Floor Statements

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that following my remarks, the following Senators be permitted to speak prior to the scheduled vote: Senator Schiff for up to 10 minutes, Senator Risch for up to 5 minutes, Senator Duckworth for up to 3 minutes, and Senator Schumer for up to 2 minutes.

Mr. President, I rise today to stand with the American people, who are demanding that we bring an end to President Trump's war in Iran.

It has been over a month since President Trump made the decision to take us to war, and I would like to take a moment to reflect on what this illegal war has achieved and what it has cost.

President Trump's war has delivered higher costs for Americans at the pump, and it has jacked up the cost of fertilizer and fuel for Wisconsin farmers. As Americans struggle to afford basic necessities, the Trump administration has spent tens of billions of dollars on a war that Americans did not ask for. We have lost 13 servicemembers, with hundreds of others injured. Thousands of civilians have been killed, including dozens of schoolgirls by an errant U.S. missile. President Trump has eased sanctions on Russia and shown Iran how to profit from blocking the Strait of Hormuz. The same oppressive regime remains in place, Iran still controls its enriched uranium, and the United States is no closer to a guarantee that Iran will not pursue a nuclear weapon.

In short, President Trump's war of choice has accomplished next to nothing at a tremendous cost to the American people, and still Donald Trump has been unable or unwilling to offer a coherent reason for why we are at war.

The American people are looking to Congress to do something. The people's branch is supposed to be a check on this President. We need to stand up on behalf of our constituents, who do not like this war and who want it to end. Americans know the cost of this war. They are the ones who are paying for it.

My Republican colleagues have a choice: Do your job, stand up to this President, and send a clear message to Americans by ending this war today, or live with the consequences as more civilians are killed, more servicemembers are put in harm's way, and more American families struggle to make ends meet. The choice is yours.

I yield the floor.

Thank you for your leadership, Senator Smith.

And I also want to note the powerful words that Senator Klobuchar just shared. She took me down memory lane as we remember the conservationists and the folks that came from our States.

And just earlier today, I was noting with my staff that next week we will be commemorating the 56th anniversary of Earth Day, the first Earth Day, and it was Gaylord Nelson, a Senator in this body who brought forth the whole concept of respecting the Earth and celebrating with a day focused on celebration of the Earth.

Wisconsin was also home for large portions of their lives, Aldo Leopold and John Muir. And hearing those accounts makes me feel especially humbled and honored to rise to speak to this resolution, this joint resolution that is before the Senate right now that we really must defeat.

I want to share with my colleagues what is at stake if the Senate removes

protections from the Boundary Waters. The Boundary Waters Wilderness Area is one of the most pristine freshwater systems in the entire country.

And if these protections are rolled back and mining moves forward, there is no restoring, there is no restoration of this watershed. It will be risking permanent damage for the profits of a multibillion- dollar foreign mining company, and I will return to that in a moment.

We must recognize who will be most affected by revoking the protections that have been in place for decades and for good reason.

Tribal nations in this region have lived with and depended upon the Boundary Waters for generations. These lands are sacred to the Ojibwe people. Tribes have treaty rights to hunt, to fish, and to gather. Voting for this resolution would betray our centuries-old treaties between the United States and the Chippewa of Lake Superior.

We cannot say that we respect Tribal sovereignty while undermining the very resources that those rights depend upon.

There is a reason that the Boundary Waters is also America's most popular and water-rich wilderness area. Its 1.1 million acres contain more than a thousand pristine lakes and 1,200 miles of river and stream.

Voting for this resolution risks the destruction of the region's prized natural resources, where the wild rice beds and the fisheries are thriving, and the water is clean and safe to drink.

People come from all over this country to recreate on the Boundary Waters, fish in the lakes, hunt in the forests. Before my colleagues vote to greenlight a mining operation, I urge them to come and see the beauty and the magic of the Boundary Waters. I have done so. It was an amazing experience. And I have heard from so many Wisconsinites who have shared their stories, their memories. And they cannot fathom the idea that Congress would take the step that we are on the precipice of taking.

As well, I have heard from our 11 federally recognized Tribal nations and their strong opposition. Our waters, our rivers, our lakes are all a part of the way of life in the Midwest. They provide fresh drinking water; they are endless sources of recreation; and they bring tourism to our States.

