Floor Statements

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

Mr. President, I have five requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders.

Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate:

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 91, S. 1003.

Mr. President, I 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 when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of Calendar No. 106, Preston Griffith, and the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination at 11:30; that following disposition of the Griffith nomination, the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Calendar No. 81, Scott Kupor, and following the cloture vote, the Senate recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; further, that at 2:15 p.m., the Senate vote on confirmation of Calendar No. 197, Bryan Bedford, and following disposition of the Bedford nomination, the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Calendar No. 58, William Briggs; further, that at 5:45 p.m., if cloture is invoked, the Senate vote on confirmation of the Kupor nomination and following disposition of the nomination, if cloture is invoked, the Senate vote on confirmation of the Briggs nomination; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Wednesday's session of the Senate, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

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

Mr. President, the most significant responsibility and heavy burden a President has is the determination of when to engage the Armed Forces of our Nation. Such decisions can both cost and save lives.

This past Saturday, President Trump directed our military to respond to a growing threat that Iran could weaponize nuclear material and deliver a nuclear weapon. With escalating tensions between our ally Israel and our adversary Iran, the President made the decision to deter and delay the capabilities Iran has to deliver a nuclear weapon. What we know to date from our intelligence sources is that the President's actions were significant and successful.

The U.S. Constitution splits the responsibility of the use of military force between the legislative and executive branches. Having received a classified and thorough briefing from our military, intelligence, and diplomatic officials, I conclude that the President

acted within his constitutional authorities.

I welcome the return to a stricter constitutional balance of power between the branches of government. Under the circumstances of the recent actions of the President and the timing of the offering of the resolution now before the Senate, we should not adopt the resolution, which states, in part:

Congress hereby directs the President to terminate the use

of United States Armed Forces for hostilities against the

Islamic Republic of Iran . . . unless explicitly authorized

by a declaration of war.

With continuing threat from Iran against Israel, the dangers to American military men and women in the region, and because of the potential for terrorist acts upon U.S. interests within and without our borders, I believe the President has the constitutional authority and responsibility to defend the United States and its interests against imminent threats. I appreciate the President's decisive action and express gratitude and respect for the men and women of the military who carried out his orders, and I support the President in his efforts to find a peaceful resolution to hostilities in the region.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise this evening to recognize and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. Army. I would yield to the Senator from Rhode Island, my colleague but the cochair of the Senate Army Caucus, Senator Reed.

Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Rhode Island, my colleague and friend Senator Reed, for cochairing. I am the new one to this duo, and I consider it a privilege as a U.S. Senator to serve side by side with Senator Reed as we work together to promote and support the U.S. Army and those who serve in it.

I also would highlight and honor my respect of Senator Jim Inhofe, the Senator of Oklahoma whom I replaced in this capacity after his long tenure with Senator Reed in serving in this capacity to support and defend the Army of the United States.

As Senator Reed said, 250 years ago--that is the birthday we are celebrating--on June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized what would become the most capable and lethal ground force the world has ever known--the U.S. Army. The creation of General George Washington's Army coincides with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Since our Nation gained its independence, our Army has faithfully defended our freedoms. The Warrior Ethos of the Army states:

I will always place the mission first.

This is a calling that American soldiers have answered time and time again without regard to their personal safety, security, or comfort.

My State of Kansas is home to Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division, Fort Leavenworth, as well as the Kansas Army National Guard. The men and women who serve in these bases are some of the finest individuals I have ever met, living their lives in accordance with the mission on the Army flag: ``This We'll Defend.'' This short statement is a commitment to defending this Nation, all Americans, and the values we hold dear.

The embodiment of what it means to be an American soldier is symbolized in the Army's values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Over the years, the servicemembers of the Army have lived up to these ideals, putting their country and fellow citizens above themselves. No matter how daunting the conflict, American soldiers will always carry out the mission entrusted to them. Today, we recognize this valor and celebrate the patriotism that motivates these brave men and women who dedicate their lives to defend the land that they and we love.

The U.S. Army is the largest branch of the U.S. military, with nearly 450,000 Active-Duty personnel and nearly 500,000 in the Reserves.

As we mark the 250 years of the U.S. Army, we express our gratitude to these servicemembers and their loved ones who support them. For two and a half centuries--250 years--the American soldiers have stood strong in the face of conflict.

I am committed to continue supporting our Army so that it remains the strongest lethal force in the world for another 250 years. I hope my colleagues will join me and Senator Reed in honoring our soldiers and supporting a resolution to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

Today, in this effort, we are reminded to say to those who serve, have served, and will serve, we tell them--those who served and have served and will serve in the U.S. Army--we say to them that we respect you; we love you; we thank you for your service.

I yield the floor and thank you for the opportunity for making my remarks.

Mr. President, I move to proceed to legislative session.

Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 120.

Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.

Mr. President, I move to proceed to legislative session.

Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 111.

Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, that at 11:45 on Wednesday, June 4, the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 119, Michelle Bowman, and if cloture is invoked, all postcloture time be expired at 6 p.m. and the Senate vote on confirmation of the Bowman nomination; further, following the cloture vote on the Bowman nomination, the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 129, Edward Walsh, and if cloture is invoked, all postcloture time be expired and the Senate vote on confirmation of the Walsh nomination following disposition of the Bowman nomination; further, at 2 p.m., the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 144, James O'Neill, and if cloture is invoked, all postcloture time be expired and on Thursday, June 4, the Senate vote on confirmation of the O'Neill nomination at 11:30 a.m.; finally, if any of the nominations are confirmed during Wednesday and Thursday's sessions of the Senate, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

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