Floor Statements

Mr. President, it is an honor to be here today to ask the Senate to confirm President Trump's first appointment, that being our colleague Marco Rubio to be the 72nd Secretary of State of this great country.

His nomination was voted positively and unanimously out of the Foreign Relations Committee just moments ago, actually.

Sixteen years ago, I came here and sat down on the Foreign Relations Committee. I took a seat at the very end. That afternoon, I got on the Intelligence Committee, took a seat at the very end. Two years later, Marco came in and sat next to me. During that period of time, he and I have worked together a tremendous number of hours on many issues.

We are in a time when America faces threats from nearly every corner of the world. It is no secret that hostile powers, from China, to Russia, to North Korea, to Iran, have formed an authoritarian axis bent on weakening the United States. We need a principled, action-oriented chief diplomat like Marco Rubio to take them on.

Our challenges in the foreign relations lane and the national security lane are enormous and complicated. I can't think of another person better equipped to tackle these issues than our colleague Marco Rubio.

I would encourage anyone who wants a clear understanding of U.S. foreign policy to look at and watch the recording of Marco's performance before the Foreign Relations Committee last week. I would say to you, his performance was flawless.

Marco's qualifications and ability to stand in the shoes of Thomas Jefferson, our first Secretary of State, and the 70 who followed him-- Marco's qualifications are unchallengeable.

I urge you all to join me in voting for Marco Rubio.

(Applause.)

I ask for the yeas and nays.

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 small businesses in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Idaho Air Gun as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for January 2025.

Founded in 2013, Idaho Air Gun began as a firearms and reloading pro shop in Boise, offering top-quality reloading equipment and a full selection of components. Over time, the business expanded to include custom rifle builds, earning a stellar reputation for craftsmanship. In 2019, they became the first retailer in Idaho to carry precharged pneumatic air guns, shortly before Idaho became the first State to legalize the use of air guns for hunting all game species. This trailblazing development created new opportunities for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the State.

In 2021, Idaho Air Gun was invited by the State to relocate and manage the Nampa Indoor Range as an air-gun-only facility--as the only public air range in the Pacific Northwest and a vital community resource, offering a youth shooting program that has helped graduates earn college scholarships and even qualify for the Junior Olympics. In 2024, they expanded their partnership with the city of Nampa as a city recreational offering.

Congratulations to the team at Idaho Air Gun on their selection as the January 2025 Small Business of the Month. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great state proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, today I rise with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo, Congressman Mike Simpson, and Congressman Russ Fulcher to acknowledge former Idaho U.S. Senator James A. McClure who, on December 27, would have celebrated his 100th birthday. Senator McClure was a remarkable man whose dedication to the State of Idaho and the United States left an indelible mark on our Nation's history. We are proud to recognize him not only as a distinguished public servant but also as an esteemed alumnus of the University of Idaho, where his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Senator McClure's political career was nothing short of exceptional. A proud graduate of the University of Idaho's College of Law, he served as the Payette County prosecuting attorney, an Idaho State Senator, and a three-term Member of Congress before his election to the U.S. Senate, where he served from 1973 to 1991. His committee assignments included the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which he chaired from 1981 to 1987, underscoring his leadership and expertise in Federal land management and American energy production. Among Senator McClure's accomplishments were the creation of the Federal Department of Energy and the Hells Canyon National Recreation area.

Beyond his political achievements, Senator McClure's commitment to public service was evident in his contributions to the University of Idaho. Together with his wife Louise, he was a steadfast supporter of the university, established the James and Louise McClure Endowment for the Sciences and Public Policy, and served on various boards, including the U of I Foundation and the College of Law Advisory Board. The James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy, established in 2007, embodies their passion for evidence-based research and its application in public policy.

The McClure Center's focus on research, civic engagement, science policy, and student programs reflect the values that Senator McClure championed throughout his life. By inspiring students and stakeholders alike, the center continues to uphold the highest standards of excellence and impact, reinforcing the importance of informed public policy in Idaho and beyond.

