Floor Statements

Madam President, last summer this body delivered on a promise to our toxic-exposed veterans. We passed a bill called the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act.

With a historic number of veterans newly eligible for long-overdue benefits, the VA needs a steady, accountable hand to lead VA benefits and its more than 25,000 employees in delivering quality, timely benefits now more than ever.

About an hour and a half ago, we confirmed a person by the name of Josh Jacobs. He is that person who is going to be heading up VA benefits. He is that person with the steady hand. I am glad that this body came together in a bipartisan way to make him the permanent leader of the VBA.

The fact is, having a permanent leader in this role ensures that we can hold the VA accountable to their job, and that is critically important. I can't be prouder of this body to tell you that we have a person who not only understands benefits but has worked in this capacity for the past several months.

With that, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Madam President, I want to thank you for the recognition.

I would like to speak for 4 minutes, max.

Madam President, I want to thank the body for this.

So we had a chance to do the right thing here, folks. We did the right thing with Josh Jacobs and veterans' benefits. Now we have the opportunity to pass the Elizabeth Dole Veterans Programs Improvement Act of 2023.

This legislative package includes five veterans bills that were considered and unanimously approved by the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee back in February and delivers on many of our longstanding priorities for our veterans and leading veterans services organizations. I am going to tell you what it does, and then I am going to talk about something specifically.

It expands home- and community-based support for aging and disabled veterans--home- and community-based support.

Among other provisions, it also helps Native Americans and Alaskan Native veterans achieve homeownership by lowering interest rates on VA Native American direct loans and reforming this program so it can work for our veterans--particularly, our Native veterans.

The part that I understand that is controversial is that it directs the VA to explore medical cannabis as an alternative treatment for veterans experiencing chronic pain and symptoms of PTSD.

Why? So that we--but more, importantly, the veterans--have a better understanding of the role medicinal cannabis plays in treating the wounds of war.

The jury is still out on this. This adds a 2-year retrospective study that will take place prior to the VA's beginning clinical trials outlined in this legislation. It grants the Secretary of the VA authority to cancel clinical trials should the VA deem them to be unsafe, based on that retrospective study that I just talked about. It allows the Secretary the authority to cancel trials in the event that it is determined that the trials were exposing participants to excessive risk.

Quite frankly, as I said in my opening, it allows veterans the access to relevant information to make informed decisions about their own health and will shine light on an understudied topic, which is already being used by our veterans nationwide.

So the real question here is, Do I want our veterans to understand the benefits or possibly the nonbenefits of medicinal marijuana or do we want to leave them out in the cold, not understanding what is going on?

The truth is, we all understand the impact opioids have had on this country, and if, in fact, it shows that medical marijuana or marijuana can have impacts that help people in chronic pain, we should know that information so we can pass it along to the veterans. It is as simple as that. The rest of these bills are absolute no-brainers, and I will tell you, I think the cannabis portion of this bill is a no-brainer.

Today, it is time to put political differences aside and do what is right for our veterans.

Look, don't let the haircut fool you--I did not serve in the military. I don't use marijuana. But the truth is, those people who think it works for them, they ought to know, and that is what this bill does.

I would encourage a vote for cloture on this bill. It is a good bill. It is a bill that the veterans service organizations have fought for and want to see happen.

I yield the floor.

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

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. President, Montanans proudly serve in our Armed Forces at one of the highest rates in the Nation. These veterans put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms every day. Their families make sacrifices too. These veterans and their survivors, who depend on VA benefits, deserve certainty when it comes to providing for their families.

As chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am proud to have introduced bipartisan legislation with my good friend Jerry Moran to ensure that these benefits are keeping pace with the cost of living. This bill, the Veterans' Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, is legislation that must pass.

Each year, millions of disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and their children rely on tax-free compensation for disabilities sustained during their military service. This income helps cover groceries and prescription medications, rent and electrical bills. It also helps veterans replace clothing damaged by their prosthetic or orthopedic devices.

Our bill directs the VA to increase veterans' compensation so that folks across the country--including 30,000 veterans in Montana and survivors--get the support they need to stay afloat. At a time when many Montanans are struggling with rising costs, from housing, to healthcare, to groceries, this cost-of-living increase will help give our veterans a little more peace of mind.

Today, we have the opportunity to put political differences aside and come together for the men and women who risk their lives for this country. Let's pass this bill.

With that, I will turn it over to my friend Senator Jerry Moran.

Mr. President.

Senator Moran, I appreciate your comments on means testing. It is absolutely a nonstarter. That information is revolving around on the Hill, and it is best to nip it in the bud, so thank you for that.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be discharged and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 777.

I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. President, the Senate has just come together to do our job by Passing the Veterans' COLA Act. We would now urge our House colleagues to quickly follow suit. Let's continue to show our fighting men and women that when you get sent off to war, it is with the promise that you will be cared for when you return home, not through words but by action.

With that, I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that Tim VanReken, a fellow in my office, be granted floor privileges for the remainder of the 118th Congress.