You know, this area, in particular, generates over $900 million in annual tourism revenue and sustains roughly 17,000 jobs. Rural towns across the region depend on the protection of the wilderness area and its natural resources. Family-owned small businesses that provide guiding and fishing and outdoor recreation will not survive if the water is polluted and the wilderness is degraded.

The Boundary Waters must not be put at risk of perpetual pollution, which is what this resolution would do. I also just want to make it clear to my colleagues who actually stands to benefit if this resolution passes the Senate.

While we have heard that rolling back protections for the Boundary Waters would bring economic opportunities for the region, that is false. The profits from the mining contract that this resolution aims to fast track are ultimately going overseas to benefit a Chilean multinational organization and China's industrial supply chain.

That is right. After enabling the destruction of one of our most pristine natural resources, those very resources are expected to be sold to China. With this resolution, the majority will be cashing out on a mining deal that has no long-term benefit to our economy or workforce.

The short-term gain of a mining contract cannot compete with the benefits of protecting the region that already generates, as I said earlier, over $900 million annually in tourism revenue and sustains nearly 17,000 jobs.

This resolution does not invest in the future of communities across the Boundary Waters, nor does it respect the treaties with our Tribal nations. Its passage would come at public expense while the profits from the project flow to foreign corporations.

I invite my colleagues who have never yet made it to the Boundary Waters to come and experience it for yourself.

I encourage you to meet with the Tribes and small businesses in the region and see for yourself what we stand to lose. I implore my colleagues not to jeopardize the future of one of the most pristine freshwater ecosystems in America and override Tribal rights.

I urge my colleagues to vote no on this resolution.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor John Kissinger, president and CEO of GRAEF, on his retirement. For more than 25 years, Mr. Kissinger has been a tireless advocate for his community, supporting cultural and entertainment institutions through workforce development initiatives. This tireless work has directly resulted in the construction, renovation, and revitalization of numerous well-known buildings and cultural hubs across Wisconsin.

Mr. Kissinger earned his bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1979 and his master of science in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983. In 1984, he joined GRAEF as a structural engineer in the firm's Milwaukee office. Since joining GRAEF, he steadily advanced within in the company, serving in roles including vice president, regional manager, and chief operating officer. In January 2012, he was named president and CEO.

Among his notable projects at GRAEF, Mr. Kissinger served as the

engineering project manager for the instantly iconic Milwaukee Art Museum Quadracci Pavillion, featuring a soaring structure designed by Santiago Calatrava. He also contributed to projects including the renovation and expansion of Green Bay's historic Lambeau Field, home to our beloved Packers, and the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee, as well as the Milwaukee Public Museum's IMAX Theater. These projects and many others have given him a unique understanding of the intersection between the design and contours of a city, the needs of its residents, and the delicate balance between the two.

Beyond this work, Mr. Kissinger is an active presence in the Milwaukee community. He currently serves as chairman of the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board, and in 2010, he was appointed by then- Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett to lead the agency. He also has a longstanding interest in supporting programs for youth employment, serving as the cochair of the city of Milwaukee's Earn and Learn Youth Employment Program, in addition to volunteering with the organization. Mr. Kissinger was recently appointed to the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce's Cultural and Entertainment Capital Needs Task Force to help identify funding options to preserve key local facilities in Milwaukee, including the BMO Harris Bradley Center, the previous home of our Milwaukee Bucks.

Mr. Kissinger's 25 years at GRAEF, as well as his many community service initiatives, have created a lasting impact on not only the Milwaukee community, but also on the greater Wisconsin community. I am pleased to join others in recognizing John Kissinger's success and contributions to the people of our State and our Nation. I wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the Center for Patient Partnerships on its 25th anniversary. I am pleased to honor this organization and to commemorate this historic milestone.

Founded in 2000 by Meg Gaines, a law professor and cancer survivor, the Center for Patient Partnerships was built on the belief that we must work together to transform healthcare for all. For 25 years, the Center for Patient Partnerships has advanced a vision of patients working in partnership with medical and legal professionals in the fight for patient advocacy.

The Center for Patient Partnerships serves those with life- threatening and chronic illnesses by providing a full range of advocacy services. It helps patients navigate complex healthcare systems through personalized support in order to better understand their treatment options and access necessary medical and legal resources.

For 25 years now, the Center for Patient Partnerships has supported thousands of patients, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and guidance necessary to make informed decisions about their care.

