Floor Statements

Mr. President, this week our Nation will honor the memory of a brave Kentuckian. President Trump will posthumously award 1LT Garlin Murl Conner with our Nation's highest military distinction, the Medal of Honor.

In 1941 Garlin left his farm town in Clinton County, KY. This quiet 21-year-old enlisted in the Army. When he returned, after World War II service that spanned eight major campaigns and earned a battlefield commission, four Silver Stars, three Purple Hearts, and the Distinguished Service Cross, he was a hero.

Lieutenant Conner wasn't supposed to be in a snow-covered forest that January morning in 1945. He was meant to be recovering in a hospital. But with his unit in need, he snuck away and returned to the front in France. When he rejoined his comrades, they were in urgent danger, pinned down by six German tanks. Lieutenant Conner stepped forward. He took a telephone, a radio, and a wire reel and ran toward the enemy alone--totally alone.

Past the American line, in a ditch barely large enough to cover him, Lieutenant Conner began directing artillery against the approaching enemy. He held his ground through wave after wave of German advances. When the enemy surged, even coming within feet of him, he called in artillery strikes on his own position.

Amazingly, when the dust settled, Lieutenant Conner was still alive, and Allied artillery had destroyed the German tanks and stopped the advance. On that frigid morning, in complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Conner saved the lives of his comrades.

This afternoon I will have the privilege to welcome Ms. Pauline Conner, Garlin's wife of more than 50 years, and other family members to the Capitol. Without Pauline's patience and steadfast resolve, there would be no recognition tomorrow.

After the war, Lieutenant Conner demurred any sort of personal glory. With the humility that is typical among the Greatest Generation, he returned to his farm and planned to leave the war behind him. Later in life, he took it upon himself to meet privately with his fellow veterans and their families, offering comfort and advice.

One day late in Lieutenant Conner's life, a former Army Green Beret named Richard Chilton came to their home to ask about his late uncle, who had served with him in Europe. He saw all of Garlin's decorations and medals and urged Pauline to apply for the Medal of Honor. That was the first step. The path wasn't easy--filing paperwork, finding eyewitness accounts, gathering support from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, generals, and even Members of Congress. It was my privilege to join Pauline's team when they contacted my office over a decade ago. There were setbacks, even a Federal court ruling, but Pauline and her team pushed forward. Her long journey will finally end in victory when the Commander in Chief entrusts her with Garlin's Medal of Honor tomorrow. I am grateful to President Trump, Secretary Mattis, and Secretary Esper for recognizing this deserving Kentuckian.

I am proud to congratulate Pauline and her family today, and I would like

to thank her for giving our Nation the opportunity to salute 1LT Garlin Murl Conner. He embodied the highest values of our Commonwealth and of our Nation, but this humble man never called himself a hero. So it is incumbent upon us to do just that.

Now, Mr. President, on a completely different matter, this afternoon our colleagues will vote to pass the first 3 of 12 appropriations bills for fiscal year 2019. When they do, the Senate will be putting more common sense back into the appropriations process. This hasn't come easily. But thanks to the leadership of Chairman Shelby and Ranking Member Leahy, the process thus far has been governed by level-headed bipartisanship.

I am optimistic the same will be true for the nine remaining appropriations measures. Great progress has already been made at the committee level, and I look forward to considering more legislation on the floor soon.

It is particularly fitting that after the passage of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for 2019 and historic veterans legislation earlier this year, the first group of appropriations bills includes much needed resources for the VA and for military construction projects. This minibus also includes funding under the Energy and Water title for critical maintenance of America's ports and waterways infrastructure, for groundbreaking research on energy development and efficiency, and for improvements to the safety, security, and readiness of our nuclear arsenal.

Our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee, in particular these subcommittee chairmen--Senators Alexander, Boozman, and Daines--have earned our support. This is worthy legislation. I look forward to passing it today.

Farm Bill

Then, we will turn to another major priority--the farm bill. Under Chairman Roberts' leadership, along with Ranking Member Stabenow, the Agriculture Committee has continued its tradition of addressing the needs of America's farmers and ranchers with the serious bipartisanship they deserve.

