Floor Statements

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Rules Committee be discharged from further consideration of and the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S.J. Res. 35.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the joint resolution be read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Rules Committee be discharged from further consideration of and the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S.J. Res. 36.

I ask unanimous consent that the joint resolution be read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 28; 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 Executive Calendar No. 1, the Montenegro treaty, postcloture; finally, that all time during leader remarks, morning business, recess, and adjournment of the Senate count postcloture.

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, I would like to start by taking a moment to offer sincere condolences to our friends in the United Kingdom who lost loved ones in yesterday's horrific terror attack. Our prayers are with those who were severely injured, as well, and we wish them a swift and full recovery.

This act of terror occurred on the 1-year anniversary of the devastating attack in Brussels, and as Prime Minister May pointed out, the location of the attack seems to be no coincidence. ``The terrorist chose to strike at the heart of the [the UK's] capital city,'' Prime Minister May said yesterday, ``where people of all nationalities, religions and cultures come together to celebrate the values of liberty, democracy and freedom of speech.''

I know I speak on behalf of my colleagues when I say that our thoughts are also with those who were in Parliament at the time of the attack, serving their country much in the same way that we do in this Chamber every day.

Of course, I want to also acknowledge the law enforcement personnel and first responders who courageously put their lives on the line for their fellow citizens. We know that the capable security services of the British, working in cooperation with our own, will continue to investigate whether this was a radicalized individual actor or a terrorist connected to an ISIL external operation.

Our friends face difficult days ahead as they begin to heal from this senseless act, but as they do so, we want them to know that the United States stands with them as a friend, as a cherished ally and as a united partner against terror.

Now, Mr. President, on the business before the Senate today, recently a Washington Post article noted that Congress has undertaken the ``most ambitious regulatory rollback since Reagan.'' Already, we passed 10 resolutions under the Congressional Review Act to end Obama administration regulations that slow economic growth, threaten jobs, and hold our country back. As one study estimates, our action to overturn these regulations could save Americans nearly $4 billion and more than 4 million hours of paperwork.

This week, we have continued our regulatory relief efforts, and today we will have an opportunity to send another to the President's desk. This resolution would overturn a costly and confusing Federal communications rule. The regulation in question makes the internet an uneven playing field, increases complexity, discourages competition, innovation, and infrastructure investment. President Obama's own legal mentor has expressed serious doubts about the rule's constitutionality under the First Amendment.

Senator Flake has long been a leader on tackling this issue. Last year he voiced his worries about the regulations in a letter to the FCC and held a hearing regarding the legality of such regulations. Now he has sponsored a CRA resolution that will allow us to overturn the regulations and protect consumers. As Senator Flake has pointed out:

The FCC's midnight regulation does nothing to protect

consumer privacy. It is unnecessary, confusing and adds yet

another innovation-stifling regulation to the internet.

That is why he proposed this CRA resolution, which he has explained ``empowers consumers to make informed choices on if and how their data can be shared.''

I thank my friend from Arizona for taking on this important issue and putting forth legislation to address it. I look forward to the Senate passing it soon.

Mr. President, this week Supreme Court nominee Judge

Neil Gorsuch came before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing. Senators from both sides had the opportunity to ask him questions. Both they and the American people were able to learn more about Judge Gorsuch, about the type of jurist he has been and will continue to be, about his character and temperament, and about his aptitude to serve on the Supreme Court.

His answers reflected what we have all come to find about the judge over the past several weeks. He has sterling credentials and a reputation as a fair and impartial jurist. He is also known to be a gifted writer, who is smart, kind, humble, and independent.

As I mentioned yesterday, his impressive testimony has caught the attention of publications, news outlets, and commentators from across the country and across the political spectrum. In a panel discussion just yesterday, an MSNBC commentator noted Judge Gorsuch's ``masterful performance''--one that he called a ``tour de force.''

Another panelist and NBC correspondent had a complimentary view of the nominee, as well, noting that ``in terms of character, in terms of professionalism, [and in terms of] integrity, there wasn't, I would argue, anything, or hardly anything there to criticize Gorsuch on.''

The Wall Street Journal noted that Gorsuch ``stressed his independence'' throughout the hearing. The Detroit news echoed these observations and has urged the Senate to confirm him. It editorialized that ``[a]fter two days of often hostile hearings, Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch is proving himself an even-tempered, deeply knowledgeable nominee who should be confirmed by the Senate.''

The paper also noted that Judge Gorsuch is ``[eminently] qualified'' and that he ``is coming across in the hearings as the very image of a thoughtful jurist. He displayed an impressive depth of knowledge, and admirable patience. And he's carefully followed past practice of judicial nominees in refusing to say how he'd rule on specific issues.''

His independence is really without question at this point. The American Bar Association, which awarded Judge Gorsuch its highest rating of unanimously ``well qualified,'' recently submitted testimony to the Judiciary Committee. Here is what the Bar Association had to say about Judge Gorsuch's independence:

Our evaluation process provided an excellent opportunity to

gain a glimpse at whether Judge Gorsuch is a judge who

ascribes to the concept of an independent judiciary. Based on

the writings, interviews, and analyses we scrutinized to

reach our rating, we discerned that Judge Gorsuch believes

strongly in the independence of the judicial branch of

government, and we predict that he will be a strong but

respectful voice in protecting it.

