Floor Statements

Madam President, I rise today to honor Kansan Charlene Patton, a tireless advocate for American agriculture who passed away on September 20, 2026.

As a U.S. Senator representing a farm State, I often find myself educating my colleagues and other officials in Washington, DC, about the vital role agriculture plays in our economy, our communities, and our tables. Agricultural advocacy is an important responsibility, and few Kansans fulfilled that mission more fully than Charlene Patton.

As we mourn her passing, my thoughts are with her family, friends, colleagues, and the many Kansans whose lives she touched.

For more than 50 years, Charlene dedicated her career to advancing nutrition education and promoting the critical role of agriculture. From her service with the Kansas Department of Agriculture to her work with the Kansas Soybean Commission and the Kansas Wheat Commission, she became one of Kansas agriculture's most recognizable and trusted voices. She shared her expertise through media appearances, educational programs, cookbooks, and her contribution in developing the ``From the Land of Kansas'' trademark program.

Her morning segment, ``Cooking with Charlene,'' was viewed by many Kansans over the years. For more than five decades, her demonstrations aired on WIBW-TV, where she combined practical cooking advice with lessons about Kansas agriculture, helping viewers better understand the connection between the food on their tables and the farmers who produce it.

Through her work and television appearances on WIBW-TV, KAKE-TV and KOAM-TV, she shared recipes, nutritional education and agricultural insights with audiences across the State. Her work brought Kansas agriculture into kitchens, making it relatable and accessible to generations of Kansans.

Her passion for agriculture, food, and community service was rooted in her experience with 4-H. As both a member and later an adult volunteer serving Jefferson County, Shawnee County, and the State organization, she dedicated her time to help develop future generations of food and nutritional leaders.

Charlene's legacy extends far beyond the recipes she shared or the programs she championed. She helped generations of Kansans better understand the value of Agriculture, encouraged healthy family meals, and helped increase appreciation for the hard-working producers who feed our Nation.

On behalf of the U.S. Senate, I am grateful for Ms. Patton's lifetime of service, advocacy, and dedication to Kansas agriculture. Her contributions will continue to be felt through the communities she strengthened, the lives she touched, and the lasting impact she leaves on the State of Kansas.

Madam President, today, I want to recognize Clay Lacy, a Kansan whose distinguished career of dedication, innovation and service has made him one of the most accomplished and influential aviators in the history of American flight.

Clay Lacy grew up on a farm near Wichita--the Air Capital of the World--and from an early age, he knew he wanted to fly. Inspired by his grandmother and early aviation mentors, Clay pursued his passion with dedication. He learned to fly by the age of 12 and went on to earn his flight instructor certificate. In 1952, he joined United Airlines as a copilot. Just 1 year later, he joined the California Air National Guard, serving our Nation as a military aviator flying the F-86 Sabre fighter jet.

Over a career that spanned more than seven decades, Clay has accumulated more than 55,000 flight hours and flown hundreds of different aircraft. In addition to his service as a United Airlines captain and military aviator, Clay distinguished himself as a test pilot, air racer, and entrepreneur. In 1968, he founded Clay Lacy Aviation, the first executive jet management company on the West Coast, helping establish a new standard for business aviation.

Clay's spirit of innovation extended far beyond his work as a pilot. His passion for aviation inspired him to pioneer new techniques in aerial cinematography. Through Astrovision, an air-to-air camera system he developed, Clay revolutionized the way aircraft were filmed and photographed, contributing to some of the most iconic aviation imagery featured in motion pictures, television, and advertising.

Just as importantly, Clay has used his success to create opportunities for others. Through his philanthropy and the work of the Clay Lacy Foundation, he has supported aviation education and expanded educational opportunities for young people across the country.

Clay's extraordinary contributions to aviation have been recognized with numerous honors. In 2010, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, followed by his induction into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame in 2011. He has also received the Federal Aviation Administration's Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, the United Airlines Historical Foundation's William S. Arnott Legacy Award, the National Business Aviation Association's Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, and many other distinguished honors.

