John Thune
Senator for South Dakota · Republican · United States
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4166-S4167] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Working Families Tax Cut Act Mr. THUNE. Mr.”
“And Workforce Pell will also be a game changer for midcareer professionals. As Colette Atkins, who works at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa, said, ``we have students that are working already, and they can't step away for 2 years, but can they step away to do that 8 to 15 weeks to get that training? They sure can.”
“Trade Representative Office, were among the speakers. ``This isn't the 1980 Farm Crisis, but the pressure is mounting . . . and the effect will be felt across the broader Iowa economy,'' said Christopher Pudenz, the farm bureau's economist, who presented the report along with [Iowa State University] economists Chad Hart and John Crespi.”
“Steady farmland values have bolstered the ag economy, including supporting farmers' ability to borrow money for their operations, though last year, Iowa farmland values inched up less than 1% to an average of $11,549 per acre, [the Iowa State University] reported in its annual farmland survey.”
“``Iowa farm income fell 53 percent over 3 years, new ISU report says.'' Iowa farm income tumbled 53% from 2022 to 2024, squeezed by record-high import costs, depressed corn and soybean prices and continued trade uncertainty, a new report shows.”
“Trump Accounts are a significant tool for parents and their kids. But it is far from the only thing that we did in this bill to help the next generation get a headstart on their American dream.”
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“DURBIN (for himself and Ms. Duckworth): S. 1516. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Cahokia Mounds, Emerald Mounds, and Pulcher Mounds in the State of Illinois, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S. 1516 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture Study Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) the city of Cahokia-- (A) was inhabited from approximately A.D.”
“``(b) Processor Career Training Programs.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide competitive grants to junior or community colleges, technical or vocational schools, nonprofit organizations, worker training centers, and land-grant colleges and universities to establish or expand career training programs, including for structured apprenticeships, relating to meat and poultry processing. ``(2) Applications for small grants.--The Secretary shall establish a separate, simplified application and reporting process for entities described in paragraph (1) applying for a grant under this subsection of not more than $100,000. ``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030.''. ______ By Mr.”
“``(3) Structured apprenticeship.--The term `structured apprenticeship' means an apprenticeship program that-- ``(A) provides most of the training on the job in a meat or poultry processing facility; ``(B) describes in detail-- ``(i) all of the competencies necessary to work in a meat or poultry processing facility; and ``(ii) the competencies that are necessary to own and operate a meat or poultry processing facility that is a smaller establishment or a very small establishment; ``(C) describes the level of knowledge, skill, and ability the apprentice ought to attain in each competency; ``(D) includes a component for someone other than the trainer-- ``(i) to assess competency attainment; and ``(ii) to assure that all competencies are being addressed during the apprenticeship; ``(E) includes an individualized plan for each apprentice that-- ``(i) considers prior knowledge, skill, and ability; and ``(ii) allows for apprentices to opt out of competencies irrelevant to their career goals; and ``(F) focuses on individuals who will work in or operate meat or poultry processing facilities that are smaller establishments or very small establishments.”
“Title IV of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 is amended by inserting before section 404 (7 U.S.C. 7624) the following: [[Page S2668]] ``SEC. 403. PROCESSOR CAREER TRAINING PROGRAMS. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Land-grant colleges and universities.--The term `land-grant colleges and universities' has the meaning given the term in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103). ``(2) Smaller establishment; very small establishment.--The terms `smaller establishment' and `very small establishment' have the meanings given those terms in the final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)).”
“``(2) Fiscal years 2025 and 2026.--An eligible entity awarded a grant under this section during fiscal year 2025 or 2026 shall not be required to provide non-Federal matching funds with respect to the grant. ``(g) Administration.--The promulgation of regulations under, and administration of, this section shall be made without regard to-- ``(1) the notice and comment provisions of section 553 of title 5, United States Code; and ``(2) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the `Paperwork Reduction Act'). ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030.''. SEC. 6. PROCESSOR CAREER TRAINING PROGRAMS.”
“``(e) Outreach.--During the period beginning on the date on which the Secretary publishes the notice under subsection (c)(4) and ending on the date on which the Secretary begins to accept applications under subsection (c)(1), the Secretary shall perform outreach to States and eligible entities relating to grants under this section. ``(f) Federal Share.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Federal share of the activities carried out using a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed-- ``(A) 90 percent in the case of a grant in the amount of $100,000 or less; or ``(B) 75 percent in the case of a grant in an amount greater than $100,000.”
