Floor Statements

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.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, yesterday afternoon, Senate Democrats finally dropped their filibuster of S. 1, the Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act. It took 24 days and 4 cloture votes, but enough of my Democratic colleagues have now voted to advance this legislation concerning America's role in the world.

As I mentioned before, the bill would reaffirm our Nation's commitment to Israel's security through military assistance and cooperative missile defense, as well as loan guarantees. It would deepen our ties of strategic cooperation with Jordan, as the security and humanitarian ramifications of the Syrian civil war continue to take their toll, and the legislation also includes the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which would hold accountable those who have enabled and carried out the butchery of the Assad regime.

But I would like to take a few moments this morning to discuss an amendment that I plan to propose as well. The amendment I plan to propose would expand on the legislation and take a further step to emphasize the need for American leadership in our troubled world, particularly with respect to our ongoing fight against al-Qaida and ISIS in Syria and Afghanistan. My amendment would acknowledge the plain fact that al-Qaida, ISIS, and their affiliates in Syria and Afghanistan continue to pose a serious threat to us here at home. It would recognize the danger of a precipitous withdrawal from either conflict and highlight the need for diplomatic engagement and political solutions to the underlying conflicts in Syria and Afghanistan.

We have seen the costs of a precipitous withdrawal before in Iraq, and in Afghanistan, we have seen the downsides of telling the enemy they can just wait us out; we will be gone on a date certain.

My amendment would also urge continued commitment from the U.S. military and our partners until--until--we have set the conditions for the enduring defeat of these vile terrorists. This measure would reflect the conclusions of our Nation's military and national security professionals. It would speak directly to our allies and reassure our local partners who are doing the bulk of the fighting against a shared enemy.

Simply put, while it is tempting to retreat to the comfort and security of our own shores, there is still a great deal of work to be done, and we know that left untended, these conflicts will reverberate right here in our own cities.

We are not the world's policemen, but we are the leader of the free world, and it is incumbent upon the United States to lead, to continue to maintain a global coalition against terror, and to stand by our local partners who are

engaged in the daily fight against the terrorists.

My amendment would further condemn Iran for its hampering of diplomatic efforts and its destabilizing work throughout the region. It would call for greater consultation with the United States' allies and partners in the region, especially Israel, with regard to future stability we seek in a critical region, and it would reiterate the importance of the administration's consulting and coordinating with Congress on its long-term strategies for success in these struggles, including a thorough accounting of the risk of withdrawing too hastily.

I am glad that, after needless political delays, our Democratic colleagues finally allowed a first procedural vote on this legislation.

I am proud to support its provisions that concern Israel, Jordan, and Syria, and I will be proud to offer this amendment so the Senate can speak equally clearly on the fight against al-Qaida, ISIS, and other bad actors that needs to continue in both Syria and Afghanistan.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, at 3 o'clock p.m. today, all postcloture time on the motion to proceed to S. 1 expire and the

Senate proceed to a vote on the motion to proceed to S. 1.

For information of all of our colleagues, the vote will be at 3 o'clock.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Madam President, I call up my amendment No. 65.

I ask unanimous consent that the reading be dispensed with.

Madam President, I send a cloture motion to the desk for Senate amendment No. 65.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 12 noon, Wednesday, January 30; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; finally, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of S. 1 for debate only.

Madam President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. President, I understand that there is a bill at the desk due for a second reading.

In order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to further proceedings.

Mr. President, later this afternoon, the Senate will hold its fourth cloture vote on a package of important foreign policy legislation that was introduced back on January 4. For weeks, Senate Democrats have effectively filibustered this legislation and blocked it from moving forward.

At first, my colleague the Democratic leader said his party was simply opposed to considering any other business during the partial government shutdown, but then just a few days later, he actually sought to move ahead with a foreign policy vote of his own. In other words, though Senate Democrats were filibustering this pro-Israel legislation with the thin excuse that they didn't want to take up any other business, it turns out it was just the pro-Israel legislation that was actually off-limits.

While Senate Democrats were filibustering this legislation, by the way, the Democratic House had no problem considering one component of it, which it passed by voice vote.

So I remain curious as to the real reason why the Democrats insisted on filibustering these critical bills. Maybe we will get a better explanation this week, assuming Democrats finally drop the filibuster and allow this body to get back to work. This is an important piece of legislation. It comes at an urgent time.

For the past 8 years, the world has seen a despotic regime wage brutal war upon its own people. The conflict in Syria has taken more than 400,000 lives and driven more than 5.6 million civilians to flee the country, straining the capacity of nations in the region, as well as Europe, to deal with the refugee and humanitarian fallout. Bashar al-Assad and his cronies have paved the way for the persistent terror of the Islamic State and invited the chaotic influence of foreign powers, especially Iran and Russia.

