Tom Cotton
Senator for Arkansas · Republican · United States
“(2) Chip security mechanism.--The term ``chip security mechanism'' means, with respect to a covered integrated circuit product, a software-, firmware-, or hardware-enabled security mechanism or a physical security mechanism, including-- (A) periodic on-site audits or inventories at the end- user's approved destination for the covered inte…”
“(2) Chip security mechanism.--The term ``chip security mechanism'' means, with respect to a covered integrated circuit product, a software-, firmware-, or hardware-enabled security mechanism or a physical security mechanism, including-- (A) periodic on-site audits or inventories at the end- user's approved destination for the covered inte…”
“(2) Report to congress.-- (A) In general.--Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for three years, the Under Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the results of the assessment required by paragraph (1), including-- (i) an identification of the…”
“(2) Report to congress.-- (A) In general.--Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for three years, the Under Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the results of the assessment required by paragraph (1), including-- (i) an identification of the…”
“(B) Elements.--The assessment required by subparagraph (A) shall include-- (i) an examination of the feasibility, reliability, and effectiveness of-- (I) methods and strategies that prevent the tampering, disabling, or other manipulating of covered integrated circuit products; and (II) any other method the Under Secretary determines appro…”
“(B) Elements.--The assessment required by subparagraph (A) shall include-- (i) an examination of the feasibility, reliability, and effectiveness of-- (I) methods and strategies that prevent the tampering, disabling, or other manipulating of covered integrated circuit products; and (II) any other method the Under Secretary determines appro…”
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“3056) is amended to read as follows: ``(e) Limitation on Domestic Activities.--The Center may, consistent with applicable law, the direction of the President, and the guidelines referred to in section 102A(b), receive and retain intelligence pertaining to domestic terrorism (as defined in section 2331 of title 18, United States Code) only as necessary to enable the Center to collect, retain, and disseminate intelligence pertaining to international terrorism (as defined in section 2331 of title 18, United States Code).''. SEC. 305. TIMELY PROVISION OF SECURITY DIRECTION TO INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY WHISTLEBLOWERS. (a) Intelligence Community Employees.--Section 103H(k)(5)(D)(ii)(II) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C.”
“3024(c)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``, as appropriate, after obtaining the advice of the Joint Intelligence Community Council,''. (4) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents for such Act in the matter preceding section 2 of such Act is amended by striking the item relating to section 101A. SEC. 304. LIMITATION ON DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES AT THE NATIONAL COUNTERTERRORISM CENTER. (a) Domestic Counterterrorism Intelligence.--Subsection (e) of section 119 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C.”
“(d) Framework for Cross-Disciplinary Education and Training.-- (1) Repeal.--Subtitle A of title X of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3191 et seq.) is amended by striking section 1002 (50 U.S.C. 3192). (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents for such Act, in the matter preceding section 2 of such Act, is further amended by striking the item relating to section 1002. (e) Joint Intelligence Community Council.-- (1) Termination.--The Joint Intelligence Community Council is terminated. (2) Conforming amendment.--Title I of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3021 et seq.) is amended by striking section 101A (50 U.S.C. 3022). (3) Repeal of requirement to consult with joint intelligence community council for national intelligence program budget.--Section 102A(c)(1)(B) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C.”
“113 note) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: ``(2) The term `climate security' means the effects of climate change on the following: ``(A) The national security of the United States, including national security infrastructure. ``(B) Subnational, national, and regional political stability. ``(C) The security of allies and partners of the United States. ``(D) Ongoing or potential political violence, including unrest, rioting, guerrilla warfare, insurgency, terrorism, rebellion, revolution, civil war, and interstate war.''. (3) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents for such Act, in the matter preceding section 2 of such Act, is further amended by striking the item relating to section 120.”
“(B) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents for such Act, in the matter preceding section 2 of such Act, is further amended by striking the item relating to section 103L. (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Technical Amendment Regarding Expired Climate Security Advisory Council.-- (1) Repeal.--Title I of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3021 et seq.) is further amended by striking section 120 (50 U.S.C. 3060). (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 331 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 10 U.S.C.”