“451 et seq.); ``(3) the purchase of cold storage, equipment, or transportation services; ``(4) the purchase of temperature screening supplies, testing for communicable diseases, disinfectant, sanitation systems, hand washing stations, and other sanitizing supplies; ``(5) the purchase and decontamination of personal protective equipment; ``(6) the construction or purchase of humane handling infrastructure, including holding space for livestock prior to slaughter, shade structures, and knock box structures; ``(7)(A) the purchase of software and computer equipment for record keeping, production data, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points record review; and ``(B) the provision of guidelines and training relating to that software and computer equipment; ``(8) the provision of staff time and training for implementing and monitoring health and safety procedures; ``(9) the development of a feasibility study or business plan for, or the carrying out of any other activity associated with, establishing or expanding a small meat or poultry processing facility; ``(10) the purchase of equipment that enables the further use or value-added sale of coproducts or byproducts, such as organs, hides, and other relevant products; and ``(11) other activities associated with expanding or establishing an eligible entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A), as determined by the Secretary.”
“``(d) Use of Grant.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to carry out activities in support of the purposes described in subsection (b)(1), including through-- ``(1) the development and issuance of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan for the eligible entity, which may be developed by a consultant; ``(2) the purchase or establishment, as applicable, of facilities, equipment, processes, and operations necessary for the eligible entity to comply with applicable requirements under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“``(4) Notice.--Not later than 14 days before the date on which the Secretary begins to accept applications under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish a notice of funding opportunity with respect to the grants available under this section. ``(5) Reapplication.--If an application of an eligible entity under this subsection is denied by the Secretary, the eligible entity may submit a revised application. ``(6) Priority.--In reviewing applications submitted under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that will-- ``(A) increase farmer and rancher access to animal slaughter options within a 200-mile radius of the location of the farmer or rancher; or ``(B) support an eligible entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A).”
“``(c) Applications.-- ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``(2) Applications for small grants.--The Secretary shall establish a separate, simplified application process for eligible entities applying for a grant under this section of not more than $100,000. ``(3) Requirements.--The Secretary shall ensure that any application for a grant under this section is-- ``(A) simple and practicable; ``(B) accessible online; and ``(C) available through local staff of the Department of Agriculture.”
“``(b) Grants.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall award competitive grants to eligible entities for activities to increase resiliency and diversification of the meat processing system, including activities that-- ``(A) support the health and safety of meat and poultry plant employees, suppliers, and customers; ``(B) support increased processing capacity; and ``(C) otherwise support the resilience of the small meat and poultry processing sector. ``(2) Maximum amount.--The maximum amount of a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed $500,000. ``(3) Duration.--The term of a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed 3 years.”
“454); ``(C) a person engaging in custom operations that is exempt from inspection under-- ``(i) section 23 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 623); or ``(ii) section 15 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 464); and ``(D) a person seeking-- ``(i) to establish and operate an establishment described in subparagraph (A) or (B); or ``(ii) to engage in custom operations described in subparagraph (C). ``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service.”
“1621 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 210B. PROCESSING RESILIENCE GRANT PROGRAM. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means-- ``(A) a smaller establishment or very small establishment (as those terms are defined in the final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 33806 (July 25, 1996))); ``(B) a slaughtering or processing establishment subject to-- ``(i) a State meat inspection program pursuant to section 301 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 661); or ``(ii) a State poultry product inspection program pursuant to section 5 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“``(B) Report.--At the conclusion of each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030, the Secretary shall submit a report detailing the activities and results of the outreach conducted during that fiscal year under subparagraph (A) to-- ``(i) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; ``(ii) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; ``(iii) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and ``(iv) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.''. SEC. 5. PROCESSING RESILIENCE GRANT PROGRAM. Subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.”
“683) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``25 employees'' each place it appears and inserting ``50 employees''; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''; and (iii) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``more than 25 employees but less than 35 employees'' and inserting ``more than 50 employees but less than 70 employees''; (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``60 percent'' and inserting ``80 percent''; and (3) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Federal outreach.-- ``(A) In general.--In each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030, for the purpose of State participation in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program, the Secretary shall conduct outreach to, and, as appropriate, subsequent negotiation with, not fewer than 25 percent of the States that-- ``(i) have a State meat inspection program pursuant to section 301; but ``(ii) do not have a selected establishment.”
