Congressional Record, Senate — December 6, 2022, S6976
Summary
This is S6976 of the Congressional Record, Senate, December 6, 2022, containing floor remarks by a speaker whose name is not printed on this page. The speaker states that Congress has passed the defense authorization legislation for 61 years in a row, criticizes the American Rescue Plan as costing taxpayers $1.9 trillion and the Inflation Reduction Act as not reducing inflation, and discusses the Federal Reserve and spending as two components of tackling inflation. Under the heading Government Funding, the speaker states that a bill of almost $1.7 trillion is being negotiated behind closed doors by the leadership. The remarks also refer to Finland and Sweden seeking to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and to threats from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
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“Congressional Record, Senate — December 6, 2022, S6976.”
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S6976 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2022
Ukraine by Vladimir Putin, now Fin- For the past 61 years in a row—61 ican Rescue Plan, which included a
land and Sweden have said they want years—Congress has managed to over- long list of progressive social policies.
to become part of the North Atlantic come partisan differences and pass this That bill cost taxpayers $1.9 trillion—
Treaty Organization, which is cer- legislation. I hope that will continue party-line vote, borrowed money that
tainly not what Mr. Putin con- this year, but I am becoming more and somebody is going to have to pay off
templated when he said he was invad- more concerned given the crunch that someday.
ing Ukraine because he didn’t want a we are experiencing here 19 days before A few months ago, our colleagues
potential NATO member on his border. Christmas. went on a second spending spree with
Well, as a result of his blundering inva- GOVERNMENT FUNDING something called the Inflation Reduc-
sion and wrongful invasion of Ukraine, Mr. President, once we pass the De- tion Act, which I sometimes called the
he is now going to have Finland as a fense authorization bill, which I hope ‘‘Inflation Nonreduction Act’’ because
NATO partner on his border with some, we will do, we have one other big item it won’t reduce inflation anytime soon.
I believe, roughly, 800 miles of common on the ‘‘to do’’ list, and that is govern- In fact, it includes nearly half a tril-
border. ment funding. lion dollars in new spending.
We know that this is an increasingly You may ask: How in the world did Anybody who has followed what you
challenging global threat landscape, we get here? Ordinarily, in what we do when inflation is raging, as it is
and we have to do everything we can to sometimes refer to as ‘‘regular order’’ now, knows there are usually two com-
make sure our troops have the training around here, the Appropriations Com- ponents: one is the Federal Reserve
and the equipment and the resources mittee takes up and passes at the com- that controls monetary policy; in other
needed to counter adversaries of today mittee level 12 appropriations bills. words, interest rates. They can slow
and tomorrow. These fund the entire government, down the economy. They can try to
Given the state of the world, pre- from the Defense Department to Trans- take a shot at inflation by slowing
serving our military readiness has portation, to Foreign Affairs, to—well, down the economy and raising interest
never been more important. China and everything that the Federal Govern- rates, but of course that means the
Russia have, obviously, grown more ag- ment does, which is our border security money we have to pay to service the
gressive in their efforts to disrupt the and the like. debt that we are incurring here just
global order. North Korea continues to What has happened is that that sys- gets bigger and bigger.
threaten the United States and our al- tem has broken down and empowered
There is a second component, too,
lies with its nuclear capabilities. Iran, not rank-and-file members of the Ap-
when it comes to tackling inflation,
which is the largest state sponsor of propriations Committee or even rank-
and that is the fiscal side, the spend-
terrorism, continues to threaten de- and-file Members of the Senate or Con-
ing. The reason why we still see infla-
mocracies in the Middle East, includ- gress. What is happening is that this
tion at a 40-year high is because our
ing our ally in Israel, and to threaten bill is being negotiated, probably on
Democratic colleagues, on top of all
not only regional conflict but some- the order of almost $1.7 trillion, behind
the spending we had to do on COVID–19
thing worse. closed doors by the leadership, and we
This is a fragile time for global peace on a bipartisan basis, have engaged in
will then be presented with a fait
and security, and a strong National De- a radical spending spree of roughly $21⁄2
accompli. In other words, we will have
fense Authorization Act is the prin- trillion. That has exacerbated the fire
two choices: to vote up or down on the
cipal way that we supply our military in inflation. Many people who are fi-
annual appropriations bill. It is a ridic-
with the resources and certainty need- nancially well-off have not experienced
ulous and embarrassing way to do busi-
ed for our commanders to plan for the much beyond an inconvenience, but to
ness around here. It is certainly not
future. working families who live paycheck to
transparent. It certainly doesn’t pro-
But this legislation is about much paycheck, the prices they pay not only
vide the American people with the in-
more than maintaining a strong na- at the pump but at the grocery store
formation they need in order to decide
tional defense. It is about empowering for housing and everything else have
whether they think we are on the right
and supporting the men and women be- gone through the roof. They are the
track or the wrong track.
