Floor Statements

Mr. President, I would like to congratulate and honor New Light Beulah Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC, for their 150th anniversary, which will be celebrated on August 11 to 13, 2017.

New Light Beulah Baptist Church was established in 1867 when 665 African-American members of Beulah Baptist Church chose to separate from the White members and began independent rule. Despite the sanctuary burning to the ground in 1916, the church thrived and expanded. Since then, several other churches have been formed out of New Light Beulah Baptist. In 2015, the members accepted Dr. Malcolm Taylor as their pastor, and over 360 members call New Light Beulah their place of worship today.

In August 2017, New Light Beulah Baptist Church will be the first African-American church in the lower Richland community to be registered in the National Register of Historic Places. The church has remained committed to its mission, and I encourage all South Carolinians to recognize the rich history of the church and its contribution to the Palmetto State. I acknowledge and celebrate the church's 150 years of independence as a congregation faithfully serving their community.

Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to recognize and honor the life of a dear friend and a true American hero, Mr. John Berlin McCants of Goose Creek, SC.

He served around the world in the U.S. Army for 22 years before retiring in 1975 and settling in Goose Creek with his wife and children. In 1992, he was elected to a seat on the Goose Creek City Council where he served for an outstanding 24 years. John was a lifetime leader with a compassionate spirit. He dedicated so much of his life helping those who cannot help themselves. For that, he will be remembered not only as a devoted public servant , but also an inspiration to so many people around South Carolina.

I can tell you that he certainly had a positive impact on my life. John was my political mentor. He taught me the ABCs of being an effective leader and a public servant who remains committed to the greater good of our State and country.

The A stands for personal accountability. John taught me that, as a Member, I should always be accountable for my decisions and choices. B is for backbone. John once told me that we seldom find that Members have backbones, and that it is critical for me to use it when necessary, to stand up for what is right. C is for common sense. He taught me that it is important to not let fear and political ideology deter me from common sense. These great lessons stick with me everyday as I walk the halls of the U.S. Capitol and make decisions on behalf of South Carolina and the entire Nation.

Simply put, John was a great person and a mentor to many; I am thankful to have known him. He truly did represent the very best of our State. To Christina, his wife, and their wonderful family, John is forever in our hearts, and I would like to add his legacy to our June 20, 2017, Congressional Record.

Mr. President, today we are shaken and encouraged. My prayers remain with my friend Steve Scalise and his family; as well as with Zach Barth, the congressional staffer; Matt Mika, who was volunteering at the baseball field; and the two brave police officers, Crystal Griner and David Bailey.

I have played on the Republican baseball team. I have practiced on that field. I am sure that no one woke up this morning imagining this tragedy was possible, not a single player who woke up this morning and who wanted to make sure they invested their time and their energy in such a way to help nonprofits around the area benefit from drawing a crowd together to watch Republicans and Democrats play baseball for the express and specific benefit of helping those who cannot help themselves.

I am also encouraged today. I am encouraged specifically by law enforcement and, more specifically, the Capitol Police who, because of their swift action, saved lives this morning at the baseball field. Thank you to the men and women who put on the uniform to keep others safe and, as we can tell by the injuries of Crystal and David, put themselves in harm's way.

I am also encouraged that in the midst of this crisis, we have seen our country come together. We have seen this body come together. At noon today, we had a prayer vigil led by Senator Coons, a Democrat, and Senator Lankford, a Republican. We are no longer in the midst of a crisis--Black Americans and White Americans or liberal Americans or conservative Americans, Republicans or Democrats. We are not even swayed by the current environment of sensationalism. No, sir. We are simply Americans, blessed by God to be a part of the American family.

The polarization that pulls on the fabric of this great country is very, very dangerous. Too often, we find ourselves splitting into smaller factions. We stop listening to others' points of view. We react immediately with hostility, doubting the very intentions of folks who do not agree with our perspective. This is very dangerous for our future. We seem to have forgotten how to disagree without being disagreeable, and today's shooting is one of the manifestations of that.

This weekend marks 2 years since the massacre at Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, SC--my home--where a racist who wanted to start a race war decided that he could take advantage of the cracks in our foundation, that he could drive to Charleston, SC, and take advantage of those cracks. But the families of the victims, understanding and appreciating the notion of Matthew 5:44--loving those who seem to be our enemies--did not allow their grief and their anger to overpower their senses. They believed in the power of love. They believed that love is more powerful than hate. They believed in each other. And because of their conviction, my city and my State stood together, Black South Carolinians and White South Carolinians, and said to the world: Not in my place, not in my city, not in my State, and not in my houses of worship. We stood together. We did not allow this spirit of oppression and division to separate us. We allowed the power of love to unite us.

