Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today to welcome to our Nation's capital His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Spiritual Head of the second-largest Christian Church in the world. His All-Holiness serves as the current Archbishop of Constantinople and leads over 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.

His All-Holiness is visiting Washington, DC, from September 15 through September 17 and will meet with President Trump at the White House. This visit coincides with his receipt of the Templeton Prize, a prestigious award previously bestowed upon renowned figures such as Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

For decades, His All-Holiness has been a steadfast advocate for religious freedom and unity among Christians worldwide. He has consistently called for the protection of religious minorities and has championed the rights of Orthodox Christians to worship freely. His efforts to promote dialogue between the Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations have significantly strengthened interreligious understanding.

In my home State of Kansas, we are honored to have a strong and active Greek Orthodox community, with more than 4,300 Orthodox Christians and two parishes: St. Dionysios in Overland Park and Holy Trinity in Wichita. These churches embody the deep spiritual connection that Kansans share with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Orthodox Christians around the world.

I now ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this historic visit and in honoring His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his unwavering commitment to faith and the common good.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize three Kansas community colleges that were recently ranked among the top 2- year colleges in the Nation by WalletHub: Manhattan Area Technical College, Pratt Community College, and Colby Community College.

Community and technical colleges play a vital role in building the workforce of the future and making higher education accessible to students from all backgrounds. They provide affordable, high-quality education that prepares students for meaningful careers or further study. For many, especially in rural areas, these colleges offer the best path to career success and personal advancement.

Manhattan Area Technical College earned the No. 2 national ranking, driven by its consistent record of placing graduates into high-demand careers with strong earning potential. Its focus on career and technical education equips students with skills that are both practical and accessible.

Pratt Community College earned the No. 3 spot nationwide, celebrated for instilling financial responsibility in its graduates, who maintain one of the lowest student loan default rates in the country. This recognition underscores the college's exceptional return on investment and its commitment to preparing students for long-term professional success.

Colby Community College earned the No. 15 national ranking, reflecting its ongoing excellence in serving students across western Kansas. The college has posted the highest graduation rate among Kansas community colleges in 7 of the past 10 years and led the State's community colleges in fall-to-fall retention in 5 of the past 6 years.

As a proud community college alum, I know firsthand the opportunities that community and technical colleges provide their students. They open doors for hard-working Americans seeking a better future through education and training. I am proud to see these Kansas colleges leading the way in providing affordable, effective, and transformative education.

I now ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Manhattan Area Technical College, Pratt Community College, and Colby Community College on this national recognition.

Mr. President, typically, when we come to this hallowed floor, we are speaking on behalf of ourselves as Senators, but tonight, I also want to speak on behalf of my good staff.

I would like to start with the Scripture from Psalms:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who

are crushed in spirit.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who

are crushed in spirit.

Tonight, many of us indeed are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. It is tonight that we gather with heavy hearts to honor the extraordinary life of Charlie Kirk--a visionary, conservative leader whose unyielding passion for freedom and faith ignited millions. Taken from us far too soon by a tragic political assassination on September 10, 2025, Charlie's light continues to shine as a beacon for all of us who cherish liberty.

Charlie was born in 1993 in a Chicago suburb, and he revealed his political fire early on. As a high schooler, he volunteered tirelessly for campaigns, and he penned sharp insights for Breitbart--already challenging the status quo with the clarity of a born leader.

At just 18, in 2012, he founded Turning Point USA, a movement that would transform the landscape for young conservatives, millennials, and Gen Zers alike. Through electrifying campus activism, his influential podcasts, and nationwide tours, Charlie mobilized a generation to stand firm against the shadows of Big Government and socialism.

Today, many of those inspired young adults serve in our congressional offices, carrying forward the fight to safeguard our traditional values and constitutional rights from an ever-encroaching State. Many of these people will someday be speaking from this same floor.

Now, Charlie wasn't just a preacher; he was a soul shaped by faith. He was unafraid to declare himself a child of God. He opened his heart and mind to every voice, fostering a genuine dialogue amid division. As a champion of free speech and individual liberty, he urged the next generation to reclaim traditional family values--the bedrock of a thriving America.

Through Turning Point USA and his commanding media presence, he didn't merely shape conservative thought; he empowered a movement, defending our ideas against progressive overreach with grace, grit, and unwavering optimism.

Though an evil act sought to silence him, it only amplified his voice, transforming Charlie into a hero, a martyr whose sacrifice has kindled a fire in us all. His spirit endures in the hearts of those he empowered to fight for liberty, reminding us that true leaders don't fade; they inspire.

