Floor Statements

Mr. President, this resolution concerns a lawsuit filed in the Oregon Supreme Court against Senator Wyden. That suit was brought by an individual, Desmond Bellard, who is representing himself without the assistance of an attorney and is attempting to use a civil action known as quo warranto to remove Senator Wyden from office for alleged State campaign finance violations in the 2022 election. This suit challenges the Senator's right to be seated in the Senate, an issue which the U.S. Constitution commits exclusively to the Senate.

This resolution would authorize the Senate legal counsel to represent Senator Wyden named as a respondent in this suit in order to remove the case to Federal court and seek its dismissal on the basis of the constitutional commitment to the Senate of the power to seat and remove its Members, the Speech or Debate Clause, and the lack of jurisdiction under Oregon's quo warranto statute.

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, with respect to the cloture motions on Executive Calendar Nos. 74 and 75, the mandatory quorum calls be waived and they ripen at 1 a.m., Friday, April 11; further if cloture is invoked on Calendar No. 74, all post-cloture time be expired and the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination; further, if cloture is invoked on Calendar No. 75, all postcloture time be expired and the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination; finally, if confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

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

Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 80.

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

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

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, today I recognize the life and leadership of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, known as ``the Rebbe,'' the head of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.

For almost half a century, every U.S. President has proclaimed the Rebbe's birthday as Education and Sharing Day in recognition of his unwavering commitment to improving education for all people.

Throughout his decades of dedicated service and leadership, the Rebbe emphasized that education must go beyond the transfer of knowledge. It must instill the values essential for living a meaningful life, nurturing moral character, and contributing to the betterment of both individuals and society as a whole.

The Rebbe held a deep appreciation for America's unique role as the world's superpower, and he maintained meaningful relationships with many national leaders, who saw him as a

moral guide. He often pointed to the words ``In God We Trust'' enshrined on our currency--which is also inscribed above the doorway into the Senate Chamber--as a reflection of the American story, a nation founded on faith and moral responsibility. For the Rebbe, America was not just a great country but a beacon of light with the historic potential to inspire renewed moral clarity among all of humanity.

Under his visionary leadership, Chabad-Lubavitch became the largest Jewish educational organization and the fastest growing Jewish movement in the world. Today, there are more than 5,000 Chabad-Lubavitch centers offering educational, religious, and humanitarian services in 103 countries and in all 50 States, including in my home State of South Dakota.

The Rebbe envisioned a world at peace. He exemplified how humanity-- through moral education, acts of kindness, and charitable deeds--can bring about the prophetic era when ``swords are turned into plowshares'' and peace and prosperity flourish across the earth.

On the Rebbe's birthday, it is fitting that we recommit ourselves to his legacy and teachings, striving to live with greater compassion, deeper purpose, and a shared sense of responsibility for the good of all.

Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 77.

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. 78.

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. 79.