Congressional Record, Senate, April 7, 2022, Page S2062
Summary
A page of the Congressional Record, Senate, dated April 7, 2022, at page S2062. A Senator speaking for Georgia says Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is beyond qualified, citing support from organizations from the American Bar Association to those representing law enforcement officers, and says she is voting to confirm her to the Supreme Court. Ms. Hassan, under a unanimous consent request on S. 3609, urges colleagues to pass legislation to bring down oil and gas costs. Another speaker calls the proposed gas tax holiday a political gimmick and quotes Larry Summers in a Wall Street Journal podcast, and blames the administration's policies for a more than 40-percent increase in gas prices. The remarks are the speakers' own.
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“Congressional Record, Senate, April 7, 2022, Page S2062.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2022-04-07-crec-2022-04-07-pt1-pgs2062-bda574c979/
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S2062 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 7, 2022
of critical stakeholders from across our Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is be- sure on gas prices, but the problem is
justice system. From the American Bar yond qualified, and I am beyond that this administration’s policies have
Association to those who advocate for thrilled to speak for Georgia in voting dramatically reduced the supply in the
civil rights, to organizations rep- to confirm her to the U.S. Supreme United States and Americans across
resenting our Nation’s brave law en- Court. this country know how supply and de-
forcement officers, all of them respect I yield the floor. mand impacts price.
Ketanji Brown Jackson. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The gas tax holiday that is now being
She is a wife and a working mom. ator from New Hampshire. proposed is not a solution; it is a polit-
She is America at its best. That, I be- UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 3609 ical gimmick that would not stop sky-
lieve in my heart after meeting with Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, while rocketing gas prices or inflation. In
her in my office, talking to folks whom we all gather to acknowledge this his- fact, Larry Summers said in a Wall
I trust who know her, and hearing her toric day and prepare to vote to—in my Street Journal podcast:
testimony before the Senate Judiciary case, at least—confirm Judge Jackson, I think a gas tax idea is saved only by its
Committee. I rise to bring up another issue. I rise triviality from being one of the worst public
Under intense questioning before the today to urge my colleagues to pass policy ideas of the decade. It will have little
committee—much of it appropriate and effect over any reasonable horizon on gas
into law commonsense legislation to prices. It will be counterproductive from an
necessary; some of it outrageous and bring down oil and gas costs for Ameri-
beyond the pale—she demonstrated her environmental point of view. It is the ulti-
cans. mate policy gimmick.
legal acumen, sharp intellect, and the As many of my colleagues have dis-
kind of temperament we need on the Rather than accept responsibility for
cussed on this floor, Americans across 14 months of reckless spending or the
Bench, especially at a time like this. If the country, including in my State of
there were any doubts about her char- more than 40-percent increase in gas
New Hampshire, are facing higher costs prices that had already occurred before
acter, she more than proved her poise, from the grocery store to the gas
her skill, composure, and the depth of the Russian invasion, Democrats want
pump. As we work together to build a to blame higher gas prices on the Rus-
her patriotism through the process— stronger, more resilient economy that
amazing grace under pressure. sian invasion or corporate greed. They
strengthens our supply chains and in- also want to ignore the consequences of
As a voice for Georgians in the Sen-
vests in American manufacturing, we their relentless attacks on the Amer-
ate, I have said from the beginning
must also bring relief to American ican oil and gas industry, the adminis-
that people in my State want someone
families right now, an issue that has tration’s overly bureaucratic permit
on the Court who is fair, eminently
become even more urgent in the wake and regulatory process for domestic en-
qualified, and has a record of pro-
of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which ergy production, and the misguided
tecting the constitutional rights and
freedoms of Georgians and Americans. has sent gas prices soaring. policy decisions like canceling the
As we continue to counter Putin’s Keystone XL Pipeline.
That is why my office has received
aggression and inflationary challenges The solution to rising gas prices is
thousands of emails and phone calls
facing our economy, we have an obliga- not a tax holiday, which would offer
from Georgians in every corner of our
tion to work together to bring down little relief but threaten infrastructure
State voicing their support for Judge
Jackson’s confirmation. costs. investments and worsen our national
After hearing from Georgians and That is why I am working to hold Big debt situation; nor is the solution a tax
thoroughly evaluating her nomination, Oil accountable for profiting off of the on American companies who increase
I am ecstatic to say that Judge Jack- pain that Americans are experiencing their production of oil and gas to try to
son is an excellent jurist who has the at the pump. That is why I pushed the help us become more energy inde-
temperament and discernment to sit on administration to release oil from the pendent; nor is it stimulus checks,
our Nation’s highest Court. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, an action which have the potential, as the past
The people of Georgia made this ap- I was glad to see the administration ones have, to increase gas prices even
pointment possible by making history take, again, just last week. As we look further and push inflation even higher;
last year. So in addition to thanking at all options to bring down costs, one nor is it to encourage other hostile re-
Georgia for this moment, I want to ac- clear way to provide immediate relief gimes to produce more oil.
