Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services located in the heart of Dearborn, MI. Created in 1971 out of a storefront on the impoverished south end of Dearborn, ACCESS has been engaging and building a community to empower individuals, families, and community members ever since. What began with a modest, volunteer-run effort to support the growing immigrant population has blossomed into the largest Arab American community nonprofit in the United States. ACCESS has been integral in assisting the growing Arab population as they adapt to life in the United States. By uplifting and advocating for real and meaningful change, they have become committed to safeguarding the engagement of Arab Americans throughout Michigan.

Fittingly, the mission of ACCESS is ``To empower communities to improve their health and their economic, social, and cultural well- being.'' Spread throughout metro Detroit, ACCESS has 10 locations that provide more than 120 different programs/services to the community; they provide educational opportunities for youth including the Arab American Youth Leadership course, in which they support and foster the identity of the Arab American youth, as well as their 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which provide academic support during the school year and enrichment in the summer. Children are exposed to topics that focus on their identity and culture, as well as help build their advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement skills through youth empowerment to encourage community involvement.

In addition to youth services, ACCESS also offers a large variety of services to adults, especially recent immigrants. ACCESS provides subsidized immigration services to the community, as well as many free services addressing the community's basic needs, such as tax assistance, legal services, and assistance with public benefits programs. They also provide life skills training to settling families via their Center for Working Families, including financial coaching, workforce development, and skill-building. Most profoundly, ACCESS provides affordable healthcare through two community health and research centers--a fully integrated community health ``one-stop service center'' that is comprised of medical, public health and research programs, as well as mental and behavioral health programs.

While mainly focused on direct assistance to individuals, ACCESS also works to preserve the Arab American history and cultural identity through national programs such as the National Network for Arab American Communities, the Center for Arab American Philanthropy, and most notably, the Arab American National Museum, founded in 2005; the museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute and is the Nation's only cultural institution devoted solely to document, preserve, and present the history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans.

ACCESS has impacted countless lives throughout the course of 50 years. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing ACCESS for their tireless advocacy and support of the Arab American community, both in Michigan and nationwide. I wish ACCESS continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 120th anniversary of the Royal Oak Women's Club. For over 120 years, the Royal Oak Women's Club--ROWC--members have come together for the purpose of society and service within the Royal Oak community.

On the evening of November 8, 1902, 14 local Royal Oak women gathered together in the parlor of Mrs. Frances Lathrup Martin, for the purpose of creating a study club. It was Mrs. Martin herself that became the first president of the newly formed club. At the time of its founding, the club's mission included the expansion of opportunities for local women, pursuit of issues such as pediatric health and safety, and the promotion of general well-being within the Royal Oak community.

Over the years, as the ROWC expanded its presence in the area by joining larger regional organizations such as the General Federation of Women's Clubs--GFWC--the Michigan Federation of Women's Clubs--GFWC MI--Detroit Federation of Women's Clubs, and the Oakland County Federation of Women's Clubs. The club also transformed to become increasingly civic-minded, with efforts including local advocacy campaigns that resulted in better safety and sanitary equipment within Royal Oak's local public schools.

One-hundred and twenty years later the club has continued to expand and evolve, and now boasts a membership of over 120 persons, who dedicate their time toward the pursuit of community projects that promote good citizenship, civism, and quality education. The ROWC continues to hold a place of high esteem and local importance to the city, with many community groups and organizations using group's clubhouse as a location to hold meetings and events. The clubhouse itself holds significance, for both club and community. The structure, purchased by the ROWC in the 1920s, was even then one of the oldest buildings in the city. Originally a Baptist church constructed in 1839, the building has been relocated and restored as necessary for its preservation and continued use, but continues to exhibit many original features. Upkeep of this structure, which was designated in 1979 as a Michigan Registered Historical Site, 1999 a Royal Oak Historic District, and is known today as the city's oldest building, remains among the club member's highest charges.

The Royal Oak Women's club continues to make a difference today through their philanthropic efforts, as well as by providing the women of Royal Oak with a space they may gather, exchange ideas and knowledge, and pursue the ``high ideals'' envisioned by the club's original members. Their efforts to support the community continue as well; the club provides financial support to the neonatal unit at Beaumont Hospital, the Royal Oak Library, Haven of Oakland County, the Boys and Girls Club for Southeast Michigan, and the South Oakland Shelter to name just a few of their initiatives. Members of the ROWC also volunteer their time to support the annual Royal Oak Community Awards banquet, the community service luncheon, and the annual Salvation Army Toy Luncheon, in addition to supporting the all-night graduation parties for the three local high schools.

The Royal Oak Women's Club has been an integral part of the Royal Oak community and the overall community of southeast Michigan for more than 120 years. As a Michigander and a resident of Oakland County, I am honored to ask my colleagues in joining me in celebrating this significant milestone for the Royal Oak Women's Club, its members, and the entire city of Royal Oak. I wish the Royal Oak Women's Club continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to print the following letter in the Record.