So I ask you, everyone listening today, including those of us who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit, let us honor Charlie by living lives worthy of his legacy. Let not your anger turn into hate. Let me say that again. Let not your anger turn into hate. Please, don't let Charlie's distractors win. Rather, channel your emotions into fighting with renewed vigor--renewed vigor for the heart and soul of this great Republic, nurturing the next generation of conservative leaders.

Charlie's flame burns brighter through each of us. May Charlie Kirk rest in peace. And may God bless his memory, his family, and our shared mission.

I yield the floor.

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

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and celebrate a remarkable institution in my home State of Kansas, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home, which recently won the Newsweek 2025 Readers' Choice Award for Best Presidential Attraction.

This prestigious accolade is both a tribute to an exceptional historic site and a powerful reminder of President Eisenhower's legacy, shaped by his smalltown upbringing in Abilene, KS. From his humble beginnings on ``the wrong side of the tracks'' to his election as the 34th President of the United States, Eisenhower's legacy stands as a testament to humility, integrity, and service above self.

The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum brings his story to life for visitors from across the country and around the world. Through its excellent exhibits and educational programs, the museum continues to inspire new generations to appreciate President Eisenhower and his skilled statesmanship.

This award is a reflection of the dedicated staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to preserve and enshrine President Eisenhower's legacy. Their ongoing commitment ensures that this historic site remains not just a destination, but also a living tribute to one of America's most exemplary leaders.

I am proud to see the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum receive this well-deserved recognition, and I invite all Americans to visit and learn more about President Eisenhower's legendary leadership, from the battlefields of Europe to the White House.

I now ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home on this national honor and in celebrating the legacy of an American hero from smalltown Kansas.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor a significant achievement in Kansas broadcasting: Steve & Ted in the Morning, a beloved radio program on 98.7 and 1330 KNSS in Wichita, recently aired its 7,000th show.

For over 27 years, Kansans have counted on Steve McIntosh and Ted Woodward to start their day with news coverage, lively commentary, and a sense of local community. Their voices have become a daily staple across southcentral Kansas, reaching listeners at home, on the road, and everywhere in between.

On August 26, 2025, Steve & Ted celebrated their 7,000th broadcast with a live gala show filled with special guests and heartfelt tributes. Joining the celebration were notable Kansans such as Mitch Holthus, the play-by-play voice of the Kansas City Chiefs; former Sedgwick County judge and long-time Wichita State basketball radio broadcaster Dave Dahl; and several other guests, colleagues, and friends. It was a powerful testament to the show's impact and the following these two broadcasters have earned over the years.

This milestone also comes as Steve prepares to retire at the end of the year, capping off an extraordinary 55-year career in radio. Steve's leadership in Kansas journalism is respectable, with Edward R. Murrow and Marconi Awards to his name, as well as his induction into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Together, Steve and Ted have established more than just a successful radio show; they have built a trusted relationship with thousands of listeners. Whether covering breaking news, interviewing local leaders, or simply sharing a laugh, their presence has been a constant in a rapidly changing media landscape. I have personally had the privilege of joining Steve and Ted on their show several times, and they kindly hosted my Kansas State Fair townhall in 2024.

I now ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this major milestone and congratulating Steve McIntosh and Ted Woodward on their 7,000th broadcast.

Good morning. It is great to be here.

I want to share with America the great work that Republicans have done on Medicaid. We are preserving it. We are protecting it. We are strengthening it for those who need it the most. We are going to make sure that your seniors in nursing homes, that pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities have Medicaid in the future. We are fiscally making Medicaid more sound.

You know, it is only in Washington, DC, that you increase spending at a rate faster than inflation and you call it a cut. So we are increasing spending on this legislation. We are increasing funding for Medicaid. We are preserving and protecting it for those who need it the most.

I urge everyone to vote no on this amendment.

I yield the floor.

Vote on Motion

Mr. President, as I look at this, the Senator's motion is on work requirements. Back home, we had a saying for people that had an aversion to work. They called it an allergy to work.

My question is, don't you think a job brings value, that it brings dignity? Don't you think a job brings purpose and meaning to life? We have 7 million healthy American men across our country of working age that aren't working right now. Yes, we want to encourage people to go back to work.

Our bill, as you point out, preserves and protects it for those groups. It makes it financially stronger so we can protect and strengthen it for seniors in nursing homes, for people with disabilities, for pregnant women, and for children. Let's protect Medicaid for those who need it the most.

I urge a ``no'' vote on this. I will never apologize for encouraging people to go to work.

Vote on Motion

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Roger Barta, a legendary Kansas high school educator and football coach who devoted his career to guiding and mentoring young Kansans, both in the classroom and on the gridiron.

