John Barrasso · TranslatePolitics.com

Senate

Vote on Blanche Nomination (Executive Calendar)

2026-08-07

“This is just procedural reporting of a vote count. There is no substance here to translate.”

Senate

AGOA EXTENSION ACT--Continued

2026-08-07

“I am listing Senators who are absent. We voted on the bill. It passed.”

“Not enough Senators are here to vote. Some would have voted no.”

Senate

EXECUTIVE RESOLUTION (Executive Session)

2026-08-07

“I want to put these people in government jobs. The other Senators agree.”

Official Congressional Record

The following Senators are neccessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Ms. Lummis) and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell). The result was announced--yeas 51, nays 47, as follows: The en bloc nominations were confirmed as follows: Calendar Number 729: John Breslow, of Arizona, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Cyprus. Calendar Number 730: Todd Steggerda, of Virginia, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, with the rank of Ambassador. Calendar Number 731: Adam Cassady, of Virginia, to be Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy. Calendar Number 732: Preston Wells Griffith III, of Virginia, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Vienna Office of the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador. Calendar Number 733: Preston Wells Griffith III, of Virginia, to be Representative of the United States of America to the International Atomic Energy Agency, with the rank of Ambassador. Calendar Number 734: Fleet White, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Political-Military Affairs). Calendar Number 739: Kenneth Sorenson, of Hawaii, to be United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii for the term of four years. Calendar Number 740: Johnson TeeHee II, of Oklahoma, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Oklahoma for the term of four years. Calendar Number 746: Timothy VerHey, of Michigan, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan for the term of four years. Calendar Number 747: James Arnott, of Missouri, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Missouri for the term of four years. Calendar Number 748: Jack Chambers, of West Virginia, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia for the term of four years. Calendar Number 749: Jason Holt, of Oklahoma, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Oklahoma for the term of four years. Calendar Number 757: Michael Kavoukjian, of Florida, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Norway. Calendar Number 759: William Trachman, of Colorado, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the United Republic of Tanzania. Calendar Number 761: Eric Wendt, of California, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Albania. Calendar Number 762: David Brat, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Commonwealth of Australia. Calendar Number 764: Frank Garcia, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the African Development Foundation for a term expiring September 22, 2031. Calendar Number 766: Glen Smith, of Iowa, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development. Calendar Number 781: Sean Costello, of Alabama, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama for the term of four years. Calendar Number 782: Michael Vance, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Intelligence and Research). Calendar Number 820: Michael McDonald, of the District of Columbia, to be Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities for a term of four years. Calendar Number 821: James Macy, of Wisconsin, to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board for the term of five years expiring August 27, 2030. Calendar Number 822: David M. Prouty, of Maryland, to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board for the term of five years expiring August 27, 2031. (Reappointment) Calendar Number 823: Brett Matsumoto, of Maryland, to be Commissioner of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, for a term of four years. Calendar Number 824: William Hague, of Washington, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior. Calendar Number 826: Kaveh Farzad, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (International Affairs). Calendar Number 832: Don Richard Berthiaume, Jr., of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Department of Justice. Calendar Number 834: Charlton Allen, of North Carolina, to be General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority for a term of five years. Calendar Number 835: Christopher Michael De Bono, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years. Calendar Number 836: Sharon E. Goodie, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years. Calendar Number 837: Bradford Pentony Wilson, of New Jersey, to be Archivist of the United States. Calendar Number 840: Brian Cavanaugh, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary for Management, Department of Homeland Security. Calendar Number 841: James Woodruff, of Florida, to be Chairman of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Calendar Number 842: Michael Christopher DiLorenzo, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years. Calendar Number 843: Craig Edward Leen, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years. Calendar Number 844: Christine Michelle Macey, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years. Calendar Number 845: John Barlow Timmer, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years. Calendar Number 846: Cameron Hamilton, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. Calendar Number 847: Charles Baldis, of Virginia, to be Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel, for the term of five years. Calendar Number 848: James Andrew Crowell IV, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years. Calendar Number 849: Stuart Gordon Nash, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years. Calendar Number 850: Rudolph Bauer, of South Carolina, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Belize. Calendar Number 853: Barbera Thornhill, of North Carolina, to be Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, with the rank of Ambassador at Large. Calendar Number 854: Christopher Anderson, of Wisconsin, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Calendar Number 855: Stanley Brown, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. Calendar Number 856: Joseph Burkhalter, of Georgia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Moldova. Calendar Number 857: John Hurley, of California, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, with the rank of Ambassador. Calendar Number 858: Daniel Perez, of Florida, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federative Republic of Brazil. Calendar Number 859: Laurence Socha, of Illinois, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of The Gambia. Calendar Number 860: Juan Segura, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Western Hemisphere Affairs). Calendar Number 861: Juan Segura, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation for a term expiring September 20, 2026. Calendar Number 862: Juan Segura, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation for a term expiring September 20, 2032. (Reappointment) Calendar Number 863: Brendan Hanrahan, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (European and Eurasian Affairs). Calendar Number 864: Donald Blome, of Illinois, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs). Calendar Number 865: Katherine Bowles, of Alabama, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Legislative Affairs). Calendar Number 866: Edward Eppler, of Connecticut, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Transportation. Calendar Number 867: Karen Sessions, of Texas, to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for a term of seven years from October 27, 2025. Calendar Number 868: Thomas B. Chapman, of Maryland, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2028. (Reappointment) Calendar Number 869: Karen Jean Hedlund, of New York, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board for a term expiring December 31, 2030. (Reappointment) Calendar Number 870: David Cummins, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration for a term of five years. Calendar Number 871: Brien Lorenze, of Virginia, to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for a term of seven years from October 27, 2024. Calendar Number 872: Hal Duncan, of Texas, to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Calendar Number 873: Erich Hernandez-Baquero, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force. Calendar Number 874: Roger Mason, of Virginia, to be Director of the National Reconnaissance Office. Calendar Number 875: Jules Hurst III, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller). Calendar Number 899: Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services, for the term of four years. Calendar Number 900: Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. Calendar Number 903: Christopher Nassar, of Oklahoma, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma for the term of four years. Calendar Number 904: Christopher Phelan, of Minnesota, to be Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. Calendar Number 905: John Crews, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Credit Union Administration Board for a term expiring August 2, 2031. Calendar Number 906: Sriprakash Kothari, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. Calendar Number 907: Erin Browne, of New York, to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury. Calendar Number 908: George McMaster, of South Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. Calendar Number 909: Francis Brooke, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. (Mrs. BRITT assumed the Chair.) The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Hagerty). Under the previous order, the motions to reconsider is considered made and laid upon the table, and the President will be immediately notified of the Senate's action. The majority leader.

