John Hoeven
Senator for North Dakota · Republican · United States
“``(2) Special rules for the enhanced initiative.-- ``(A) Requirements.--In maintaining the Enhanced Initiative under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, at a minimum-- ``(i) select and coordinate with accredited institutions of higher education (as defined in section 61.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations), as determined by the…”
“``(2) Special rules for the enhanced initiative.-- ``(A) Requirements.--In maintaining the Enhanced Initiative under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, at a minimum-- ``(i) select and coordinate with accredited institutions of higher education (as defined in section 61.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations), as determined by the…”
“(B) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee established under subparagraph (A) shall consist of members appointed by the Administrator, including representatives of-- (i) institutions of higher education that are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International; (ii) aviation industry organizations; (iii) FAA subject m…”
“(B) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee established under subparagraph (A) shall consist of members appointed by the Administrator, including representatives of-- (i) institutions of higher education that are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International; (ii) aviation industry organizations; (iii) FAA subject m…”
“``(B) Selection criteria.--Prior to selecting an accredited institution of higher education for participation in the Enhanced Initiative, the Administrator shall-- ``(i) consider the air traffic curriculum of the institution, including the institution's access to air traffic educational resources and Federal Aviation Administration air tr…”
“``(B) Selection criteria.--Prior to selecting an accredited institution of higher education for participation in the Enhanced Initiative, the Administrator shall-- ``(i) consider the air traffic curriculum of the institution, including the institution's access to air traffic educational resources and Federal Aviation Administration air tr…”
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Every one of 47 lines we hold for John Hoeven, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account.
“Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of the Air Force, shall submit to Congress a report on designating a Job Corps Transition Hub to support the workforce needs of the Sentinel program of the Department of the Air Force. ______”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S3948] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6672. Mr. HOEVEN 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: SEC. __. REPORT ON JOB CORPS TRANSITION HUB TO SUPPORT SENTINEL PROGRAM.”
“(D) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Comptroller General initiates the study under subparagraph (A), the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and the Administrator a report describing the results of the study, together with any appropriate recommendations for legislative or administrative action. ______”
“(B) Contents.--In conducting the study under subparagraph (A), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum, evaluate the effectiveness of the program in producing-- (i) students that score at least a well-qualified score on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (or a successor air traffic entrance exam); (ii) developmental controllers that enter en route and terminal air traffic environments after completing the Enhanced Initiative; and (iii) developmental controllers that become certified professional controllers. (C) Consultation.--In conducting the study under subparagraph (A), the Comptroller General shall consult with the Administrator and appropriate stakeholders involved in overseeing, operating, and administering the Enhanced Initiative.”
“This paragraph shall not be construed to affect the pay, allowances, or benefits of any Federal employee who serves as a member of the aviation rulemaking committee as part of their official duties. (3) Review of enhanced air traffic-collegiate training initiative program.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study to examine the effectiveness of the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program (in this paragraph referred to as the ``Enhanced Initiative'') in-- (i) increasing the education and training capacity of FAA air traffic controllers; and (ii) growing the FAA air traffic controller workforce.”
“(ii) Implementation.--Not later than 180 days after the date of submission of the report under clause (i), the Administrator shall implement the recommendations of the report, as determined appropriate by the Administrator. (iii) Justification.--If the Administrator decides not to implement a recommendation described in the report submitted under clause (i), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a justification for such decision not later than 90 days after receiving such report. (E) Prohibition on compensation.--The members of the aviation rulemaking committee convened under this paragraph shall not receive pay, allowances, or benefits from the Federal Government by reason of their service on such committee.”
“(vii) Student success rates correlated with the completion of the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program and the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program described in section 44506(c) of title 49, United States Code. (viii) The appropriate method for ensuring the curriculum and training incorporates new entrants into the national airspace system. (ix) Other considerations as determined appropriate by the Administrator. (D) Duties.-- (i) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a copy of the aviation rulemaking committee report provided to the Administrator under subparagraph (A)(iii).”
“(C) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee established under subparagraph (A) shall consider the following: (i) The advancements in education technology, including digital resources and augmented reality or virtual reality capabilities, that may be incorporated into a modern curriculum and training. (ii) The appropriate balance between the use of theoretical knowledge and practical application. [[Page S3948]] (iii) A review of instructional techniques to improve the effectiveness of learning outcomes. (iv) The real-world applicability of air traffic operations procedures included in the curriculum and training. (v) Student success rates, including outcomes of air traffic controller trainees when placed at facilities for on- the-job training. (vi) Methods for reducing the subjectivity of instructional techniques.”
