Floor Statements

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, yesterday the Senate honored the life of our dear friend Lindsey Graham. It was a remarkable gathering of people from around the world, people who came to honor a man who really has done so very much for this body, for his home State of South Carolina, and for the Nation.

I believe that today it is time to honor his tremendous legacy as well right here with a vote on the floor of the U.S. Senate. I think the way to do that is to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act. It truly is a ``peace through strength'' bill. No tribute I think would be more fitting to our friend Lindsey or be more forceful.

This bill strengthens America's national security while pressuring our adversaries to pursue peace; and that is what Lindsey was doing-- pursuing peace.

This sanctions bill is a historic piece of legislation. They target Russia's largest oil importers, target Russia's leadership, target Russia's so-called shadow fleet. Russia uses that shadow fleet to evade sanctions on its illegal oil.

Most importantly, it targets other nations that buy Russian oil, that buy Russian natural gas, that buy Russian uranium. This is the way Russia is financing its brutal killing war in Ukraine.

The penalties are swift; the penalties are severe.

We know that energy is a cash cow of Putin's war machine. It is also Russia's Achilles' heel. You cut it off, and Russia cannot continue to fight.

Russia's biggest customer, we know, is communist China. Next is India, and they are going to be hit hard by this. This is the way to cripple Russia's war machine.

Allies of Ukraine can qualify for exemptions. Those exemptions come from taking serious steps to end their own dependency on Russian energy products.

For many years--and you and I have talked about this--Europe has spent more money on Russian energy than it has sent in aid to Ukraine. Mr. President, you are a warrior. You know this. You are from an energy State. You know these things are critically important, and they are true. This needs to change.

Of course, Russia isn't fighting Ukraine alone. In Putin's war of aggression, it is Iran partnering with Russia. Iran has supplied Russia with drones, with missiles, with munitions. Russia has used these weapons to kill Ukrainian civilians and to destroy Ukrainian infrastructure.

In return, Russia has shared with Iran--we know what they have shared with their regime: technology, intelligence, military support, all of those things. Iran has used this support to attack American troops.

And you have worn the uniform; you have borne the battle. And we have seen the attacks on the American troops that hold the area in terms of how Iran holds the Strait of Hormuz hostage. It is continuing today. There were attacks yesterday.

Russia and Iran both employ a shadow fleet of illegal oil tankers. They share sanctions-evading networks. They sell oil to many of the same buyers. They are all working together

against us, against freedom-loving people. They both fund murder; they fund terrorism; and they do it with revenue from their energy products.

That is why Iran has rightfully been added to this sanctions bill. Lindsey started it about Russia, and now we have added Iran with President Trump's guidance.

Together, Russia and Iran have built an ``axis of aggression,'' and we know where the aggression is headed. Sanctioning those who buy oil from Russia and Iran disrupts this entire axis all at once.

Passing this bill will make our country safer, and it makes our adversaries weaker.

Senator Graham visited Ukraine shortly before he died. Lindsey was a friend of freedom in Ukraine. He never stopped working to build support for their cause.

Lindsey succeeded. This is a bill that has united a broad coalition of U.S. Senators. The motion yesterday to proceed to the bill, over 80 Senators voted positively, voted for this motion. And I am one of the many cosponsors.

Now it is time to pass this bill. Now it is time to push for peace. Today, Russia is at the point of maximum weakness, and so is Iran. Critical pieces of Russia's energy infrastructure are today in shambles. A significant portion of its oil refinery capacity is no longer operable.

Energy shortages are being felt all across Russia today. At the same time, Iran's military has been severely degraded.

Both Russia and Iran still refuse to accept plans for lasting peace. Russia and Iran respond only to strength, not to statements.

It is time for the Senate to act and act decisively and to work toward lasting peace. Today is the day to pass the Lindsey Graham sanctions bill.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the cloture motion on S. Res. 817.

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Texas (Mr. Cruz), the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham), and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Casper Orthopedics. This remarkable milestone reflects five decades of excellence providing comprehensive, compassionate, and trusted healthcare to thousands of patients across the Cowboy State.

Casper Orthopedics was founded on September 1, 1976, by decorated Vietnam veteran and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jerry Behrens. It is Wyoming's great fortune that Jerry moved his family to Casper to start his own orthopedic practice. Shortly after opening its doors, Jerry was joined by Dr. John Bailey and then Dr. Tom Landon. Thus began Casper Orthopedics' 50-year journey providing the highest standard of patient care.

Everyone at Casper Orthopedics, from the physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians, and support staff, strives every day to put their patients first. They dedicate their time, talent, and treasure to helping people regain mobility, restore independence, and improve overall quality of life. Over the past 50 years, the practice has earned a reputation for specializing in a wide range of orthopedic care, ranging from trauma, spine, upper extremity, foot and ankle, joint replacement, and sports medicine to physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Casper Orthopedics is where I spent my 24-year career as a board- certified orthopedic surgeon. I joined the practice in 1983. Dr. Craig Smith and Dr. Clay Turner also brought their incredible surgical gifts to the practice during those first 25 years.