knowledge that the historic nature of is by suspending the gas tax for the re- The only lasting solution to our cur-
her appointment isn’t lost on me. Like mainder of this year. rent problems is to bolster American
my brother Senator BOOKER, I know Earlier this year, my colleagues and oil and gas production to replace not
what it has taken for Judge Jackson to I introduced a bill to do exactly that. only Russian imports but to facilitate
get to this moment, and nobody is The Gas Prices Relief Act will tempo- exports to support our allies and end
going to steal my joy. rarily suspend the Federal gas tax their dependence on Russia. Indeed, I,
Yes, I am a Senator; I am a pastor, through the end of the year, helping along with a number of my Republican
but beyond all of that, I am the father bring economic relief to families. colleagues, have sponsored proposals to
of a young Black girl. I know how As in legislative session, I ask unani- enhance energy independence and undo
much it means for Judge Jackson to mous consent that the Finance Com- many of President Biden’s misguided
have navigated the double jeopardy of mittee be discharged and the Senate energy policies.
racism and sexism to now stand in the proceed to the immediate consider- Republicans believe we can and
glory of this moment in all of her ex- ation of S. 3609; that the bill be consid- should be doing more to unleash Amer-
cellence. For my 5-year-old daughter ered read a third time and passed and ica’s domestic energy potential, reduce
and for so many young women in our that the motions to reconsider be con- reliance on volatile foreign actors like
country—but, really, if we are thinking sidered made and laid upon the table. Russia, and deliver cost savings to mid-
about it right, for all of us—seeing The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there dle-class families across the country.
Judge Jackson ascend to the Supreme objection? Hard-working American families need
Court reflects the promise of progress The Senator from Idaho. real relief, not political gimmicks, and
on which our democracy rests. Mr. CRAPO. Reserving my right to that is why I oppose this gas tax holi-
So what a great day it is in America. object, let me begin by saying my day.
Today, the word of justice and equal friends and colleagues across the aisle I urge my Democratic colleagues to
protection under the law becomes flesh are right about one thing: Gas prices abandon the reckless spending-and-tax
are incredibly higher right now in this
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE
and lives among us in new ways. policies that have already failed but
Today, at the highest levels of our gov- country. which seem to be contemplated in the
ernment, the administration of our The effort to blame this on what has President’s newly reintroduced budget
Constitution looks a little bit more happened in Ukraine, however, over- and support proposals that will actu-
like what it says. And it fills me with looks the real cause of the phenomenal ally lower prices for everyday Ameri-
great pride for our country, how far we rise in gas prices that we have seen for cans. For those reasons, I object.
have come and what we can achieve to- a year before Putin even invaded. Defi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec-
gether. nitely, the invasion did increase pres- tion is heard.
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April 7, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2063
Ms. HASSAN. Before I wrap up, I just parent should have to choose their charter schools, we have one message
want to point out what you just child’s school. to Secretary of Education Cardona:
heard—what the American people have The U.S. Department of Education Back off of our charter schools.
just heard—is talking points straight has decided to disregard what is in the TRIBUTE TO ROBERT J. WRIGHT
out of Big Oil’s playbook. best interest of the student with a new Mr. President, I want to take a mo-
A gas tax holiday is a commonsense proposed rule that adds new require- ment to recognize the career of a be-
solution that would provide immediate ments for applicants completely unre- loved and trusted Louisiana journalist,
relief for Granite Staters and Ameri- lated to student outcomes. Applicants radio host, and friend to all, Robert J.
cans all over the country. Big Oil holds would have to demonstrate an unmet Wright of Shreveport, LA. After 50
thousands of unused permits at their need for a charter school, provide evi- years of radio, Robert announced he re-
fingertips that they could use right dence of overenrollment at existing tires later this month. His last day is
now to increase supply. Instead, what public schools in order to establish a Friday, April 29, 1 day after his 70th
is happening is Big Oil is padding its charter school. birthday—a well-earned retirement.
pockets at the expense of Americans. It seems as if the Department of Edu- Robert is a masterful storyteller and a
Let’s be clear. This would not take a cation is putting up arbitrary barriers critical thinker, always finding the
dime out of the highway trust fund be- to opening a charter school simply out other side of a story. He has been a
cause this bill instructs Treasury to re- of prejudice. They don’t want the par- voice of reason and always looking for
plenish the trust fund, something it ent to have the power. the truth. He took his first job in radio
has done half a dozen times in about Our country’s charter schools are while attending LSU Shreveport. As he
the last decade. This is something that under threat from the far left and from says: ‘‘It was indoors, and you didn’t
has bipartisan support across the coun- teachers unions who seek to shut them have to carry stuff’’—about as good a
try—Democratic and Republican Gov- down because charter school staffs are summary of a good job as you could
ernors, Democratic and Republican leg- difficult to unionize. ever ask.
