Floor Statements

Madam President, the Obama administration's so-called Clean Power Plan offered a typical story from that era, an innocent- seeming name, a pleasant-sounding objective, but underneath, an intrusive regulatory regime built not on effective policy but on far- left ideology. That is why I am so grateful today that the Trump administration is unveiling its plan to pare back this unfair, unworkable, and likely illegal policy.

Remember, the far left tried to push through radical legislation like an energy tax through the last Congress. Well, enough of us knew it would have hurt American competitiveness, victimized the poor, and done little to actually give the American people a cleaner environment, but instead of learning from those failures, the Obama administration tried to go it alone and impose their radical agenda unilaterally.

The so-called Clean Power Plan they dreamed up would have had no meaningful effect on global emissions. It would, however, have packed up middle-class American jobs and sent them right overseas. It would have piled a heavier burden onto the most vulnerable families. Lower income Americans are hit the hardest when energy costs take off, and this plan was projected to yield double-digit percentage increases in electricity costs of 40 States, of course, including Kentucky.

Unfair, ineffective, unaffordable, more than likely illegal. That is quite the pedigree.

That is why I fought the Obama administration's entire War on Coal, which was centered around this regulation, tooth and nail. I submitted an amicus brief to the courts when this was challenged for exceeding the scope and intent of the Clean Air Act. I championed legislation to cancel it entirely. On two occasions, I wrote to every Governor in the Nation asking them to not be complicit in implementing this outrageous overreach until the courts had ruled on its legality.

My colleagues and I have been at this for quite some time.

That is why the President's actions today are so encouraging. Today's proposed rule is the first step in the process. I look forward to engaging in this process as it moves forward toward a better outcome for Kentucky and for the entire country.

Appropriations

Madam President, on another matter, the Senate is considering the eighth and ninth of 12 appropriations measure for fiscal year 2019. They will deliver on most of the important promises we make to the American people.

First and foremost is our promise to defend the Nation and to meet our obligation to the brave men and women who do so, to ensure that if we send them into battle, they will be prepared and equipped to prevail.

Secretary Mattis and our Nation's top military commanders have made their assessments perfectly clear. Our security and our interests are challenged every day across the globe by a wide array of threats, whether nation states or terrorist groups. They include the destabilizing influences of Iran in the Middle East and Russia in Eastern Europe, the challenges we face on the Korean Peninsula, the security of our allies, and the stability of international commerce in the Pacific. Our leaders have outlined the threats we face and the strategies it will take to check them, but they have also explained how the past decade's pattern of inconsistent and insufficient funding undermined readiness and borrowed from the future. This Congress and this President are determined to right the ship.

Earlier this year, we did away with the arbitrary spending caps that had cut our military readiness and modernization. We passed a defense bill that authorized the largest year-on-year increases in defense spending in 15 years. This week, we have the opportunity to follow through by appropriating the necessary resources.

The Defense appropriations measure before us will support American military installations at home and abroad. My fellow Kentuckians and I are more than proud to host installations like Fort Campbell, Fort Knox, and the Blue Grass Army Depot. This legislation supports the most important work that goes on at those facilities and the communities that revolve around them.

Each of my colleagues, I am sure, can offer similar reports of the resources directed to military operations in their States.

Whether they are serving at sea or training with the 101st Airborne Division in Kentucky, our Nation's men and women in uniform will receive some well-deserved benefits from the legislation we are considering today. That includes expanded access to onbase services for veterans, billions in new funding for housing, support infrastructure, child and health services, and the largest pay raise for our military personnel in nearly a decade.

It is impossible to put a price on the sacrifices warfighters--and their families--make in service to our Nation, but it is within our power to give them the support they deserve on behalf of a grateful nation, and that is precisely what this legislation will do.

I thank Senator Shelby and Senator Durbin, who led this bill through the subcommittee process. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan measure when the time comes to pass it.