“3034b). (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 103G of such Act (50 U.S.C. 3032) is amended by striking subsection (d). (3) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents for such Act in the matter preceding section 2 of such Act is amended by striking the item relating to section 103K. (b) Intelligence Community Innovation Unit.-- (1) Termination.--The Director of National Intelligence shall take such actions as may be necessary to terminate and wind down the operations of the Intelligence Community Innovation Unit before the date specified in paragraph (3). (2) Repeal.-- (A) In general.--Title I of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3021 et seq.) is further amended by striking section 103L (50 U.S.C. 3034c).”
“(2) Table of contents.--The table of contents for such Act, in the matter preceding section 2 of such Act, is amended by striking the item relating to section 103A and inserting the following: ``Sec. 103A. Deputy Director of National Intelligence and Assistant Directors of National Intelligence.''. SEC. 302. REPEAL OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE MANAGEMENT COUNCIL. (a) In General.--Section 103M of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3034d) is repealed. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of such Act is amended by striking the item relating to section 103M. SEC. 303. REPEAL OF VARIOUS POSITIONS, UNITS, CENTERS, COUNCILS, AND OFFICES. (a) Intelligence Community Chief Data Officer.-- [[Page S3756]] (1) Repeal.--Title I of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3021 et seq.) is amended by striking section 103K (50 U.S.C.”
“3001 et seq.) is amended-- (A) in section 102A(l)(4)(F) (50 U.S.C. 3024(l)(4)(F)), as redesignated by section 402(g)(1)(B), by striking ``a Deputy'' and inserting ``an Assistant''; and (B) in section 103(c) (50 U.S.C. 3025(c)), by striking paragraph (3). (c) References to Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence in Law.--Any reference in law to the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence shall be treated as a reference to the Deputy Director of National Intelligence. (d) Clerical Amendments.-- (1) Section heading.--Section 103A of such Act (50 U.S.C. 3026) is further amended, in the section heading, by striking ``deputy directors of national intelligence'' and inserting ``deputy director of national intelligence and assistant directors of national intelligence''.”
“(b) Elimination of Deputy Directors of National Intelligence and Establishment of Assistant Directors of National Intelligence.-- (1) In general.--Section 103A(b) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3026(b)) is amended-- (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Deputy'' and inserting ``Assistant''; (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``may'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: ``is an Assistant Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration and an Assistant Director of National Intelligence for Policy and Capabilities, who shall be appointed by the Director of National Intelligence.''; and (C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Deputy'' and inserting ``Assistant''. (2) Conforming amendments.--The National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C.”
“3041(a)(2)(A)), by striking ``Principal''; and (iv) in section 116(b) (50 U.S.C. 3053(b)), by striking ``Principal''. (B) Damon paul nelson and matthew young pollard intelligence authorization act for fiscal years 2018, 2019, and 2020.--Section 6310 of the Damon Paul Nelson and Matthew Young Pollard Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020 (50 U.S.C. 3351b) is amended by striking ``Principal'' each place it appears. (C) National defense authorization act for fiscal year 2022.--Section 1683(b)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (50 U.S.C. 3373(b)(3)) is amended by striking ``Principal'' both places it appears.”
“(a) Redesignation of Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence as Deputy Director of National Intelligence.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (a) of section 103A of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3026) is amended-- (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Principal''; and (B) by striking ``Principal'' each place it appears. (2) Conforming amendments.--Subsection (c) of such section is amended-- (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Principal''; and (B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``Principal''. (3) Additional conforming amendment.-- (A) National security act of 1947.--Such Act is further amended-- (i) in section 103(c)(2) (50 U.S.C. 3025(c)(2)), by striking ``Principal''; (ii) in section 103I(b)(1) (50 U.S.C. 3034(b)(1)), by striking ``Principal''; (iii) in section 106(a)(2)(A) (50 U.S.C.”
“Appropriations authorized by this division for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees may be increased by such additional or supplemental amounts as may be necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. TITLE II--CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY SYSTEM SEC. 201. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund $514,000,000 for fiscal year 2027. TITLE III--MATTERS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SEC. 301. APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE.”