In addition to individual services, the Center for Patient Partnerships is helping shape the future of healthcare through education. Offering training programs that bring together law, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy students, these programs give students the skills needed to become compassionate advocates and professionals in healthcare. This model has established the organization as a national leader in patient-centered education and advocacy.

The Center for Patient Partnerships also contributes to research and policy efforts aimed at improving healthcare delivery and patient- centered care. Its work focuses on consumer engagement and systemic reform to influence how healthcare systems respond to the patient needs.

As we recognize the Center for Patient Partnerships, we also honor the leadership of Meg Gaines, whose work has transformed countless lives and inspired a new generation of advocates. I am grateful for the center's continued service to patients and their commitment to strengthening our healthcare system. I look forward to their continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, I rise today in opposition to Donald Trump's war of choice in Iran.

Donald Trump came into office promising that he would lower costs and end foreign wars, but with this war, he has broken both promises at once. Wisconsin families are already seeing higher costs at the pump and on airfare. Wisconsin farmers are staring down higher fertilizer and fuel costs as spring planting gets underway. Meanwhile, the uncertainty and chaos caused by this President is keeping interest rates high and shaking the global stock market.

Donald Trump is raising costs on Americans at the same moment he is spending billions of dollars on a war that Wisconsin families did not choose. In just 6 days, Trump's war in Iran has cost American taxpayers almost $12 billion. We are now nearly a month into this war, and it is estimated that we have spent around $30 billion of taxpayer money.

What Donald Trump spent in 3 weeks is what it would have cost to extend the Affordable Care Act's tax credits for a full year. Republicans said that extending these healthcare tax credits for working families was too expensive, but they have not said a word about Trump spending $30 billion for another war. That money could have stopped 22 million Americans from seeing their healthcare costs increase by double, triple, or worse. It could have stopped 1 million people from canceling their coverage because the costs were simply too high to manage without those tax breaks. That $30 billion could have paid for more than 30 million children's school lunches. That $30 billion could have put a safe roof over the heads of more than 3.1 million Americans. That $30 billion could have covered a year of childcare for nearly 2 million children.

Using that money for an illegal war that no one wants is a choice, and now President Trump is reportedly planning to ask Congress for $200 billion more for his war with Iran.

Here is my question: For what?

That is not a rhetorical question. I genuinely don't know, and the American people don't know either what the goals of this war are and why American families are being asked to shell out billions of dollars for it. The Trump administration has, so far, been unable or unwilling to give the American people a straight answer.

Just as Donald Trump tells the American people that we are close to ending this war, strikes continue, and all signs point to this conflict continuing to grow. We are hearing reports that the Pentagon is making detailed preparations for deploying United States ground forces in Iran as 5,000 marines and new warships are being deployed to the Middle East. Just today, it was reported that, roughly, 3,000 soldiers who are trained to parachute into enemy territory are being deployed to the region.

I have been demanding hearings for weeks so that Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Rubio can answer our questions under oath and in public before the American people. They need to answer why they are using taxpayer dollars on this illegal war instead of bringing down the costs of healthcare, housing, gas, groceries, and childcare for the families I represent.

Donald Trump ran and won on lowering costs for Americans, but his agenda has done just the opposite. He has started expensive wars; has pursued tariffs that have jacked up costs on consumers; and has slashed programs that have helped Americans afford their healthcare and put food on the table.

Enough is enough. It is time for the Trump administration to make their case to the American people. I personally don't think that they have one, but at the bare minimum, they need to tell Congress and the public why we are in this war, putting more servicemembers' lives at risk and not focusing on the kitchen table issues.

I yield the floor.

I object.

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

I object.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I rise today on behalf of the majority of Americans who oppose President Trump's war in Iran. I also rise on behalf of the families who just want him to fulfill his promises to lower costs and end foreign wars. Sadly, that is not what we are getting.

So much of what we have seen over the last 3 weeks reminds me of our war

in Iraq. We have the Trump administration claiming that Iran was weeks away from a nuclear weapon, even though last year he said we had obliterated their nuclear program. We have Donald Trump saying that he wants to liberate the Iranian people from a regime, all while Iran has installed an equally as extreme leader. We have civilians, including children, being killed by American bombs. And we have servicemembers dying overseas for a cause that Americans do not understand.