Economic Growth

Madam President, on one final matter, our servicemembers will not be the only Americans who will be receiving well-deserved pay increases. As Republicans' pro-opportunity agenda continues to take hold, our economy continues to steam ahead, and working families across the country are reaping the benefits.

By now, we are all familiar with the fact that millions of American workers have received special bonuses, wage increases, or other new benefits from their employers as a direct result of our Nation's new Tax Code. We are talking about nationwide employers from AT&T to Walmart, and local businesses from Glier's Meats in my home State of Kentucky to Stricks Ag in Montana, and New Hudson Facades in Pennsylvania. These are, in some cases, the multithousand-dollar bonuses that my friends, the Democratic leaders in the House and in the Senate, tried to shrug off as ``crumbs''--maybe in New York or San Francisco but not much anywhere else.

Remember, they persuaded every one of our Democratic colleagues to vote against tax cuts.

Well, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently found the Employment Cost Index--that is everything American employers spend on employee wages and benefits--has increased 2.8 percent in the last 12 months alone. As CNBC reported, that is the strongest year-over-year growth since the autumn of 2008.

So let me say that again. By this measure, on Republicans' watch, worker pay and benefits has already logged a faster 12-month growth rate than we ever achieved in all of President Obama's time in office.

It is yet another data point: American workers, job creators, and middle-class families are enjoying one of their best economic moments in a long time, and it is thanks, in part, to Republicans' economic agenda, which is getting Washington's foot off the brake.

I am proud this week's appropriations bill will give American servicemembers a raise. I am also proud our healthy economy is giving a raise to millions more Americans, and Republican policies are helping to make that happen.

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

Mr. President, we are making good progress on the rather large package of appropriations bills, including Defense and Labor and HHS, but just to make sure we are in a position to wrap it up before we depart for the week, I send a cloture motion to the desk for Senate amendment No. 3695.

Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk for

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, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 22; 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; that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 6157; further, that the Senate recess from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mr. 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, last week the Senate turned to a critically important pair of appropriations bills--those which encompass the Departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. And we proceeded to this legislation by unanimous consent. That may seem like a small detail in the scheme of things, but it underscores a fact that should be a real source of pride for this Senate: Bill by bill, we are rebuilding a regular process for responsibly appropriating taxpayers' money. We are achieving what we set out to do, and we are doing it together.

Because of the leadership of Chairman Shelby, Senator Leahy, and our subcommittee chairs and ranking members, all 12 appropriations bills for this fiscal year were reported out prior to the July 4th recess. The process was so bipartisan that, cumulatively across all 12 bills, the committee votes were 363 to 9.

Here on the floor, we have already approved--with bipartisan support--measures to fund Energy and Water Development, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Environment, Agriculture, and other priorities.

We have had a normal committee process. We have had amendment votes here on the floor of the Senate. We have considered these bills thoroughly but efficiently and then passed each of them with bipartisan majorities. That is exactly the momentum we need to keep up right now.

The legislation now before us will be a major milestone. It addresses vital priorities: a pay raise for our troops, plus funding for their missions and work to restore combat readiness, training programs for American workers, and new tools for combating the opioid epidemic. These bills will bring billions of dollars and resources and relief to the families and communities that are fighting every day against the crisis of drug abuse and addiction that has inflicted so much pain on our country. I will have more to say this week

on the important things this legislation will accomplish, but first I want to pause and take stock of our progress.

When we finish and pass the legislation before us, we will have approved 9 of the 12 bills to appropriate money for the government. Together, they will account for more than 87 percent of the discretionary spending for next year, and it will be the first time in 15 years that the Senate will have passed the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill before the start of the fiscal year.

I am glad we will be voting on a pair of amendments later this afternoon, and I hope that, with consent, we will be able to vote on more amendments this week. Then I will look forward to passing this legislation for our servicemembers and for middle-class families across our country.

