Ted Budd
Senator for North Carolina · Republican · United States
“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Col. Robert Sucher of the U.S. Marine Corps for his exemplary 30 years of faithful service to our Nation.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“In this liaison role, Colonel Sucher enabled the successful execution of more than 50 international congressional delegations. My team and I have had the privilege of traveling with him on several of these official trips, including most recently to Central and Eastern Europe.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“He has proven an indispensable asset to this body, consistently demonstrating exceptional problem-solving under pressure, outstanding communication skills, and a wealth of operational knowledge, representing both the Marine Corps and the Department of War. He exemplifies the absolute professionalism we have come to expect from the U.S.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“We extend our deepest gratitude to his wife Caroline and their sons Will--who, by the way, is a proud North Carolinian--and Drew for the immense sacrifices they have made in supporting their husband and father as he guarded our freedom. To my friend Robb, we wish you fair winds and following seas in all of your future endeavors.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam President, Toyota's decision to invest in advanced battery manufacturing and engineering makes them a key player in North Carolina's fast-growing automotive sector.”
Senate16 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, 9 months ago, both Republicans and Democrats overwhelmingly voted to close the hemp loophole. It happened right here. They wanted to stop intoxicating hemp products being sold and marketed to kids. It is no accident that these products are made to look exactly like something that a kid would want.”
Senate7 August 2026Source ↗
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“We extend our deepest gratitude to his wife Caroline and their sons Will--who, by the way, is a proud North Carolinian--and Drew for the immense sacrifices they have made in supporting their husband and father as he guarded our freedom. To my friend Robb, we wish you fair winds and following seas in all of your future endeavors.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“He has proven an indispensable asset to this body, consistently demonstrating exceptional problem-solving under pressure, outstanding communication skills, and a wealth of operational knowledge, representing both the Marine Corps and the Department of War. He exemplifies the absolute professionalism we have come to expect from the U.S. Marines. Through his three decades of service, Colonel Sucher has proven to be an officer of the absolute highest caliber, and he is leaving the Marine Corps well positioned to continue its vital contributions to our national security. My colleagues and I bid a fond farewell to Colonel Sucher.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“In this liaison role, Colonel Sucher enabled the successful execution of more than 50 international congressional delegations. My team and I have had the privilege of traveling with him on several of these official trips, including most recently to Central and Eastern Europe. On these demanding missions, his foresight and leadership were constantly on display. In addition to leading congressional delegations, Colonel Sucher distinguished himself through exceptional support to every Member of this body. He expertly managed inquiries and requests for information from nearly all 100 Senate offices, always providing timely and precise answers grounded in truth.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Col. Robert Sucher of the U.S. Marine Corps for his exemplary 30 years of faithful service to our Nation. Many of my colleagues in the Chamber, including myself, have had the distinct privilege of working closely with Colonel Sucher over the past 2 years, during his tenure as the Director of the Marine Corps Senate Liaison Office. I came to appreciate his steadfast leadership firsthand while he served as the commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington, where I was deeply honored to be a guest of honor at one of their historic Tuesday sunset parades. Throughout his time on Capitol Hill, Colonel Sucher and his dedicated team have consistently prioritized the relationship between the Marine Corps and the U.S. Senate.”
Senate22 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam President, Toyota's decision to invest in advanced battery manufacturing and engineering makes them a key player in North Carolina's fast-growing automotive sector. The announcement of Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina opening in Liberty marked one of the largest single investments in battery production in the United States. Nearly $14 billion is committed to the project, and soon, this plant will support 5,100 American jobs and families. All this serves to boost U.S.”
Senate16 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, I ask for remaining time.”
Senate7 August 2026Source ↗
“Just vote no to table this and close this dangerous loophole, just as 76 of us, Republicans and Democrats, did just 9 months ago.”
Senate7 August 2026Source ↗
“The goal is not an extra month to work on policy, as many have said. The well-oiled hemp lobbying machine has already had 9 months to do that. The real goal is to jam us in December on a must- pass package and to permanently entrench their intoxicating products into the machinery of government. Opponents say that this would stop research into hemp-derived products for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who rely on Medicare, but what does allowing unregulated, intoxicating edibles on gas station shelves have to do with CMS' ability to study hemp- derived products for pain relief? Not a thing. Not a thing at all. So once again, I ask my colleagues to join me in doing what we have already done 9 months ago. Support my amendment.”
Senate7 August 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, 9 months ago, both Republicans and Democrats overwhelmingly voted to close the hemp loophole. It happened right here. They wanted to stop intoxicating hemp products being sold and marketed to kids. It is no accident that these products are made to look exactly like something that a kid would want. Emergency departments have seen a 461-percent increase in cases of pediatric cannabis poisoning, and most of those were children 4 years old or younger. This body agreed right here 9 months ago that we wouldn't compromise the health and safety of the American people--especially our kids--so today, I am simply asking my colleagues just to reaffirm a decision we made 9 months ago right here. My opponents have asked: What is the harm in a monthlong delay? I am going to tell you.”