“(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated for the Intelligence Community Management Account of the Director of National Intelligence for fiscal year 2027 the sum of $568,000,000. (b) Classified Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Intelligence Community Management Account by subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated for the Intelligence Community Management Account for fiscal year 2027 such additional amounts as are specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations referred to in section 102(a). SEC. 104. INCREASE IN EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS AUTHORIZED BY LAW.”
“(2) Distribution by the president.--Subject to paragraph (3), the President shall provide for suitable distribution of the classified Schedule of Authorizations referred to in subsection (a), or of appropriate portions of such Schedule, within the executive branch of the Federal Government. (3) Limits on disclosure.--The President shall not publicly disclose the classified Schedule of Authorizations or any portion of such Schedule except-- (A) as provided in section 601(a) of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (50 U.S.C. 3306(a)); (B) to the extent necessary to implement the budget; or (C) as otherwise required by law. SEC. 103. INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT.”
“(a) Specifications of Amounts.--The amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 101 for the conduct of the intelligence activities of the Federal Government are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations prepared to accompany this division. (b) Availability of Classified Schedule of Authorizations.-- (1) Availability.--The classified Schedule of Authorizations referred to in subsection (a) shall be made available to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and to the President.”
“Modification to notification requirements for authorized and ordered departures. Sec. 802. Intelligence support to the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. Sec. 803. Technical amendments. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this division: (1) Congressional intelligence committees.--The term ``congressional intelligence committees'' has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003). (2) Intelligence community.--The term ``intelligence community'' has the meaning given such term in such section. TITLE I--INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 for the conduct of the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the Federal Government. SEC. 102. CLASSIFIED SCHEDULE OF AUTHORIZATIONS.”
“Improvements for artificial intelligence policies, standards, and guidance for intelligence community. Sec. 704. Additional functions and requirements of Artificial Intelligence Security Center. Sec. 705. Reports on novel uses of artificial intelligence technology. Sec. 706. Clear labeling of artificial intelligence outputs for targeting workflows. Sec. 707. Research on use of artificial intelligence relating to inadvertent escalation. Sec. 708. Research on interaction of adversarial artificial intelligence systems with intelligence community systems. Sec. 709. Review of artificial intelligence security vulnerabilities under Vulnerabilities Equities Process. Sec. 710. Prohibition on certain artificial intelligence models on intelligence community systems. TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS Sec. 801.”
“Prohibition on sending and receiving objects using entities owned or controlled by persons or governments of certain countries. Sec. 615. Enhancing intelligence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Sec. 616. Intelligence activities related to Ukraine. Sec. 617. Requirements relating to intelligence sharing with countries and partners of significant importance to the United States. Sec. 618. United States-Israel intelligence sharing enhancement. TITLE VII--ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MATTERS RELATING TO THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY Sec. 701. Artificial intelligence exploitation guard and intelligence sharing. Sec. 702. Director of National Intelligence review of intelligence community use of artificial intelligence to support targeting. Sec. 703.”
“Notification of criminal referrals regarding current or former intelligence community employees. Sec. 606. Modification of definitions in National Security Act of 1947 and scope of intelligence sharing responsibilities of Director of National Intelligence. Sec. 607. Prohibition on intelligence community use of adversary unmanned ground vehicles. Sec. 608. China-Taiwan Strategic Warning Task Force. Sec. 609. Limitations relating to Chinese products and services. [[Page S3755]] Sec. 610. Biological intelligence activities of the intelligence community. Sec. 611. Prohibition on participation in prediction markets. Sec. 612. Repeal of certain report and briefing requirements. Sec. 613. Intelligence community personnel travel, allowances, and related expenses regulations. Sec. 614.”
“Authority of National Security Agency to correlate, evaluate, and disseminate certain intelligence. Sec. 502. Funds for foreign intelligence activities conducted with and by the National Reconnaissance Office. Sec. 503. Modification of annual report on Federal Bureau of Investigation case data. Sec. 504. Establishment of Office of Counterintelligence. Sec. 505. Role of National Security Agency in collection and analysis of signals intelligence. TITLE VI--GENERAL INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY MATTERS Sec. 601. Amendments to presidential appointments for intelligence community positions. Sec. 602. Analytic standards for all-source intelligence products. Sec. 603. Ben Sasse Intelligence Community Technology Fellowship Program. Sec. 604. Countering hostile foreign cyber actors as a national intelligence priority. Sec. 605.”