“(B) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee established under subparagraph (A) shall consist of members appointed by the Administrator, including representatives of-- (i) institutions of higher education that are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International; (ii) aviation industry organizations; (iii) FAA subject matter experts; (iv) military and commercial operators of aircraft, helicopters, and powered-lift aircraft; (v) the exclusive bargaining representative of the air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code; (vi) organizations representing certified collective bargaining representatives of airline pilots; (vii) representatives of accredited institutions of higher education participating in the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program and the Enhanced Air Traffic- Collegiate Training Initiative program; (viii) aviation safety experts, including those from outside the FAA; and (ix) any other stakeholder determined appropriate by the Administrator.”
“(2) FAA air traffic control training aviation rulemaking committee.-- (A) In general.--The Administrator shall convene an aviation rulemaking committee to-- (i) review the curricula of the air traffic technical training academy of the FAA, including its use in the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program and the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program; (ii) review the on-the-job training, development, evaluation, and certification of certified professional controllers; (iii) develop findings and recommendations regarding the improvement and modernization of such curricula and training; and (iv) provide to the Administrator a report on such findings and recommendations and for other related purposes as determined by the Administrator.”
“``(3) Appointment of program graduates.--The Administrator may appoint an individual who has successfully completed a course of training in a program described in paragraph (1) to the position of air traffic controller noncompetitively in the excepted service (as defined in section 2103 of title 5).''.”
“``(B) Selection criteria.--Prior to selecting an accredited institution of higher education for participation in the Enhanced Initiative, the Administrator shall-- ``(i) consider the air traffic curriculum of the institution, including the institution's access to air traffic educational resources and Federal Aviation Administration air traffic facilities and equipment; ``(ii) certify that each accredited institution of higher education seeking to participate in the Enhanced Initiative has a qualified air traffic curriculum that provides, at a minimum, an equivalent level of education and training for air traffic controller trainees to that provided at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy; and ``(iii) certify that all evaluations of students at accredited institutions of higher education seeking to participate in the Enhanced Initiative shall be conducted by evaluators that are approved and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.”
“``(2) Special rules for the enhanced initiative.-- ``(A) Requirements.--In maintaining the Enhanced Initiative under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, at a minimum-- ``(i) select and coordinate with accredited institutions of higher education (as defined in section 61.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations), as determined by the Administrator, that administer an accredited air traffic curriculum to undergraduate students, to prepare students for the position of air traffic controller with the Department of Transportation (as defined in section 2109 of title 5); ``(ii) establish standards for the entry and participation of accredited institutions of higher education into the program; and ``(iii) solicit applications from, and provide guidance to, interested accredited institutions of higher education that administer an accredited air traffic curriculum to undergraduate students, including accredited institutions that participate in the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, to foster participation of qualified accredited institutions in the Enhanced Initiative.”
“(b) Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative Program Improvements.-- (1) In general.--Section 44506(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(c) Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative and Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative.-- ``(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall maintain the Air Traffic- Collegiate Training Initiative program and the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program (in this section referred to as the `Enhanced Initiative') to support the recruitment, education, and hiring of well-qualified developmental air traffic controllers.”
“AIR TRAFFIC-COLLEGIATE TRAINING INITIATIVE PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. (3) Comptroller general.--The term ``Comptroller General'' means the Comptroller General of the United States. (4) FAA.--The term ``FAA'' means the Federal Aviation Administration.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3947-S3948] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6671. Mr. HOEVEN (for himself, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Moran, and Ms. Duckworth) 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 G of title X, insert the following: SEC. ____.”
“She goes: Well, because you do. You really like him. You respect him. So I just said: Yes, I know I do, but he is my buddy. You are not supposed to tell your buddy that; they are just supposed to know it. But it is true. I think we all did, both sides of the aisle. We will miss him incredibly. The country, the State of South Carolina will miss him. Our country will miss Lindsey Graham and his incredible service. May God bless Lindsey and his entire family. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Democratic whip.”
“But it is almost like they had one more call--one more call--where Lindsey was able to call President Trump again or President Trump was able to call Lindsey and they talked about, you know, who should replace Lindsey during that period before the election when the people of South Carolina will elect their next Senator to replace Lindsey, and they decided on Darline. And how fitting. How appropriate. So big thanks to President Trump for recommending to Governor McMaster that he appoint Darline. We are so pleased to have her here, and it is so fitting and appropriate. My wife Mikey and I are praying for Lindsey and for his whole family. I have to say that my wife Mikey was always a big Lindsey fan. One time, we are at dinner or something, and she just tells Lindsey how much I like and respect Lindsey. I said to her: Why did you do that?”
