Floor Statements

Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I appreciate my colleagues' commitment to this issue and to their constituents. As you know, this legislation has been before us for some time now, and there is controversy over it.

This bill would retroactively reinstate pension benefits for a small subset of participants whose pensions have already been transferred to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or PBGC. That would create a precedent that other plans would follow.

The PBGC exists specifically to cover pension benefits if a plan is terminated. So we should let the system work. This system does not require taxpayer dollars for a bailout or for whatever one would like to call it. That is part of the reason for the objection.

We also have an obligation to be deliberate in how we spend taxpayer money. Before we inject more money into the system, we should explore the implications of this bill, which brings me to my final point. The Finance Committee has not held a hearing--not a single hearing, let alone a markup--on this bill. The Finance Committee exists to examine proposals such as this and to provide all Senators an opportunity to weigh in.

I am willing to work with my chairman, Senator Wyden, on this and with Senator Brown and with Senator Portman and other Senators who are interested in the issue so we can see if there is a need and a way that we can address this issue specifically without creating a precedent that would deal with the rest of the entire system that has been put together to address terminated plans.

Because of the need for us to have regular-order deliberation and consideration of this legislation, I must, today, object.

Mr. President, I honor Jared Don Ricker, of Caldwell, ID, who passed away unexpectedly on June 12, 2022, at the far too young age of 42. He is deeply missed by his family and many friends and remembered as a wonderful man, great father, kind listener, and fun companion.

I came to know of Jared through two of his three brothers, Bryan and Cameron, who have both served as members of my staff. Bryan represented me as a regional director for southwest Idaho. Cameron is chief clerk of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, a position he served in when I was chairman of the committee. I extend my deep condolences to Jared's many loved ones, who include his wife Brianna Lynn and four children: Jackson Don, Brice Laney, Campbell Zoe, and Collins Bree. My prayers for God's comfort are also with Jared's parents, Don and Peggy, as they mourn the loss of their son, Jared's other brother, Chase, and Jared's many other family members and friends.

Jared, who was born on February 8, 1980, and graduated from Nampa High School, was a fellow Eagle Scout. He shared this proud achievement with his son, Jackson. Jared also served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Columbus, OH. After returning from his mission, he met and married the love of his life Bri, and they made a beautiful family together. He earned his associate degree in multimedia and worked with his employer of 15 years, Iliad Media Group, as the IT director and supporting engineer.

Jared shared his love and laughs generously with his family, friends, coworkers, and all those who were blessed to be a part of his life. He was a fun-loving and deeply caring father, husband, son, brother, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, and friend. He loved his children dearly, their passions and talents, and he loved serving others, sharing the gospel and making connections. His obituary movingly notes, ``He showed his love by filling your soul and your belly . . . Jared almost always had a smile on his face. Everyone was a friend to him. He left anyone he met a better person.'' Those who knew him recall his kindness, generosity, and humor. Jared is remembered as a great listener with a heart of gold.

We are so fortunate to have had Jared's light glow so brightly in our world. My heart goes out to all those who loved him, as we honor his life, mourn his loss, and cherish his loving memory.

Mr. President, along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch, Representative Mike Simpson and Representative Russ Fulcher, we congratulate Pat Kole on his well-earned retirement from serving as vice president, legal and government affairs of the Idaho Potato Commission.

Pat has been a steady hand at the helm of the Idaho Potato Commission, IPC, promoting the iconic Idaho potatoes for more than 25 years. Serving as the IPC's vice president, legal and government affairs, Pat has managed Federal, State, and local government affairs for the IPC, directed its trademark-licensing program, directed its research and education program, and supervised its IT needs. His work has included litigating certification mark cases, registering certification marks in many jurisdictions, testifying before the U.S. Congress and advocating for public policy supporting Idaho potato producers' ability to grow this central agricultural product and feed consumers at home and around the world. To say Pat has gone the extra mile to support Idaho potato production is an understatement, considering in 2005 he ran the Marine Corps Marathon as a representative of the IPC and to help promote the importance of complex carbohydrates, such as those found in Idaho potatoes.