On November 10, 2026, Clay will receive the Kansas Aviation Museum Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his storied career, his contributions to the aviation industry, and the lasting legacy of a Wichita-born aviator whose influence has reached around the globe. Clay Lacy has devoted his life to advancing the aviation industry he has loved and cherished since he was a young boy. His remarkable career reflects not only a passion for flight, but also a commitment to innovation, service, mentorship, and giving back to the next generation.

I thank Clay for his steadfast service to the aviation industry, our Nation, and the State of Kansas. His extraordinary contributions will continue to inspire generations of aviators and Kansans for years to come.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. President, I am pleased to be here on the floor tonight to see this legislation pass.

I appreciate the remarks of the Senator from Washington Senator Cantwell. I appreciate her and Senator Cruz, the ranking member and the chairman of the Commerce Committee, of which I am a member.

At one point in time, I chaired the subcommittee that engaged in amateur athletics. A long time ago, we started down this path, and it is nice to see a resolution of this issue, and I thank all of those involved.

Mr. President, tonight, I rise to request the passage of my resolution honoring the life and legacy of the U.S. Senator from Kansas Senator Nancy Kassebaum.

During her three terms serving in this Chamber, Senator Kassebaum was a trailblazer who perfectly embodied the pioneering spirit of our State and the people who call it home. She made history as the first woman to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate, and she served from 1978 to 1997. During that time, she earned the admiration of Kansans not just because of her accomplishments--although they were many and they were impressive--but because Kansans knew that they could trust her to represent them with integrity and mutual respect.

A native of Topeka and a graduate of the University of Kansas, Senator Kassebaum cared deeply about her State. She understood our State; she understood its people; and she knew that our people made the best place called home special. She and her husband raised their four children in Maize, which is a little town outside of Wichita. There, she also served on the Maize Board of Education--the only elected office she would hold before Kansans chose her to represent them in the U.S. Senate in 1978.

I was fortunate enough to know Senator Kassebaum well over the years, and I campaigned for her before she was a U.S. Senator in my part of the State of Kansas--Western Kansas--during her first election and the campaigns that followed. In each of those interactions, I appreciated her friendship, and throughout our time of knowing each other, I appreciated her counsel. She was deeply respected across our State, and Kansans remain grateful for the way in which she represented us with such intelligence and dedication.

Her colleague for most of the time she was in the U.S. Senate was Bob Dole. Perhaps Bob Dole received more national attention--in fact, I know he did; he ran for President three times--but they were friends and colleagues, and they worked well together, though they brought different perspectives to the U.S. Senate and to the people of our State.

Senator Bob Dole described that legacy of Nancy Kassebaum in remarks as they prepared to leave the Senate after serving together for nearly two decades. Speaking on the Senate floor on June 10, 1996, Senator Dole said of Senator Kassebaum:

Nancy Kassebaum does not speak in a loud voice. She does

not clamor for media attention. But as all Senators know,

while her voice may be quiet, her will is strong.

Senator Dole continued:

For 18 years, she has simply represented the people of

Kansas to the best of her abilities, and she has made a

positive difference for Kansas and America in the process.

That was the Senator Kassebaum who was so deeply respected by the citizens of our State. She was committed to making certain that her service in the Senate reflected the trust Kansans placed in her. And as we reflect on her legacy today, it is evident that she succeeded. Upon her death, Kansans mourned greatly.

In much of my time in the U.S. Senate, I have listened to Kansans who say they wish that Senator Dole and Senator Kassebaum were their Senators, and if you are over the age of 50 in our State, those are the people you think of as the Senators from our State. In both instances with Senator Dole and Senator Kassebaum, it is our opportunity to try to replicate some of the things that they represented and some of the accomplishments they had here on the U.S. Senate floor.

Senator Kassebaum's time in public service embodied the institution of the Senate when it was at its best. This body, our Nation, and the State of Kansas have been changed for the better because of her service.

Following her retirement from the Senate, she married another Senator, Senator Howard Baker of Tennessee. She continued to invest in the State she loved, and she and Senator Baker continued to represent the United

States of America in an ambassadorial position in Japan. She remained a familiar face across our State after that retirement and could be seen at the State fair speaking with Kansans and hearing about issues that they were facing in those days. That, too--that listening to Kansans and being among Kansans--was Senator Nancy Kassebaum.