“He was a loyal and loving brother and uncle who once said of his sister: Of all the things that have happened in my life, her turning out so well is the highlight of it by far. It is only fitting that his sister Darline will serve in his place. We extend her a warm welcome to the Senate like Senator Graham did with so many of us. It is almost as if Lindsey and President Trump had one more call after the call that night where they talked. Lindsey had gotten back from Ukraine, and the President called him or he called the President. They talked on the phone, and it was shortly after that that Lindsey had his heart attack and died.”
“I think the time that, on the Judiciary Committee, he really said what he thought, what he felt in his heart about Justice Kavanaugh was perhaps, if not his finest moment, one of his truly finest moments where he truly stood up and said what he felt was right on the national stage and made an incredible difference, a lasting and important, incredible difference. And it wasn't rehearsed; it was just Lindsey spontaneously being Lindsey, saying what was in his heart. There is that old saying: Speak from your gut and your heart. Boy, did he, and it made a huge difference. That was vintage Lindsey Graham. His leadership on defense, judiciary, and budget issues will be felt for years to come. But for all his accomplishments in the Senate and around the globe, Senator Graham was most proud of his family.”
“Of course, he had a tremendous relationship with President Trump, and they truly cared about each other. They were real friends. They worked together, but they truly were friends. We will miss all of that. As the former chairman and the senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Graham shaped the Federal judiciary. Think of how impactful that has been from the Supreme Court down to the district courts. He played a central role in the confirmations of Supreme Court Justices, including Justices Alito, Kavanaugh, Gorsuch, and Barrett, while also helping to oversee a massive conservative shift in the Federal judiciary.”
“As chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Senator Graham advanced conservative causes that have made our Nation stronger and more prosperous. He helped steer through the Working Families Tax--the One Big Beautiful Bill, or the OB3. It has got a lot of names, but the important point is that it really made a huge difference for our country and for working families. He cared about that. He cared about taking on the big challenges and doing big things. Likewise, as the Budget chair, he was instrumental in helping us fund border security and law enforcement. He was a big part of helping us implement the Trump agenda, and that was so appropriate. Lindsey was really--you know, as they say in sports, he was a triple threat. He was a triple threat. He was a force in our Republican caucus, and he could work with the Democrats.”
“With his help, we were able to successfully convince the Department of Defense to change its policy and allow guardsmen and reservists to concurrently receive their Federal tuition assistance and their GI bill benefits in full. Given our close, personal friendship and his ardent support of our servicemembers, our national defense, and our military, I liked to call him ``Grambo.'' For me, that was his nickname, ``Grambo''--you know, kind of like ``Rambo.'' Well, he was ``Grambo.'' He really was the Senate version of ``Rambo'' in all things military, and he was relentless, as we saw. I mean, right up until almost the day he died, he was working and advocating for our military, on behalf of American military strength, and our role as, truly, the leader of the free world.”
“Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to my colleague but, most of all, to my friend, Senator Lindsey Graham. We were all shocked to learn of his passing this weekend, and I mean it--stunned. It is hard to imagine the Senate without Lindsey. It already seems quieter. We will miss his humor, his advice, and, of course, his friendship. Lindsey was dedicated to serving the people of South Carolina and the Nation. He spent nearly his entire adult life in public service, from the military to the South Carolina House, to the past 31 years--31 years--here, both in the House and in the Senate. In having spent 33 years in the Air Force, the South Carolina Air Guard, or the Reserves, Senator Graham was a staunch supporter of our men and women in uniform. Since 2010, he served as co-chair of the National Guard Caucus.”
“Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of the Air Force, shall submit to Congress a report on designating a Job Corps Transition Hub to support the workforce needs of the Sentinel program of the Department of the Air Force. ______”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S3948] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6672. Mr. HOEVEN 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: SEC. __. REPORT ON JOB CORPS TRANSITION HUB TO SUPPORT SENTINEL PROGRAM.”
“(D) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Comptroller General initiates the study under subparagraph (A), the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and the Administrator a report describing the results of the study, together with any appropriate recommendations for legislative or administrative action. ______”
“(B) Contents.--In conducting the study under subparagraph (A), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum, evaluate the effectiveness of the program in producing-- (i) students that score at least a well-qualified score on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (or a successor air traffic entrance exam); (ii) developmental controllers that enter en route and terminal air traffic environments after completing the Enhanced Initiative; and (iii) developmental controllers that become certified professional controllers. (C) Consultation.--In conducting the study under subparagraph (A), the Comptroller General shall consult with the Administrator and appropriate stakeholders involved in overseeing, operating, and administering the Enhanced Initiative.”