Senate7 August 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 6747 and ask that it be reported by number.”
Senate7 August 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.”
Senate7 August 2026Source ↗
“I ask for the yeas and nays.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“We need to strip this amendment from the continuing resolution and regulate these harmful substances for exactly what they are, not what the industry wants to call it. So if substances cause intoxication--like marijuana--then it should be regulated as such, not given a free pass as hemp. There is no loophole worth putting a child's well-being at risk. I yield the floor.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“And it is our responsibility to make sure that the millions of parents that we represent--that they can trust the product sitting on store shelves, that they are safe for their kids. I am not here to obstruct the Senate for the sake of obstruction. I am here because I have a duty to the millions of parents in North Carolina who have sent me to Washington to be their voice and, above all, to protect their children. To every parent in North Carolina: I hear you. I stand with you. You have my word I am not going to back down, and I am not going to stop fighting until we get this right. This is a public health crisis that deserves this Senate's immediate attention. Our children should never be the testing ground for an industry willing to exploit a loophole in Federal law for profit.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“We may not agree, but I will have the conversation. But I want to make one thing really, really clear: Making THC intoxicating substances readily accessible to our kids is an entirely different issue from the medical marijuana movement. Today, we are talking about unregulated hemp products being sold on the shelves of nearly every corner store in America. These intoxicating substances--they are hiding in plain sight, and they are putting our kids at risk. Parents should never have to face the fear that sending their child into a convenience store for a snack or a treat could mean that that child walks out with a product that can get them high. And that is not too much to ask. It is just common sense.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“And they will never get the chance to experience the life that was ahead of them because these dangerous substances robbed them of their future. And I am appalled at the well-oiled, slick lobbying machine--which is very well connected in this town, by the way--that has chosen to wage this surreptitious war against our efforts to protect American children. So let me be clear to my colleagues. I am not going to back down on this. I am not going to waver. I am not going to stop until this life- threatening loophole is closed permanently. And we are going to have this fight before the end of this Congress, and I can assure you that I am not going to stop fighting to protect American children. And I have already had numerous conversations with the White House about this issue, and I am willing to have a larger conversation about marijuana.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“Stores near military bases sell these products to men and women in the armed services, making them ineligible for military service. And that is also no accident. I can't tell you how many times that I have sat down with a family in my office that has tragically lost a son or a daughter because they became addicted to these disguised substances, and it is just heartbreaking to witness. It is heartbreaking to have those conversations, and, yet, they keep coming to my office. We keep hearing their stories. There are young people who no longer walk this Earth. They will never graduate. They will never go to college. They will never start a career. They will never get married. They will never have children.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“You don't accidentally make an intoxicating product look something like a child would recognize from a grocery store shelf without reasonable intent. Now this is marketing by design, and it is designed--it is designed-- to evade the law. The resemblance here is absolutely outrageous, and it is putting our kids at risk each and every day. And over the past few years, we have already seen the horrifying consequences play out in emergency rooms across the country. From 2018 to 2023, emergency departments in the United States that responded to pediatric cannabis poisoning increased by 461 percent; 91 percent of those patients were 4 years or younger--91 percent. And 45 percent of those kids--ages zero to 11--45 percent of them required hospitalization. These numbers, they are not just statistics.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“So it is difficult enough for an adult to distinguish the minor difference on these name-brand products and intoxicating substances on the shelves. I mean, just look at the examples. So are you telling me that this is not intentional? You know, the four basic principles of marketing are product, price, place, and promotion. And what we are looking at right here, it is a crash course in all four: how to package a product; how to make it appealing; how to put it in front of consumers; and how to promote it, while attempting to evade Federal law. You know, this is not some innocent coincidence. You don't accidentally create packaging for an intoxicating substance that bears a strange resemblance to a recognizable brand.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, every parent in America, they want the same thing. They want to know that their kids are safe. As U.S. Senators, each of us has a responsibility to the millions of parents we represent for the safety and welfare of American kids first. And that is exactly why--just 9 months ago on this very floor--76 Members of this body voted to close the hemp loophole that allowed these dangerous substances to be sold in unregulated retail stores. But since last November, the intoxicating hemp industry has attempted to delay our effort to close this dangerous loophole. May I show you some of the products that you can find in some of these stores? It looks like a familiar brand, but if you look closely--well, sometimes they use the brand name. But how about something like Slizzles? Pretty deceptive.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“And the general store's front porch has long been a consistent community hub for North Carolinians to gather. I firmly believe that what makes America's family-owned and operated small businesses endure across generations is not simply their longevity, but their unwavering commitment to the communities they serve. These businesses become more than places of commerce; they become gathering places, trusted neighbors, and cornerstones of local life. Through changing times and economic challenges, they continue to show up for their communities with the same dedication that first earned them the trust of their customers. Without a shadow of doubt, H.G. Greene's General Store has lived up to that standard. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 150th anniversary of H.G.”