On this occasion, we are proud to honor Senator McClure's legacy of public service, commitment to education, and support for the State of Idaho, which will resonate for generations to come.

Mr. President, with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Congressman Mike Simpson, we congratulate and honor the retirement of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Twin Falls District Manager Michael ``Mike'' Courtney after 33 years of faithful service.

Mike grew up in Twin Falls and attended the University of Idaho, where he received a bachelor's degree in rangeland resource management. His Federal career started in 1991 as a rangeland management specialist and wild horse and burro specialist in the BLM Salmon District Office. He then

served in the Jarbidge Field Office in Twin Falls as the rangeland management specialist, Burley field office manager, and the Twin Falls acting district manager. For the last decade, Mike has proudly served as the BLM Twin Falls District Manager. During his career, Mike has held many roles, including temporary details as the Shoshone field manager, Twin Falls associate district manager, deputy State director for resources in the Idaho State BLM Office, and as the Nevada BLM State director.

Mike has managed many issues and policies in the Magic Valley and Idaho, including the Murphy Complex Fire, the Sage Grouse Initiative, innovative grazing management, gun range development, fire rehabilitation and reseeding, and more. Throughout his career, Mike has been a calm, levelheaded leader who works to find solutions.

After the Murphy Complex Fire, one of Idaho's largest rangeland fires, Mike was instrumental in establishing and developing Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPA) in Idaho. Through the program, the BLM trains farmers, ranchers, and local communities how to fight fires to better equip them to be the first line of defense on rangeland fires. RFPAs have had a positive and substantial impact in helping to minimize and control rangeland fires, which threaten people and property in Idaho and throughout the West.

Mike has received numerous awards for his work in the BLM, including Outstanding Rangeland Management Specialist, Outstanding Service and Leadership as Deputy State Director, Exemplary Contributions to the Sage Grouse Initiative, Director's Excellence through Team Accomplishment, and the Director's Excellence in Leadership. He has also been recognized as the Idaho Cattle Association Friend of the Industry.

Mike is a dedicated public servant, helping with the Kimberly School District's athletic programs and becoming an integral part of Kimberly, Twin Falls, and the Magic Valley communities.

Congratulations, Mike Courtney, on your well-earned retirement. Your deep roots, extensive knowledge, and experience in Idaho have been a great benefit to our State and the Nation. Thank you for your outstanding and distinguished service to the BLM and the people of Idaho. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. President, I rise today, along with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Congressman Mike Simpson, to honor the life and legacy of Jim Johnston, who passed away on November 26, 2024. Jim was not just a resident of Pocatello; he was its biggest and most enthusiastic supporter, a presence felt at every grand opening, community event, and local initiative.

Jim's impact on Pocatello cannot be overstated. He was a dedicated public servant who served multiple terms on the Pocatello City Council and was a friend to many. His unwavering support for Idaho State University and its initiatives--such as the Welcome Back Orange and Black and Celebrate Idaho State events--highlighted his passion for uplifting our community.

Beyond his numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Citizen and Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce, Jim was a man of action. As a founding member of Citizens Community Bank, a board trustee for the Idaho State Historical Society, and a significant contributor to Habitat for Humanity and the Chief Pocatello statue project, Jim's life was a testament to public service. His selflessness is illustrated in a story shared by his son Greg about how Jim won a dream vacation for himself and his wife Karen but chose instead to donate the $10,000 prize to Habitat for Humanity. This act of generosity encapsulated Jim's character and desire to improve the lives of others.

A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim held several leadership positions. Jim and Karen, his wife of nearly 60 years, took pride in instilling their values of faith and service to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We thank them for their commitment, which has undoubtedly bettered the lives of countless Idahoans and members of the Pocatello community.

As we reflect on Jim Johnston's remarkable life, we remember a man who embodied the spirit of Pocatello--a successful businessman, realtor, volunteer, and above all, a loving father and grandfather. His contributions to the city, our State, and the people of Idaho will resonate for generations to come.