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Senate

Legislative Session

2026-08-07

“I announce the vote results. The bill passed with 86 yeas and 11 nays. The Senators from Tennessee, Wyoming, and Kentucky were absent.”

“I want to announce that some Senators are absent. The result of the vote is 32 yes, 64 no. The amendment did not pass.”

Senate

Republican Party Accomplishments (Executive Session)

2026-08-06

“Last year we cut taxes. Many people kept more money. People on Social Security kept more money. People who work overtime kept more money. People who work for tips kept more money. Democrats wanted all those people to pay more in taxes. Democrats want to raise your taxes. It's part of their DNA. People are sick of their money being wasted. We are fighting to let people keep more of their money. We've done a lot in 18 months. We passed a big tax cut. Many Americans are benefiting from the new tax law. Many children have investment accounts now. We are enforcing immigration laws. Zero illegal immigrants have been released in the U.S. in over 14 months. We arrested many criminal immigrants. We made it easier to build houses. We want the President's team in place. Democrats are trying to tear down the country. We are stopping them. They have a manifesto to destroy America. They want to raise your taxes. They want to open the borders. They want to defund the police. They want to get rid of prisons. They want to get rid of ICE. They are extreme. They are dangerous. They are scary. We must fight for freedom and liberty. We must fight against the radicals who want to destroy our country. We must fight for American greatness. That is the future people want and deserve.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. President, I come to the floor today because yesterday I heard the minority leader on the floor speaking about the economy. He sounded upset, sounded upset to hear that Americans were keeping more of their hard-earned money. He actually called it ``disastrous.'' Ninety-seven percent of Americans benefited from the Working Families Tax Cuts law. This is a benefit. This is not a disaster. What I see as disastrous is the Democrats' demand to raise taxes. They want to raise taxes on hard-working Americans all across the country. Democrats continue to think that they know how to spend your money better than you do. I think it has been a lifelong obsession with them. It is part of their DNA. It has been going on for years. Tax rates fell significantly this past year, and it is because Republicans cut taxes. So who are the people that benefited the most? Well, they are people with families that made less than $200,000 a year. That is where the benefits really hit home. It happened all across the country, from Connecticut to California, even though those States are represented by Democrats. People all across the country benefited. Families kept more of what they earned, and then they could make their own decisions about what to save, what to spend, what to invest. You know who knows it? People on Social Security know it. They got to keep more of their hard-earned money. People who work overtime know it because of no tax on overtime. People who work for tips know it because their tips weren't taxed. People understood and felt the improvement. One resident of Nevada recently said: I received the largest tax return in my entire life this year. Why? No tax on tips. Every single Democrat in this Chamber voted against these things. They wanted people who work on tips to pay more in taxes. Democrats wanted people on Social Security to pay more in taxes. Democrats wanted people who work overtime to pay more in taxes, and that is a defining difference. American people clearly understand this, and the American people are tired and sick of seeing their money, their taxpayer money, wasted on fraud, abuse, and corruption, and we are seeing those things across the country. People want to keep more of what they earn, and they know they are the best to judge how to spend it. That is what Republicans are fighting for. We are going to continue to fight for that. That is the direction our country is headed. And in November of 2024, people made a clear choice: They chose to vote for Republicans because they wanted America to be safer, stronger, and more prosperous. And we are today. Over the past 18 months, Republicans have upheld that commitment. We have delivered for the American people. We are making sure people keep more of what they earn. More than 60 million Americans benefited from the new tax benefits since Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts law. Let me remind you about the Trump Accounts. More than 7 million American children are now signed up this year for this special new investment account. It is an astonishing thing. Families, friends, community groups, and even businesses are already investing in them. This is clearly strengthening the American dream for the next generation. I also want to talk about the border because today our Nation's immigration laws are being strongly enforced. National security begins with border security. Absolutely zero illegal immigrants have been released into our country in over 14 months--absolutely zero--because Republicans have ended the reckless Joe Biden catch-and-release program. And what a disaster that was. Hundreds of thousands of illegal-immigrant criminals have now been arrested and deported since President Trump took office, and we are seeing the most secure border and the most successful deportation operation in all of American history. This year, Republicans also passed the Secure America Act. This law ensures that immigration officials have the resources that they need to keep our country safe and to keep our communities safe for years to come. I just want to mention affordability because today Congress is making it easier to build and easier to innovate. The largest housing reform bill in history is now the law of the land. We eliminated burdensome regulations, regulations that made it too costly to build a new home in America. And we are unlocking the American dream of home ownership for a new generation of Americans. Congress also passed the first major digital asset bill in American history; it is called the GENIUS Act. My colleague Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming has been a leader on the issue. It is time for the Senate to build on that by passing the Clarity Act. America is safer and stronger when we innovate. I also want to talk about some of the things we are doing here to make sure the President has his team fully in place, and those are confirmations. Today, Republicans are getting the President's team fully in place. Very soon, we will confirm an additional 74 nominees. Well, this will be clearly 600 people confirmed in the second Trump administration. Those are 60 more nominees than he had at this point in the first Trump administration, and we have done it in the face of historic obstruction by the Democrats. Now we see these same Democrats are trying to tear down our country, and they are trying it all across the Nation. The Democrats' agenda is not for a better America, not for a better future for our children, no, no. It is not even an agenda; it is a manifesto. The Democrats have come up with a ``manifesto''--that is their label for it, not mine, their label, the Democrats--the manifesto, and I see it as a roadmap to destroy America from people that hate America. When you listen to many of their candidates, it certainly doesn't seem like the thing that most Americans would want to see in their future. These people and their manifesto--it is radical; it is extreme; it is dangerous; it is scary. That is what our Nation is facing today. The Democrats, every one of them, wants to raise taxes on American families. The Democrat mantra calls for opening the borders. Their manifesto wants to defund the police. The manifesto wants to abolish prisons. The manifesto wants to release convicted criminals into our communities all across the country. The Democrat manifesto wants to eliminate Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Under the extreme Democrat manifesto, the American people would be forced to pay more, earn less, and be less safe and secure. That is what we are facing now. Democrats have turned from a party of the extremists now to the party of radicals. Republicans are going to continue to be the party of results. That is the choice people are facing. What do you want? Results? Safety? Security? Prosperity? Radicals opening the prisons? Opening the borders? Raising your taxes? Republicans work fiercely to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Republicans are going to continue to fight for freedom, for liberty, and a continuation of American greatness because that is the future that I believe the American people want and deserve. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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Senate

Providing for Congressional Disapproval Under Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code, of the Rule Submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency Relating to "Modification to the Start of The...

2026-08-05

“I don't have anything to say about the bill we just voted on. I just announced who was absent and the result of the vote.”

Senate

Cloture Motion (Executive Session)

2026-08-05

“I am announcing which Senators were absent for this vote. Some Senators would have voted yes if they were here.”

Senate

Democrat Party (Executive Session)