Senate29 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a multigenerational American small business that has proudly served the community of Ronda, NC, for 150 years: H.G. Greene's General Store. Founded in 1876 by James Clignman ``J.C.'' Greene, H.G. Greene's General Store is Wilkes County's oldest retail business. Born in 1856, J.C. Greene was orphaned after the passing of his parents William and Frances Canady Greene in 1863. As a young man, J.C.”
Senate29 July 2026Source ↗
“Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the Clayton nomination.”
Senate27 July 2026Source ↗
“The fentanyl crisis will only continue to strangle our country until we deal with the threat at our northern border like the emergency that it truly is. I yield the floor.”
Senate2 April 2025Source ↗
“But without enough resources, they are being set up to fail, and that is not fair to them. We are just watching history repeat itself, and if we don't act to provide our law enforcement officials with the proper tools and technology that they need to defend our northern border, we are going to allow this to get even worse. What is even more disturbing is that Mexican cartels are now setting up fentanyl labs in Canada and expanding their role in the global drug trade. Now, as our ally, we need Canada to step up before more lives are lost, because the truth is that behind every statistic--behind every statistic--is a grieving family, and the American people deserve more than just empty words. They deserve real action.”
Senate2 April 2025Source ↗
“When I talk to sheriffs in all 100 counties in North Carolina, I repeatedly hear the same message: Every single county in North Carolina is a border county. The U.S.-Canada border is the world's longest international border at more than 5,500 miles long, but it remains extraordinarily vulnerable as criminal cartel networks continue to take advantage of the gaps of our porous northern border. I think it is important to know that 87 percent of all Terror Watchlist suspects that were encountered at land border ports last year came across our northern border. We have invested heavily in our southern border and rightfully so. We have done that, and we should continue to do so at our southern border. But the northern border has been overlooked and underresourced for way too long. Our law enforcement officers are doing everything they can.”
Senate2 April 2025Source ↗
“Just last year, Customs and Border Patrol seized enough fentanyl at the northern border to kill 9.5 million Americans. That is nothing short of alarming. In fact, a member of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico's largest and most well-known operations, they openly claim, they openly brag--and I quote you this: Canada's border is much larger than Mexico's. There are more entry points through Canada than through Mexico--a lot more entry points. So that won't stop us. And when asked about the impact of fentanyl killing countless Americans, here is what he said: Unfortunately, here, for money, we do anything. It's a business. ``It's a business.'' Friends, killing America is not a business. We should not be endorsing known criminal activity with inaction. This is nothing short of a serious threat to our national security.”
Senate2 April 2025Source ↗
“And the harsh reality is fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans age 18 to 45--not cancer, not car accidents, fentanyl. Last year alone, as my colleagues have shared with you, more than 70,000 Americans died from a fentanyl overdose, and, unsurprisingly, the Biden administration failed to act. Instead, President Biden willingly chose to let the situation get worse. For years, our southern border has been a major entry point for illegal drugs to pour into our country. But under President Trump's leadership, illegal crossings at the southern border have now dropped 94 percent. That is real progress. Now, however, we are seeing a dangerous shift. Drug cartels have found a new route and a new loophole to continue trafficking drugs into our communities, and it is through the northern border with Canada.”
Senate2 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, the fentanyl epidemic has touched nearly every American. Whether it is a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a coworker--we all know someone whose life has been affected by the tragic reality of this crisis. It is widespread, it is devastating, and it can't be ignored. For too long, this crisis has been fueled by the chaos at our southern border, and now it is happening at our northern border. Today, I rise to honor the American lives lost to our country's horrific fentanyl epidemic, and I call on our Canadian allies to shut down these operations before more devastation occurs. For many Americans, it started with a prescription. For others, it was a single accidental exposure. But for too many, it ended the same way: with a loss of life and the eternal grief that comes from losing a loved one.”
Senate2 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.”
Senate13 March 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the Kessler nomination.”
Senate13 March 2025Source ↗
“Let's stop the flow of fentanyl. Let's protect the American people, and let's do it before another innocent life is lost. I yield the floor.”
Senate13 March 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, just last week in my home State of North Carolina, narcotics investigators from the Iredell County Sheriff's Office and the Gaston Police Department seized 5 pounds of fentanyl that was in possession of an illegal alien. It was enough to kill over a million people. That is nothing short of a weapon of mass destruction. The reality is that is not just a public health crisis. It is a nightmare that is destroying families, shattering communities, and devastating our country.”
Senate13 March 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.”
Senate13 March 2025Source ↗
“And then you have our commitment to go back and work on that and take a look at that specific legislation that they were trying to introduce by amendment. But please don't use the failure of said amendment to not support this very important legislation. It is my hope that we can continue in this spirit and make sure that the Laken Riley Act is passed by both Chambers and signed into law by our Nation's 47th President, Donald J. Trump. I yield the floor.”
Senate15 January 2025Source ↗