Mr. President, now on another matter, if I sound like a broken record discussing the pro-growth, pro-worker trend in our Nation's economy, it is because the headlines continue to roll in faster than I can relate them.

Here is one headline from last week: ``Small-business confidence hits another record high.'' And one industry survey reports more optimism among small business owners this month than at any time in the past 35 years.

Another headline: ``U.S. jobless claims fall for a second straight week.'' That one comes not long after the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits hit a 49-year low last month.

And another: ``U.S. retail sales increase strongly in July.'' In fact, they are up 6.4 percent over 1 year ago.

An economy that is expanding, bringing more people into the workforce, and encouraging investment at all levels--reports like these are exactly what Republicans had in mind when we began implementing our pro-growth, pro-opportunity agenda last year.

But while we worked to pass the historic tax reform and regulatory reforms that are helping create these conditions, our Democratic colleagues offered up a different set of predictions. They shared our belief that 2018 would be a headline-making year for the U.S. economy, but they insisted the headlines would be catastrophic. The House Democratic leader talked about ``Armageddon.'' My friend, the Senate Democratic leader, proclaimed that ``nothing''--nothing--in tax reform was ``suited to the needs of the American worker.''

I don't think I have heard my friends revisit those arguments recently.

I haven't heard too many Democrats eager to remind middle-class American families and small business owners that every single Democrat in the House and in the Senate tried to kill their tax cuts with completely partisan opposition.

But Republicans were undeterred. We pressed on and got tax reform and so many other pro-growth policies accomplished for the American people.

And now, unlike our friends across the aisle, we are talking about these victories practically every day. American enterprise, American ingenuity, and the talent and work ethic of our people are what made these headlines happen. Republicans are just proud we could play a part by getting Washington's foot off the brake and leaving them more free to build their lives and pursue their happiness.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the following amendments be called up en bloc and reported by number: Nelson No. 3773, Kennedy No. 3703. I further ask consent that at 12:10 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, the Senate vote in relation to the amendments in the order listed and that there be no second-degree amendments in order to the amendments prior to the votes.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of Calendar Nos. 1033 through 1038; that the nominations be confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order; that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate then resume legislative session.

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

Mr. President, the Commonwealth of Kentucky recently lost a remarkable man and a longtime public servant, Earl Fields. At the age of 96, Earl passed away earlier this month. My friend and fellow Kentuckian, Congressman Hal Rogers, called Earl, ``one of our region's greatest treasures.'' I couldn't agree more, and today it is my privilege to honor his memory.

A member of the Greatest Generation, Earl left his position as a school teacher in 1942 to join the U.S. Navy. During his 4 years of service aboard the U.S.S. Nicholson, Earl served in 10 major conflicts and engaged both German and Japanese enemy forces. As a Navy radioman, he was tasked with copying incoming coded messages. Among his many experiences during his service, Earl remembered receiving the fateful news of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's death in 1945.

After the war, Earl returned home and married Gloria, the love of his life. Together, they raised six children and built a life together in eastern Kentucky. In subsequent years, Earl once again felt called to public service, and he ran to become the Leslie County clerk. He won his race and served his community in the role for 24 years.

When Earl left the clerk's office, he moved to Laurel County to enjoy his retirement. That doesn't mean he slowed down, however. Earl kept a number of hobbies, including hunting, fishing, and beekeeping, throughout the rest of his life.

Elaine and I would like to extend our condolences to Earl's wonderful family and his many devoted friends. His life impacted our country and so many communities in eastern Kentucky, and he will surely be missed. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in remembering the life of a great man, Earl Fields.

Mr. President, for two decades, Representative Marie Rader from Mckee was a powerful voice for her constituents in Kentucky's House of Representatives. It is my privilege today to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant and a dear friend who retired from her legislative career at the end of last year.