It was my honor to learn from these dedicated healthcare leaders as we worked every day to keep the practice at the forefront of orthopedic medicine. We embraced advances in surgical techniques, rehabilitation, and patient-centered care. It was this commitment to innovation that enabled people from all walks of life to return to the activities they enjoy with confidence.

In 2001, Casper Orthopedics opened its state-of-the-art medical facility at 4140 Centennial Hills Blvd. This new location included an ambulatory surgical center, physical and occupational therapy, and an imaging department. The practice continued to grow, and in 2003, Dr. Steven Orcutt joined the team. Shortly after that, Casper Orthopedics expanded further and added Dr. Matt Mitchell, Dr. Matthew Gorman, Dr. Robert Allaire, Dr. Eric Linford, Dr. Daniel White, Dr. Trevor Gessel, Dr. Jay Arthur, Dr. Marko Tomov, Dr. Ari Amitai, Dr. Taylor Harris, and Dr. Paul Hannon.

This golden anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the vision and dedication of the founders, the leadership that has guided the practice through decades of growth, and the generations of healthcare professionals whose unparalleled skills have made this achievement possible. Their work not only serves the healthcare needs of the region, but Casper Orthopedics also strives to be an active part of the Casper community. The practice regularly supports local organizations and has partnered with the Wyoming Symphony, Jason's Friends Foundation, and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.

Congratulations to the entire Casper Orthopedics team, past and present, on 50 years of healthcare excellence. May the practice continue its proud tradition of excellence, innovation, compassionate care, and public service for decades to come. I wish them continued success and know they will continue to provide high-quality care that supports the well-being of patients across Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West.

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

I ask unanimous consent to start the vote immediately.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from South Carolina (Ms. Graham) and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

The yeas and the nays resulted--yeas 86, nays 12, as follows:

[Rollcall Vote No. 212 Ex.]

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. For a century, this organization has preserved Wyoming's pioneering spirit and honored the men and women who helped shape our State.

On August 13, 2026, the Wyoming Pioneer Association will celebrate its 100th anniversary at its annual conference in Douglas, WY. This milestone celebrates 100 years of preserving Wyoming's rich heritage and ensuring that future generations remain connected to the State's remarkable past.

The roots of the Wyoming Pioneer Association stretch back to 1884, when the organization was first established as Wyoming's Old Timer's Association. ``Old Timer'' membership was reserved for individuals whose contributions helped transform the Wyoming Territory into the State of Wyoming. These soldiers, freighters, cowboys, and stockmen laid the foundation for the Cowboy State.

Starting with Wyoming's first State fair in 1905, the Wyoming Old Timer's Association gathered annually in Douglas. On January 8, 1926, the group was officially incorporated and adopted the name of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. The association's first official meeting took place on September 15, 1926, at Douglas's historic Princess Theater. Under the leadership of its inaugural president John Hunton, the group dedicated itself to preserving Wyoming's pioneer legacy.

Shortly after its first meeting, the association constructed a cabin on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds to serve as a permanent gathering place. As membership steadily grew, the annual meeting returned to the Princess Theater to accommodate its growing number of members.

In 1956, the Wyoming State Legislature appropriated $100,000 for the construction of the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum. The museum was dedicated on August 31, 1956, at the State fair grounds in Douglas. Today, the museum safeguards thousands of treasured artifacts, including cultural items, historic stagecoaches, and an original taxidermied jackalope. Each item in the collection celebrates a unique chapter of Wyoming's remarkable heritage.

In 2012, the Wyoming Pioneer Association opened the Ruthe James Williams Center next to the Wyoming Pioneer Museum. The center is named after Ruthe James Williams, who was born and raised in Douglas. Upon her passing in 2008, Ruthe generously provided the resources to construct the center. Her legacy was to ensure the association would continue to have a home worthy of its growing membership and enduring mission.

For 100 years, the Wyoming Pioneer Association has faithfully preserved the stories, traditions, and values of Wyoming's Pioneers and trailblazers. Through educational programs, community outreach, and annual events, including its beloved Holiday Cheer at the Pioneer celebration, the association continues to inspire pride in Wyoming's unique heritage. The association's impact does not end with its members. Wyoming Pioneer Museum visitation grew from 4,000 patrons in 2019 to nearly 6,000 in 2022.

The continuous success of the Wyoming Pioneer Association would not be possible without the unwavering dedication of its board. Through countless hours of volunteer service and steadfast commitment, these individuals work tirelessly to sustain Wyoming's cultural legacy for generations to come. The Wyoming Pioneer Association Board includes:

Doug Cooper, President

Rod Cross, 1st Vice President

Robin Cross, Treasurer

Anna Gray, Secretary

Jane Garber, Past President

Rachel Grant

Wesley Hineman

Mike Sanford

Joe Rankin

John Ralph Sullivan

Rita Russell

Tina Willis

Peg Middleton

Bob Vollman

Frank Pexton

Tim Pexton

Crystal Burgett

Shadwick Shakey

Rob Shook

It is an honor to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. This remarkable group has devoted a century to preserving Wyoming's history, honoring those who built our great State, and ensuring their stories endure for future generations. Its commitment to education, preservation, and community service exemplifies the very best of Wyoming's pioneering spirit. Please join me in congratulating the Wyoming Pioneer Association.

