabakh on September 28.

The Armenian Protection Act of 2023 is simple: It would hold Azerbaijan accountable for these actions. As a result of Azerbaijan's failure to meet the

terms of our agreement with them, it would prevent the United States from sending military aid for a period of 2 years. After that time, the President could once again decide what best serves the American interests in that region. The administration already has the authority to cut off the support, but as this conflict has unfolded, they have not taken public action.

We must send a strong message to show our partners around the world that America will enforce the conditions that we attach to military aid. If we do not take action when countries willfully ignore the terms of our agreements with them, our agreements will become effectively meaningless and toothless.

I urge my colleagues to join me in holding Azerbaijan accountable for their actions, enforce our agreements with them, and stand with the Armenian people in the face of unprovoked aggression.

I urge my colleagues to support the Armenian Protection Act of 2023.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be discharged from further consideration of S. 3000 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

I ask unanimous consent that the Peters substitute amendment at the desk be agreed to.

I ask that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time.

I know of no further debate on the bill, as amended.

I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Madam President, this amendment would prevent Federal Agencies from effectively serving the American people. It would weaken the government's ability to enact key health and safety standards. It would endanger a range of public protections for the environment, American workers, and people with disabilities. It would stifle innovation for emerging technologies, such as self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, and other tools that will help carry our country forward.

I urge my colleagues to join me in voting no on this amendment.

Vote on Amendment No. 1121

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the passing of my dear friend Florine Mark, an icon and trailblazer in Michigan and the international business community.

A role model, entrepreneur, and businesswoman, Florine established the first Michigan Weight Watchers franchise in 1966, holding her first meeting in a school auditorium. Over the next 50 years, Florine grew her portfolio, acquiring franchises in 13 States, Canada, and Mexico, to become the largest franchise holder of Weight Watchers International, employing over 4,200 people.

Behind Florine's drive for success was a deeply held desire to uplift and inspire others to see and act upon the best in themselves. From her early childhood, growing up in a family with very limited means, Florine's bubbie instilled in her the importance of giving back to others. She often spent Sundays with her grandmother, raising funds for Jewish charities and was an active member of her congregation at Adat Shalom Synagogue.

Florine's signature saying, ``love, love, love,'' not only reflected her love of family, but also her commitment to improving the lives of others. Florine shared her time and expertise to countless community organizations throughout Michigan, including Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Institute for Children, Business Leaders of Michigan, Detroit Regional Chamber, Henry Ford Health System, University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, Women of Tomorrow, and several others. She was an active board member of the Michigan Fitness Foundation; the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports; the Governor's Economic Council Advisory Board; and was on the board of trustees of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan since 1992.

As a strong advocate for women's professional development and leadership roles in business, Florine sat on the Women's Leadership Board at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. She also served a 3-year term on the Detroit branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, was on the Michigan Committee supporting the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum, and on the board of directors for English Gardens.

A well-known motivational speaker, she hosted ``Today's Takeaway with Florine Mark,'' during which she interviewed celebrity guests and everyday individuals about physical and mental health, relationships, and other self-care topics. Through her ``Ask Florine'' and ``Remarkable Women'' segments on local broadcasts, she sought to uplift women leaders while raising self-esteem by providing an avenue for advice, support, and dialogue.

Florine's leadership earned her several awards throughout her career, including the 2003 ``Entrepreneurial Visionary Award'' from the Women's Business Center in Washington, DC. She was also recognized among the 100 Most Influential Women in Detroit by Crain's Detroit Business Magazine, was the recipient of the William Davidson Lifetime Achievement Award, and was the first woman to receive the Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership. She received honorary degrees from Eastern Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Oakland University, Walsh College, Wayne State University, and Lawrence Technological University. Five of these were honorary doctorates. And just earlier this month, Florine received the Women Who Make a Difference award from the International Women's Forum for her accomplishments and contributions to her community and the world.