“This paragraph shall not be construed to affect the pay, allowances, or benefits of any Federal employee who serves as a member of the aviation rulemaking committee as part of their official duties. (3) Review of enhanced air traffic-collegiate training initiative program.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study to examine the effectiveness of the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program (in this paragraph referred to as the ``Enhanced Initiative'') in-- (i) increasing the education and training capacity of FAA air traffic controllers; and (ii) growing the FAA air traffic controller workforce.”
“(ii) Implementation.--Not later than 180 days after the date of submission of the report under clause (i), the Administrator shall implement the recommendations of the report, as determined appropriate by the Administrator. (iii) Justification.--If the Administrator decides not to implement a recommendation described in the report submitted under clause (i), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a justification for such decision not later than 90 days after receiving such report. (E) Prohibition on compensation.--The members of the aviation rulemaking committee convened under this paragraph shall not receive pay, allowances, or benefits from the Federal Government by reason of their service on such committee.”
“(vii) Student success rates correlated with the completion of the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program and the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program described in section 44506(c) of title 49, United States Code. (viii) The appropriate method for ensuring the curriculum and training incorporates new entrants into the national airspace system. (ix) Other considerations as determined appropriate by the Administrator. (D) Duties.-- (i) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a copy of the aviation rulemaking committee report provided to the Administrator under subparagraph (A)(iii).”
“(C) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee established under subparagraph (A) shall consider the following: (i) The advancements in education technology, including digital resources and augmented reality or virtual reality capabilities, that may be incorporated into a modern curriculum and training. (ii) The appropriate balance between the use of theoretical knowledge and practical application. [[Page S3948]] (iii) A review of instructional techniques to improve the effectiveness of learning outcomes. (iv) The real-world applicability of air traffic operations procedures included in the curriculum and training. (v) Student success rates, including outcomes of air traffic controller trainees when placed at facilities for on- the-job training. (vi) Methods for reducing the subjectivity of instructional techniques.”
“(B) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee established under subparagraph (A) shall consist of members appointed by the Administrator, including representatives of-- (i) institutions of higher education that are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International; (ii) aviation industry organizations; (iii) FAA subject matter experts; (iv) military and commercial operators of aircraft, helicopters, and powered-lift aircraft; (v) the exclusive bargaining representative of the air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code; (vi) organizations representing certified collective bargaining representatives of airline pilots; (vii) representatives of accredited institutions of higher education participating in the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program and the Enhanced Air Traffic- Collegiate Training Initiative program; (viii) aviation safety experts, including those from outside the FAA; and (ix) any other stakeholder determined appropriate by the Administrator.”
“(2) FAA air traffic control training aviation rulemaking committee.-- (A) In general.--The Administrator shall convene an aviation rulemaking committee to-- (i) review the curricula of the air traffic technical training academy of the FAA, including its use in the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program and the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program; (ii) review the on-the-job training, development, evaluation, and certification of certified professional controllers; (iii) develop findings and recommendations regarding the improvement and modernization of such curricula and training; and (iv) provide to the Administrator a report on such findings and recommendations and for other related purposes as determined by the Administrator.”
“``(3) Appointment of program graduates.--The Administrator may appoint an individual who has successfully completed a course of training in a program described in paragraph (1) to the position of air traffic controller noncompetitively in the excepted service (as defined in section 2103 of title 5).''.”
“``(B) Selection criteria.--Prior to selecting an accredited institution of higher education for participation in the Enhanced Initiative, the Administrator shall-- ``(i) consider the air traffic curriculum of the institution, including the institution's access to air traffic educational resources and Federal Aviation Administration air traffic facilities and equipment; ``(ii) certify that each accredited institution of higher education seeking to participate in the Enhanced Initiative has a qualified air traffic curriculum that provides, at a minimum, an equivalent level of education and training for air traffic controller trainees to that provided at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy; and ``(iii) certify that all evaluations of students at accredited institutions of higher education seeking to participate in the Enhanced Initiative shall be conducted by evaluators that are approved and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.”
“``(2) Special rules for the enhanced initiative.-- ``(A) Requirements.--In maintaining the Enhanced Initiative under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, at a minimum-- ``(i) select and coordinate with accredited institutions of higher education (as defined in section 61.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations), as determined by the Administrator, that administer an accredited air traffic curriculum to undergraduate students, to prepare students for the position of air traffic controller with the Department of Transportation (as defined in section 2109 of title 5); ``(ii) establish standards for the entry and participation of accredited institutions of higher education into the program; and ``(iii) solicit applications from, and provide guidance to, interested accredited institutions of higher education that administer an accredited air traffic curriculum to undergraduate students, including accredited institutions that participate in the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, to foster participation of qualified accredited institutions in the Enhanced Initiative.”
