Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the men and women who risk their lives every day when they leave their homes so that we can return to the safety of ours--these incredible, hard-working men and women in law enforcement.

This National Police Week, I am reminded of those men and women, but I am also reminded of the ones that never returned home. There are several Alabamians who made the ultimate sacrifice this year while protecting our communities, and I would like to take a moment to recognize them: Conservation Enforcement Officer Shawn Nixon, Police Officer Dallas Hinton, Corporal David Hathcock, and Lieutenant Mark Meadows. All recently lost their lives while serving their communities valiantly.

Shawn Nixon was always known as a ``man on a mission.'' This was evident through his incredible performance in the field, which was rightfully recognized, so much so that he was nominated for an unprecedented 14 ``Officer of the Year'' awards. He was ultimately honored with the Shikar-Safari ``Officer of the Year'' award just 2 years ago.

Shawn wasn't just an incredible officer, though. He was a loving father and a loyal friend. He was remembered by all who knew him--his two children, countless friends, and the entire Alabama police community--as a man whose mission will continue to live on, and they will carry his memory with them.

I would also like to recognize Dallas Hinton. In the greatest Nation in the world, young people are fortunate to have what seems like endless paths they can take in life. Dallas chose one of the most noble paths possible by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.

After his time in the Marines came to an end, Dallas became a police officer with the Thomasville Police Department, just 2 years ago. Dallas served the Thomasville community with the same strength, courage, and valor that he displayed during his time in the Marines.

And at just 25 years old, when he had his whole life ahead of him, his life, unfortunately, was cut short. I am confident it would have been a bright one.

He leaves behind a loving fiancee, a mother, a father, as well as two brothers and two sisters.

It is my hope that we can all lead our lives with the same courage that Dallas did.

He will not be forgotten, and his spirit of service will live on across Alabama with the many lives that he touched.

Only a couple of months ago, the Montgomery community mourned the loss of David Hathcock, a 20-year veteran of the Montgomery Police Department.

Being a part of any community for that long--much less protecting it every single day--you are bound to make a lasting impact. That is exactly what Corporal Hathcock did. He was considered a leader by those around him, even those who were more senior than him in the department. But, especially, young officers looked to him as they rose through the ranks for guidance and as an incredible example. David led with excellence, pride, and courage, which trickled down throughout the entire department.

His memory will live on through his wife and two daughters, as well as countless colleagues and Montgomery residents whose lives he touched.

And, finally, I would like to recognize Lieutenant Mark Meadows. An Army Ranger veteran, Lieutenant Meadows was no stranger to service.

After beginning his career as a police officer in Mountain Brook, in 1992, Mark found his home in Irondale, AL. He became a fixture of that community, serving the Irondale Police Department for over 30 years.

Outside of work, he was a helping hand to all who needed it, helping to coordinate traffic security or the security at his home church. He did that for more than a decade.

Mark was the real deal and will always be remembered as leaning in and helping those who needed it most.

I want to encourage everyone across our Nation this week to thank a police officer. The stories I just told were those of Alabamians who loved their community, their State, and their country. They displayed that every single day. And as we all know, when police officers leave the safety of their home so we can return to ours, we owe them a debt of gratitude.

These men that we just honored didn't have the opportunity to return home. So don't wait until it is too late. Don't wait until after their service. When you see an officer, let them know how much you appreciate it. Let them know how much you appreciate their sacrifice and service. Whether it is here in this building, which we are so grateful for, whether it is back home, whether it is on the street corner, we appreciate the law and order they bring and making sure our communities are safe and sound.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the Moffatt family of Huntsville, AL, whose lives were tragically lost in a plane crash on April 17, 2026, while traveling from Raleigh- Durham, NC, to Huntsville. LTC James ``Tony'' Moffatt, USA (Ret.) along with his beloved wife of nearly 35 years, Leasa, and their sons Andrew and William, were taken far too soon. Today, I join their surviving children Grant, Victoria ``Tori,'' and Cate, along with their extended family and loved ones, in mourning this unimaginable loss.

While no words can fully capture their remarkable lives, Tony, Leasa, Andrew, and William each left an indelible impact on the Huntsville community, our entire State, and all who had the privilege of knowing them.

