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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“Paoletti The following named officers for appointment in the Reserve of the Army to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 12203: To be brigadier general Col. Tanya E. Simmons Col. Neil E. Thowe The following named officer for appointment in the Reserve of the Army to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 12203: To be brigadier general Col. Dane M. Sandersen IN THE MARINE CORPS The following named officer for appointment in the United States Marine Corps to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: To be brigadier general Col. Frank Diorio, Jr. IN THE SPACE FORCE The following named officers for appointment in the United States Space Force to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: To be brigadier general Col. Mark C. Bigley Col. Ryan P. Frazier Col. Jared A. Hoffman Col. Jason N.”
“Buschmann Capt. Christopher D. Eng. The following named officer for appointment in the United States Navy to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: To be rear admiral (lower half) Capt. Robert R. Christian The following named officer for appointment in the United States Navy to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: To be rear admiral (lower half) Capt. Eric M. Gardner The following named officer for appointment in the United States Navy to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: To be rear admiral (lower half) Capt. Ryan Stormer IN THE ARMY The following named Army National Guard of the United States officer for appointment in the Reserve of the Army to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 and 12211. To be major general Brig. Gen. Robert F.”
“Bodine Capt. David S. Cox Capt. John D. Craddock Capt. William D. Gallagher Capt. Christopher F. Hill Capt. Jeffrey W. Hill Capt. Jeffrey Juergens Capt. Thomas M. Ogden Capt. Eric J. Rozek Capt. William A. Shafer Capt. Aaron J. Taylor Capt. Clifford W. Toraason The following named officer for appointment in the United States Navy to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: To be rear admiral (lower half) Capt. Sean P. Barbabella The following named officers for appointment in the United States Navy to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: To be rear admiral (lower half) Capt. Matthew L. Bolls Capt. Michael S. Carl The following named officers for appointment in the United States Navy to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: To be rear admiral (lower half) Capt. Jeffrey P.”
“Ratcliffe, III Col. James D. Reese Col. Marocco V. Roberts, Jr. Col. Marci J. Sam Col. April L. Sapp Col. Rodney D. Seaba Col. Derek M. Smith Col. Tiffany M. Sneed Col. Kurt K. Southworth Col. Mark C. Stevens Col. Brian J. Stramaglia Col. Cody J. Strong Col. Richard M. Sudder, II Col. Rodney K. Tatum, Jr. Col. Davis K. Ulricson Col. Augusto Villalazhiguero Col. William H. Wagner Col. Robert W. Walker, Jr. Col. Kenneth R. Walker, Jr. Col. Kenneth J. Walsh, Jr. Col. Joe W. Warren, Jr. Col. John M. Wenzel Col. Christopher J. Weskamp Col. Michael A. Wilson Col. Jason L. Wisehart Col. Roger B. Zeigler IN THE NAVY The following named officers for appointment in the United States Navy to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: To be rear admiral (lower half) Capt. Stephen W. Aldridge Capt. Joseph A. Baggett Capt. Thomas T.”
“Grzybowski Col. Stephen T. Guertin Col. Christopher M. Guilmette Col. Willus B. Hall Col. William B. Hanna Col. Russel M. Harden Col. Louis P. Hawkins, Jr. Col. David M. Helfrich [[Page S4133]] Col. William L. Henry Col. Seth T. Hible Col. Ronald D. Hogsten Col. Vance R. Holland Col. Jeramy D. Hopkins Col. William L. Irby Col. Barry C. Jackson, Jr. Col. Michael J. Jochen Col. Aaron A. Kelsey Col. Robert J. Kincaid, Jr. Col. Kurt K. Kobernik Col. John M. Krueger Col. William W. LeCates Col. Bobby J. Lee, Jr. Col. Michael M. Majors Col. Shane M. Martin Col. Michael D. McCoy Col. William T. McKnight Col. Shawn M. Miller Col. Juan M. Mora Col. Corey J. Norris Col. Jan M. Oleen Col. Eric D. Orcutt Col. Joseph Paladino Col. Chantry T. Parker Col. Jeremy G. Pfeifer Col. Charles R. Rankin Col. Christopher S. Ratcliff Col. Andrew M.”
