Floor Statements

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, I come to the floor today on a day that we celebrate the Constitution, the U.S. Constitution. It is interesting. I met with a 12-year-old visitor to the Capitol here today. His name is George Barozzini. He said, ``You know today is Constitution Day.''

Well, he is absolutely right, and it is delightful to know that a 12- year-old would know that. We have the pages here. They are well aware of that because this is the anniversary of the day, 237 years ago, when 39 noble patriots, representing 12 of the Thirteen Original Colonies, signed the Constitution.

In four short, handwritten pages, the structure of our government was laid out. The Constitution was a work of courageous men, men who fought and bled and sacrificed for the sake of the United States, the sake of our freedom, the sake of our liberty. Their daring produced a document that is truly unique in human history.

Now, I have my own copy of the Constitution right here. It begins with three simple words: ``We the People.'' To the delegates of the Constitutional Convention, America was not a fuzzy idea; it was one people and one land, united for one purpose. And the purpose, of course, was to secure the blessings and liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

In Federalist No. 2, John Jay, one of the authors of the Federalist Papers, he cataloged what unites us as a nation. It is our shared heritage, our shared language, and our shared belief in the same God. It is our shared principles of government, our common culture, one nation's shared sacrifice in the Revolutionary War. On this basis, our Constitution has endured for more than two centuries. It remains the fountain of American glory, American greatness, and American self- government.

Today, President Trump and Republicans are fighting to uphold the Constitution and unite the American people. We are confirming judges who follow the Constitution, judges who apply the law, who don't try to legislate from the bench. We are restoring power to the people and the States. We are removing power from unelected bureaucrats in Washington, DC. Under President Trump and Republicans, the Constitution is respected once again.

By contrast, the left doesn't really value the Constitution, let alone will they be celebrating it today. That is why the American people have never been more worried or more alarmed by the direction of today's Democrat Party. It is true. Democrats have launched a full frontal assault on the core principles of America. They are ignoring our laws, they are violating our sacred values, and they seem to be trying to destroy our way of life.

Democrats have now come out with an extreme manifesto. Their manifesto dismantles the Constitution.

It diminishes our American spirit. It betrays Americans' trust. The lead three articles of the Constitution compose our system of government, three branches of government, and Democrats today are attacking all three of those branches simultaneously.

Additionally, a number of their nominees are attacking the Bill of Rights. They are after the whole thing. The Democrat nominee in Michigan wants to take away our guns, our Second Amendment rights.

The Democrat manifesto calls for abolishing the U.S. Senate--get rid of the whole thing. Well, the Constitution guarantees equal representation of the States in the Senate regardless of the population of the State, and that includes my home State of Wyoming and your home State of Montana.

Senator Booker, the Democrat from New Jersey, said recently in an interview that this article I pillar of the Constitution--he described it as ``problematic.'' Apparently, we are problematic.

No, Senator Booker. What is truly problematic is that thousands of illegal immigrants were registered to vote in your State of New Jersey. That is problematic.

Additionally, the Democrat manifesto calls for getting rid of the Presidency as we know it. Under the Democrat manifesto, Congress would elect the President--and that is a Congress without a Senate.

Additionally, the Democrat manifesto calls for abolishing the Supreme Court--a Supreme Court as appointed by the President and confirmed by this body, the Senate.

What the Democrats are proposing is radical, it is extreme, it is dangerous, it is scary, and they are standing by it.

The simple truth is people who want to tear up our Constitution cannot be trusted to build up our country. They can't be trusted to keep our Nation safe. They can't be trusted to keep our Nation secure.

Republicans are going to continue to defend America's history, our American values, and our American greatness.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran).

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Hagerty), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), and the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Tuberville).

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Marshall), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), and the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Tuberville).

Mr. President, during the past month, I traveled all around the State of Wyoming--great community events, one community after another: Dubois, WY, the firefighters' picnic and buffalo barbecue. Nothing like it in the world. We had our Wyoming Ag Hall of Fame in Douglas. We had the banquet. We had a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. In Rawlins, I visited the hospital there to talk about the incredible advantages to all these small community hospitals now as a result of the bill that we passed to put up a fund to help rural hospitals stay focused and functioning and able to provide care in our communities. I was in Meeteetse on Labor Day for the parade and the pancake breakfast. I talked to a lot of people.