Lieutenant Colonel Moffatt was a retired U.S. Army aviator and a decorated pilot. His 21-year military career also included experience as an aerospace engineer who served as a payload and flight crew support specialist at NASA's Johnson Space Center Astronaut Office. After his retirement from the U.S. Army in 2008, Lieutenant Colonel Moffatt founded Moffatt Systems, Inc., a defense and aerospace consulting firm and served as a principal research engineer at the University of Alabama at Huntsville, UAH, where he supported the Rotorcraft Systems Engineering & Simulation Center, RSESC, and also directed the Digital Engineering Transformation Lab until 2024. Lieutenant Colonel Moffatt coached the Freedom Cowboys football team from 2015 to 2017, during which William played for the team, Andrew was the team's sideline photographer, and Leasa came to the games and practices to support.

Leasa Moffatt was a first and second grade learning coach at Valley Leadership Academy. Her incredible heart for education is reflected in a statement from her school, which reads, in part, ``She was devoted to her students and brought warmth, wisdom, steadiness, and joy into her classroom each day. She had a remarkable gift for teaching young children, and her influence on their lives will not be forgotten . . . While Valley Leadership Academy welcomes families of all faiths, we honor the beautiful way Leasa's Christian faith shaped her life. Her faith underpinned the way she loved, served, taught, and cared for others, and it was evident in the kind of person she was-beautiful inside and out.''

Andrew Moffatt was a UAH alumnus and received a bachelor's degree in industrial and systems engineering in 2021. He followed his father's career, serving as a research engineer in the UAH RSESC since his graduation. Jerry Hendrix, executive director of RSESC, said it best when he reflected, ``Andrew was a well-rounded and fine young man, and his spirit made every day an enjoyable day,'' in addition to his ``smile, inviting personality and his encouragement.'' Andrew's talents as a sports photographer also extended to volleyball, and he photographed the Huntsville Volleyball Academy for several years.

William Moffatt graduated from Calhoun Community College, where he studied information technology and Cloud security, earning his Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate certification and CompTIA Security+ and Linux+ credentials. He worked as a NOC analyst and vulnerability analyst with Summit 7, a Huntsville-based defense IT firm, and most recently as a Cloud security administrator for Family Resource Home Care. Calhoun Community College noted William's ``resilience, determination, and a commitment to his future that reflected the very best of our student body.'' Both William and his brother Andrew also served as counselors at Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

I join the Huntsville community and all of Alabama in commemorating the lives of Tony, Leasa, Andrew, and William Moffatt. Their strong faith, deep love for each other, and dedicated service to their community will always be remembered. I am humbled to ensure their legacy is preserved in the annals of Congress, a testament to lives lived with faith, love, and devotion.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I am honored to recognize an important milestone for a crucial leader in American energy, Diversified Energy, as they celebrate 25 years in business. During this quarter-century, Diversified Energy has grown into a powerful example of American innovation and energy production.

Back in 2001, Rusty Hutson bought a single gas well in West Virginia. His vision and execution turned that one well into what Diversified Energy is today, an industry leader that continues to set an example for others to follow. As President Trump's energy dominance agenda advances, it is imperative that we champion strong producers that promote responsible, forward-looking operations that prioritize providing Americans with affordable and abundant energy resources.

Diversified Energy has built its reputation on this approach. By utilizing existing fossil fuel infrastructure in areas once thought depleted, the company has continued to meet demand in a dependable and efficient manner while keeping environmental responsibility front and center. Diversified Energy has effectively demonstrated that successful operations and responsible stewardship can go hand in hand. By incorporating modern monitoring systems and the latest in methane reduction infrastructure, Diversified Energy has taken meaningful steps to reduce its impact on the environment while continuing to unleash America's energy capabilities. As we continue to strengthen American energy independence and dominance, a long-term strategy like this is essential.

Above all, Diversified Energy's success is rooted in its unwavering commitment to safety. The company has fostered a culture of safety where protecting its workforce and communities it serves is paramount. Through sustained investment and adherence to rigorous safety standards, Diversified has ensured that its operation are not only productive but also responsible and secure.

Over the last 25 years, Diversified Energy has created jobs, strengthened local economies, and facilitated energy abundance that Americans depend on each and every day. Milestones like this are a testament to the importance of resilience, trust, and the dedicated individuals who make this success possible.

I am pleased to recognize Diversified Energy on this 25th anniversary and commend its continued leadership in advancing responsible energy production, driving innovation, and supporting American energy dominance for years to come.

Mr. President, I rise today in support of our colleague and my dear friend, a U.S. Senator from the great State of Oklahoma and President Donald J. Trump's nominee to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Senator Markwayne Mullin.