For over 30 years, Coach Barta served as a math teacher and head football coach for the Smith Center High School Redmen. Throughout his tenure, he inspired countless student-athletes to pursue excellence in all aspects of life. His legacy is a testament to not only his character but also his extraordinary ability to inspire others.

Before Smith Center, Coach Barta coached at Atwood, Tonganoxie, and WaKeeney. No matter the school, his approach was the same: focus on fundamentals, play as a team, and treat others with respect. His teams were disciplined and hard working, traits that reflect their coach.

During his time leading the Redmen, he built one of the most successful football programs in Kansas State history--winning eight State championships, including five straight from 2004 to 2008, and leading the team to a 79-game win streak. He retired in 2012 with a career record of 323 wins and 68 losses.

However, Coach Barta's impact extended far beyond athletic achievements. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and an inspiration to many. Coach Barta believed that mutual respect and love for one another were the keys to victory, a philosophy that continues to influence generations of high school athletes and the Smith Center, KS, community.

Coach Barta retired from coaching in 2012 and was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame 2 years later. He is remembered not only as a remarkable coach, but also as an exceptional man. May his legacy serve as a lasting example of how success is built on character, consistency, and compassion.

I now ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Coach Roger Barta and in expressing our gratitude for his positive impact on generations of young Kansans.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize St. John the Baptist Croatian Parish for 125 years of service to Kansas City, KS. For 125 years, St. John the Baptist has stood as a beacon of faith, culture, and community service, offering spiritual guidance, preserving Croatian heritage, and fostering a welcoming environment for generations of families.

The parish's steadfast dedication and perseverance in ministering to one another and the broader community exemplify the values that define both Kansas and our Nation. Their legacy of faith and cultural preservation has enriched countless lives across Wyandotte County and beyond, and their story rightly belongs in the pages of the Congressional Record.

I commend the clergy, parishioners, and all those who have contributed to the growth and success of St. John the Baptist. Their commitment to service and tradition is both admirable and inspiring, and I am confident their parish will continue to thrive and make a lasting impact for generations to come.

Once again, congratulations on this remarkable milestone. May the celebration of 125 years inspire continued joy, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the enduring values that make St. John the Baptist Croatian Parish such a treasured part of the Kansas City community.

I now ask my colleagues to join me in honoring St. John the Baptist Croatian Parish for 125 exceptional years of service and devotion.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

I object.

Mr. President, this week, we honor and celebrate the 100th day of our 47th President, Donald J. Trump. I don't know about you, but it has been a blur to many of us, but I believe it has been a bold blur.

As I searched over the last week to think about the words to describe these first 100 days, I think of the word ``consequential,'' that these first 100 days have been some of the most consequential we have ever seen in America's history. And I think about a vision. I think my vision is this big ship we call America, and she is slowly changing course back into the wind, and it is a good direction. At times, we have to tack into the wind, but the direction is positive. And it is exciting for me to see an 11-point surge in optimism in this country in January of this year alone.

But to sum it up, what I have seen in these first 100 days is a return to American greatness--a return to American greatness. And I think I see a theme of ``promises made, promises kept'' by this President.

You know, first and foremost, President Trump campaigned to secure our border. That was his top priority, to secure our border. Think about what has happened since he was sworn in. Under Joe Biden, we saw on days 10,000 people crossing our border illegally. Some days, it was 11,000. But under President Trump, we are now averaging less than 300 of those border crossings a day. We went from 10,000 a day to 300 a day. That is a promise made and a promise kept.

President Trump also campaigned that he would make your families safer and more secure. To that end, he has deported 130,000 violent criminal aliens. As I travel the State and talk to law enforcement officers, to a person, they tell me that the number of violent crimes is down, that fentanyl poisoning is down. Indeed, the President's plan of securing our border has led to the health and safety of our families.

President Trump promised that he would roll back regulations. To that end, of his 135 Executive orders, many have done just that--cutting redtape and saving American families some $2,000 each. Another promise made and another promise kept.

President Trump said, ``We are going to drill, baby, drill''--one of my favorite expressions from his campaign, ``drill, baby, drill.'' Indeed, America once again is drilling. We have seen gasoline prices drop across America. It was common just a couple years ago under Joe Biden to see gasoline at over $4 a gallon. Today, all across the State of Kansas, it is averaging under $2.60 a gallon. So it has dropped from $4 to $2.60 a gallon. That is a promise made and a promise kept.

Well, what about groceries? you ask. Last month, we saw the smallest increase in the Consumer Price Index since the spring of 2020. Since COVID, since the start of COVID, this is the smallest increase in grocery prices we have seen.