The ABA went on:

As one interviewee noted with alacrity, ``Judge Gorsuch has

`grit,' which he gets from being a multi-generation

Westerner.'' Another stated, ``He is dedicated to the

constitutional doctrine of separation of powers and to the

independence of the judiciary.'' Yet another observed, ``In

addition to his outstanding academic credentials and

brilliant mind, Judge Gorsuch's demeanor and written opinions

during his tenure on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

demonstrate that he believes unwaveringly in the rule of law

and judicial independence. In my opinion, he is exceptionally

well qualified to serve as a justice of the Supreme Court of

the United States.'' We agree.

I certainly agree with that. This is from the American Bar Association, an organization that the Democratic leader and former Democratic chairman of the Judiciary Committee have deemed the gold standard for evaluating nominees. In addition, the assistant Democratic leader acknowledged yesterday that Judge Gorsuch is ``very gifted'' and ``has a great background and service as judge.''

But despite the Judge's outstanding performance, his exceptional background, and the extensive support he has received from people of all political leanings, we know that some Senate Democrats will continue trying to come up with any reason to delay the confirmation process. It is not the first time we have seen our friends across the aisle engage in obstructionist tactics. In fact, we just saw a historic level of obstruction when it came to confirming the President's Cabinet.

We know that our colleagues are under a great deal of pressure from the far left. We know some of these groups are calling for them to ``resist.'' We know that even more than 4 months after the election, some on the far left simply refuse to accept the outcome of last year's election.

Well, it is past time to move on from that mindset and return to the serious business of governing. One way we can do so is by confirming Judge Gorsuch as the next Supreme Court Justice without delay. He is a proven jurist. He is an outstanding intellect. He has earned the respect and admiration of so many--Democrats, Independents, and Republicans alike. He is also unquestionably independent.

Today we will hear even more praise for Judge Gorsuch as witnesses come before the Judiciary Committee. I urge my colleagues to show him the fair consideration he deserves and, ultimately, to come together in supporting his nomination in the days ahead.

Mr. President, today marks the seventh anniversary of ObamaCare becoming law. In the years since, millions of Americans lost their plans and their doctors. They saw the cost of their premiums and deductibles soar. They watched their choices disappear as insurers were forced out of the marketplace. Former President Bill Clinton called ObamaCare the ``craziest thing in the world.'' He was right. It was a direct attack on the middle class. These failed policies are affecting real people every day. Americans expected the law to deliver on its promises, but instead they have paid more and received less. ObamaCare has been a flawed system from the start. Over the past 7 years, things have gotten progressively worse.

Our Nation cannot continue on this trajectory as ObamaCare continues to unravel at every level, leaving Americans to pick up the pieces. On this seventh anniversary of ObamaCare's enactment, Americans deserve a better way forward. Thankfully, we finally have a Congress and a President who are committed to delivering much needed reform.

The legislation currently before the House will help bring relief. It will repeal and replace ObamaCare, which is exactly what we promised the American people we would do. Instead of forcing Americans to buy something they may not want, like ObamaCare does, this bill gives Americans the freedom to choose what type of coverage is right for them.

I look forward to the House passing that bill soon, and we look forward to taking it up in the Senate, where there will be a robust amendment process. Then, I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to pass it. It is important, however, to remember that this bill is only one part of a three-pronged strategy to bring relief. The administration is already working to fix the damage 7 years of ObamaCare has done to the health markets across the country, and we will continue to consider further legislation in Congress to bring more competition and reform.

It is time to move on from 7 years of ObamaCare's broken promises and unyielding attacks on the middle class. The status quo is not an option. So let's work together to get this done.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that at 12:15 p.m. today there be 10 minutes of debate, equally divided in the usual form, remaining on S.J. Res. 34; further, that following the use or yielding back of that time, the joint resolution be read a third time and the Senate vote on the resolution with no intervening action or debate; finally, notwithstanding rule XXII, following disposition of the joint resolution, the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 20, David Friedman to be Ambassador to Israel.

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

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

Mr. President, for the information of Senators, we will have the cloture vote on this treaty on Monday night at 5:30 p.m.

Mr. President, we have all seen the headlines. We have all heard the heartbreaking stories. We have all watched as health insurance markets have edged closer to collapse, and we have noticed a common theme. ObamaCare is failing in Kentucky and around the country.

In my home State, insurance premiums increased by up to 47 percent. As insurers flee the market, nearly half of the counties in my State have only one option for an insurer on the exchange.

Many families' deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses have skyrocketed to a point that their plans are too expensive to actually use. In other words, they have health insurance but not necessarily healthcare. The legacy of ObamaCare is one of increased costs, diminishing choices, and broken promises.