Through a lifetime of efforts big and small, Florine cemented a legacy as an icon in Michigan, across the country, and around the world. She willingly and selflessly made time for her community, her friends, and especially for her family whom she cherished more than anything. I personally know how deeply proud Florine was of her seven children and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my friend, Florine Mark. I ask that we offer our sympathies to her family and thank them for sharing Florine with us all. She will be sorely missed.

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

Mr. President, in the mountains of Nagorno-Karabakh, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding. Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin corridor has left over 100,000 ethnic Albanians cut off from the world--deprived of the food, the water, fuel, and medical care that they need to survive.

Last week, one resident made a plea. She asked:

How many more people will have to die before the world

takes notice?

Today, that question carries new meaning as the Armenian people not only confront dwindling resources but heavy bombardment. On September 19, Azerbaijan violated the fragile peace and began attacking Nagorno- Karabakh. While a cease-fire was announced this morning, we cannot ignore the violence, and we must stand with the citizens of Nagorno- Karabakh.

This conflict systematically targets the Armenian people. It is cruel; it is calculated; and it is inhumane--further demonstrating that the Armenian people are facing an existential threat. Experts from the International Criminal Court say there is reason to believe it amounts to an act of genocide. That word would always sound an alarm, but it creates a particular weight with the Armenian people and evokes a devastating chapter of their history.

The government of Azerbaijan has orchestrated a humanitarian disaster, only to further their political and their territorial claims. The blockade of the Lachin corridor has kept essential supplies out of the region since June. Pregnant women are being forced to walk miles to a medical clinic. Fuel shortages have shut down schools and sidelined emergency vehicles. People get sick from untreated water and then visit pharmacies with empty shelves.

Food shortages run rampant. Officials in Nagorno-Karabakh estimate that 95 percent of residents are suffering from malnutrition. Starving citizens are lining up for bread in the streets and wondering how they will find their family's next meal. The use of military force by Azerbaijan will only further endanger citizens who have already endured so much.

The Biden administration has provided some crucial assistance, and the Azerbaijani Government has announced a theoretical agreement to open the Lachin corridor once again. But that deal has yet to bring the Armenian people out of harm's way. The

bombardment began after it was reached, and this increasing military aggression has only deepened the humanitarian crisis.

The Aliyev regime has now demanded that Nagorno-Karabakh's government be dissolved and the ethnic Armenian troops be removed. The Azerbaijan Government has made it clear their goal is to erase the historic presence of Armenians in this region.

Until it is proven that this cruel campaign has ended, we must be vigilant. Until the people of Nagorno-Karabakh have what they need to survive and to walk freely in their home once again, we cannot stand to the side.

In the midst of these unthinkable conditions, residents have taken to the streets, calling for an end to the blockade. We must join their chorus--shedding a light on Azerbaijan's actions and addressing the immediate threat of ethnic violence. And I encourage the Biden administration to remember these crimes against humanity when considering where to send aid and to apply diplomatic pressure.

If we continue to let this crisis devolve, then we are complicit in the violence. I call on my Senate colleagues and the Biden administration to stand against the cruelty of the Azerbaijan Government and stand by the side of the Armenian people.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mott Community College located in Flint, MI. Over the past 100 years, MCC has become a steadfast partner for local industry, providing high- quality, accessible, and affordable education opportunities. It is a privilege and honor to recognize the centennial milestone of the college on September 23, 2023.

Founded in 1923 by the Flint Board of Education, the institution was originally known as Flint Junior College. Tuition for the first year was a mere $20, and students could choose to study general literacy, pre-engineering, pre-dental, pre-medicine, pre-law, or business administration, as the college was initially designed to prepare students to transfer to the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.

In 1950, Charles Stewart Mott donated $1 million to develop Flint Junior College into a 4-year institution in collaboration with the University of Michigan, a move that created the college and cultural center. C.S. Mott endowed the college with 32 acres of land and additional money for the establishment of an entirely new campus. In 1951, William Ballenger, Sr., left a trust of several million dollars, allowing the college to hire well-qualified instructors and elevate Flint Junior College into a true community college. Ballenger also gifted the college $200,000 for the construction of an athletic field house. The Ballenger Field House would become the first new building on the new campus.

