Roger F. Wicker
Senator for Mississippi · Republican · United States
“3195(b)) is amended-- (i) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting ``except with respect to an individual described in paragraph (4),'' before ``the individual''; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) Individuals exempted from background check.--An individual described in this paragraph is-- ``(A) an individual who is-- ``(i)(I) a m…”
“3195(b)) is amended-- (i) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting ``except with respect to an individual described in paragraph (4),'' before ``the individual''; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) Individuals exempted from background check.--An individual described in this paragraph is-- ``(A) an individual who is-- ``(i)(I) a m…”
“(e) Exemption to Prohibitions.--The Department of Defense is exempt from the prohibitions under subsections (b), (c), and (d) if-- (1) the procurement or operation of the covered unmanned ground vehicle system is in the national interest of the United States; and (2)(A) the sole purpose for the procurement or operation is-- (i) research,…”
“(e) Exemption to Prohibitions.--The Department of Defense is exempt from the prohibitions under subsections (b), (c), and (d) if-- (1) the procurement or operation of the covered unmanned ground vehicle system is in the national interest of the United States; and (2)(A) the sole purpose for the procurement or operation is-- (i) research,…”
“(c) Implementation.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall-- (1) select not fewer than three classes of naval vessels for participation in the pilot program; (2) prioritize components and parts that have demonstrated supply chain constraints, production bottlenecks, or recurring availability issues; (3) partner with publi…”
“(c) Implementation.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall-- (1) select not fewer than three classes of naval vessels for participation in the pilot program; (2) prioritize components and parts that have demonstrated supply chain constraints, production bottlenecks, or recurring availability issues; (3) partner with publi…”
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Every one of 295 lines we hold for Roger F. Wicker, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 6 of 6.
“(d) Components.--The pilot program required by subsection (a) may include-- (1) transition and integration of common Electronic Safe and Arming Device designs; (2) incorporation of the Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit and the Small Universal Payload Interface; (3) development and standardization of technology and practices supporting payload-to-drone connectivity; (4) prototyping, demonstration, and technology transfer of munition systems integrated with unmanned aircraft systems; and (5) development of standardized drone interface documentation and validated integration processes for counter-unmanned aircraft system platforms, including energetic payload applications.”
“(c) Location.-- (1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology shall determine the location or locations at which the pilot program required by subsection (a) is conducted. (2) Considerations.--In selecting a location under paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary shall consider-- (A) the availability of munitions and energetics subject- matter expertise, including the interface of munitions with drones; (B) proximity to live fire testing range space and range availability, prioritizing joint base facilities; and (C) existing infrastructure capable of supporting rapid prototyping, integration, and live-fire testing.”
“(a) Pilot Program Authorized.--The Secretary of the Army may establish a pilot program to test, evaluate, and demonstrate the integration of approved munition payloads with approved unmanned aircraft systems, including one-way unmanned aircraft systems and counter-unmanned aircraft system platforms. (b) Purpose.--The purposes of the pilot program required by subsection (a) shall are-- (1) to accelerate the integration of modular payloads onto multiple drone platforms; (2) to reduce time-to-field for lethal and non-lethal drone-enabled munitions capabilities; (3) to standardize payload-to-platform interfaces; and (4) to support rapid prototyping, validation, and transition of drone-enabled munitions into programs of record.”
“(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. (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. TITLE LII--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations SEC. 5211. PILOT PROGRAM FOR ONE-WAY AND COUNTER-UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM DRONE TESTBED.”
“REPORT ON DIVESTITURE OF EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADES. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing an analysis of the rationale for the divestiture of Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades, including the operational, financial, and strategic justifications for such divestiture. Subtitle D--Air Force Programs SEC. 5131. 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.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3961-S3970] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6691. Mr. WICKER 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 end, add the following: DIVISION E--ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS TITLE LI--PROCUREMENT Subtitle B--Army Programs SEC. 5111.”