She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will not be forgotten. As we pay tribute to her life, we join the entire Kassebaum family in mourning a loss that will be felt deeply.

I extend my condolences to her children Bill and John; to her stepchildren Cissy and Darek; and to her grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

I ask the Senate to join me in honoring her life and legacy that she leaves behind from that service, from that commitment, and from the respect that she gave and that she earned.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 913, submitted earlier today.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that we start the vote scheduled for 1:45 now.

Madam President, as the Senate considers the Protect College Sports Act, I believe we must clarify its proposed application of the Sports Broadcasting Act to a new collegiate collective entity.

It is important to make clear that the Protect College Sports Act would expand the Sports Broadcasting Act only with respect to the entities which may be covered by the antitrust exemption in selling telecast rights--in this case, the new covered intercollegiate entity.

The legislation expands only the eligible entities selling telecast rights under the SBA, not the scope of the exemption itself. The bill would not modify the scope of the underlying Sports Broadcasting Act's allowance of the collective sale or transfer of media rights to entities beyond those that will make games available via ``sponsored telecasting.''

As a result, the new collegiate entity is only covered by the antitrust exemption in negotiations with media partners that provide games to the public via broadcast, rather than exclusive streaming arrangements. The bill would not modify the scope of activities protected by the underlying SBA and nothing in title II of the legislation should be construed as doing so.

The intent of this legislation is to increase fans' access to college sports on free, over-the-air broadcasting. I encourage universities and conferences to work with local and national broadcasters to make certain college sports are accessible to all.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, today--this afternoon--the Senate took a really important step to strengthen our national security and pay a final tribute to our colleague Lindsey Graham, the Senator from South Carolina. This step has been a long time coming.

But by an overwhelming passage of the Lindsay O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, the Senate sent a clear message to our adversaries: There will be consequences for those who finance terrorism and those who wage an unprovoked war.

Over the past several weeks, the administration has increased economic pressures on Russia and on Iran, making clear that the United States will not reward aggression. This legislation builds upon those efforts by giving the President stronger tools to ensure these sanctions remain effective and much more difficult to evade.

Through enforcing sanctions on the top five purchasers of Russian crude oil, this proposal aims to address a vital component of the war many have overlooked: Russia's vulnerability lies not only on the battlefield but also on its dependence on energy revenue.

If we allow the Kremlin to continue selling billions of dollars of oil and natural gas around the world, we allow Putin to continue unhindered in building advanced weaponry, paying Russian soldiers, and prolonging the conflict.

Russia's ability to continue this war depends upon its ability to generate revenue. By increasing economic pressures now, we make it more difficult for Russia to sustain its war efforts.

This legislation represents a significant attempt to do just that. Following years of work between Congress, the administration, and our allies, this proposal would finally strike at the financial engine driving Russia's war machine without increasing the global price of oil.

This proposal also recognizes an important reality: Sanctioning Russia alone is no longer enough. Importantly, the bill would extend and strengthen sanctions authorities related to Iran, recognizing the growing partnership between Moscow and Tehran. Russia and Iran are no longer acting independently. Iranian drones have terrorized Ukrainian cities. Russia has deepened its military cooperation with Tehran while providing political and strategic support to the Iranian regime. Both governments seek to undermine American interests, threaten our allies, and weaken international order that has helped preserve peace for generations.

The passage of this legislation will not, by itself, end the war in Ukraine or change Iran's behavior, but it will make both regimes pay a far higher price for choosing aggression over peace.

The Senate has now done its part. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this legislation and send it to the President's desk. This bill must be swiftly signed into law and implemented in order to hold Russia and those supporting its unjust and unjustifiable war accountable.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. President, I understand there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

I now ask for a second reading, and in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 132, S. 289.

I ask that the bill be considered read a third time.

I know of no further debate on the bill.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 347, S. 3977.

I now ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 422, S. 2666.

I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported substitute amendment be agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 6500 postcloture; further, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. tomorrow for the weekly conference meetings and that all time during recess, adjournment, leader remarks, and morning business count postcloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 6500.

Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order.