Floor Statements

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am proud to honor Survival Garden Seeds in Rigby as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for January 2026.

Jason Spahr and Daryl Ward started Survival Garden Seeds in April 2020 as a way to combat supply chain disruptions and food shortages. The small family business was inspired by the Victory Garden movement of World Wars I and II, which encouraged people to grow food at home to support their communities. As the business grew over the following years, Jason and his wife Arianne assumed leadership, transforming it into the Idaho-based operation it is today. Through Survival Garden Seeds, the couple and their team aim to help people become more self- reliant through gardening.

Starting with just 30 seed varieties in a small facility, Jason and his family handled all packaging and shipping for incoming orders. Thanks to their hard work and long hours, Survival Garden Seeds has grown to 23 employees and now offers over 400 different kinds of seeds.

In the 5 years since its founding, Survival Garden Seeds has evolved into a fully domestic manufacturing business, designing and building its own seed-packing equipment and managing production, packaging, and distribution under one roof. Their in-house process has helped secure partnerships with companies like Walmart and Amazon, fueling business growth, job creation, and greater supply chain reliability.

Survival Garden Seeds places a strong focus on using education to promote gardening techniques for long-term self-reliance. Jason, Arianne, and the team partner with local food banks, community gardens, and missions in Africa to teach sustainable gardening practices. They also regularly offer gardening and homesteading classes to Idahoans throughout the Rigby area.

Congratulations to Survival Garden Seeds and its team on being recognized as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for January 2026. Your dedication to excellence makes Idaho proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Boise, ID, as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. This historic landmark has played a vital role in the spiritual and cultural fabric of our community since its founding in 1876, symbolizing growth, resilience, and our unwavering faith in God. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Catholic Church in Idaho and continues to serve as a gathering place for generations of worshippers.

From its humble beginnings as St. John's parish in 1876, the cathedral has gone through significant milestones. Originally established in a modest wooden structure, the parish quickly outgrew its facility. In the early 1900s, Bishop Alphonse J. Glorieux purchased the current site to construct a more permanent cathedral. The cornerstone was laid in 1906, and construction progressed slowly but steadily despite the challenges posed by World War I. After 15 years of persistent efforts, the cathedral was finally dedicated on Easter Sunday in 1921.

Architecturally, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is an exemplary representation of the Romanesque revival style, crafted from locally sourced Boise sandstone. Its cruciform layout spans 170 feet in length and 65 feet in width, featuring a barrel-vaulted ceiling, intricate stained-glass windows, and ornate marble finishes. The magnificent rose window above the choir loft depicting the patroness of musicians, St. Cecilia, draws the eye of all visitors. Over the decades, significant renovations have preserved the cathedral's legacy while adapting to the community's needs, including a centennial project in 2021 that revitalized the sanctuary and returned the tabernacle to its center.

The cathedral serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural landmark, anchoring the local Catholic community and attracting visitors with its stunning design and historical significance. It has witnessed countless weddings, baptisms, and celebrations and is a cherished gathering place for parishioners. Its proximity to the Idaho State Capitol further underscores its role as a spiritual and civic beacon in the heart of Boise.

As we commemorate 150 years of the cathedral's history, we honor the visionary leaders, dedicated parishioners, and the wider community that have contributed to its enduring legacy. The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist stands as a monument of faith, our Father, and the resilience of Idaho's Catholic community. May it continue to inspire future generations as a place of worship and a pillar of Catholic tradition in our ever-changing world.

Mr. President, I rise today to raise a point of order on the War Powers Resolution before the Senate, which I reserve the right to do at the close of my remarks and after Senator Kaine moves the matter forward.

I understand many of the sentiments people have about war powers and the balance between Congress and the President. There is truly clear tension between the branches and the Constitution on this matter, and, of course, that has reared its head many, many times during the existence of our country.

Putting U.S. troops in hostility is an incredibly serious matter. These are American lives on the line, and we should not expose them to danger unless there are vital national interests, and, of course, we should not ask them to engage in endless wars.

We are not debating those issues here today. What we are debating is trying to stop something that is not happening. Let me say that again. The objective of this resolution is to stop something that is not happening.

