Senate Session of June 9, 2020, Page S2774 — Congressional Record
Summary
Page S2774 of the Senate section of the Congressional Record for June 9, 2020, in interleaved columns, beginning with the reservation of leader time and the conclusion of morning business. A speaker says responding to coronavirus remains at the top of the agenda, with committees monitoring the $2.4 trillion Congress has provided. The same speaker says nominees were filibustered 244 times in all earlier history combined but 314 times for this President, which is that speaker's claim. The clerk then reads the nomination of General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., with a confirmation vote set after the recess.
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“Senate Session of June 9, 2020, Page S2774 — Congressional Record.”
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S2774 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 9, 2020
RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME at the Federal level to the tragedy of the filibuster is only in the last half
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under George Floyd’s killing. century or so. Think about that: 244
the previous order, the leadership time Responding to the coronavirus con- times, throughout all of the Presi-
is reserved. tinues to be at the top of our agenda. dencies combined—combined—in our
Right now, we are focused on moni- history, but this President has seen his
f toring the implementation of the $2.4 nominees filibustered 314 times.
CONCLUSION OF MORNING trillion that Congress has provided so So if the Democratic leader wants to
BUSINESS that we can identify what more we know why we are here doing nominees,
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning need to do to fight this virus. that is why. We have to. It is our job.
Our committees play a leading role It is our constitutional responsibility.
business is closed.
in this, and they have kept up a steady If the minority continues to make it as
f stream of hearings examining imple- difficult as they have and continues to
LEGISLATIVE SESSION mentation and identifying next steps. filibuster and force the leader to file
This week, we have no fewer than cloture on all these nominees, we have
eight—eight—committee hearings on to be here to vote. That is our job, and
TAXPAYER FIRST ACT OF 2019— various aspects of the COVID crisis, in- that is why we are here.
MOTION TO PROCEED—Resumed cluding unemployment insurance, a Of course, there is also the work, as
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Senate Finance Committee hearing I said, of responding to the
the previous order, the Senate will re- later today that I will be participating coronavirus. There is also work we
sume consideration of the motion to in, reopening schools, and the Federal have to do that doesn’t stop just be-
proceed to H.R. 1957, which the clerk Government’s procurement and dis- cause there is a pandemic.
will report. tribution strategies. If you look at the Paycheck Protec-
The senior assistant legislative clerk The Democratic leader has spent a tion Program, when it ran out of
read as follows: lot of time on the floor lately, com- money, it took way too long to con-
plaining about what is happening in vince Democrats to do something as
Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 75, H.R.
1957, a bill to amend the Internal Revenue
the Senate. He is, apparently, not simple as appropriate more funding for
Code of 1986 to modernize and improve the happy that we are in session, and he pandemic-stricken small businesses.
Internal Revenue Service, and for other pur- claims we are not doing anything on Funding our government, protecting
poses. the coronavirus. our Nation, making sure these impor-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Well, on the first point, I would just tant positions in the government, as I
jority whip. like to say that the majority leader mentioned, are filled—we just can’t
brought the Senate back into session skip those things because of the
POLICE DEPARTMENTS
because we have responsibilities that coronavirus, and they have made it in-
Mr. THUNE. Madam President, as I we need to fulfill. One of the issues creasingly difficult—virtually impos-
begin this morning, I would like to just that we have to respond to, as a matter sible—for us to do any of this by unani-
briefly comment on the outlandish idea of our constitutional obligation, is the mous consent while the Senate was out
of dismantling police departments that issue of dealing with nominations, both of session.
has seen substantial coverage in recent to judicial and executive branches of As for the Democratic leader’s charge
days. While there are exceptions, the our government. We continue to have that the Senate hasn’t been doing any-
vast majority of our Nation’s police of- to do that. thing on coronavirus, as I pointed out,
ficers are men and women of character There are important vacancies that that is just a simply ridiculous charge
who care deeply about protecting ev- we need to fill, some important na- to make. Coronavirus has been at the
eryone in their communities, and they tional security vacancies, judicial va- forefront of the Senate activity since
provide an essential service—a service cancies. Last week, we confirmed the we returned in May.
that we cannot do without. inspector general for the pandemic, Our committees have held a constant
The idea that any city can exist somebody who was confirmed by a 75- stream of hearings examining imple-
without a police force is so absurd that to-15 vote. mentation of the coronavirus assist-
it is difficult to believe anyone is seri- Now, it is possible that we could do ance that we have already passed and
ously discussing it. We absolutely need those and not be here. The Democratic looking forward to what will be needed
to look at policies at the State, local, leader has said on various occasions he in the future.
and Federal levels to ensure that we doesn’t know why we are here doing As I mentioned, last week, we con-
are holding police officers to the high- these types of nominations. Well, the firmed the nomination of Brian D. Mil-
est standards, and I hope we will be reason we are here doing these types of ler to be Special Inspector General for
having serious bipartisan discussions nominations is that they insist on it. Pandemic Recovery at the Treasury
on these issues in the coming weeks. Even in cases where the nominee has Department, a key position with re-
I know at least one Senate Repub- broad bipartisan support—in some sponsibility for ensuring the
lican has already introduced legisla- cases, overwhelming support—we con- coronavirus funding is spent properly.
tion to require law enforcement agen- tinue to have to stay here and go We also passed last week legislation
cies to report the use of lethal force. through the procedural roadblocks that to update the Paycheck Protection
But bipartisan discussions will not be Democrats throw up to getting these Program to give additional flexibility
forwarded by extreme and irresponsible nominees across the finish line. to small businesses. Clearly—clearly—
proposals like abolishing the police de- In fact, if you look at the historical the Senate has been making
partments that help protect our com- context of nominations, we are living coronavirus a priority.
munities. I hope that such proposals in unprecedented times. The Demo- I would argue that much of what we
will not gain any traction here in the crats have filibustered now—totaled— have already done is having the desired
U.S. Senate. 314 nominees that President Trump has result. The jobs numbers that came out
BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE put forward. For all of the previous last week are encouraging. Obviously,
Madam President, we are very busy— Presidents combined—all of the pre- we have a lot of work to do. We have to
hard at work—here in the Senate. Our vious Presidents combined in our Na- keep it in perspective. It is no time to
main business on the floor this week tion’s history—only on 244 occasions be spiking the football. But those job
will be the Great American Outdoors did cloture have to be invoked to shut numbers were encouraging.
CTELLI on DSK30NT082PROD with SENATE
Act, legislation crafted by Senators down a filibuster on nominees. I think one of the reasons we had
DAINES and GARDNER and others, that Think about that. In the first 31⁄2 those strong numbers is because we
will help address the significant main- years of President Trump’s term, we have a very resilient economy, No. 1,
tenance backlog in our national parks, now have had 314 nominees—judicial or and, No. 2, because of policies we have
among other things. executive—filibustered. In the rest of put in place—tax and regulatory poli-
Out of the limelight, Senators will the history of the U.S. Senate, even if cies that have encouraged businesses to
also be discussing how best to respond you go back and say that the advent of invest, consumers to spend.
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June 9, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2775
The PPP program, the Paycheck Pro- rowed money, a significant addition to H.R. 1957
tection Program, obviously, I think an already massive amount of national Mr. CARPER. Madam President, the
has done a lot of good out there. It has debt. bill before us today, the Great Amer-
kept, literally, millions of businesses Democrats may like to pretend that ican Outdoors Act, is landmark legisla-
in business. It has kept, literally, tens we can continue to borrow more and tion. It would fulfill a longstanding
of millions of workers employed, and more money forever, but the truth is promise to the American people to
that is exactly what we wanted to see we cannot. The greater our national fully fund the Land and Water Con-
happen. debt, the greater the threat it rep- servation Fund.
Those dollars were among the best resents to the health of our economy, This measure will also make a down-
spent dollars, I think, of all the several not to mention the future of today’s payment on deferred maintenance
trillion dollars that we put out there. younger workers. plans of our Nation’s beloved public
My State of South Dakota is a good ex- So while we may need to borrow lands, which includes over 400 national
ample. We have over 21,000 businesses more money to meet our needs before parks. It also includes more than 500
that have benefited from the Paycheck the crisis is over, it is crucial that we national wildlife refuges that are under
Protection Program, to the tune of keep that borrowing as low as possible the jurisdiction of the Senate Environ-
about $1.6 billion. I bet, if you look at and spend only what is absolutely nec- ment and Public Works Committee on
the numbers in every other State essary. which I serve as ranking member.
around the country, you would see the So far, the Democrats’ major pro- While I am proud to support the
same thing. It is one of the reasons, I posal for the next phase of our Great American Outdoors Act, we
believe, that we are seeing some en- coronavirus response is a $3 trillion bill would be remiss if we did not put the
couraging economic numbers and em- produced by the House of Representa- Senate’s consideration of this legisla-
ployment numbers. Let’s hope that we tives that mentions the word ‘‘can- tion in the context of everything else
can continue to build on that. nabis’’ more often than it mentions the that is happening in our country today.