“Appointment of Deputy Director of National Intelligence and Assistant Directors of National Intelligence. Sec. 302. Repeal of National Intelligence Management Council. Sec. 303. Repeal of various positions, units, centers, councils, and offices. Sec. 304. Limitation on domestic activities at the National Counterterrorism Center. Sec. 305. Timely provision of security direction to intelligence community whistleblowers. Sec. 306. No police, subpoena, or law enforcement powers or internal security functions for Director of National Intelligence. TITLE IV--MATTERS RELATING TO THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY Sec. 401. Modification relating to security personnel at certain installations. TITLE V--MATTERS RELATING TO OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY Sec. 501.”
“(a) Short Title.--This division may be cited as the ``Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this division is as follows: DIVISION __--INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. TITLE I--INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 102. Classified Schedule of Authorizations. Sec. 103. Intelligence Community Management Account. Sec. 104. Increase in employee compensation and benefits authorized by law. TITLE II--CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY SYSTEM Sec. 201. Authorization of appropriations. TITLE III--MATTERS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE Sec. 301.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3754-S3769] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6574. Mr. COTTON (for himself and Mr. Warner) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: DIVISION __--INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.”
“(f) Nuclear Microreactor Defined.--In this section, the term ``nuclear microreactor'' means a nuclear reactor with a rated electric generating capacity of not greater than 50 megawatts. ______”
“(2) The development and implementation of a plan for the test and evaluation of such nuclear microreactor, including with respect to sustainment, safety, cybersecurity, and physical security requirements. (3) The conduct of joint operational demonstrations with the United States Indo-Pacific Command in connection with not fewer than one major exercise within the area of responsibility of such Command, to evaluate the deployment, integration, sustainment, survivability, and operational use of such nuclear microreactor under realistic conditions. (e) Budget Mechanism.--Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a dedicated program element, or equivalent budget mechanism, for the Program, including to support the transition of technologies under the Program from demonstration to operational capability.”
“(c) Objectives.--The objective of the Program shall be to deploy and operate, by not later than January 1, 2030, a transportable nuclear microreactor in support of distributed and expeditionary operations in contested logistics environments within the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, with a priority for deployment in such an environment within the Western Pacific area. (d) Required Activities.--The activities of the Program shall include the following: (1) The validation of operational requirements of the United States Indo-Pacific Command with respect to the transportable nuclear microreactor to be deployed under the Program, and the integration of such nuclear microreactor with expeditionary and dispersed power architectures in the area of responsibility of such Command.”
“(2) Coordination.--In carrying out the Program, the executive agent shall coordinate with-- (A) the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, who shall be responsible for validating operational requirements under the Program, the demonstration of technologies to be deployed under the Program, and the operational use of such technologies; and (B) as appropriate, the Secretary of Energy and the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, for the purpose of ensuring the deployment and operation of any nuclear microreactor under the Program is carried out in a manner that is safe, secure, and in compliance with applicable requirements of the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, respectively.”
“(b) Leadership and Coordination.-- (1) Executive agent.--The Secretary of Defense shall designate the Secretary of a military department as the executive agent of the Department of Defense for carrying out the Program and ensuring budget accountability for such program (referred to in this section as the ``executive agent'').”
“PROGRAM FOR DEPLOYMENT OF TRANSPORTABLE NUCLEAR MICROREACTOR IN AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY OF THE UNITED STATES INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND. (a) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a program for the deployment, operation, and evaluation of a transportable nuclear microreactor in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, which shall be known as the Operational Energy Deployable Nuclear Power Program (referred to in this section as the ``Program'').”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S3753] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6569. Mr. COTTON submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place in subtitle B of title XV, insert the following: SEC. ____.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2619] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Waiving Quorum Calls The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Arkansas. Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum calls with respect to the Stephens and Barrack nominations be waived. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Idaho.”
“After decades of serving others in our Arkansas community, Warren now has answered the call to serve our country as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. He is the right person to lead our strong, special relationship with the United Kingdom. I am pleased to support his nomination, and I urge all of my colleagues to confirm Warren so he can get to work on this critical job.”