Today, we honor Jim Johnston's memory by continuing his legacy of service, kindness, and community spirit. He will be dearly missed, but his impact will endure in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

First of all, let me say, I want to fully associate myself with the remarks of my colleague from New Hampshire. She said it about as well as it can be said, but I am going to underscore it and go back.

As she said, in 2012, she and I were the appointed representatives of the United States to look at and monitor the elections in Georgia, and, I have to tell you, it was an interesting process to do that. We looked and watched the election. From our point of view, it was a straight-up election. It was well done, well executed. And, at the end of the day, the incumbent, President Saakashvili lost; Mr. Ivanishvili's Dream party won.

We had the interesting experience, the next morning, going to see both camps, and one of the things that gave me great hope is it was very much like an American election. Both camps were still in campaign mode when we talked to them, but, as Senator Shaheen indicated, we had very candid discussions with both sides. Frankly, before we left the region--I think we went to Turkey after that. But before we left the region, they had made agreements that they were going to talk about a peaceful transition. That was a really, really good sign.

I have to tell you, we left there really quite optimistic that things were headed in the right direction--that here

they had an election that was a spirited election, but it came out the way the people of Georgia wanted it to come out and that things would go forward.

It wasn't too long after that that we started to have suspicions that it wasn't going as well as it should. And, indeed, that was the case, and it continued to deteriorate and continues to deteriorate today to where it is of an urgent nature.

Look, this country is a country that, after Ronald Reagan brought down the Soviet Union and all these countries got their freedom--most of them took it--this is one of those countries that has not been able to get complete footing and get the complete shake-off of Russia that it wants.

The ghosts of the Russian Empire still are there in that country, and they are showing up in what is happening today. The tactics that are being used by the government that is in place today are the tactics that they use in Russia. It is brutal. It involves tortures. It involves arrests. It involves all of the things that we see from the old Soviet Union.

This is not what the Georgian people want. You say: Well, how can you say that? The Georgian Constitution actually has enshrined in it that they will pursue--and they have been pursuing--membership in the European Union. When that happens, of course, things change dramatically in the country. They go much more to Western values than what they inherited from the old Soviet Union, and that is the direction that Georgia's people want to go.

And, again, not only is it in the Constitution, the polling there says that 80 percent of people want to continue to pursue both European Union membership and NATO membership.

So what has the current government done about the Georgian Dream? Well, they have done the things that the Senator from New Hampshire has laid out. They have done awful things that resulted in arrests and torture and the kinds of things that autocratic governments do in order to get their way.

The Georgian people have not stood by passively and let this happen. There have been lots of protests in the country over recent weeks. Indeed, some of them are quite violent because the Georgian Dream party is cracking down on these people who are just simply trying to pursue their dreams for Georgia, both as expressed in the Constitution and expressed by the will of the people. We had an opportunity to talk to the President of Georgia just recently and came away again disappointed with the way things are happening.

But, look, there is hope here. We passed a bill that gives the Biden administration the ability to go in and levy sanctions on the people that should be sanctioned.

And it is not a secret. We know who they are. They know who they are. The State Department knows who they are. The Biden administration knows who they are. So let's get at it.

And just as my colleague from New Hampshire, I am deeply, deeply disappointed that we haven't done that. Look, putting sanctions on is not a strain on this country. It is easy to do. But it can be and will be a real strain on the people who were sanctioned.

We really need to do that, and like my friend from New Hampshire, I don't understand why it is not being done. Is it incompetence? Is it laziness? Is it that they don't know better? We have all talked to them, but it just doesn't get done.

So, again, I want to join in with my friend from New Hampshire and urge the administration to step in and do what should be done, follow the law that we have put in place, and take the opportunities for sanctions that we have put in place.

I want to continue to be hopeful for the Georgian people. They don't want what is going on there. They don't want to drift back to the Soviet Union or to Russia. They want to look westward, by their Constitution, by their own will. They want to be part of the European Union and part of NATO.

Let's give them every help that we can possibly do, and it won't cost us anything.

With that, I yield the floor.