The resolution is relatively short--three pages long. It is full of the usual whereases, wherefores, et cetera, et cetera. But this is the operative language. It is very clear:

Congress hereby directs the President to terminate----

terminate--

the use of the U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities within or

against Venezuela.

That is what we are voting on today. We are attempting to direct the President to terminate the use of the U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities within or against Venezuela. Only Congress can dream this up.

Now, I know there are a lot of people who think this is a very powerful institution, and it is, indeed, but even this institution cannot stop something that isn't happening, and that is exactly what the resolution directs the President to do.

Currently, there are no U.S. forces engaged in hostilities in Venezuela. The President did authorize actions that were limited in scope, short in duration, and done to protect U.S. interests and citizens. The operation only saw 200 troops, and they were inside Venezuela, on Venezuela's soil, for less than 2 hours. Those troops engaged with some unfortunate Cuban guards, who are no longer with us, for 27 minutes. That is what this was made up of. It was incredibly brief, targeted, and very successful.

The War Powers Act requires a President to submit a report to Congress within 48 hours of ``introducing U.S. forces into hostilities.'' The President did that. If U.S. troops stay in hostilities, the President is required to submit reports to Congress ``periodically,'' is the word used. Sadly, the War Powers Act never required the President to submit a report to Congress when hostilities ended. It should have been in the bill; it wasn't.

For this reason, I sent a letter to the President asking him to confirm that there are no U.S. forces engaged in hostilities in Venezuela. Now, I knew that. You all knew that. You were all in the briefing when we got it. However, since this was raised and people were trying to stop something that isn't happening, I asked the President of the United States to confirm that it is not happening. Obviously, they responded--the administration responded and said clearly that there are no hostilities and no troops in Venezuela.

I sent a letter to the President, and the response confirmed that the operation has ended, that it is over, that there are no troops there, that there is nothing to terminate.

There are no U.S. forces in hostilities.

Now, I know some of my colleagues will argue that a vote for this resolution is a prospective statement about limiting future action in Venezuela. That is not what it says. They argue we still have ships in the Caribbean. Clearly, the President is ready to invade again, they say. But, again, that is not what the resolution says. It says cease the hostilities that are going on. No language in this resolution addresses future action, and, indeed, the War Powers Act doesn't allow that unless there are ongoing hostilities.

As we have seen in the days since the operation, the administration is enforcing U.S. sanctions and seizing vessels that are violating them. Many of those sanctions were created by the laws passed by Senators voting here today, and the War Powers Act has no binding authority to constrain the President's Commander in Chief powers before U.S. forces are put into hostilities. Nothing in the act does that, nor does the Constitution allow it.

If the President was to deploy U.S. forces again, the administration has committed they would require, as is required by law, to send a new report under the law, and Congress could then act. That is the law.

Let me be clear. No President, Republican or Democrat, will ever consider a prospective War Powers Resolution vote as binding on the President's constitutional article II powers as Commander in Chief, and they shouldn't. Having 535 ``Commanders in Chief'' is a really, really bad idea, and our Founders knew that.

President Trump is laser-focused on protecting American interests while

also avoiding costly and life-threatening conflicts. The recent actions in Venezuela were limited in scope, short in duration, and done to protect U.S. interests and citizens. What President Trump has done in Venezuela is the definition of the President's article II constitutional authorities as Commander in Chief.

Similarly, President George H.W. Bush authorized limited military operations to arrest and bring Panama's Manuel Noriega to the United States to stand trial for drug-related charges. Interestingly, that lasted 2 weeks, and there were thousands of troops involved--not done in a very short period of time with only a handful of troops--and the Democrats applauded President Bush for his action.

For years, my Democratic colleagues have called for Maduro's removal. You heard me the other day read statements that my Democratic colleagues have made. But when President Trump actually made that happen, now they say: How dare he do this. This is TDS, Trump derangement syndrome, at its obvious worst.

I firmly believe the operation in Venezuela was a good thing. I understand that some of my colleagues disagree with me, but that does not give this body the right to block the Commander in Chief's article II authority and defy every law of gravity and try to stop something that isn't happening.

I yield the floor to my friend from Virginia.

Mr. President, I make a point of order--raise a point of order--that this joint resolution is not entitled to privilege under 50 U.S.C. 1546a due to U.S. troops not being engaged in hostilities.

Vote on Point of Order

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.