Wicker, as chair of the Armed Services Committee, routinely handles routine business reporting nominations to the Senate. His substantive floor speeches center on national security and foreign policy, especially China and Russia: he pressed the administration to raise China’s military buildup, its support for Iran, repression of the Uighurs and other religious groups, and pressure on Asian allies, and strongly backs sanctions on Russia and support for Ukraine. He is a hawk within his own party and, unusually, openly advises a president of his own party on foreign policy, saying he would have advised against hosting Xi Jinping while still framing his asks as suggestions for the summit. He typically supports his positions with specific factual claims and named examples, and he frames opponents like Putin in strongly moral terms, using labels such as dictator and despot. His substantive speeches also devote considerable time to personal tribute, in one case giving extended attention to a late colleague’s character before turning to the bill bearing his name.Written by AI from their statements. Updated .
“My committee supports these military nominations. I ask that we keep the lists at the Secretary's desk instead of paying to print them again.”
“Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the RECORDS on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary’s desk for the information of Senators.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the RECORDS on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary’s desk for the information of Senators.
“The president should not have invited China's leader to Washington for a fancy visit. Since he is coming, the president must confront him. He should ask about China helping Iran kill American troops, locking up millions of religious minorities, and bullying neighbors like Taiwan and the Philippines. He should demand the release of political prisoners. China's leader is a dictator with weapons pointed at us, and our president must treat him that way.”
“Mr. President, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in town tomorrow for a highly anticipated state visit. Quite frankly, had the White House asked me for advice, I would have suggested the President not invite Xi Jinping to Washington for such a lavish welcome here in the United States of America based on all of the troubling issues we have with President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party. But in light of the fact that the Chinese Communist President is coming to the United States, I want to take a moment to suggest a list of topics that the President might mention during the summit. As we know, a proper state visit requires a proper state dinner. Again, I would not have scheduled such a thing. But as guests converse over the meal, the President might inquire about the purposes of China’s massive military buildup or about China’s clear support for Iran. This summer, it was all over the press that China gave Iran satellite imagery intelligence, and that intelligence led to the death of American troops. So I would certainly suggest that the President try to get an answer to that. While President Trump and President Xi are talking, perhaps Mr. Trump could bring up the Uighur people. For nearly a decade, Xi Jinping has consigned more than a million Uighurs to concentration camps in China’s Xinjiang region. I hope our President will take this visit as an opportunity to advocate for the Uighur people. The fact that they remain in prison by the millions is a grave injustice and a reminder of Xi Jinping’s many human rights abuses. Then, after asking about the Uighur people, the President should mention China’s persecution of all manner of religious groups, to include Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, and those practicing Falun Gong. In July, President Trump successfully advocated for the release of Pastor Ezra Jin. Why not suggest releasing all imprisoned Christians and allowing all people of whatever faith to worship freely? Then President Trump might ask why China openly coerces Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The Chinese dictator works hard to intimidate America’s allies in the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and the Second Thomas Shoal. China also bullies, jails, and otherwise silences dissidents. When meeting with Xi in May, President Trump advocated for Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong newspaper publisher Xi has kept locked up in solitary confinement. Why has Mr. Lai been locked up? His crime was speaking freely in Hong Kong. I hope Mr. Trump will again ask for the release of the frail, elderly Mr. Lai and all those imprisoned by the Chinese Communist Party in Hong Kong and elsewhere. Perhaps over the salad course of the dinner, our President could ask Xi Jinping about the Chinese navy’s harassment of Filipino fishermen and sailors and about China’s abuse of its neighbors. Perhaps he could ask Mr. Xi why he invents military disputes and then resolves them by military force--or attempts to resolve them. Then I hope the President will inquire about Xi Jinping’s interference in the internal affairs of nations around the world. Perhaps he could bring up Chinese exploitation of African countries and Latin American nations with debt-trap diplomacy and election meddling. While the servers are switching from chardonnay to cabernet at the fancy state dinner, perhaps the President could turn to Xi’s so-called reunification of China with Taiwan, his wish that Taiwan become a part of mainland China. In the strong Chinese leader’s view of the future, should the freely elected Government of Taiwan expect the same treatment that the people of Hong Kong have experienced--the loss of their freedom that the world has seen over the past three decades since reunification with Hong Kong. I know the President intends to discuss trade and artificial intelligence with the Chinese leadership--and rightfully so. Perhaps some progress will be made. But, Mr. President, during every minute of dialogue, our Commander in Chief should keep in mind that his guest is a brutal, unelected, and oppressive dictator who seeks to dominate his neighbors and whose massive military arsenal is aimed directly at the United States of America. I yield the floor.”
