Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today to ask the Senate body to join me in the stopping of the funding of viral gain-of-function research.

Viral gain-of-function research is what led, of course, to the COVID virus being developed and, of course, the COVID epidemic. I think it is important to pause and stop and think why this is still important--what is it now--5 or 6 years later.

We all know we lost 1 million Americans to this COVID virus. Twenty million Americans still suffer from long COVID. Many, many Americans died alone--maybe at a nursing home, maybe in their own home. But they weren't allowed to have their own children, their spouses come visit them in those last moments of their life.

We had tens of millions of students miss their senior year of high school, their senior year of college. Maybe it was the State track meet. Maybe it was the State softball team they had been working on their whole life.

We have kids that still have learning disabilities or are lagging in their learning--specifically reading--not to mention their social interactions and their social development. This COVID virus left a huge physical, economic, and emotional scar on America.

And that is why I am asking that we stop this viral gain-of-function research. I am so proud that the President, recently, has agreed to stop the funding. I have been calling for the stopping of this since 2021 as well.

And I think it is important to realize how Anthony Fauci evaded the intentions of Congress and the rules from his own White House. Even President Obama asked him to stop doing viral gain-of-function research, but, of course, Anthony Fauci had more attorneys than Carter has pills, and they always found some loophole. Then, when they couldn't do it here, he offshored the funding of this.

Make no mistake about it, the United States was funding viral gain- of-function research for decades. This was Anthony Fauci's baby. He thought that this was his ticket to a Nobel Prize.

You know, whether you are a physician, like myself, or a mom or dad or a businessperson, a military officer, you always had to sit there and weigh the benefits and the risks of something like this.

I mean, what the benefits are, I am not sure of. You know, maybe they said it was so that if some unknown organism appeared, that we would be able to develop a vaccine. But, of course, the downside was always the fear of risk of a virus they made in a laboratory, of it escaping.

And, of course, why wouldn't there be? Multiple times in history, viruses, microorganisms have escaped from laboratories. It is practically impossible to control it. In 1978, a smallpox virus escaped from a lab in the United Kingdom. In 2007, foot-and-mouth virus accidently released from a United Kingdom lab. In 2014, the CDC had an anthrax issue. Again, in 2014, NIH-FDA, there were unsecured smallpox vials seen.

These mice they were doing experiments on and infecting them with these monster viruses, from time to time, escaped.

So it seems like we were set up for failure. And, again, despite scientist after scientist, President after President, warning Anthony Fauci to stop doing this research, he persisted and he persisted and he persisted, until finally COVID-19 was accidentally released from a lab in Wuhan, China. And the rest is history.

And that is why I think it is so important that we stop the funding for this once and for all. Let's codify what the President has done here and make sure--at least until someone can come to this Congress and say: Look, we have a foolproof system for keeping this in control.

But when you are making monster viruses, the worst-case scenario is probably some type of terrorism; that it would be so easy, once these are made, to be replicated and turned into a terrorist weapon--much more of a serious consequential threat to America than nuclear warheads are.

Think about this: This virus alone has exponentially been more lethal than all the years of nuclear weapons.

This bill does one simple thing: It stops Federal tax dollars from funding the kind of research that could turn a virus into a weapon--no more offshoring risks to avoid oversight, no more asking permission from the very Agencies that created the problem.

Mr. President, that is why today, as if in legislative session and notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged from further consideration of S. 738 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration; further, that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, today we honor the life and legacy of Richard Allen ``Rick'' Ball of Great Bend, KS. Rick was a respected businessman, dedicated community leader, and devoted family man whose service left a lasting impact on those around him.

For decades, Rick served the Great Bend community as a trusted certified public accountant and partner at Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball. He helped local businesses and organizations succeed through his sound advice and steady guidance. His leadership earned him recognition as the 2012 Great Bend Citizen of the Year and the 2008 U.S. Small Business Administration Financial Services Champion of the Year.

However, Rick's dedication extended well beyond his professional career. He gave generously of his time through the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, United Way, the Golden Belt Community Foundation, and many other local organizations. He also enjoyed hunting, gardening, and golfing, and he was known for his kindness and willingness to help others.

Though he will be greatly missed, Rick's legacy lives on through his wife Lois, his children and grandchildren, and the many people whose lives he touched. His example will continue to inspire the Great Bend community for years to come.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Richard Allen ``Rick'' Ball and in offering our prayers and sympathies to his family, friends, and the entire Great Bend community.

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

Mr. President, just 2 years ago, we were a land of open borders, crime was surging across the country, and fraud was rampant. But today, the borders are secure; crime,

murder rates--a 100-year low; and fraudsters are going to jail. That is why today I am rising to support the Protecting American Taxpayers Act.

For years, Washington accepted fraud as the cost of doing business. The government wrote the checks, the fraudsters cashed them, and hard- working Americans were left to foot the bill. Those same hard-working Americans knew intuitively that was driving up their cost of living.

But those days are coming to an end. Under President Trump, we have seen historic momentum to root out waste, fraud, and abuse across the Federal Government. For the first time in a long time, Washington is shining a flashlight on the billions of taxpayer dollars disappearing through fraud, improper payments, and outright criminal activity. Now Congress has the responsibility to finish the job.

The American people are asking a simple question: If Washington knows where the fraud is, why aren't we stopping it? And they are right to ask. Today, an estimated $1.4 billion is stolen from taxpayers every single day. That is money that should be strengthening our military, supporting our veterans, protecting Medicare and Social Security, or reducing the debt we are leaving to our children and our grandchildren. Instead, it is ending up in the hands of organized fraud rings, scam artists, and criminals who have learned exactly where the holes in our Federal Government are.

We are already seeing what happens when the Federal Government makes fraud enforcement a priority. In one of the largest healthcare fraud takedowns in our Nation's history, Federal prosecutors charged hundreds of defendants accused of submitting more than $6 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and other taxpayer-funded health programs. And the best part? People are finally going to jail.

Investigators uncovered transnational criminal organizations, fraudulent medical equipment schemes, and providers accused of billing the government for services that were never provided. These weren't bookkeeping mistakes; they were sophisticated efforts to steal billions from the American taxpayer.

The truth is simple: Fraudsters follow the money, and for too long, Washington has rolled out the welcome mat. This legislation finally starts closing that door. The Protecting American Taxpayers Act is projected to save taxpayers $240 billion--that is $240 billion--by preventing fraud before it happens, recovering stolen taxpayer dollars, and ensuring criminals are held accountable. It doesn't just respond to fraud after the fact; it helps stop it before another billion dollars walks out the door.

One piece of this package that I am proud to see included is my WALZ Act--W-A-L-Z, the WALZ Act--named after, you guessed it, a certain Governor who allowed fraud to run rampant in his State. The idea behind it is about as simple as it gets: Don't pay first and ask questions later. Kansas families don't do business that way. Small businesses don't do business that way. If you are remodeling your kitchen, you don't hand the contractor every penny before a single cabinet is installed. If you are hiring someone to fix your roof, you don't write the check before the work is finished. You pay after the job is done.

Yet that is exactly the opposite of how Washington has too often operated. For years, the Federal Government has pushed billions of dollars out the door up front with little accountability and then acted surprised when criminals disappeared with the money.

My WALZ Act simply says: Federal payments should be made as reimbursements after--after--the services have actually been provided. That one simple reform closes one of the biggest loopholes that have allowed billions of taxpayer dollars to be stolen before they ever get the chance to disappear.

But this package doesn't stop there. It claws back unused COVID funds, strengthens Treasury's fraud detection systems, extends the statute of limitations so pandemic fraudsters can't simply run out the clock. It protects our veterans from scammers. It combats emerging AI- generated fraud and gives law enforcement stronger tools to hold criminals accountable. Taken together, these reforms represent one of the strongest anti-fraud packages Congress has considered in years.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle spent years responding to every problem the same way: throwing more money at it. We believe the first question should be: Where is the fraud? Where is the waste? Where is the abuse? And how do we stop it before asking taxpayers for another dime?

This administration has created real momentum for the first time in years. We are not just talking about fraud, we are finding it, prosecuting it, and putting criminals on notice that stealing from the American taxpayer has consequences. People are already being held accountable, and more need to be.

Congress should build on that momentum by giving law enforcement and Federal Agencies the tools they need to keep fraudsters out of our programs and behind bars where they belong.

So let's not waste this opportunity. Let's make these reforms permanent. Let's close the loopholes once and for all. Let's protect the taxpayers who fund the government. Let's send a clear message that the era of easy money for fraudsters is over.

I urge every one of our colleagues to support the Protecting American Taxpayers Act.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that, notwithstanding rule XXII, the postcloture time with respect to Executive Calendar No. 765 be expired and the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination at a time to be determined by the majority leader, in consultation with the Democratic leader, tomorrow; finally, that if the nomination is confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

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

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Bourbon County Deputy Sheriff Silas Taylor and Bourbon County Dispatcher Stacy Wood for their extraordinary actions in saving the life of a woman stranded in rising floodwaters on April 2, 2026.

On that day, a woman was trapped inside her vehicle after it was caught in high water along a flooded roadway. Unable to escape and with the cold water rising to her head, she faced a life-threatening situation. Throughout the ordeal, Dispatcher Wood remained on the phone with the victim, providing reassurance and critical assistance as emergency responders rushed to the scene.

Upon arrival, Deputy Taylor immediately assessed the danger and, without hesitation, entered the floodwaters to rescue the stranded woman. Acting alone and swimming against the water's current, he pulled her from the vehicle and brought her to safety. His quick actions and courage saved her life.

This rescue serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and selflessness displayed by first responders every day. Dispatcher Wood's calm professionalism and Deputy Taylor's decisive actions exemplify the highest standards of public service. As a former marine and member of a family with deep roots in Bourbon County law enforcement, Deputy Taylor continues a proud tradition of service to others.

I now ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Deputy Taylor and Dispatcher Wood as they receive the Life Saving Award. Their bravery and unwavering commitment to duty reflect the very best of Bourbon County and the State of Kansas.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Jim Colbert, a legendary golfer and proud Kansan whose remarkable career has inspired countless fans and athletes across Kansas and our Nation.

Born in Elizabeth, NJ, Colbert came to Kansas State University in 1961 on a football scholarship. After injuries ended his football career, he turned his focus to golf, beginning a journey that would define the rest of his life. As a three-year letterwinner for the Wildcats, Colbert quickly established himself as one of the Nation's top collegiate golfers, finishing runner-up at the 1964 NCAA Championship and the Big Eight Championship that same year.

After turning professional in 1965, Colbert built an extraordinary career on the PGA Tour and PGA TOUR Champions circuit. Over the course of his professional career, he earned 28 combined victories, including 8 PGA Tour wins and 20 Champions Tour titles, placing him among the winningest players in senior tour history. His accomplishments included victories at the Texas Open, Colonial National Invitational, and the 1993 Ford Senior Players Championship. He was also named PGA TOUR Champions Player of the Year in both 1995 and 1996.

Beyond his success on the course, Colbert became one of the most recognizable personalities in golf. Known for his trademark bucket hat and competitive spirit, he also made significant contributions as a broadcaster, entrepreneur, and ambassador for the game. He worked as a golf analyst for ESPN and later founded a successful golf course management company that owned and operated courses across the country.

Perhaps nowhere is Colbert's legacy more visible than in Manhattan, KS, where he helped develop Colbert Hills Golf Course, now regarded as one of the premier public golf courses in Kansas and home to Kansas State's golf programs. His dedication to the university and the Manhattan community reflected the deep pride he carried for Kansas throughout his life.

Despite being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996, Colbert returned to competitive golf and captured another tournament victory in 1998, earning the PGA TOUR Champions Comeback Player of the Year Award. His determination and resilience inspired many both within and beyond the golf community.

Above all, Colbert was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements in professional golf, but also for his generosity, perseverance, and contributions to Kansas State athletics.

I now ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jim Colbert and in expressing our gratitude for the lasting impact he made on the game of golf and the people of Kansas.

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

Mr. President, moms.gov, M-O-M-S.gov--moms.gov--I want to congratulate the White House on giving folks out there a one-stop shop. It is for folks that are expecting. It is for couples that are pregnant. And it is especially, I think, for people that want to become pregnant.

It is to talk about what to expect when expecting, to talk about folic acid and the importance of prenatal vitamins before you conceive. But a very special area, of my concern, from the moms.gov is to talk about infertility.

My colleagues know that I had the honor, in rural Kansas, of delivering a baby most every day for 25 years and had a pretty active infertility clinic as well. In fact, 1 out of 10 couples are infertile. And though I enjoyed every baby I delivered, it was certainly a special joy to help couples through years of infertility and send them home with a baby.

So that is why I am so very proud to stand with this administration, which I believe is the most pro-family administration in our lifetime. As I pointed out, the White House launched moms.gov, a one-stop resource for expecting and new mothers: pregnancy care, nutrition, fertility support, childcare--all in one place.

You know, it is a simple idea with a big impact. I got on it yesterday just to see what resources were available and trying to hook up expecting moms or folks that are already pregnant with the local easiest clinic to access.

But one of the things I was really excited to see on there was Trump RX. Trump RX is so important to the infertile couples because the biggest barrier to infertility treatment, of course, are the very expensive medications--couples spending thousands of dollars each month on these medications, typically, to help them ovulate.

Now, Trump RX has already helped 20,000 patients--nearly 20,000 patients--and they have saved almost $15 million on these fertility medications. A new employer fertility benefit will also reach an estimated 750,000 Americans a year. That is 20 percent of all births. So hats off to the administration for Trump RX and helping us treat infertility.

What else have they done? In the Rural Health Transformation Fund, they have invested another $50 billion, and, again, with all Republican--Republican-only--votes. That fund is available to help improve many health issues, but, especially, there are opportunities to improve maternal health in rural America, as well, just like the ones where I served and was the only OB for many, many years in the middle of some 50,000 patients.

Of course, we just celebrated Mother's Day this past weekend, and I can't help but emphasize that strong families are the foundation of America and one of the pillars that this country is founded upon.

So I would ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us and cosponsor our legislation expanding fertility coverage and to continue to support rural maternal health funding. And let's make sure having a family in America is never out of reach because of cost. Hopeful moms and dads are counting on us. Now, let's get that done.

Mr. President, I would like to rise and talk about the STOP Act, Safeguarding The Overall Protection of Minors--Safeguarding the Overall Protection of Minors, the STOP Act.

Now, I wish we didn't have to introduce this bill. You know, as I pointed out earlier, I got to deliver over 5,000 babies. I just took care of countless adolescent girls, young women as well. So this is a group of patients that I think I understand pretty well and the challenges in their lives. And I certainly understand what irreversible medical interventions do when applied too early, without the maturity for this young lady to understand the consequences. In many cases, the parents don't understand the consequences, and in other cases, the parents may not even know this is going on.

Now, across this country, minors are being placed on pathways toward puberty blockers. So it keeps a boy from becoming a man. It keeps a girl from becoming a woman. And we will leave it that simple. There are medications out there that delay puberty, and, by the way, they have significant consequences and complications as well.

Others are given cross-sex hormones, and, again, these are irreversible. Once a woman starts growing a beard, even though she stops a hormone, chances are that beard is going to continue. If it has caused her to have male baldness, that is probably likely to never return to normal as well.

And, of course, these surgeries are irreversible. They are permanent. They are painful. They cause chronic scar tissue and chronic pain, and, of course, it means they are infertile for the rest of their lives.

Can you imagine letting a 13-, 14-year-old boy or girl decide that they will never have children again?

Well, so how big of a problem is this? Why are Republicans concerned about it? Well, under extreme pressure, 14,000 minors--14,000 minors-- have been manipulated into undergoing life-altering sex-change procedures that leave them, as I said earlier, maimed, sterilized, and psychologically damaged.

And my heart pours out to these young men and women. I can't imagine the challenges they go through. And we want to get them the help and the support that they need as well. But these irreversible surgeries and medications are not the answer. Instead they are going to complicate the situation.

Look, you know, this practice of transgender surgeries and medications--it is not medicine; it is not caution. In fact, these actions are not medical care. They are child abuse.

Think about it. Think about it. Who can argue with me that this isn't child abuse? And, sadly, I think when the history books are written, hundreds of years from now, this may be the darkest chapter in the history of medicine.

Our STOP Act--again, the Safeguarding The Overall Protection of Minors Act--simply restores a basic standard. Children should not undergo irreversible procedures they cannot fully comprehend and can't undo. It holds providers accountable and ensures there are real consequences when that line is crossed.

This is about giving children the time, the love, and the compassion they deserve before decisions are made that last a lifetime.

And if I could, I would like to give a big shoutout to those organizations that have bravely stepped forward to support us: the Students for Life of America, the American Principles Project, and the Religious Liberty Commission. And I know there are others. So thank you for that support. Thank you for caring about children and young adults.

So we owe them that protection. We owe our youngsters, our young adults this protection. And I urge our colleagues to support our STOP Act.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 150th anniversary of Sylvan Grove, KS, a historic occasion that coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

Around 1868, the first migrant settlers arrived in the area of Sylvan Grove's original townsite. Five years later, the community's first post office was established approximately 1 and a half miles south of present-day Sylvan Grove.

A water-powered grist mill along the Saline River initially attracted farmers and settlers to the community. When the mill was destroyed by a flood in 1886, the town's future became uncertain. However, renewed hope arrived just 1 year later with the construction of a new railroad, sparking a population boom.

By the early 1900s, Sylvan Grove developed into an established township. Several businesses and homes emerged north of the new railroad depot, laying the foundation for the community that stands today. Telephone and electric service were introduced, residents gained access to running water, and Sylvan Grove High School graduated its first class.

Like many rural towns, Sylvan Grove endured the hardships of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and devastating grasshopper infestations during the 1930s. Closely tied to the agriculture industry, Sylvan Grove's fortunes have long risen and fallen alongside those of its farmers and ranchers. Yet through every challenge, the community stands strong, embodying the resilient spirit of America's heartland.

On Saturday, May 23, Sylvan Grove will commemorate its 150th anniversary with a full day of community events. The celebration will feature a parade, food and vendor booths, children's activities, and agricultural displays highlighting the town's heritage. A reenactment of the 1894 attempted bank robbery will serve as the centerpiece, bringing to life one of the community's most memorable historical events.

I now ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sylvan Grove, KS, on 150 years of history, alongside the 250th anniversary of our Nation.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Bright Minds Academy of Hays, KS, in celebration of National Small Business Week and to commend its nomination as the 2026 Kansas Rural Small Business of the Year.

Since 1963, National Small Business Week has highlighted the essential role of small businesses in driving economic growth and creating jobs in communities across our Nation. Every year, the U.S. Small Business Administration honors businesses that exemplify innovation, resilience, and a commitment to service.

Founded by Nick and Andrea Felder, Bright Minds Academy has become a trusted provider of early childhood education for families in Hays. As parents themselves, they were inspired to open a childcare center to support children's learning and serve the needs of working families in their community.

From its beginnings as a single childcare center, Bright Minds Academy now spans multiple locations across Hays, a reflection of its steady leadership. Today, it employs approximately 100 staff and is licensed to care for over 300 children.

Bright Minds Academy is dedicated to providing a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for infants and young children. Their mission to provide high-quality care and education ensures that Kansas children have a strong foundation for success in the future.

I now ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Bright Minds Academy for its service to Kansas families and communities and in congratulating Nick and Andrea Felder on this well-deserved honor.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Eric F. Melgren of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas on the occasion of his assumption of senior status.

Raised on a cattle and wheat farm in southwest Kansas, Judge Melgren was the first in his family to pursue a college education. He attended Wichita State University, where he distinguished himself as student body president. He later earned his law degree from Washburn University School of Law, contributing to the Law Review during his time there.

Judge Melgren began his legal career clerking for Judge Frank Theis, a role that would ultimately come full circle when he returned to serve in the same chambers from the bench. He later spent 15 years with Foulston & Siefkin, Kansas' largest law firm, where he specialized in tax and business matters.

In 2002, he was called to public service as U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas, a position he held until his appointment to the Federal judiciary by President George W. Bush in 2008. Following Senate confirmation, Judge Melgren took his seat on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, where he has served with distinction ever since.

Judge Melgren's service has extended beyond the courtroom through civic and professional leadership, including roles with the United Way of the Plains, the Wichita State University

Alumni Association, Leadership Wichita, and other organizations. He also serves as the Tenth Circuit representative on the Judicial Conference's Defender Services Committee.

I now ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Judge Melgren for his service to Kansas and the United States and in wishing him continued success in the next chapter of his judicial career.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the city of Pittsburg, KS, a remarkable milestone that coincides with the 250th birthday of the United States of America.

Originally named New Pittsburgh, the city was founded in 1876 along a railroad line connecting Joplin, MO, to Girard, KS. It quickly became a bustling industrial hub for coal mining, brick and tile manufacturing, and zinc smelting. Pittsburg continued to grow as its population increased, drawing people from around the country and across the world.

Pittsburg is the proud home to historic institutions and enduring industries that have shaped its identity. The Pittsburg & Midway Coal Company, established in 1885, is among the Nation's oldest continually running coal companies. Meanwhile, Pittsburg State University, founded in 1903, continues to educate Kansans and prepare them for success.

As the United States celebrates 250 years since its founding, downtown Pittsburg is adorned with ``150'' and ``250'' banners, marking its important role in the great American story. To commemorate the occasion, the local community has organized a series of events to bring residents together and celebrate Pittsburg's legacy.

The anniversary reflects the dedication of citizens, businesses, and local leaders who preserve Pittsburg's past while building a stronger future. As Pittsburg celebrates its sesquicentennial, I invite all Americans to visit and experience its rich history firsthand.

I now ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Pittsburg, KS, on its 150th anniversary and in celebrating Pittsburg alongside America's 250th birthday.

Mr. President, reserving the right to object, my colleague from Nevada asks this floor to fund the TSA. She and her colleagues have voted against TSA funding at least five--if not six-- times over the past several weeks. Republicans have voted to fund the TSA and to fund all of DHS. So this just seems a bit hypocritical, I guess.

As I think about the situation here, I would ask my colleague: Why did it take Democrats 30 days to come to the table and discuss this issue with Republicans--30 days?

Then we started negotiations. There were some talks on Thursday and Friday between the leaders of both parties. Then, over the weekend, Democrats refused to continue those discussions. Why? Was it because they wanted to go home?

Well, look, we all wanted to go home. TSA officers would like to have a paycheck as well. So it is not lost on me.

How in the world can we sit here and have you ask us to fund the TSA when Republicans have consistently voted to fund the DHS?

This is now the 37th day of the shutdown.

Remember, the DHS was formed out of the ashes of September 11, when we took 22 Agencies and brought them together--maybe there was some information missed that wasn't shared on September 11--so that maybe that day never happens again. So why would we start breaking up these Agencies now and break up their funding, since we are a stronger, more secure country when we fund all of DHS, not just a part of it?

Again, Republicans have voted to fund the TSA at least 6 times in the past 2 weeks, and Democrats have voted at least 6 times not to fund the

I object.