Today the needs are great. In the face of declines in farm income, growers and producers need certainty and stability, and that is what this bill would help to provide. The committee reported the farm bill to the full Senate by an overwhelming bipartisan margin. This week we will have a chance to pass the bill in the same fashion.

On behalf of the farmers in my home State of Kentucky and around the country, I hope each Senator will take advantage of this opportunity.

Tax Reform

Now, Mr. President, on one final matter, week after week the evidence continues to mount that tax reform and the rest of the Republicans' pro-growth, pro-family agenda is helping to reinvigorate our economy and to set the stage for long-term job and wage growth. Just today, CNBC is reporting that the percentage of Americans who say the economy is good or excellent is the highest they have ever recorded in the survey's 10-year history.

But amidst all of the headlines of long-term investments, business expansions, and this favorable economic climate, it is important to remember also all of the immediate ways the tax cuts themselves have already meant direct relief for middle-class American families. Our historic tax reform, which every single Democratic Senator opposed, lowered income tax rates, doubled the standard deduction, and increased the child tax credit. It has given employers the flexibility to immediately pass savings along to their employees in the form of tax reform bonuses, pay raises, and new benefits. It has allowed major utility companies to forego planned rate hikes and, in cases, actually cut the energy prices customers pay.

Every one of these provisions equals real money that will remain in the hands of middle-class families, instead of being shipped off to the IRS. Every one of these and all the other components of tax reform are major improvements that every single Democrat in the House and in the Senate voted against.

Now, if Democratic leaders are serious about wanting to repeal tax reform, the tax cuts that are making it all possible would be right back on the chopping block. Tax cuts used to be a bipartisan affair, but not these days. Republicans will continue to stand up for the American people and help them keep more of their hard-earned money.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 726; that the Senate vote on the nomination with no intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; that no further motions be in order; and that any statements relating to the nomination be printed in the Record.

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 executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 601. I ask consent that there then be 5 hours of debate, equally divided, and that following the use or yielding back of time, the Senate vote on the nomination with no intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; that no further motions be in order; and that any statements related to the nomination be printed in the Record.

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

Mr. President, I understand there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

Mr. President, I now ask for a second reading and, in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 26; 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. I further ask that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 2. Further, I ask that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings. Finally, I ask that all time during recess, adjournment, morning business, and leader remarks count postcloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 2.

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, following the remarks of Senator Brown.

Madam President, this week, we have been considering a regular appropriations package and voting on amendments.

Many of us have wanted this return to regular order in appropriations for quite some time. It didn't happen overnight. We owe thanks to Chairman Shelby and Ranking Member Leahy for the transparent, bipartisan process that has produced this bill. Thanks to the leadership of our colleagues at the subcommittee level, more bills will be on their way to the floor for prompt consideration.

The package before us today will cross three important items off the Senate's appropriations to-do list: funding for Energy and Water, for Military Construction and the VA, and for the Legislative Branch.

As I have discussed on the floor this week, the first set of funding measures attend to a number of major national priorities. The Energy and Water title allocates critical resources for the safety, security, and readiness of our Nation's nuclear arsenal. It delivers record funding for cutting-edge scientific research, and it directs support for mitigating flood damage, protecting shorelines, and upkeep for America's inland waterways, like those that support 13,000 jobs in my home State alone.

The Military Construction and VA title offers targeted resources to causes that are near and dear to servicemembers and their families: upgrades to military housing and school systems, improvements to training facilities, reinforcement of overseas partnerships and alliances, and maintenance of veterans' healthcare facilities.

There is so much important work contained in this package, and it is just the first step in this year's regular appropriations process.

With additional cooperation today, we will be able to continue processing amendments on both sides of the aisle and complete work on these bills.

Tax Reform

Now, Madam President, on another matter, yesterday marked 6 months since Congress passed our overhaul of America's Tax Code. Tomorrow is 6 months since the President signed it into law.

I remember debating the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act back in December. There were two different philosophies on display. Republicans believed working families should keep more of what they earn and send less to the IRS. We believe you don't build a healthy society or a growing economy by piling up money and power here in Washington, DC. We need to leave more money and power in the hands of individuals, families, and small businesses.