I guess that when the Democratic word ‘‘job,’’ which I think tells you all As we have learned in the 15 days since
leader complains that the Senate you need to know about how seriously the death of George Floyd, we also
hasn’t been doing anything on some are taking this issue. have other longstanding promises to
coronavirus, what he actually means to If Democrats really wanted to move fulfill. Let me mention four of them.
say is the Senate hasn’t passed another additional relief forward, they would be The first is a promise of an end to ra-
$3 trillion bill. The House of Represent- sitting down with Republicans to de- cial violence in this country and a new
atives, the Democrat majority there, in velop reasonable legislation that actu- beginning in the pursuit of racial jus-
a very partisan way with zero Repub- ally has a chance of passing Congress tice. The second would be the promise
lican support and, in fact, some Demo- and being signed by the President, but of equality. The third would be the
crats opposing it, passed another $3 they are not. Instead, they are pro- promise of a more perfect Union called
trillion. posing outlandish, far-left messaging for in our Constitution’s preamble. The
Well, it is true we haven’t done that bills and engaging in the kind of par- fourth, and last, would be the promise
here in the Senate. It is because we tisanship that has become the modus of a dream articulated nearly 57 years
don’t believe we should be playing fast operandi during this administration. ago on the steps of the Lincoln Memo-
and loose with the American people’s While I am talking about Democrats’ rial, not far from where we are gath-
money like that. As I pointed out, Con- unhelpfulness, I just want to mention ered here today, by the late Martin Lu-
gress has already provided $2.4 trillion the Democratic leader’s offensive sug- ther King.
in funding to respond to the virus, gestion on the floor last week that the Our national and State parks have
which is a staggering amount of judges that we are confirming in the always been places that bring people
money, equal to roughly half of the Senate will not protect civil rights. from all backgrounds together. Our na-
2020 Federal budget. This is, unfortunately, right in line tional historic sites and monuments
It was money we needed to spend, with their general attitude that the commemorate the events that have
and we were glad to do it. We will prob- only legitimate judges are Democrat forged and tested us as a nation, as
ably have to spend more before this cri- judges, but it is, nevertheless, particu- well as the sacrifices that we have
sis is over, but we have to make sure larly irresponsible to be fanning the made in our quest to become that more
that we are appropriating what is real- flames of division in this country right perfect Union.
ly needed and not mindlessly throwing now by suggesting, untruthfully, that They are also places from which peo-
around trillions of dollars. The way we only Democrats’ preferred judicial can- ple have called on their government,
do that is by monitoring the implemen- didates will show a commitment to up- our government, for change and for
tation of the funding that we have al- holding civil rights. equality. Yes, our national parks have
ready put out there, that has already The continued partisanship, even served as places of protest, protected
been delivered, which is exactly what during a national crisis, has been pret- under the Constitution that Delaware
we have been doing. ty disheartening. But I am a hopeful was the first State to ratify on Decem-
I have to say, for a lot of the funding guy, and I like to think that at least ber 7, 1787. In fact, Delaware’s national
that has been authorized, some of it some Democrats are more interested in park, one of the newest in the Nation,
hasn’t even been put out there yet. The actually helping Americans than in was created, in large part, to celebrate
$175 billion that we have authorized to far-left messaging bills, and I would in- that history.
help healthcare providers—hospitals, vite those Democrats to work with us. The recent murders of George Floyd
nursing homes, those folks on the There is a lot more that we need to in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in
frontline—only about $75 billion of that do before this pandemic is over, and Louisville have sparked, as we know,
has been made available already. So Republicans are committed to getting widespread civil unrest. From coast to
less than 50 percent of those dollars are our country through this crisis and to coast, millions of Americans have
even out there yet. helping Americans thrive on the other come together to protest the deaths of
It is pretty hard to decide whether side. unarmed Black Americans and to call
you are going to throw more money at I yield the floor. for change, to call for justice, and to
something before you have determined I suggest the absence of a quorum. call for racial equality. In Washington,
whether the money you have already The PRESIDING OFFICER. The DC, some of those demonstrations have
spent is having the desired effect and clerk will call the roll. taken place in our National Park Sys-
CTELLI on DSK30NT082PROD with SENATE
whether there is a need for more. So we The senior assistant legislative clerk tem.
need to see where that money goes be- proceeded to call the roll. Lafayette Square, the site of gassing
fore we decide what else we need to ap- Mr. CARPER. I ask unanimous con- and the troubling use of crowd disper-
propriate. sent that the order for the quorum call sion devices last week in response to a
I have said it before, and I will say it be rescinded. peaceful demonstration, has seen its
again. Every dollar that we have pro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without share of protests and turmoil. In its
vided to fight the coronavirus is bor- objection, it is so ordered. history, before the marble monuments
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S2776 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 9, 2020
it now contains, the square served as a much of a State park system in Dela- home. I might add, there is another
slave market, and it housed troops dur- ware and certainly not in New Castle one, too, from the train station where
ing the War of 1812 when the White County, our northernmost county. I caught the train this morning to
House and the U.S. Capitol—this Cap- Since that time, the Land and Water come down here. There is the Jack
itol—were burned. Conservation Fund has enabled the Markell Trail that links the riverfront
Today, and nearly every day, people purchase and development of many ad- in Wilmington, DE, to New Castle, DE,
are gathered in Lafayette Square in ditional State parks that are crown where Ben Franklin first landed and
front of the White House, calling for jewels in all three counties of the First brought with him the deeds to Dela-
action, as we debate the bill before us. State. I will mention a few of them: ware and Pennsylvania. Those paths
But in January and February of 1917, White Clay Creek, Cape Henlopen, Fox that I just mentioned expand horizons;
women staged 2 months of protests out Point, Bellevue, Killens Pond, and they connect people to each other; and
of a row house located on Lafayette many more. they create common ground in our
Square in the pursuit of women’s suf- For us in Delaware, these spaces are communities.
frage—the right to vote, one of our places of community. People from all The Delaware State Parks Youth
most sacred privileges. walks of life come to these parks for Conservation Corps even provides jobs
Other national park sites in Wash- many different reasons. Some come to and environmental restoration oppor-
ington have been front and center of fish, others to bike, others to hike, tunities throughout our parks for
the calls for racial justice in the last play sports, fly kites, swim, go birding, young people from all backgrounds.
several days: the National Mall, the learn, enjoy picnics, and enjoy con- What is more, our Delaware State
Lincoln Memorial, and one of our new- certs. Those are just some of the rea- parks offer free summer concerts.
est national historic sites, the memo- sons why people come to our national These concert series attract different
rial to Martin Luther King, who taught parks—not just from Delaware, not generations and diverse audiences.
our country about the power of peace- just from America but from all over While the 2020 summer concert series
ful protests. the world. was, unfortunately, canceled due to the
These places inspire us. They allow Some of the parks I have just men- ongoing COVID–19 pandemic, Delaware
our voices to be heard, but they also tioned might exist without the Land State parks have remained open, and,
give us strength; they give us solace; and Water Conservation Fund, but get this, our State has waived entrance
and they give us the opportunity to without it, they would not be the com- fees.
heal. The bill before us today helps us munity cornerstones that they are As it became clear that physical lo-
to ensure that our public lands remain today. When a park is revitalized, it cation was key to preventing the
places where we can remember, where can become the nerve center of a com- spread of the novel coronavirus, Dela-
we can reflect, and we can recharge. munity and create new opportunities wareans, especially those in urban
Sometimes when I speak on the Sen- to bring us together. In many cases, we areas, sought solitude in our parks. For
ate floor, I share anecdotes from my have seen just that happen in our many, connecting with nature was crit-
morning runs. A number of them over State. For example, Bellevue State ical for mental wellness, and, now,
the years have been on the National making that connection has grown
Park—located not far from our home—
Mall as I run from the Capitol to the more popular than ever. One example
has been home to a community garden
Lincoln Memorial and then past the of that is Brandywine Creek State
program for decades, providing a place
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, etched Park. Located just a few miles south of
for families like my own when our sons
with the names of over 58,000 men and our border with Pennsylvania, it has
were young who may not have a lot of
women with whom I served in South- seen record visitation this year.
land on which to grow their own fruits As I mentioned earlier in my re-
east Asia. No matter how tired I might and vegetables. marks, I have heard from hundreds of
be when I get up in the morning, when In 2017, just 3 years ago, the city of constituents in support of the Great
I begin those runs, as I pass and pause Wilmington was awarded an LWCF American Outdoors Act. Many of them
at each of these places, I feel inspired, grant to improve Father Tucker Park, have shared stories about their treas-
I feel rejuvenated, and I feel more de- which had been in disrepair for dec- ured moments in State and national
termined than ever to take up our ades. The park is vital for play, for cul- parks, particularly during troubled
work in service to the American people tural gatherings, and sports activities. times.
who sent us here. It is now a valuable hub of that com- I want to close my remarks today by
Interestingly, I have heard a similar munity. sharing one of those stories from a
sentiment from the hundreds of Dela- Further, the Land and Water Con- friend, as it turns out, the executive di-
wareans who have asked me to support servation Fund enabled the first public rector of Delaware Wild Lands, and her
this legislation before us today. Many pool in Kent County at the Killens name is Kate Hackett. About a year
of our parks provide visitors a place to Pond State Park, 10 miles south of and a half ago, Kate, along with her
reflect, to reconnect, and to enjoy the Dover. It is now the Killens Pond family and another family, traveled to
beauties of nature. That is, in no small Water Park, and it has grown quite a place called Big Bend National Park
part, because of the Land and Water popular with residents from across in the State of Texas. This park is on
Conservation Fund. Kent County and well beyond Kent the U.S.-Mexican border, as some of
Many of our colleagues know that County’s borders. you know. These two families were dis-
Delaware has a proud history as the This legislation also helps us to bring tressed by what was happening along
First State—the First State National economic activity to our communities, our borders and wanted to visit border
Historical Park, which we worked for a something that people might not think towns to experience their humanity
decade to create not long ago, tells the of at first blush. In Delaware, the Land themselves.
