Floor Statements

Mr. President, yesterday morning, senseless violence struck the community of Benton in Western Kentucky. A shooting at Marshall County High School has claimed two lives, left more than a dozen injured, and thrust an entire community into shock and grief. Such a tragedy is every parent's worst nightmare. School should be a haven where students, faculty, and staff can learn and work without fear of violence.

Elaine and I send our thoughts to the victims, their families and friends, and the entire Marshall County High School community.

Last night, Kentuckians came together in more than 20 prayer vigils and services across the region. Although few of us can begin to understand their grief, an entire nation stands in solidarity at their side.

Mr. President, yesterday the Senate took another important step in confirming President Trump's qualified nominees. In strong bipartisan fashion, we confirmed Jerome Powell to serve as Chairman of the Federal Reserve by a vote of 84 to 13.

Mr. Powell was a fine choice to lead the Federal Reserve System. His public service and private sector work alike have received accolades from across the political spectrum.

He joined the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve in 2012. He has demonstrated an expert grasp of monetary policy and a commitment to improving the Fed's transparency and accountability to Congress and to the public. I enjoyed meeting with him during the confirmation process and look forward to his service in this new position.

The position of Fed Chairman is integral to the health of the U.S. economy. Washington must empower the American people to create prosperity through sound policy that gets the government out of the way of workers and job creators. Jay Powell is up to the task. I was proud to vote to confirm him yesterday.

The Senate also voted yesterday to advance the nomination of another highly qualified nominee--Alex Azar, who will serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

In his impressive testimony before the Finance Committee, Mr. Azar discussed his intention to confront head-on the opioid crisis that is hurting so many families across our country, including in my home State of Kentucky. He made clear that he will place an important priority on prevention, education, and enforcement to halt the advance of this scourge.

But he recognizes we need effective, compassionate treatment options for those who are seeking recovery, and for all Americans, he will work to expand access to high-quality, affordable healthcare options.

His distinguished record, including prior HHS service as Deputy Secretary and private sector work, shows he is the right man for the job. It is vital that this Department be headed by a

leader with Mr. Azar's extensive qualifications and excellent reputation. He will be responsible for overseeing $1.13 trillion in Department spending, supervising critical research, and administering and reforming programs that touch millions of American lives, such as Medicare and Medicaid.

I look forward to voting soon in support of his confirmation.

Mr. President, the rising tide of economic optimism I have been highlighting on the floor is not showing any signs of subsiding.

Yesterday alone, three of the Nation's largest companies announced major new investments in the U.S. economy and workforce. Each said that their decisions were made possible by the improved business climate created by the landmark Tax Code overhaul that Congress passed last year.

First, Verizon announced plans to invest a chunk of its tax reform savings right back into its employees. Next month, about 155,000 Verizon workers, including senior management, will receive stock bonuses valued around $2,500. Additional savings will also go to expanded philanthropy and infrastructure investments right here in America.

Further, the Walt Disney Company announced a new investment of at least $175 million in its U.S. workforce. Over 125,000 employees will receive cash bonuses, and Disney will invest $50 million in an employee education program designed to help hourly employees access higher education and vocational training.

JPMorgan Chase announced a $20 billion, 5-year comprehensive investment plan to support economic growth and American workers. That plan includes permanent raises for 22,000 employees, hundreds of new bank branches across the country, thousands of new jobs, expanded philanthropy, and an increase in loans for affordable housing and small business development.

Just this morning, Starbucks has announced it is permanently raising pay and conferring new benefits, like one-time stock bonuses and expanded paid leave. This major investment in its U.S. workforce will affect more than 150,000 employees.

So the good news about tax reform and its benefits is rolling in almost faster than I can keep up with it. In retrospect, the surprise here is not that this tax relief has boosted the American economy; the real surprise is that those who opposed tax reform didn't see it coming.

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

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that at 5 p.m. today, all postcloture time on the Brownback nomination be considered expired and that, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

I further ask unanimous consent that the vote on the James nomination occur at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, with all other provisions of the previous order in effect.

Mr. President, I move to proceed to legislative session.

Mr. President, I move to proceed to Calendar No. 294,

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

Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 622, David Stras.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum calls for the cloture motions be waived.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 552, R.D. James.

Mr. President, last week Americans from all across the country--including many from Kentucky--came here to Washington to speak up for unborn children whom our legal system has denied the right to life. Now Congress has an opportunity to take a step forward.

The United States is currently one of just seven countries--just seven--including China and North Korea, that permits elective abortions after 20 weeks. It is time we began to remedy this obvious and tragic moral wrong. The long-overdue legislation that we will be voting on soon would do just that.

I am pleased to have filed cloture on this bill to protect unborn children who are capable of feeling pain. I am proud to cosponsor it, along with many of my colleagues, and I look forward to voting for it early next week.

Mr. 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.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Thursday, January 25; 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 proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the James nomination.

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.