Our Democratic friends put forward a different view. They seem to think government knows best, so higher taxes, more regulations, and more restrictions on free enterprise are the way to go. As a result, they stood in lockstep opposition to these historic tax cuts, and I mean opposition.

The Democratic leader in the House said it was--and this is a direct quote--``the worst bill in the history of the United States Congress.'' So Republican majorities in the House and Senate passed the tax cuts with zero Democratic votes--not one.

Six months later, who was right? What has happened in America since this major policy shift began taking effect?

Just ask the men and women this law is affecting.

Mark Guilbeau in Louisiana says this of his tax cuts:

It's bigger than crumbs like the politicians were saying. I

plan to pay down some credit card debt.

Try Brett Lancy in Ohio who has a 1-year-old son, Grayson. Brett said:

Due to the extra takehome pay in my paycheck--it's about

$125 a month--we've been able to move him into one of the

better daycares in our area. And it's just fabulous.

In addition to the tax cuts themselves, the business side of tax reform has helped employers raise pay and benefits for employees.

Chelsee Hatfield works at First Farmers Bank & Trust in Indiana. She has been taking college courses online and says the raise and bonus she received will help her pay tuition now and save for her kids to go to college. She said: ``These steps taken as a result of tax reform are specifically affecting me and small communities like my hometown.''

Bonnie Brazzeal from Missouri received a bonus too. She works in the cafeteria at the College of the Ozarks and got to share the news with President Trump when he visited the State earlier this year: ``I put mine in savings for my retirement.''

Families are immediately benefiting from this law, but what about the long-term impact?

We designed tax reform to lay the foundation for more investment, business growth, job creation, and higher wages for decades to come.

It is already doing just that. In my home State of Kentucky, Novelis is pushing ahead with a $300 million factory in Guthrie. They say their decision was caused by this ``favorable economic environment,'' reinforced by ``the significant positive impact of tax reform.''

It is a national trend. Just yesterday, the National Association of Manufacturers released data showing that optimism among many American manufacturers is above 95 percent--the highest level ever recorded.

Small business owners agree. An industry survey shows that more of them are looking to hire than at any time since the year 2000.

No wonder the job market is already better than it has been in years. Unemployment is at an 18-year low. More than two-thirds of Americans are saying it is a good time to find a quality job--the highest in 17 years.

Here is a remarkable fact: There are now more job openings all across this country than there are Americans looking for work. It is the first time that has ever happened since we started tracking the relevant data, and the optimism and prosperity unleashed by tax reform are part of the reason why.

The worst legislation in history? Armageddon? Our friends across the aisle should get their crystal balls checked.

Historically, tax reform had been a bipartisan priority. In 1986, the last major tax reform passed the House by a 100-vote margin. It sailed through the Senate. How times have changed.

Unlike in 1986, this time our historic proposal to let Americans keep more of their own money faced complete partisan opposition--not one Democratic vote, not one. Republicans had to go it alone.

But the people's Republican Senate, Republican House, and Republican President got the job done for the families who were counting on us.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, look, this is a big test for the Senate. There is broad bipartisan agreement that we need to quit doing Omnibus appropriations bills. Chairman Shelby and Senator Leahy have gotten not only the committee in a good place, but Senator Alexander has handled this bill in such a way that we have had broad cooperation in getting it across the floor so as to get it into conference and actually make a law--the three appropriations bills.

There is no doubt about it--I can't find many people on this side of the aisle who approve of the previous administration's waters of the United States regulation. It is on its way to the ash heap of history right now under this administration.

This is not about waters of the United States or about whether we are for it or against it; this is about whether we want to get away from annual Omnibus appropriations bills, and this is the first test here. We have a minibus consisting of three bills, and we have had widespread cooperation to get it across the floor. This amendment needs to be tabled because this is not the right place to offer it.

I will be joining the senior Senator from Tennessee, the chairman of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee, in tabling this amendment. Make no mistake about it--it is not because I support the waters of the United States but because that is being taken care of, and we want to have regular order and the passage of appropriations bills this year.

