Floor Statements

Mr. President, just for the information of our colleagues, I expect the Maguire nomination to go by voice vote.

I object.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4174 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

I ask unanimous consent that the Johnson-Murray 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, earlier today, I finished my yearend tributes to several of my fellow Senators, but, unfortunately, there is still one more goodbye to a very special member of my own team. It is no exaggeration at all to say that for the past 4 years, Hazen Marshall has stood squarely in the center of every consequential decision and piece of legislation that Congress has taken up. Just wrap your mind around the job: the policy director in the Senate Majority Leader's office.

Every day that Hazen has driven here to the Capitol and parked his big pickup truck among all the hybrids and hatchbacks, he has come ready to work--as a visionary strategist, a lead negotiator, a graceful manager, a constant resource to key players on both sides of the aisle--basically, something like an air traffic controller for the U.S. Senate.

Now, with a job like that, it is no wonder that when my chief of staff and I set out to lure Hazen back to the Capitol to join our team in 2014, it didn't start out as an easy sell. For one thing, he had already served 18 years of hard time here.

Hazen started out as an intern for his home State Senator, Don Nickles. Now, the way I hear it all these years later, he may or may not have missed the official deadline for submitting his internship application, but this agriculture and economics whiz from Oklahoma State was exactly what the office needed, with a farm bill coming up. So they brought him on.

By the time he departed the Senate with Don for greener pastures, he had shot up through the ranks and become staff director on the Senate Budget Committee. Everybody knew Hazen, and they knew that he knew everything. Everyone loved working with him. He had become a part of this institution in his own right.

We knew he would need some good luck to persuade him to write a sequel to all of that, but our fortunes turned around when Hazen volunteered to come down to Kentucky in the last days of my 2014 campaign.

With the atmosphere of public service and the camaraderie and old friendships already in place with so many of his would-be colleagues, well, I think

the old bug hit Hazen again right then and right there. I am sure it didn't hurt when we actually won the majority that year, too.

So this policy mastermind and peerless budget expert came on board. Keep in mind that this is the guy who has only worked for two bosses in his whole life--Don Nickles and his own father. I got to be lucky No. 3.

Just a couple of things have happened since then: the early wins, like the 2015 highway bill, paving the way for reconciliation with a quick turnaround on the 2017 budget, getting tax reform off the white board and on to the President's desk, walking the narrow bipartisan balance beam of this past winter's funding agreement, and scoring a win for defense funding.

During each of these battles and many others, Hazen was right there at the center of the action. But I can't think of a single time when he himself sought to be the center of attention. As far as Hazen was concerned, his accomplishments were not Hazen Marshall's. They were the accomplishments of the leader's office, the conference, and the Senate. His victories were all team victories.

You couldn't succeed at a job like Hazen has without having thoroughly mastered the machinery of Congress, but you wouldn't be as happy doing it or make nearly so many friends along the way, unless you were in it for the right reasons.

This is a town where many folks will try to parlay any proximity to power into black-tie invitations and jump at any chance to self- promote--not Hazen. It probably doesn't hurt that he would probably rather be in the seats at Nat's Park, anyway, at his kids' performances, or on the river than at most high-society functions. But even more than that, selfishness is simply not in the man's character.

He is just rock solid, completely confident, and utterly reliable.

When I or any other Member or any staffer brought a question or problem to Hazen, we knew we would get a straight answer and we would get it fast, and it was guaranteed to be right. In every meeting, on every hard day, there was Hazen at the end of the table reassuring me and everyone else with a smile and his trademark encouraging words: ``It's all good. It's all good.''

He is one of the seniormost staffers in the Senate, still totally humble, still trying to buck everyone up and squeeze some smiles out of the work. And, frankly, with Hazen at the negotiating table, it almost always was ``all good.''

Of course, we will miss more than just Hazen's professional excellence. His humble, hard-working spirit isn't the only way he remains less of a beltway operator and more of that farm boy from Hennessey, OK. He may be one of the most savvy and well-connected guys in this city, but you had better believe that while colleagues would compare notes about the different trips they had taken over recess, Hazen would grin ear-to-ear while describing the latest Indy car race he had taken in.

To be fair, this is also a man of high culture. His affinity for music and theater includes the artistic pursuits of his children, Madeline and Max, and practically everything else under the sun as well.