Americans are watching the start of another open-ended military conflict in the Middle East, just the kind President Trump said he would end, not start.

There is one major difference, however, between this war and the Iraq war. This time around, the Trump administration hasn't even bothered to make their case to the American people. Back then, we had an open and public debate about the cost of war, the cost to the American taxpayer, the cost to our military and their families. We voted on it, and Congress held public hearings preceding that vote.

Look, I voted against it, and my fears were sadly proven right. But at least the American people back then had a say in it.

President Trump clearly has no interest in following the law or our Constitution or letting the American people have a say in this war. So far, my Republican colleagues have shown no interest in forcing him to do so.

So we are using the tools at our disposal to try to bring some sunlight and force a debate on this illegal war of choice, because the more people learn about this war, the less they like it, and the quicker we can end it. It is past time for this administration to come before Congress and the American people to explain why we are at war and how they plan to get us out of it.

If my Republican colleagues refuse to join us, I am prepared to keep forcing votes on this war. Congress, the people's branch, is a check and balance on any President, and right now, this President needs a serious check.

Donald Trump is breaking laws, and he is breaking his promises to the American people. The President is showing us what his priorities are: starting wars and not focusing on the everyday needs of hard-working families.

This war is not what the American people signed up for, and it is our job to stop it and get our country back on track. Today, we will show our constituents who is and who isn't on the side of the American people, and I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this resolution.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today in support of keeping Wisconsin families safe. Keeping the people we work for safe is one of the most basic and solemn duties we have. We are here to keep folks safe from natural disasters, dangerous drugs, and dangerous people. That is what I am here to do today, because we need to fund critical Agencies like TSA and FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard to stop potential terror attacks and be sure that we are prepared for the next storm that hits an American community. I am also here to protect Wisconsinites from ICE terrorizing their communities like we saw in our neighboring State in the city of Minneapolis. We can and must do both. The people I work for are demanding it.

We need to fund these Agencies and put up commonsense guardrails on ICE and Border Patrol. It is not an either/or situation, as my Republican colleagues would have folks believe. We can ensure that TSA agents are paid and stop masked Federal agents from causing chaos in our residential neighborhoods. We can prevent cyber security attacks from our adversaries and ensure ICE and Border Patrol don't gun down more U.S. citizens in our streets. We can make sure communities reeling from disaster get the Federal support they need and hold Federal agents to the same basic standards that our local police officers operate under on a day-to-day basis. Protecting Americans means doing both.

If Republicans are serious about funding the Department of Homeland Security, the path forward is simple: Let's pass this bill today. Let's keep these crucial Agencies open while we come together to negotiate commonsense reforms so ICE stops killing Americans in our streets.

I have been clear that I will not support another blank check to ICE without reasonable guardrails that stop the chaos, violence, and death that we have seen in cities like Minneapolis.

My Republican colleagues are trying to use Donald Trump's illegal war in Iran to get us to back down on these demands. Democrats know how dangerous President Trump's war of choice in Iran is, and that is why I am against it. There is no denying that Americans are less safe today than they were before President Trump took us to war, and I am glad my Republican colleagues are willing to admit it. But if they think Americans will just forget watching the gut-wrenching videos of ICE officers taking the lives of innocent American citizens, they have another thing coming. The American people aren't buying it. They expect our government to stop terror threats and respond to natural disasters, not to intimidate and kill innocent people.

I am not giving up on my commitment to protecting Americans from Donald Trump's out-of-control Agencies that have killed U.S. citizens, terrorized communities, and caused chaos in our streets. I, for one, am willing to compromise. I am ready to fund the Department of Homeland Security without ICE. This straightforward plan funds key Agencies while giving my Republican colleagues more time to come to the table on commonsense reforms that Americans overwhelmingly support.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Bob Harlan, the longtime president and chief executive officer of the Green Bay Packers, whose leadership left an indelible mark on one of America's most historic sports franchises and on Packers fans across Wisconsin and the Nation.

Mr. Harlan passed away on March 5 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond the gridiron. During his illustrious tenure with the Packers, which spanned nearly four decades--including nearly two decades as president and CEO--Mr. Harlan was instrumental in guiding the organization through one of the greatest turnarounds in the history of professional sports and cementing the long-term stability of one of the NFL's most unique community-owned football organizations in the country.