Of course, this is a region that already contends with persistent-- persistent--instability, including Iran's meddling, financial support for terror, and explicit threats against Israel, but the legislation at hand addresses these challenges actually head-on. It tells our ally Israel that our commitment to its security is ironclad. It tells our partners in Jordan that we have their backs as they grapple with the flow of refugees and other ongoing effects of the Syrian crisis. It makes a crystal clear statement to the Syrian regime and those who abet it: Your brutality needs to end.

Here is how the legislation accomplishes all that: It makes sure the United States walks the walk when it comes to supporting Israel by authorizing military assistance, loan guarantees, and teamwork on missile defense.

Another bipartisan provision would preserve communities' rights to combat the destructive BDS movement by ensuring that States and local governments can choose not to funnel taxpayer dollars to companies that push anti-Israel boycotts.

With respect to Jordan, the bill before us reauthorizes legislation to deepen our cooperation with this key regional partner, which has faced grave challenges from the chaos that continues to unfold in its neighbor to its north.

With respect to Syria, this legislation includes the bipartisan Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act. As I mentioned earlier, this passed the House on a voice vote just last week.

It would create new pathways to hold accountable the individuals and institutions that have tortured and murdered countless Syrian civilians over the course of the civil war. It would ensure that unless the Syrian regime shifts course and ends its brutality, the nation's major industries and financial institutions would pay a heavy price due to American sanctions.

So if it weren't obvious, these are critically important issues, and none of them have been put on pause because the Democrats' political strategy has blocked this body from taking action.

Due to the Democrats' filibuster, Israel, Jordan, and the innocent people of Syria have already had to wait 24 days for the Senate to proceed to these largely noncontroversial and widely supported bipartisan bills.

I hope our colleagues across the aisle don't keep them waiting much longer.

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

Mr. President, for more than 30 years, the men and women of Paducah, KY, have prospered with the leadership of my friend, Bob Leeper, in city, State, and finally county government. There are few individuals more appreciated for their public service in western Kentucky. At the end of last year, Bob completed his term as McCracken County judge-executive, and I would like to take a moment to offer my gratitude and reflect on his many years of service.

There is a common expression identifying two types of people who are elected to office: show horses and work horses. The first kind thrives when driving home a point in front of the camera or in making a bold headline. On the other hand, a work horse will forgo acclaim in favor of accomplishment and reject praise for progress. Without a doubt, Bob has spent his career as a work horse. His achievements will leave a lasting impact on the area and our Commonwealth.

To say the least, Bob cared little for party labels. As a matter of fact, during his distinguished career, Bob hit the political ``trifecta'' of sorts, having been elected by his constituents as a registered Democrat, then a Republican, and lastly as an Independent.

In his first elected office as Paducah city commissioner, Bob also served as mayor pro tem and quickly earned his colleagues' respect. From there, Bob won a seat in the Kentucky State Senate. In Frankfort, Bob set himself apart as a constructive leader and a problemsolver. His reputation for handling complex issues with fairness garnered the appreciation of his fellow senators on both sides of the aisle.

Reelected five times, Bob served for 24 years in Kentucky's legislature including as the chair of the senate appropriations and revenue committee. His work from this important post displayed his integrity, skill, and his characteristic nature as a work horse.

Bob chose to leave the Senate in 2014, but that didn't end his career of public service. The same year, he was elected as the McCracken County judge-executive, the top job in county government. In that role, Bob had the opportunity to continue serving his community and making positive impacts on the lives of his neighbors. Among his proudest accomplishments, he includes a number of infrastructure improvements at the courthouse, jail, road department, and in the local parks. I enjoyed partnering with him on behalf of workers at Paducah's U.S. Department of Energy site.

For his decades of service in Kentucky, the current members of the Paducah City Commission wanted to express their gratitude to Bob at his retirement with a lasting testament to his work. The commission unanimously voted to name a footbridge in his honor in Paducah. When completed, the Bob Leeper Bridge will connect the city and county's trail systems, a fitting tribute to a man who spent his career working to benefit his community.

As he enters his retirement from public service, Bob plans to return to his first calling: treating patients at his chiropractic clinic. He also will spend more time volunteering, playing tennis, and relaxing with his beloved wife Gina. It is my privilege to join so many in McCracken County to thank Bob for his three decades of committed vision and leadership. I ask my Senate colleagues to help me congratulate Judge-Executive Bob Leeper on this milestone and to extend best wishes in his retirement.

