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, 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 want to join my colleague, the distinguished ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee. We are in the same spot on this bill and on the amendment.

Just last week, I stood in this Chamber and asked my colleagues to join me in moving this bill forward, and many of them--from both sides of the aisle--did so. That vote was successful with a margin of 86 to 12. That is a rare vote at this time in the Senate.

That same night that we voted in tremendous support of Ukraine, a number of us welcomed Ukraine's President back to the Capitol, where he gave us a fulsome update on Ukraine's battlefield successes.

He expressed how Ukraine sorely needed this sanctions legislation to magnify the impact of Russia's battlefield losses by imposing crippling economic costs on Russia's economy. This could finally bring Russia to the negotiating table and end this conflict, which we all want to see happen.

But to be clear, while this legislation would help Ukraine counter Russian aggression, it also protects Idahoans--all Americans--but Idahoans, who I focus on here, as all of us focus on our own constituents, and that is always each of our priority.

Peace and stability in Europe are in America's interests. In the interconnected world we live in, prosperity in Europe only helps us here at home.

Like everyone here, I always view what we are doing here through the lens of: How will this affect my constituents at home? How will it help them? And bringing an end to this conflict will allow us to return to issues that Idahoans care about: lowering prices, unleashing domestic energy, protecting public lands, and building a better future for the next generation.

This legislation brings us much closer to that end and an end to this conflict. It will make a decisive impact

that goes beyond what can be achieved on the battlefield. It will cut off the flow of cash that powers Putin's war machine.

I have worked with my colleagues on this bill for more than a year, including my friend from New Hampshire; with Senator Blumenthal; and, of course, with Senator Lindsey Graham, who was very focused on this bill; and with the President.

I have worked particularly to include sanctions in this bill against Russia's illicit shadow fleet that it uses to evade these sanctions and prop up its energy sector.

These ships and the oil sales they facilitate directly fuel Russia's war machine and threaten American and European security. They enrich Russia, China, and Iran. This bill will go a long way to stopping that shadow fleet.

I have also worked to include provisions taking aim at Russia's defense supply chains and a number of key energy projects, causing real pain to Putin and those who keep him in power. They will do that.

These tools will give the United States and our allies the leverage we need to force Russia back to the negotiating table and end this conflict.

I would be remiss if I didn't note that this bill was a culmination of many, many hours of work from my staff, Senator Shaheen's staff, Senator Blumenthal's staff, Senator Lindsey Graham's staff, all of them and other staffs worked on this. And we usually don't thank them here on the floor, but they really need thanks on this because this went on so long and was so technical.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't note that this bill was a passion project for our friend Lindsey Graham, and it is fitting that we will see it move through the Senate today.

I hope to, once again, see a strong majority of my colleagues join us in this bill--in passing this bill right here and right now.

Madam President, the Gem State is made strong by the hardworking, dedicated, and selfless actions of Idahoans. Across our State, hundreds of thousands of veterans, first responders, volunteers, and public servants go above and beyond for the communities they call home. These people are pillars of our State and are essential to keeping Idaho the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Through my Idaho Service Spotlight, I recognize these exceptional Idahoans whose service and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Gem State. Today, I am pleased to recognize Larry Cudmore as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the Month of August 2026.

Larry Cudmore has devoted his life to serving others and bringing hope. For nearly four decades, Larry served as a pastor in several churches across north Idaho before moving to Idaho Falls in 2002. There, Larry spent the next 16 years practicing ministry at First Evangelical Lutheran Church until an aggressive cancer diagnosis forced him to retire. While Larry was declared in remission in 2018, he was unable to return to full-time pastoral work.

Larry still felt called to do more for his community. Drawing on his love for horses and childhood memories on the farm, Larry started Champs Heart in 2019. The nonprofit serves children with special needs, veterans, and their families, helping them reconnect and offering opportunities for healing through horse encounters.

Larry was inspired to start Champs Heart after interacting with patients at Primary Children's Hospital while he was undergoing treatment. Among them was Emily Baum, an 18-year-old from Ashton facing a severe cancer diagnosis. Larry spoke with Emily many times during his treatment, sharing stories about his horse Champ to lift her spirits.

Emily passed away at the age of 19 in December 2017, just 2 months before Larry was declared cancer-free. To honor her memory, Larry decided to create a place where children with cancer and special needs could get a break from the stress of doctor appointments and feel joy. His goal was simple: bring a smile to these children's faces without putting a financial burden on their families. Today, on the Champs Heart property is a facility called Emily's House, and the organization's volunteers are called Emily's Angels.

Champs Heart now serves around 500 participants each month and has expanded its services to include survivors of domestic violence, police and first responders, foster children, and at-risk youth. From providing a child who experienced abuse a judgment-free space to build confidence to helping a teenager with disabilities find the balance to ride on a horse, Larry is proud of every Champs Heart success story.

On behalf of the people of Idaho, I thank and congratulate Larry for being selected as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of August 2026. You reflect the very best of our State, and Idaho is stronger because of your actions.

Madam 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 Grooveberries in Coeur d'Alene as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for August 2026.

Since opening its doors in 2012, Grooveberries has become a favorite place for families in the Coeur d'Alene community seeking delicious frozen yogurt. Chase and Sarah Gibson purchased the company in the fall of 2021 when they moved to north Idaho and have continued building on its success.

After taking ownership, the Gibsons expanded Grooveberries' menu to include more than 80 rotating frozen yogurt flavors, 70 toppings, and added a full espresso bar. Locals have especially enjoyed the shop's coffee offerings, including their Original Tart flavor and signature Yoguccino, a blend of frozen yogurt and espresso. Chase and Sarah also developed a homemade eggless cookie dough, which has become a well- loved addition to the topping bar.

Committed to serving their community through more than just fro-yo, the Gibsons regularly open their doors by hosting monthly worship nights, bringing together local bands, customers, staff, and neighbors.

Following the death of Charlie Kirk last fall, Chase and Sarah decided to honor his memory by placing stickers bearing Charlie's image on each cup. The overwhelming response from the Coeur d'Alene community led Grooveberries to continue the initiative, which now offers customers their choice of Turning Point USA and Bible verse stickers. Grooveberries also partners with Turning Point USA by donating 5 percent of related sales to local Club America and TPUSA chapters.

Congratulations to the Gibsons and the Grooveberries team on being recognized as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for August 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.