When Mr. Harlan joined the Packers organization in 1989, the organization was facing significant competitive and financial challenges. Mr. Harlan's decision to bring Ron Wolf into the organization as the general manager marked the beginning of the Packers' turnaround, which saw the organization bring in the likes of Brett Favre and other Hall of Famers to Green Bay, culminating in the organization's first championship in nearly three decades in Super Bowl

Madam President, I rise today to recognize the exceptional career and life of Julius Campbell. Mr. Campbell is a pillar of the Milwaukee community, and he has left an indelible mark on the lives of many. From serving in the Navy during World War II to his early career as a third-grade teacher for Milwaukee Public Schools to the founding his own church, Mr. Campbell has put his faith in action through a lifetime service to his community and Nation.

Mr. Campbell is a man of deep faith, following a call to preach from a very young age. When founding his first church in 1958, he aimed to focus his work on inspiring and guiding younger generations. Mr. Campbell prides himself on serving God by helping families in need across his community.

Mr. Campbell became a Milwaukee crossing guard at 69 years of age, and he has spent the last 30 years providing parents with a sense of comfort, joy, and trust as their children pass through Mr. Campbell's crosswalk on their way to school. At Yeshiva Elementary School on Milwaukee's Northwest Side, Mr. Campbell is a constant in the students' daily routines, and they are often seen running to his crosswalk just to wish him good morning. Mr. Campbell recently celebrated his 100th birthday, yet has no plans to retire. Instead, he hopes to continue serving his community by helping Milwaukee's students safely cross the street.

I am pleased to recognize the contributions Mr. Campbell has made to the people of Milwaukee, the State of Wisconsin, and our Nation.

Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of my colleague from Virginia Senator Kaine's resolution prohibiting the United States from continuing this illegal war in Iran.

I want to start with the basic premise that I think we can all agree on: We are here to represent the people of our States and their desires. Wisconsinites have been unequivocal that they do not want another foreign war. I agree with them, and for a while, it seemed Donald Trump did too. The President promised not to get into more foreign wars, but the President broke that promise and has gone all in on war with Iran. The consequences are dire. Six American servicemembers are now dead. My heart absolutely breaks for their parents, their siblings, their children, their spouses, and their communities. Thousands of Americans in uniform who are stationed in the region are at risk because of the President's reckless and illegal war.

And what does the President have to say? He says that it is likely more Americans are going to die. He said that is just the way it is. He said that. The President's callous response shows his disregard for the men and women he is supposed to lead.

Our Constitution is crystal clear: If our country is going to war, Congress needs to vote on it.

In 2002, Congress debated the war in Iraq, and I opposed it. I believed the Bush administration dangerously underestimated the potential consequences and did not have a clear path forward after the initial military operation. I was right. As a result, thousands of brave service men and women died, taxpayers paid billions of dollars, and we got ourselves into a yearslong war in the Middle East.

I have the same concerns today. I fully agree that Iran's regime is a dangerous and murderous one and can't be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, but how we deal with them and keep America safe matters. Diplomacy--the hard work of peacefully negotiating--is the answer, not war. That is exactly why I supported the 2015 deal that kept Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, but President Trump ripped that deal up and allowed Iran's nuclear program to flourish.

Wisconsinites see exactly what this President is doing, and they do not support it. They want President Trump to live up to his promises and to address their kitchen-table issues and concerns, not pull our country into another foreign war.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the distinguished career and life of LaMarr Franklin. Mr. Franklin was born in 1945 in Milwaukee and passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 80. Mr. Franklin was a pillar of the Milwaukee community and left an enduring legacy that will continue to shape the city and the lives of its residents for years to come. He was known for dedicating his life to uplifting the city's youth and African-American community.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Mr. Franklin attended Messmer High School before being drafted at 21 into the Army during the Vietnam war, where he earned the rank of sergeant. Following his military service, he returned home and attended Roosevelt University in Chicago, earning a bachelor of science in sociology before beginning a successful career in corporate sales. After many fruitful years, he retired as vice president of sales at Computec Integrated Solutions, Inc.

Mr. Franklin talents were not only in sales but in his remarkable ability to lift up those around him. Throughout his career, he was highly regarded for his contributions and service to his community, earning commendations at the Federal, State, and local levels.

In 1973, Mr. Franklin founded the Milwaukee Chapter of the Black Achievers Program at the YMCA, which expanded college and career exploration opportunities for the city's youth. He also played a pivotal role in launching the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation, which focused on expanding affordable housing and commercial facilities throughout the historic King Drive corridor for nearly 30 years. Additionally, he served numerous State and community boards, including more than 40 years of service on the board of the Northcott Neighborhood House, as well as the LaVarnway Boys and Girls Club Scholarship Board.

As board president of the Northcott Neighborhood House, Mr. Franklin spearheaded some of Milwaukee's most significant cultural milestones, including one of the Nation's largest Juneteenth celebrations and the beloved Garfield Days. Through his leadership on the Boys and Girls Club Booster Club and Scholarship Board, he opened doors for thousands of young people, many of whom have since ascended to prominent leadership roles spanning government and industry.

Beyond these many exceptional accomplishments, even in retirement, Mr. Franklin's commitment to mentorship never faded. He continued to tutor students in Milwaukee schools and, alongside lifelong friends, cofounded The Breakfast Club M.K.E. This 500-member organization provides a vital social space for African-American men and community leaders to foster youth engagement. To this day, the group continues his mission, meeting every second Friday at the Family Table Restaurant on Brown Deer Road.

In honoring Mr. Franklin's truly indelible mark on the great city of Milwaukee, his name officially became part of the city with the dedication of the LaMarr Franklin Lofts in October 2025. The building now remains as a true testament to the towering legacy which he left behind. Throughout his work, he built--both literally and metaphorically--the scaffolding to support our coming generations' successes.

Mr. Franklin's life was nothing short of remarkable. As a visionary leader, changemaker, and tireless advocate, the impacts of his dedication to Milwaukee's youth and African-American community will continue to be felt for generations to come. While we mourn his passing, I am honored to join our community in celebrating a life defined by service. We recognize his extraordinary contributions not only to Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin but to the Nation as a whole.

Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Walter Jerome ``Jerry'' Frautschi. Jerry was a lifelong Madisonian, a successful businessman, and a remarkable philanthropist.

Born in Madison in 1931, Jerry served honorably in the U.S. Navy as a code breaker during the Korean conflict from 1951 to 1954. Later, he attended the University of Wisconsin--Madison, graduating in 1956. Alongside his brother John, he ran the family business Webcrafters and continued the family tradition of service and philanthropy within their community. Jerry was devoted to his family--his three sons, four grandchildren, and wife Pleasant Rowland--were the center of his world. He enjoyed tennis and golf with childhood friends and spending days sailing, fishing, swimming, and skating on Lake Mendota and at his family cottage on Pine Lake in northern Wisconsin.

Jerry's commitment to the arts was unmatched, and he and Pleasant were often found at musical and theatrical performances. He made one of the largest single donations to the arts in U.S. history, giving a $205 million gift to establish and build the Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison. He made a $20 million gift to the Madison Youth Arts Center Starlight Theater, a $2 million gift to the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra's Center for Music, and contributed to the arts in so many other ways throughout the years.

His generosity extended far beyond the arts, giving $37.1 million for the Wisconsin History Center currently being developed on Wisconsin's Capitol Square, where generations of Wisconsinites will learn about their history. Jerry gave widely to schools, hospitals, student centers, community colleges, civic organizations, and environmental groups.

Jerry's own words are inscribed in the Overture Center's rotunda and they

read: ``Overture Center, my gift to Madison, continues the tradition of civic pride and responsibility that my family has honored since 1867. It is given in appreciation of the good life Madison has given us.''

I join Jerry's family and friends in celebration and remembrance of his remarkable life and impact. His philanthropy had a truly transformative impact on his hometown of Madison, and throughout Wisconsin, and will continue to live on as an enduring legacy.

Mr. President, I rise today in opposition to amendment No. 4272. This amendment would completely eliminate funding for an office that helps some of the most vulnerable in our country. This office helps shelter and care for children who are seeking safety. It makes sure that these children aren't being trafficked. It makes sure these children aren't stuck in cages in Border Patrol facilities for extended periods of time. This office also supports refugees who are victims of torture and human trafficking and who have been admitted to the United States by this administration, by the Trump administration.

Lastly, I will note that this program and its funding are supported by President Trump and were passed out of our Appropriations Committee with near unanimous support.

This amendment is ill-advised, and I urge my colleagues to vote no.