Many in this Chamber have had the opportunity to get to know Markwayne, and that is both a privilege and something that doesn't take long because with Markwayne, what you see is what you get. He is authentic in every interaction, and he has never met a stranger.

Markwayne and I became not only fast friends as freshman Members of the Senate, but, importantly, we became real friends. Over the past few years, my husband Wesley and I have cherished getting to share memories and that same level of friendship with his wonderful wife and much better half Christie and their six children.

Both personally and professionally, Markwayne Mullin is the real deal. He is a man of faith and deep conviction, a devoted husband and father. Whether it is coaching his children at their wrestling matches, being home when his girls get picked up for their homecoming dance, making doctor's appointments across the country, or leaving our freshman dinners early enough to get home to do FaceTime devotions with his boys, Markwayne makes sure that his family always comes first.

He is honest, loyal, selfless, and principled--all of the qualities of a true leader and public servant.

But to really understand the kind of leader that Markwayne is, you need to start from his roots. Throughout his life, he and his beautiful family have poured so much of their time, energy, and efforts into serving their community, State, and our great Nation. Oklahomans first sent Markwayne to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, and nearly a decade after that, sent him here to the U.S. Senate. His constituents recognized that he was uniquely positioned to represent them because his story is similar to theirs.

He is a true son of Oklahoma. Growing up in Westville, he began his education on a wrestling scholarship to

Missouri Valley. But when his father got sick, he left his scholarship immediately and went home to run his family business.

He didn't hesitate. He knew it was the right thing to do. And he and Christie, who has been part of his success since day one, took a struggling business and turned it around over the next 20 years, making it the largest provider company in the region. They built that family business into an incredible success.

His grit is absolutely unmatched, and he never backs down from a cause, person, or a principle that he believes in. Markwayne is driven by purpose, and there is no challenge, no matter how great, that he is afraid of.

Markwayne has already stepped up twice to serve the United States both in Congress and here in the Senate, and now he has answered the call again by accepting the incredible responsibility of running the Department of Homeland Security as its Secretary.

As chair of the Senate DHS Appropriations Subcommittee, I can say from personal experience that navigating the Department of Homeland Security is no small task. It is one of the largest and most complex Federal Agencies in our government, and the responsibilities span from our border to interior enforcement, to disaster response, to counterterrorism, cyber security, to the protection of our Nation's leaders, and more.

Leading this Department at this point in our country's history will require a leader willing and able to solve the issues facing our Nation, and that is why I am here today to tell you that Markwayne is not only qualified, but that I know without a shadow of a doubt that he is the right person at the right time to lead this Department.

It is worth noting that as I speak today, the Department of Homeland Security is shut down. Markwayne is no stranger to tackling challenges, and he has repeatedly demonstrated incredible skill in the way that he approaches them here in this Chamber.

Over the past several years here in the Senate, he hasn't just served his constituency back home, he has also served as a liaison between this body, the House, and the White House, trying to figure out what was possible and find a pathway forward.

His ability to build relationships on both sides of the aisle and having the tenacity to figure out what to do and how to do it is why Leader Thune tapped him to serve on his leadership team and why Whip Barrasso has him as a deputy whip.

Markwayne doesn't just talk about problems or issues that we are facing, he puts in the work and the time to find real solutions. It is a rare breed in this town and something we undoubtedly need more of.

With strong relationships on both sides of the aisle, he is willing to sit down with anyone, anywhere, and figure out a pathway forward. His strong character, love for our country, and determination is exactly what this Nation deserves in our leaders.

President Trump was elected to a second term with a clear mandate, and that was to secure our border, and to protect us from threats here in our interior and abroad. I have absolute confidence in Markwayne's ability to carry out that mission at the Department of Homeland Security.

He believes in our laws. He believes in enforcing them. He knows the way you do it matters, and Markwayne is committed to doing it the right way.

From our ICE and CBP officers to our Coast Guard servicemembers, to the men and women at FEMA, to our cyber security personnel at CISA, to our hard-working Secret Service agents, to our TSA officers, and so many more, Markwayne will never back down from supporting you, the men and women who serve this Department, the men and women who stepped up to say: We want to be a part of the mission of securing our border and protecting our homeland.

He will never back down from the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of our American citizens. He will never back down from the mission of protecting our most valuable asset: our people. He is not going to back down from protecting his family, and I can promise you, he will not back down from protecting yours.

I believe he is going to be the best and most consequential Secretary the Department of Homeland Security has ever seen. I look forward to seeing his leadership and the success he is going to bring to our Nation, and I look forward to supporting his nomination in the coming days here on this floor. And I urge my colleagues to do the same.

I want to thank President Trump for nominating such a tremendous man and leader, and I look forward to brighter days ahead because of Markwayne's leadership.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I think that if we are going to go and sit here for--how many days is it? I don't know.

The Senator from West Virginia, maybe, what, 48 days, 30-something, people without paychecks?

I really think we should think long and hard about Senator Kennedy's bill. I fully support it. I hope that we can get every one of our colleagues down here to do the same because what Senator Kennedy's bill says is that if there are people who have stepped up to serve our government in any capacity that are not getting a paycheck as a result of this body not doing its job, then we shouldn't get one either.

I think that is pretty common sense. I can promise you that if the staff in this building, if the men and women in this building, if Members of Congress--House, or Senate--weren't getting a paycheck right now, they would be much more eager to come to the table and to have a conversation and to figure out a pathway forward. And I just think we should take a long and hard look at it. I fully support it. If there are men and women who have stepped up to serve, in this instance the Department of Homeland Security, which the very mission of that is to keep our homeland safe--to keep American citizens safe--many of them taking an oath to do just that, and they are not getting a paycheck. If they are not getting one, we shouldn't be either.

Look, people are sick of different rules for different people. And I can think of no better example of that than this right here. So let's put Senator Kennedy's bill on the floor. Let's do it. And let's see where everybody falls on this. I can guarantee you if this body and that body don't get paychecks, they will be much more eager to make sure that other people get theirs.

So I urge this body to take a look at Senator Kennedy's legislation. I fully support it and hope we will vote on that in the days to come.

Thirteen.

Mr. President, I think you have seen the leader lay out exactly what is happening here. We have political games being played by our Democratic colleagues, instead of putting the people of this Nation first.

What we have just seen put forth by the Senator from Washington would effectively defund our law enforcement officers that are charged with keeping Americans safe. Look, we are not going back to the era of ``defund the police.'' We are not doing it.

It would also defund our Border Patrol and our customs protection.

Look, catching and interdicting fentanyl has to be a top priority. Under the Biden administration, that was the leading cause of death of people between the ages of 18 to 44.

Under President Trump's leadership, fentanyl overdose deaths are down over 24 percent. We are not going to go backward. We are going to secure our border, we are going to enforce our laws, and we are going to stand with the people of this country.

Interestingly, what the Senator from Washington has put forth actually undermines the people of her very State. Back in 2023, when the DHS bill passed out of committee, she had this to say:

The Washington State economy depends on our ability to

ensure goods and people can move through our ports and

borders in an orderly and timely way. Our national security

depends on the ability to do this while stopping threats like

drug trafficking and fentanyl.

This bill provides critical funding to stop the flow of fentanyl at its source--at our borders--and to protect communities in Washington State and across our country. But, today, she stands ready to defund the very people who make this happen.

And take a look at what that would do, even in her home State. The land ports of entry are many. This is defunding the mission and often the paycheck of the agriculture specialists at the Danville Port of Entry, working to stop the spread of disease and pests impacting our food supply. What she is standing here to do today is going to defund the mission of the officers at the Nighthawk Port of Entry, inspecting vehicles and cargo. What she stands here to do today is going to defund the in-port specialists at the Pacific Highway Port of Entry.

She says: Let's move forward without these people getting paychecks and their mission funded.

And today we say: No way.

With that, I object.

Mr. President, we would like that opportunity to continue funding the Department of Homeland Security in its entirety while we have a conversation about the best pathway to move forward.

So I have two asks of my Democratic colleagues. We said this last week. You agreed. Let's try it again. Let's sit down and figure out what is that pathway forward. We can't move the needle on anything without having a conversation. So let's do it, and let's fund this important Agency whose job it is to keep Americans safe.

Look, they do really important work in every one of our States, whether it is Coast Guard, TSA, Secret Service, CBP, ICE, FEMA, and more. It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to figure out a pathway forward.

We have heard more from our Democratic colleagues today, on the floor, than we have heard in the last 48 days. The last offer went back over to Democrats 13 days ago--13 days ago. In that interim time period, we have asked to get together with Democrats, Republicans, and the White House to talk about what is a pathway forward.

Not only have we not received anything back, we also have not had that opportunity.

Look, the people who sent us here expect more. They expect us to have tough conversations. They expect us to figure out a pathway forward, and that is exactly what we are trying to do today. We want to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans are offering a 2-week continuing resolution to do just that.

Mr. President, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of my bill, which is at the desk; that the bill be considered read three times and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Yes.

Mr. President, while we wait on that bill number, I want to say this: Guys, don't change the rules of the game. I mean, the Senate is supposed to function in a meaningful way to do the work for the people that we serve.

Coming out here and wanting to carve this or that without ever sitting down with your colleagues on the other side to talk about a pathway forward or even talk about this plan is disingenuous, and it is starting a new norm.

I can already see, when you all are back in charge, the number of things that this side doesn't want to fund or talk about; and if this was the approach that we took, you would say we were breaking the Senate.

So I ask you today to allow us to continue all of these people getting a paycheck--everyone in the Department. Everyone has to meet their bills. They have to make their payments. They have mortgages. They have childcare. They have wife's cancer treatment--all of these people do.

So we are saying in good faith, let's pay all the members of the Department of Homeland Security while we find a pathway forward.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 156, H.R. 4553. I further ask that the Britt substitute amendment No. 4353 be considered and agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, look, we stand ready. And I am disappointed that we were objected to being able to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which we just saw my colleague from Washington object to.

The proposal that they are offering does this--our proposal today that we just put on the floor was $100 million for drug interdictions. The proposal they put on the floor today was zero. When you are looking at the proposal that they just objected to here on this floor, we have $2.5 million for the Center for Countering Human Trafficking at HSI.

Their proposal that they put on the floor today, zero--zero.

The proposal that we put on the floor that they just objected to has $2.1 million for increased inspections for ICE detention centers, and they just objected to it.

The proposal that they put on the floor, zero--zero.

The proposal that the Democrats just objected to, moving forward to fund--we just asked to fund TSA. We just asked to fund the Coast Guard. We just asked to fund Secret Service. We just asked to fund FEMA. We just asked to fund CBP, ICE, and our proposal had $7 million for investigations of child exploitations and forced labor at HSI.

Mr. President, do you know how much was in the Democratic proposal that they put on the floor today? Zero.

We are not going to turn our back on law enforcement. We are not going to turn our back on border security. We will not go backward, back to ``defund the police.'' We will not go backward to the failed border policies of the Biden administration. We are not doing it.

Fentanyl and drug overdoses are down over 24 percent, year over year. We will not back away from that. What we will do--and we hope happens-- is that you will sit down with us to have a conversation on a pathway forward.

But, in that interim, you cannot hold these people hostage. There are good people who are working hard at ports of entry and at HSI and all throughout the Department of Homeland Security that deserve a paycheck.

Why are you playing politics with people's lives?

Let's talk about a pathway forward. Let's talk about what we do. But grandstanding and political posturing are not the answer.

I am disappointed that my Democratic colleagues just blocked funding for TSA. They just blocked funding for FEMA. Why? I do not know, but I am hopeful that they will come to the table so that we can find a pathway forward.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I would like a moment to respond to my colleague from Washington.

Democrats claim they are no longer for open borders. Yet they are now proposing to actually defund border security. Their proposal completely defunds Customs and Border Protection, including Border Patrol.

Year over year, fentanyl deaths are down 24 percent. When you take overdoses of drug and fentanyl, that is down 24 percent because of the good work of CBP. But you want to defund that. Why?

During the Biden administration, we had a record high of overdoses. Do you know what the American people said?

They said: No more, no more. We are sick of the failed Biden border policies. We expect the people who are elected to represent us to actually do that.

And there are moms and dads that are sitting around their kitchen table with a child who would not be here but for the courageous acts of CBP. But Democrats, today, say they want to defund them.

Additionally, Democrats claim they are no longer the party of ``defund the police.'' Yet, today, they actually came here and asked to defund our law enforcement officers--our law enforcement officers that do a multitude of things. They are asking to defund HSI today.

I heard the minority leader give a few remarks earlier. I was glad to see him down here. And he talked about the need to protect children. I wish that the other side of the aisle had that level of conviction over the last 4 years of the Biden administration, when we lost over 500,000 kids to Joe Biden's failed border policies, on which this side of the aisle said: Nothing can be done with it unless we pass a law. There are no reforms that can stop this flow further. There are no reforms.

They actually did away with a DNA policy to make sure those kids went to someone that they were related to. Do you know what you are defunding? You are defunding an Agency that found 145 of those lost children.

I agree with my colleague from Washington that children should matter. When you think about what else HSI does, they go find child predators. HSI is responsible for capturing these men, and, today, you all decided that is not worth funding. We are no longer going to go after people who are child pornographers, child predators, sex traffickers, drug traffickers. The worst of the worst is who HSI has found and gotten rid of, but, today, the Democrats came and said: We are not going to fund it.

You are defunding ERO personnel, who removed these trained national cartel members and violent criminals, and you are defunding CBP personnel.

Look, it is very clear, through their actions today, that they are still the party of open borders. They are still the party of ``defund the police''--now, actually, more than ever. You can't get more radical than that. That was actually rejected at the ballot box last November.

But we know this couldn't come at a more dangerous time. We know, when we saw what happened in Austin, that there was an increased level of threat to our interior. We know that, in December 2025, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center testified that the United States had admitted over 18,000 known or suspected terrorists as part of Biden's parole program.

When you are looking at this--when you are looking at the CBP and the fact that, in fiscal year 2025, they got 4,800 known terrorists or terrorist suspects at the border and, in fiscal year 2026, 3,950, we have work to do.

We want to work with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. We want to find a pathway forward, but it takes actually having conversations and working together to be able to do that. This is completely moving us in the wrong direction. It would endanger the lives of our families and, ultimately, the safety of our Nation. Therefore, I object.

Mr. President, we would love to listen. That would be great because we passed a continuing resolution for 2 weeks, and to my knowledge, there were no conversations between elected Democrats and elected Republicans to try and find a pathway forward. Then, in the last 2 weeks, we have been asking to have those conversations, and we have been asking to listen because we believe that this is important. So I am calling on my Democratic colleagues to be a part of that, to be a part of the solution. I certainly know that we want to.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 156, H.R. 4553. I further ask that the Britt substitute amendment at the desk be considered and agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Dr. Marshall Schreeder, a distinguished physician, researcher, and community leader whose lifelong dedication to medicine has profoundly strengthened healthcare in the State of Alabama and beyond.

A native of Atlanta, GA, Dr. Schreeder has practiced medicine in Huntsville since 1979, bringing with him an exceptional blend of engineering rigor, clinical excellence, and public health insight. He completed his undergraduate education in industrial and systems engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, an early foundation that would later shape his innovative approach to patient care and health systems. Dr. Schreeder earned both his masters of public health degree and his doctor of medicine from Tulane University, followed by an internship and residency in internal medicine at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals. He then served our Nation as a medical epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control, applying his expertise to population health and disease prevention.

Dr. Schreeder continued his advanced medical training in Alabama, completing a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology and has authored more than 30 peer- reviewed research papers and articles addressing viral hepatitis, liver cancer, and lung cancer. He is also certified by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy as a qualified bone marrow transplant physician, reflecting the depth and breadth of his clinical expertise.

Throughout his career, Dr. Schreeder has been a respected leader within the medical profession. He has served as president of the Alabama Society of Clinical Oncology and as president of the Medical Staff of the Huntsville Hospital System. He currently serves as chairman of the cancer committee and as a clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, mentoring future generations of physicians while advancing the standards of cancer care.

As the founder and a key figure of Clearview Cancer Institute, Dr. Schreeder is widely credited with reengineering patient-centered oncology care, driving the institute's growth, and establishing high- quality community oncology services throughout north Alabama. His vision has ensured that patients can receive advanced, compassionate cancer care close to home. In 2014, he further demonstrated his collaborative leadership by cofounding the Southeast Lung Alliance, which has successfully coordinated lung cancer screening and care among community practices.

Dr. Schreeder's commitment to the community extends well beyond clinical practice. In May 2006, he cofounded the Russell Hill Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health in north Alabama through support of innovative cancer research, education programs, and direct patient assistance. Since 2011, the foundation has contributed more than $5.1 million to the cancer community, and Dr. Schreeder continues to serve on its board of directors. In addition, he serves as medical director of research at Clearview Cancer Institute and has delivered numerous national and State presentations, contributing extensively to the medical literature.

I am pleased to join my colleagues and the citizens of Alabama in expressing our deep appreciation to Dr. Marshall Schreeder for his extraordinary service, leadership, and compassion. His career exemplifies excellence in medicine, innovation in patient care, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of his community. Dr. Schreeder stands as an outstanding physician and an exemplary American.

Mr. President, I rise today to pass this legislation by unanimous consent and offer a 2-week continuing resolution so that we can assure the DHS is fully funded while we continue to negotiate.

Two weeks ago, we agreed to extend funding while we talked and tried to find a pathway forward. However, the timeline we knew was going to be short. It took the Democrats until Saturday evening to actually produce legislative text.

Within the next four days, we were able to exchange dialogue and text again. You can take a look at what we have seen from the President and his outreach, what you have seen from the Secretary of Homeland Security and the deployment of body cameras across the country, and what we have heard from Tom Homan today. We are working in good faith to find a pathway forward.

What we are asking is, let us continue to do that. We are asking today for the exact same thing that we had 2 weeks ago: Extend this funding for 2 more weeks so that, as we talk, as we negotiate, TSA agents don't miss a paycheck; so that FEMA workers who are helping to get out disaster relief to people who have been ravaged across this country, and particularly in the South, just in the last 2 weeks--we lost over 60 individuals to the deadly winter storms. There are people who need help, and the people who are working to provide that help for them, they deserve a paycheck.

When we are looking at CBP and ICE continuing to do their work, look at what is happening across the country. It is important that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement officers, allowing them to make sure that they keep themselves safe and the communities at large.

There are very important jobs that they have, like HSI agents that go after child pornographers and drug traffickers, that make sure that Americans are safe. HSI has done tremendous work and must continue to be funded.

You look at the Secret Service. The list goes on and on and on. The Secret Service continues to protect not only America's leaders, but it makes sure that when we have events like the World Cup and the Olympics, Americans and those that are living here are safe and secure.

It is clear that we are operating in good faith. We are working to find a pathway forward, and the fact that people, these employees-- people who have stepped up to serve their country--are not going to receive a paycheck, to me, is just totally, completely unacceptable.

Look, we don't have to go down another government shutdown pathway, and that is exactly what this is. By not allowing us time to continue these conversations and shutting the government down, real people will pay the price. These same workers, these same agents who went without a paycheck for 43 days because of the failure of the Democrats to come to the table then--it is exactly what we are seeing now.

It is a choice. It is entirely up to Senate Democrats. We stand here today to say: We are operating in good faith. We have continued to move the ball forward. Let's keep talking. Let's keep working. Let's do a 2- week extension. Don't let anyone miss a paycheck. Let's make sure that we keep Americans safe, coast to coast.

I hope they will make the right choice, but that is entirely up to them.

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 156, H.R. 4553. And I further ask that the Britt substitute amendment at the desk be considered and agreed to, and that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed, and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, look, I am going to say it one more time. We wanted more time. Democrats asked for 2 weeks. Our concern was that 2 weeks wasn't long enough. It took the Democrats a week to articulate what it is they wanted. They articulated it via press conference and via tweet, not by conversation. Let's be clear--not by conversation.

Then it took them a number of more days, from Wednesday to Saturday, to come up with legislative text. We then did the same thing, working back and forward.

Look, you have seen advancements made from the administration. We saw a big announcement made today by Tom Homan. There is no way that you can't say we are working in good faith.

We want to continue this conversation, but yet you are penalizing a TSA agent. A TSA agent is going to go without a paycheck. Why? So that you can posture politically.

I am over it.

Everybody on that side of the aisle knows that ICE and CBP will continue to be funded. They are going to continue to enforce the law just as they should.

Who is going to pay the price? It is the TSA agent. It is the person working at FEMA who already went 43 days without a paycheck, who is trying to figure out how to make things work.

I have reports of TSA agents sleeping in their cars because they can't afford gas, selling plasma to make their bills.

Guys, come on. We are asking to continue a conversation.

When the Biden-Harris failed border policy allowed millions to come across our border unvetted, when there were American citizens who paid the price in that moment--like Jocelyn Nungaray, who was 12 years old and raped and left under a bridge; like Laken Riley, who fought for her life for 17 minutes before her head, her skull was bashed in--and we kept saying: We have got to do more to secure our border.

And our Democratic colleagues said: That takes legislation. It can't be done.

Well, we know that is not true because all we needed was a new President, who secured our border and helps to make our country safe.

Look, I believe we are a nation of immigrants. We are also a nation of laws, and the lawlessness has to stop. But even in the midst of all of that, with fentanyl overdoses at an all-time high, we didn't shut the Department down, not one time. And, today, Democrats are choosing to shut the Department down.