“``(2) Report.--At the conclusion of each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030, the Secretary shall submit a report detailing the activities and results of the outreach conducted during that fiscal year under paragraph (1) to-- ``(A) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; ``(B) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; ``(C) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and ``(D) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.''. (b) Meat and Meat Food Products.--Section 501 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“472) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``25 employees'' each place it appears and inserting ``50 employees''; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''; and (iii) in subparagraph (B)-- (I) in clause (i), by striking ``more than 25 employees but less than 35 employees'' and inserting ``more than 50 employees but less than 70 employees''; and (II) in clause (ii), by striking ``subsection (i)'' and inserting ``subsection (j)''; (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``60 percent'' and inserting ``80 percent''; (3) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``subsection (i)'' and inserting ``subsection (j)''; (4) by redesignating subsections (f) through (i) as subsections (g) through (j), respectively; and (5) by inserting after subsection (e) the following: ``(f) Federal Outreach.-- ``(1) In general.--In each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030, for the purpose of State participation in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program, the Secretary shall conduct outreach to, and, as appropriate, subsequent negotiation with, not fewer than 25 percent of the States that-- ``(A) have a State poultry product inspection program pursuant to section 5; but [[Page S2667]] ``(B) do not have a selected establishment.”
“454(a)(3)) is amended in the second sentence by striking ``50 per centum'' and inserting ``65 percent''. (b) Meat and Meat Food Products.--Section 301(a)(3) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 661(a)(3)) is amended in the second sentence by striking ``50 per centum'' and inserting ``65 percent''. SEC. 4. COOPERATIVE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT OF POULTRY AND MEAT. (a) Poultry Products.--Section 31 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“``(c) Guidance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish a guidance document, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, providing information on the requirements that need to be met for smaller establishments and very small establishments to receive approval for a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan pursuant to this Act. ``(d) Data Confidentiality.--In carrying out subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall not publish confidential business information, including a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan of an establishment.''. SEC. 3. INCREASING MAXIMUM FEDERAL SHARE FOR EXPENSES OF STATE INSPECTION. (a) Poultry Products.--Section 5(a)(3) of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.”
“``(b) Database of Studies; Model Plans.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall-- ``(1) establish a free, searchable database of approved peer-reviewed validation studies accessible to smaller establishments and very small establishments subject to inspection under this Act for use in developing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan; and ``(2) publish online scale-appropriate model Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plans for smaller establishments and very small establishments, including model plans for-- ``(A) slaughter-only establishments; ``(B) processing-only establishments; and ``(C) slaughter and processing establishments.”
“``(a) Definitions of Smaller Establishment and Very Small Establishment.--In this section, the terms `smaller establishment' and `very small establishment' have the meanings given those terms in the final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)).”
“``(c) Guidance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish a guidance document, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, providing information on the requirements that need to be met for smaller establishments and very small establishments to receive approval for a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan pursuant to this Act. ``(d) Data Confidentiality.--In carrying out subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall not publish confidential business information, including a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan of an establishment.''. (b) Meat Establishments.--The Federal Meat Inspection Act is amended by inserting after section 25 (21 U.S.C. 625) the following: ``SEC. 26. SMALLER AND VERY SMALL ESTABLISHMENT GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES.”
“38806 (July 25, 1996)). ``(b) Database of Studies; Model Plans.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall-- ``(1) establish a free, searchable database of approved peer-reviewed validation studies accessible to smaller establishments and very small establishments subject to inspection under this Act for use in developing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan; and ``(2) publish online scale-appropriate model Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plans for smaller establishments and very small establishments, including model plans for-- ``(A) slaughter-only establishments; ``(B) processing-only establishments; and ``(C) slaughter and processing establishments.”
“1509 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. HACCP GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES FOR SMALLER AND VERY SMALL POULTRY AND MEAT ESTABLISHMENTS. (a) Poultry Establishments.--The Poultry Products Inspection Act is amended by inserting after section 14 (21 U.S.C. 463) the following: ``SEC. 14A. SMALLER AND VERY SMALL ESTABLISHMENT GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES. ``(a) Definitions of Smaller Establishment and Very Small Establishment.--In this section, the terms `smaller establishment' and `very small establishment' have the meanings given those terms in the final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S2666-S2668] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS By Mr. THUNE (for himself and Ms. Smith): S. 1509. A bill to amend the Poultry Products Inspection Act and the Federal Meat Inspection Act to support small and very small meat and poultry processing establishments, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S.”