2026-08-05

“I don't like the Democrats. They are bad. I think they are very bad. They want things I don't like. I want to stop them.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. President, today's Democrat Party has been taken over by extremists. It is happening all across the country. Extremists are winning Democrat primaries all across the country, from east to west. The minority leader, who spoke a little earlier today, seems to be very happy about it. Just yesterday, when talking to the press, the minority leader said this. He said these extreme candidates make their party stronger. Well, Senator Schumer may be thrilled with the direction that his party is taking, and now look what happened last night in Michigan. The Democrat candidate for Senate winning the primary yesterday in Michigan is truly an extremist--radical, extreme, dangerous, and, in my opinion, scary. He has been endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, and just recently he hit the campaign trail with a leftwing activist, a political activist who blamed 9/11--we are almost near the 25th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11 on the United States of America-- blamed those attacks on America and the American people. This is a Democrat Party that has a manifesto and a mantra. They have a radical set of beliefs, and they are clearly those of the Democrat nominee in Michigan. The driving force in the Democrat Party today wants to abolish prisons. The driving force in the Democrat Party today has endorsed any and all efforts to release dangerous prisoners from the jails onto the streets of communities all across the country. The driving force in the Democrat Party is calling to defund the police. The driving force in the Democrat Party is calling to eliminate Immigration and Customs Enforcement in this country. They don't want borders, don't think we ought to have borders. They want ICE completely eliminated. Democrats want to go back to the dangerous Biden years when it comes to protecting our borders, and 10 million illegal immigrants flooded into this country. The Democrats want millions and millions more to come into America. What do they want to do in terms of funding for these things? Well, the Democrats want to have hard-working taxpayers pay for healthcare for all the illegal immigrants who come here. Radical ideas like that were once the fringe of the Democrat Party. No longer. No, no. That fringe now controls the Democrat Party. As a senior Senator who is a Democrat said, who sits right over there--he said it is a sign that the Democrat Party is ``alive and well.'' Senator Schumer said yesterday it makes their party stronger. It doesn't make America stronger. It makes America weaker. It makes America more vulnerable. That is where we are today. Democrats seem willing to tear up the Constitution and tear down America. If you listen to some of these candidates, it sounds like they hate America. They want America to fail. That seems to be what they are aiming for. Well, Republicans are not going to allow that to happen--no. We are going to continue to fight the extremists, and we are going to continue to fight for freedom, for liberty, and for continued American greatness.

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Senate

AGOA EXTENSION ACT--Motion to Proceed

2026-08-04

“I want to blame Democrats for government shutdowns. I think shutdowns are bad. I want people to think Democrats like shutdowns. I talk about bad things that happened during shutdowns. I think Democrats caused those bad things. I want people to think Democrats are bad. I want people to think Democrats only care about politics. I want people to think Democrats don't care about Americans. I want to blame Democrats for problems with safety. I want people to think Democrats put criminals ahead of Americans. I want people to think Democrats are dangerous. I want to say my party is good. I want people to think my party is bipartisan. I want people to think Democrats block bills. I want to say Republicans are trying to fix the process. I want people to think Democrats are extreme. I want people to blame Democrats if there is another shutdown. I want Democrats to vote to keep the government open. I suggest the absence of a quorum.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. President, the American people deserve a government that is open and is functioning. The American people know that government shutdowns cause significant pain to them personally and harm to our Nation. We have had two painful shutdowns in the last year, and the Democrats--and the Democratic leader just left the floor--have caused both of them. Democrats have proven that they are willing to make life harder for Americans, and they do it every time they shut down the government. They think it helps them politically. Actually, that is what Senator Schumer had said in the past--because in October of 2025, Schumer and the Senate Democrats chose to shut down the entire government, shut it down for 43 days. That is a record--a record--in the history of our