hind it. America’s servicemembers are ones hurting as a result of this fiscal
So here we are, more than 2 months
volunteers, and they have made a com- irresponsibility.
into the fiscal year, and last year’s
mitment not everyone is willing to business is still outstanding. Our So after the last 2 years, our Demo-
make in joining the ranks of America’s Democratic colleagues hold the major- cratic colleagues have spent trillions of
heroes who have defended our country ity in the House and the Senate, as dollars on their domestic priorities,
throughout our Nation’s history. They well as the White House. Despite their and they made no push for parity with
make sacrifices each and every day in unilateral authority to set the sched- defense spending. They didn’t couple
order to keep our families safe and our ule, they have failed in some of our $128 billion for K–12 schools with new
Nation at peace, and we owe it to them most basic responsibilities, and that is investments in research and develop-
to give them the support that they to advance appropriations bills before ment. They didn’t mirror the $86 bil-
need. That includes not only the train- the end of the fiscal year. lion bailout for labor unions with fund-
ing, technology, and equipment they In September, they punted the fund- ing for next-generation aircraft or
need to do their jobs but also the pay ing deadline to December the 16th, weapons. They didn’t pair the $80 bil-
and benefits that their families depend which is just 10 days away. And it lion for a supersized IRS with funding
on. doesn’t sound like much progress has to support our troops and their fami-
In short, a strong National Defense been made. There is no agreement, lies. They didn’t match the $40 billion
Authorization Act is critical to the even on a top-line number, which is the for transportation projects with fund-
success of our servicemembers, their first step for coming up with a funding ing for infrastructure updates at our
families, American security, and, in- agreement. military installations. And they cer-
deed, world peace. We simply can’t ne- To make matters worse, Democrats tainly didn’t couple the extensive un-
glect this important responsibility or are still pushing for dramatic increases employment benefits that they pro-
delay it any longer. I think the major- in nondefense domestic spending. Typi- vided with pay raises for servicemem-
ity leader, the Senator from New York, cally, these agreements include some bers. So there has been no question of
has already delayed it to the point that sort of parity between defense and non- parity between defense and nondefense
here we are, backed up against Christ- spending these last 2 years.
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE
defense spending, but the spending hab-
mas, with no time to spare. Congress its of the last 2 years by the Demo- They spent trillions of dollars on do-
needs to pass this annual Defense au- cratic majority along party lines have mestic priorities without even enter-
thorization bill ASAP—as soon as pos- been anything but typical. taining the idea of more support for
sible. I hear the House is planning to First of all, our Democratic col- our national security. Now they cannot
take up the Defense Authorization Act leagues stole the taxpayer credit card widen that gap any further. We
this week, and I hope that the Senate and went on not one but two spending shouldn’t stand for it. And we can’t
will follow in short order. sprees. The first was called the Amer- shortchange America’s military in
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December 6, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6977
order to maintain this illusion of par- of the U.S. Congress this late in the is to be our Nation’s Ambassador to
ity. And it is nothing more than an il- year, that that is what will happen. Brazil—the largest economy in South
lusion after this spending spree that When you have a must-pass bill, peo- America, a country that is going
our Democratic colleagues have been ple will look for every opportunity to through dramatic transitions right
on for the last 2 years. put in their special project because now. As a matter of fact, Brazil will be
I hope, finding ourselves where we they know that will be carried along, inaugurating its new President at the
are, that our colleagues are able to along with this must-pass legislation. beginning of January. And I believe—
make some progress in the coming Inflation remains at a 40-year high, frankly, it has been an embarrassment
days and avoid another continuing res- communities across the country are that we have gone almost 2 years with-
olution. dealing with increases in violent crime, out an Ambassador to Brazil—I believe
Last week, Secretary of Defense and the crisis at the border is growing it is critically important that Ambas-
Lloyd Austin wrote to congressional more challenging by the day. I can’t sador Bagley be in Brasilia, having
leaders stressing the importance of a help but to believe that the American been presented her credentials in time
full-year government funding bill. He people deserve better than this, and I for the inauguration of the new Bra-
emphasized the negative impact of hope the next few weeks will bring zilian President.
short-term funding on procurement, re- more productivity than the last few As a matter of fact, in terms of
search and development, troop train- months have. And I hope that once we north-south relations, our relations
ing, infrastructure projects, recruit- put the business of our national secu- with Brazil are as critical as virtually
ment, and so much more. He didn’t rity and appropriating for the support any nation in the Southern Hemi-
mince words in saying how critical it is of the Federal Government behind us, sphere. We have got lots and lots of
to pass a regular appropriations bill, hopefully sooner rather than later, we work to do on this important relation-
saying: won’t repeat this same mistake year ship, and it is important that we move
after year after year. forward.