And people all around Wyoming follow the cowboy code. The cowboy code says you live each day with courage, take pride in your work, and do what needs to be done. And the people of Wyoming are very proud of the progress that we have made here as Republicans over the last year and a half with President Trump in the White House, a majority in the House, and a majority of Republicans in the Senate. And people all want the same thing. They want safe communities, strong communities. They want a prosperous future. And they believe--rightly so--that Republicans have been delivering that the last 2 years.

The border is now secure. I think about where it was 2 years ago and where we are today: No one caught and released into the country. This whole catch-and-release program of the Bidens', it is over.

The largest tax increase in America that the Democrats were proposing, that has been stopped. Taxes on tips, taxes on overtime, taxes on Social Security, they are all gone now.

America is now energy dominant, which is where we should have been all along.

The crooks and the criminals that we know have been abusing Medicaid and abusing food stamps--today, they are paying the price; they are being held to account.

Six hundred members of President Trump's team are now on the job, and they are on the job in spite of historic opposition by the Democrats. Republicans torpedoed their obstruction.

People in Wyoming also shared with me their worries. And there are concerns. They are concerned about what the radical Democrat policies would do to harm them and harm their families and harm our communities.

Democrats now have laid out their manifesto. And we are not just talking about in California or New York. We are talking about Democrat nominees all across the country. The Democrat nominee for the Senate in Minnesota claims Immigration and Customs Enforcement, she says, is evil, and she wants to ``rip ICE apart.''

The Democrat nominee in Maine, he wants free healthcare for every illegal immigrant in the country. Democrats want it paid for by hard- working Americans with their tax dollars.

The Democrat nominee in Florida is a card-carrying member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

The Democrat nominee in Texas says he would lay out a welcome mat at the southern border. He says men ought to be playing in women's sports.

The Democrat nominee in Michigan, he wants to take away our guns. His campaign partner says that America deserved the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11.

Our Nation, just a few days ago, commemorated the 25th anniversary of the horrendous attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans. But Democrats--north, south, east, and west--they are running on this radical roadmap. They plan to take away private property and seize businesses. When we just read their manifesto, it is all right there. They want to open the borders. They want to open the prisons. They want to put prisoners back into our communities. They want to get rid of ICE. They want to shut down our military. They want to shut down police. That is who they are.

This is the difference between common sense and crazy. People see it. They know it.

Democrats want to rip $50 billion away from our rural hospitals. These are rural hospitals that we have worked with over the years to just try to keep alive, to keep open at a time when we saw, both under Biden and Obama, rural hospitals close in my State and in the Presiding Officer's.

Democrats want to start taxing tips and overtime and Social Security. That is a direct increase in taxes on waiters and waitresses, on police officers, on nurses. It is a direct increase in taxes on our seniors if they start taxing Social Security, which is what they want to do.

What do they want to do with the money? Well, they have been very clear. They want to use it to pay for healthcare for illegal immigrants. I mean, that is the difference between the Republicans and the Democrats right now.

People I talked to don't want taxes to be higher. People I talked to don't want men to play in women's sports. People in my home State of Wyoming I talked to don't want to defund the police; they don't want to defund the military. People I talked to at home, they don't want to put a welcome mat out at the southern border. The people I talked to at home don't want hard-working Americans to be forced to pay for healthcare for illegal immigrants. The people I talked to at home don't believe illegal immigrants should have the right to vote or to be made citizens.

Many of the Democrats in this Chamber and on the ballot this November, they want all of those things; they are campaigning on those things. I continue to say the Democrats of today are radical, they are extreme, they are dangerous, and they are scary. It is the difference between common sense and crazy, and the American people see it.

My Democrat colleagues in this very Chamber have called these radical policies--they call it the future of their party.

We cannot allow that to become the future for our Nation. So Republicans are going to continue to fight for safety, for American prosperity, and for continued American greatness.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Marshall), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch), the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Schmitt), and the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis).

Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of Bob and Celia Kirkwood, the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming 2026 honorees.