Nation. And Senator Schumer actually said at the time--he said: I am not sure who the ``us'' was. It is not the American people, not the people who were suffering in the long lines at the airport, and with TSA and the flights that were canceled and people that weren't getting paid. Every day got worse for the American people. It might have been better for Senator Schumer but not for people at home in my State and in the Presiding Officer's. It seemed to the Democrats that the American families were just collateral damage as they tried to make a political message. Servicemembers weren't able to pay their mortgages, as they had to wait for their paychecks to come in. Flights canceled, airport screening lines stretched--I remember the video. They stretched for hours. Park rangers, TSA agents all missed paychecks. Democrats said it got better for them every day. Government employees living paycheck-to-paycheck had to struggle to make ends meet, to pay the bills. We saw people lining up at food banks. The American people responded and offered help to their neighbors. The Democrats said it got better for them every day. People on food assistance lost that assistance. And less than 4 months later, the Democrats did it again. That time, they blocked funding for the Department of Homeland Security. That shutdown lasted 75 days for the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats voted to defund America's law enforcement Agencies. That seems to be their mantra: defund the police; get rid of ICE, get rid of Immigration and Customs Enforcement; open the borders; let anybody in. That is who that party is now, and we are seeing it even today in the Michigan primary, where they have radical, extreme, dangerous, scary people running and who may win primaries and have been winning primaries in the Democrat Party across the country. These are people that put the safety and security of the American people at risk. They do it because they think it may give them a political advantage. It doesn't help the American people. Recall that during the last shutdown, the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, we in this country faced terrorist threats. In Texas, there was a man wearing clothing that said ``Property of Allah.'' He was arrested. He shot into a crowded restaurant, just shot into the restaurant. People were killed. ``Property of Allah.'' Apparently, that is OK in some people's minds. Most Americans don't think so. In Michigan, a man whose family member was tied to Hezbollah rammed a truck full of explosives into a synagogue. Over 100 children and their teachers were inside. This is the threat we face. By shutting down the Department of Homeland Security, Democrats put the safety of illegal immigrants--and specifically illegal immigrant criminals--above the safety and security of American citizens. That is whom the Democrats choose to prioritize, and we are seeing the Democrats do that in campaign ads and in campaign speeches all across the country as the most radical of the radicals seem to be winning Democrat primaries this year. So the question is, Are Democrats going to choose to shut down the government a third time? We were able to get on the bill yesterday. The onus is on them. The Republicans are ready to move forward. We have an appropriations process. That is the way that government funding is supposed to work. Right now, the Democrats are stonewalling every single Appropriations Committee right here in the U.S. Senate, and it is shameful. Senator Susan Collins, our colleague and friend from Maine, is the chair of the Appropriations Committee. She has a history of working with bipartisanship, and integrity is so much a part of her leadership style. Democrats have rejected every good-faith measure that she has put forward in terms of the Appropriations Committee. Recall that when the Democrats were in charge of Congress and Joe Biden was in the White House, Senator Schumer blocked 11 of the 12 appropriations bills from even coming to the floor, even coming here for debate. He didn't want any of them--none. Republicans are committed to repairing the damage that has been done to the process by the Democrats. Senator Collins has carefully crafted a reasonable continuing resolution. That is what we voted to get on last night. It keeps the government open. So that was just the first step. Now we have to move forward. We will see what the Democrats say today. Here is the choice facing every Senate Democrat this week: Vote to keep the government open or force the Nation into another painful shutdown. We are going to find out. People have already lived through these two painful Democrat shutdowns over the last year. People don't want a third. They have suffered enough. Senator Schumer this morning said he wants to avoid a shutdown. Time for them to prove it. The question is, Do Democrats in this body have the courage to stand up to the extremists who have taken over their party? We are going to find out. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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Senate