Amendment No. 3021, as Modified, to Amendment No. 2911

Mr. President, I call up Lee amendment No. 3021, as modified, to Alexander amendment No. 2911.

I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, the cloture motions on the substitute amendment No. 2910 and the bill be withdrawn. I further ask that the managers' package, which is at the desk and has been cleared by both sides, be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, amendment No. 2911 be agreed to, the substitute amendment No. 2910, as amended, be agreed to; finally, that at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 25, the bill be read a third time, and the Senate vote on passage of H.R. 5895, as amended.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order to move to proceed to H.R. 2, the farm bill, during today's session of the Senate.

Mr. President, I move to proceed to H.R. 2 and send a cloture motion to the desk for the motion to proceed.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum call be waived.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: PN1641.

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate vote on the nomination with no intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; that no further motions be in order; and that any statements related to this nomination be printed in the Record.

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

Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to recognize Wendell Lawrence, of Elizabethtown, KY, who will be retiring from his role as the executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, LTADD, on August 1. After 35 years of service, including more than two decades as the executive director, Wendell leaves a lasting impact on his community and has helped the organization fulfill its mission.

Comprised of eight counties--Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington--the LTADD was formed in 1968 to foster regional strategies and partnerships to benefit the citizens of the Commonwealth. Kentucky was the first in the Nation to establish a statewide system of regional development organizations.

This region is an important part of Kentucky's economy and culture. It is the home of both the Abraham Lincoln National Historical Park and Fort Knox, a vital U.S. Army installation and the site of the U.S. Bullion Depository. Comprised of small businesses, heritage sites, and agricultural centers, the Lincoln Trail is a rich part of both our Commonwealth's history and its future. Under Wendell's leadership, the LTADD has helped communities and organizations secure grants and resources to help the area continue to thrive.

During his time leading the district, Wendell has helped establish a number of partnerships to increase the region's competitiveness and benefit its workers. With organizations like OneKnox and WIRED65, the region has leveraged unique geographical and commercial resources to help it flourish. Wendell also worked closely with Fort Knox to expand the installation's potential and to assist Fort Knox area military personnel transitioning out of service into the workforce through his role as the former advisory board chairman of Where Opportunity Knox. Although the region has changed and developed during his tenure, Wendell's diligent leadership of the LTADD has set the area and many of its award-winning municipalities on a pathway to a bright future.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the LTADD. At a recent event to commemorate, its half century of excellence, the members showed their gratitude to Wendell by surprising him with their Lifetime Achievement Award. Wendell's dedicated service to the district throughout his impressive career has endeared him to so many in this area.

In addition to his passionate work in the Lincoln Trial area, Wendell also used his talents for the good of Kentucky and other causes close to his heart. As a previous chairman of the Kentucky Association of District Directors, he helped encourage economic growth throughout the Commonwealth. A retired captain in the U.S. Army Reserve with 23 years of Active and Reserve service, he is also passionate about our Nation's military and is a life member of the Reserve Officers Association and former member of the board of directors of the George S. Patton Museum and Center of Leadership at Fort Knox.

On a personal note, I have always enjoyed working with Wendell on behalf of the people of Kentucky. His decades of leadership have produced tangible benefits for the Lincoln Trail area, which will continue to be felt for years to come. In addition, his daughter Amanda is a constituent caseworker in my Louisville office. It is clear that a commitment to helping Kentuckians runs in the family.

When Wendell retires later this year, he will begin a new chapter in his life. Whatever his next adventure may hold in store, I am confident that with the support of his wife, Jackie, and their children, Amanda, Thomas, and Meredith, he will continue to find success.

I would like to join the people of Kentucky and the staff of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District in thanking Wendell for his years of achievement and wishing him well in the future. I urge my Senate colleagues to join me.

Mr. President, I ask the Chair to lay before the Senate the House message to accompany S. 1091.

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

Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. 1091) entitled

``An Act to establish a Federal Task Force to Support

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.'', do pass with

amendments.

I move to concur in the House amendments.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 551 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

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.