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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“WHITESELL, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN985 NAVY nominations (23) beginning MICHAEL J. BAHR, and ending MARCELA C. ZELAYA, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN986 NAVY nominations (6) beginning JOSHUA I. CAMPBELL, and ending DARRIN L. WILLIAMS, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN987 NAVY nominations (8) beginning JORDAN M. ADLER, and ending RYAN T. WADINGTON, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN988 NAVY nominations (8) beginning ROBERT J. BEBBER, and ending JASON M.”
“GEORGE, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN981 NAVY nominations (4) beginning JAMES B. GALLAGHER, and ending SHAYNE J. SCHUMACHER, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN982 NAVY nominations (2) beginning DAVID L. BADMAN, Jr., and ending JITINDRA W. SIRJOO, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN983 NAVY nominations (2) beginning WILLIAM E. SNIDER, III, and ending HAYWOOD WILLIAMS, JR., which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN984 NAVY nominations (12) beginning ROBERT G. BEAUCHAMP, and ending KRISTEN S.”
“*PN896 FOREIGN SERVICE nomination of Tuyvan Huu Nguyen, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of March 25, 2026. *PN897-1 FOREIGN SERVICE nominations (13) beginning Tifani Chanel Dyson, and ending Ryan Alan Werner, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of March 25, 2026. *PN898 FOREIGN SERVICE nominations (5) beginning Russell Duncan, and ending Jeromy McKim, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of March 25, 2026. in the MARINE CORPS PN803 MARINE CORPS nomination of Michael L. Reynolds, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of February 4, 2026. in the NAVY PN980 NAVY nominations (3) beginning KEVIN M. BACON, and ending TODD M.”
“ZAMPERINI, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1072 ARMY nominations (37) beginning PATRICK J. ARBUCKLE, and ending LARRY L. ZHANG, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026, except for Philip T. Buckler. in the coast guard * PN846 COAST GUARD nomination of Jesse M. Millard, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of February 11, 2026. in the foreign service * PN415 FOREIGN SERVICE nominations (2) beginning Mary Smith, and ending Michael Francom, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of July 15, 2025.”
“BROUSSARD, and ending 0003218840, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1068 ARMY nominations (18) beginning WILLIAM A. BASKERVILLE, JR., and ending SARAH B. SULKOSKY, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1069 ARMY nominations (2) beginning Michelle E. Martinez, and ending Jaime S. Roche, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1070 ARMY nomination of Rachel H. Bokmeyer, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1071 ARMY nominations (186) beginning YOUSEF H. ABUHAKMEH, and ending KATHERINE M.”
“VIDIC, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1063 ARMY nomination of Richard T. Atkins, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1064 ARMY nomination of Annette G. Gonzales, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1065 ARMY nominations (104) beginning AKUNNA K. AKURUKA, and ending 0002768133, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026, except for Samuel A. Smith. PN1066 ARMY nominations (128) beginning CHRISTINE A. ARGUEZA PRINCE, and ending 0003094083, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1067 ARMY nominations (31) beginning MICHAEL A.”
“BELGRAVE, and ending TERA D. WOMACK, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 20, 2026. PN1017 ARMY nominations (204) beginning JASON M. ADELAINE, and ending DAVID J. ZIELINSKI, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 20, 2026, except for Joel A. Arends and Michael D. Thompson. PN1060 ARMY nomination of Eric M. Gaddis, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1061 ARMY nominations (91) beginning JONATHAN D. BAILEY, and ending PATRICIA YOUNG, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026, except for Theresa M. Long. PN1062 ARMY nominations (27) beginning IVETTE BLANCO PADILLA, and ending JOHNNY R.”
“in the army PN974 ARMY nominations (15) beginning JOHN M. BRANNING, and ending CHARLES W. WHITE, IV, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN1013 ARMY nominations (2) beginning MIGUEL F. GARCIA, and ending ROBERT A. WHITEHURST, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 20, 2026. PN1014 ARMY nomination of Dionne L. McMillan, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 20, 2026. PN1015 ARMY nominations (224) beginning HEATH A. ABRAHAM, and ending RICHARD M. YUROCKO, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 20, 2026, except for Mark R. Berube and Mandi A. Samples. PN1016 ARMY nominations (41) beginning TERIA L.”
“Nguyen, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. PN1059 AIR FORCE nomination of Jenna L. Stewart, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 4, 2026. [[Page S4134]] PN1080 AIR FORCE nominations (37) beginning ANNA M. ADKINS, and ending KARINA A. ZUNIGA, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 10, 2026. PN1081 AIR FORCE nominations (20) beginning LIOR ALJADEFF, and ending BENJAMIN B. WINSTON, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 10, 2026. PN1082 AIR FORCE nominations (142) beginning JASON K. ADAMS, and ending YOU XU, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of June 10, 2026.”
