Floor Statements

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of the following resolutions, en bloc: S. Res. 372, for Officer Hunter Simoncic, who was killed in the line of duty on August 26, 2025, and S. Res. 425 for Officer Scott Heimann, who was killed in the line of duty on September 27, 2025.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table all en bloc.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum calls in relationship to the Senate amendment No. 4421 and the Schumer motion to suspend rule 25.

So I look forward to you having your nine Democrat colleagues back from the posh California--

Mr. President, I chair the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and my colleague, the ranking member of that committee, Senator Blumenthal was just here on the Senate floor discussing the importance of the Major Richard Star Act. That bill is not in the jurisdiction, at least at this point, of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. It is a matter for the Armed Services Committee. But it is one that is important to veterans across the country.

The issue behind the Richard Star Act is hugely important to veterans across the country. We saw that today with the joint hearings that we have annually with the House Veterans' Committee.

The VFW and other veterans service organizations highly prioritize the Richard Star Act's passage. That act--this legislation--would make certain that veterans who are medically retired due to combat or combat-related injuries would receive their earned VA disability compensation and their full retirement pay without one payment being reduced because of the other. So, today, there is an offset. The Richard Star Act would eliminate that offset.

No veteran, in my mind, should have their retirement that they earned decreased because they also were eligible for disability compensation due to an injury that they sustained during their military service. So you earn your retirement by years of service, but then that is diminished if you have a disability as a result of the service.

While the Richard Star Act, as I indicated, is not within the jurisdiction of

the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I want to make clear that I will continue to work with my colleagues in a bicommittee, a bicameral, and a bipartisan way to make certain we find a path forward for the passage of this legislation.

The VFW, as I said, just completed their testimony before our joint committee, and their advocacy and that of other veterans service organizations have prioritized this piece of legislation for years.

It is widely sponsored by Members of the U.S. Senate, but we have been at this for about 5 years. And while the vast majority of Senators support the bill, as evidenced by their sponsorship of the bill, it has not been considered in a legislative manner sufficient for it to have moved forward.

I am an original cosponsor of this legislation, and I want to make certain that combat-injured veterans receive their full benefits. They upheld their oath. They fulfilled their duty, and the question before us is whether we will fulfill ours.

I am committed to continuing to work closely with my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee and with Senators from both sides of the aisle to find a responsible path forward and a solution that ultimately leads to the passage of the Major Richard Star Act in the Senate and in the House of Representatives, and eventually for it to make its way to the President's desk to become law.

Our Nation's combat-wounded veterans--and we say this particularly at this point in time, with what is going on in the world, with men and women from the United States in harm's way. Our Nation's combat-wounded veterans should not have to continue fighting for benefits they already earned, and it is time for Congress to act.

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 order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, today marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin believed his so-called military operation would be over in 2 weeks, but, as the fifth year of the war begins, Russian forces have fought Ukraine longer than they fought the Germans in World War II. Because of the bravery and innovation of the Ukrainians, aided by American and European support, Vladimir Putin's objective to conquer and control the Ukrainian Government remains unattainable. His war is a strategic failure.

While the Russian military is making incremental gains in the east part of Ukraine, it is at an exorbitant cost. Since the invasion began in February 2022, 4 years ago, Russian forces have seized only 12 percent of Ukrainian territory. Because of the way they fight and how Ukrainians defend, Russian forces simply cannot achieve breakthroughs after the breach of Ukrainian positions. Today, nearly 20 percent of the Donbas remains out of Putin's grasp and Russian forces, already struggling to take territory, face the ``fortress belt'' of the region's remaining cities.

Putin has abused his country's manpower advantage by employing a strategy of attrition with devastating consequences. Russian forces have suffered 1.2 million casualties in 4 years, and one-third of those are estimated to have come in the last year alone.

A recent report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies observes:

No major power has suffered anywhere near these numbers of

casualties or fatalities in any war since World War II.

As these casualties mount, the monetary cost to lure new recruits is increasing. Russian regions are increasing their signing bonuses for contract soldiers, indicating that Russian recruitment is beginning to struggle to meet its goals. From the war's beginning, when Putin was resorting to mobilizing convicts, now, average Russians do not want to fight in this war.

Russia's economy has been degraded as the war has been prolonged. The move to impose sanctions on Russian's energy companies last year--which should have happened earlier in the war--has made it more difficult to export oil, the foundation of the Kremlin's budget. Moscow has had to offer buyers steep discounts of 25 to 30 percent below market value, increasing their budget deficit to 2.5 percent of GDP.

