Floor Statements

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 624, submitted earlier today.

I further ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 302 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Alexander amendment at the desk be agreed to, the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the Democratic leader, the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 549, S. 2554, and that Senator Lee or his designee be recognized to call up amendment No. 4011; that there be 1 hour of debate equally divided; that upon the use or yielding back of that time, the Senate vote on adoption of the Lee amendment No. 4011 without intervening action or debate; and that upon disposition of the Lee amendment, S. 2554 be read a third time and the Senate vote on the bill as amended, if amended.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the Democratic leader, the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 485, H.R. 6, and that Senator Alexander or his designee be recognized to call up amendment No. 4013; that there be 1 hour of debate equally divided; that upon the use or yielding back of that time, the Alexander amendment No. 4013 be agreed to; and that H.R. 6, as amended, be read a third time and the Senate vote without intervening action or debate on the bill as amended.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn, to then convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business being conducted, on the following dates and times and that following each pro forma session, the Senate adjourn until the next pro forma session: Friday, September 7, at 9 a.m., and Tuesday, September 11, at 5 p.m. I further ask that when the Senate adjourns on Tuesday, September 11, it convene at 3 p.m., Wednesday, September 12; 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; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Rettig nomination; finally, that notwithstanding the provision of rule XXII, the cloture motion filed during today's session ripen at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 12.

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

Madam President, over the weekend, Senator McCain was laid to rest at Annapolis. Our dear friend left a towering legacy of service and sacrifice. As Senator Graham reminded us last week, while none of us can hope to fill his shoes, we should all strive to follow in his footsteps. Today, the great State of Arizona has sent us a successor who is as well-equipped as you could imagine to do just that.

Our friend and former colleague, Senator Jon Kyl, is one of the most serious, most expert, and most effective legislators with whom I have had the pleasure of serving. In his 18 years of Senate service, he forcefully defended the interests of Arizonans on issues local, national, and international. He mastered the details of water and natural resource issues. He became a go-to point person on missile defense, nuclear modernization, strategy, and arms control. He built a reputation as a steady and energetic public servant who put his State and his country first.

On a point of personal privilege, I am glad we will have Jon back with us. He has great judgment and an even keel. He is a team player, a true friend, and an inspiring example of what a Senator can and should be.

It is a good thing, too, because Congress has a lot to accomplish in the coming weeks--like finalizing appropriations bills, completing our consideration of Judge Kavanaugh, and confirming more of the President's qualified nominees. It is going to be all hands on deck for the American people. I could not be happier that this new, not-so- junior Senator from Arizona will be here to help us through this period.

Madam President, speaking of continuing John McCain's legacy, I am also happy that our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee have officially chosen Senator Inhofe to serve as their next chairman. Jim Inhofe filled in for Senator McCain during a difficult year. He rose to the occasion and helped lead the committee in passing crucial legislation that honored the example of his predecessor and the volunteers who defend our Nation. He possesses rich experience on the committee, including decades of work on behalf of American servicemembers, as well as his own military service. Congratulations and thanks to Senator Inhofe.

Madam President, on another matter, the Senate continues work on a number of important priorities. This morning, I joined a number of our colleagues in the first conference committee meeting for the farm bill, including the occupant of the Chair. Others of our colleagues are continuing to confer with the House on appropriations bills so we can stay on track with respect to funding the government.

On the floor this week, we will continue attending to personnel business. We voted yesterday to advance the nomination of Elad Roisman to serve on the Securities and Exchange Commission. After we confirm him, we will

turn to eight more qualified district court nominees.

Of course, the Nation turned its attention yesterday to the start of Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings to serve as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Those who tuned in heard about a well-respected judge and well-respected professor with flawless judicial temperament and integrity, someone who makes those around him better. They heard these accounts from a former U.S. Secretary of State, a sitting U.S. Senator, and a prominent liberal litigator with extensive experience before the Supreme Court. From Judge Kavanaugh himself, they heard about his guiding principles--among them, ``Interpret the Constitution as written, informed by history and tradition and precedent.''

In sum, the American people saw the impressive, talented, measured jurist they have heard so much about. Unfortunately, the country also saw disappointing displays of attempted partisan obstruction. The rude, disrespectful, and boorish behavior we saw yesterday in the Judiciary Committee was the confirmation hearing equivalent of an ``abolish ICE'' protest--the confirmation hearing equivalent of an ``abolish ICE'' protest right here in the Senate Judiciary Committee room.

Well, I guess we shouldn't be too surprised. The antics confirmed two things that our Democratic colleagues have told us before: Their minds are already made up--they have already made up their minds about the Kavanaugh nomination--and they will try anything to stop it.

Democrats interrupted Chairman Grassley literally scores of times. They treated the nominee rudely, even insulting the patriotism of this devoted public servant and highly esteemed judge. They offered one stale process complaint after another--completely ignoring the fact that more documentation has been produced for Judge Kavanaugh's nomination than for the last five Supreme Court nominations combined.

I guess our Democratic friends' coordinated plan was to throw a pot of spaghetti at the wall and see if anything stuck. Nothing stuck. Nothing stuck except the complete contrast between a gracious, thoughtful, patient nominee and the hyperventilating by Senate Democrats who are obviously not interested in giving Judge Kavanaugh the fair consideration he deserves.

Half a million pages of documents, 12 years of opinions, the testimony of peers and colleagues from across the political spectrum-- any Member who is actually willing to give Judge Kavanaugh fair consideration has every tool they already need to do so.

I implore my friends across the aisle, let's put the partisan theatrics behind us--it is rather embarrassing to see that in the Senate--and continue these hearings with the dignity befitting the serious task before us.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Madam President, I have a request for the Judiciary Committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. I ask unanimous consent that it be agreed to.

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

Madam President, I would like to take a moment today to congratulate the city of Edmonton, KY, for reaching an historic milestone: its bicentennial anniversary. Throughout its 200 years, this southcentral Kentucky community has developed a rich heritage, and its weekend of celebrations this September is well deserved.

Edmonton was founded in 1818 and named after Edmund Rogers, who owned the land and laid out the town. The community became the seat of Metcalfe County at its formation in 1860. Today it is home to more than 1,500 Kentuckians, and Edmonton displays many of the best rural values and traditions of our Commonwealth.

Following the opening ceremonies of the bicentennial celebrations at city hall, there will be a parade throughout Edmonton, featuring floats carrying schoolchildren. There will be a wide range of events, celebrating the city's history and its promise for the future. From beard contests to antique car shows and from bicentennial skits to historical tours, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The celebration will also feature a local talent showcase and a performance by a hometown band, ``The Kentucky Headhunters.'' After the show, attendees can watch a fireworks show to provide a fitting end of the bicentennial celebration.

I would like to join Mayor Howard Garrett and everyone in Edmonton in celebrating this occasion, and I would like to ask my Senate colleagues to help me commemorate this bicentennial anniversary.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 12 noon, Thursday, September 6; further, that following the prayer and pledge, 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; and that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Madam President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate adjourn under the previous order, following the remarks of Senators Manchin and Inhofe.