Failure to do so will result in significant
Originally, I was going to come down
harm to our people and our programs and I yield the floor.
would cause harm to our national security I suggest the absence of a quorum. and ask UC to both have Elizabeth
and our competitiveness. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Bagley discharged from committee and
This is where we find ourselves, and clerk will call the roll. also confirmed now on the floor. Work-
it is not an accident. This is a con- The legislative clerk proceeded to ing with my Republican friends, I ap-
scious design by the congressional call the roll. preciate the fact that I believe they are
leaders of the Democratic Party in the Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask going to allow us to move forward on
unanimous consent that the order for the discharge from committee but not
House and the Senate, who have said
the quorum call be rescinded. move forward on Ms. Bagley’s con-
we are not going to have a regular ap-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without firmation as Ambassador. I know there
propriations process that is predictable
objection, it is so ordered. may be some holds on all north-south
and done on time and in a way that is
Ambassadors at this point, but I im-
transparent and allows the American NOMINATION OF ELIZABETH FRAWLEY BAGLEY
plore my colleagues on the other side
people and rank-and-file Members of Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise
of the aisle. This is a talented, well-
the Congress to participate. Instead, today in support of a dedicated and
suited, appropriately experienced indi-
they have said we are going to push it well-qualified individual who has been
vidual. This relationship between the
all to the end of the year, backstop it nominated by President Biden to fill an
United States and Brazil is absolutely
against Christmas and the new Con- increasingly important role. That per- critical now perhaps more than ever,
gress, and we are going to tell congres- son is Elizabeth Bagley, who has been and I hope that we can find some level
sional Members you have those two nominated to be the U.S. Ambassador of accommodation to move past the ac-
choices: You can vote up or vote down. to Brazil. tion we take today and make sure that
But they know that we have a responsi- Elizabeth Bagley has been involved Elizabeth Bagley is confirmed as our
bility to fund our military, we have a in public service for decades. Twenty- country’s Ambassador to Brazil so that
responsibility to fund our border secu- eight years ago, as a matter of fact, she she can be in Brasilia by the time the
rity efforts, and so much more. appeared before the U.S. Senate, then new administration in Brazil comes
So it is unlikely, highly unlikely, being considered as President Clinton’s into power in early January under
that Congress will fail to pass an ap- nominee to be Ambassador to Portugal. President Lula.
propriations bill and turn the lights She went on to serve in that role from Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I
out here in Washington, DC, and shut 1994 to 1997, which was a period of come to the floor today to support
down the government. Our congres- growth and positive development in Elizabeth Bagley’s nomination to serve
sional leaders know that, but they this important bilateral relationship. as Ambassador Extraordinary and
have been reckless in the way they For the service in Portugal, she re- Plenipotentiary to the Federative Re-
have handled this to the point now ceived distinguished awards from the public of Brazil.
where we have very few choices. Portuguese Navy and Air Force as well Elizabeth brings to this position sig-
This is not what responsible gov- as the Grand Cross of Prince Henry the nificant experience in diplomacy, law,
erning looks like. Our Democratic col- Navigator, which is the President of and foreign affairs. Over the course of
leagues have left the most fundamental Portugal’s highest civilian commenda- her incredible career, she has served
tasks of the government to the very tion. our country as Ambassador to Por-
last moment. She is also the recipient of the Global tugal, as a senior adviser to multiple
The Defense authorization bill and Democracy Award from the Inter- Secretaries of State, and as congres-
the government funding bills are not a national Women’s Democracy Center, sional liaison to the Helsinki Accords
surprise. These are necessary to com- the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and and the Camp David Treaties.
plete each and every year, and the the 2013 Secretary of State’s Distin- At the State Department, she was
deadlines arrive like clockwork. But guished Honor Award. the first person to serve as the Special
somehow our colleagues, the leadership In 2013, she served as Alternative Representative for Global Partner-
in the House and the Senate, our Representative of the United States to ships, an office which worked to ad-
Democratic colleagues, have gotten us the United Nations, and prior to that vance foreign policy priorities through
here by design. was the first Special Representative to private sector engagement. She has a
They understand how this place the Secretary of State for Global Part-
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE
background in international law and
works, and they like the fact that they nerships. shared that expertise with the students
maintain bulk control over $1.7 trillion In her years of diplomatic service, at Georgetown University Law Center.
in spending, and they use the National she has also worked as a senior adviser Through her years advising key leaders
Defense Authorization Act to try to to Secretaries Kerry, Clinton, and the like Madeleine Albright, Hillary Clin-
jam through other special interest late Madeleine Albright. ton, and John Kerry, Elizabeth gained
goodies because they realize that with President Biden has nominated her the experience needed to represent our
so few moving vehicles across the floor to an especially critical role, and that country on the world stage.
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