Tribute to Mark Eisele

2026-08-03

“I am here to praise a man from my state. He is a good rancher. He raises cows. He takes care of the land. He has been a leader to other ranchers. He has won many awards. He served as president of important rancher groups. He will now be in the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame. That is good.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. President, at the 114th Wyoming State Fair, Senator Lummis and I will have the pleasure of introducing Mark Eisele as a 2026 inductee to the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame. Mark Eisele comes from a long line of Wyoming ranchers, dating back generations. However, Mark built his livestock operation on his own from the ground up. Mark has long been an iconic leader for Wyoming agriculture. His career led him to the historic King Ranch near Cheyenne. This is where he first worked as an employee before acquiring the historic ranch. Today, Mark and his wife Trudy, along with their three children, raise Red and Black Angus cow/calf pairs and retained yearlings through branded beef programs. The family also manages a custom haying operation and harvests alfalfa and native grass hay. Throughout his career, Mark has valued maintaining healthy rangelands. He has long believed that a healthy rangeland is the foundation of a successful cattle operation. Through Mark's leadership, the King Ranch has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service Rangeland Resources and Systems Research Unit for over 20 years. Mark has led the King Ranch to embrace research and innovation through projects on livestock production, economic efficiency, flexible stocking strategies for erratic and variable precipitation, adaptive grazing management for poisonous plants, targeted grazing for invasive cheatgrass, soil carbon responses to grazing management, and habitat conservation. The Eisele family's stewardship efforts have earned widespread recognition. They received the Wyoming Stock Growers Association Environmental Stewardship Award and the Leopold Conservation Award in 2015. More recently, the ranch received the 2023 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award. This was followed by the 2025 Chuck Jarecki Rancher Land Stewardship Award presented by the International Society for Range Management. Along with receiving many accolades, Mark has committed his career to serving the agriculture industry as an advocate. Mark has been a longtime member of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and served as the president from 2011 to 2013. After years of committee work within the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Mark was elected president for the 2024 to 2025 term. He has become one of the Nation's leading voices for beef producers. Mark's dedication and service to Wyoming's agriculture industry makes him an outstanding choice for the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame. It is a great honor to participate in Mark's induction. I congratulate Mark Eisele as a 2026 inductee into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame.

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Senate

Vote on S. Res. 817 (Executive Session)

2026-07-30

“I announced the final vote. Three Senators were absent. The resolution passed.”

Senate

Directing the Removal of United States Armed Forces from Hostilities Within or Against the Islamic Republic of Iran That Have Not Been Authorized by Congress--Motion to Discharge

2026-07-30

“Nothing much happened today. We voted on a motion. It didn't pass.”