story of the role Delaware played in and Water Conservation Fund has en- As the two families hiked along the
the establishment of our country. Our abled an incredible network of green- Rio Grande River, Kate’s friend sang
national park is unique, with historical ways and trails that connect commu- her favorite lullaby, not in English but
sites in all three of Delaware’s counties nity facilities and institutions with in Spanish. Her song echoed in the can-
that connect our communities, much businesses. People come from all over yon. When she paused, an unknown
like our State parks do. the country to ride, to run, and to walk voice from across the border emerged
What you may not know, though, is on them. with the next verse of the same song.
that the first land acquisition through Basic investment in preservation of These two strangers—divided by the
CTELLI on DSK30NT082PROD with SENATE
the State side of the Land and Water land and investment in paths and trails depths of a canyon—alternated verses,
Conservation Program in this country is a tangible community building en- savoring a shared experience, regard-
occurred in Delaware. Brandywine terprise. People can get on their bicy- less of borders, regardless of race, re-
Creek State Park, located just north of cle in downtown Wilmington, ride gardless of languages.
Wilmington, DE—my hometown—was through the city and out into the sub- I was moved at the time to hear how
established in 1965. At the time of this urbs and to the Delaware River in Fox Kate was able to use her family’s out-
monumental acquisition, there was not Point State Park, just 3 miles from our door experience that day. I am still
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June 9, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2777
moved today to hear about how that ferred maintenance backlog in our na- for fishing, for hiking, for recreating.
day taught her children a lesson in tional parks. It sets up about a $1.9 bil- And if you look at that economy, if
compassion, a lesson in humanity, and lion a year fund to work on roads and you look at what it means to our
a lesson in acceptance of us all. visitor centers and the resources that State, it is billions and billions of dol-
As the soul of our Nation continues are being loved to death at parks lars in economic activity. It is hun-
to be tested, I hope the legislation be- across the country. dreds of thousands of jobs in the great
fore us—the Great American Outdoors It is beyond just parks, of course. It State of Colorado. Across this Nation,
Act—might somehow provide similar also funds our Forest Service, the Bu- it is over 5 million jobs. That is the im-
opportunities for others. In fact, I chal- reau of Land Management, now portance of having new access to places
lenge all of us to make sure that it headquartered in Grand Junction, CO, to hunt, to fish, to hike, to recreate—
does just that. and our Fish and Wildlife Service prop- those opportunities.
Most importantly, I also sincerely erties, as well as the Bureau of Indian If you go back to the picture of the
hope we will soon fulfill at least two Education. sand dunes here—I talked a little bit
other longstanding promises—for This act will create jobs; it will cre- about it last night—we were able to
equality and justice—that are critical ate opportunities; but most impor- purchase the Baca National Wildlife
for the future of this country and our tantly, it will enhance the resources Refuge, which is a key part of the
democracy. Our public lands can be that this country loves for generations Great Sand Dunes National Park. It
part of a greater, multifaceted solution to come. preserved an ecosystem that helps keep
that brings equity and opportunity to The second part, of course, of the the sand dunes in place.
all of our committees from sea to shin- Great American Outdoors Act is the It is important to recognize that this
ing sea. Land and Water Conservation Fund. isn’t just about protecting the sand
In the midst of all the turmoil we You can see here, the monument, the dunes. This isn’t just about saying ‘‘All
face in America today lies opportunity. Great Sand Dunes National Park. This right, the sand dunes go from point A
It is our job to find that opportunity one right here shows the Land and to point B, and we are going to protect
and to work together to move this Water Conservation Fund along the everything in between’’ because the en-
country, which we love and revere, as scenic San Juan Byway. tire ecosystem in the San Luis Valley
imperfect as we are, forward. That is This is an incredible opportunity for plays a role in the formation of the
our challenge, and that is our oppor- us to preserve the Land and Water Con- Great Sand Dunes in this particular
tunity. servation Fund, make it permanently area, and the way the water is under-
I don’t know a lot of Latin, but I do authorized, as we have done through ground creates a charge, basically, that
know two words, maybe a few more. the John D. Dingell Conservation Act, gives into the sand the particulates,
My two favorites are these: Carpe but also permanently fund it through and it is what holds the sand in place.
diem, seize the day. This week we have the Great American Outdoors Act. This Without that water that is underneath
the opportunity on this floor to seize is a great opportunity for us to fully the sand dunes, the sand dunes simply
the day. Right over your head where fund the Land and Water Conservation blow away because they don’t have the
you are sitting are some other Latin Fund. static charge, basically, to keep them
words: e pluribus unum—from many, That bill that permanently author- in place.
one. That is what this country is all ized the Land and Water Conservation So we are able to use the Land and
about. I think this legislation—maybe Fund passed 92 to 8. Last night, the clo- Water Conservation Fund to preserve
not something we would have thought ture on the motion to proceed passed 80 areas around the sand dunes that pre-
of—can actually help make those words to 17. This is not a red or blue issue. serve that precious resource for the
not just Latin words carved in stone This is not a left or right issue. This is San Luis Valley that keeps the sand
but a reality. not a Republican or Democratic issue. from blowing away. As a result, hun-
With that, I yield the floor. This is an American people issue, an dreds of thousands of people visit this
I suggest the absence of a quorum. idea the American people instituted in area of Colorado. They spend money at
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The this country centuries ago and, in the hotels; they spend money at res-
clerk will call the roll. case of our Forest Service, a century taurants; they spend money at the
The legislative clerk proceeded to ago—over a century ago. The opportu- sporting goods shops; and it helps grow
call the roll. nities to protect our public lands is sig- the economy.
Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, I nificant this week, historic this week, While it has been closed for a while,
ask unanimous consent that the order one of the greatest conservation it is back open again. People are start-
for the quorum call be rescinded. achievements that this Congress will ing to get back out and to travel and to
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. have had in decades. spend those dollars.
LOEFFLER). Without objection, it is so I want to turn to a little bit of the Colorado has benefited from 38 LWCF
ordered. work that we have done in Colorado projects totaling $281.2 million over the
Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, with the Land and Water Conservation last 50 years at the Great Sand Dunes,
thank you to my colleagues last night Fund. This is an incredibly important the Uncompahgre, over at the Arapaho
for an incredibly strong vote, 80 to 17, opportunity for us because not only and Roosevelt, the Gunnison, the Rio
on the motion to proceed to this debate will it help with our most precious Grande, Canyon of the Ancients Na-
on the Great American Outdoors Act. places, but it also helps provide access tional Monument, and beyond.
We have a lot of work ahead of us this to land that we already have, owned by If you look at the list of LWCF
week and obviously a lot more debate the American people, public lands that projects that have benefited our local
to take place. But one thing is certain, are already held by the American peo- communities, it is page after page of
we have taken the first step toward a ple, but we have no way to access ballfields and parks and water projects
historic bill that protects our public them. and recreation opportunities in coun-
lands, that enhances the incredible In fact, it is estimated that we have ties from corner to corner across our
work that our national parks do and an area the size of Rocky Mountain Na- great State.
the policies and goals and ideas they tional Park. Rocky Mountain National If you dial in a little bit closer to
represent around this great Nation. Park is the third most heavily visited Rocky Mountain National Park—as I
The Great American Outdoors Act park in the country. We have an area mentioned, the third busiest park in
combines two long-held values of both of land the size of Rocky Mountain Na- the country—Rocky Mountain Na-
CTELLI on DSK30NT082PROD with SENATE
our national parks and the Nation’s tional Park that is held by the public. tional Park has about $84 million—a
crown jewel conservation program, the It is owned by the public, but they little over $84 million—in deferred
Land and Water Conservation Fund. can’t get to it. They have no access to maintenance backlog. This bill will
The Restore Our Parks Act, of course, it. help overcome that.
establishes a fund to set aside dollars So the Land and Water Conservation We need to rehabilitate the Alpine
to catch up with our backlog of Fund is a tool that can be used to pro- Visitor Center developed area. The
projects that needs to be done, the de- vide access to those lands for hunting, highest paved road in North America is
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S2778 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 9, 2020
Trail Ridge Road, going through Rocky tunity, to create the hope we need in $9.5 billion in deferred maintenance on
Mountain National Park and up to the communities across this country that public lands across our country. Those
Alpine Visitor Center, where you have have spent the last 3 months not in the are not only our national parks, but
an amazing, expansive opportunity to great outdoors but in the great in- the areas around our national parks,
learn and to recreate. We need to resur- doors, and they are ready to get back preserving the legacy of America’s
face Beaver Meadows Road, to improve to life. There is no greater life than the great outdoors for generations to come.