Mr. President, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs has adopted rules governing its procedures for the 118th Congress. Pursuant to rules XXVI, paragraph 2, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, on behalf of myself and Ranking Member Moran, I

ask unanimous consent that a copy of the committee rules be printed in the Congressional Record.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that we start the vote immediately.

Mr. President, today I would like to honor the 30 years of public service and career of a distinguished American and champion for veterans, servicemembers, and their families: Mrs. Cheryl L. Mason.

As the Department of Veterans Affairs' Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals, Chairman Mason helped deliver thousands of veterans and their families appeals on their earned benefits and VA services, ensuring they received timely decisions, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chairman Mason's lifelong commitment to serving veterans, servicemembers, and their families is no surprise given her background. She is the daughter of a U.S. Navy World War II veteran and a proud military spouse, serving her country alongside her husband Brett during his nearly 21 years in the U.S. Air Force.

Like many military spouses, Chairman Mason experienced a few breaks in her professional career due to relocations. However, she never let that stop her from working, whether it was as an LBJ intern on Capitol Hill for Congressman Bob McEwen, for the Department of the Air Force, in academia, or in private practice as an attorney. In fact, her experience served as a catalyst for her to become a champion for the military spouse community, where she went on to assist VA, the Department of Labor, Defense, and the Hiring Our Hero's Program at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to reduce military spouse unemployment and underemployment.

After decades of public service, Mrs. Mason was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and sworn-in as the Chairman of

the Board of Veterans' Appeals in November of 2017. She is the first woman and military spouse to hold this position.

During her time as Chairman, Mason demonstrated strong leadership to the veterans and communities she served. From hiring 65 new veterans law judges to increase both hearing and decision capacity, to expanding use of remote work during the pandemic that resulted in record-setting hearings, she delivered on her commitments.

As the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee since 2017, it was a great honor to work with Chairman Mason and the Board of Veterans' Appeals to spearhead landmark laws such as the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act, which reduced the claims backlog from 472,000 cases to 96,000 cases in 4 years, and the VA Tele- Hearing Modernization Act, which VA was able to quickly implement as a result of Chairman Mason's efforts.

Cheryl has also been an outstanding champion for the hiring of veterans, military spouses, and caregivers at VA and in the executive branch. And as a PREVENTS ambassador, she has done great work in developing and distributing a holistic public health approach to suicide prevention, working locally and nationally to end suicide.

It is my honor to recognize Cheryl's 30 years of outstanding service and top-notch commitment to serving our military men and women, veterans, and their families. While Cheryl is beginning a new chapter, I have no doubt she will continue to serve as a leading national advocate.

Chairman Mason, on behalf of myself and a grateful nation, I extend my greatest appreciation to you for your enduring leadership, advocacy, and service to all veterans. Your impact will be felt by veterans nationwide for years to come. Thank you.

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

Mr. President, I come to the floor today to ask unanimous consent for the confirmation of a highly qualified nominee standing ready to lead the greatest military the world has ever known.

As we speak, it is no secret that Vladimir Putin's unprovoked and deadly war is raging in Ukraine. Russia, along with China, Iran, North Korea, and other adversaries, is actively working to erode our national security and undermine democratic principles across the world.

Just last month, I had the opportunity to visit our troops stationed in Eastern Europe. I could not have been prouder of these brave American servicemembers who are at the tip of the spear protecting our democracy. They have literally dedicated their lives to defending our freedoms and the freedoms of our allies. These men and women need our support, and they are depending on us to do our part and confirm quality candidates to serve in strategic leadership roles.

With that in mind, I would ask to confirm Rheanne Wirkkala of Maryland as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs. This nominee's years of service at the Defense Intelligence Agency, as a senior staffer in the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and as a special assistant to the Secretary of Defense make her immensely qualified to serve in this position.

Our national security is critically important. It is a fundamental responsibility of this body, and we must take action to make sure we have the best people in the positions to defend our democracy and our national security.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination: Calendar No. 993; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; and that the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. President, I come to the floor today to ask for a unanimous consent request on the confirmation of a highly qualified nominee standing ready to help lead the greatest military this world has ever known.

Last month, I had the opportunity to go to Eastern Europe. I had the opportunity to visit with folks, to visit with our troops who are out there on the frontlines. I could not have been prouder of these folks who are placed far, far, far away from the United States, fighting the fight, stopping Russian aggression, and doing what they need to help protect our democracy and, quite frankly, the democracies around the world.

It is our responsibility, as the U.S. Senate, to ensure that these folks have the support they need to protect our national security and defend our country against foreign adversaries like Russia.

It is going to happen with the appropriations process. Hopefully, we will get a top-line number very, very soon, and we will get that done in December.

But equally important is the kind of leaders we have in our military. We have to have capable leaders; otherwise, things won't happen as Congress intends them to. When these positions are left open, the military has their hands tied behind their back. I might add, this is the biggest budget by far in the United States of America.