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), and the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. Ricketts).

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

Mr. President, when it comes to elections in America, only American citizens should be allowed to vote. In big cities and blue States, illegal immigrants are registering to vote and are casting ballots. This week, the State of New Jersey admitted that 6,600 noncitizens made it onto their voting rolls. Every single one of them-- every single one--was registered to vote during the final years of the Biden administration--6,600--while 400 of them actually voted, and those are the ones that we know about.

Here is how it happened: For 4 years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris flung open our southern border, and 10 million illegal immigrants flooded into our country.

Among them were criminals, members of cartels, drug dealers, gang members, and terror suspects. Sanctuary States and cities welcomed these illegal immigrants, and the State of New Jersey, where all of this happened, is one of them. New Jersey hands out driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. Its department of motor vehicles turns driver's licenses directly into voter registration. It is automatic. And in this case, the State of New Jersey, it registered 6,600 of these illegal immigrants to vote.

It happened in the State of New Jersey, and they admit they did it. The liberal Governor of New Jersey blames it all on a computer glitch. The real blame belongs to the Democrats and their sanctuary city and State policies.

Democrats can't throw open the borders, hand illegal immigrants driver's licenses, and then pretend to be shocked--shocked--the Democrats claim to be when these illegal immigrants end up voting.

Illegal immigrants must not be allowed to vote in American elections. States need to clean up their voter rolls aggressively and do it immediately.

The National Voter Registration Act requires States to make ``reasonable efforts'' to maintain accurate voter rolls. Many Democrat States refuse to follow the law. Senator Schumer said last week on this floor that elections belong to the American people. Just moments ago, right before he left the floor, he talked about so-called ``Democrats election integrity task force''--I wrote it down as he said it-- ``Democrats election integrity task force.'' You talk about an oxymoron--like jumbo shrimp, like pretty ugly, like deafening silence.

To me, deafening silence is what is happening from the Democrats, and it is time for them to start actually acting. Democrats need to stop opposing every effort we make on this Senate floor to secure our border and to enforce our immigration laws.

Election security begins with border security. Today's Democrats want neither border security nor election security. And they sure don't want voter ID. They don't want to have it guaranteed that only citizens vote.

The modern Democrat Party is being driven today by extremists, and these extremists all around the country are winning Democrat primary elections.

In New York, a Democrat nominee for Congress has vowed to abolish the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

In Colorado, another Democrat nominee who won a Democrat primary election in just the last couple of weeks said abolishing ICE ``will not wait.'' They want to abolish Immigrations and Customs Enforcement in our Nation.

In Michigan, a leading Democrat candidate for this U.S. Senate has been fighting since 2018--we are talking 8 years--to abolish ICE. Eight years spent fighting our Nation's Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He recently said ICE ``cannot be reformed. It can't be retrained. It must be abolished.''

They want to open the borders, let anybody in, and let them stay forever. That is what the Democrat Party of today believes. They actually have a manifesto; that is the Democrat manifesto. It is a manifesto. They want mass amnesty for illegal immigrants, and that includes illegal immigrant criminals, even murderers. They want to release illegal immigrant criminals into our communities, into our neighborhoods.

Then the Democrats are demanding free healthcare for illegal immigrants paid for by American taxpayers. They are demanding illegal immigrants vote in our elections. That is what they really want.

They want to abolish the Senate. That is part of their manifesto. They

want to pack the Supreme Court. That is part of their manifesto. They want to abolish the electoral college. That is part of the manifesto that is being elected in Democrat primaries around the country. They want to tear up the Constitution and tear down the United States of America. That is their agenda. It is radical. It is extreme. It is dangerous. It is scary.

The American people ought to be scared about what is happening with the Democrat manifesto and what they are promoting for this country. The American people can't afford it, and they are certainly not going to accept it. It is not the America we know and love.

The Department of Homeland Security recently released new data about the number of illegal border crossings in the month of June. It is at a 50-year low. That is because of the work being done by this administration. For the past 14 months, zero illegal immigrants have been released into the country--absolutely zero--after millions and millions and millions under the Joe Biden catch-and-release disaster.

Republicans have secured the border, but this fight isn't over. After years of Democrat open border policies, millions of illegal immigrants remain in our country today. Either we remove them or extreme Democrats are going to do everything they can to make it possible for them to vote in our elections. We already saw it happen in New Jersey.

Republicans promised to deport illegal immigrant criminals, and it is time to continue on with that promise.

The contrast is clear: Republicans want our laws enforced; Democrats want our laws ignored.

The American people rejected open borders before and will reject them again. The American people want secure borders, safe communities, and only American citizens voting.

I yield the floor.

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Alabama (Mrs. Britt), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski), and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Paul).

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Alabama (Mrs. Britt), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Paul), and the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis).

The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Alabama (Mrs. Britt), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Paul), the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Scott), and the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Tuberville).