“Sannes The following named Army National Guard of the United States officers for appointment in the Reserve of the Army to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 and 12211: To be brigadier general Col. Michael D. Armstrong Col. Jason S. Baker Col. Timothy C. Baldwin Col. Dennis A. Bickett Col. Jeffrey M. Bilodeau Col. William L. Blanco Col. Olen C. Bridges Col. Matthew D. Calton Col. Maxime C. Casteleyn Col. Thomas P. Compitello Col. Jeffrey R. Cree Col. David E. Crenshaw Col. Adam M. Curry Col. Chad W. Daniels Col. Anthony W. Dennis Col. Kristin L. Derda Col. Russel K. Des Jardins Col. Michele D. Edwards Col. Matthew J. Elder Col. Ian L. Fawks Col. Todd A. Fitzpatrick Col. Bradley M. Frank Col. Todd R. Fredricks Col. Brett J. Gagnon Col. Peter G. Garver Col. Russell W. Gibson Col. Paul C. Gravely Col. Michael J.”
“Moga The following named officers for appointment in the Reserve of the Air Force to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 12203: To be brigadier general Col. Bryan M. Bailey Col. Gregory B. Berry Col. Robert M. Degregorio Col. Brandon M. Douglass Col. James S. Doyle Col. Daniel J. Ebrecht Col. Kyle H. Goldstein Col. Jason M. Grandy Col. Jesse L. Hamilton Col. Benjamin R. Harrison Col. Brandon M. Kelly Col. Rodney E. McCraine Col. Nicci S. Rucker Col. Kristine B. Smith Col. Roland C. Tsui Col. Sheila W. Wilds in the ARMY The following named officer for appointment in the United States Army to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: To be brigadier general Col. John W.”
“in the ARMY The following named officer for appointment in the United States Army to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: To be major general Brig. Gen. Jason B. Nicholson in the AIR FORCE The following named officer for appointment in the United States Air Force to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: To be brigadier general Col. Scott C. Mills in the ARMY The following named officer for appointment in the Reserve of the Army to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 12203: To be major general Brig. Gen. Mark W. Siekman in the AIR FORCE The following named officer for appointment in the United States Air Force to the grade indicated while assigned to a position of importance and responsibility under title 10, U.S.C., section 601: To be lieutenant general Maj. Gen. Paul D.”
“Smith; Marine Corps, with the exception of PN681-4; Navy, with the exception of PN835; PN925, PN990, Robert J. Moreno and Joshua Q. McCright; and PN1029, Kelly Cruz; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to any of the nominations; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is ordered. The nominations considered and confirmed are as follows: in the MARINE CORPS The following named officers for appointment in the United States Marine Corps to the grade indicated while assigned to a position of importance and responsibility under title 10, U.S.C., section 601: To be lieutenant general Lt. Gen. Calvert L. Worth, Jr.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4132-S4135] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the following nominations en bloc: Calendar No. 718, Calendar No. 783 through Calendar No. 812 and all nominations on the Secretary's desk in the Space Force, Air Force, with the exception of PN970-2; Army, with the exception of PN1061, Theresa M. Long; PN1015, Mark R. Berube and Mandi A. Samples; PN1017, Joel A. Arends and Michael D. Thompson; PN1072, Phillip T. Buckler; PN1065, Samuel A.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4129] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Cloture Motion We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby move to bring to a close debate on the nomination of Executive Calendar No. 775, Benjamin M. Flowers, of Ohio, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit. John Thune, Tim Sheehy, John Barrasso, Ashley B. Moody, James Lankford, Todd Young, Ted Budd, Pete Ricketts, Jon Husted, Mike Crapo, Mike Rounds, Tim Scott of South Carolina, Bernie Moreno, John Cornyn, Chuck Grassley, James C. Justice, Eric Schmitt. Mr. THUNE. I yield the floor.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4129] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Cloture Motion Mr. THUNE. Mr. 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 senior assistant bill clerk read as follows:”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4129] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 775. 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 senior assistant legislative clerk read the nomination of Benjamin M. Flowers, of Ohio, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit.”
“Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his ``Concord Hymn,'' referred to the opening shot of the battles of Lexington and Concord as ``the shot heard round the world.'' If I may borrow his phrase, I think it is fair to say that the Declaration was the ``statement heard round the world.'' It is still--still--heard round the world to this day, and I pray it will be heard until the end of time. May God bless our beloved country and keep us faithful to the principles for which we stand. I yield the floor. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll. The senior assistant executive clerk proceeded to call the roll.”
“I think it is the natural consequence of the principles that we espouse. Every Fourth of July is a day of celebration, but this one--marking 250 years--was particularly special. South Dakota was honored to welcome President Trump to our fireworks at Mount Rushmore--a truly spectacular event. There is no better place to reflect on the majesty of this great country. It is fitting too, though, that along with the celebrations--along with the fireworks and the parades and the hotdogs and the hamburgers-- that July 4 be a day of thanksgiving for the Declaration of Independence and the Nation it founded, for the blessing of liberty, and for all those who have pledged their lives to its defense, from the founding of our country to the present day.”
“The media has been filled with stories on how much visitors to this country are enjoying the United States. They are encountering the American character: generous, optimistic, big-hearted, friendly. And they are embracing it. And it occurs to me that that American character almost unquestionably has a lot to do with our founding principles. When you believe that all men are created equal, when you believe that they have God-given rights and dignity--well, that has consequences. All men are created equal. There is no class of divinely appointed rulers, no hereditary aristocratic class, no barriers set to prevent you from rising. Those principles have consequences. So I don't think it is surprising that Americans are generous and big-hearted and optimistic and friendly.”
“There had been philosophical treatises on laying out principles of government, but this was not a philosophical treatise. It was the founding [[Page S4120]] of a government, of a new nation, based on philosophical principles--a nation inaugurated not by conquest but on a set of ideas. And what ideas: All men are created equal. Where before in the history of governments do we find that? All men are created equal. No one is given special dignity by nature; no man has a divine right to rule over any other. No, all men are created equal--created equal and endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights, rights that cannot be taken away, rights that are not the gift of government but of nature and of nature's God, rights that government must defer to and defend. As everyone knows, the United States is currently hosting the World Cup.”
“Jefferson himself, writing in 1825, said of the Declaration: Neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion. All its authority rests then on the harmonizing sentiments of the day, whether expressed in conversation, in letters, in printed essays, or in the elementary books of public right, as Aristotle, Cicero, Locke, Sidney, etc. While many of the ideas in the Declaration were not new, the document was nevertheless, as I said, revolutionary because the Declaration marked an event essentially unique in human history.”
“Unalienable rights--rights inherent in man, given by God; rights that exist before government; and that it is the job of government to protect--government not by divine right or military might, but by consent; a government that represents the people, not the will to power. A revolutionary document--pun intended. Many of the ideas in the Declaration, of course, were not new. It was a document built on the wisdom of the ages, on the tradition of British common law, on the inheritance of Christianity, and the colonists' own experiment in self- government in the colonies.”