“Because of their tireless efforts and dynamic vision, the museum is now a place for neighbors, friends, and families to gather, learn, and enjoy amazing works of art. Warren is also an active advocate for young generations of American students and athletes. Warren generously supports numerous universities and schools, including his alma mater, Washington and Lee, and the Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock. Additionally, he is the chairman and founder of the Jackson T. Stephens Cup, which showcases collegiate golfers from NCAA Division I schools, historically Black colleges and universities, and the U.S. service academies on the Nation's preeminent golf courses. I have had the privilege to know Warren and his family for a long time, and I can tell you that Warren has always wanted to serve his country.”
“Founded on a handshake by his father Jack and his uncle Witt, Warren become president and CEO of Stephens when he was only 29 years old. In the four decades since, Warren has built a global presence for Stephens, including in London, where he has spent a considerable amount of time. Warren's signature style of cordial, interpersonal, and dedicated leadership won him friends across America and the Atlantic, and, of course, in our home State of Arkansas. For many years, Warren and his wife Harriet have also served our Arkansas community with their time, talents, and generosity. They led a major, multiyear fundraising campaign that transformed the Arkansas Arts Center into the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2619] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Nomination of Warren Stephens Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, today, I urge my colleagues to confirm Warren Stephens to be our next U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. President Trump could not have chosen a more qualified or well-suited person to lead the special relationship between our two nations. Warren Stephens is a family man, a businessman, a philanthropist, and a patriot who is a pillar of his community and his family-owned financial firm, Stephens Inc.”
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2619] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Waiving Quorum Calls The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Arkansas. Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum calls with respect to the Stephens and Barrack nominations be waived. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Idaho.”
“After decades of serving others in our Arkansas community, Warren now has answered the call to serve our country as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. He is the right person to lead our strong, special relationship with the United Kingdom. I am pleased to support his nomination, and I urge all of my colleagues to confirm Warren so he can get to work on this critical job.”
“Because of their tireless efforts and dynamic vision, the museum is now a place for neighbors, friends, and families to gather, learn, and enjoy amazing works of art. Warren is also an active advocate for young generations of American students and athletes. Warren generously supports numerous universities and schools, including his alma mater, Washington and Lee, and the Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock. Additionally, he is the chairman and founder of the Jackson T. Stephens Cup, which showcases collegiate golfers from NCAA Division I schools, historically Black colleges and universities, and the U.S. service academies on the Nation's preeminent golf courses. I have had the privilege to know Warren and his family for a long time, and I can tell you that Warren has always wanted to serve his country.”
“Founded on a handshake by his father Jack and his uncle Witt, Warren become president and CEO of Stephens when he was only 29 years old. In the four decades since, Warren has built a global presence for Stephens, including in London, where he has spent a considerable amount of time. Warren's signature style of cordial, interpersonal, and dedicated leadership won him friends across America and the Atlantic, and, of course, in our home State of Arkansas. For many years, Warren and his wife Harriet have also served our Arkansas community with their time, talents, and generosity. They led a major, multiyear fundraising campaign that transformed the Arkansas Arts Center into the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2619] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Nomination of Warren Stephens Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, today, I urge my colleagues to confirm Warren Stephens to be our next U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. President Trump could not have chosen a more qualified or well-suited person to lead the special relationship between our two nations. Warren Stephens is a family man, a businessman, a philanthropist, and a patriot who is a pillar of his community and his family-owned financial firm, Stephens Inc.”
“So American businesses and investors who want to dip their beaks in the golden TikTok fountain should think twice before giving their money and their good name to Chinese communists. If the TikTok deal maintains any operational relationship with China, you will be stuck with the consequences. Caveat emptor. So I do oppose this effort to change the law, and I will oppose, in the future, other efforts to change the law that Congress already passed. Let's allow President Trump to negotiate and see if communist China is willing to make a deal. If not, then the law is the law. [[Page S2497]] Now I will yield to my colleague from Nebraska. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nebraska.”