So I don't suspect Hazen will have a hard time filling his days when the Senate reconvenes without him in January. Maybe he will dive even deeper into his CrossFit habit and convert to ``two-a-days.''

Certainly, his devotion to the Washington Nationals will ensure that he still faces many frustrating, stressful situations come springtime, but unlike many legislative challenges, he will be able to shoulder that burden with a cold beer in his hand.

I can't wait to see you in the stands, buddy, but I will miss you here.

Thanks so much for your service to me, to your colleagues, and, most of all, to your country.

Mr. President, I move to instruct the Sergeant at Arms to request the presence of all absent Senators, and I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the pending motion to refer be withdrawn, amendment No. 4164 be withdrawn, and the Senate vote on the motion to concur with further amendment with no intervening action or debate.

For the information of all Senators, there are no more rollcall votes tonight. We will still be in session tomorrow. We have to see what the House does with what we just sent them.

Madam President, yesterday the Senate voted to advance the pending criminal justice legislation. As I noted, at the request of President Trump and after improvements were secured, we are considering the bill on the floor this week.

Particular credit for this belongs to Senator Cornyn, who has carefully and impressively balanced his role as majority whip with his own personal support for the legislation. His leadership has benefitted everyone who shares his position and would like to see this bill become law, and he deserves every bit of their gratitude.

With respect to the substance of the legislation, a number of Members continue to have outstanding concerns that the bill currently leaves unaddressed. Members will have an opportunity to debate and vote on the pending germane amendments before we vote on final passage.

Madam President, on another matter, to the untrained eye, it might seem that I have completed my thanks and farewells to all my Republican colleagues who will depart at the end of this Congress, but I would be remiss if I did not also mention the junior Senator from Arizona, our good friend Jon Kyl.

When Senator Kyl bid farewell to this body in 2012, it took me quite a while to come to terms with the prospect that we had cast our final votes together. I went through stages of grief. Eventually, I came to acceptance, but, as it turned out, the great State of Arizona was not quite finished with this distinguished leader after all. If Jon had planned on a relaxing, undisturbed post-Senate career, then, his biggest mistake was leaving a record as one of the most earnest and effective legislators this body had seen in recent memory, because when the people of Arizona needed to step in and honor the towering legacy of our friend John McCain, through the end of this Congress, his counterpart of 18 years was the natural choice.

As the entire Nation mourned the loss of a decorated hero and statesman, Jon Kyl volunteered his even keel and sound judgment to fill the void, and while the Senate may have changed in some small ways in the 6 years since Jon left us, he has likely noticed over the past few months that some things never do. This floor remains the stage for the most important policy challenges facing our country. There is still an urgent need for hard-working public servants with expertise to enter the fray, and he is still the junior Senator from Arizona.

From his first day back, Jon has smoothly continued Senator McCain's habit of making an outsized impact for his State. He cast his vote to confirm a well-qualified Supreme Court nominee.

He has joined in advancing major legislation, and he has continued his advocacy for improving our Nation's military readiness.

As we say good-bye one more time, I know every Member of this body will join me in gratitude that Jon answered the call when his experience and talents were needed.

Like the others who have been lucky enough spending 18 years with Jon already, I am especially grateful for this opportunity to work alongside such a dear friend. So I want to thank Jon for his abiding commitment to service. We wish him and his wonderful wife Caryll much health and happiness in the years to come.

Madam President, bidding farewell to our departing colleagues is never easy. Neither is seeing off a number of colleagues beyond the Senate with whom we have had the privilege of working closely.

For the past 2 years, America has been treated to a brilliant example of public service on one of its highest possible stages. First, as Secretary of Homeland Security, and then, as White House Chief of Staff, John Kelly has served the President and the Nation with great distinction, but this was far from the first chapter. His entire career and life have been utterly oriented around his deep patriotic commitment.

John Kelly spent the better part of four decades in the Marine Corps, stationed far from Washington. As thousands of his peers waited to be drafted into military service, John took the initiative. He enlisted. Then he completed Officer Candidate School.

He earned a reputation as a loyal brother in arms and an outstanding leader of marines. He commanded infantry units at Camp Lejeune, Quantico, and Camp Pendleton. He served at the Supreme Allied Command in Europe and as Commander in the U.S. Southern Command.

