Floor Statements

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Madam President, on the evening of May 6, 2026, Jonathan Blanchard heard tornado sirens blare through his hometown Bogue Chitto, MS. A volunteer firefighter accustomed to responding to emergencies, Blanchard gathered his family and found shelter. Once the storm passed, he set out to assess the damage. A walk that would typically take minutes turned into a 2-hour trek through uprooted trees and storm debris. When he arrived at his home, Blanchard found it had been virtually destroyed. Instead of being paralyzed by his loss, he reached out and helped others.

A short distance away, Blanchard heard cries for help. He sprang into action, followed the sound, and found a woman trapped beneath an overturned camper. He put his 30 years of emergency response experience to use. Blanchard and another neighbor carried the woman nearly a quarter mile to an ambulance, delivering her to safety. He continued his rescue efforts throughout the night.

Like Mississippians across the State affected by the tornadoes, Mr. Blanchard could not sit by as his community suffered. That spirit characterizes his whole life. When he is not on duty at the Hog Chain Volunteer Fire Department, Mr. Blanchard works as a welder at Wastequip in Brookhaven. He and his wife Rebecca Blanchard have three children.

Jonathan Blanchard's selfless service to his town is a true testament to his character and is an example to the State. I join my fellow Mississippians in saluting Jonathan Blanchard for his swift action and selflessness in the face of disaster.

Mr. President, first, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the cloture motion on the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 454, H.R. 5334.

Mr. President, and now let me join with my colleagues from New Hampshire and Alabama in urging a strong ``yes'' vote on the motion to proceed to Lindsey Graham's sanctions bill.

A number of us gathered today, as we have already heard, at the National Cathedral for Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral. And in a few moments, we will vote to advance a bill that Lindsey Graham made possible.

During the past few days, we have heard a number of stories about Lindsey Graham's many idiosyncrasies: his endless energy--he has been called the Energizer Bunny--his quotable jokes, his nonquotable quips, his one-of-a-kind personality.

We also remembered his steadfast love for freedom and his intolerance for tyrants. The bill we will vote on in a few moments reflects those aspects of his personality.

I have suggested that it is his greatest political achievement. It took a Senator like Lindsey Graham to bring this bill so far. In this environment, with these stakes, he brought together so many parties. It seems he did this almost through the sheer force of his will. I have seen that drive for 32 years since we came to Washington together as freshmen in 1994.

Again, I say this could turn out to be Lindsey Graham's greatest legislative achievement. The Lindsey Graham sanctions bill will advance the cause of freedom, and it will combat Vladimir Putin's war machine. It will go after Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and the shadow fleet they use to evade sanctions. It will hold accountable those who purchase the most Russian oil and gas. It will also take aim at China's investments in Russian weapons production. It will maintain sanctions pressure on Iran. These policies will save human lives. They will pave the way for even more impressive battlefield achievements by Ukraine.

The Ukrainians have been resourceful from day one. For 4 years, the freedom fighters have managed to stand against a country four times the size of theirs. And today, Ukraine is using long-range drone strikes to take the war to Russia. I hope to meet with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine soon. He regularly refers to these drone strikes as long-range sanctions. Let's give Ukraine even more sanctions, even more tools to fight back against the dictator Putin.

This bill will be a moral achievement. It is a clear statement about the aggressor in Russia and the nation he is attacking.

Ukraine targets facilities in Russia used to wage war. On the other hand, Vladimir Putin targets apartments, neighborhoods, churches, and corner stores. As Ukraine defends its homeland, Vladimir Putin callously sends the sons of Russia into bloodshed. He is not persuaded by appeals to human rights.

I have made no secret of my complete disgust for the dictator Vladimir Putin and for his many war crimes against the Ukrainian people throughout this unprovoked conflict. If we have learned anything about the Russian despot Vladimir Putin over the course of this war, it is that the slaughter of civilians and even his own Russian troops give him no pause. His soulmates are the dead dictators of the previous century--Pol Pot, Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin. Vladimir Putin's name deserves to be stated among those disparate war criminals.