the visitor safety and visitor access at opportunity to get out and enjoy the While this is very, very important—
several trail heads, to rehabilitate the blessings of God’s labor. this investment in our national park
East Water System and Moraine Park I want to thank my colleague JOE system, the first part of this legisla-
Campground, to construct an emer- MANCHIN of West Virginia, my col- tion—we also need to know that we
gency operations center—those are the league STEVE DAINES from Montana for have places in this country, ecosystems
kinds of things that we continue to the great work they have done to get in this country that will not be around
work on at Rocky Mountain National this bill to the floor this week. for future generations if we don’t pre-
Park. Obviously, Senator PORTMAN and serve them today, and that is where
At Mesa Verde—now, not everybody Senator WARNER and Senators ALEX- the Land and Water Conservation Fund
has been to Mesa Verde National Park, ANDER and KING and Senators HEINRICH comes in.
but think about this: It was established and CANTWELL have played an incred- The LWCF is the most important
in 1906, well over 100 years ago, to pre- ible role. conservation tool we have at the Fed-
serve and interpret the archeological We have a lot more votes this week, eral level. Nothing else comes close to
heritage of the ancestral Pueblo peo- and I hope my colleagues will continue it. It was founded five decades ago, and
ple, who made it their home for over to support this opportunity to grow our Montanans have used about $540 mil-
700 years—from 600 to 1,300 current economy, protect the outdoors, and lion of this fund to increase outdoor
events. make this beautiful part of our country opportunities on our public lands
Today, the park protects nearly 5,000 last for generations more. around our State.
known archeological sites—5,000 ar- I yield the floor. We have used it to preserve tens of
cheological sites—and 600 cliff dwell- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- thousands of acres of world class elk
ings, some of the most notable and best ator from Montana. habitat in central Montana. It has been
preserved dwellings in the United Mr. TESTER. Madam President, I an essential driver of Montana’s grow-
States. We have to continue our work. rise today in support of the Great ing $7-billion-a-year outdoor recreation
There is $76 million in backlog at Mesa American Outdoors Act. After yester- economy. And it has established city
Verde Park alone; Black Canyon of the day’s vote, where we voted to move to parks and open spaces in our more
Gunnison, nearly $8 million in backlog; debate this bill at an 80–17 margin, it urban communities in Montana.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, over felt good. The best of it all is it doesn’t cost the
$8 million in backlog. We know we have It felt good because some of us have taxpayers a dime because the Land and
additional Land and Water Conserva- been fighting this fight to fully fund Water Conservation Fund, as it was set
tion Fund efforts that we could pro- the Land and Water Conservation up, was to take money from offshore
tect, preserve, and promote with the Fund, in particular, for more than a oil and gas revenue. Well, that hasn’t
passage of this bill. decade. worked out so well, so today we are
I am just going to—and I know we It is a program that Senator UDALL just saying that it is going to be fund-
are going to have more conversations explained yesterday that has worked ed, and it is going to be funded perma-
today—talk about the economic benefit out so very, very well since his dad in- nently into the future.
of this. In March, as the first waves of troduced it back in the sixties. The LWCF is a no-brainer. It has
coronavirus started to pose the eco- But the Great American Outdoors overwhelming benefits for States in
nomic impact that we are dealing with Act does more than just permanently which investments are made for pen-
today, some of the very first places hit fund the Land and Water Conservation nies on the dollar. We are receiving
in terms of economic impact were the Fund, which is a huge accomplishment jobs, and we are receiving quality of
Western Slope areas of Colorado—areas in and of itself. It also puts money into life. We are receiving the ability to go
that had their ski season shut down our Park Service and areas around our out and hunt and fish and hike on our
months early, areas that had hotels parks that are so important for this public lands.
empty and restaurants closed months country. Really, the park system is one Unlike any other country in the
earlier than they otherwise would of the jewels of this Nation. world, we have these areas where you
have. President Teddy Roosevelt was truly don’t have to be a millionaire to be
Of course, now we are into the sum- a visionary. At a time when there were able to go out and enjoy the outdoors.
mer season, and the summer recreation plenty of wild places in this great Na- But these victories did not happen
season has expanded dramatically, tion, he had the good sense to preserve magically overnight. The fact is, we
thanks to the bipartisan work the Con- some of them for future generations be- worked long and hard with local con-
gress has done over the past several cause he knew they would not be servation groups and public land en-
years. Now those restaurants see fewer around forever. thusiasts around the country to build
numbers and hotels see fewer numbers Quite frankly, the National Park support where it never existed before,
because it is now affecting the summer System encompasses 419 parks, more and our years of work finally broke the
recreation season. than 84 million acres, including two dam earlier this year when President
This bill—the Great American Out- crown jewels in Montana—Yellowstone Trump and Senator MCCONNELL re-
doors Act—comes at a time to provide and Glacier National Park. These are versed their opposition to this legisla-
new jobs to those communities that places where Americans come together tion because of overwhelming bipar-
have lost jobs. In fact, it is estimated and experience the scale of America’s tisan momentum that we had built on
that we will create over 100,000 jobs in natural beauty. the ground. I welcome their change of
just the parks part of this legislation However, I will tell you, in recent heart, and I know it didn’t come easy.
alone; that for every $1 million we years we—the Congress—have not lived There are so many Montanans and
spend in Land and Water Conservation up to President Roosevelt’s legacy, and folks around the country I want to
Fund and outdoor recreation, we are our parks have been left to fall in dis- thank for putting in the work and
going to create between 16 and 30 jobs; repair. Even as we have seen record bringing my colleagues from darkness
CTELLI on DSK30NT082PROD with SENATE
that it supports the creation of be- numbers of visitors each year, the U.S. to light. Your work has inspired me
tween 16 and 30 jobs for every $1 mil- Congress has failed to make parks a and inspires future generations that
lion spent, at a time when America priority and even make investments in are going to benefit from your selfless
needs it most. them. efforts.
We have a chance to pass a bill—the So the Great American Outdoors Act I was at home last night, and I got a
Great American Outdoors Act—to cre- will go a long way to correcting text message from one of those folks
ate jobs, to create economic oppor- Congress’s neglect. In fact, it invests that said: Thank you. Thank you for
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June 9, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2779
your hard work for the last 13 years on because of the way we sit, with Demo- I can tell you, when I talk about pub-
LWCF. I sent him back a text that crats on one side, Republicans on the lic lands and protecting them and mak-
said: I don’t deserve the thank you. other—here we are together. We are ing sure we preserve that for genera-
You do because, quite frankly, there not fighting each other right now. We tions to come, this is not some kind of
have been folks that have been working are talking about how we are going to theoretical discussion. This something
on this much longer than I. come together and pass this. that I live and breathe personally. Dur-
But now, since the vote yesterday, This is a great moment for our Na- ing the August recess, when we get to
the clock is ticking. Every day we are tion—a time when we need to come to- leave this town, when it is hot and
losing ecosystems in this country, and gether—and, once again, it is public humid in DC, I get to be up in the wil-
because of our tardiness in not fully lands that are pulling us together in- derness areas of Montana—we do that
funding the Land and Water Conserva- stead of dividing us. every August—where the area is crisp,
tion Fund, we have lost plenty of those Back in February, just a few months the air is clean.
ecosystems over the last 10 years, and ago, I sat down in the Roosevelt Room That is why, as Montana’s voice in
we will lose even more if we don’t get with Senator GARDNER, Leader MCCON- the U.S. Senate, I am standing here
this funding. NELL, and President Trump to see what today, fighting to bring this vote to
The future of our Nation’s wild it would take to get full, mandatory the floor and to make the Great Amer-
places hang in the balance, and we funding of the Land and Water Con- ican Outdoors Act a reality.
have something to do about it this servation Fund and how we can fix this Many folks may not understand the
week. We can fix it. So I would urge my maintenance backlog, which is plagu- importance of the Land and Water Con-
colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ing our national parks and our public servation Fund and what it means for
vote yes on the Great American Out- lands, across the finish line. Montana and States across our coun-
doors Act so that we can preserve our In fact, I shared several of Montana’s try. Let’s go over a few important
public lands for future generations, for Land and Water Conservation Fund facts.
our kids and our grandkids, just as funded projects and shared how vital The Land and Water Conservation
that visionary President Teddy Roo- this funding is for Montana and those Fund is critical for public access to
sevelt did for us. who visit. Seventy percent of our fish- public lands. As an avid outdoorsman,
I yield the floor. ing accesses in Montana are funded by a hunter, and a fly fisherman, I under-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- LWCF. stand the importance of our public
The President listened. I remember lands. This program helps connect
ator from Montana.
Mr. DAINES. Madam President, this he sat back in his chair. He commented trails. It funds over 70 percent of Mon-
month will forever mark a historic mo- how beautiful the landscapes were that
tana’s fishing access, and it does much
ment for conservation across this Na- he saw in these pictures. He said that
more than that. The Land and Water
we need to get this across the finish
tion when the U.S. Senate votes on one Conservation Fund provides certainty
line, and he said that he would sign it
of the most important conservation to land managers, sportsmen, and con-
into law as soon as we did so.
bills in decades. Protecting and preserving our public servation groups.