In 1969, the college was successful in securing a millage, transforming it into a countywide institution, becoming Genesee Community College. After the passing of C.S. Mott, the institution received its name known by the community today, the Charles Stewart Mott Community College.

The college has a rich athletic history as well. Coach Steven Schmidt has led the men's basketball team to 753 victories over 30 seasons, the most by any men's coach in Michigan college basketball history. The program finished fifth in the Nation in 2021 and has won three national titles since 2007. The college is also where Justus Thigpen, Sr., the first athlete from Flint to play in the NBA, got his start as the basketball team's starting guard in 1965. Mott currently hosts five varsity men's sports teams, four varsity women's teams, and a co-ed e- sports team.

Today, MCC serves over 8,000 students seeking to gain knowledge and skills in a wide variety of occupational programs. Mott Community College continues to be a key partner that delivers on the workforce development

needs of the region through continual innovation and investment in their students' success. By creating programs such as the Mobile Learning Lab, Workforce Promise, and the operation of Applewood Cafe, the college has seized every opportunity to support the economic development in Flint by providing workforce training and experience to students and workers.

The college is also a leader in expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. From the hiring of Dr. Beverly Walker- Griffea in 2014, its first African-American female president, to the building of the Lenore Croudy Family Life Center, which is focused on providing support to students and families experiencing housing and food insecurity, the college continually works to reduce barriers and challenges by investing in their students. MCC has also been chosen for the Aspen Institute Award six times as one of the top 150 community colleges in the Nation dedicated to excellence and equitable student success.

Mott Community College has greatly impacted the lives of generations of students and has positively shaped the city of Flint as we know it today. I ask you to join me in recognizing the college as they commemorate their centennial celebration.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor an accomplished and highly regarded leader in Michigan's labor movement, David Hecker, president of the American Federation of Teachers--AFT-- Michigan. David has made an immeasurable impact on the State of Michigan and its many educators and healthcare providers over the past 40 years, and it is a privilege to recognize him here today and celebrate his upcoming retirement.

David's engagement with the labor movement first began in 1977, when he became a member of AFT Local 3220, a union of graduate assistants at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned his Ph.D. in industrial relations. Following his graduation, David's commitment to strengthening the labor movement continued to grow, serving as the executive assistant to the president of the Metropolitan Detroit AFL- CIO from 1986 to 1996, where he worked to protect the welfare of Michigan's labor force and support the activities of local unions.

David's history with the Michigan chapter of the AFT began with his service as secretary-treasurer for the organization in the late 1990s. In 2001, David was named the president of AFT Michigan, a role which he has occupied with distinction since. Under his leadership, AFT Michigan has organized many new locals that represent thousands of Michiganders working in public education and healthcare, in addition to expanding partnerships in the State and overall strengthening Michigan's labor movement.

In 2004, David expanded his involvement with the labor movement to a national level, and began his service as a vice president of the national AFT, which included serving on the AFT executive committee and cochairing the AFT organizing committee. For many years, he has been a member of the Michigan State AFL-CIO and Metro Detroit AFL-CIO's executive mommittees and has also been a member of AFT delegations to the Education International World Congress, worked with the National Union of Teachers in England, the Cambodian Independent Teachers Union, and higher education unions in Israel and the occupied territories.

David's legacy of leadership and service expands beyond the labor movement. His work includes serving as the chair of Community in Schools Michigan and the Green and Health Schools Coalition; as cochair of the Metropolitan Affairs Corporation; on the boards of Promote the Vote, the Michigan League for Public Policy, the Education Alliance of Michigan and New Detroit; and finally, as an officer-at-large of the Michigan Democratic Party.

I cannot understate the impact that David Hecker has had on Michigan's workforce and labor movement. A lifelong trade unionist, he has over these many years steadfastly promoted positive change in our communities and created a model for public service that is unmatched. Though his leadership at the American Federation of Teachers Michigan will be sorely missed, his legacy will most certainly endure and continue to inspire.