So whether it is race or politics, whether it is gender or any other number of ways that we could be divided, we have to--I implore all of us--remember that we are first Americans.

As I think back to the funerals, to the vigils, I think of my good friend from Hawaii. She is not a Christian; she is of another faith. She is not a Republican; she is a Democrat. But she flew down to South Carolina only a couple of days after the massacre because two of her friends--myself and Trey Gowdy--were attending the funerals, attending the first major events. She wanted to worship with us. She wanted to be there with us. This is a classic example of when and how our Nation pulls together, setting aside our differences.

We must work together, ensuring opportunity for all, not profiting from the division in this Nation, not looking for ways to get more clicks on our pages. And why is that? It is simple--because America is stronger than this. America is better than this. We are the American family, and we must let love be the light to show us the way.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, today the Awendaw and McClellanville communities will pay tribute to a man known by many as Joseph Elijah ``Buckshot'' Colleton, who departed this life on June 3, 2016.

He was a gentle giant who loved children and cooking. Buckshot served in many capacities in the community, but he is most remembered for his loving spirit towards children. He served the Head Start community for more than 35 years as their bus driver and often referred to Head Start students as all of his children.

When he was not with the children, he was cooking and feeding people at Buckshot's Restaurant in McClellanville. People from all around would visit for a taste of his shrimp and fish dishes and other southern cuisines.

Today we remember the life of Buckshot as loved ones, friends, and other guests come together to pay tribute to a great American and South Carolinian.

Mr. President, in South Carolina, there are approximately 400,000 small businesses operating throughout the State. They represent 97 percent of all employers and have had an amazing impact on the economy. Tactical Medical Solution, TacMed, in Anderson County is certainly a testament to that and epitomizes the very best our State has to offer.

Ross Johnson, a former Army Specials Forces medic, founded TacMed in 2003. Mr. Johnson started the company because he wanted to make sure as many servicemembers made it home as possible. He made it his company's mission to create the best tactical medical equipment available, so our brave men and women in uniform and first responders are better equipped to handle their day-to-day missions. Johnson says that today his company's products help ``the soldier on the battlefield, the officer on patrol, and the civilian caught in an unfortunate situation.''

Over a decade later, TacMed has added 40 jobs to our State's economy and has become one of the largest suppliers of high-quality medical trauma kits and components for the military, law enforcement, and first responders.

In honor of National Small Business Week, as well as Military Appreciation Month, I am excited to recognize Tactical Medical Solutions for helping to keep our bravest citizens safe as they take on dangerous jobs. Whether it is our neighborhoods' first responders or those fighting for our freedoms overseas, TacMed's dedication to saving lives everyday makes me incredibly proud they have decided to call South Carolina home to their growing business.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that at 5:20 p.m. today, all postcloture time on the Clayton nomination be considered expired and the Senate proceed to vote on the nomination with no intervening action or debate. I further ask that, if confirmed, the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and that the Senate proceed to a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess as under the previous order.

Mr. President, I have 6 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 Armed Services

The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.

Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Examining the U.S.-EU Covered Agreement.''

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate in order to hold a hearing on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 10 a.m. in Room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC.

Committee on Foreign Relations

The Senate Select Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 10 a.m., to hold a hearing entitled ``Nominations.''

Committee on the Judiciary

The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., in room SD-226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Committee on Intelligence

The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the 115th Congress of the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 2 p.m.

Mr. President, we heard famously that elections have consequences, and over the next few days we will have an experiment in what I call ``the physics of politics.''

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. If the Democrats use for the first time a partisan filibuster of a Supreme Court nominee, we will have an equal and opposite reaction. An unprecedented action is going to evoke an unprecedented reaction.

Neil Gorsuch deserves to be confirmed, and I want to share for the next few minutes why. For more than 2 months since the nomination was first announced, we have seen that Judge Neil Gorsuch possesses the qualifications and the temperament to serve as our next Supreme Court Justice.

While all nominations carry enormous responsibility, this is arguably the most important position we are tasked with filling. We need someone who is extraordinarily qualified, someone who will respect the foundation of our country, someone who has the mental resilience to stay above the political fray. Some of my friends on the left have called Judge Gorsuch unqualified, too conservative, and someone who is simply not in the judicial mainstream.

Judge Gorsuch started his legal career by earning degrees from not one, but two Ivy League schools--Columbia University for his undergrad, Harvard Law for his juris doctor, graduating cum laude. Even as a Marshall Scholar, he earned a doctorate degree from Oxford. When one takes into account these extraordinary educational achievements, it would be simply incomprehensible that anyone would consider him unqualified.