The Great American Outdoors Act The Land and Water Conservation
lands play a direct role in our Montana
isn’t just about tomorrow, next week, money invests in Montana’s outdoor
way of life. In fact, this picture is of
or even next year. This is a bipartisan economy, and it helps create jobs in
the Yellowstone River. It is not far
bill about the future of our children from Chico. I remember as a kid, back our rural and gateway communities.
and grandchildren, about legacy, about in the sixties, having church potlucks Let me tell you something. They are
their ability to enjoy and access our at Chico. struggling right now because our na-
great outdoors and our public lands. I remember in 1979 I took the family tional parks were closed for too long,
Standing here today, I can tell you Griswold station wagon, including the and they need this boost by getting
there aren’t too many issues, unfortu- brown veneer on the side of it—wood this passed.
nately, that bring both Republicans veneer—with several of my high school Speaking of the outdoor recreation
and Democrats together, but pro- classmates. That is where we had our economy, Montana contributes over $7
tecting our public lands for future gen- homecoming dance dinner, at Chico, billion and supports 71,000 jobs in Mon-
erations is something that brings us all just a few miles from where this pic- tana alone. In fact, 81 percent of Mon-
here together. ture was taken. tanans participate in outdoor recre-
Just yesterday, we saw a major bi- I have spent countless days hiking ation every year—81 percent. In fact,
partisan step forward to getting this the Beartooth Wilderness area, fishing every $1 million invested in the Land
bill across the finish line—an 80-to-17 the Gallatin and the Yellowstone, and Water Conservation Fund creates
vote to move forward with this impor- shown here, enjoying all of Montana’s between 16 and 30 jobs.
tant bill. great outdoors in every corner of our The Land and Water Conservation
Today, I am joining my Senate col- State with my sweet wife Cindy, our Fund costs the taxpayers nothing. Let
leagues on both sides of the aisle to four children, and our dogs Ruby and me say that again. It costs the tax-
share how important it is that we pass Reagan. payers nothing, and it promotes energy
the Great American Outdoors Act as In fact, take a look at some of these development. Now, here is the balance
soon as possible. photos. These are photos I have taken we need in our Nation: to continue to
Many may ask: Well, how is it, then, on my phone in some of Montana’s pub- develop energy independence and glob-
that we have finally built enough bi- lic lands. That is Ruby, and there is al energy dominance by developing
partisan momentum to get this across Reagan. This was up in the Beartooth American natural resources, and at the
the finish line? Well, over a year and a Wilderness area a few years ago. same time the revenues coming off of
half ago, my colleagues and I passed a In fact, I have another picture here, there are used for the Land and Water
historic bipartisan public lands pack- one of Ruby. We like to take our dogs Conservation Fund. Here is the balance
age that permanently authorized the along because this is wild country. between the two: promoting natural re-
Land and Water Conservation Fund—a This is country where there are a lot of source development and promoting
critical conservation program in Mon- grizzly bears, and having your dog conservation. This program is pri-
tana and across the country. along oftentimes can be a good deter- marily funded by oil and gas revenue,
In fact, as I am standing here, I am rent, along with some bear spray. and it makes conservation inextricably
looking across the Chamber at the There is Ruby up at what is called linked to a strong energy sector, which
CTELLI on DSK30NT082PROD with SENATE
ranking member of the Energy and the Mount Villard Spires. In fact, means the Land and Water Conserva-
Natural Resources Committee, Senator Granite Peak, the highest point in tion money is already paid for.
JOE MANCHIN of West Virginia. This is Montana, was one of the last summited Through the Forest Legacy side of
what it is all about in Washington. high points in the lower 48 when it was the Land and Water Conservation
This is what should be happening more climbed. Granite Peak is just around Fund, we will see the promotion of
and more. When Senators who sit on the corner. I summited that back dur- working forests to get our mills back
opposite sides of the Senate Chamber ing my college years. up and running and help support and
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S2780 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 9, 2020
create good-paying timber jobs. It will tably experienced a lot of wear and piece of legislation, the Great Amer-
do a much better job of managing our tear. We are fraying a lot on the edges. ican Outdoors Act, because the entire
national forests because we will thin While this is a good indicator that Nation benefits from it. Whether it be
them and reduce the risk of wildfires. folks around the world love to enjoy in West Virginia, Colorado, or Mon-
Perhaps you may have heard other- our parks in Montana, we must address tana, wherever it may be, our outdoor
wise, but this program actually helps the maintenance backlog to ensure resources is something that all of my
promote better land management. that folks continue to come and enjoy colleagues can enjoy because we all can
The Land and Water Conservation what we refer to in Montana as the visit and enjoy the great American
Fund acts as an important tool for land ‘‘Last Best Place.’’ If you look at some outdoors, if you will.
managers and agencies to address of these pictures, I think you might The strong support for the Great
checkerboard land ownership. I decided agree with me. American Outdoors Act is a testament
today to bring pictures of the beautiful Today, there is nearly $20 billion in of the importance of this legislation
landscapes in Montana. I could have maintenance backlog on our public and what it does. We have never had a
gotten a little more technical and lands, forests, wildlife refuges, and financial recovery, an economic recov-
showed the checkerboard nature of parks, and $12 billion of that is for our ery without infrastructure investments
land ownership in a place like Montana national parks, including $700 million in spending. We don’t have a better
and why we need LWCF to provide bet- in Glacier and Yellowstone National piece of legislation that does this. It is
ter access to our public lands. Because Parks and over $34 million in Mon- a win-win all the way around.
we have 1.5 million acres of Federal tana’s smaller national parks. More than 150,000 jobs will be created
land in Montana that is landlocked, Addressing this $12 billion backlog by this bill. I think every county in
Montana directly benefits from the through the Great American Outdoors America—I have 55 counties in West
Land and Water Conservation Fund Act will play a vital role in getting our Virginia. Every county in West Vir-
projects that work to consolidate land national parks back on track. This will ginia, basically, is receiving some sort
create jobs, support our gateway and of help from the LWCF. We have all
ownership. You will have a private end
been greatly impacted by this.
holding, you will have a State piece, rural communities, and enhance visitor
Today, I want to talk about the im-
and another Federal piece in this experience and safety.
pact that the Land and Water Con-
checkerboard nature, and by consoli- The restoration of our national parks
servation Fund has had on my home
dating it and working with willing sell- could generate over 100,000 additional
State of West Virginia. To date, 54 of
ers, we can make the overall landscape jobs at a time when our economy needs
the 55 counties have benefited, as I
management easier for agencies and that kind of boost. While this was an
said, from the Land and Water Con-
private landowners and provide better issue we have been working on for servation Fund. It is responsible for
access. years with Members on both sides of some of our most cherished outdoor
The Land and Water Conservation this infamous aisle, this is needed spaces in West Virginia. In fact, since
Fund supports locally driven solutions maybe now more than ever. 1965, $243 million has been spent to en-
from the ground up. These are collabo- Montanans are raised to love and re- hance recreation and conservation in
rative projects that have local support. spect the outdoors. Only once in a the Mountain State alone.
The LWCF is authorized at $900 million great while does such a historic piece The LWCF has supported projects at
annually. However, we aren’t seeing of conservation legislation come Canaan Valley National Wildlife Ref-
nearly that much appropriated from along—perhaps once every 50 years. It uge, Gauley River National Recreation
that fund every year. In fact, only is essential to protect and maintain ac- Area, New River Gorge—and this is the
twice, since it was enacted going back cess to these lands for future genera- New River Gorge. This is the New
to 1964, have we seen funding levels at tions. River. If you are in the eastern part of
$900 million, and that was the original It is my highest honor to serve the the United States and you haven’t
congressional intent. people of Montana in the U.S. Senate. floated on the New River or the
Let’s be clear. What we are doing I encourage my colleagues to join us in Gauley, you are missing a great oppor-
here by passing this bill is bringing it supporting this great piece of legisla- tunity. The scenery is unbelievable,
back to what Congress intended when tion, one that has helped bring a di- and floating through the rapids is
it was first originated back in the vided government together. something special. To float through
midsixties. Mandatory funding for the I believe it is a conservative principle there is an experience. I welcome and
Great American Outdoors Act would to conserve, and I will always continue recommend everyone to come visit at
create certainty for land managers fighting for that principle. I know I least once in your life the wild and
that the full $900 million goes toward and my colleagues here today are ready wonderful West Virginia on the New
this program every year moving for- to get this done. Montanans know what River and the Gauley River. The Land
ward. It is so important because some it takes to practice conservative prin- and Water Conservation Fund has also
of these complex checkerboard land ciples and work to conserve their pub- helped towns like Marlinton, WV.
ownership structures take many years lic lands. Now it is time for Congress to Mayor Sam Felton was able to turn a
to sort out. Now we have certainty. come together in a bipartisan way and vacant lot into the Discovery Junction,
If there is someplace with a lot of un- support the Great American Outdoors a multipurpose community gathering
certainty, it is the U.S. Congress. This Act. space, with the help of $86,000 from
removes one of those uncertainties I yield the floor. LWCF.
from Congress going forward. We must The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The fund is also important for our
not forget about the other critical as- ator from West Virginia. hunting community. Hunting is a way
pect of the Great American Outdoors Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, I of life. It is part of our culture. It is a
Act: addressing the maintenance back- thank my colleague Senator DAINES tradition that we all cherish and value.
log facing our national parks, our for- from Montana and all my colleagues, The Great American Outdoors Act will
ests, and our public lands. We are see- Democrats and Republicans. Everyone increase access to all Federal lands for
ing record levels of visitation in our has been so excited about getting up hunting and fishing all across the
public lands. and showing pictures of their beautiful country. A lack of access to Federal
As I think about our national parks, State. All of us—it is the United States inholdings is a problem, and I know
I call them our office of first impres- of America—every one of us has some- this has frustrated sportsmen for
sion. I believe they are what set us thing to be proud of and show off, and years.