Now, it would take 30 minutes, maybe an hour, for me to talk about all of the things that President Trump has accomplished in these first 100 days, but I want to just highlight a few more. He terminated the EV mandate. He has slowed the green energy transition. He has ended boys in girls sports. Under DOGE, he has cut over $100 billion, saving American taxpayers money. He got America out of the World Health Organization and out of the Paris climate agreement, establishing once again that he is an American-first President.

But one thing I am really excited about is this economic boom we are starting to see that President Trump talked about, the $7 trillion of investment into America that has been promised, and so much of that is going to lead to good-paying manufacturing jobs, jobs with benefits, and we are seeing that already across the State of Kansas.

These last 2 weeks, I was very purposeful, visiting several of our manufacturing companies, probably a dozen of them. To a company, each one was describing the increase in sales they are having, a big increase in the number of products that are wanted in the future. Why? Because they are American-made, because they are using American steel and American aluminum. I think that is what we can do with this Trump economy, is that his tariffs are bringing those manufacturing jobs back to this country, and, indeed, they are great jobs.

I want to take a second here and put up a poster, Mr. President.

You know, much has been made about the stock market the last week or two, but I think this chart of the Dow Jones Industrial Average over the last 100 years is another sign of American greatness. You know, there have been days that aren't as good, but the trend here is what? It is upward. And you look at just the last several days,

the last week here, there is a small little blip, a very small blip, but in relationship to what?

I would remind Americans that the Dow today is up 5 percent compared to a year ago. The NASDAQ is up almost 10 percent compared to a year ago. The trend is the right way. And I don't know about you, but I am betting on America. We have had 5 days in a row now of the Dow Jones increasing in value. That is the longest winning streak we have seen in almost a year. And who knows--maybe today will be the sixth day where we have seen the Dow go up as well. But, to me, this stock market is another example of American greatness, and I wouldn't bet against us.

Look, my belief is that President Trump has declared the apology tour is over with, that we are boldly putting America and Americans first. Gone is the despair of the Biden era. Today, families are safer, life is more affordable, and traditional family values are now thriving.

Young Americans now have a renewed hope that they can chase their own American dream. That dream was gone the last 4 or 5 years, but today, the American dream is alive and well. What does that American dream look like? Raising a family, owning a home, and building a brighter future.

I think a lot of this is due to President Trump's leadership because he is delivering strength, prosperity, and opportunity to Americans.

Again, 100 days--promises made, promises kept.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I have five 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:

committee on agriculture, nutrition, and forestry

The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 3 p.m., to conduct a hearing.

committee on armed services

The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., to meet in open session to consider nominations.

committee on finance

The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 10 a.m., to consider nominations.

committee on veterans' affairs

The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing.

select committee on intelligence

The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., to conduct a closed business meeting and briefing.

Mr. President. I rise today to recognize the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and the city of Wichita for their exceptional commitment to providing world-class healthcare to our Nation's veterans.

Recently, Wichita was recognized as the top city in the Nation for veterans' healthcare. This recognition highlights the unwavering dedication of the staff of the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and city leadership in delivering accessible, high-quality, and compassionate healthcare to those who served our country.

For the second year in a row, the Dole VA received the maximum 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services--a remarkable achievement that places the Dole VA in the top 8 percent of hospitals nationwide. This 5-star rating highlights the Dole VA's commitment to not only meet but exceed the standards of the healthcare industry.

In addition to the 5-star rating, the Dole VA ranked first among 132 VA hospitals nationwide for access to specialty care. It offers the shortest average wait time in the country for existing patients to see a cardiologist--just 3.8 days. The Dole VA also ranks second in the Nation for both routine specialty care access, at 95 percent, and urgent specialty care access, at 90 percent. Additionally, it holds the third-shortest wait time for new patients seeking pulmonology services. These accomplishments are a testament to the outstanding leadership and the tireless dedication of the staff at the Dole VA.

The city of Wichita is also playing a vital role in providing care for our Nation's veterans, particularly in the area of mental health. Wichita ranks fifth in the Nation for access to mental health services, offering the seventh shortest average wait time for existing patients to access care--just 0.3 days--and the ninth shortest for new patients, at only 1.4 days. Additionally, Wichita ranks sixth nationally in overall hospital care quality and holds the eighth shortest wait time for existing patients seeking primary care. These distinctions reflect a city deeply committed to ensuring those in need receive the high- quality healthcare necessary.

As a country, we owe a great debt to those who served, and the Dole VA and the city of Wichita are setting the standard for how that debt should be paid. I now ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and the city of Wichita for these exceptional achievements. Furthermore, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking the dedicated healthcare workforce in Wichita for their unwavering commitment to serving those who have worn the uniform.