Mr. President, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in town tomorrow for a highly anticipated state visit. Quite frankly, had the White House asked me for advice, I would have suggested the President not invite Xi Jinping to Washington for such a lavish welcome here in the United States of America based on all of the troubling issues we have with President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party. But in light of the fact that the Chinese Communist President is coming to the United States, I want to take a moment to suggest a list of topics that the President might mention during the summit. As we know, a proper state visit requires a proper state dinner. Again, I would not have scheduled such a thing. But as guests converse over the meal, the President might inquire about the purposes of China’s massive military buildup or about China’s clear support for Iran. This summer, it was all over the press that China gave Iran satellite imagery intelligence, and that intelligence led to the death of American troops. So I would certainly suggest that the President try to get an answer to that. While President Trump and President Xi are talking, perhaps Mr. Trump could bring up the Uighur people. For nearly a decade, Xi Jinping has consigned more than a million Uighurs to concentration camps in China’s Xinjiang region. I hope our President will take this visit as an opportunity to advocate for the Uighur people. The fact that they remain in prison by the millions is a grave injustice and a reminder of Xi Jinping’s many human rights abuses. Then, after asking about the Uighur people, the President should mention China’s persecution of all manner of religious groups, to include Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, and those practicing Falun Gong. In July, President Trump successfully advocated for the release of Pastor Ezra Jin. Why not suggest releasing all imprisoned Christians and allowing all people of whatever faith to worship freely? Then President Trump might ask why China openly coerces Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The Chinese dictator works hard to intimidate America’s allies in the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and the Second Thomas Shoal. China also bullies, jails, and otherwise silences dissidents. When meeting with Xi in May, President Trump advocated for Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong newspaper publisher Xi has kept locked up in solitary confinement. Why has Mr. Lai been locked up? His crime was speaking freely in Hong Kong. I hope Mr. Trump will again ask for the release of the frail, elderly Mr. Lai and all those imprisoned by the Chinese Communist Party in Hong Kong and elsewhere. Perhaps over the salad course of the dinner, our President could ask Xi Jinping about the Chinese navy’s harassment of Filipino fishermen and sailors and about China’s abuse of its neighbors. Perhaps he could ask Mr. Xi why he invents military disputes and then resolves them by military force--or attempts to resolve them. Then I hope the President will inquire about Xi Jinping’s interference in the internal affairs of nations around the world. Perhaps he could bring up Chinese exploitation of African countries and Latin American nations with debt-trap diplomacy and election meddling. While the servers are switching from chardonnay to cabernet at the fancy state dinner, perhaps the President could turn to Xi’s so-called reunification of China with Taiwan, his wish that Taiwan become a part of mainland China. In the strong Chinese leader’s view of the future, should the freely elected Government of Taiwan expect the same treatment that the people of Hong Kong have experienced--the loss of their freedom that the world has seen over the past three decades since reunification with Hong Kong. I know the President intends to discuss trade and artificial intelligence with the Chinese leadership--and rightfully so. Perhaps some progress will be made. But, Mr. President, during every minute of dialogue, our Commander in Chief should keep in mind that his guest is a brutal, unelected, and oppressive dictator who seeks to dominate his neighbors and whose massive military arsenal is aimed directly at the United States of America. I yield the floor.
“I want the Senate to vote yes on this sanctions bill. Lindsey Graham wrote it before he died. It puts strong economic penalties on Russia, targets its oil and gas sales, and helps Ukraine fight back.”
“Mr. President, and now let me join with my colleagues from New Hampshire and Alabama in urging a strong ``yes’’ vote on the motion to proceed to Lindsey Graham’s sanctions bill. A number of us gathered today, as we have already heard, at the National Cathedral for Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral. And in a few moments, we will vote to advance a bill that Lindsey Graham made possible. During the past few days, we have heard a number of stories about Lindsey Graham’s many idiosyncrasies: his endless energy--he has been called the Energizer Bunny--his quotable jokes, his nonquotable quips, his one-of-a-kind personality. We also remembered his steadfast love for freedom and his intolerance for tyrants. The bill we will vote on in a few moments reflects those aspects of his personality. I have suggested that it is his greatest political achievement. It took a Senator like Lindsey Graham to bring this bill so far. In this environment, with these stakes, he brought together so many parties. It seems he did this almost through the sheer force of his will. I have seen that drive for 32 years since we came to Washington together as freshmen in 1994. Again, I say this could turn out to be Lindsey Graham’s greatest legislative achievement. The Lindsey Graham sanctions bill will advance the cause of freedom, and it will combat Vladimir Putin’s war machine. It will go after Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and the shadow fleet they use to evade sanctions. It will hold accountable those who purchase the most Russian oil and gas. It will also take aim at China’s investments in Russian weapons production. It will maintain sanctions pressure on Iran. These policies will save human lives. They will pave the way for even more impressive battlefield achievements by Ukraine. The Ukrainians have been resourceful from day one. For 4 years, the freedom fighters have managed to stand against a country four times the size of theirs. And today, Ukraine is using long-range drone strikes to take the war to Russia. I hope to meet with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine soon. He regularly refers to these drone strikes as long-range sanctions. Let’s give Ukraine even more sanctions, even more tools to fight back against the dictator Putin. This bill will be a moral achievement. It is a clear statement about the aggressor in Russia and the nation he is attacking. Ukraine targets facilities in Russia used to wage war. On the other hand, Vladimir Putin targets apartments, neighborhoods, churches, and corner stores. As Ukraine defends its homeland, Vladimir Putin callously sends the sons of Russia into bloodshed. He is not persuaded by appeals to human rights. I have made no secret of my complete disgust for the dictator Vladimir Putin and for his many war crimes against the Ukrainian people throughout this unprovoked conflict. If we have learned anything about the Russian despot Vladimir Putin over the course of this war, it is that the slaughter of civilians and even his own Russian troops give him no pause. His soulmates are the dead dictators of the previous century--Pol Pot, Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin. Vladimir Putin’s name deserves to be stated among those disparate war criminals. He disregards human life, but he does prize the strength of his war machine. For this, Putin relies on his energy sales, and that is what we are getting to with this bill. This legislation will help curtail those energy sales. It will put maximum economic pressure on Vladimir Putin. This is the one thing--apparently the only thing he understands. President Trump and President Zelenskyy have long extended the hand of peace. Time and again, Putin has answered with more violence, more destruction, and more innocent Ukrainian and Russian lives snuffed out. Lindsey Graham understood Putin’s calculation, and he wrote a bill to hit Putin where it hurts. We will have a chance to act on that bill today. I expect an overwhelming majority vote in favor.”