CTELLI on DSK30NT082PROD with SENATE
apart from the rest of the world. Peo- the LWCF and restore our historic As the Congressman from Montana
ple come from all over the world to see parks bills will protect each and every has said, over 1.5 million acres is owned
our national parks. They are unique, one of them. in his State by the Federal Govern-
and it is part of the amazing American I have been in the Senate for almost ment, but all of it doesn’t have access.
experience. 10 years. I have not seen any piece of We are able to provide access now with
With this increased visitation every legislation that has brought us to- the funding that it will take from this
year, our park infrastructure has inevi- gether with more enthusiasm than this legislation.
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June 9, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2781
Another thing that is very important family and have a family outing, and cooks but not in this case. Senator
that has been mentioned, LWCF does also the history that goes with it and MANCHIN, because of his senior leader-
not use one iota of taxpayer dollars. who we are. ship on the Energy Committee and on
This is basically coming off of the roy- If we don’t know where we come this bill, has been really a bulwark in
alties of our offshore oil and gas reve- from, you don’t know where you are bringing it to this point. I thank him
nues. going, and the history we have in for that. He has been excellent about
I want to mention also that we have America is pretty special. Our national including all sorts of us in the bill.
some of our Senators whom we tried to parks represent that. Also, to have the We have an unusual assortment of
accommodate in this piece of legisla- access to the beautiful outdoors and U.S. Senators, outside sportsmen
tion. There are a few of the Senators the wonderful nature that we have with groups, conservation groups, the Presi-
whom I want to make a public commit- the LWCF funding, the $900 million a dent of the United States, and all of
ment that I will work, as ranking year, that is a legacy I am proud of. I the former Secretaries of the Depart-
member on the Energy and Natural Re- am proud that my children and my ment of the Interior from Babbitt to
sources Committee, to do everything I grandchildren and future generations Zinke, someone said, going alphabeti-
can to make sure we understand the would say that, hey, part of my family cally—we all support this bill that
needs of the coastal States and the res- was involved in this. We worked this came up last night with 80 different
toration and protection of our coastal hard. We worked together—and to see votes.
States as it is impacted by the chang- Democrats and Republicans in the Among those who deserve a lot of
ing environment. My commitment to most troubling time our country has credit is another Member of the U.S.
them is I will work diligently with my faced in many decades come together Senate who is also on the floor right
Southern States and also my Northern enthusiastically, being able to speak now, Mr. WARNER from Virginia. He be-
States for all of my coastal States. The and enjoy being with each other and came interested in this bill as soon as
Senator from Rhode Island has my talking about how we can get more of anyone. He may have been the first one
commitment, and the Senator from our colleagues involved and having a to put his toe in the water. He and Sen-
Louisiana has my commitment. We vote that we had last night, a vote of 80 ator PORTMAN from Ohio, they formed
will work to make sure they have the votes. a very strong team to bring this bill
needed funds it takes to protect their I see the Senator from Tennessee who forward.
coastline and all the work that they has worked so hard on our national Since then, Senators DAINES, GARD-
have done and all the assets that they parks and has one of the most beautiful NER, HEINRICH, and KING all have joined
have contributed to our great country national parks in his State that I am in, and then Senators MANCHIN and
and the value, as far as in their coastal proud of. I just can’t tell you how GARDNER, especially, have added the
States. We are going to make sure that much I think this piece of legislation Land and Water Conservation Fund. I
during the committee I will do every- means to all of us—100 Senators—in thank all of them for their leadership.
thing I can to make sure we have the this most challenging time that we I will speak just briefly about what
proper hearings and proper attention have in our country right now. we call the Great American Outdoors
for the changes that need to be made. West Virginia has approximately $62 bill, and I think it helps first to say
We were unable to put that in this million in deferred maintenance just what we are talking about. We are
piece of legislation, but I am com- for our little national park areas alone. talking about the Chilhowee camp-
mitted to help work through that, and This includes crumbling roads, bridges, ground on Chilhowee Mountain at the
I will do that. outdated wastewater plants, electrical edge of the Great Smoky Mountains
Because Federal lands are surrounded systems, and deteriorating monu- National Park in Tennessee. It was
by private lands, they can be essen- ments, which I know we are going to be closed for 2 or 3 years. Why? Because
tially inaccessible, and we have to able to start repairing. On average, 1.6 the sewage system didn’t work. So 500
make sure we have access. Hunting in million visitors enjoy our beautiful na- families who normally would use that
West Virginia is a time-honored tradi- tional parks in West Virginia every campground in the summer—go up
tion. As I have said, I have been a hun- year. From New River Gorge National there and have this majestic view of
ter my entire life, and I look forward River to Harpers Ferry National His- the highest mountains in the Eastern
to opening day in hunting season each torical Park, visitors to our national United States—didn’t have that possi-
year for all different types of game. I parks generate $73 million from the bility.
also enjoy fishing immensely. I don’t surrounding communities. This act, The Great Smoky Mountains has
think I have a better day than when I the Great American Outdoors Act, will about 12 million visitors a year. That is
am on the river or I am in the river ensure our national parks, forests, and three or four times as many as Yellow-
walking the streams for the trout that other Federal lands are well taken care stone does or any of the western parks
we have plentiful amounts of. It is of and remain accessible for everyone because it is in the East. It has $224
something I have handed down to my to enjoy. million of deferred maintenance like
children, my son, and my grandson. West Virginians take great pride in that campground. Its annual budget is
They all enjoy it. With this bill, we are our great outdoor playgrounds. We in- $20 million a year. So you don’t have to
going to be able to pass on this legacy. vite all of you—all of you—to come to have gone too far in mathematics in
When you think about spending time wild and wonderful West Virginia and the Maryville City School system to
in the U.S. Senate, most of us have enjoy everything we have to offer. We understand that it will probably take
been in public life for some time in thank you so much. I thank my staff 15, 20, 25 years, or never to be able to
other aspects. I have been honored to and the staff of the Energy and Natural get rid of the deferred maintenance in
serve in the State legislature as a Resources Committee, of which I am the Great Smoky Mountains National
member of the house and member of the ranking member, for working tire- Park, our most visited national park.
the State senate, and secretary of state lessly through the pandemic and Now, that is a massive disappoint-
and Governor of my great State, and through the virus to make sure we are ment to people who consider our na-
now representing them in the U.S. Sen- able to have a piece of legislation that tional parks as our greatest treasures,
ate. You want to leave a legacy, so you generations of Americans will be able to go there and find a campground
keep thinking what can I do that will to enjoy. closed, a bathroom that doesn’t work,
really make an impact on future gen- I yield the floor. a bridge that is closed, a road with a
erations. I can’t think that there is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- pothole, a trail that is worn out, and
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anything we can do that is going to be ator from Tennessee. visitor centers that are dilapidated, as
more impactful than what we are doing Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam President, they are in some of our centers around
today, working on this piece of legisla- while he is on the floor, I congratulate the country. This is what we are talk-
tion, the Great American Outdoors the Senator from West Virginia for his ing about.
Act, to be able to enjoy the great na- leadership. Sometimes he says too This is what we are talking about.
tional parks that we have throughout many cooks spoil the pot or whatever We are talking about deferred mainte-
this country, to be able to take your the phrase is. There could be too many nance, things that are broken and
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S2782 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 9, 2020
don’t work and interfere with the abil- chaired and Gil Grosvenor from the Na- States before we give it to the Federal
ity of the American people to go out- tional Geographic was the cochairman. Government.
doors. Of all the times in our recent The No. 1 recommendation for Presi- So, if I am walking down Broadway
history when people would like to go dent Reagan’s Commission on Ameri- in Maryville, TN, where I am from, and
outdoors, it would be right now, just to cans Outdoors was to permanently fund I am trying to say to them ‘‘Where
get out of the house and get away. Of the Land and Water Conservation does this come from?’’ we would say
all the times when we need some extra Fund. This bill does that. We perma- that we use real money. We use money
jobs, it would be right now, when we nently authorized it earlier in this from energy exploration on Federal
have 14 percent of the people in Ten- Congress. This year we will perma- lands. We are going to use it for 5
nessee out of work. Some of them could nently fund it. years—in the case of everything but
go to work on the roads and the bridges The second part is to restore our the Land and Water Conservation Fund
and the trails and the potholes and the parks and our public lands. In that for 5 years. If we don’t have the money,
sewage systems and the other things case, as I just described, whether it is we don’t spend it. If we do have the
that need to be fixed, if we had the the national parks or the fishing or the money, we do spend it.