“Mr. President, we recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence--the 250th birthday of our country. On July 4 in 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration. The document laid out the causes which impelled the colonists' separation from Great Britain. But more than that, it laid out the political beliefs that would govern a new nation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That in order to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4142] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 3 P.M. MONDAY, JULY 20, 2026 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 3:51 p.m., adjourned until Monday, July 20, 2026, at 3 p.m. ____________________”
“the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Flowers nomination and the cloture motion filed today ripen at that time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4142] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ORDERS FOR MONDAY, JULY 20, 2026 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 3 p.m. on Monday, July 20; 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, and the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each; further, that at 5:30 p.m.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4142] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] MEASURE READ THE FIRST TIME--H.R. 2913 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I understand that there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will read the bill by title for the first time. The bill clerk read as follows: A bill (H.R. 2913) to authorize support for Ukraine, and for other purposes. Mr. THUNE. I now ask for a second reading, and in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request. The PRESIDING OFFICER.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4142] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT--EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the previous order with respect to the Westercamp nomination be modified so that the confirmation vote may occur notwithstanding rule XXII and with all other provisions remaining in effect. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________”
“(c) Considerations.--In the rulemaking initiated under subsection (b), the Commission shall consider-- (1) the relative equities and burdens of any proposed changes to the broadband maps; (2) the impact of any proposed changes with respect to the use of the broadband maps when making funding decisions; (3) the impact of any changes proposed in that rulemaking on providers of broadband internet access service; and (4) ongoing Commission efforts relating to broadband mapping, the restoration of broadband serviceable locations, and the challenge process. ______”
“(3) Broadband serviceable location.--The term ``broadband serviceable location'' means an area in the United States where a provider of broadband internet access service provides, or could provide, broadband internet access service. (4) Challenge process.--The term ``challenge process'' means the challenge process established pursuant to section 802(b)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(b)(5)). (5) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal Communications Commission. (b) Requirement.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking to review and evaluate the processes for updating the broadband maps, including the challenge process.”
“5015 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 ``Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers Act of 2026'' or the ``Broadband MAP Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. MAPPING PROCESS REVIEW AND EVALUATION. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Broadband internet access service.--The term ``broadband internet access service'' has the meaning given the term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation. (2) Broadband maps.--The term ``broadband maps'' means the maps created under section 802(c)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(c)(1)).”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4139] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] By Mr. THUNE (for himself, Mr. Fetterman, and Mrs. Fischer): S. 5015. A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to review and evaluate the processes for updating maps that depict the extent of the availability of broadband internet access service in the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 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.”
“As we continue to see a pattern of increased extreme climate events, we need all our housing to be resilient in areas at high risk of natural hazards and weather extremes. Congress should be aware of what strategies industry leaders are currently employing and understand potential options to increase the performance of manufactured homes in high-risk areas. I want to thank my colleague Senator Cassidy for introducing this bill with me. I hope our colleagues will join us in taking a step towards improving the resiliency of our nation's housing stock. ____________________”
“President, I rise to speak in support of my legislation to require a study on how to improve the resiliency of manufactured homes in areas that are at high risk of natural hazards and weather extremes, which I introduced today. More than 22 million Americans, most of whom earn less than the median national income, call manufactured housing home. These homes are significantly less expensive than traditional site-built homes and will play a key part in how we address our country's affordable housing crisis and increase home ownership. I was proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle to pass the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which includes provisions to increase the supply of America's manufactured housing. Yet manufactured housing is disproportionately located in areas that are the most exposed to climate hazards.”
“The Disaster Relief Fairness Act would address that problem by granting all disaster declarations requested between January 20, 2025 and January 20, 2029 that meet the Federal requirements and thresholds for assistance. This will help ensure that States and Tribes get the relief they need--regardless of who they voted for--and allow them to fully recover from disasters. I urge my colleagues to join Senator Whitehouse and me in supporting this legislation. ______ By Mr. PADILLA (for himself and Mr. Cassidy): S. 5020. A bill to require a study on manufactured homes in areas at high risk of natural hazards and weather extremes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Mr. PADILLA. Mr.”
“Under any other administration, this disaster declaration would have been approved on the merits, given its historic nature and FEMA's own damage assessment. However, after months of waiting, on July 2, 2026, President Trump denied the request from Rhode Island with no explanation. On the same day Trump denied Rhode Island's request, he also denied requests from New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts that all reportedly exceeded FEMA's damage thresholds. Yet, that same week, he approved disaster aid for six Republican-led States. Disaster aid and helping communities recover from deadly storms should never be political. Yet President Trump's record proves that he cannot be trusted to adjudicate disaster money fairly without invoking his own partisan biases.”