“Collins The following named officer for appointment in the United States Navy to the grade indicated while assigned to a position of importance and responsibility under title 10, U.S.C., section 601: To be vice admiral Rear Adm. Marc J. Miguez The following named officers for appointment in the United States Navy Reserve to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 12203: To be rear admiral (lower half) Capt. Patrick W. Finney Capt. Robert C. Gerstemeier Capt. Harold M. Kim Capt. Andrew R. Needles Capt. Sara J. Taylor Nominations Placed on the Secretary's Desk in the air force PN969--2 AIR FORCE nomination of MATTHEW T. ANDERSON, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of May 12, 2026. PN1058 AIR FORCE nomination of Anh T.”
“Taylor IN THE NAVY The following named officer for appointment in the United States Navy to the grade indicated while assigned to a position of importance and responsibility under title 10, U.S.C., section 601: To be vice admiral Vice Adm. Christopher S. Gray The following named officer for appointment in the United States Navy to the grade indicated while assigned to a position of importance and responsibility under title 10, U.S.C., section 601: To be vice admiral Rear Adm. Paul C. Spedero, Jr. The following named officer for appointment in the United States Navy to the grade indicated while assigned to a position of importance and responsibility under title 10, U.S.C., section 601: To be vice admiral Rear Adm. Brad J.”
“Voorheis 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. David J. Sanford 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 Lt. Gen. David R. Iverson IN THE ARMY The following named officer for appointment in the United States Army 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. Curtis D.”
“Schramm Col. Clifford V. Sulham Col. Phillip A. Verroco Col. Eric J. Zarybnisky 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. Daniel T. Lasica 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. Larry R. Broadwell, Jr. 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 Brig. Gen. Jason D.”
“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 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.”
“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. Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.”
“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. 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.”
“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. 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.”
“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. 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.”
“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. 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.”
“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. 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.”
“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. 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.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4119-S4120] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] America 250 Mr. THUNE. 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.”
“Here are the facts: Democrats can't bring themselves to authorize funding for our Nation's security, whether that is security at our border, funding for our military, or paychecks for our troops. It doesn't matter how bipartisan the bill is; Democrats can't bring themselves to support our Nation's security. Is it politics? Do Democrats think that voting against our national defense and our Nation's military will gain them points with their base or do they simply think they can afford to ignore our Nation's defense needs until some hostile actor takes advantage of our weakness? I don't know, but I do know that our Nation is less safe because of Democrats' actions. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.”
“Well, that was also because Democrats couldn't take yes for an answer. Democrats and Republicans had agreed on a bipartisan DHS funding bill. Democrats reneged on that agreement because they wanted to negotiate for more, and Republicans said yes to negotiation. And then Democrats shut down the Department anyway, even though Republicans were willing to negotiate further--even though the White House repeatedly offered a robust package of reforms. So as I said, I don't know whether it is self-delusion or deliberate deception, but I have heard few things more ludicrous than Democrats' narrative that they can't agree to legislation because Republicans are being partisan.”
“In either a fit of self-delusion or an attempt to distract from their actions, Democrats are trying to peddle the narrative that somehow they can't agree to anything because Republicans are trying to make things partisan. That is right. Well, let me spend just a minute correcting the record here. The National Defense Authorization Act the Democrats voted against yesterday? Bipartisan. That is right. The National Defense Authorization Act is bipartisan legislation. Four Democrats voted for the bill--for the bill--at the committee markup. Democrats' recordbreaking full government shutdown in the fall? Well, that was because they wouldn't accept a nonpartisan, short-term, clean government funding extension to allow bipartisan negotiations to continue. The Democrats' recordbreaking Department of Homeland Security shutdown?”
“First, there was their recordbreaking full government shutdown last fall, which affected our military and all of our Nation's security Agencies, to say nothing of the impact that it had on air travel. Then there was their recordbreaking shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which lasted a staggering 76 days. Then, after that, Democrats refused to reauthorize a critical intelligence-gathering tool, which the Democrat leader himself has described as ``a very important tool for ensuring our national security.'' [[Page S4094]] And now they have blocked the Senate from considering the National Defense Authorization Act. And who knows what is next?”
“They voted against a pay increase for our troops. They voted against quality-of-life improvements for our troops. They voted against the reform of the Pentagon's acquisition process. They voted against funding for unmanned systems like drones and counter-drone measures, an essential--essential--security need in this day and age. They voted against shipbuilding efforts to strengthen our naval fleet. They voted against measures to maintain our Nation's airpower. They voted against including 38 of their own amendments. I could go on here, but you get the point. Once again, Democrats are playing fast and loose with our Nation's security. I say ``once again'' because Democrats have been playing fast and loose with our Nation's security all year.”
“Mr. President, Americans tend to trust Republicans more than Democrats when it comes to national security. And, boy oh boy, do Democrats seem determined to demonstrate why that is the case. Yesterday afternoon, Democrats voted against the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual bill that authorizes spending for our Nation's defense. Their ostensible excuse was the conflict in Iran. Well, in case they were operating under a misconception, I am happy to tell them that this year's National Defense Authorization Act is not an Iran funding supplemental. It is the annual--annual--legislation authorizing the basic needs of our military and the basic needs of our men and women in uniform, needs that exist no matter what is happening in Iran. Let's just talk about what the Democrats voted against yesterday.”