In four elections in a row, Kentuckians have overwhelmingly rejected this failed law. The pain caused by ObamaCare is real for millions of Americans. Listen to this small business owner from Versailles. She wrote to my office asking for relief. Here is what she said: ``The first year of ObamaCare, our monthly premiums tripled,'' she wrote, and now, ``our current plan will be discontinued . . . at the end of the year.''

``This is prohibitive for us. We are getting desperate and discouraged.''

Unfortunately, stories like hers are hardly unique--not in Kentucky and not across America--because too many are suffering under ObamaCare. ObamaCare is a direct assault on the middle class, and it will continue to get worse unless we act.

Both in Congress and in the administration, we are working to fulfill our commitment to the American people. We remain committed to the repeal and replacement of ObamaCare with healthcare policies that actually work. When the House finishes its work on ObamaCare repeal legislation, I look forward to taking it up here in the Senate. The administration will continue working to deliver relief and stabilize health markets, as well. Americans are ready for a better way forward after the failure of ObamaCare, and I would urge all of my colleagues to work together so we can deliver it.

Mr. President, on another matter, as day 2 of the Neil Gorsuch Supreme Court confirmation hearings continued, Senators and the American people were able to learn more about his experience as a jurist and his aptitude to serve on the High Court. We heard directly from Judge Gorsuch about his views on the role of a judge--to be fair and impartial, independent, and not beholden to one party over another. We heard directly from Judge Gorsuch about his views on the role of the Court to uphold the Constitution and interpret the laws as written, not legislating from the bench.

We saw him display a masterful knowledge of the law, along with independence, thoughtfulness, and just the kind of judicial temperament we expect in a Supreme Court Justice. News outlets across the country took notice. This is from a CNN report:

Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch came to the Senate

Judiciary Committee Tuesday prepared to deliver a clear

message: I'm a judge, not a politician. . . . Sitting at a

small table, he turned to listen to each Senator as they

spoke, hour after hour, carefully writing notes before

launching into his replies.

As CNN noted, the questions ``never rattled him'' and ``he showed command of the law.''

NPR took note of Judge Gorsuch's temperament saying: ``He kept an even keel throughout the day, rarely betraying more than a hint of impatience or pique.''

Here is one take from the Washington Post. It said:

Gorsuch is not easily flustered.

Gorsuch presented himself as the picture of a cool, calm,

self-assured justice.

His face often broke into a relaxed smile. He appeared to

be listening to every word every Senator said, and he rarely

stumbled.

And here is another take from the Post:

After more than 10 years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for

the 10th Circuit, [Judge Neil] Gorsuch was prepared for how

to respond to questions about judicial independence and how a

judge should consider a decision outside his personal

political ideology.

These are observations made from outside viewers. Their insights reflect what we have been saying for weeks--that Judge Gorsuch is exceptionally qualified to serve on the Supreme Court.

I hope our Democratic friends take notice and give him the fair consideration he deserves, not invent more excuses not to. Because Judge Gorsuch has performed exceedingly well, some Democrats are desperately trying to come up with a reason to delay the process, just as they have done all year on other nominations.

The Judiciary Committee is continuing its work today. As it does so, I am confident we will continue to see support grow for Judge Gorsuch.

Now, Mr. President, on one final matter, last night the Senate voted to overturn a harmful regulation that undermines Alaska's authority to manage its wildlife resources and shifts more power toward Washington.

Today, we will have yet another opportunity to bring Americans relief from heavyhanded regulations using a legislative tool provided by the Congressional Review Act.

That proposal would undo the so-called Volks rule, which is named for the 2012 Federal court case overturning an ill-advised Obama administration regulatory action on the same subject. It is a regulation that purports to look out for the workers' best interests, but it actually does little to achieve that outcome. The Volks rule merely empowers Washington bureaucrats and increases paperwork burdens instead.

As the Coalition for Workplace Safety pointed out, this regulation does ``nothing to improve worker health and safety,'' it ``directly contradicts both clear statutory language and two U.S. Court of Appeals rulings,'' and it also represents ``one of the most egregious end runs around Congress' power to write the laws.''

I heard from Kentuckians who are simply concerned by this overreaching regulation and called for Congress to end it. In one recent letter to my office, the Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association called for the repeal of the Volks rule because it ``does nothing to improve workplace safety and could be used to impose costs on employers for inadvertent paperwork violations.''

In fact, as they point out, it could even ``divert resources away from efforts to improve work place safety and create jobs.''

In another letter I recently received, a Lexington construction contractor said he needs his safety supervisors ``constantly walking jobsites, identifying hazards and making sure our coworkers go home safely every night,'' but this regulation ``forces me to choose allocating sources to preventing future accidents or auditing old paperwork.

That is our decision today: focusing on actual safety of employees or on more bureaucratic paper pushing.

Senator Cassidy of Louisiana understands the challenges this regulation presents, and he has been a leader in working to protect American businesses from these consequences. I appreciate his efforts and look forward to the Senate passing it soon.

Mr. President, I understand there is a bill at the desk that is due a second reading.

In order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to further proceedings.