Sustaining Putin's war depends upon China's continued support. Beijing purchases nearly half of Russia's crude exports and provides critical dual-use technologies for Russian materiel.

Putin is overseeing a war effort that is succeeding in feet rather than miles, and it is coming at considerable cost to the future of his country. This is no time to permit him to claim a victory, either on the battlefield or at the negotiating table. We must share the resolve of Ukrainian people and make certain that Putin's invasion remains the blunder it was when it started 4 years ago.

While both Washington and Brussels have engaged in public debate, Putin should not mistake that debate for disengagement. The United States continues--continues--to provide substantial military and intelligence support, and our allies have increased their contributions. There must be no doubt in Moscow about our enduring commitment to Ukraine. The U.S. expanded intelligence sharing last October to assist Ukraine in targeting energy infrastructure deep inside Russia, and the United States lifted range limitations on certain weapons. Likewise, our European allies have stepped up to assume some of the financial support for the war, most recently agreeing to a $105 billion loan for Ukraine.

There is much more I believe both sides of the Atlantic can do to assist Ukraine. I called for providing Tomahawk missiles last summer, and the European Union should use Russian foreign reserves to help pay for Ukraine's war effort. Congress should enact sanctions to discourage the purchase of Russian oil.

Last March, before the Senate Intelligence Committee, CIA Director John Ratcliffe told me:

I want to say that with regard to the Ukrainian resistance,

the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian military have been

underestimated for a period of several years. . . . I'm

convinced that they will fight with their bare hands if they

have to.

Ukrainians are coming out of the most difficult winter yet, with temperatures at their most frigid of the war, and Russian bombing campaigns aimed at energy infrastructure have taken a toll. Instead of being convinced to sue for peace on Putin's terms, Ukrainians remain unwavering in their commitment to remain an independent and sovereign nation. We must commit to share in their resolve. I say that again. We must commit to share in their resolve and support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to yield back all time.

Mr. President, I have eight 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, this is a solemn occasion for me and for many people I know, and I rise this evening to recognize and honor the 67 lives we lost, 1 year ago tomorrow, on January 29, 2025.

On that night, Flight 5342 took off from Wichita, KS, and flew toward our Nation's Capital with 64 passengers on board. In Washington, DC, a Black Hawk helicopter with three Army soldiers would soon be in the air as well. Flight 5342 was just minutes away from a safe landing at Reagan National Airport when the plane and the Army helicopter collided over the Potomac River.

Shortly after 9 p.m., I received a call with the news that a flight from home--from Kansas--was involved in an accident in our Nation's Capital. I made my way to Reagan National Airport that night. The banks of the Potomac River were illuminated with lights from emergency responders who were searching the icy waters of a crash site.

At the airport, I was joined by local leaders and the newly sworn-in Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy. Our conversation that night was one of many that would then span the course of the following year, trying to understand how an accident like this could occur and how to prevent it from ever happening again.

At the airport, we learned the tragic news that there were no survivors. Of those who perished, seven were Kansans.

Kiah Duggins, a civil rights attorney and a Wichita native, was set to begin teaching at Howard University School of Law.

Lindsey Fields, a professor at Butler Community College and the president-elect of the National Association of Biology Teachers, was traveling to our Nation's Capital to advocate for the issues that mattered to her.

Bob and Lori Schrock, a prominent and very well-liked couple of farmers from Kiowa, KS, were on their way to visit their daughter in college in Pennsylvania.

Grace Maxwell, an engineering student from Wichita, was returning to college after attending her grandfather's funeral at home in Kansas.

Dustin Miller, an IT professional who grew up in El Dorado and was a lifelong Chiefs fan, told his mom he was going to try to make it back in time to watch his team play in the Super Bowl.

PJ Diaz of Wichita was described by his loved ones as a world traveler who had been to 49 States. He especially loved cruises and had an extra-long cruise planned for later that year.

Sadly, 28 members of the U.S. Figure Skating community also lost their lives--young athletes traveling back from the National Development Camp in Wichita, with their coaches and family members.

Maxim Naumov, a 24-year-old U.S. figure skater, lost both of his parents in the accident. In the wake of this tragedy, Maxim used his love of skating to overcome this immense loss and now heads to the 2026 Olympic Games, just weeks away, to achieve his lifelong dream that he shared with his parents. We will all be cheering him on.