“222 Leg.] YEAS--52 Banks Barrasso Blackburn Boozman Britt Budd Capito Cassidy Collins Cornyn Cotton Cramer Crapo Cruz Curtis Daines Ernst Fischer Graham Grassley Hagerty Hoeven Husted Hyde-Smith Johnson Justice Kennedy Lankford Lee Lummis Marshall McConnell McCormick Moody Moran Moreno Mullin Murkowski Paul Ricketts Risch Rounds Schmitt Scott (FL) Scott (SC) Sheehy Sullivan Thune Tillis Tuberville Wicker Young NAYS--46 Alsobrooks Baldwin Bennet Blumenthal Blunt Rochester Booker Cantwell Coons Cortez Masto Duckworth Durbin Fetterman Gallego Gillibrand Hassan Heinrich Hickenlooper Hirono Kaine Kelly Kim King Klobuchar Lujan Markey Merkley Murphy Murray Ossoff Padilla Peters Reed Rosen Sanders Schatz Schiff Schumer Shaheen Slotkin Smith Van Hollen Warner Warnock Warren Welch Wyden NOT VOTING--2 Hawley Whitehouse The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr.”
“The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Hawley). Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from Rhode Island (Mr. Whitehouse) is necessarily absent. The result was announced--yeas 52, nays 46, as follows: [Rollcall Vote No.”
“The clerk will report the motion. The legislative clerk read as follows: Motion to proceed to H.J. Res. 42, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ``Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment''. Vote on Motion The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the motion to proceed. Mr. THUNE. I ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk called the roll. Mr. BARRASSO.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2644] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RELATING TO ``ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR APPLIANCE STANDARDS: CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS, LABELING REQUIREMENTS, AND ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS FOR CERTAIN CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT''-- Motion to Proceed Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I understand the Senate has received H.J. Res. 42 from the House. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator is correct. Mr. THUNE. I move to proceed to H.J. Res. 42. The PRESIDING OFFICER.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S2643-S2644] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ORDER FOR ADJOURNMENT Mr. THUNE. Madam President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order following the vote on the motion to proceed to H.J. Res. 42 and the remarks of my colleagues. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. [[Page S2644]] ____________________”
“42 be expired, the joint resolution be read a third time, and the Senate vote on passage of the joint resolution. 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 S2643] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025 Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate resume consideration of H.J. Res. 42 if the motion to proceed has been agreed to; further, that at 11:30 a.m., all debate time on H.J. Res.”
“The resolutions were agreed to. The preambles were agreed to. (The resolutions, with their preambles, are printed in today's Record under ``Submitted Resolutions.'') ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2643] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following resolutions, which are at the desk: S. Res. 184, S. Res. 185, S. Res. 186, and S. Res. 187. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolutions en bloc. Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.”
“(2) Analysis of punishments.--The analysis required under paragraph (1)(C) shall include an analysis of punishments for sexual harassment and sexual assault as of the date of enactment of this Act in facilities controlled by the Bureau of Prisons, including data on the use of such punishments during the 5-year period preceding the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Rulemaking by Attorney General.--Not later than 1 year after receiving the analysis under subsection (c), the Attorney General shall promulgate a rule adopting national standards for prevention, reduction, and punishment of sexual harassment and sexual assault perpetrated by an incarcerated individual against a correctional officer or other employee of the Bureau. ____________________”
“(c) Data Analysis by Inspector General.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date as of which the Bureau has fully implemented each recommendation referenced in subsection (b)(1)-- (A) the Inspector General shall request from the Bureau, and the Bureau shall provide, updated data on the number and prevalence of sexual harassment and sexual assault incidents perpetrated by incarcerated individuals against a correctional officer or other employee of the Bureau during fiscal years 2022 through 2025; (B) the Inspector General shall conduct an analysis of the data described in subparagraph (A); and (C) the Inspector General shall provide Congress and the Attorney General with the analysis conducted under subparagraph (B) and any additional recommendations, including analysis of whether the Bureau has taken sufficient steps to identify the prevalence and scope of sexual harassment and sexual assault incidents perpetrated by incarcerated individuals against a correctional officer or other employee of the Bureau and to mitigate such incidents.”
“(2) Report.--If the Bureau has not fully implemented each recommendation referenced in paragraph (1) by the deadline under that paragraph, the Bureau shall submit a report to Congress by that deadline that includes an explanation of the failure to fully implement each recommendation and a detailed timeline for full implementation.”
“(6) Sexual harassment.--The term ``sexual harassment'' means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that explicitly or implicitly affect an individual's employment, unreasonably interfere with an individual's work performance, or create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. (b) Implementation of Recommendations by Bureau.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Bureau shall fully implement each recommendation in the report released by the Inspector General in 2023 titled ``Evaluation of the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Efforts to Address Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Committed by Inmates Toward Staff''.”