Senate

Democrat Party (Executive Session)

2026-07-30

“I want to make you scared of the Democrat Party. They are bad and extreme. Their ideas are bad and scary. They want to get rid of many things that I think are important. They are not like us. They want to destroy America. We should not let them. The Republicans are good. We will fight for good things and not let them destroy our country. Don't vote for them.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. President, today's Democrat Party is being driven by extremists, and there is actually an extreme group that is driving the party further and further to the left. It is called the Democratic Socialists of America. Its membership is growing, its radical candidates are winning, and its far-left vision is spreading. You may see it happening in Michigan this coming Tuesday with their primary election. This organization has issued a manifesto. That is right--a manifesto. In a recent interview with FOX News, the cochair of the Democratic Socialists of America admitted that this manifesto is filled with policies and politics that are extreme. She admitted it. Let me say it again. The cochair of the Democratic Socialists of America admitted on national television that their manifesto is filled with extreme policies. She has now become the face of today's Democrat Party all across the country. She was asked whether her organization wants to abolish the U.S. Senate. She said, ``True.'' She was asked whether they want to replace the Presidency and the Supreme Court. She said, ``Yep.'' She was asked whether they want to abolish ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She said, ``Absolutely.'' She was asked whether they want to abolish borders and give amnesty to every illegal immigrant in America, including illegal immigrant criminals. She said, ``As a long-term plan, yep.'' She was asked whether they want to defund our military. She replied, ``Absolutely.'' She was asked whether they want to abolish prisons. She said, ``Yeah.'' She was asked whether they want government control of private companies. She said, ``Yeah. Absolutely.'' There you have it. Those are some of the policies of the liberal left. Today's Democrat Party is being driven by its activist wing. These are people who are radical, extreme, dangerous, and scary. They have put it in writing--they include it in their manifesto--and they are admitting it out loud on television. Here in the U.S. Senate, Democrat Senators are embracing these radical policies. They are campaigning and will be campaigning this weekend for extremists in their parties. One sitting Democrat Senator, whose desk is right over there, said, clearly, we are seeing ``the future of the Democrat Party.'' Their manifesto is being reflected in the votes of the Democrats on this floor of the U.S. Senate. For 65 years, the National Defense Authorization Act has passed with bipartisan support in the Senate. This month, every single Democrat in this body voted to block funding for our military. Our servicemembers are paying the price, and they are paying the price because the Democrats have turned to the radical left. Even the New York Times admits Democrats have crossed a red line by blocking defense funding. The same radical agenda that targets America also targets our closest ally, Israel. One of the leaders of this anti-Israel campaign is the current mayor of New York City. He has called for the arrest of Israel's Prime Minister. This is exactly what their radical manifesto demands. The liberal, extreme mayor of New York City wants to hand over the Prime Minister of Israel to an unaccountable group called the International Criminal Court. It is not a real court. It lacks legitimacy. It lacks credibility. In its 24 years of existence, it has never charged a single leader of Iran for Iran's atrocities against the world. Yet this group claims the right to arrest and punish America's men and women in uniform. The United States is not a member of the so-called International Criminal Court nor is Israel. The mayor of New York City is a loyalist of the United Nations, not the United States. From the campaign trail to the cloakroom of Congress, the far left has revealed its radical beliefs. Democrats are determined to tear down our country and tear up the Constitution. They want to open the borders and control the economy. They want to weaken our military and abandon Israel. These policies would be disastrous for our Nation. There is no part of America that they do not want to destroy. The American people reject Democrats' radical policies. The American people demand and deserve better. Republicans are going to continue to fight for freedom, for liberty, and for continued American greatness. As long as there is a Constitution, Republicans will not abolish the Senate. No State will lose its equal voice without its consent, and we will not silence the voice of the people who we represent. Republicans will not end immigration enforcement. Our priority is safety for law-abiding citizens, not illegal immigrant criminals. Republicans will never allow America to become a sanctuary country. Republicans will not abolish prisons. Republicans will not release criminals back into our communities. Democrats' pro-crime policies are dangerous, and they are dangerous all across the country. We have a Constitution, and that Constitution and secure borders and law and order and military strength and economic freedom--they are not optional. They are the foundation of a free society, one that Democrats want to tear down. Without these fundamental foundations of a free society, there really is no safety, no security, no prosperity, and no self-government. Republicans and most Americans know that. Without them, there is no United States of America. Let me end where I began. Today's Democrat Party is being driven by the radical left. They have a movement. They have a manifesto. And they mean to do great harm to our country. We cannot allow it to happen. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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Senate

Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Casper Orthopedics

2026-07-29

“I want to celebrate a business in my state. This business is 50 years old. The business helps people who have problems with their bones. I used to work there. The business is very good. It helps many people in my state. The business has many doctors. They are very good. The business opened a big new building. They help people who hurt their arms and legs. They help people walk. They help people feel better. The business gives money to other good causes in our state. I am very proud of this business. I hope it keeps helping people for many more years.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Casper Orthopedics. This remarkable milestone reflects five decades of excellence providing comprehensive, compassionate, and trusted healthcare to thousands of patients across the Cowboy State. Casper Orthopedics was founded on September 1, 1976, by decorated Vietnam veteran and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jerry Behrens. It is Wyoming's great fortune that Jerry moved his family to Casper to start his own orthopedic practice. Shortly after opening its doors, Jerry was joined by Dr. John Bailey and then Dr. Tom Landon. Thus began Casper Orthopedics' 50-year journey providing the highest standard of patient care. Everyone at Casper Orthopedics, from the physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians, and support staff, strives every day to put their patients first. They dedicate their time, talent, and treasure to helping people regain mobility, restore independence, and improve overall quality of life. Over the past 50 years, the practice has earned a reputation for specializing in a wide range of orthopedic care, ranging from trauma, spine, upper extremity, foot and ankle, joint replacement, and sports medicine to physical medicine and rehabilitation. Casper Orthopedics is where I spent my 24-year career as a board- certified orthopedic surgeon. I joined the practice in 1983. Dr. Craig Smith and Dr. Clay Turner also brought their incredible surgical gifts to the practice during those first 25 years. It was my honor to learn from these dedicated healthcare leaders as we worked every day to keep the practice at the forefront of orthopedic medicine. We embraced advances in surgical techniques, rehabilitation, and patient-centered care. It was this commitment to innovation that enabled people from all walks of life to return to the activities they enjoy with confidence. In 2001, Casper Orthopedics opened its state-of-the-art medical facility at 4140 Centennial Hills Blvd. This new location included an ambulatory surgical center, physical and occupational therapy, and an imaging department. The practice continued to grow, and in 2003, Dr. Steven Orcutt joined the team. Shortly after that, Casper Orthopedics expanded further and added Dr. Matt Mitchell, Dr. Matthew Gorman, Dr. Robert Allaire, Dr. Eric Linford, Dr. Daniel White, Dr. Trevor Gessel, Dr. Jay Arthur, Dr. Marko Tomov, Dr. Ari Amitai, Dr. Taylor Harris, and Dr. Paul Hannon. This golden anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the vision and dedication of the founders, the leadership that has guided the practice through decades of growth, and the generations of healthcare professionals whose unparalleled skills have made this achievement possible. Their work not only serves the healthcare needs of the region, but Casper Orthopedics also strives to be an active part of the Casper community. The practice regularly supports local organizations and has partnered with the Wyoming Symphony, Jason's Friends Foundation, and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. Congratulations to the entire Casper Orthopedics team, past and present, on 50 years of healthcare excellence. May the practice continue its proud tradition of excellence, innovation, compassionate care, and public service for decades to come. I wish them continued success and know they will continue to provide high-quality care that supports the well-being of patients across Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West.

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Senate

Legislative Session

2026-07-29

“I want to honor Lindsey Graham. He worked on a bill to put pressure on Russia and Iran. Russia is fighting a war. They get money from oil and gas sales. The bill will make it harder for Russia to pay for the war. It will also sanction Iran. I want to pass this bill to honor Lindsey Graham. It will make our country safer and our enemies weaker. Russia and Iran only respond to strength. We must pass this bill now.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. President, yesterday the Senate honored the life of our dear friend Lindsey Graham. It was a remarkable gathering of people from around the world, people who came to honor a man who really has done so very much for this body, for his home State of South Carolina, and for the Nation. I believe that today it is time to honor his tremendous legacy as well right here with a vote on the floor of the U.S. Senate. I think the way to do that is to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act. It truly is a ``peace through strength'' bill. No tribute I think would be more fitting to our friend Lindsey or be more forceful. This bill strengthens America's national security while pressuring our adversaries to pursue peace; and that is what Lindsey was doing-- pursuing peace. This sanctions bill is a historic piece of legislation. They target Russia's largest oil importers, target Russia's leadership, target Russia's so-called shadow fleet. Russia uses that shadow fleet to evade sanctions on its illegal oil. Most importantly, it targets other nations that buy Russian oil, that buy Russian natural gas, that buy Russian uranium. This is the way Russia is financing its brutal killing war in Ukraine. The penalties are swift; the penalties are severe. We know that energy is a cash cow of Putin's war machine. It is also Russia's Achilles' heel. You cut it off, and Russia cannot continue to fight. Russia's biggest customer, we know, is communist China. Next is India, and they are going to be hit hard by this. This is the way to cripple Russia's war machine. Allies of Ukraine can qualify for exemptions. Those exemptions come from taking serious steps to end their own dependency on Russian energy products. For many years--and you and I have talked about this--Europe has spent more money on Russian energy than it has sent in aid to Ukraine. Mr. President, you are a warrior. You know this. You are from an energy State. You know these things are critically important, and they are true. This needs to change. Of course, Russia isn't fighting Ukraine alone. In Putin's war of aggression, it is Iran partnering with Russia. Iran has supplied Russia with drones, with missiles, with munitions. Russia has used these weapons to kill Ukrainian civilians and to destroy Ukrainian infrastructure. In return, Russia has shared with Iran--we know what they have shared with their regime: technology, intelligence, military support, all of those things. Iran has used this support to attack American troops. And you have worn the uniform; you have borne the battle. And we have seen the attacks on the American troops that hold the area in terms of how Iran holds the Strait of Hormuz hostage. It is continuing today. There were attacks yesterday. Russia and Iran both employ a shadow fleet of illegal oil tankers. They share sanctions-evading networks. They sell oil to many of the same buyers. They are all working together against us, against freedom-loving people. They both fund murder; they fund terrorism; and they do it with revenue from their energy products. That is why Iran has rightfully been added to this sanctions bill. Lindsey started it about Russia, and now we have added Iran with President Trump's guidance. Together, Russia and Iran have built an ``axis of aggression,'' and we know where the aggression is headed. Sanctioning those who buy oil from Russia and Iran disrupts this entire axis all at once. Passing this bill will make our country safer, and it makes our adversaries weaker. Senator Graham visited Ukraine shortly before he died. Lindsey was a friend of freedom in Ukraine. He never stopped working to build support for their cause. Lindsey succeeded. This is a bill that has united a broad coalition of U.S. Senators. The motion yesterday to proceed to the bill, over 80 Senators voted positively, voted for this motion. And I am one of the many cosponsors. Now it is time to pass this bill. Now it is time to push for peace. Today, Russia is at the point of maximum weakness, and so is Iran. Critical pieces of Russia's energy infrastructure are today in shambles. A significant portion of its oil refinery capacity is no longer operable. Energy shortages are being felt all across Russia today. At the same time, Iran's military has been severely degraded. Both Russia and Iran still refuse to accept plans for lasting peace. Russia and Iran respond only to strength, not to statements. It is time for the Senate to act and act decisively and to work toward lasting peace. Today is the day to pass the Lindsey Graham sanctions bill. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Moreno). The clerk will call the roll. The senior assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.