“This winter, Rhode Island was struck by the largest blizzard in State history. Over 3 feet of snow fell on the State in a 24-hour period--the highest 1-day snowfall on record for Rhode Island. The storm hit Rhode Island with the [[Page S4140]] intensity of a category 2 hurricane, with heavy winds up to 74 miles per hour. It caused widespread power outages and tragically resulted in two fatalities and hundreds of emergency room visits. Local businesses faced prolonged closures due to disruptions to transportation, utilities, and public services across the State. Following the storm, the State of Rhode Island worked with FEMA to develop a preliminary damage assessment of the storm's impact. The assessment found over $19 million in damages, amounting to more than nine times the threshold required for a major disaster declaration.”
“President, today, I am introducing the Disaster Relief Fairness Act, along with Senator Whitehouse. This bill would approve major disaster declarations requested under the Trump administration for incidents that meet or exceed FEMA's damage thresholds. I wish that this bill was not needed, but it is because President Trump has chosen to block disaster assistance based on political partisanship. According to the Urban Institute, roughly 84 percent of disaster requests from States that voted for President Trump in 2024 have been approved under this administration, compared to just 42 percent from States that voted for Kamala Harris. Further, POLITOCO reported that Republican-led States have waited 39 days on average for a decision compared to the 80-day average for Democratic-led states.”
“(c) Considerations.--In the rulemaking initiated under subsection (b), the Commission shall consider-- (1) the relative equities and burdens of any proposed changes to the broadband maps; (2) the impact of any proposed changes with respect to the use of the broadband maps when making funding decisions; (3) the impact of any changes proposed in that rulemaking on providers of broadband internet access service; and (4) ongoing Commission efforts relating to broadband mapping, the restoration of broadband serviceable locations, and the challenge process. ______ By Mr. REED (for himself and Mr. Whitehouse): S. 5018. A bill to approve certain requests for a major disaster declaration, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Mr. REED. Mr.”
“(3) Broadband serviceable location.--The term ``broadband serviceable location'' means an area in the United States where a provider of broadband internet access service provides, or could provide, broadband internet access service. (4) Challenge process.--The term ``challenge process'' means the challenge process established pursuant to section 802(b)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(b)(5)). (5) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal Communications Commission. (b) Requirement.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking to review and evaluate the processes for updating the broadband maps, including the challenge process.”
“There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S. 5015 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 ``Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers Act of 2026'' or the ``Broadband MAP Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. MAPPING PROCESS REVIEW AND EVALUATION. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Broadband internet access service.--The term ``broadband internet access service'' has the meaning given the term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation. (2) Broadband maps.--The term ``broadband maps'' means the maps created under section 802(c)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(c)(1)).”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4139-S4140] 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, Mr. Fetterman, and Mrs. Fischer): S. 5015. A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to review and evaluate the processes for updating maps that depict the extent of the availability of broadband internet access service in the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Mr. Thune. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4135] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] MORNING BUSINESS Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________”
“WIDHALM, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 10, 2026. in the SPACE FORCE PN1076 SPACE FORCE nomination of Jason P. Lowery, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. ____________________”
“PN1086 NAVY nominations (15) beginning MATTHEW S. BAILEY, and ending NICHOLAS B. STAMPFLI, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 10, 2026. PN1087 NAVY nominations (25) beginning DAVID A. ANTICO, and ending JENNIFER L. WILLIAMS, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 10, 2026. PN1088 NAVY nominations (23) beginning JATAN BASTOLA, and ending EDWARD P. WINDAS, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 10, 2026. PN1089 NAVY nonimations (14) beginning DONALD A. BAKER, III, and ending MARLIN WILLIAMS, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 10, 2026. PN1090 NAVY nominations (14) beginning JON A. ANGLE, and ending CHRISTOPHER J.”
