Floor Statements

Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 5452 and ask that it be reported by number.

Mr. President, this amendment prohibits Federal funds from being used to establish, administer, defend, or pay claims to the so-called anti-weaponization fund.

We heard over the last 48 hours that the Acting Attorney General said that this fund is not moving forward. All this amendment does is codify what I believe the policy of the DOJ is. And rather than allow those funds to be directed toward settlement-related payments, the amendment redirects resources to the Fraud Division for DOJ to the amount of about $1.7 billion.

Ladies and gentlemen, understand that every single person in the United States today who feels like they have been the victim of vindictive prosecution already has statutory methods for getting restitution.

This bill is unpopular. This administration has said they are not moving forward with it. This is an opportunity for us to put it to bed and to also fund the Fraud Division, which I think is very important, and I ask for support.

Mr. President, pursuant to section 904 of the Congressional Budget Act and all budget resolution discipline that applies, I move to waive all points of order for the purposes of the pending measure, and I ask for the yeas and nays.

Vote on Motion

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Dr. James Gary Adcox for a lifetime of service to our Nation, our veterans, and the field of higher education.

A first-generation college student from Antioch, TN, Dr. Adcox exemplifies the power of hard work, perseverance, and service. He honorably served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years, retiring after a distinguished career that included leadership positions at the U.S. Air Force Academy and Headquarters Space Command. Throughout his military service, he provided critical support to servicemembers, wounded warriors, refugees, and military communities around the world, earning the respect of colleagues and commanders alike.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Dr. Adcox dedicated more than two decades to advancing educational opportunity and student success. His leadership has been especially impactful for veterans, Active-Duty military personnel, first-generation students, and underserved communities. Through innovative programs such as the University of North Georgia's SOAR initiative and his work establishing support services for student veterans, he has helped countless individuals pursue their educational goals and achieve lasting success.

Dr. Adcox has also contributed significantly to higher education policy and access through his service on numerous State and regional boards and task forces, helping strengthen opportunities for students across Tennessee and beyond.

His many honors--including the Dr. John McCurdy Leadership Award, the President's Service Award, and his designation as president emeritus of the National Association of Branch Campus Administrators--reflect the extraordinary impact of his life's work.

Dr. Adcox's career has been defined by leadership, service, and a steadfast commitment to helping others succeed. I am proud to recognize his contributions and thank him for the lasting difference he has made in the lives of students, veterans, and communities across our country.

Mr. President, I rise during Police Week to honor the brave men and women in North Carolina and across the Nation who serve in law enforcement. Police Week is a solemn and humbling experience, as thousands of officers and their families come to our Nation's Capital and pay tribute to their fellow officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their communities.

Every name that is added to the memorial wall is a monument to that officer's heroism and legacy of courage, selflessness, and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This kind of heroism and sacrifice is one far too familiar for North Carolinians who have heard stories of brave officers giving their last full measure of devotion while protecting our State. Today, I wish to list and honor five of these heroes that North Carolina has lost since last year's Police Week in May 2025.

Often, we hear of the dangers law enforcement faces in their profession, but rarely do civilians truly grasp the real risks borne by officers which exist even during ``routine'' parts of the job, even something as normal as transporting an inmate to a hospital to receive medical care can turn deadly.

Officer Flattes, a detention officer for the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office in western North Carolina, was fatally shot when an inmate who was being transported for medical care took a detention officer's firearm during a scuffle. Officer Flattes was 56 years old and was shot by the inmate he was seeking to help. This story and others like it are sobering reminders of the true risks facing law enforcement everywhere. Officer Flattes is survived by his wife, who also served with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, as well as his 6 children and 15 grandchildren. To them and to Officer Flattes, I rise to say thank you for their sacrifice and his heroism.

We must also remember WakeMed Campus Police Officer Roger Smith, who shares a story far too similar to Officer Flattes. Officer Smith was working in the WakeMed emergency department when a struggle ensued with an armed individual that left Officer Smith shot and wounded. Despite the best efforts of doctors, Officer Smith succumbed to his wounds later that morning. Officer Smith is survived by his two daughters, mother, brother, granddaughter, and long-time partner. Officer Smith previously served 16 years as a Knightdale police officer and as a volunteer firefighter, making his loss one felt throughout his community.

The next person to honor is North Carolina Master Trooper Stien Davis, Jr. Trooper Davis was killed in a single-car crash on NC Highway 130 just after midnight when he lost control of his car before riding off of the road and flipping his vehicle upside down in a swamp. What is especially tragic about this loss is who Trooper Davis leaves behind; his young son, mother, siblings, and fiancee, all of whom have felt and shared a loss that escapes words. This tragic accident resulted in the death of a young trooper who loved his family, his community, and his career in law enforcement.

