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, reserving the right to object, I would like to make a few observations about this resolution.

First of all, this couldn't come at a more inappropriate time. I think my good friend knows that there is a very large delegation from Saudi Arabia visiting Washington, DC, right now. They are a long, long- term ally of the United States going back almost 100 years. We have had a long relationship with them.

Certainly, nothing I am saying here is to denigrate the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. That happened. There is absolutely no question about it. But nothing that--this resolution will do nothing to achieve accountability for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi more than has already accrued.

When Jamal Khashoggi was killed in 2019, President Trump and the administration conducted a thorough investigation into his death and determined that 17 Saudi nationals were responsible for Mr. Khashoggi's death, and they were subsequently sanctioned.

In addition, the Saudis themselves took action. President Trump also understands--and we should all understand--that the United States needs stable and invested security partners in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has played an increasingly important role over the last 100 years and an even more important role recently as we have had diplomacy, economic growth, and especially regional security in the Middle East.

Justice and accountability for the past are important, but with a thorough investigation complete and the responsible individuals held accountable, we can look to a better and brighter future for the United States-Saudi relationship.

With all of this in mind and the fact that, at this time and place, this resolution is not in the best interest of the United States, I object.

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 with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Congressman Russ Fulcher to pay tribute to a remarkable individual whose unwavering commitment has left an indelible mark on the Port of Lewiston and beyond. As Jerry Klemm, the esteemed commissioner of the Port of Lewiston, prepares for retirement, we take this opportunity to acknowledge his lifelong dedication to enhancing the well-being of his community.

In 1959, Jerry Klemm, a proud native of Lewiston, embarked on a 40- year career with Potlatch Corporation. A skilled welder by trade, Mr. Klemm emerged as a leader and champion of the Lewis-Clark Valley's rich history.

Rather than opting for retirement in 1999, Mr. Klemm chose to continue his service to both the industry and his community. He was actively involved with the Pulp and Paper Resources Council and held leadership roles with several organizations, including the Lewis Clark Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District, and served as president of the local union for 13 years.

Mr. Klemm was elected to the Port of Lewiston Commission in 2008. Since assuming this role, he has leveraged his knowledge and extensive governmental experience to advocate for the port at all levels--from local initiatives to Federal support--with the goal of benefiting his community. At the heart of Mr. Klemm's mission has been the preservation of the lower Snake River dams, which he considers essential for Idaho.

Mr. Klemm's dedication to fostering economic vitality in the Lewis- Clark Valley through opportunity and growth at the port has been a hallmark of his tenure as commissioner. His support for the incubator program for entrepreneurs and the introduction of Idaho's only cruise boat dock are just a few examples of his enduring impact, which is felt throughout the port district and region.

As Mr. Klemm prepares to step back from his active role in the port's next chapter, his positive influence and guidance will continue to resonate, shaping the future of his community for many years to come. Today, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation to Jerry Klemm for his decades of devoted service.

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.

Madam 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 respond to Senator Kaine's S.J. Res. 90, and I would like to state clearly that the administration is very much opposed to this resolution, and they have put out a policy statement as of today stating that they strongly oppose S.J. Res. 90.

Without going into all the details, they say that S.J. Res. 90 fails to account for the extraordinary national security threat posed by transnational violent drug-trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists operating in and around the Caribbean Sea. That really says it all, and not much more needs to be said, but I do have a few comments on this.

President Trump has taken decisive action to protect thousands of Americans from lethal narcotics. He has kept drugs off the streets, kept children alive, and eliminated narcoterrorists who have been profiting off of the deaths of members of our communities.

These people have been transmitting drugs into the United States via a lot of different ways. One of them was by vessels, shipping vessels, in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean.

But some Democrat Members and members of the media have claimed that President Trump does not have the authority to conduct these strikes. I will tell you right now, that is plain wrong. I myself and many of my colleagues have sat recently through hours of briefings and analysis by government legal departments and attorneys who have studied this issue. Unanimously, they have concluded that the action taken by President Trump is absolutely lawful.

As Commander in Chief, if the President sees a group of terrorists planning to harm America or our allies, he has the right--not only the right but the duty--to do something about it. He has taken an oath to protect this country, and I and the majority of my colleagues are glad the President took this action.

Now, for some reason which I don't understand, the people who oppose the President's actions somehow make a differentiation between drugs and explosives. If these were explosives that were on ships being brought to the United States by terrorist organizations to be distributed through the United States and kill and maim Americans, people would say nothing about it. These drugs are no different than that. They do the exact same thing: They kill people by the thousands in the United States.

President Trump is doing what needs to be done to protect the American people, just as he has done before. Take for example the recent defensive strikes against the Houthis in the Red Sea. This went on for some time. When the Houthis threatened the U.S. ships in the Red Sea, citing article II of the Constitution, the President took action to eliminate the terrorists threatening our troops and U.S. commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

These strikes are fully compliant with the War Powers Resolution and fully compliant with the President's article II constitutional authority as Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces.

Prior Presidents did not need nor did they seek congressional authorization to defend America in this Western Hemisphere. Panama and Grenada are two examples where Republican Presidents also took action in our own backyard to go after threats to the American people.

These strikes have been discrete; they have been intermittent, with little risk, if any, to U.S. servicemen. No 60-day clock has been triggered, as many Democrats have tried to argue today.

I wish my colleagues would join me here today in congratulating the President for what he has done and thanking the President for what he has done on behalf of the many parents who will not have to bury their children early and will never know that they were saved from this.

But there is no doubt--none whatsoever--that every time we take a strike and we send tons of these poisonous drugs to the bottom of the ocean, thousands of American lives have been saved.

Mr. President, thank you for what you are doing on behalf of all those Americans who will be saved from these poisonous drugs. Thank you, and continue to do what you are doing.

Mr. President, I object to the resolution.