Mr. President, I will shortly ask for unanimous consent to pass bipartisan legislation to extend the Chemical Facility Anti- Terrorism Standards Program, also known as CFATS. This critical counterterrorism program was created in the wake of September 11 and the Oklahoma City bombing to ensure that common chemicals could not be stolen or weaponized by terrorists and used in an attack.

Now the program is set to expire on July 27, tomorrow, and we simply cannot let that happen. There are approximately 3,300 facilities across the United States that participate in this program. These facilities support a range of industries, from chemical manufacturing and distribution to agriculture and food production, paint and coatings operations, and healthcare and pharmaceuticals. In their everyday work, these facilities use materials that, in the wrong hands, can be turned into dangerous weapons. Because these types of industrial or commercially available materials are common and offer a simple pathway to weaponization, terrorists are more likely to try to use them.

By participating in the CFATS Program, facilities work with the Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan to ensure potentially hazardous material is secure. I introduced bipartisan legislation, along with Senators Capito, Carper, and Lankford, to extend this important counterterrorism program for 5 years. The 5-year extension provides regulatory certainty and the stability for the companies and groups that participate in the program, ensuring that they can keep these important safeguards in place for longer.

Companies including Dow, BASF, Lubrizol, and Brenntag North America, along with organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Chemistry Council, the National Association of Chemical Distributors, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, the Agricultural Retailers Association, and the Fertilizer Institute--all of them support extending this vital national security program for another 5 years.

However, last night, the House passed a 2-year extension with overwhelming bipartisan support. More than 400 Members of the U.S. House voted to extend the program. And while I believe passing a longer extension to provide more certainty for companies and for the DHS would be better, the program will expire tomorrow, and if we do not pass legislation to extend it, our national security could be at risk.

If this body allows this program to expire, the 3,300 facilities will no longer be required to maintain security measures and any new high- risk facilities will not be required to invest in additional security. The Department of Homeland Security will no longer be able to assess whether facilities are high risk or share information about specific terrorist threats connected to chemical facilities. The high- risk chemical facilities would no longer be able to screen individuals who have access to sensitive areas against the Terrorist Screening Database, which is a critical way to ensure that we are keeping these substances from getting into the wrong hands.

Since it was created, CFATS has been extended with bipartisan support four times. We cannot let this vital program expire. We must take urgent action to pass this 2-year extension

that just passed overwhelmingly through the U.S. House and keep the American people safe from harm.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 4470, which was received from the House, that the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, reserving the right to object.

Mr. President, I fully appreciate Senator Paul's commitment to making government more efficient. I was pleased that my committee advanced his bill earlier this year, but, as I noted at the time of our passing it out of committee, the bill requires additional work before it is ready to be passed by the full Senate.

We have heard from several committees that have concerns about the potential impacts of the legislation. I hope that we can continue working over the summer to try to address those concerns and find a path forward for this legislation.

However, the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards Program is

set to expire tomorrow. We urgently need to pass this bipartisan 2-year extension now. If we do not, chemical facilities that are at risk of being exploited by terrorists will no longer be able to implement critical security measures, including ensuring that individuals in the terrorist screening database do not have access to restricted areas in these facilities, and the Department of Homeland Security will no longer be able to assess or share information about terrorist threats related to these facilities.

Our national security is on the line, and we cannot let this program expire over a completely unrelated bill about the inside workings of Congress.

I object.

Mr. President, I appreciate my colleague's commitment to oversight of taxpayer dollars spent here at home as well as abroad. Inspectors general are key allies as we work to root out waste and increase efficiency and make our government work better. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has done important work in Afghanistan.

While I certainly support the goals of this amendment, I have concerns this provision could ultimately interfere with and divert resources from the inspectors general at the State Department, the Defense Department, and USAID who are already overseeing American support to Ukraine.

While I look forward to working with my colleague to bolster our IGs and conduct congressional oversight of government spending, I must urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Vote on Amendment No. 438

Madam President, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of St. Clair County Community College, located in Port Huron, MI, along the banks of the St. Clair River. St. Clair County Community College serves Michigan's Blue Water Area as its primary center for affordable higher education.