“TRIEPEL, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1075 NAVY nomination of Leonard N. Aranas, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1083 NAVY nominations (64) beginning VINCENT L. ACKERMAN, and ending JAIME A. WONGLOPEZ, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 10, 2026. PN1084 NAVY nominations (18) beginning NATALIE R. BAKAN, and ending CHRISTOPHER E. VERZOSA, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 10, 2026. PN1085 NAVY nominations (35) beginning NOAH M. APUSEN, and ending ADAM L. ZEILER, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 10, 2026.”
“PN1043 NAVY nominations (12) beginning DANIEL E. BURAS, JR., and ending LAUREN A. WARRENZECCHIN, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1044 NAVY nominations (5) beginning ROBERT J. DISPALDO, and ending THERESA L. THAO, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1045 NAVY nomination of Megan M. Fine, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1073 NAVY nomination of Christopher P. Toscano, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1074 NAVY nominations (4) beginning SCOTT M. BATCHELOR, and ending CAROLINE R.”
“SEAGER, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1039 NAVY nominations (5) beginning KENNETH L. BYERS, JR., and ending JESSE L. WALSH, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1040 NAVY nominations (8) beginning AARON A. ECONOMOU, and ending CHRISTOPHER D. WOZNIAK, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1041 NAVY nomination of Christopher M. Neboshynsky, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1042 NAVY nominations (2) beginning PHILLIP J. ADDISON, and ending JOHN P. MORROW, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026.”
“Poland, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1034 NAVY nominations (3) beginning MATTHEW S. GILL, and ending LENAYA A. ROTKLEIN, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1035 NAVY nominations (21) beginning JESSICA E. BRICK, and ending JOHN B. WARD, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1036 NAVY nomination of Ross C. Sickler, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1037 NAVY nomination of Renee S. Baggott, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1038 NAVY nominations (3) beginning DAVID C. KOLBERG, and ending ERIC E.”
“WILDER, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 20, 2026. PN1029 NAVY nomination of PATRICIA M. LEE, which nomination was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1030 NAVY nominations (45) beginning DAMON W. BATESON, II, and ending ROBERT E. ZUBECK, II, which nominations were [[Page S4135]] received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1031 NAVY nominations (17) beginning JOSEPH R. COLLINS, and ending ANDREW J. VALERIUS, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1032 NAVY nomination of Beau E. Bennett, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 1, 2026. PN1033 NAVY nomination of Aaron M.”
“WILLIFORD, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN997 NAVY nominations (3) beginning LANCE A. ALT, and ending TYRONE WALLER, II, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN998 NAVY nomination of Nathan J. Richardson, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN1018 NAVY nomination of Luis F. Rosario, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 20, 2026. PN1019 NAVY nominations (5) beginning SERGIO BARTAKIAN, and ending JOHN E. VINE, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 20, 2026. PN1020 NAVY nominations (2) beginning TIMOTHY C. HORTON, and ending TRAVIS J.”
“SLAGER, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN993 NAVY nominations (4) beginning SEAN P. CAULFIELD, and ending ROBERT D. WENDT, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN994 NAVY nominations (11) beginning FRANCIS B. CARNABY, and ending PATRICK T. SULLIVAN, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN995 NAVY nominations (3) beginning RICHARD S. CHERNITZER, and ending BETH A. TEACH, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN996 NAVY nominations (3) beginning BRIAN F. BRESHEARS, and ending BRADLEY J.”
“WITTROCK, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN989 NAVY nominations (19) beginning MATE W. AERANDIR, and ending MICHAEL B. ZIMET, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN990 NAVY nominations (318) beginning JAMESON R. ADLER, and ending DAVID E. ZIEROTH, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026, except for Robert J. Moreno and Joshua Q. McCright. PN991 NAVY nominations (10) beginning CLINTON T. CERALDE, and ending KAREN J. TEAGUE, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN992 NAVY nominations (6) beginning AARON C. GEARY, and ending JONATHAN J.”