Since 1969, the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming has been inspiring young people to reach their full potential. Local boys and girls participate in educational and athletic programs that provide enrichment and help them become productive, responsible and caring citizens. From leadership development to a focus on healthy lifestyles, the club provides top-notch opportunities for each member.

For over 55 years, the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming has connected youth with dedicated volunteers and mentors. The club serves over 13,000 youth each year across its four-county territory, helping each member become their best self. Each year, at its annual breakfast, the organization highlights an individual or couple for their commitment to giving back to the community. This week, they will honor Bob and Celia Kirkwood with this prestigious recognition.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming will host their annual awards and recognition breakfast in Casper. They will honor the Kirkwoods for their unwavering dedication to the Casper community. Bob and Celia's commitment to the youth of Natrona County is certainly worth celebrating. It is fitting that the Boys and Girl Club of Central Wyoming is publicly recognizing their legacy of service and strong investment in our next generation of leaders.

Bob and Celia have been married for 47 years and are the proud parents of Michael Kirkwood, Tom and Cassie Kirkwood and grandparents to Josie. They center their life on faith and are proud that Wyoming has always been home.

In 1982, Bob joined his father's business Kirkwood Oil and Gas. Alongside his brother Steve, they have diversified the company to include oil and gas operations, pipeline management, and real estate. He remains an industry advocate and trusted adviser to many around the State.

Celia focused her time on raising their sons. From volunteering throughout their education to serving as a Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year judge, she is committed to giving back to those who need it most. Celia shines behind the scenes, making sure to concentrate on faith, family, and community service.

Beyond the Boys and Girls Club, Bob and Celia passionately support Saint Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School, the Wyoming Rescue Mission, and True Care. Our community is fortunate that, where there is a need, the Kirkwoods are willing to step up to help their friends and neighbors.

Bob and Celia are guided by their faith. They encourage the members of the Boys and Girls Club to ``make sure the path you are on leads to the life you truly want and do not be afraid to adjust along the way. Remember, God knows best; trust Him.''

For decades, the couple has led by example and have generously given back to the community they love so much. The Kirkwoods live their mission of meeting real needs and building lasting impact through consistent, practical action.

The Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming is instrumental in providing young people with a safe, nurturing, and inspiring space to develop and learn. The opportunities afforded to members allow them to become the future leaders we need. These impressive goals would not be possible without the passion and generosity of Bob and Celia. They are exemplary role models of selfless leadership.

It is with great honor that I recognize this incredible couple and their ongoing dedication to Casper. I encourage my colleagues to join me in celebrating Bob and Celia Kirkwood for everything they have done and continue to do to make Casper a better place for all.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn), the Senator from Wyoming (Ms. Lummis), and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

Mr. DURBIN: I announce that the Senator from Arizona (Mr. Kelly) is necessarily absent.

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn), the Senator from Wyoming (Ms. Lummis), and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

The following Senators are neccessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Ms. Lummis) and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Ms. Lummis) and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman), the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. Cotton), the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer), the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Lankford), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), and the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis).

Further, if present and voting: the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis) would have voted ``nay.''

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Lankford), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), and the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis).

The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

Mr. President, I come to the floor today because yesterday I heard the minority leader on the floor speaking about the economy. He sounded upset, sounded upset to hear that Americans were keeping more of their hard-earned money. He actually called it ``disastrous.''

Ninety-seven percent of Americans benefited from the Working Families Tax Cuts law. This is a benefit. This is not a disaster.

What I see as disastrous is the Democrats' demand to raise taxes. They want to raise taxes on hard-working Americans all across the country. Democrats continue to think that they know how to spend your money better than you do. I think it has been a lifelong obsession with them. It is part of their DNA. It has been going on for years.

Tax rates fell significantly this past year, and it is because Republicans cut taxes. So who are the people that benefited the most? Well, they are people with families that made less than $200,000 a year. That is where the benefits really hit home. It happened all across the country, from Connecticut to California, even though those States are represented by Democrats. People all across the country benefited. Families kept more of what they earned, and then they could make their own decisions about what to save, what to spend, what to invest.