He disregards human life, but he does prize the strength of his war machine. For this, Putin relies on his energy sales, and that is what we are getting to with this bill. This legislation will help curtail those energy sales. It will put maximum economic pressure on Vladimir Putin. This is the one thing--apparently the only thing he understands.

President Trump and President Zelenskyy have long extended the hand of peace. Time and again, Putin has answered with more violence, more destruction, and more innocent Ukrainian and Russian lives snuffed out.

Lindsey Graham understood Putin's calculation, and he wrote a bill to hit Putin where it hurts. We will have a

chance to act on that bill today. I expect an overwhelming majority vote in favor.

Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the Records on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.

Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the RECORDS on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.

The following executive reports of nominations were submitted:

Mr. President, in January, Mississippi endured a historically catastrophic ice storm. At the height of the bad weather, nearly 90 percent of north Mississippi had lost power. The situation demanded swift thinking and a massive response. As always, State and local authorities responded--but so did everyday Mississippians, who stepped up to assist with recovery.

One Mississippian responded with particular fervor. Brittany Clark, a family nurse Practitioner and mother, has long dedicated herself to serving her community. Through volunteerism and other acts of service, she has built a reputation for compassion, leadership, and reliability in times of crisis. During Winter Storm Fern, she built on that legacy.

With remarkable courage and resourcefulness, Brittany mobilized critical relief efforts. She ensured that vulnerable communities had access to essential supplies, beginning first with those most at risk. By prioritizing the elderly and families without adequate resources, she ensured that none slipped through the cracks. Because of her efforts, many Mississippians found safety, warmth, and support during a time of dire need.

Brittany grew up in Pontotoc, MS, and later acquired her bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from the Mississippi University for Women. She and her husband Trent Clark reside in New Albany with their two children.

Brittany's action during Winter Storm Fern inspired others to step forward and serve, strengthening community bonds and contributing to a more resilient Mississippi. She helped reflect the very best of our State. I join my fellow Mississippians in expressing deep gratitude for Brittany's outstanding work.

Mr. President, I have six requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders.

Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate:

Mr. President, today I recognize the distinguished career and extraordinary service of LTG Thomas L. James, U.S. Army. A native of Petal, MS, Lieutenant General James served in uniform for more than four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the security of our Nation.

In 1982, Lieutenant General James took the first step in his military journey by enlisting in the Mississippi National Guard. He served first as a medic and operating room technician with the 114th Support Group. Later, he joined the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

From the beginning, Lieutenant General James was committed to soldier care, unit readiness, and high standards of service--values that would define his entire career. In 1988, after completing his education at the University of Southern Mississippi and earning his commission through ROTC, he entered Active Duty as an Army aviator.

Lieutenant General James would go on to command at every level from platoon to brigade. In July 2014, he assumed leadership of the 1st Space Brigade. Under his charge, the Army's only brigade dedicated to space operations became more adept at missile warning, satellite communications, and space situational awareness. Combatant commanders across the globe benefit from these enhanced capabilities.

At the Joint Functional Component Command--Space and the Joint Force Space Component Command, Lieutenant General James held a number of senior roles. Among his responsibilities, he handled global operations, planning, and exercises in support of joint and allied forces.

When U.S. Space Command was reestablished in 2019, Lieutenant General James was selected to command Joint Task Force-Space Defense. He oversaw the defense of critical space assets and the integration of space capabilities into the joint force. He became the Deputy Commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Space Operations. Then, in December 2023, he was confirmed as Deputy Commander of U.S. Space Command. His promotion to lieutenant general took place at the armory in Hattiesburg, MS. It was the site where he took his oath of enlistment more than 40 years earlier, creating a fitting symbol of a life dedicated to service.

General James' career spanned work in the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the war in Afghanistan. He is a decorated veteran. His most notable awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, two awards of the Legion of Merit, and two Bronze Star Medals. Notably, he is the first Army space operations officer to advance beyond the rank of brigadier general, a testament to his pioneering role in elevating space as a warfighting domain.

While I recognize Lieutenant General James, it is important to honor the sacrifice and support of his family. His wife Nicole and his daughter Rachel have stood beside him these many years. They have shared in the hardships of military life and contributed immeasurably to his success. Their strength, patience, and devotion exemplify the resilience of military families who give so much in service to the Nation.

I speak on behalf of a thankful State when I express my gratitude to LTG Thomas L. James. We are grateful for his faithful service to the United States. His career reflects honor upon his character, his family, the people of Mississippi, the Army, U.S. Space Command, and the Nation he has so ably defended.

Mr. President, I will speak against the War Powers Resolution, but first I have a unanimous consent request to make, and so I ask that I be recognized for that purpose.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations en bloc: Calendar No. 645, with the exception of Brigadier General Eric S. Strong; Calendar No. 669; Calendar No. 702 through Calendar No. 705; Calendar No. 706, with the exception of Lieutenant General Calvert L. Worth, Jr.; Calendar No. 707 through Calendar No. 710; and all nominations on the Secretary's desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, with the exception of PN681, Vincent J. Noble, and PN835, Thomas P. MacNeil; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, all en bloc; that no further motions be in order to any of the nominations; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate then resume legislative session.

Mr. President, and now, just briefly, to rise and oppose this additional War Powers Resolution, which has been brought by my colleague from Wisconsin.

We don't mind debating things on the floor of the Senate, and I welcome them and certainly understand my friend's right and the right of my fellow Senators to disagree with the President's actions in Iran.

I do not disagree with the President's actions in Iran. I support them, but I oppose this resolution. We have been through these votes before. We have been through these votes recently, and nothing has occurred in the makeup of this body or in the situation in Iran or the Middle East to materially change since the last time we voted on this matter.

I think passing this resolution would be unwise, as it would have been unwise the numerous times we have turned it down already. It would curtail the President's authority; it would curtail his discretion while so many servicemembers remain engaged in the region; and I think it would be dangerous. It would tie the Commander in Chief's hands at a time when he needs maximum flexibility to eliminate the threat from Iran.

I don't think negotiations are going to get us anywhere, but if my colleagues think they are worthwhile, then they should vote no on this resolution because a ``yes'' vote would weaken the hands of the negotiators the President has designated. If negotiations have a chance, the Senate should give them the leverage they need. We could, with one voice, give them a show of support and maximize whatever negotiating power they have.

I think history will vindicate the decision that President Donald J. Trump has made with regard to the situation in Iran. Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon, and what we have done with our military goes a long way to assuring that they will never acquire a nuclear weapon.

It is time for over 4\1/2\ decades of terrorist support from the Iranian regime to stop. And for that reason and also for the reasons that have been so eloquently enunciated by my colleagues on this side of the aisle for the past several weeks, I urge my colleagues not to support this resolution and to do so on behalf of the future of the American people.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the Records on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators .

Madam President, my friend from the State of Oregon is correct: We need someone in this position.

He and many of his colleagues on the other side of the aisle are certainly entitled to their opinion that the President made a mistake in his considered decision. I think the President was correct in what he has done and what he is about to do in Iran, but the fact is we are there, and we need a commander of the U.S. Cyber Command and a Director of the National Security Agency.

And I would point out to the Presiding Officer and to my colleagues and to anyone within the sound of my voice that General Rudd was reported out of the Armed Services Committee by a voice vote. No one even asked for a rollcall vote. So there is strong bipartisan support, even among people who agree with my colleague, about the wisdom of the President's action. Even among those people, they agreed by voice vote that General Rudd should be appointed.

Operation Epic Fury is complex. It is demanding. The President is going to dismantle the terrorist regime in Iran, and our capabilities in the cyber domain in that regard have never been more important. So we need this gentleman in office.

We will never get unanimity on every issue, but there is huge support on this side of the aisle and on the Democratic side of the aisle.

And so, Madam President, at this point I ask unanimous consent that the pending nomination, Calendar No. 655, be confirmed; that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid

upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to the nomination; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate then resume legislative session.