His record on the bench is just as impressive. We have heard these numbers so many times that we sometimes just gloss or glaze over these numbers, but these numbers are powerful indicators of how successful he has been as a judge. Out of nearly 2,700 cases, Judge Gorsuch has been overruled only twice--98 percent of his opinions were unanimous, further proving that he falls exactly square in the judicial mainstream. He has received ``well qualified,'' as my Senator from Arkansas just stated a few minutes ago, from the American Bar Association, the highest rating available for a Supreme Court Justice.

Judge Gorsuch is also not new to the nomination process. Just a few years ago, in 2006, Judge Gorsuch was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the Tenth Circuit.

Let me say that one more time because so seldom do we see the Senate acting in a unanimous fashion. This, perhaps, is a moment of reflection that Judge Gorsuch, in just 2006, received a unanimous vote for the Tenth Circuit. Every single Democrat who was serving in the Senate at that time voted in support of Neil Gorsuch, including 12 Members who are still serving in this Chamber today. His bipartisan support has not stopped there.

Senator Bennet from Colorado says that Judge Gorsuch represents the best qualities of Colorado and that we need to fulfill our responsibility to this nominee.

Senator Donnelly, from Indiana, has said: ``I believe he is a qualified jurist who will base his decisions on his understanding of the law and is well respected among his peers.''

From West Virginia, Senator Manchin acknowledged that, while he may not agree with future decisions that will be made by Judge Gorsuch, he also said, without question, that he has ``not found any reason why this jurist should not be a Supreme Court Justice.''

Senator Heitkamp, from North Dakota, said, during her meeting with our Supreme Court nominee, that Judge Gorsuch reinforced the importance of a judiciary that remains independent from the executive and the legislative branches of government.

Neal Katyal, the former Acting Solicitor General under President Obama, said of Gorsuch that he is a first-rate intellect and a fair and decent man. The judge's work reflects his dedication to the rule of law.

Last month, throughout his 3-day confirmation hearing, Judge Gorsuch provided detailed and thoughtful responses that should have answered every concern from committee members. As I watched, I was incredibly impressed with his depth of knowledge, his genuine demeanor, and his obvious respect for the rule of law. He understands that his job is not to make the law. Let me repeat that because this seems to be an unusual experience--at least it has been for me--to hear that a judge understands and appreciates that his job is not to make the law, that his job is not to alter the law but, as he expressed time and again, that he is committed to interpreting the law as it is written.

One of his most memorable comments from his hearing has left a lasting impression on me, and I hope it does on you as well.

He said:

A judge who likes every result he reaches is very likely a

bad judge, reaching for results he prefers rather than those

the law compels.

In one sentence, Judge Gorsuch eloquently summarized what we should expect from our Supreme Court Justices, and it also gives insight into how he intends to serve once confirmed.

After his extensive and exhaustive hearing, we clearly see, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this man is more than qualified for the appointment. Any argument to the contrary is based purely on political opposition.

Today, the Senate stands on the verge of breaking historical precedence. We have let political disagreements get in the way of a judicial seat--a nomination that should stand far above political rancor.

A year ago, Judge Gorsuch was serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He had no idea that he would find himself in the midst of a partisan battle. There is no question that this man has led an exemplary life and deserves a fair vote.

We are, simply, asking for a fair vote--a vote. Let us move past these political games and confirm a man who has earned this position, with a nearly flawless record, as one of the brightest judicial minds our country has to offer.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, just in the very few spaces that are left after we finish chatting about our great State and the great season our school had, there are two things I want to note. No. 1, Coach Frank Martin: coach of the year, a fantastic person, a great communicator, a strong, disciplined coach. It is very hard to misunderstand what he is saying.

Coach Staley: Absolutely, positively, unequivocally the best women's basketball coach, in my opinion, ever, against UCONN--ever. Dawn Staley, 20 years ago, came within a single point of winning a national championship as a player. Can you just imagine being a single point short? And this must feel like redemption for our coach.

We are so proud of the fact that both of our coaches are producing student athletes, learning academically, striving on courts but prepared for life, for living. So we are excited about that.

I want to note as well that there have only been 10 times in NCAA history--10 times--that both the women's and the men's basketball teams from the same school were in the Final Four at the same time.

It is a good time to be a South Carolinian.

I am aware of that. And that is relevant to you how?

Will the Senator yield for a question?

What State are you from, sir?

In what part of Florida were you born and raised?

Have you had any relationship with the coach before, Senator?