St. Clair County Community College was first established in 1923 by the Michigan Board of Education. Originally named the Port Huron Junior College, its purpose was to provide accessible higher education options that met local community needs and contributed to Michigan's greater success and vitality. The college officially changed its name to St. Clair County Community College in 1967 but is more often know by the moniker ``SC4.''

In the 100 years since its founding, St. Clair County Community College has grown to offer over more than 25 on-campus and online programs, as well as University Center partnerships that allow SC4 students to earn bachelor's and master's degrees on campus. While SC4's inaugural class numbered just 34 students, today, the college supports more than 5,000 students each year. With its main campus located in Port Huron and additional learning centers located in Harbor Beach, Algonac, Yale, Peck, and Croswell, St. Clair County Community College serves a large portion of Michigan's Thumb region.

The St. Clair County Community College occupies 29-acres in downtown Port Huron, placing students within the heart of the St. Clair Community. Through the provision of accessible and life-changing education, SC4 has added more than $137,700,000 to the economy of St. Clair County and employs 2,041 local community members. This number represents 1 of every 10 jobs within St. Clair County that are supported by the operations of St. Clair County Community College's faculty, staff, and students. In addition to providing

high quality student care, SC4 strives to support the taxpayers, local businesses, and community of St. Clair County by hosting athletic conferences, concerts, exhibits, and engaging St. Clair residents. Alumni of St. Clair County Community College work as leaders in education, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, government, public safety, hospitality, design retail, and more and through their presence that enriches the St. Clair Community.

St. Clair County Community College has been an integral part of the St. Clair and Blue Water community for more than 100 years. As a Michigander and a proud representative of the Blue Water Area, I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this significant milestone for St. Clair County Community College, its staff, faculty, and students, as well as the entire St. Clair community. I wish St. Clair County Community College continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I certainly appreciate Senator Hagerty's concerns. The freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of the press are all very foundations of our Nation.

But I am also concerned about the power of large tech companies, which we must--must--hold accountable. The Homeland Security Committee, which I chair, has held a series of bipartisan

oversight hearings on social media, including bringing in top executives to testify and to answer tough questions.

I am deeply concerned, however, that the legislation that we are discussing today could have serious unintended consequences, including undermining our national security. This bill could damage our national intelligence and law enforcement operations by requiring Agencies to disclose every interaction with a social media platform about the activity of a terrorist or a criminal on their platform. This can involve sensitive ongoing investigations and enforcement action, including the terrorist use of social media to recruit Americans to carry out attacks against our homeland.

The bill could also chill effects by executive and legislative branch employees who are working to address online threats and hate speech directed at Americans and communities all across our Nation. In addition to creating new redtape for staff trying to address these very difficult issues, it threatens them with a year in jail for not meeting paperwork deadlines.

Certainly, we must all protect our Nation's First Amendment and the right to speak freely. However, this bill will not accomplish that goal, while potentially undermining our national security.

Mr. President, therefore, I object.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the class of 2023 graduates from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the 23 exemplary graduates from the State of Michigan.

From plebes to firsties, and now second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, the class of 2023 has come through one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives to join ``The Long Gray Line.'' The class motto, ``Freedom is not Free,'' reflects the class of 2023's commitment and moral, mental, and physical strength necessary to graduate from West Point and serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army. I commend the graduates for their dedication to support and defend the American Constitution and uphold the ethical standards of the Army and United States of America.

I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating, from Michigan: Zachary C. Hellebuyck, Jack Fish, Zenon Stepien, Audra Bloch, Madison Tolston, Elle Bennett, Colin J. Day, Daniel Reimchen, Henry J. Janeway, Jr., Alma Cooper, Michael J. Erickson, Jr., Luke Doyle, Daniel Chung, Margaret Neumeyer, Henry Carroll, Michael Lance, Tyler Prichard, Benjamin Buia, Levi D. Hren, Erika Rapp.While their service to our Nation has just begun, I am confident these new officers will embody the values of ``Duty, Honor, Country.''