He took on real hardship postings, like the House of Representatives. He served there in the Commandant's liaison office.

When the call came, he led marines into combat in Iraq. As his marines would tell anyone, he leads with a confidence that comes with decades of dedicated preparation. He leads with a resolve that comes from deep-rooted patriotism, and he leads with an understanding--as personal and painful an understanding as could be possible--about the sacrifice that our freedom requires.

General Kelly once said this to a gathering of his fellow Gold Star parents:

Those with less of a sense of service to the nation will

never understand it when men and women of character step

forward and look danger and adversity straight in the eye,

and refuse to blink or give ground even to their own deaths.

The protected can't begin to understand the price paid so

they and their families can sleep safe and free at night.

John Kelly and his family know that price. They have paid that price as fully as anyone has, but as is so often the case, it is those who have already given so much who seem the most willing to give even more.

John's service as Secretary of Homeland Security and now as White House Chief of Staff reflected the values and instincts that made him such an effective leader of marines. It was only by working closely with him and his team that this Congress has been able to record so many substantial accomplishments for the American people.

The Marine Corps is stronger for John Kelly's years of leadership. America is better for his distinguished career of service.

As he departs the White House this month, I extend my deep gratitude for a job well done.

I ask the chairman of the Judiciary Committee to go ahead and propound his unanimous consent request.

Unanimous Consent Request--Amendment No. 4132

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now vote in relation to the divisions of the Kennedy amendment No. 4109 in the regular order; further, that there be 4 minutes prior to the vote, equally divided between the opponents and the proponents.

So for the information of Senators, the vote order will be division I, division II, and, then, division III.

Vote on Division I of Amendment No. 4109 to Amendment No. 4108

Mr. President, I call up Cruz amendment No. 4131 to amendment No. 4108.

I ask that the reading be waived.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that all postcloture time be considered expired; that the Senate vote on amendment No. 4131; further, that following disposition of the amendment, the Senate vote on the motion to concur with further amendment.

Mr. President, earlier this year the Knott County, KY, community lost a beloved member with the passing of Burl Bowen at the age of 98.

Born in Wheelwright, Burl grew up in southeastern Kentucky and later joined the Civilian Conservation Corps to plant trees in the region. Like so many of his generation, Burl earned his place in the ``greatest generation'' by serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He carried his patriotism and love for his country throughout the rest of his career and his life, inspiring those around him. Burl spent a number of years in Detroit, working in a steel mill and operating a barber shop. He returned to Kentucky upon his retirement with his wife Anita.

Later in his life, Burl made a particularly large impact on the young men of the Knott County Central High School's basketball team. Known as the team's No. 1 fan, Burl could always be found in the front row of the stands cheering on his team. He was 95 when the team won the 14th region championship, and Burl proudly climbed the ladder to help cut down the net. At his funeral, the players paid their respects by serving as Burl's pallbearers.

Along with the Knott County community, Elaine and I send our condolences to Anita, their family, and all

who loved Burl. I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in paying tribute to such a remarkable Kentuckian.

Mr. President, in September the community of London, KY, lost one of its treasured residents with the passing of Don Wattenbarger at the age of 81. Don's remarkable life will be remembered for his kindness, his service to others, and his dedication to helping Kentucky's children celebrate Christmas. Overcoming a childhood bout with polio, Don never let his physical difficulties stop him from helping others, and as a fellow survivor of the disease, I admire him for it.

I would especially like to remember Don's work with the Laurel County Sheriff's Department, which he joined as a part-time deputy in 1986. His official responsibilities included working as a bailiff in court, but this community will remember him for his boundless care and generosity outside of his job description. Even after his retirement in 2007, Don hardly slowed down, continuing to be a force for good in his community.

Working with the Cumberland Valley Fraternal Order of Police, Don was instrumental in leading and maintaining the Shop with a Cop program in Laurel County. Every year, Don and his wife Virginia would collect donations to help children in need have a joy-filled Christmas. It is a heart-warming program that helps so many children in this community. One of Don's friends, Karlyle Young, remembered a particular family with several children who participated in the Shop with a Cop program. Their father had recently lost his job, and money was tight around the house. The children asked if they could use some of the money to buy food, instead of Christmas toys. Don and the other volunteers collected extra donations to help buy this family food and make sure the children also received Christmas presents. Working with the sheriff's department for more than 20 years, Don helped spread Christmas cheer to more than 5,000 local children.