A year later, the memory of this night--the deadliest aviation incident that America had witnessed in nearly 25 years--is as painful as it was when we first heard the news. The victims were husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, friends and coworkers.

As we mourn the victims, we also remember the heroism, solidarity, and love displayed that night. Hundreds of first responders worked tirelessly through the night and into the coming days. Strangers offered comfort, and people checked in on their neighbors.

Since January 29, the families of the victims have tried to find meaning and purpose after the death of their loved ones and have worked to eliminate the likelihood of an accident like this ever happening again.

A family, in particular, that I would like to mention, Tim and Sheri Lilley, lost their son Sam. He was the copilot for Flight 5342, the plane.

Following the tragic accident, the Lilley family has used its voice to become an advocate for safer skies, in honor of their son Sam.

I am grateful for the advocacy of the families who are gathered here tonight in the Nation's Capital to remember their family members, to mourn the losses, to comfort each other. I am grateful for the families of the victims over the last year as they work to advocate for changes at the FAA--Federal Aviation Administration--and congressional legislation like the ROTOR Act.

Thanks to their support, the Senate advanced this critical legislation last year. This was an important step, but our progress has been stalled in the House.

The National Transportation Safety Board's hearing just yesterday further confirmed that this legislation could have made a difference on January 29 a year ago. We cannot afford to waste any more time. I urgently insist the House of Representatives quickly pass this legislation or amend it and pass it so we can find consensus.

I want to commend NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and her team on their thorough investigation of the crash. Their report will guide Congress in the coming weeks in our efforts to ensure safety in the skies.

In addition to passing and implementing the ROTOR Act, Congress will soon hold a hearing--after the NTSB releases its final report in about 2 weeks--to review the findings and recommendations. We need to determine what, if any, congressional action is necessary to implement these recommendations and make certain the FAA and Army are making the recommended changes, provide funding for further modernization of our aviation system, advance new technologies at the FAA, and train and support air traffic controllers. We cannot--we should not--miss the moment to act and ensure lasting change.

I cannot imagine the pain each of the families of the victims has experienced every day since January 29. This week, their loss must be felt especially hard as they face the anniversary of the crash.

Tonight, I want to remember those who perished--67 lives that ended way too soon. We resolve to honor their legacy, work to make our skies safer, and remember those we loved who lost their lives.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the names of the victims of Flight 5342 be printed in the Record.

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 ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 591, which is at the desk.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 29; 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 the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 302, H.R. 7148.

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

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

Mr. President, today, I have the opportunity to rise here on the Senate floor and speak in support of the appropriations package that is currently before the U.S. Senate, which happens to include funding for Commerce, Justice, Science.

I chair the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and I am pleased that this legislation provides significant and important resources to support our Nation's Federal, State, and local law enforcement in their shared mission to keep America safe.

The package that we will debate and discuss and vote on this week makes targeted investments in the Federal Agencies and Departments that conduct critical scientific research, bolster economic growth, promote U.S. energy independence, and strengthen our Nation's national security. These priorities are achieved while also making thoughtful reductions in spending to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being wisely spent.

Many rural and local law enforcement agencies continue to face resource and equipment gaps that limit their ability to respond effectively and keep their communities safe, and the fiscal year 2026 CJS appropriations bill addresses these needs by investing in crime- fighting technology and equipment for sheriff's offices and police departments in Kansas and across the country. The legislation also equips the Drug Enforcement Agency and the FBI with resources necessary to dismantle drug trafficking networks that have gained, unfortunately, a stronghold and a foothold in the United States and to combat the fentanyl crisis that continues to claim way too many American lives.

This bill contains funding for the national security and counterintelligence missions that counter foreign threats and protect U.S. interests. By investing in the Office of the United States Trade Representative, this bill strengthens its capacity to enforce trade agreements and expand markets so that American producers like my farmers back home in Kansas and manufacturers in my State can compete and sell their goods around the world.

Finally, this bill invests in our Nation's science Agencies--NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foundation--to advance U.S. leadership in scientific discovery and space exploration. At NASA, it bolsters American leadership in human spaceflight, space science, and aeronautics at a very critical moment. This week, in fact, NASA is rolling out Artemis II, the next consequential step toward sending astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years. That mission and future missions depend upon a strong U.S. aerospace industrial base made up of engineers, machinists, suppliers, and researchers. This bill makes certain that America remains on course to lead in space and does not cede ground to our competitors.