Pat, who earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and law degree from the University of Denver, has practiced law for more than 40 years. His experience, calm, persistence, and ability to dig into the crux of the problem have been instrumental in facing the challenges that have undoubtedly arisen over the years. This includes his thoughtful advocacy for measured approaches to help with the eradication of the pale cyst nematode, assist producers, and regain markets. More recently, Pat provided critical assistance and advocacy for the needs of Idaho's potato producers as relief efforts were considered for the historic agricultural disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout, Pat's efforts and those of the Idaho potato producers he works with and supports have helped fortify the Idaho potato as a standout symbol of Idaho and U.S. agriculture. It is no surprise Pat has received recognitions for his attentive work. This includes Pat being named The Packer's 2022 Potato Person for All Seasons.

Pat is known as someone who always does his homework and who carefully thinks through the details. That has made him and instrumental partner to us as we work on Federal policy affecting the potato industry. We always know that when Pat raises an issue, he does so with scrupulous grounding, and we know we get a straight and accurate response when we reach out to him for guidance. When policy questions arise that we know will affect the potato industry, Pat is the first we call.

Thank you, Pat, for being such a trusted advocate for the Idaho potato industry all these years and your decades of service to the Gem State. Congratulations, again, on your retirement.

Mr. President, I rise today to remember and honor James K. Jackson, specialist in International Trade and Finance in the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division of the Congressional Research Service, CRS. James passed away on February 17, 2022, after a serious illness. He had a distinguished career of more than 35 years at CRS, serving Congress on international trade and economic policy issues.

James exemplified the very best of CRS during his decades of direct support for Congress. He achieved a remarkable record of accomplishment through his work for Members and congressional staff. James played a vital role in Congress' consideration of important legislation and was well known for his authoritative analysis of critical international economic and policy issues before Congress, including on foreign investment and reform of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States--CFIUS--when I chaired the Senate Banking Committee. He also was intricately involved in major trade policy legislation and debates before the Senate Finance Committee, including its work on understanding the economic effects of U.S. trade agreements before Congress. My senior staff used to tell me that they had James on speed dial during the major reform of the CFIUS process during 2017-2018, a testament to James' expertise and assistance on this major legislation.

There are many more examples of James' authoritative, nonpartisan, and objective expertise and analysis for Congress. In addition to being an expert on foreign investment and related policies, James had deep knowledge of the United States' role in the global economy and most recently was the lead CRS expert on the global effects of COVID-19, writing and consulting extensively for Congress on this issue. He had deep expertise in international economics and trade and was gifted in explaining complicated economic issues in a way that those without an economics background could understand. During the 2008-2009 global financial crisis, James played a key role in helping Congress to understand the deep interconnected nature of the crisis and its financial and economic underpinnings at work in major economies. His work in explaining the economics of trade and trade agreements was invaluable, especially during the Senate Finance Committee's consideration of major free trade agreements. The breadth and depth of James' international economic policy expertise will be truly missed as Congress continues its work on these important issues.

I offer my sincere condolences to James' family, friends, and his colleagues at CRS during this difficult time and hope they may take comfort in the knowledge of his indelible contribution to the work of Congress on international trade and economic policy.

Mr. President, I yield back all time.

Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I celebrate the life of a remarkable American, Orley Waite, who passed away in February, just 2 months shy of his 100th birthday.

I came to learn of Orley's extraordinary life and legacy from his granddaughter, who serves on my staff. Orley was part of our country's Greatest Generation, who helped secure Americans' and our allies' freedoms in World War II and then returned home to help build our country into the strongest in the world. Orley was born in Bunkerville, NV, but later made his home of 66 years in Huntington Park, CA. After attending Virgin Valley High School, where he excelled in track and field, football, and basketball, in 1941, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Eastern States. He then joined the Army during World War II and served in Germany. His service included fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and helping liberate Dachau Concentration Camp.

Orley returned from his World War II service and made a life and career in one of the most important ways possible: creating a family and shaping young minds to be ready for future success. He attended Utah Agricultural College, Utah State, where he met and married Mary Loughney on July 15, 1947. They moved to California, where Orley received his master's degree in education at the University of Southern California. He then dedicated more than 30 years to working for Los Angeles Unified School District. Throughout his career in education, he had many assignments, including math and science teacher, coach, and head counselor at Gage Junior High, Carmelita Junior High, Jordan High School, Fremont High School, and Fairfax High School. He influenced and encouraged many on their early educational paths and helped create opportunities as they learned and grew.

He also contributed significantly of his time and talents to his community. As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Orley held many leadership positions in the church, including bishopric counselor, bishop, stake presidency counselor, ward mission leader, seminary teacher, and high council member. He was also a member of the local Water Board for more than 50 years and served on the parks and recreation committee for the City of Huntington Park.

Orley was a husband, father, teacher, missionary, church, and community leader and so much more to the many who knew him, loved him, and benefited from his remarkable life. As I honor Orley Waite, I extend my deep condolences to his friends and family, including his children and their spouses: Orley ``Bill'' Jr. and Carol; Wallace and Donna; Carole; Joseph and Gail; Robert and Melinda; Martha and Curtis Hadlock; Jesse and Victoria; his 22 grandchildren; and 37 great- grandchildren. The current turmoil and atrocities our world is witnessing in Ukraine reinforce just how precious freedom is and how much World War II Veterans and American servicemembers before and since have given to secure the foundations we hold dear. Orley Waite left a lasting legacy for all Americans with his service to our Nation and his decades of advancing educational opportunities for so many. God bless him and his lovely family.

Mr. President, along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch, Representative Mike Simpson and Representative Russ Fulcher, I congratulate Bruce Reichert who retired after being the host, one of the main writers, and executive producer of Idaho Public Television's Outdoor Idaho for more than 35 years.

Devoting 35 years to any occupation is certainly a remarkable commitment, but particularly so when your job takes you to Idaho's rugged and hard-to-reach places. From exploring Idaho's mountain ranges and headwaters to examining what it is like to live and work in Idaho's ``Spud Country'' and seeking out some of our State's most storied barns, Bruce has given Idahoans a view of what lies beyond the roads, trails, and ridges. For example, he was executive producer and host of the award-winning ``Canyonlands Calling,'' showcasing the magnificence and beauty of the Owyhee Canyonlands, where collaborative efforts to manage these lands were achieved with private and Federal agencies. As Bruce has said, ``It's a state you can easily get lost in, both literally and figuratively. I know I speak for all who work on Outdoor Idaho--it's an honor to share our state with fellow Idahoans. Idaho is truly the keeper of special places. Esto Perpetua. May she live forever.''

The other shows Bruce has produced include ``Idaho Geology: A Convergence of Wonders,'' ``State of Change,'' ``50 Years of Wilderness,'' ``Salmon Reckoning,'' ``Sawtooths on My Mind,'' ``Pend Oreille Country,'' ``Land of the Lost River Range,'' ``Idaho Headwaters,'' and ``Beyond the White Clouds.'' He has earned a number of recognitions for his work. This includes multiple Emmys, Edward R. Murrow, and Press Club awards.

Bruce, thank you, for your excellent work all these years to tell Idaho's stories and shed light on the people, canyons, mountains, aquifers, prairies, lakes, fish, and wildlife that make Idaho such a magical place. You obviously realized long ago how truly special our great State is and have devoted your career to enabling others to get a sense of this spectacular treasure. Congratulations on your remarkable career.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Reserving my right to object, let me begin by saying my friends and colleagues across the aisle are right about one thing: Gas prices are incredibly higher right now in this country.

The effort to blame this on what has happened in Ukraine, however, overlooks the real cause of the phenomenal rise in gas prices that we have seen for a year before Putin even invaded. Definitely, the invasion did increase pressure on gas prices, but the problem is that this administration's policies have dramatically reduced the supply in the United States and Americans across this country know how supply and demand impacts price.

The gas tax holiday that is now being proposed is not a solution; it is a political gimmick that would not stop skyrocketing gas prices or inflation. In fact, Larry Summers said in a Wall Street Journal podcast:

I think a gas tax idea is saved only by its triviality from

being one of the worst public policy ideas of the decade. It

will have little effect over any reasonable horizon on gas

prices. It will be counterproductive from an environmental

point of view. It is the ultimate policy gimmick.

Rather than accept responsibility for 14 months of reckless spending or the more than 40-percent increase in gas prices that had already occurred before the Russian invasion, Democrats want to blame higher gas prices on the Russian invasion or corporate greed. They also want to ignore the consequences of their relentless attacks on the American oil and gas industry, the administration's overly bureaucratic permit and regulatory process for domestic energy production, and the misguided policy decisions like canceling the Keystone XL Pipeline.

The solution to rising gas prices is not a tax holiday, which would offer little relief but threaten infrastructure investments and worsen our national debt situation; nor is the solution a tax on American companies who increase their production of oil and gas to try to help us become more energy independent; nor is it stimulus checks, which have the potential, as the past ones have, to increase gas prices even further and push inflation even higher; nor is it to encourage other hostile regimes to produce more oil.

The only lasting solution to our current problems is to bolster American oil and gas production to replace not only Russian imports but to facilitate exports to support our allies and end their dependence on Russia. Indeed, I, along with a number of my Republican colleagues, have sponsored proposals to enhance energy independence and undo many of President Biden's misguided energy policies.

Republicans believe we can and should be doing more to unleash America's domestic energy potential, reduce reliance on volatile foreign actors like Russia, and deliver cost savings to middle-class families across the country. Hard-working American families need real relief, not political gimmicks, and that is why I oppose this gas tax holiday.

I urge my Democratic colleagues to abandon the reckless spending-and- tax policies that have already failed but which seem to be contemplated in the President's newly reintroduced budget and support proposals that will actually lower prices for everyday Americans. For those reasons, I object.

Mr. President, along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representative Mike Simpson, we congratulate Idaho-connected athletes Jake Adicoff, Dani Aravich, Jesse Keefe, and Josh Sweeney for their hard work and dedication in representing the United States at the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games. We also congratulate Sam Wood, Jake Adicoff's friend and guide, on his important role in helping to earn three medals.

Jake Adicoff, of Sun Valley, with Sam Wood, earned three medals in Nordic skiing. They were instrumental in earning a gold medal in cross- country skiing for the U.S. 4x2.5-kilometer mixed relay team. They also earned two silver medals: one in long-distance cross-country skiing and one in sprint cross-country skiing. These were the third Paralympic games for Jake Adicoff, who also won a silver medal in the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games. Jake, now a four-time Paralympic medalist, graduated from Wood River High School before Bowdoin College and earned three medals in cross-country skiing in the 2021 World Championships: gold in middle-distance, silver in sprint, and bronze in long-distance.

Boise native Dani Aravich competed in Nordic skiing in her second Paralympics. She finished eighth in the sprint cross-country, ninth in the middle-distance cross-country, 11th in the middle-distance biathlon, and 13th in the sprint biathlon. Dani graduated from Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, where she competed in cross-country running and track and field, and later she competed in these events at Butler University.

In his Paralympics debut, Jesse Keefe, of Bellevue, competed in multiple Alpine skiing events. He placed ninth in the slalom, 15th in the super combined and giant slalom, and 22nd in downhill. Jesse, an avid outdoorsman who started skiing at age 2 and won his first race at age 3, placed first in the 2021 U.S. National Championships in the giant slalom and slalom and placed third in the super-g.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Josh Sweeney, who received a Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan, competed in Nordic skiing in his second Paralympics. He earned 16th in the long-distance cross-country, 19th in the sprint cross-country, and 24th in the middle-distance cross-country. Josh Sweeney is originally from Arizona and currently a Boise resident. He also earned a gold medal in the Paralympic Winter Games Sochi 2014 on the U.S. sled hockey team. From 2010-2013, he played on the San Antonio Rampage, a club sled hockey team made up entirely of injured military athletes, and he played on the Dallas Stars club team in 2012, helping the Stars earn the 2012 USA Hockey Sled Classic title.

These athletes have pushed themselves remarkably far to compete in their respective events. Their examples of strength and triumph serve to inspire fellow Americans and people around the world. As we share in congratulating them on their achievements, we are reminded of the remarkable work it has taken each of them to reach their goals.

Mr. President, I rise in strong support for Senator Schumer's request for unanimous consent for the Senate to proceed to the en bloc consideration of H.R. 6968, the Russian oil ban, and H.R. 7108, the Russian permanent normal trade relations legislation.

I want to thank Senators Schumer, Wyden, Wicker, Paul, Cardin, Murkowski, Manchin, Lankford, Risch, Menendez, Cornyn, and Sullivan. It is a long list of Senators who worked hard on this legislation to get us to this point. They exemplify how you can be both principled and reasonable.

I want to especially again thank Senator Schumer. We did work carefully and long together. We spent tireless days working to try to make sure that this worked out. We, I think, both acknowledge that we respect the good faith that each of us has shown in moving this forward and getting it to this point.

Thanks to the efforts of all of these Senators, the Senate is in a position to pass these important bills. Importantly, their efforts in this Chamber reflect the best of what Ukraine desperately seeks to preserve and that which Vladimir Putin is determined to destroy: freedom and representative government.

That is why the legislation at issue is so important. It strikes directly at Putin and cuts off the lifeblood for his war machine and his autocracy by banning U.S. imports of Russian energy products, including petroleum, natural gas, and coal. It places Russia and Belarus in the same pariah status as North Korea and Cuba for trade.

The congressional action, including the certification criteria in the bills, is critical because it signifies a standing commitment to the Ukrainian people and to our NATO allies that is more durable than Putin's machinations in Ukraine. This legislation will inspire our allies to take similar actions against Russia.

As President Zelenskyy told us when he asked for the ban, ``[It] can be called an embargo [or it can be] just morality.''

Because this legislation is so critical to the support of Ukraine, we must act in unison on these bills and call on Speaker Pelosi to promptly vote on this legislation in the House, where it will also receive a resounding vote in favor.

Therefore, I strongly second Senator Schumer's request and also ask that the Senate agree to it.

Madam President, along with my colleagues Senator and Representative Russ Fulcher, I recognize the life of an extraordinary Idahoan, Lane R. Williams, who passed away in February. Lane was the former owner of Midvale Telephone Exchange and is remembered for his commitment to advancing opportunities for others. This includes his role in keeping the Weiser area north to McCall connected through his telephone company.

His obituary reads, ``Lane left behind a legacy of championing the underdog and empowering people by creating possibilities and opportunities. He did this in part by being an educator of many, including years spent working with migrant workers as a teacher. He always believed that education was the key to empowerment.'' In 1977, Lane took over Midvale Telephone Exchange from his parents and, with his wife Mary Gaile, began expanding service to five Idaho communities and to the remote Cascabel community in southern Arizona before building four additional areas throughout Arizona. This expansion is credited with enabling more than 4,000 people in rural areas to have internet and phone service and employing over 45 people. In 2008, Lane created an employee stock ownership plan, ESOP, and sold the company to his employees to help ensure their continued employment and security in retirement.

Lane was one of those industrious and inspiring people who figure out ways to help and encourage improvements in their community, and do

them. Some years after his beloved wife Mary Gaile passed, he met his wife Elsa Freeman, who again enlightened his life with love and companionship. The two bought and restored the Midvale Mercantile. The project's benefits to the community include, providing jobs, a local grocery source, community kitchen, community garden, and lodging for travelers. They also started Midvale Marketplace, Inc., a nonprofit focused on identifying community needs; creating service, education, and employment opportunities; and developing and supporting sustainable economic growth. Lane was also instrumental in developing the Weiser River Trail, and worked hard to maintain and improve the park and trail.

As we recognize the good Lane Williams did for his treasured community of Midvale and far beyond, we extend our deep condolences to Lane's friends and loved ones, including his wife Elsa Freeman, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His love, compassion, and open-heartedness will endure in the many lives he touched during his life well lived.

Madam President, along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch, Representative Mike Simpson, and Representative Russ Fulcher, we honor Idaho's community colleges during this Community College Month.

In order to meet the needs of a competitive job market, the importance of providing Idahoans with the opportunity to enhance their education has grown tremendously. Idaho's four community colleges are a central part of preparing young people and adults for postsecondary education, successful careers, and productive lives.

Our community colleges not only link students to Idaho's 4-year institutions through cooperative agreements, but also provide dual enrollment opportunities for students pursuing advanced learning while in high school through partnerships with the K-12 sector. Through collaboration with Idaho's business community, Idaho's community colleges also help grow the skillset necessary to prepare students for Idaho's workforce.

The recognition of April as Community College Month by the American Association of Community Colleges and the Association of Community College Trustees provides an opportunity to spotlight the valued role of Idaho's community colleges in enhancing Idahoans' quality of life and contributing to Idaho's economic success. We commend Idaho's community colleges and the educators who inform and inspire through these local assets for being a conduit for opportunities for so many Idahoans.

Mr. President, along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch, Representative Mike Simpson and Representative Russ Fulcher, we congratulate Brian Ness on his retirement after 13 years of outstanding service as director of the Idaho Transportation Department, ITD.

In 2009, Brian Ness was appointed to serve as director of the Idaho Transportation Department, and he has been responsible for an annual budget of approximately $800 million and leading 1,650 employees. We have greatly valued his input on advancing Idaho transportation priorities, including through the Federal appropriations process and other infrastructure-related proposals. He also testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Research and Technology in 2019 on ``The Need for a National Surface Transportation Research Agenda.''

Director Ness has devoted considerable time utilizing his experience as a transportation professional to help lead a number of related organizations. He has served on the boards of directors and in many other leadership roles for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AASHTO; the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, WASHTO; the Transportation Research Board, TRB; the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, ARTBA; and the Idaho Rural Partnership. His leadership roles include the Governor appointing Director Ness to chair the Idaho Autonomous and Connected Vehicle Testing and Deployment Committee. Additionally, in 2019, Director Ness became president of the ARTBA's Transportation Officials Division. He also served as president of WASHTO in 2015.

Throughout his career, he has earned many recognitions for his remarkable work and led teams that have received many honors. For example, since Director Ness joined the ITD, it has received nearly 170 national awards for its programs and projects, including the prestigious Francis B. Francois Award for Innovation. ITD has also won an extraordinary 17 AASHTO President's Transportation Awards. Director Ness also received the 2016 Navigator Award from the national organization, Route Fifty; was named Trine University's--formerly Tri- State University--2014 Alumni of the Year; AASHTO's President's Award for Administration in 2013; and was honored in 2012 as Leader of the Year by the Treasure Valley Chapter of Women's Transportation Seminar.

Before becoming director at ITD, Director Ness worked for 30 years at the Michigan Department of Transportation, holding a variety of positions in research, operations, aeronautics, construction, and project development. He earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Tri-State University and a master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University, and he is a licensed professional engineer in Michigan and Idaho.

We understand the ITD's employee-driven innovation program started during Director Ness's leadership is credited with saving nearly $35 million, creating 691 customer-service improvements, and saving 540,000 contractor and employee hours. Thank you, Brian, for your focus on ingenuity, efficiency, accountability, and results all these years at the helm of the ITD. Your work to empower employee-driven innovation and support emerging leaders will no doubt have lasting effects on government efficiency and countless individual careers. Thank you, especially, for your service to Idaho, the transportation department and its employees, and congratulations on your retirement.

Madam President, reserving the right to object.

I rise to address Ukraine's perilous situation. There is broad agreement in this Chamber and in the House of Representatives that America's response in all areas to Russia and Belarus's aggression against Ukraine must be comprehensive and strong.

Leveraging the benefits of the U.S. trade relationship with Russia is just such a response that will add to the pressures on Putin to rethink his actions in Ukraine and punish him for what he has already done.

On March 8, the Democratic and Republican leadership in the Senate Finance Committee and the House Committee on Ways and Means reached an agreement on precisely that type of response. The bicameral, bipartisan agreement is called the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act, and its provisions include banning Russian energy imports, including various forms of petroleum, natural gas, and coal; moving Russia and Belarus to the same pariah trade status as North Korea and Cuba; providing the President additional authority to raise tariffs on Russia and Belarus even further; calling on WTO members to take similar actions to deprive Russia of its trade benefits; and sending a crystal-clear message to Russia's dictator, Vladimir Putin, that he will never see these trade benefits restored until he reverses his aggression, stops threatening our NATO allies, and recognizes the right of the Ukrainian people to live freely.

None of this is controversial, and all of it is necessary.

Yet only a day after the deal was made and with neither warning nor explanation, the House split the energy ban from the trade status provision and bifurcated the two measures further by imposing separate standards on Putin's actions in Ukraine before any President can think to restore these trade benefits to Russia without congressional approval.

Each bill passed by over 400 votes, but the House decided to only transmit the bill on Russia's trade status, its permanent normal trade relations, or PNTR piece, even though it had passed more than a week after the energy ban.

The important point is that our House colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree both restrictions need to happen. Some may wonder why the urgent need for the congressional energy import ban after President Biden provided one in his Executive order.

Speaker Pelosi was asked just that question when she put the new House version of the import ban up for a vote, and she stated, correctly, to her House colleagues: ``You're here to legislate.''

Absolutely, that is why we are here. And our legislative response-- more especially its certification requirements--must deliver an unmistakable message to Putin: no relief until you stop your aggression and recognize Ukraine's inalienable right to live free and choose its leaders. The energy ban and its trade status revocation are complementary, and they must work together.

While President Biden's Executive order to ban Russian oil was a positive step, the Senate and House need to impose tough conditions on Putin's treatment of Ukraine to be met before any President seeks an end to the energy import ban. These conditions are like those Congress had done in the bipartisan CAATSA legislation, which we negotiated when I was the Banking Committee chairman during the Trump administration.

Enacting a Russian oil ban will demonstrate to the Ukrainian people and our NATO allies that Congress is committed to cutting off Russia's funding for its war effort.

Many of our allies, including in Europe, are debating whether to adopt an energy ban against Russia. By the U.S. Congress acting definitively and with certainty through our congressional action, our allies will all be more encouraged to take similar stands against Russian energy exports, which account for over a third of Russia's budget.

I seek to continue our bipartisan tradition by introducing text that is as close to the original deal as possible, except in two respects, that respond to the points made by our majority leader--both made to facilitate our colleagues on the other side of the aisle.

First, I am making a single technical correction, made at the request of Senators Manchin and Murkowski, to comport with the timeline of the President's Executive order regarding the oil ban so that no delay such as was mentioned as a possible problem will exist. This edit is necessary to avoid that delay, and it solves that problem.

Second, I have revised the certification criteria that would allow the restoration of trade benefits to match exactly what the House passed. The original deal provided that benefits could not be restored until Russia withdrew its forces and stopped posing an immediate threat to NATO allies and partners. To secure bipartisan support, I yielded to what the House passed: that Russia need only reach an agreement with the President to withdraw its forces rather than have definitively withdrawn them and that Russia not pose a threat to NATO members as opposed to NATO members and their partners.

Again, this is to match what the House has requested. Mind you, I have many colleagues on my side who would like to do many more things, and I agree with their requests. But on the trade front, I am willing to make these concessions to get this done.

My view is that we should act quickly. I agree with the majority leader on

this. We must do it together, and we must do it today. There is no reason to wait for another revenue bill to come from the House before we act. So let us mark the bravery of the Ukrainian people by passing the strongest legislation we can, today, in the trade space.

Accordingly, I am asking the Senator to modify his request to take the firm, comprehensive action against Vladimir Putin that circumstances require. I would like to ask that the Senator modify his request to make it in order for the Crapo substitute amendment, which is at the desk, to be considered and agreed to and that the Senate vote on the passage of the bill as amended.

Madam President, reserving the right to object and just briefly.

I would like to say to my colleague Senator Cardin, I believe we could easily work the global Magnitsky legislation into whatever we do today. I don't believe there will be objections to moving ahead on that. It is not included in what I submitted because that was not a part of the original four-corners agreement which I am proposing. I think that could be added.

I also have colleagues on my side of the aisle who have other items they would like to see discussed because the idea we are talking about here is to move ahead with no amendments on legislation that is major. And I am willing to discuss that as well, but I believe we need time to work this out.

We can get this done today. And even though the House is not in session today, our passage of global legislation on this entire issue would send a powerful message that the House could affirm when it does come back into session next week.

So I will still need to object, but I will commit to my colleagues on the other side that I will work with you today to try to iron out these differences. I need to have assurances that these other pieces that, for some unexplained reason, the House has not been willing to put into this package can be put into a package that will pass. And if we can get to that point, we can move today.

So I commit that I will work with you; but at this point, I must object.

I thank Leader Schumer.