“*Nomination was reported with recommendation that it be confirmed subject to the nominee's commitment to respond to requests to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of the Senate. (Nominations without an asterisk were reported with the recommendation that they be confirmed.) ____________________”
“*Brett Doyle, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring December 16, 2030. *David Foley, Jr., of Virginia, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring June 16, 2032. *Samuel Negatu, of the District of Columbia, to be Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring June 16, 2029. *Peter-Anthony Pappas, of New Jersey, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring June 16, 2035. *Bartholomew Thanhauser, of New York, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring December 16, 2027.”
“Williams, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 10, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Jatan Bastola and ending with Edward P. Windas, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 10, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Donald A. Baker III and ending with Marlin Williams, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 10, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Jon A. Angle and ending with Christopher J. Widhalm, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 10, 2026. Space Force nomination of Jason P. Lowery, to be Lieutenant Colonel. By Mr. CRAPO for the Committee on Finance.”
“Wonglopez, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 10, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Natalie R. Bakan and ending with Christopher E. Verzosa, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 10, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Noah M. Apusen and ending with Adam L. Zeiler, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 10, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Matthew S. Bailey and ending with Nicholas B. Stampfli, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 10, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with David A. Antico and ending with Jennifer L.”
“Warrenzecchin, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Robert J. Dispaldo and ending with Theresa L. Thao, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. Navy nomination of Megan M. Fine, to be Lieutenant Commander. Navy nomination of Christopher P. Toscano, to be Captain. Navy nominations beginning with Scott M. Batchelor and ending with Caroline R. Triepel, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 4, 2026. Navy nomination of Leonard N. Aranas, to be Commander. Navy nominations beginning with Vincent L. Ackerman and ending with Jaime A.”
“Seager, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Kenneth L. Byers, Jr. and ending with Jesse L. Walsh, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Aaron A. Economou and ending with Christopher D. Wozniak, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. Navy nomination of Christopher M. Neboshynsky, to be Captain. Navy nominations beginning with Phillip J. Addison and ending with John P. Morrow, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Daniel E. Buras, Jr. and ending with Lauren A.”
“Valerius, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. Navy nomination of Beau E. Bennett, to be Captain. Navy nomination of Aaron M. Poland, to be Captain. Navy nominations beginning with Matthew S. Gill and ending with Lenaya A. Rotklein, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Jessica E. Brick and ending with John B. Ward, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. Navy nomination of Ross C. Sickler, to be Captain. Navy nomination of Renee S. Baggott, to be Captain. Navy nominations beginning with David C. Kolberg and ending with Eric E.”
“Navy nominations beginning with Sergio Bartakian and ending with John E. Vine, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 20, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Timothy C. Horton and ending with Travis J. Wilder, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 20, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Kelly Cruz and ending with Patricia M. Lee, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Damon W. Bateson II and ending with Robert E. Zubeck II, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Joseph R. Collins and ending with Andrew J.”
“Sullivan, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Richard S. Chernitzer and ending with Beth A. Teach, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Brian F. Breshears and ending with Bradley J. Williford, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Lance A. Alt and ending with Tyrone Waller II, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nomination of Nathan J. Richardson, to be Captain. Navy nomination of Luis F. Rosario, to be Captain.”
“Zieroth, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Clinton T. Ceralde and ending with Karen J. Teague, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Aaron C. Geary and ending with Jonathan J. Slager, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Sean P. Caulfield and ending with Robert D. Wendt, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Francis B. Carnaby and ending with Patrick T.”
“Campbell and ending with Darrin L. Williams, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Jordan M. Adler and ending with Ryan T. Wadington, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Robert J. Bebber and ending with Jason M. Wittrock, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Mate W. Aerandir and ending with Michael B. Zimet, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Jameson R. Adler and ending with David E.”
“Navy nominations beginning with David L. Badman, Jr. and ending with Jitindra W. Sirjoo, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with William E. Snider III and ending with Haywood Williams, Jr., which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Robert G. Beauchamp and ending with Kristen S. Whitesell, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. [[Page S3938]] Navy nominations beginning with Michael J. Bahr and ending with Marcela C. Zelaya, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Joshua I.”