A graduate of Berea College in Madison County, Marie was a passionate advocate for the causes important to Kentuckians, and she spent her career helping guide the public policies of our State. As the chair of house transportation committee, she proved her leadership for Kentucky and was a strong supporter of our Commonwealth's infrastructure, Her work to encourage economic development provided a wonderful service to Marie's constituents and to families throughout our State.

Even after her retirement from the general assembly last year, Marie has continued to remain active in the Jackson County community. She serves as the executive director of the public housing authority and employs her many talents with the Jackson County Development Association and the Jackson County Industrial Authority. Earlier this year, she helped organize a Memorial Day event to honor the service and sacrifice of local Vietnam veterans. The community gathered to celebrate more than 100 brave Kentuckians, and Marie was crucial to making the event a success. Her selfless work for the residents of Jackson County and the Commonwealth continues to inspire others.

When the Kentucky State House came into session at the beginning of this year, its members recognized the absence of their former colleague with gratitude and respect. Representative Robert Goforth, Marie's successor, sponsored a resolution honoring her lasting impact in that body and throughout Kentucky. It is my privilege today to join with the members of the Kentucky State House in sharing those sentiments and wishing her a wonderful retirement. I urge each of my Senate colleagues to help me honor Marie Rader, a remarkable individual and my friend.

Mr. President, as we continue to discuss the farm bill, I would like to take a moment to congratulate a prominent member of the agricultural community in northeastern Kentucky. Hinton Mills in Fleming County is a family-owned and operated business celebrating 100 years of serving farm communities in our State.

Founded in 1918 by Frank L. Hinton in Goddard, KY, Hinton Mills began as a small general store for the rural community and was the first retailer in the area to recognize the need for a one-stop, full-service farm supply store. Since its doors opened, it has grown and transformed into a major feed supplier in the area. Under the family's constant care, Hinton Mills continued to expand and today has five locations in three counties. They also make deliveries to farm families in Kentucky and Ohio, providing important services to communities throughout the region.

Today, the family business is led by Bud Hinton of the third generation. As the president and CEO, Bud has reaffirmed Hinton Mills' commitment to the many small towns and rural communities it serves.

Continuing the tradition in the family, Bud's three sons joined the business and are currently vice presidents. Representing the fourth generation, Matt, Adam, and Nathan were all raised in Fleming County, and each of them brings unique skills and experiences to Hinton Mills. They are helping Frank Hinton's business and legacy

continue to thrive. For example, Matt brings a manufacturing background and has received his MBA. In 2015, Adam became Kentucky's first graduate of the American Farm Bureau Federation's Partners in Agricultural Leadership program, which is a national training program for advocates of agriculture. Nathan joined the family business directly out of college, earning a wealth of institutional knowledge. Their new perspectives help Hinton Mills embrace innovation as a way to better serve its customers, but they also maintain the bedrock traditions on which the company was built.

During its centennial celebration, Hinton Mills will showcase both its history and its potential for the future. Hosting 2 days of events, the family has invited members of the community to join them at their Plummers Landing location to visit exhibitions commemorating their company's history, while enjoying kids' games and even a cane pole fishing tournament. On the second day, they will host a tractor parade and a 1918-themed fair to reflect on how far they have come and to signal hope for their future. To top it off, the night will conclude with a fireworks spectacle. I think these festivities are a perfect way to mark 100 years of serving Kentucky farm communities.

I am honored to call the Hinton family my friends, and I admire their remarkable success in Kentucky. Our home State has a rich heritage of agriculture, and family-owned businesses like Hinton Mills are a great example of that tradition. It is my pleasure to congratulate the Hinton family on their many successes and to express my gratitude for all they do for Kentucky's farm communities. As they celebrate their centennial, I would like to wish them all the best, and I urge my Senate colleagues to join me.

(At the request of Mr. Schumer, the following statement was ordered to be printed in the Record.)

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 21; 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, and that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 6157; further, that the Senate recess, following disposition of the Kennedy amendment, until 2:15 to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

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