Don also served as a longtime board member of the Laurel County Drug Abuse Resistance Education, D.A.R.E., program, teaching children about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. For his dedication to this cause, North and South Laurel high schools present an annual scholarship to a graduating senior in Don's honor. He was also an active member of the local Shriner's Club, the masonic lodge, and several other service organizations that helped those in need in Laurel County.

In 2018, the city of London recognized Don's incredible lifetime of service by honoring him as a ``Living Treasure.'' His respect, compassion, and charitable nature will continue to be remembered and appreciated by the thousands of lives he made better. I would ask my Senate colleagues to join me in expressing our gratitude and deep condolences to Don's family, especially his beloved wife of 51 years Virginia, his friends, and the Laurel County community that cherished him.

Mr. President, I would like to say a few words following today's announcement from our dear friend, the senior Senator from Tennessee.

The great State of Tennessee has been generous to the U.S. Senate over the years. A number of the State's Senators from both parties have enriched this institution through especially distinguished service and built reputations as national leaders.

Nobody embodies this legacy more fully than Lamar Alexander. While I am sure he will accomplish even more over the next 2 years, Lamar is already one of the most consequential Senators on domestic policy in memory. Lamar was a success long before he became a Senator. He had already been a popular and accomplished Governor and a brilliant Secretary of Education, but fortunately for this body and for our Nation, 16 years ago the Volunteer State saw fit to continue that career of excellence by sending Lamar here.

He has chaired the Republican conference. He has chaired the HELP Committee. For his colleagues in both parties he is a go-to expert on some of the most critical subjects that directly impact Americans' lives, particularly American families, healthcare, and our children's schools.

The Every Student Succeeds Act and this year's landmark opioids legislation are two perfect examples of signature Lamar Alexander accomplishments. They tackle challenging issues in a thoughtful and substantive way. They tangibly improve Americans' lives, and they passed both Houses of Congress with big bipartisan majorities.

So the Senate will be lesser without Lamar's wisdom, collegiality, and expertise when he retires. I am glad that day is 2 years away and grateful we will keep benefiting from his leadership through the 116th Congress.

Mr. President, on another matter, in recent days I have

spoken about the Senate's agenda for the remainder of the 115th Congress. As was the case at this time last week, there are important items that have yet to be addressed, but thanks to the bipartisan progress made last week, we are significantly closer to the finish line.

Together, guided by Chairman Blunt and Senator Klobuchar, the Senate met the need to revise how Congress handles claims of sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, and other workplace violations.

Under the leadership of Chairman Roberts and Senator Stabenow, we cleared the conference report for the 2018 farm bill, sending my industrial hemp legislation and other critical provisions for America's farming communities to the President's desk to become law.

To cap off a year of historic progress on judicial nominations, the Senate voted to confirm the 30th Federal circuit judge of this Congress and this administration.

Now we will turn our attention to the remaining priorities in completing the American people's business. Last week, I announced that at the request of the President and following improvements that were secured by several Members, the Senate will take up criminal justice legislation here on the floor. Later this afternoon, we will vote on advancing that legislation.

I know the proponents of this bill spent a great deal of time and energy drafting their proposal. At the same time, there are a number of Members with outstanding concerns they feel are still unresolved. So if cloture is invoked later today, the Senate will be considering amendments before we vote on final passage later this week.

Of course, the most high-profile items still before us are border security and government funding. We need to make a substantial investment in the integrity of our border and in the safety of American families. We need to close out the year's appropriations process and reach a bipartisan agreement to supply the 25 percent of the Federal Government for which we haven't already passed funding legislation. I hope the same bipartisan, collaborative spirit that has carried us this far will enable the Senate and the House to complete this business without undue delay.

Mr. President, I ask that the Chair lay before the Senate the message to accompany S. 1311.

The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following message from the House of Representatives:

Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. 1311) entitled ``An Act to provide assistance in abolishing human trafficking in the United States.'', do pass with an amendment.

Motion to Concur

Mr. President, I move to concur in the House amendment and ask unanimous consent that the motion be agreed to and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.