“(a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Bureau.--The term ``Bureau'' means the Bureau of Prisons. (2) Correctional officer.--The term ``correctional officer'' has the meaning given the term in section 4051 of title 18, United States Code. (3) Inspector general.--The term ``Inspector General'' means the Inspector General of the Department of Justice. (4) Incarcerated individual.--The term ``incarcerated individual'' has the meaning given the term ``prisoner'' in section 4051 of title 18, United States Code. (5) Sexual assault.--The term ``sexual assault'' means an act described in subsection (b), (c), or (d) of section 920 of title 10, United States Code.”
“(3) The Inspector General report further found that the Bureau does not collect adequate data on inmate-on-staff sexual harassment and sexual assault and that, because of the Bureau's inadequate data, the Bureau has not been able to identify the full scope of inmate-on-staff sexual harassment and sexual assault. (4) The Inspector General report further found that the Bureau does not have systems to evaluate the effectiveness of the Bureau's strategies to mitigate inmate-on-staff sexual harassment and sexual assault. (5) The Inspector General report made recommendations to the Bureau to address the failures in the Bureau's data collection and mitigation efforts, but the Bureau has not implemented these recommendations. SEC. 3. ADDRESSING SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL ASSAULT OF BUREAU OF PRISONS STAFF.”
“Congress finds the following: (1) In 2023, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Justice released a report titled ``Evaluation of the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Efforts to Address Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Committed by Inmates Toward Staff'' (in this section referred to as the ``Inspector General report''). (2) The Inspector General report examined all sanctioned inmate sexual incidents in the Bureau of Prisons (in this section referred to as the ``Bureau'') between fiscal years 2015 and 2021, and found that inmate-on-staff sexual harassment and sexual assault is widespread.”
“I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill (S. 307) was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, was read the third time, and passed as follows: S. 307 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2643] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] PRISON STAFF SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ACT Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of S. 307 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 307) to address sexual harassment and sexual assault of Bureau of Prisons staff in prisons, and for other purposes. There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the Senate proceeded to consider the bill. Mr. THUNE.”
“60, Frank Bisignano, of New Jersey, to be Commissioner of Social Security Administration for the term expiring January 19, 2031. John Thune, Katie Boyd Britt, Dan Sullivan, Roger F. Wicker, Mike Crapo, Tommy Tuberville, James C. Justice, John Boozman, Roger Marshall, John Kennedy, Cindy Hyde- Smith, Rick Scott, Ted Budd, James Lankford, Mike Rounds, John Barrasso, Bernie Moreno. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S2642-S2643] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Cloture Motion Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I send a cloture motion to the desk. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cloture motion having been presented under rule XXII, the Chair directs the clerk to read the motion. The legislative clerk read as follows: Cloture Motion We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the [[Page S2643]] Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby move to bring to a close debate on the nomination of Executive Calendar No.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2642] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 60. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the motion. The motion was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the nomination. The legislative clerk read the nomination of Frank Bisignano, of New Jersey, to be Commissioner of Social Security Administration for the term expiring January 19, 2031.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2642] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] LEGISLATIVE SESSION Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I move to proceed to legislative session. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the motion. The motion was agreed to. ____________________”
“The President has also taken steps, along with Congress, to stop the deadly cross-border trade in fentanyl, which affects communities around our country. I know those efforts are going to continue. Open borders represent a real security threat, and I am incredibly grateful for the work President Trump has done to secure our borders and to protect our country. One hundred days. If this is what President Trump has accomplished in his first 3 months, I can't wait to see what is to come. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. [[Page S2615]] The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The senior assistant executive clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.”
“Think about that--189,000 down to 11,000 in a year. What a difference leadership makes--a 94-percent decrease in illegal crossings at our southern border. That is an incredible achievement, and America is safer because of it. I have to say it is a reminder that had President Biden actually cared about border security, he could have secured the border at any time during his administration. President Trump has managed to do it in mere weeks. I should also note that not only has President Trump drastically reduced attempted illegal entries, but he has also focused on rounding up dangerous illegal aliens who are resident in our country: gang members, individuals charged with murder, rape, theft, sexual crimes against children, and the list goes on and on.”
“I don't need to tell anyone what things were like at our southern border in the last administration. It flat-out was chaos. President Biden presided over 4 years of recordbreaking illegal immigration at our southern border, with all the dangers that represents. President Trump promised that he would put an end to the Biden border crisis and restore order and respect for the rule of law, and in just 100 days--100 days--he has delivered to an incredible degree. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported just 11,709 encounters at our southern border in February and just 11,017 in March--nothing short of a dizzying drop. To put those February and March numbers into perspective, during February 2024 and March 2024, under the Biden administration, encounters at our southern border numbered 189,913 in February and 189,359 in March.”