“I don't know, but I do know that our Nation is less safe because of Democrats' actions. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.”
“So as I said, I don't know whether it is self-delusion or deliberate deception, but I have heard few things more ludicrous than Democrats' narrative that they can't agree to legislation because Republicans are being partisan. Here are the facts: Democrats can't bring themselves to authorize funding for our Nation's security, whether that is security at our border, funding for our military, or paychecks for our troops. It doesn't matter how bipartisan the bill is; Democrats can't bring themselves to support our Nation's security. Is it politics? Do Democrats think that voting against our national defense and our Nation's military will gain them points with their base or do they simply think they can afford to ignore our Nation's defense needs until some hostile actor takes advantage of our weakness?”
“Four Democrats voted for the bill--for the bill--at the committee markup. Democrats' recordbreaking full government shutdown in the fall? Well, that was because they wouldn't accept a nonpartisan, short-term, clean government funding extension to allow bipartisan negotiations to continue. The Democrats' recordbreaking Department of Homeland Security shutdown? Well, that was also because Democrats couldn't take yes for an answer. Democrats and Republicans had agreed on a bipartisan DHS funding bill. Democrats reneged on that agreement because they wanted to negotiate for more, and Republicans said yes to negotiation. And then Democrats shut down the Department anyway, even though Republicans were willing to negotiate further--even though the White House repeatedly offered a robust package of reforms.”
“Then, after that, Democrats refused to reauthorize a critical intelligence-gathering tool, which the Democrat leader himself has described as ``a very important tool for ensuring our national security.'' [[Page S4094]] And now they have blocked the Senate from considering the National Defense Authorization Act. And who knows what is next? In either a fit of self-delusion or an attempt to distract from their actions, Democrats are trying to peddle the narrative that somehow they can't agree to anything because Republicans are trying to make things partisan. That is right. Well, let me spend just a minute correcting the record here. The National Defense Authorization Act the Democrats voted against yesterday? Bipartisan. That is right. The National Defense Authorization Act is bipartisan legislation.”
“They voted against measures to maintain our Nation's airpower. They voted against including 38 of their own amendments. I could go on here, but you get the point. Once again, Democrats are playing fast and loose with our Nation's security. I say ``once again'' because Democrats have been playing fast and loose with our Nation's security all year. First, there was their recordbreaking full government shutdown last fall, which affected our military and all of our Nation's security Agencies, to say nothing of the impact that it had on air travel. Then there was their recordbreaking shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which lasted a staggering 76 days.”
“Well, in case they were operating under a misconception, I am happy to tell them that this year's National Defense Authorization Act is not an Iran funding supplemental. It is the annual--annual--legislation authorizing the basic needs of our military and the basic needs of our men and women in uniform, needs that exist no matter what is happening in Iran. Let's just talk about what the Democrats voted against yesterday. They voted against a pay increase for our troops. They voted against quality-of-life improvements for our troops. They voted against the reform of the Pentagon's acquisition process. They voted against funding for unmanned systems like drones and counter-drone measures, an essential--essential--security need in this day and age. They voted against shipbuilding efforts to strengthen our naval fleet.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4093-S4094] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] National Defense Authorization Act Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, Americans tend to trust Republicans more than Democrats when it comes to national security. And, boy oh boy, do Democrats seem determined to demonstrate why that is the case. Yesterday afternoon, Democrats voted against the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual bill that authorizes spending for our Nation's defense. Their ostensible excuse was the conflict in Iran.”
“(3) Offset 3.--The amount authorized to be appropriated by this Act for Atomic Energy Defense Activities, National Nuclear Security Administration, Naval Reactors, 14-D-901 Spent Fuel Handling Recapitalization Project, NRF is hereby reduced by $40,000,000. ______”
“AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR COUNTER UNMANNED SYSTEMS RELATING TO THE DEFENSE OF STRATEGIC ASSETS. (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the Air Force $50,000,000 for counter unmanned systems relating to the defense of strategic assets. (b) Offsets.-- (1) Offset 1.--The amount authorized to be appropriated by this Act for BMD enabling programs (RDDW 0603890C, line 88) is hereby reduced by $5,000,000. (2) Offset 2.--The amount authorized to be appropriated by this Act for special programs--MDA (RDDW 0603891C, line 89) is hereby reduced by $5,000,000.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S3947] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6670. Mr. THUNE 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 D of title I, insert the following: SEC. __.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S3925] 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. 738, Kara Marie Westercamp, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade. John Thune, Ted Budd, Thom Tillis, John Barrasso, Tim Sheehy, Joni Ernst, Jon A. Husted, Katie Boyd Britt, David McCormick, Mike Rounds, John Boozman, Bill Cassidy, Rick Scott of Florida, Josh Hawley, Cynthia M. Lummis, Kevin Cramer, Steve Daines. The PRESIDING OFFICER.”