Sadly, there is another master trooper that I rise to honor today, Master Trooper Steven J. Perry. Trooper Perry was killed when his patrol car was struck in a head-on collision by someone driving the wrong way at 3 in the morning. Trooper Perry was 30 years old and had served the State of North Carolina for almost 7 years when he was killed. He is survived by his then 9-month-old daughter. Because of one person's bad choice, the State of North Carolina has lost one of its finest sons.

Finally, I rise to honor Forsyth County Sheriff's Deputy Kaleb Mitchell. Deputy Mitchell, like the other heroes mentioned before, was killed during what was a routine moment of his day. Deputy Mitchell was killed when he was struck by a driver going over 100 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone, who then crossed a dividing line and hit Deputy Mitchell. Deputy Mitchell was later pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital immediately after the collision. He is survived by his expectant wife, his 2-year-old child, his parents, and his siblings. One of his brothers also serves with the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office. There are no words to fully express the heartbreak and loss these families have suffered, feelings that are only sharpened by the ordinary nature of what was happening when each officer died.

There is simply no speech, no award, no memorial or honor that we can bestow upon these officers and families that can lessen their sacrifice or ease their pain, but what we must do no matter what is remain thankful for their sacrifice and honor the legacies of these men who died protecting our State and its people.

In my remaining time in the Senate, I will continue to push for the passage of the Protect and Serve Act, legislation that I introduced that makes it a Federal crime to intentionally harm, or attempt to harm, a law enforcement officer. It also gives prosecutors new tools to penalize criminals who target law enforcement.

Officers go to work every day prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their communities, and they need our support now more than ever. The Protect and Serve Act is supported by law enforcement groups across the Nation, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Police Officers Defense Coalition, the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriffs Association, and the Major County Sheriffs Association.

To every officer serving today: Thank you for your unwavering courage; you have earned our unending gratitude. To the families of the fallen: Your loss is shared by a grateful nation. We will never forget your loved one's service, nor their sacrifice. God bless them. God bless law enforcement. And may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Michael A. ``Mike'' Gordon on his induction into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the highest honors in the State of North Carolina.

Mike Gordon has spent his life in service to his community and our State. He served for 24 years in the North Carolina Army National Guard, retiring as a senior noncommissioned officer, where he demonstrated strong leadership, discipline, and a deep commitment to duty. Those same qualities carried into his civilian life, where he became a pillar of the Archer Lodge community.

In Johnston County, Mike has led in many capacities. He dedicated nearly two decades to the Archer Lodge Volunteer Fire Department, including 10 years as president, and also served as president of the Johnston County Firemen's Association. He went on to serve as mayor of Archer Lodge from 2009 to 2018, helping guide the town through a period of growth while preserving its strong sense of community. As the town's first administrator, he helped establish the structure and operations that continue to serve residents today.

Mike's commitment extends well beyond public office. He has spent more than 30 years volunteering with the Archer Lodge Community Center and played a key role in the creation of the Archer Lodge Water District, supporting critical infrastructure and public health in the community. He has also remained active in honoring veterans and supporting local families and is a longtime member of White Oak Baptist Church.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is reserved for individuals who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on North Carolina. Mike Gordon's lifetime of service reflects that standard in every respect. I congratulate Mike on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his continued service to Johnston County and the State of North Carolina.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to 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 recognize Jim McCleskey upon his retirement as director of the North Carolina Washington Office. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. McCleskey has served the people of North Carolina with exceptional dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public service, leaving an immeasurable impact on our State and Nation.

Jim McCleskey is a native North Carolinian who has built a career defined by professionalism, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening North Carolina's communities and economy. Over many years of service, he has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of countless citizens and advance opportunities for communities across our State.

Throughout his career, Mr. McCleskey cultivated strong relationships across North Carolina and throughout Washington, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, elected officials, community leaders, and constituents alike. His service has exemplified the highest standards of public service, and I am deeply grateful for the outstanding support and counsel he consistently provided to the staff in my offices on behalf of our State.

In addition to leading the North Carolina Washington Office, Mr. McCleskey served with distinction as North Carolina's Alternate Representative to the Appalachian Regional Commission, serving under five Governors and across multiple Presidential administrations. Throughout his tenure, he worked in a bipartisan manner to strengthen the Appalachian Regional Commission as an effective Federal-State partnership dedicated to improving economic opportunity and quality of life throughout Appalachia.

Among his 13 State peers, Mr. McCleskey is the longest serving alternate representative in the history of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Under his leadership and advocacy, the commission awarded more than $214 million in funding to support 722 projects across North Carolina improving infrastructure, workforce development, and business growth. He also coordinated the efforts of Appalachian Governors to advocate for robust Federal support for the commission and its mission.