We have exchanged text. That is what you do in a negotiation. You work to find a pathway forward. There was an announcement today that shows we are operating in good faith. I don't know why people who have nothing to do with this are going to have to pay the price for us continuing to work to find a pathway forward.

It would be different if we had thrown up our hands and said: Nah, we are not going to send you anything back.

We want this to work. We believe in our laws. We believe in enforcing them. And we believe in the men and women who do that.

And so this is an unfortunate day. It is a sad day. It is, certainly, not one that had to happen.

I want to be very clear: All we are asking for is 2 weeks to continue this conversation, to figure out how to make this work, and to do what is right for all American citizens.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I think that these children do matter, and I think the half a million unaccompanied kids that came across the border during the Biden-Harris administration matter too--many of them with phone numbers safety-pinned to them or written on their arm.

The Biden-Harris administration got rid of the DNA policy to make sure that these kids were going to family members. These kids were lost; many of them still are.

What we heard Tom Homan say today--today, the day we are voting to say: Can we continue this conversation? Can a TSA officer still get a paycheck while we talk?--is he said that there was a significant drawdown there in Minnesota. He said: Operations were successful and that 3,000 kids who had been lost had been found.

Now, I remember coming down here and talking about that. I remember talking about these kids that had wandered across the border.

But we deserve better. America deserves better. These kids deserve better. And this is really simple.

Are we negotiating in good faith? If it takes you over 8 days to get us legislative text and we are able to turn that around in a couple of days, you have an announcement like you have today, it

is clear that we are. And so why you are making people pay the price, like the TSA officer, to go without pay again is beyond me.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the order of January 24, 1901, the traditional reading of Washington's Farewell Address take place on Monday, February 23, 2026, following the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 12; 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, morning business be closed, and notwithstanding rule XXII, the Senate resume consideration of Calendar No. 315, H.J. Res. 142, and the Senate vote on passage at 12 noon; further, that upon disposition of the joint resolution, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 311, H.R. 7147, and that there be 30 minutes of debate, equally divided between the two leaders or their designees, and the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture following the use or yielding back of that time.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that we begin the rollcall vote immediately.

Mr. President, I rise today in objection to the amendment from the Senator from Vermont.

I would say the most dangerous thing that we have seen is the Biden administration letting countless numbers of individuals illegally enter our country.

I think if you were to ask Laken Riley's mother or Jocelyn Nungary's, what they would say is we need more immigration enforcement. Our laws should actually be followed.

And so the fact that this amendment would actually defund ICE and then also would send taxpayer dollars to illegal immigrants for Medicaid, which I am pretty sure everybody over here has said they are not for, I think today will be a day of reckoning, and we will see actually exactly where you all stand.

I yield the floor.

Vote on Amendment No. 4290

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate life. Last week, our Nation's Capital saw thousands who traveled here to march in the 53rd annual March for Life. My team was

proud to host many Alabamians who were here and thank them for their dedication to the life movement.

The theme--``Life is a Gift''--reminded me about how valuable our advocacy is in protecting our most vulnerable and supporting families. You see, for me, second to the salvation provided to me through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, being a wife and a mom is the most important thing in my life. You can't quite explain it. There is something about being a parent: the first cry, the first step, then being able to help them navigate big decisions.

And while it is so crucial and having a strong father and strong families helps us have strong individuals, there is something special about being a momma--feeling that first kick; realizing that you have a human, made in God's image, that you are humbled to get to help bring into this world. That is something that I hope for every woman, and it is a reason that I am so dedicated to making sure that we protect women and children along that journey.

Supporting moms is important because, as beautiful a blessing that it is, there are times it can be challenging. So making sure women have the support in prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood development ages, and supporting families along the way are critically important to making sure that every child is able to live their American dream. That is why I was so proud to introduce the MOMS Act and continue to look for ways to build consensus around it and actually get it across the finish line. It stands for ``More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed.''

I think we have to remember how valuable life is, both inside and outside of the womb. We have to do everything that we can to create a culture of life, to make sure that the most vulnerable among us are fought for, and that we provide a voice to the voiceless. As we look for that culture of life and the values that allow us to achieve that, I would hope that we could stand together today in strengthening families and be able to reflect the very best of who we are as a country.

So as we continue to bring attention to this--not just today but every day throughout the year--let's all be able to coalesce on how important life is. I certainly know what an impact it has had on me.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the scheduled rollcall vote begin immediately.