Mr. President, the Paducah Sun recently published an editorial expressing appreciation to Bob. I ask unanimous consent that the article be printed in the Record.

Madam President, for weeks, I have continuously said I wouldn't let the Senate become a theater for show votes and messaging stunts from either side. We would only vote on plans that stood an actual chance of being signed by the President and, thus, obviously becoming law.

So I was glad to hear today the President's announcement that he and our Democratic colleagues have reached an agreement that will immediately reopen the government while providing the room to negotiate a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. Further, negotiations on DHS will be prioritized over the consideration of any other funding bill. With cooperation, we can pass legislation opening the government, and we can send the DHS appropriations bill to a conference today with the House.

I am glad the closed portions of the Federal Government will reopen and get back online. I am glad the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard, law enforcement, the TSA, and all of the other Federal employees will not have to go longer without pay for their work and will receive their backpay. I know the pain this episode has caused for many Kentuckians and for people all over our country. They deserve this resolution.

In going forward, I hope our Democratic friends will stay true to the commitment they have stated constantly over the past weeks that once the government was reopened, they would be perfectly willing to negotiate in good faith on full-year government funding that would include a significant investment in urgently needed border security measures, including physical barriers.

After all, the only way Federal workers are going to have stability and certainty beyond the next 3 weeks and the only way our border is going to have real security is if the Democrats will stop playing partisan games and get serious about negotiating with the President on a long-term compromise.

The days ahead will tell us whether our Democratic colleagues are actually serious about securing our Nation--whether they actually mean what they say. The President has called on the Senate to act on these proposals, and now that there has been an agreement between the Democrats and the White House, we can make that happen.

Recognition of the Minority Leader

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. President, it is my sad duty today to pay tribute to a fallen Kentucky hero, Louisville Metro Police Department Detective Deidre Mengedoht. Dee Dee, as her friends called her, was tragically killed in the line of duty on Christmas Eve. Her family and our community are left to mourn this painful loss and to recognize her incredible service to Louisville.

A graduate of Eastern High School and the University of Louisville, Detective Mengedoht chose to dedicate her life to the service of her community. In 2011, she joined the LMPD's training academy. Since the day she took her oath, Detective Mengedoht proved herself worthy of the trust placed in her. With real love for the community under her protection, she worked as a beat officer before earning the rank of detective.

For 7 and a half years, Detective Mengedoht served the department and the people of Louisville. She quickly gained the respect of her colleagues, who recognized a passion for law enforcement and for community engagement. According to those who had the privilege to know her, Detective Mengedoht displayed the attributes of a true public servant. Police Chief Steve Conrad said she ``would fight tirelessly to seek justice for victims whose cases she was investigating.'' In her important work for the city of Louisville, Detective Mengedoht would always give more of herself than was asked.

While families throughout Kentucky and the Nation celebrated Christmas Eve, Detective Mengedoht was at her post, protecting the community. That afternoon, she conducted a traffic stop, a routine procedure for any member of law enforcement. Tragedy struck without warning as a semi-truck hit her police cruiser. Detective Mengedoht was killed at the scene,

The heartbreaking incident left the community shaken. The LMPD lost a critical member of its force, and Detective Mengedoht's family-- especially her 9-year-old son, Preston, will never be the same. Almost immediately, expressions of condolences and support poured into the city. Downtown, the city hall clock shone with a blue light, in honor of the incredible sacrifice our men and women of law enforcement undertake each and every day to protect the public. The Louisville Metro Police Foundation also established a fund in Detective Mengedoht's name to support her family.

At a funeral service filled with tributes to her character, bravery, and integrity, the Kentucky State Police volunteered to take over the shifts of her colleagues so they could attend. More than 3,000 law enforcement officers traveled from around the Commonwealth and the Nation to join the LMPD in saluting Detective Mengedoht. Even in the rain, hundreds of Kentuckians lined the streets to pay their respects.

To Detective Mengedoht's family, including her brothers and sisters at the LMPD and her parents, her sister, and Preston, I would like to extend my sincere condolences. Her sacrifice bestows great honor onto all those who wear the LMPD uniform. During this difficult time, Elaine and I hope that the memories of Detective Mengedoht's life and her selfless service can provide much-needed comfort. It is my privilege to remember Detective Deidre Mengedoht's exemplary service to the people of Louisville, and I ask that my Senate colleagues join me in honoring this Kentucky hero.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that H.J. Res. 28 be considered read a second time and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

I ask unanimous consent that the amendment at the desk be considered and agreed to and the joint resolution, as amended, be considered read a third time.

I know of no further debate on the joint resolution, as amended.

I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.