Mr. President, and now let me join with my colleagues from New Hampshire and Alabama in urging a strong ``yes’’ vote on the motion to proceed to Lindsey Graham’s sanctions bill. A number of us gathered today, as we have already heard, at the National Cathedral for Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral. And in a few moments, we will vote to advance a bill that Lindsey Graham made possible. During the past few days, we have heard a number of stories about Lindsey Graham’s many idiosyncrasies: his endless energy--he has been called the Energizer Bunny--his quotable jokes, his nonquotable quips, his one-of-a-kind personality. We also remembered his steadfast love for freedom and his intolerance for tyrants. The bill we will vote on in a few moments reflects those aspects of his personality. I have suggested that it is his greatest political achievement. It took a Senator like Lindsey Graham to bring this bill so far. In this environment, with these stakes, he brought together so many parties. It seems he did this almost through the sheer force of his will. I have seen that drive for 32 years since we came to Washington together as freshmen in 1994. Again, I say this could turn out to be Lindsey Graham’s greatest legislative achievement. The Lindsey Graham sanctions bill will advance the cause of freedom, and it will combat Vladimir Putin’s war machine. It will go after Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and the shadow fleet they use to evade sanctions. It will hold accountable those who purchase the most Russian oil and gas. It will also take aim at China’s investments in Russian weapons production. It will maintain sanctions pressure on Iran. These policies will save human lives. They will pave the way for even more impressive battlefield achievements by Ukraine. The Ukrainians have been resourceful from day one. For 4 years, the freedom fighters have managed to stand against a country four times the size of theirs. And today, Ukraine is using long-range drone strikes to take the war to Russia. I hope to meet with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine soon. He regularly refers to these drone strikes as long-range sanctions. Let’s give Ukraine even more sanctions, even more tools to fight back against the dictator Putin. This bill will be a moral achievement. It is a clear statement about the aggressor in Russia and the nation he is attacking. Ukraine targets facilities in Russia used to wage war. On the other hand, Vladimir Putin targets apartments, neighborhoods, churches, and corner stores. As Ukraine defends its homeland, Vladimir Putin callously sends the sons of Russia into bloodshed. He is not persuaded by appeals to human rights. I have made no secret of my complete disgust for the dictator Vladimir Putin and for his many war crimes against the Ukrainian people throughout this unprovoked conflict. If we have learned anything about the Russian despot Vladimir Putin over the course of this war, it is that the slaughter of civilians and even his own Russian troops give him no pause. His soulmates are the dead dictators of the previous century--Pol Pot, Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin. Vladimir Putin’s name deserves to be stated among those disparate war criminals. He disregards human life, but he does prize the strength of his war machine. For this, Putin relies on his energy sales, and that is what we are getting to with this bill. This legislation will help curtail those energy sales. It will put maximum economic pressure on Vladimir Putin. This is the one thing--apparently the only thing he understands. President Trump and President Zelenskyy have long extended the hand of peace. Time and again, Putin has answered with more violence, more destruction, and more innocent Ukrainian and Russian lives snuffed out. Lindsey Graham understood Putin’s calculation, and he wrote a bill to hit Putin where it hurts. We will have a chance to act on that bill today. I expect an overwhelming majority vote in favor.
“I am sending military nominations to the Senate with my committee's approval. I ask that we keep them at the clerk's desk so we do not spend money printing them again.”
“Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the Records on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary’s desk for the information of Senators.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the Records on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary’s desk for the information of Senators.
“The Armed Services Committee approves these military nominations. I ask that we keep the lists at the Secretary's desk so we do not spend money printing them again.”
“Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the RECORDS on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary’s desk for the information of Senators.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the RECORDS on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary’s desk for the information of Senators.