Having been there when you were in South Florida, I would say we made a big contribution to you too.

Mr. President, if my colleague will yield, I would note that Senator Graham did have clarity in his purpose of identifying the fact that the State has only 4.7 million people in a country of 330 million people, and we have been able to secure the No. 1 golfer, that is true; the No. 1 baseball team, that is true; and the No. 1 football team in all of the Nation, Clemson University, that is true; and now the women's basketball champions, and that is true as well. However, I would point out that we were able to show you a wonderful experience as well in the State of South Carolina, and I hope that one day when you retire from politics, you and your lovely wife will join us and become a South Carolinian yourself. Perhaps then, and only then, will you be a successful football coach. You have a promising career in politics, but I know that you love and have passion for football, and perhaps when you retire, you too will be a national champion football coach.

I am serious----

Before Senator Rubio walks off the floor, having had the opportunity to listen to him over a number of years, he is eloquent. He is inspiring. Sometimes he is just dead wrong. Coach Martin will be staying at the University of South Carolina, without any question at all.

Let me put the suspicions to rest. The reality of it is that good teams are made up of good recruiting. The fact that we have great recruiters in the State of South Carolina is indicative of the fact that we have a lot of titles in our State.

So I will be praying for the Senator's State to succeed during the hurricane season, without any question, and to be consistently behind the State of South Carolina in every athletic event in which we have a competition, wherever there is a competition.

Rule XIX.

In a decade. Thank you.

Mr. President, I would like to congratulate and honor Robert ``Bob'' G. Smith, CEO of Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina--GWILSC--for 35 years of serving our great State.

Bob's dedication and passion has been a true testament to GWILSC's mission to ``helping people reach their full potential through the dignity and power of work.'' He has inspired and instilled confidence by promoting essential job training programs that have encouraged individuals to meet their goals.

His service has touched many people all over the South Carolina community, and his initiative to orchestrate a collaborative environment has helped to expand services that has transformed lives.

For more than three decades, Bob has worked tirelessly to serve others, and his contributions will continue to live on in the generations of South Carolinians he has been able to positively impact, and we are grateful for everything Bob has done to assist our communities. Therefore, I would like to recognize Robert ``Bob'' G. Smith for epitomizing the very best of the Palmetto State.

Mr. President, today, I would like to honor and thank Mr. Craddock Morris of St. Matthews, SC for 87 years of valuable reporting in Calhoun County. The Calhoun Times, a small weekly paper in our great state, has decided to cease publication after a truly amazing run of nearly nine decades of providing town residents with community news.

The Times was created by Craddock Morris's father in 1929. John Bunyan Morris, Sr., a 1950 graduate of The Citadel, ran it until his retirement in 1956, when Craddock took over. Although this local newspaper, based in St. Matthews, will no longer be published, I am sure the Morris family's legacy of good work will remain with residents all over Calhoun County.

I would like to recognize Mr. Craddock Morris, and his son Edwin C. Morris who joined the Times after serving in the Armed Forces, and their families for 87 years of delivering essential news to the people of Calhoun County.

Mr. President, I rise today to say thank you. Republicans and Democrats have been talking for a long time this week, and perhaps that is productive. But without any question, from what we have seen, I think both sides would agree that the support cast has made this possible. I think it is important for us to pause for just a moment and say thank you.

We have pages who are juniors in high school here with us around the clock, and we want to say thank you to the pages. I think about the fact that we have law enforcement guarding this place so we can be here safely, all night long. We have Parliamentarians and clerks who have been at their places on and off over the last 4 days, nearly around the clock. I want to say on behalf of our side and the Democrats, I believe we all are very thankful and appreciative for your long hours and the time you have served us. Thank you for helping us represent the American people.

I would also like to point out a few people by name because these folks have been here for up to 57 hours straight--57 consecutive hours of doing their jobs. Captioning services: Sandra Schumm, Brenda Jameson, Doreen Chendorian, Jennifer Smolka, and Laurie Harris.

Official Reporters of Debates, 57 consecutive hours of work: Patrick Renzi, Susie Nguyen, Julia Jones, Mary Carpenter, Patrice Boyd, Octavio Colominas, Alice Haddow, Andrea Huston, Carole Darche, Desirae Jura, Megan McKenzie, Wendy Caswell, Diane Dorhamer, Mark Stuart, and Julie Bryan.

On behalf of a thankful Senate, we appreciate your time and your dedication to the American people, allowing us to do what we have been doing.

God bless.

Madam President, I yield 30 minutes of my time during the debate of Congressman Price to Senator Hatch.

Yes, sir.