Madam President, while returning to Washington, DC, on September 12, my flight was temporarily grounded by inclement weather, delaying my return to Washington, DC. As a result, I was unable to attend the vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 1043, Arianna J. Freeman, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit.

I would have voted yea on the confirmation had I been able to attend the vote.

Mr. President, while returning to Washington, DC, on September 12, my flight was temporarily grounded by inclement weather, delaying my return to Washington, DC. As a result, I was unable to attend the vote on the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 986, Salvador Mendoza, Jr., of Washington, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

I would have voted yea on the confirmation had I been able to attend the vote.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 11:30 a.m. vote start now.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I was unable to attend this afternoon's vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 986 Salvador Mendoza, Jr., of Washington, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

I would have voted yea on the motion had I been able attend.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the class of 2022 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 2022 has come through one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives to join ``The Long Gray Line.'' The class motto, ``For Many, Stand the Few,'' reflects the class of 2022'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, Kathryn LeWalk, Spencer Alexander, Cedrick Everaert, Nicholas Listermann, Sarah Guzzo, Teddy Prichard, Matthew Rushing, Alexander Denha, Ryan McAuliffe, Taylor Hayes Ufford, Samantha Fusik, Carter Macias, Megan E. Hutter, Nicholas McDonald, Grace Martin, Richard Russel III, Benjamin Pyle, Cole Chappell, Mirriam Tolston, Emily Leahy, Samantha Chinn, Michael Byrne, and Anamika Shresth. While their service to our Nation has just begun, I am confident these new officers will embody the values of ``Duty, Honor, Country.''

Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of the retirement of Mr. Matthew E. McLogan, former vice president for university relations and secretary of the board of trustees at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI.

Matt McLogan began his 35-year tenure at the university by serving as vice president beginning in September 1987. His extensive knowledge of government relations and leadership of GVSU's marketing and communications units, WGVU television, and radio furthered the success of GVSU.

Matt has been instrumental in growing GVSU from an institution of fewer than 9,000 students to a regional force with approximately 22,000 students. He often worked behind the scenes developing and securing opportunities for students to improve their chances of success. In addition, he has worked relentlessly to establish a stronger west Michigan, including securing GVSU's place on the Medical Mile in downtown Grand Rapids and pushing key initiatives with State and congressional lawmakers.

In 1981, he was appointed public service commissioner for the State of Michigan, serving 6 years in this role regulating the State's investor-owned electric, gas, telephone, and water utilities. He was also on the faculty of the annual National Association of Regulatory Studies Program at Michigan State University, from 1983-1987.

In 1991, Matt was appointed by the Federal judiciary of the Western District of Michigan to the Civil Justice Advisory Committee. This committee was charged by Congress to develop new guidelines to speed the disposition of civil court proceedings. In 1992, he was appointed by Governor John Engler to the Utility Consumer Participation Board, which oversees the representation of residential customer interests before the Public Service Commission. In 1993, he became board chairman.

In 1993, Governor Engler appointed Mr. McLogan as a special mediator in the Ameritech excess earnings case; the agreement stemming from the mediation was ratified by the Public Service Commissioner and led to the creation of a special fund to support educational distance learning projects. In 1996, he was appointed by the Governor to a 4-year term on the State Officers Compensation Commission, a public body that sets salary levels for Michigan's elected State officials; he became chairman in 1998. Mr. McLogan also serves on the Board of the West Michigan Botanical Garden (Frederik Meijer Gardens).

Matthew E. McLogan holds a BA and MA degrees from Western Michigan University. He is a Michigan native, born in Flint in 1948. Matt is married to Jane L. Brierley, and both are the parents of three children: Katherine, born 1985; Molly, born 1988; and Timothy born 1992.

It is my honor to recognize the profound impact and accomplishments Mr. Matt McLogan has made on Grand Valley State University and within the broader Michigan community over the last 42 years.

Mr. President, this motion is meant to delay or kill this bill. If adopted, it would harm the IRS's ability to carry out its duties by preventing the Agency from hiring new workers.

Federal employees are returning to in-person work, but Agencies need flexibility that telework and remote work provide to compete with the private sector, retain qualified workers, and serve the American people effectively.

Telework can also ensure Federal employees can continue to serve the people and stay safe if COVID variants or other public health threats disrupt in-person work.

Remote and telework options allow the IRS to hire the workforce they need across the entire country so they can crack down on tax cheats and make sure big corporations are paying their fair share.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this motion so we can pass this bill today.

Order of Business

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that following disposition of the Collins motion to commit, the following amendments be the next Republican amendments in order: Kennedy amendment No. 5387, and Rubio motion to commit.

Mr. President, this motion is just another effort to delay or kill this incredibly important bill and would effectively remove the requirement for students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in DC public schools.

Vaccines have proven to be effective at preventing the spread of this harmful disease, and DC public schools now require FDA-approved COVID- 19 vaccines for eligible students, just like they do for measles and hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

The requirement for DC public school students to be vaccinated against this virus was enacted by the District of Columbia's City Council, a body that was duly elected by 700,000 Americans living in our Nation's Capital. This motion would unnecessarily meddle with local, Washington, DC, government and delay or kill this vital bill we are here to pass today.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this measure.

Vote on Motion to Commit

Mr. President, communities all across the country are suffering from exposure to PFAS--commonly used chemicals that do not break down and have been linked to serious health problems.

This amendment would strike a provision in the bill that would help DHS repair and upgrade its facilities to protect surrounding communities and frontline DHS personnel from these harmful chemicals.

This amendment, instead, seeks to continue the past administration's efforts to fund and construct an ill-conceived border wall on the southern border.

I agree that we need secure borders, but we need smart and cost- effective security measures, including technology and adequate personnel levels to meet our border security needs.

We should be working together in a bipartisan manner to develop smart investments in border security.

Let's secure our southern and northern borders instead of throwing taxpayer dollars to build a costly and ineffective wall.

I urge my colleagues to vote no.

Mr. President, shortly, I will ask unanimous consent on the nomination of Dimitri Kusnezov to be the Under Secretary for Science and Technology at the Department of Homeland Security.

The Department needs qualified and steady leadership to support its 240,000 employees and their critical missions to protect our homeland security and to keep Americans safe. The Directorate of Science and Technology plays a vital role in carrying out these responsibilities as the Department's research and development arm, conducting groundbreaking research to help our Nation identify vulnerabilities in our homeland security so that we can close existing gaps and increase our capacity to address both current and emerging threats.

Dr. Kusnezov is more than qualified to lead these efforts. He most recently served as the Deputy Under Secretary for Artificial Intelligence and Technology at the Department of Energy, where he led the efforts to drive artificial intelligence innovation by incorporating it into their missions and operations, including through the creation of a new Artificial Intelligence Office.

After more than a decade on the Yale faculty as a professor of theoretical physics, Dr. Kusnezov left academia to pursue public service at the Department of Energy and became a member of the Senior Executive Service. He served as a senior adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Energy and Chief Scientist for the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Throughout the confirmation process, Dr. Kusnezov has demonstrated he possesses the technical and specialized expertise to serve in this role, and I urge my colleagues to confirm Dr. Kusnezov.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate consider the following nomination: Calendar No. 727, Dimitri Kusnezov to be Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security; that the nomination be confirmed without intervening action or debate; that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that any statements related to the nomination be printed in the Record; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's actions.

Mr. President, I renew my above request except that I ask unanimous consent that the vote occur at a time to be determined by the majority leader, in consultation with the Republican leader; that there be 10 minutes for debate equally divided in the usual form on the nomination; that upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate vote without intervening action or debate on the nomination and the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. President, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs has reviewed the nomination of David P. Pekoske to be the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security. Seeing that this is Mr. Pekoske's nomination for a second consecutive term to be the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, the chairman and ranking member have reached a unanimous consent agreement to forgo a mark up for this nominee.

In the 115th Congress, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs sought referral in June of 2017 for Mr. Pekoske's first nomination to be the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration. The committee held a hearing for this nominee on June 11, 2017, and reported the nominee out of committee favorably on June 19, 2017. In the future, this committee is likely to seek referral on this nomination. This should be considered the standard procedure for future nominations to this role.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the service, accomplishments, and retirement of Michigan native GEN Joseph M. Martin.

Joe will pass on the mantle of leadership after 36 years of service and completes his highly decorated career as the Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army.

Joe is a proud son of Michigan. Born and raised in Royal Oak and Dearborn, his family is deeply rooted in the area, with strong ties to the Ford Motor Company. Joe's grandfather, Leonard Martin, worked there for 43 years. Joe's father, Leonard Martin Jr., worked there for 42 years.

It was from his father and grandfather that General Martin learned the Michigan values of honesty, hard work, and service to his community. And it is these values that General Martin has carried with him throughout his 36 years in the U.S. Army.

As a child, Joe attended Henry Ford Elementary and Woodworth Junior High. Before high school, the Martin family moved to the west side of Dearborn, where Joe attended Clare Bryant Junior High and Dearborn High before college.

And although Joe's family has a tradition steeped in naval aviation, Joe took a different path and chose to attend West Point and join the Army.

General Martin graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1986 and was commissioned as an armor officer. Throughout the next 30 years, General Martin would serve in support of America's most significant large-scale operations and fight in some of the Army's most storied divisions.

He deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, twice for Operation Iraqi Freedom, and as the Combined Joint Force Land Component Commander for Operation Inherent Resolve.

Among other assignments, Joe served with the 1st Armored Division, the 4th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Operational Test Command, and served as the commanding general of the National Training Center and the commander of the 1st Infantry Division.

Following his command of the Big Red One, General Martin was appointed as the Director of Army Staff and later confirmed as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army.

Joe credits his success to his wife, Leann; and the Martins have two children, Joey and Kylie.

To General Martin and to his family: On behalf of a grateful Nation, thank you for your incredible service and sacrifice over the last three-and-a-half decades. We are glad to welcome you back to your home State of Michigan as you begin your next chapter.