“(b) Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative Program Improvements.-- (1) In general.--Section 44506(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(c) Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative and Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative.-- ``(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall maintain the Air Traffic- Collegiate Training Initiative program and the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program (in this section referred to as the `Enhanced Initiative') to support the recruitment, education, and hiring of well-qualified developmental air traffic controllers.”
“AIR TRAFFIC-COLLEGIATE TRAINING INITIATIVE PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. (3) Comptroller general.--The term ``Comptroller General'' means the Comptroller General of the United States. (4) FAA.--The term ``FAA'' means the Federal Aviation Administration.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3947-S3948] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6671. Mr. HOEVEN (for himself, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Moran, and Ms. Duckworth) 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 G of title X, insert the following: SEC. ____.”
“I urge our Democrat colleagues in a bipartisan way to join us and support the effort to continue securing our border and to go after the criminals that have illegally entered our country and continue to do harm. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oklahoma.”
“In February, the President of Mexico agreed to send 10,000 National Guard troops to help secure its northern border with the United States. The Canadian Government has named a fentanyl czar, listed Mexican cartels as ``terrorist groups,'' and launched a Canada-U.S. joint strike force to combat organized crime, fentanyl, and money laundering. Additionally, the Canadian Government increased its law enforcement presence at the border, with a 56-percent increase in border personnel at land borders and ports of entry. CBP officers, Border Patrol agents, and State, local, and Tribal law enforcement are stepping up to take on the fentanyl crisis at our borders.”
“The precursor chemicals are coming from China. They go down to Mexico and from there, they're pushed up into our communities. The numbers reflect this. In 2023, officials in North Dakota seized 21,000 more fentanyl pills than the year before, 30 pounds more meth, and 2\1/2\ times more pounds of cocaine. Last month, the Republican majorities in both Chambers, the House and the Senate, voted to continue funding for key programs at DHS and DOJ that combat the rise in illicit drugs like fentanyl. Unfortunately, our colleagues across the aisle voted against that effort. While the United States stands prepared to take on the scourge of fentanyl that is impacting our citizens, other countries must step up as well. As a result of the actions taken by this administration, both Canada and Mexico have begun to be engaged partners on this issue.”
“These Executive actions have served as the first steps in reversing the catch-and-release policies that allowed members of cartels, gangs, and violent transnational criminal organizations, like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, to remain in the United States while operating criminal enterprises. By declaring an emergency at the border, DHS, DOD, and DOJ were able to take a whole-of-government approach and begin working together to identify the criminals that were illegally operating these networks within our country. The result of these harmful Democrat open border policies has been felt by us all and has turned every State into a border State. Leadership for the DEA Omaha Division, which includes my State, said it plainly and simply--the repeated presence of fentanyl in our communities is due to outside forces.”
“But the work is not done. While taking advantage of the failed border policies of the prior administration, cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, or TCOs, flooded the border and gained a criminal foothold in our country. The presence of the cartels and other bad actors operating within our borders led to criminal acts like drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other illegal activities. On his first day in office, President Trump signed a series of Executive orders addressing the border crisis that had been affecting our country and began the process of removing criminals who had illegally entered under the previous administration.”
“This sharp drop of illegal encounters is thanks to a new administration and a new Republican majority in the House and Senate, which has prioritized securing our border by resuming policies that brought historically low encounters just 4 years ago. And, I mean, policies that we put in place 4 years ago that worked then, we have put them back in place. They are working now. So all that discussion on the part of the Biden administration saying, oh, my gosh, they needed some new law somehow, just isn't so; is it? The numbers make that abundantly clear. And, of course, that means reinstating the migrant protection protocols, or the ``Remain in Mexico'' policy. Again, commonsense policies. Reinstating these policies helped curb illegal entries of individuals at our border and has begun the process of making our country safe again.”
“Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleagues in calling [[Page S2118]] attention to the devastating fentanyl fallout, made significantly worse by 4 years of failed Democrat open border policies and to note the return of commonsense border security policies led by Senate Republicans and President Trump. In March, Border Patrol agents encountered just 7,181 illegal immigrants attempting to cross the border--the southern border, 7,181. This is in stark contrast compared to just 1 year ago, when, under President Biden, the total encounters for the month of March totaled 137,473. That represents a 95-percent decrease in crossings, from over 137,000 to about 7,000.”