Through NSF, the bill prioritizes critical research and advanced manufacturing that bolster private sector innovation, strengthen university-industry partnerships, and train the next generation of scientists and engineers right here at home--investments that are essential to our long-term economic growth, to our national competitiveness, and to our national security.

At NOAA, this legislation bolsters critical weather monitoring services, increases resources for lifesaving functions of the National Weather Service, and makes certain that the National Weather Service offices are staffed 24/7 to provide reliable forecasts to help keep America safe.

As a senior appropriator, I have long advocated for Congress to return to regular order in the appropriations process: debating, amending, and passing 12 separate appropriations bills that fund the Federal Government. I continue to be an advocate for that. This package reflects that work, and I commend Chairwoman Collins, Vice Chairman Murray, and my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for their efforts. I also thank my colleagues in the Senate more broadly who have been so willing to allow us to proceed to get to this point today.

I want to thank the CJS Subcommittee staff for their hard work, dedication, and long hours. A lot of work has gone on throughout the year but with especially challenging time constraints within the last few weeks. This package would not be possible without those staff members.

I thank my staff: Kevin Wheeler, Brian Daner, and Rachel Taylor. I also thank as well the minority staff: Jessica Berry, Blaise Sheridan, Lindsay Erickson, and T.J. Lowdermilk.

This legislation that is Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee work product strikes a careful balance, funding critical resources while also protecting limited taxpayer dollars. The spending that we always worry about being too much is addressed in this legislation to make sure that we are on a different path than continued borrowing and spending.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support this package to provide these Agencies with the resources they need to keep our Nation safe, promote U.S. leadership, and make certain that America remains a leader in space.

This bill funds the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, and a number of science Agencies, such as NASA and NSF. It is important to the country that this bill occur. It is also important to the country that we avoid a shutdown at the end of the month, and the bills that we pass this week go a long way in making that shutdown much less likely.

I thank the Presiding Officer for the opportunity to speak to you and my colleagues.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. President, today, I rise to honor the passing of a 101-year-old Kansan, World War II veteran, and American hero, Horace ``Jim'' Sharp.

Mr. Sharp was born in Morris County, KS, and he spent his early years tending to the family farm--not an unusual thing in Kansas, certainly not in his generation.

At age 19, Jim surrendered his farm deferment, courageously volunteering to serve his nation in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Through his service, Jim fought in the Battle of the Bulge as part of Company B, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. It was during that battle that Jim earned three Battle Stars and a Bronze Star. Although injured by shrapnel during battle, Jim never received treatment, thus never receiving the Purple Heart.

Following Jim's combat service, he served as a guard during the Nuremberg trials.

Shortly after returning home to Kansas following the war's end, Jim would marry his wife Marilyn, with whom he would raise their three children and enjoy 69 years of marriage.

Following the passage of the GI Bill, Jim attended Kansas State University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Jim then applied his degree by building a career in data processing, eventually retiring as the information systems manager for the Kansas Farm Bureau while also teaching information systems classes at Kansas State University and at Fort Riley.

Jim's life of service continued well after his time in the military. His dedication to his faith and his community showed itself in so many ways. Jim was an active member at his local Methodist church. His accolades also include being a founding member and the first president of the Northeast Kansas Battle of the Bulge Organization where he raised funds to support the preservation of the Manhattan, KS, Peace Memorial Auditorium and the K-State World War II Memorial.

Jim's World War II service is also featured at Fort Riley's 1st Infantry Division Museum, honoring his story and his service in the Nuremberg exhibit there.

Jim was an active member of the Kiwanis, his local VFW and American Legion, and many other local organizations focused on improving his community and aiding those in need.

Living to be 101 is remarkable in and of itself, but Jim used that long life that he was given to accomplish so much more. His life of courage, sacrifice, and compassion served as an inspiration to all who knew him, and he is dearly, dearly missed.

My prayers and concerns and care are with his children Janet, Doug, and Brian, his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren--the entire Sharp family. It was my honor to see them as we celebrated Jim's 100 birthday at the American Legion in Manhattan, KS, now just about a year ago.

Jim was an authentic American hero. Sometimes, I think we look for heroes, and we can't seem to find them. You do not have to look past Jim Sharp. He was a hero to his Nation, to his community, to his family, and to his friends.

May Jim's legacy not be forgotten, his service honored. And we say to him in these days: Thank you for your service. We respect you, and we are grateful.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

I yield the floor.

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: