Floor Statements

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of S. 3984 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 731, which is at the desk.

Madam 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.

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 13; 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, and morning business be closed; that following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Chang nomination postcloture.

Madam 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 rise today to honor Univision 34 Atlanta's ``Liga de Campeones'' initiative for its 20-year commitment to empowering Georgia's Hispanic youth through education.

Since 2004, this initiative has provided invaluable support to high school seniors and college students, recognizing their academic excellence, perseverance, and dedication to community service.

``Liga de Campeones'' stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the resilience and determination of our youth in the face of adversity. By awarding scholarships and amplifying the stories of recipients on Univision 34 Atlanta's television and digital platforms, the program inspires others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.

Through ``Liga de Campeones,'' Univision 34 and its local partners have helped over 150 students overcome challenges and achieve their educational aspirations.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Univision 34 Atlanta as they celebrate this 20-year milestone of ``Liga de Campeones'' and for their continued positive impact on Georgia's Hispanic youth.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the confirmation on the Dalton nomination occur at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, May 23; further, that the cloture motion with respect to the motion to proceed to S. 4361 ripen at 2 p.m. tomorrow.

Madam President, for years, too many Democrats have been in denial about the national security risks at our southern border. And I have been critical of fellow Democrats who have failed to acknowledge these risks, who have failed to recognize that knowing and controlling who enters our territory is fundamental to our sovereignty and our national security.

But now the situation has changed. There are more than enough Democratic Senators ready and willing to pass a strong bipartisan border security bill--a border security bill coauthored by a conservative Republican Senator, Senator Lankford of Oklahoma, who has done extraordinary work in crafting this legislation; a bill that would surge enforcement resources to the southern border; that would tighten asylum standards; that would expedite the removal of those who abuse asylum to enter our country unlawfully; that would hire urgently needed Border Patrol officers and take the fight to the drug cartels flooding our communities with fentanyl.

This is a bipartisan bill to help defend the Nation against terrorists who would exploit weakness at our southern border to enter our country and kill Americans. And now it is Republican Senators who have already once blocked and this week are threatening again to block bipartisan border security legislation.

Why, the American people ask, would Republicans in Congress block border security legislation amidst a national security crisis?

The answer is simple. Asked recently on FOX News why Senate Republicans were blocking the Border Act, Senator Lankford, the Republican coauthor of the bill, put it very simply:

President Trump said: Don't fix anything during the

Presidential election.

President Trump said: Don't fix anything during the

Presidential election.

The former President would rather wield the border as an election issue than see Congress secure it, and Republicans in Congress appear to be falling in line even though it leaves the country at grave risk. I urge my Republican colleagues to reconsider their position.

Just as I have criticized Democrats who for years buried their heads in the sand about the threat at the southern border, just as I have criticized the Biden administration for its failures at the southern border, this is a time for Republican Senators to stand up to President Trump and say: No, we will not obey your command to leave the country at risk. Instead, we will do what is right for the Nation.

The threat of terrorism associated with unlawful entry at the southern border is real; it is pressing. If the Senate fails to pass border security legislation, refuses to tighten asylum standards, refuses to hire more Border Patrol officers, refuses to expedite the removal of those who abuse our asylum system to enter the country unlawfully, our Nation faces a grave national security risk.

The first vote we will take later this week on the Border Act will not even be a vote on the passage of the bill. It will be a vote on whether the Senate agrees to debate and consider amendments to the legislation. Senate Republicans think this bill is imperfect. If they want to offer amendments, they will have that opportunity.

I urge my Republican colleagues: Ignore the former President.

President Trump said: Don't fix anything during the Presidential election.

He is not your boss. He is not your constituent. We have an obligation to national security. The country is at risk. Let us debate the Border Act.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise to commend Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, on its 162nd anniversary.

Friendship Baptist Church was first established in 1862 and independently organized in 1866 in the days after the Civil War, becoming Atlanta's first Black Baptist Congregation.

Originally run out of a refurbished railroad boxcar donated by the Ninth Street Baptist Church in Cincinnati, OH, Friendship Baptist Church has served as a launching point for several of Georgia's preeminent institutions of higher education, including Atlanta University in 1865 and both Morehouse and Spelman Colleges in 1879 and 1881, respectively.

In the years since its inception, the leadership and congregation of Friendship Baptist Church have played an integral role in both the faith-life of Atlanta, serving as a ``mother church'' to new spaces of worship for more families across Georgia, and in the civic life of Atlanta.

Having moved their physical church for the third time in over a century, Friendship Baptist Church dedicated itself to be a ``church with no wall,'' embracing the meaning of their name and becoming a friend to the people of Atlanta and the people of Georgia.

Today, Friendship Baptist Church is led by Pastor Reverend Dr. Kelly Miller Smith, Jr., with over 600 congregants and continues to play a vital role in the community.

I commend the Friendship Baptist Church leadership, clergy, and congregation on this 162nd anniversary and thank them for their leadership in the community.

Madam President, I fully support the provisions of the Department of Justice prosecutorial rules that forbid discriminatory or political considerations in prosecutions.

Though I would want Senator Lee's proposal subjected to vigorous debate, I see no compelling reason why these principles could not be codified in Federal statute. Senator Lee's proposal has merit.

However, adoption of Senator Lee's amendment would necessitate that the Senate, having passed the budget measure, send it back to the House for reconsideration and further votes, with mere hours until a partial government shutdown that would have a devastating impact on our economy.