Mr. McCleskey's leadership helped the Appalachian Regional Commission respond to some of the region's most pressing challenges, including substance use disorder, economic transition, and long-term recovery efforts following major natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene. His steady leadership and deep institutional knowledge have left a lasting mark on both North Carolina and the Appalachian Region.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Jim McCleskey for his extraordinary service to the people of North Carolina and the Nation. I wish him happiness, good health, and many rewarding days ahead--hopefully with a few fish on the end of his fly-fishing line.

Mr. President, I understand there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

I now ask for a second reading, and in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3497 and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

I ask unanimous consent 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, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 378, S. 71.

I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported substitute amendment be agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar 379, S. 3199.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported substitute amendment be agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; that the committee-reported title amendment be agreed to; and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following resolutions that are at the desk: S. Res. 723, S. Res. 724.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Warsh nomination postcloture; further, notwithstanding rule XXII, that the Senate vote on confirmation of the Warsh nomination at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow; also, that the Senate recess from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; further, if any nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's session of the Senate, the President be immediately notified of the Senate's actions and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; finally, if closure is invoked on Executive Calendar No. 727, all time during Tuesday's lunch recess count postcloture.

Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the provisions of S. Res. 723.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Michelle Brooks, the executive vice dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, on being named the recipient of the prestigious James R. Talton Jr. Leadership Award. The Talton Leadership Award was established to honor the legacy of the late James R. Talton, Jr., a titan of the North Carolina business community and a devoted servant of East Carolina University. This award is not merely a recognition of professional success; it is a testament to ``servant leadership,'' a philosophy defined by collaboration, empathy, trust, and the ethical use of authority.

Michelle Brooks embodies these virtues in every facet of her distinguished career. Her journey is a quintessential story of dedication to the Greenville community and the people of North Carolina. A proud alumna of East Carolina University, where she earned her master of science in nursing, Michelle began her career at the most fundamental level of healthcare: as a bedside nurse.

Over a 30-year tenure at ECU Health, she ascended through the ranks to executive leadership, never losing the perspective of the frontline provider or the patient. This transition from bedside care to the boardroom is a masterclass in the ``continuous learning and development'' that the Talton Award seeks to honor.

In her current role as executive vice dean and legislative liaison, Michelle serves as a vital bridge between clinical excellence and public policy. Her work focusing on the healthcare workforce and the sustainability of rural medicine is critical to the future of our region. She is more than an administrator; she is a ``positive change agent'' who fosters the development of those around her, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare leaders is rooted in the same ethical professionalism she has demonstrated throughout her career.

Michelle's commitment to the Brody School of Medicine and the broader ECU community mirrors the dedication of James R. Talton, Jr., himself. Like Mr. Talton, she understands that true leadership is measured by the strength of the community one leaves behind. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Michelle Brooks for her three decades of service, her unwavering character, and her well-deserved receipt of the James R. Talton Jr. Leadership Award. She is a credit to East Carolina University and a beacon of leadership for the great State of North Carolina.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Richard Childress, a North Carolina native, NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner, and a leader whose impact reaches far beyond the racetrack.

From humble beginnings, Mr. Childress built Richard Childress Racing into one of the most respected organizations in motorsports, creating jobs for hundreds of North Carolinians and competing at the highest levels of the sport. He has led his teams to more than 200 victories and 17 championships, including 6 with the legendary Dale Earnhardt, and helped shape NASCAR into what it is today.

What stands out most about Richard Childress is how he has used that success to support others, especially those

who have served our country. He has made it a priority to show up for servicemembers and veterans in meaningful ways. He has visited troops at home and overseas, hosted monthly ``Coffee with Veterans'' gatherings at his race shop in Welcome, NC, and regularly opened his facilities to Active-Duty units for team-building and fellowship. These are not one-time gestures. They reflect a personal commitment to honoring those who serve. His efforts have been recognized with the Helping a Hero Lee Greenwood Patriot Award.

Mr. Childress has also used his platform to support American workers and communities. Through his businesses, including engine development, manufacturing, and agriculture, he has invested in North Carolina and created opportunities across multiple industries. He has been a consistent advocate for American agriculture and homegrown energy, supporting policies that benefit rural communities and strengthen domestic production.

Alongside his wife Judy, Mr. Childress cofounded the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, which has grown into a nationwide effort to improve how we prevent and treat serious injuries in children. It reflects his belief that success should be used to make a difference in the lives of others.

Mr. Childress' legacy is defined not only by his accomplishments in motorsports, but by his commitment to people, his support for veterans, and his investment in his home State of North Carolina. He has set an example that extends well beyond the track and into communities across our State and Nation.