islators are moving to suspend their Now, these unions know it is much He went on to host morning shows in
gas taxes. This is something we could harder to spread their influence in Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Orlando
do right now to help American families charter schools; and in some cases, it before eventually moving back to
balance their budgets and make ends is, frankly, impossible for a charter Shreveport in 1996. That is when he
meet. school to unionize. And the giant first teamed up with his long-term
While I am disappointed to see my unions see this as a simple problem. cohost, Erin McCarty, to start their
colleague block this critical legisla- They know the more charter schools morning show that has been a part of
tion, I will keep working to bring down there are, the less revenue they get. So Northwest Louisiana’s morning com-
costs for American families and get their solution is equally as simple, mute for over 25 years.
this bill passed. take power away from parents with He and McCarty moved their show
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- and has been the ‘‘Townsquare’’ of
layers of new bureaucracy and govern-
jority leader. Shreveport on KEEL ever since. To say
ment regulation. We should not let
UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT—EXECUTIVE that he will be missed is an understate-
CALENDAR
that happen.
And let’s just put this in perspective. ment. Their show has been as much a
Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask part of many in Northwest Louisiana’s
Since the pandemic began, it has been
unanimous consent that all postcloture daily routine as a morning cup of cof-
public charter schools that have seen a
time on the Jackson nomination expire fee. When you interview with Robert, it
substantial increase in demand. They
at 1:45 p.m. today. is clear you are speaking with someone
For the information of the Senate, opened up sooner, and they stayed open
in larger numbers than traditional pub- who cares about the issues facing his
there will be a rollcall vote at 1:45 p.m. community, just as much as usual. He
today on confirmation of the nomina- lic schools. And we know that open
schools are better for children. Parents has earned the time and trust of his lis-
tion of Ketanji Brown Jackson to be an teners.
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court should have the power to send their
So congratulations to Robert J.
of the United States. Senators are en- child to a school where they feel like
Wright on an impressive and meaning-
couraged to be seated prior to the start they, the parent, have a voice, and
ful career. Robert, I can tell you there
of the vote and are encouraged to cast where they know their child is more
are many who are pretty upset about
their vote from their desks. likely to succeed.
this news, and that is a testament to
I yield the floor. Now, let’s be clear who this rule is
the positive impact you have had on
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. written for—not for the parent and not
our community.
KING). The Senator from Louisiana. for the child. It is not written to help Robert, we of Louisiana wish you a
CHARTER SCHOOLS the student. It is written to help happy and well-earned retirement.
Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, I rise unions exercise more control over a I yield the floor.
to speak about saving school choice or, student’s life. This rule makes no men- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
perhaps, parental choice. tion of how many of these new restric- ator for Iowa.
Some students learn differently than tions improve student achievement or NOMINATION OF KETANJI BROWN JACKSON
others do. I am the parent of a child actually help students. And at a time Mr. GRASSLEY. Soon, we will be
with dyslexia. I can tell you that any when students are falling behind in voting on Judge Jackson’s nomination,
such parent knows one-size-fits-all edu- record numbers, we need new and inno- and I would like to explain why I am
cation does not work. vative approaches to our education sys- voting against her appointment to the
Parents and students should have the tem, not just hand the keys over to a Supreme Court.
ability to choose the learning environ- special interest group. The truth is, Since the White House announced
ment that is best for that child, and I these rules give less choice to families, Judge Jackson’s nomination, I have
think the parent can make the choice will hold students back, and do more emphasized the need for a thorough
better than the school board and cer- harm than good. and fair process. Unfortunately, the
tainly better than bureaucrats in the Now, the charter school program has majority party weren’t concerned
Department of Education here in Wash- enjoyed bipartisan support for nearly about the rigorous examination of her
ington, DC. 30 years. Any substantial change to the record. The White House and the ma-
The charter school program was cre- program should go through Congress jority party have shielded important
and receive thoughtful consideration.
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE
ated by Congress for that exact pur- information. We don’t have any non-
pose: To ensure that parents could And parent choice for the school their public document from her time at the
choose what is best for their child. child attends should not be gutted by Sentencing Commission, and the
Power to the parent. Giving parents an informal committee of union em- Obama White House held back more
the power is crucial to allowing every ployees and education department offi- than 48,000 pages.
student to succeed. cials. Judge Jackson also gave the White
Unfortunately, there are groups Those of us who care about the stu- House confidential, nonpublic proba-
working to undermine the power the dent, those of us who see the role of tion recommendations for some of her
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