money. access roads or the bridges or other As a result of that, we are going to be
So that is the first thing this bill is rundown and worn-out trails or build- able to fix those broken bridges, those
about. It is about the deferred mainte- ings or sewage systems, at the rate we sewage systems, those dilapidated vis-
nance in the national parks—but not are going, it will take about 15 to 20 itor centers, those roads with potholes,
just in the national parks. With Presi- years, maybe longer—maybe never—to those trails that are worn out. Instead
dent Trump’s enthusiastic support, we finish all that deferred maintenance, of maybe never fixing them or doing
have added to the bill, as it has made but, with this bill, we should reduce them at a rate of 20 or 25 years, we will
its way through the Senate, other pub- that substantially. be able to cut in half that deferred
lic lands; for example, the Fish and The idea is to take about up to $14 maintenance backlog and reduce sub-
Wildlife Service lands, the U.S. Forest billion over 5 years and use it to pay stantially the time it takes to make
Service lands, the Bureau of Land Man- for deferred maintenance. Now, how do these public lands the kinds of lands
agement lands, and the Bureau of In- we pay for that? Well, we pay for it that all of us expect when we go to
dian Education schools. There are lots with real money. We pay for it with visit.
of Indian schools that are rundown and earnings from energy exploration on So I am delighted to be in full sup-
need to be fixed. Federal lands. port of this. I thank Senator WARNER,
All of those are part of this bill, Now, this is not a new concept. As I Senator PORTMAN, and all the others
which is why, among the 800 organiza- mentioned, the Land and Water Con- who have worked so hard on it. I hope
tions—800 outside groups—who have servation Fund put that into law in that the vote we had last night, with 80
called all of us and asked us to vote 1964: environmental burden, environ- Senators of both parties in support of
last night, among the most enthusi- mental benefit. It is also not a new moving ahead with the bill, signals
astic are the fishermen and the sports- concept for all the coastal States in that, as we go through the other proce-
men—the Ducks Unlimited, our country because we take money—I dural efforts this week, we will have
headquartered in Memphis. They are think it is 27 percent of the money we significant bipartisan support, send it
really for this bill because we want to get from drilling just off the coastal to the House where an identical bill is
use the public lands. We want them States—and we give it to those States. being introduced, and send it to the
preserved. Fishermen want access to We also take some money from drill- President.
their streams. Tourists want to be able ing in what we call an area beyond the President Trump is fully in support
to drive to the top of Newfound Gap in 3-mile limit for southern States and of it. In fact, without him and his Of-
the Great Smoky Mountains or to see give them 37 percent of that money. We fice of Management and Budget, we
the Grand Canyon or to visit Pearl also take some money from drilling, wouldn’t have a chance to do it.
Harbor or to walk on the National say, in Wyoming and give Wyoming 50 More than 21⁄2 years ago, Secretary
Mall. All of these are part of our de- percent of that money—or in Alaska, 90 Zinke, a big fellow from Montana who
ferred maintenance problem. percent of that money. was the Interior Secretary, came down
So there are two parts to the bill. The difference is, we do all of that be- to Tennessee and asked me if I would
The first is the Land and Water Con- fore we give the rest to the Treasury. get involved in this because it was so
servation Fund. Now, this is a fund So the idea that we are spending real important. He said that he had talked
that was created in 1964. It was a pret- money from energy drilling in a new to Mick Mulvaney, who was then in the
ty good idea, I have always thought. and different way is stretching it a lit- Office of Management and Budget, and
You take an environmental burden— tle bit because we already spend a lot to the President and they wanted it
drilling offshore for oil and gas—and of money that we earn from energy ex- done.
you create an environmental benefit— ploration on Federal lands by giving it So I got involved. I found myself in
take some of the money and use it to to States before we give the rest of it pretty good company with Senator
buy treasured lands. to the Treasury. The difference here is, WARNER and a lot of other folks, and
Senator DAINES of Montana points after we give the rest of it to the here we are today. So I hope we have
out that 80 percent of the access to Treasury, we are going to take half of great success with this bill. I know the
good fishing in Montana comes with that for 5 years and use it for deferred people of Tennessee are looking for-
funding for the Land and Water Con- maintenance. Senator PORTMAN, who ward to it.
servation Fund. So for 64 years we have used to be Director of the Office of I would be remiss if I didn’t point
had some money come through Con- Management and Budget, calls it using out—I pointed out that, with the
gress for the Land and Water Conserva- real money to reduce an unpaid debt. Smokies, our backlog is about $224 mil-
tion Fund, but—the problem is—not all Now, it is absolutely true that the lion, and our annual budget is about $20
of the money that Congress intended, way the Congressional Budget Office million, so we will never get the back-
because in 1964 Congress said, Set aside looks at that, it is not offset. But there log fixed if we don’t pass a bill like this
a certain amount of money, about $900 is a difference of opinion here. Presi- or this bill.
million, for the Land and Water Con- dent Trump looks at it in a different The same applies to other public
servation Fund, put it in the Treasury, way. He thinks it is real money for de- lands in our State. The Cherokee Na-
and then spend it for this purpose: half ferred maintenance. The Office of Man- tional Forest, which is the largest
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to the States for their land acquisition agement and Budget disagrees with the piece of public land in Tennessee, will
and half to the Federal Government. Congressional Budget Office. They ap- get help with their $27 million mainte-
But Congress didn’t ever appropriate prove this spending. The President’s nance backlog to make sure their ac-
all that money. budget includes this spending. cess roads and trails are kept open for
We took that back up in 1985 and 1986 We are spending, as I said earlier, 3 million visitors each year. That is
with President Reagan’s Commission money that we already—the same kind about as many visitors as many of our
on Americans Outdoors, which I of money we spend that we give to most popular western parks have.
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June 9, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2783
The Tennessee National Wildlife Ref- are blessed with a number of historic ferred maintenance projects within the
uge will get help with their $8.4 million battlefields and other historic sites. We agency.
maintenance backlog to make sure the have some of the parkland roads, the This represents one of the largest—if
hunters and fishers can safely use the parkways—in Northern Virginia, the not the largest—investments in infra-
boat ramps and the boat docks. George Washington Memorial Parkway structure in our national parks in the
I yield the floor. that I come to work here in the Capitol over 100-year history of the National
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. on every day, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Park Service.
CRUZ). The Senator from Virginia. the Colonial Parkway. We have over In addition to preserving our na-
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, the $1.1 billion of that backlog, and this tional treasures for future generations
timing has worked out pretty well. It legislation is so critically important. to enjoy, this legislation will also cre-
is great to be able to speak on this The legislation, it has been men- ate tens of thousands of jobs across the
piece of legislation after my friend the tioned, represents the most significant country and provide a positive eco-
Senator from Tennessee has just com- investment in our public lands in a nomic impact for those gateway com-
pleted speaking. generation, and I believe, at this mo- munities.
We were hearing some, I think, clas- ment in time, something critically im- The Senator from Tennessee men-
sic legislating coming from Senator portant as well: a job creator in our tioned Chilhowee in Tennessee. We
ALEXANDER. He was very generous in outdoor economy. have a Chilhowee in Southwest Vir-
his compliments to Senator MANCHIN, The Great American Outdoors Act ginia as well. Those gateway commu-
to me, to Senator PORTMAN, to Senator will provide up to $9.5 billion over 5 nities depend on our national parks.
DAINES, and to Senator GARDNER, but years to address not only the deferred As a matter of fact, a recent study by
we all know that we wouldn’t be here maintenance and backlogs at the Na- the National Park Service indicates
on the cusp of passing the most signifi- tional Park Service but other Federal that the Great American Outdoors Act
cant piece of environmental outdoor will actually support over 100,000 jobs
land agencies as well. This is the kind
lands legislation in a generation or, for and contribute $17.5 billion in total
of mastery of Senator ALEXANDER in
that matter, in 50 years if it hadn’t economic output through this legisla-
combining the two pieces of legisla-
been for the leadership of Senator tion. In Virginia alone, that means
tion.
ALEXANDER from Tennessee. The bill also finally provides full and over 10,000 jobs could be created by
So many of us who have had an op- eliminating this maintenance backlog.
mandatory funding for the Land and
portunity to work with him and be- Let me give you a few examples that
Water Conservation Fund. It has been a
are a more parochial basis of what that
come friends with him over his years in long road getting to this point, but I will mean in Virginia. Here in the na-
the Senate have tried to emulate him am thrilled that we are finally at this tional capital region, the George Wash-
at times and listen to him all the time. moment in time on this important, job- ington Memorial Parkway, which is
He is a Senator I wish we had more of creating legislation that is also pre- managed by the National Park Service,
in this Senate, who says more often serving the legacy that God granted has over $700 million in deferred main-
than not: Let’s not worry about who this country in terms of the outdoors, tenance. As a matter of fact, anyone
gets the credit; let’s just see if we can in terms of our history. This is really a who travels on that road knows that,
get some things done. gift to our kids, grandkids, and future north of the Theodore Roosevelt
There were two pieces of legislation generations. Bridge, we actually had a sinkhole ap-
that had to come together. There was Now, many of us have indicated how pear in the parkway within the last
the challenge of getting the adminis- we got here, and I am going to add my year—an enormous safety threat as
tration in, the challenge that we had, voice as well. Years of chronic under- well as a huge inconvenience to the
at one point, too many Democrats and funding has forced the Park Service to traveling public.
maybe not enough Republicans, and it defer maintenance on countless trails, Our legislation would help rebuild
was Senator ALEXANDER who kind of buildings, and historic structures, as this critical transportation route be-
guided us through this—at least from well as thousands of miles of roads and tween Virginia, Washington, and Mary-
the parks side—3-year journey. bridges. land—again, reducing traffic and cre-
I just want to publicly acknowledge So today, the National Park Service ating jobs.