“President Trump is trying to implement the law that Congress passed, and many American businesses and investors are, apparently, interested in buying TikTok. I applaud patriotic Americans who want to buy this app and cut all ties with the Chinese communists. But reports have surfaced that some businesses and investors want a bad deal that would violate the law by letting communist China continue to influence the TikTok algorithm. Even worse, these potential buyers may ask Congress to somehow indemnify them for violating the law or immunize them for TikTok's past crimes against and injuries to the American people, especially young Americans. Let me say bluntly to any American who wants to invest in some half- ass TikTok deal: Congress will never protect you from going into business with communist China.”
“The truth about China's genocide against the Tibet and Uighur people, the massacre at Tiananmen Square, the crackdown on Hong Kong, the origins of COVID, and more are all disappeared behind the veil of TikTok's algorithm. What TikTok doesn't say is only part of the problem. What it does say is deadly. The Chinese version of TikTok tells kids to study hard, eat their vegetables, and revere their dictator, Xi Jinping. But the American version of TikTok exposes our kids to videos that glamorize and glorify violence, obscenity, eating disorders, drug use, and even suicide. TikTok's lethal algorithm has, without question, cost the lives of too many Americans. That is why TikTok is so dangerous, and that is why Congress insisted that TikTok cut ties entirely with communist China.”
“Mr. President, reserving the right to object because I do object to this effort and will object to future efforts to change the TikTok law. Let's remember how we got here. TikTok is a Chinese communist spy app and a tool of Chinese communist propaganda. That is why Congress passed an overwhelmingly bipartisan law mandating that TikTok's parent company sell it if TikTok is to continue operating in America. Why did Congress pass this law? Because TikTok is not just another social media platform. TikTok addicts our kids, harvests their data, exposes them to pedophiles, and promotes harmful and manipulative content, including vile, anti-Semitic videos. TikTok also silences, censors, and suppresses content that exposes communist China for what it really is--a monstrous tyranny.”
“Over the course of approximately 100 trips since 1981, Mike developed deep friendships with the people of Israel--Jewish, Muslim, and Christian alike. Mike spent his career leading fellow Christians on journeys of faith, Arkansans toward a brighter future, and pilgrims on voyages of discovery. I am confident that he will lead the United States' relationship with Israel on a path toward peace and prosperity for both of our peoples. I urge my Senate colleagues to support his nomination and approve his nomination swiftly. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Idaho.”
“Word on the street is he even [[Page S2488]] played some small part in inspiring our current Governor into public service. Now as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike will lead and strengthen our important diplomatic relationship with Israel with courage and conviction. Upon selecting Mike for this critical role, President Trump said: Mike will work tirelessly to bring peace in the Middle East. I couldn't agree more. Mike has been a lifelong friend of Israel's and an ardent supporter and defender of Israel's right to exist. In 1973, Mike made his first trip to Israel as a recent high school graduate. The experience of visiting the Biblical sites at the center of history had such a profound impact on 17-year-old Mike Huckabee that he would go on to lead tens of thousands of people on similarly life- changing visits.”
“Throughout his time in ministry and, later, as president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, Mike encouraged others to grow in their faith by dedicating himself to spreading the good news of the Gospel to all. For some unknown and largely inexplicable reason, Mike left the pulpit and entered politics. Mysterious are the ways of the Lord indeed. As Governor of Arkansas for more than a decade, Mike led the Natural State toward a stronger, more prosperous future by building coalitions and gathering support from both sides of the aisle. Governor Huckabee cut taxes, created jobs, improved infrastructure, reformed education, and improved healthcare for all Arkansans. Mike was a solution- oriented, pragmatic leader who left a lasting legacy for generations of Arkansans and their families.”
“Mr. President, today, I urge my Senate colleagues to confirm Gov. Mike Huckabee's nomination to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Israel. I have had the privilege of knowing Mike, his wife Janet, and his children John Mark, David, and Sarah, for many years. Mike's exemplary character, steadfast faith, and lifetime of servant leadership make him the right choice to represent the President in Israel, particularly at this critical moment. A friend, patriot, and fellow Arkansan, Mike graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in religion before attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. As minister at Immanuel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff and, later, pastor at Beech Street Baptist Church in Texarkana, Mike led congregations toward Christ-centered lives of faith, service, and charity.”