“Army nominations beginning with Yousef H. Abuhakmeh and ending with Katherine M. Zamperini, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 4, 2026. Army nominations beginning with Patrick J. Arbuckle and ending with Larry L. Zhang, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 4, 2026. Marine Corps nomination of Michael L. Reynolds, to be Lieutenant Colonel. Navy nominations beginning with Kevin M. Bacon and ending with Todd M. George, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with James B. Gallagher and ending with Shayne J. Schumacher, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026.”
“Army nominations beginning with Christine A. Argueza Prince and ending with 0003094083, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 4, 2026. Army nominations beginning with Michael A. Broussard and ending with 0003218840, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 4, 2026. Army nominations beginning with William A. Baskerville, Jr. and ending with Sarah B. Sulkosky, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 4, 2026. Army nominations beginning with Michelle E. Martinez and ending with Jaime S. Roche, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 4, 2026. Army nomination of Rachel H. Bokmeyer, to be Major.”
“Zielinski, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 20, 2026. Army nomination of Eric M. Gaddis, to be Lieutenant Colonel. Army nominations beginning with Jonathan D. Bailey and ending with Patricia Young, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 4, 2026. Army nominations beginning with Ivette Blanco Padilla and ending with Johnny R. Vidic, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 4, 2026. Army nomination of Richard T. Atkins, to be Major. Army nomination of Annette G. Gonzales, to be Major. Army nominations beginning with Akunna K. Akuruka and ending with 0002768133, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 4, 2026.”
“White IV, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 12, 2026. Army nominations beginning with Miguel F. Garcia and ending with Robert A. Whitehurst, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 20, 2026. Army nomination of Dionne L. Mcmillan, to be Major. Army nominations beginning with Heath A. Abraham and ending with Richard M. Yurocko, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 20, 2026. Army nominations beginning with Teria L. Belgrave and ending with Tera D. Womack, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 20, 2026. Army nominations beginning with Jason M. Adelaine and ending with David J.”
“Air Force nomination of Anh T. Nguyen, to be Lieutenant Colonel. Air Force nomination of Jenna L. Stewart, to be Major. Air Force nominations beginning with Anna M. Adkins and ending with Karina A. Zuniga, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 10, 2026. Air Force nominations beginning with Lior Aljadeff and ending with Benjamin B. Winston, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 10, 2026. Air Force nominations beginning with Jason K. Adams and ending with You Xu, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 10, 2026. Army nominations beginning with John M. Branning and ending with Charles W.”
“Gray, to be Vice Admiral. *Navy nomination of Rear Adm. Paul C. Spedero, Jr., to be Vice Admiral. *Navy nomination of Rear Adm. Brad J. Collins, to be Vice Admiral. *Navy nomination of Rear Adm. Marc J. Miguez, to be Vice Admiral. Navy nominations beginning with Capt. Patrick W. Finney and ending with Capt. Sara J. Taylor, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 4, 2026. Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the RECORDS on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.”
“Sandersen, to be Brigadier General. Marine Corps nomination of Col. Frank Diorio, Jr., to be Brigadier General. Space Force nominations beginning with Col. Mark C. Bigley and ending with Col. Eric J. Zarybnisky, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. *Air Force nomination of Maj. Gen. Daniel T. Lasica, to be Lieutenant General. *Air Force nomination of Maj. Gen. Larry R. Broadwell, Jr., to be Lieutenant General. *Air Force nomination of Brig. Gen. Jason D. Voorheis, to be Lieutenant General. *Air Force nomination of Maj. Gen. David J. Sanford, to be Lieutenant General. *Air Force nomination of Lt. Gen. David R. Iverson, to be Lieutenant General. *Army nomination of Maj. Gen. Curtis D. Taylor, to be Lieutenant General. *Navy nomination of Vice Adm. Christopher S.”
“Carl, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 18, 2026. Navy nominations beginning with Capt. Jeffrey P. Buschmann and ending with Capt. Christopher D. Eng, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 18, 2026. Navy nomination of Capt. Robert R. Christian, to be Rear Admiral (lower half). Navy nomination of Capt. Eric M. Gardner, to be Rear Admiral (lower half). Navy nomination of Capt. Ryan Stormer, to be Rear Admiral (lower half). Army nomination of Brig. Gen. Robert F. Paoletti, to be Major General. Army nominations beginning with Col. Tanya E. Simmons and ending with Col. Neil E. Thowe, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on June 1, 2026. Army nomination of Col. Dane M.”