Therefore, at this time, I cannot support Senator Lee's amendment, as its adoption would ensure a partial shutdown of the Federal Government.

Mr. President, I rise to commend Nancy Flake Johnson of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta for her leadership and service to the State of Georgia.

Ms. Johnson has served as president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta since 2008. She previously served as vice president of programs for the Detroit Urban League, led Howard University's Small Business Development Center, and operated an accounting practice. Under Ms. Johnson's leadership, the Urban League of Greater Atlanta has worked tirelessly to deliver impactful programs focusing on economic mobility; developing, delivering, and advocating for innovative policies; and creating partnerships in both public and private sectors. The Urban League works to empower Black-owned small businesses, provide

direct support to young people, and help connect job seekers with workforce development and employment opportunities.

This year, Ms. Johnson was named one of Georgia Trend's 2024 Most Influential Georgians. She was previously honored as one of 21 Women Who Mean Business for 2020 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and was a 2019 Honoree as one of Atlanta's 500 Most Powerful Leaders by Atlanta Magazine.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend Nancy Flake Johnson for her work and for her leadership as president of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor State Representative Pedro ``Pete'' Marin, Georgia's longest serving Hispanic State legislator, as he concludes his distinguished career in Georgia's State House.

Earlier this year, Representative Marin announced he would not seek reelection to Georgia's State House after over two decades of service representing the people of Gwinnett County. Born in Puerto Rico, Representative Marin moved to Georgia in 1995. He was elected to Georgia's State House in 2002, among a trio who became the first Hispanic lawmakers in Georgia's history. Throughout his tenure, Representative Marin has been a tireless advocate for his constituents, championing causes like education and social justice, helping bring the needs of Georgia's Latino community to the forefront of the legislative discussion. Representative Marin's commitment to education has been unwavering, ensuring that children in Georgia have access to a quality education, regardless of their background. His dedication to empowering Hispanic youth has and will continue to leave a lasting impact on the future of our State. Representative Marin has long worked to break down barriers and create opportunities for all communities, not just Georgia's Latino community.

As we reflect on Representative Marin's remarkable career, let us express our gratitude for his service and leadership. His integrity and dedication to public service serve as an inspiration to us all.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Georgia State Representative Pedro Marin for his outstanding contributions to the State of Georgia, for his tireless efforts on behalf of Georgia's beloved Latino community, and for his decades of public service.

Mr. President, I rise to commend an Atlanta, GA, nonprofit organization for its two decades of service to Georgia and the country.

Founded in 2002, Bert's Big Adventure provides an all-expenses-paid, 5-day journey to Walt Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families. In 2003, the organization took seven children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families on the journey of a lifetime to Walt Disney World for the inaugural trip. Since then, Bert's Big Adventure has taken nearly 260 children and their families on a magical vacation.

Following the annual trip, Bert's Big Adventure provides year-round support to children and their families through initiatives such as the Family Reunion Adventures, the Fairy Godparent volunteer program, and additional charitable services. Bert's Big Adventure gives children battling illness and their families a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and helps create lasting memories.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend the Bert's Big Adventure team for its two decades of valiant service and commitment to giving back to those in need.

Mr. President, I rise today to commend the extraordinary efforts of the airmen assigned to the 38th and 41st Rescue Squadrons of Moody Air Force Base, GA, for their lifesaving mission conducted on December 1, 2023.

On this day, these squadrons demonstrated skill, readiness, and unwavering dedication to their motto and mission. Facing a life-or- death medical emergency in North Florida, the Rescue Squadrons were called in to assist with a rapid patient transport from Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach, FL, to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, as adverse weather conditions rendered all civilian aerial transportation options infeasible. The squadron's ability to conduct search and rescue operations in challenging weather conditions, where civilian resources could not, highlights the unique and indispensable role they play in our Nation's emergency response framework.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and celebrate the heroic actions of the 38th and 41st Rescue Squadrons at Moody Air Force Base and thank them for their service to our country.

Mr. President, I rise to commend Victoria Chacon for her leadership, commitment to local journalism, and passion for keeping Georgia's Latino community informed.

Born in Chancay, Peru, Ms. Chacon arrived in the United States without speaking any English. She worked many different jobs in construction, commercial and residential cleaning, and maintenance in Atlanta before becoming a small business owner in the cleaning and maintenance industry. She later founded Atlanta's first bilingual newspaper, La Vision, which is now distributed across the State of Georgia. Ms. Chacon has dedicated more than 30 years to helping the Latino community in Georgia.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend Victoria Chacon for her leadership, her work to uplift Georgia's Latino community, and her commitment to keeping Georgia's Spanish-speaking community informed.

Mr. President, I rise to commend Judy Murphy for her commitment to the well-being of residents across Augusta. For nearly two decades, Ms. Murphy has been volunteering at nursing and retirement communities across the Augusta area. Her weekly craft class at Thrive Senior Living in Augusta is frequently attended because of her passion and commitment to serving her community. Ms. Murphy recently received WJBF Augusta's Giving Your Best award after being nominated by Thrive's Social Network director, Robbie Harrell. As a retired nurse, Ms. Murphy remains committed to a life of service and finds joy in the life lessons and friendships she has earned because of her commitment to doing good.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend Judy Murphy for her service and commitment to her community.