You know who knows it? People on Social Security know it. They got to keep more of their hard-earned money. People who work overtime know it because of no tax on overtime. People who work for tips know it because their tips weren't taxed.

People understood and felt the improvement. One resident of Nevada recently said: I received the largest tax return in my entire life this year. Why? No tax on tips.

Every single Democrat in this Chamber voted against these things. They wanted people who work on tips to pay more in taxes. Democrats wanted people on Social Security to pay more in taxes. Democrats wanted people who work overtime to pay more in taxes, and that is a defining difference.

American people clearly understand this, and the American people are tired and sick of seeing their money, their taxpayer money, wasted on fraud, abuse, and corruption, and we are seeing those things across the country. People want to keep more of what they earn, and they know they are the best to judge how to spend it.

That is what Republicans are fighting for. We are going to continue to fight for that. That is the direction our country is headed.

And in November of 2024, people made a clear choice: They chose to vote for Republicans because they wanted America to be safer, stronger, and more prosperous. And we are today. Over the past 18 months, Republicans have upheld that commitment. We have delivered for the American people. We are making sure people keep more of what they earn.

More than 60 million Americans benefited from the new tax benefits since Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts law.

Let me remind you about the Trump Accounts. More than 7 million American children are now signed up this year for this special new investment account. It is an astonishing thing. Families, friends, community groups, and even businesses are already investing in them. This is clearly strengthening the American dream for the next generation.

I also want to talk about the border because today our Nation's immigration laws are being strongly enforced. National security begins with border security. Absolutely zero illegal immigrants have been released into our country in over 14 months--absolutely zero--because Republicans have ended the reckless Joe Biden catch-and-release program. And what a disaster that was. Hundreds of thousands of illegal-immigrant criminals have now been arrested and deported since President Trump took office, and we are seeing the most secure border and the most successful deportation operation in all of American history.

This year, Republicans also passed the Secure America Act. This law ensures that immigration officials have the resources that they need to keep our country safe and to keep our communities safe for years to come.

I just want to mention affordability because today Congress is making it easier to build and easier to innovate. The largest housing reform bill in history is now the law of the land. We eliminated burdensome regulations, regulations that made it too costly to build a new home in America. And we are unlocking the American dream of home ownership for a new generation of Americans.

Congress also passed the first major digital asset bill in American history; it is called the GENIUS Act. My colleague Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming has been a leader on the issue. It is time for the Senate to build on that by passing the Clarity Act. America is safer and stronger when we innovate.

I also want to talk about some of the things we are doing here to make sure the President has his team fully in place, and those are confirmations. Today, Republicans are getting the President's team fully in place. Very soon, we will confirm an additional 74 nominees. Well, this will be clearly 600 people confirmed in the second Trump administration. Those are 60 more nominees than he had at this point in the first Trump administration, and we have done it in the face of historic obstruction by the Democrats.

Now we see these same Democrats are trying to tear down our country, and they are trying it all across the Nation. The Democrats' agenda is not for a better America, not for a better future for our children, no, no. It is not even an agenda; it is a manifesto. The Democrats have come up with a ``manifesto''--that is their label for it, not mine, their label, the Democrats--the manifesto, and I see it as a roadmap to destroy America from people that hate America. When you listen to many of their candidates, it certainly doesn't seem like the thing that most Americans would want to see in their future.

These people and their manifesto--it is radical; it is extreme; it is dangerous; it is scary. That is what our Nation is facing today. The Democrats, every one of them, wants to raise taxes on American families. The Democrat mantra calls for opening the borders. Their manifesto wants to defund the police. The manifesto wants to abolish prisons. The manifesto wants to release convicted criminals into our communities all across the country. The Democrat manifesto wants to eliminate Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Under the extreme Democrat manifesto, the American people would be forced to pay more, earn less, and be less safe and secure. That is what we are facing now. Democrats have turned from a party of the extremists now to the party of radicals.

Republicans are going to continue to be the party of results. That is the choice people are facing. What do you want? Results? Safety? Security? Prosperity? Radicals opening the prisons? Opening the borders? Raising your taxes?

Republicans work fiercely to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Republicans are going to continue to fight for freedom, for liberty, and a continuation of American greatness because that is the future that I believe the American people want and deserve.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.