his enormous leadership on this piece faces a deferred maintenance backlog I mentioned that in Virginia we are
of legislation, thank him for his friend- of over $12 billion. As a matter of fact, blessed with a number of historic bat-
ship, and thank him for the great work over half of all Park Service assets are tlefields. The Richmond National Bat-
that he has done garnering, as well, the currently in desperate need of repairs. tlefield Park has over $5 million in de-
over 800-plus environmental groups As I mentioned, in Virginia alone, ferred maintenance, and the nearby Pe-
that have come to support this legisla- the deferred maintenance backlog sits tersburg National Battlefield has near-
tion. I know that my friend the Sen- at over $1.1 billion. That means, in Vir- ly $9 million in deferred maintenance.
ator from Tennessee is not going to ginia, we trail only the District of Co- Our legislation would help preserve
stand for reelection, and I know he will lumbia and California in terms of juris- these important pieces of our heritage
have many, many legacy items from dictions in total backlog. while also supporting the local econo-
his tenure in the Senate, but I believe To address this growing problem in mies. At the Shenandoah National
this Great American Outdoors Act will Virginia and across the country, 3 Park, one of the crown jewels of the
rank in the top three or top five of his years ago Senator ALEXANDER, Senator National Park Service, the mainte-
legislative accomplishments in that PORTMAN, my good friend Senator nance backlog sits at $90 million.
kind of quiet ‘‘Let’s not worry about ANGUS KING, and I introduced the origi- Our legislation will put people to
whose name is first on the bill, but nal legislation, the Restore Our Parks work on these overdue repairs, includ-
let’s just get it done’’ way that is play- Act, which would provide significant ing Skyline Drive and stretches of the
ing out this week, as we saw last night funds to the Park Service to reduce its Appalachian Trail, which are, again, at
with a remarkable, remarkable 84 maintenance backlog and utilize unob- the heart of Virginia’s outdoor tourism
votes. ligated energy resources. industry.
It may not end up with 84 votes on In March, our bill was combined with As you head further southwest in
the final passage, but, again, the path Senator GARDNER and Senator Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway has
to get here has been a fascinating one MANCHIN’s LWCF legislation to form accumulated over $508 million in de-
and one that I have learned from. So I the Great American Outdoors Act. This ferred maintenance needs. That is over
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do want to rise to join all of the col- bill on the floor today will provide, as $1 million per mile of the parkway. The
leagues I have mentioned and others in I indicated, up to $6.65 billion over 5 Great American Outdoors Act would
support of the Great American Out- years to restore and repair our na- put Virginians to work on these repairs
doors Act. tional parks. That is enough to address so that visitors can continue to appre-
I got involved in this issue over 3 more than half of the currently de- ciate the beauty of the Appalachian
years ago. We, in Virginia, are blessed ferred maintenance backlog and com- Highlands in support, again, of the
with a lot of great national parks. We pletely fund the highest priority de- local economy.
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S2784 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 9, 2020
I will just give you one final exam- of Staff of the U.S. Air Force—Gen. as a chief in our military’s history. I
ple—the Colonial National Historical C.Q. Brown. I will be voting for General have known General Brown for some
Park, which is home to Historic Brown because he is the right man, at time, but I was actually surprised when
Jamestowne and the Yorktown Battle- the right time, for this very important I realized this. Colin Powell was Chair-
field. At this park, containing some of job. Let me explain why. man of the Joint Chiefs and did an
our Nation’s most significant sites—be- General Brown has an impressive amazing job, but we have not had an
ginning our Nation and the birth of our academic record and a sterling record African-American serve as chief in any
Nation in terms of the revolution— of service to our great Nation and, of other services in the history of the
there are deferred maintenance needs course, to the U.S. Air Force. He is a United States.
totaling over $433 million. distinguished graduate of the Armed I think that is very important right
With this legislation, the wait on Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, now. In many ways, this is a historic
these repairs is over. We are going to with a bachelor of science degree in nomination, particularly, as our coun-
create jobs and make sure this impor- civil engineering from Texas Tech—the try is roiling over the killing of George
tant part of our history is around for Presiding Officer might like that—as Floyd and the protests that are taking
years to come. well as a master’s degree in aero- place—peacefully now, which is great—
In addition to securing these funds nautical science from Embry-Riddle to demand justice for him and his fam-
for the Park Service and other public Aeronautical University. ily, and as we look at some of the chal-
lands, the Great American Outdoors Currently, General Brown is the com- lenges we have in our Nation with re-
Act also provides the full mandatory manding officer—the four-star gen- gard countering racism across Amer-
funding for the Land and Water Con- eral—in charge of Pacific Air Forces, ica.
servation Fund. all Pacific Air Forces. Of course, Mr. In a very moving video address last
LWCF is the most important tool the President, you know that is really im- week, General Brown recently talked
Federal Government and States have portant because he is literally on the about what is on his mind in terms of
to conserve natural areas, water re- frontlines in implementing the na- some of these challenges. He talks
sources, and cultural heritage, and ex- tional defense strategy, which has a about many of the things that are on
pand recreation opportunities to all focus on great power competition, par- his mind, many aspects of his career. It
communities. ticularly China, as the pacing threat to is very powerful. I would recommend
Over the past four decades, Virginia our Nation for the next 50 to 100 years. that people who care about these issues
has received over $360 million in LWCF General Brown is in that battle right take a look at that very powerful
funding that has been used to preserve now, frontlines, every day, in his cur- speech. He said that he was thinking
critical places in the Commonwealth, rent billing. That is really important. about the conversations his wife of 31
like the Rappahannock River Valley Prior to being commander of the Pa- years, Sharene, and his two sons, Sean
and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge cific Air Forces, he was the deputy and Ross, have had on these times re-
and the Appalachian National Scenic commander of U.S. Central Command cently but, also, the immense responsi-
Trail. for 2 years. He knows all about the na- bility that comes from his historic
With full funding from the LWCF, we tional security challenges that we have nomination. He was thinking, of
will be able to conserve additional crit- from that region of the world, which course, about how he could make our
ical lands in the Commonwealth and are still very significant—particularly country better for others from a na-
provide more recreational opportuni- violent extremist organizations, like tional security standpoint and with re-
ties for Virginians from the coalfields al-Qaida and ISIS—that continue to gard to other issues.
to the Chesapeake Bay and everywhere threaten the United States. Think about that. That is a tremen-
in between. From 2015 to 2016, he served as the dous weight for anyone to carry, but I
In closing, I urge my colleagues to U.S. Air Force’s Central Command firmly believe that General Brown’s
support this historic legislation that Combined Force Air Component Com- shoulders are broad and strong enough
will help restore our national parks mander, where he oversaw the stra- to carry this weight.
and public lands, create tens of thou- tegic bombing campaigns against ISIS I am going to be voting enthusiasti-
sands of jobs across the country, and in Iraq and Syria, as well as operations cally yes with regard to the vote we
expand recreation opportunities for against insurgent groups in Afghani- are going to take at 2:15 this afternoon.
millions of Americans. This bipartisan stan. I want to encourage all of my col-
piece of legislation, which also has the With a record like that—pretty re- leagues to vote yes, to have a 100-to-0
support of the administration, is legis- markable—he understands the threats vote for this important, impressive
lation whose time has arrived. I look we are currently facing. He under- nomination to be the Chief of Staff of
forward to its successful passage later stands the big challenges we are seeing the U.S. Air Force.
this week. over the horizon with regard to China. I yield the floor.
With that, I yield the floor. And he is ready to lead the Air Force f
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to take on those threats as a member
clerk will call the roll. of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. RECESS
The bill clerk proceeded to call the The Secretary of the Air Force, Bar- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under
roll. bara Barrett, said of General Brown: the previous order, the Senate stands
Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I ask He has unmatched strategic vision and in recess until 2:15 p.m.
unanimous consent that the order for operational expertise. His leadership will be Thereupon, the Senate, at 12:32 p.m.,
the quorum call be rescinded. instrumental as the service continues to recessed until 2:16 p.m. and reassem-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without focus on the capabilities and talent we need bled when called to order by the Pre-
objection, it is so ordered. to implement the National Defense Strategy.
siding Officer (Mrs. CAPITO).
Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I ask That is the Secretary of the Air f
unanimous consent that if my remarks Force on Gen. C.Q. Brown.
go over the time for the recess at 12:30 In my conversations with him, I cer- EXECUTIVE SESSION
that they be allowed to extend beyond tainly believe these qualities, these
that. characteristics, the Secretary of the
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Air Force describes to certainly be EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
objection, it is so ordered. true. I have had many good conversa- The VICE PRESIDENT. Under the
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NOMINATION OF CHARLES Q. BROWN tions with him on strategy, on stra- previous order, the Senate will proceed
Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, this tegic basing, including in the Asia-Pa- to executive session to consider the fol-
is going to be a historic day for the cific region, and I am very confident lowing nomination, which the clerk
U.S. Senate, as we come to the floor that, again, he is the right person for will report.
after the recess, after lunch here, to be the right job at this moment. The senior assistant legislative clerk
voting on the confirmation of Gen. I also want to mention that he will read the nomination of General Charles
Charles Q. Brown, Jr., to be the Chief be the first African-American to serve Q. Brown, Jr., for appointment as Chief
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