I had a visit with Senator Lee, and he is going to raise some important points today. I understand where he is coming from. I also got notification today that the Secretary of Defense is going to meet with Senator Lee on the 23rd of November. I intend to hold them to that so that Senator Lee can bring up the challenges that he sees, and hopefully there will be good faith involved on both sides and a solution can be found, if there is a solution to be found.

I can't emphasize enough how, if we want to hold people accountable to spend the money right, that we appropriate--if we want to hold people accountable for doing the job of protecting this country and defending democracy and our freedoms, we have to have people in these critical positions.

For that reason, we have a nominee before us today as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Security and Intelligence--let me say it again--Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Security and Intelligence. This is a very, very important position when it comes to our security.

Milancy Danielle Harris is her name. She has an incredible resume within the intelligence community. She has proven leadership within the DOD. There is no doubt in my mind that she will make the world a safer place, and that is why it is critically important today to confirm this nominee.

I am a U.S. Senator, just like the good Senator from Utah, and I can tell that you when we ask questions, we want answers. When we have problems, we like to find solutions.

I am willing to commit to the Senator from Utah today that I will work with you to try to help you find solutions, but we really need to get this nominee confirmed.

With that in mind, I want to ask unanimous consent that, as in executive session, the Senate consider the following nomination: Calendar No. 1153, Milancy Danielle Harris, to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Mr. President, I wish to say this: The Senator from Utah has every right to object, and he has every right to get his questions answered, but we are 2 years into this administration. I hear every day folks from the other side of the aisle get up and rail on the Biden administration for not doing this and not doing that. That is patently unfair if we can't get people confirmed to the positions that need to be confirmed 2 years after he was sworn into the Presidency.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I would like to share a few words today to acknowledge the 30th anniversary of the Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign and the important work this organization has done to expand breast cancer awareness.

When Evelyn H. Lauder cocreated the pink ribbon and launched the campaign back in 1992, breast cancer research was underfunded and few folks understood the dangers of this deadly disease.

In the past three decades, the Pink Ribbon Campaign has led the charge to raise awareness and collect funds for lifesaving breast cancer research and treatment. The campaign and charitable foundation has collectively dedicated more than $108 million to fund research, education, and medical services, including therapy and counseling services, as well as expanded access to mammograms and screenings for vulnerable groups with limited access to healthcare.

Like too many folks across this country, the disease touched my family when my wife, Sharla, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Fortunately, Sharla caught it early, and 2 years after her final chemotherapy treatment, she is cancer-free.

We often hear that ``it takes a village''--well, when it comes to cancer, that saying is true. We couldn't have gotten through Sharla's treatment without the tireless efforts of Montana's top-notch medical professionals, support staff, and fierce advocates like the ones working with the Pink Ribbon Campaign, who have moved the needle in the fight against breast cancer nationwide.

So today, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Pink Ribbon Campaign, I want to stress that breast cancer is no joke. Check yourself often and get regular screenings. Early detection can save your life.

Thank you to the folks at the campaign for 30 years of lifesaving work. Because of you, we are closer than ever to achieving a breast cancer free world once and for all.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that floor privileges be granted to Lauren Sahagun during the pendency of the 117th Congress.

Madam President, today I would like to honor the life and service of a distinguished Montanan and Vietnam war veteran, the late Mr. Ernest Lee ``Ernie'' Flynn.

Ernie was a native son of Montana, born May 8, 1949, on the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar, MT. A member of the Assiniboine-Sioux Tribe, his grandparents raised him and first taught him the importance of service.

Ernie was a fierce patriot who loved this country. Never one to shy away from service or sacrifice, he answered the call to duty in the Vietnam war by enlisting in the Army. A combat veteran of the First Infantry Division, the Big Red One, he saw hard fighting at Fire Base Gela near Lai Khe, Republic of South Vietnam. And it was there, in the line of duty, where he received concussive injuries that would soon leave him completely blind and deaf.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Ernie returned home to Montana, got married, and raised a family. He excelled in university studies and was a certified Mensa. But blindness forever changed his path in life. Veterans service became Ernie's life's calling, and he became a career veterans' benefits counselor with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at Fort Harrison, MT.

Ernie's upbeat, positive example instilled in veterans and others the courage to face disabilities. His example inspired and showed Montana's veterans--and veterans everywhere--that a disability shouldn't prevent you from achieving great things.

Ernie could never see the many national, State, and local civic and veterans' awards that adorned his wall of honor, but he always felt the support of his fellow veterans who knew and honored him. Even after retirement from VA, the tens of thousands of volunteer hours Ernie spent supporting Montana's veterans showed his continued dedication to service.

On October 30, 2022, Ernie passed away at home in Billings, MT, surrounded by his family and wife of 51 years, Yvonne Rose Brown. Today, it is my honor to commemorate his service and legacy.

On behalf of myself and a grateful Nation, I commend Mr. Ernest Lee Flynn and extend our deepest appreciation to him and his family. His work will continue to be felt by Montana veterans for years to come, and he will be sorely missed.