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Senate

100th Anniversary of the Wyoming Pioneer Association

2026-07-28

“Some people had a club. The club is old. It has a museum. The club had a party. The museum is in my state. That makes me happy. I want people to remember the museum.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. For a century, this organization has preserved Wyoming's pioneering spirit and honored the men and women who helped shape our State. On August 13, 2026, the Wyoming Pioneer Association will celebrate its 100th anniversary at its annual conference in Douglas, WY. This milestone celebrates 100 years of preserving Wyoming's rich heritage and ensuring that future generations remain connected to the State's remarkable past. The roots of the Wyoming Pioneer Association stretch back to 1884, when the organization was first established as Wyoming's Old Timer's Association. ``Old Timer'' membership was reserved for individuals whose contributions helped transform the Wyoming Territory into the State of Wyoming. These soldiers, freighters, cowboys, and stockmen laid the foundation for the Cowboy State. Starting with Wyoming's first State fair in 1905, the Wyoming Old Timer's Association gathered annually in Douglas. On January 8, 1926, the group was officially incorporated and adopted the name of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. The association's first official meeting took place on September 15, 1926, at Douglas's historic Princess Theater. Under the leadership of its inaugural president John Hunton, the group dedicated itself to preserving Wyoming's pioneer legacy. Shortly after its first meeting, the association constructed a cabin on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds to serve as a permanent gathering place. As membership steadily grew, the annual meeting returned to the Princess Theater to accommodate its growing number of members. In 1956, the Wyoming State Legislature appropriated $100,000 for the construction of the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum. The museum was dedicated on August 31, 1956, at the State fair grounds in Douglas. Today, the museum safeguards thousands of treasured artifacts, including cultural items, historic stagecoaches, and an original taxidermied jackalope. Each item in the collection celebrates a unique chapter of Wyoming's remarkable heritage. In 2012, the Wyoming Pioneer Association opened the Ruthe James Williams Center next to the Wyoming Pioneer Museum. The center is named after Ruthe James Williams, who was born and raised in Douglas. Upon her passing in 2008, Ruthe generously provided the resources to construct the center. Her legacy was to ensure the association would continue to have a home worthy of its growing membership and enduring mission. For 100 years, the Wyoming Pioneer Association has faithfully preserved the stories, traditions, and values of Wyoming's Pioneers and trailblazers. Through educational programs, community outreach, and annual events, including its beloved Holiday Cheer at the Pioneer celebration, the association continues to inspire pride in Wyoming's unique heritage. The association's impact does not end with its members. Wyoming Pioneer Museum visitation grew from 4,000 patrons in 2019 to nearly 6,000 in 2022. The continuous success of the Wyoming Pioneer Association would not be possible without the unwavering dedication of its board. Through countless hours of volunteer service and steadfast commitment, these individuals work tirelessly to sustain Wyoming's cultural legacy for generations to come. The Wyoming Pioneer Association Board includes: It is an honor to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. This remarkable group has devoted a century to preserving Wyoming's history, honoring those who built our great State, and ensuring their stories endure for future generations. Its commitment to education, preservation, and community service exemplifies the very best of Wyoming's pioneering spirit. Please join me in congratulating the Wyoming Pioneer Association.

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Senate

Cloture Motion

2026-07-28

“I don't like it when Senators miss a vote. It makes us look bad.”

Senate

Vote on Pozos Nomination (Executive Calendar)

2026-07-23

“I am announcing which Senators are absent today.”