“Wilds, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 18, 2026. Army nomination of Col. John W. Sannes, to be Brigadier General. Army nominations beginning with Col. Michael D. Armstrong and ending with Col. Roger B. Zeigler, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 18, 2026. (minus 2 nominees: Col. Charles K. Douglas, Jr.; Col. Donny W. Hebel) Navy nominations beginning with Capt. Stephen W. Aldridge and ending with Capt. Clifford W. Toraason, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on May 18, 2026. Navy nomination of Capt. Sean P. Barbabella, to be Rear Admiral (lower half). Navy nominations beginning with Capt. Matthew L. Bolls and ending with Capt. Michael S.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3937-S3938] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF COMMITTEES The following executive reports of nominations were submitted: By Mr. WICKER for the Committee on Armed Services. Army nomination of Brig. Gen. Jason B. Nicholson, to be Major General. Air Force nomination of Col. Scott C. Mills, to be Brigadier General. Army nomination of Brig. Gen. Mark W. Siekman, to be Major General. *Air Force nomination of Maj. Gen. Paul D. Moga, to be Lieutenant General. Air Force nominations beginning with Col. Bryan M. Bailey and ending with Col. Sheila W.”
“Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum call with respect to the Perdue nomination be waived. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Illinois.”
“Experienced military professionals like General Keane applaud this. The President has been exceedingly patient, but he is correctly stating that there should be an end. It is time to treat Putin like the deceptive, cunning war criminal that he is. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Mississippi. ____________________”
“Recently, 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats have introduced legislation that would introduce primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and against actors supporting Russia's aggression in Ukraine, imposing real consequences on Putin if he continues refusing to engage in good-faith talks with Ukraine and the United States. And he has never engaged in any talks that were in good faith. Putin repeatedly bombs civilians. He has forged a trail of broken promises. He, and only he, chose--unprovoked--to start the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Putin, and only Putin, did that. Where in any of this has there been a showing of good faith? On Saturday, the President suggested that Putin ``has to be dealt with differently.'' I applaud this. My Senate colleagues applaud this.”
“The real answer from Vladimir Putin will be no. Just this morning, the Russian Foreign Ministry published words straight from the mouth of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. In no uncertain terms, this high-ranking Russian official rejected President Trump's peace deal. So this is a pivotal week. I look forward to the President's decision. I would remind him and my fellow colleagues: Putin cannot be allowed to drag the United States along. The U.S. Senate is ready to back President Trump as he stands up to Putin, on a bipartisan basis; 50 Senators--25 Republicans and 25 Democrats--recently introduced a bill called the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025. Who says there is not bipartisanship in the Senate?”
“Worst of all, throughout these so-called peace talks, Vladimir Putin has repeatedly taken the lives of noncombatant civilians and pummeled residential neighborhoods with bombs. Every statement Mr. Putin makes should be viewed through that lens. President Trump is right. Too many people are dying, and that includes the Russian people who are also suffering. The Russian people do not deserve to live under a vicious, larcenous, trillionaire president-for-life like Vladimir Putin. So far, only one side has worked to end violence. This weekend, the Trump administration set a timeline for Vladimir Putin to choose peace, and I commend them for it. I commend Secretary of State Marco Rubio who said the President will decide soon whether Putin is interested in actually working toward a just end to the war. All signs indicate the answer will be no.”
“The general noted that President Trump, understandably, seems to be running out of patience with Putin's intransigence. I know that many Members of this Chamber are running out of patience too. General Keane then asked a simple question: Which side has shown that it wants a peace deal? Both sides claim they want peace, but what is the evidence? And here is the truth: The truth is that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown that he is interested in peace. He has negotiated at length with the administration. Ukraine and its President agreed to a 30-day cease-fire. Vladimir Putin rejected the idea. Instead, Putin initiated an agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, and then he immediately violated that agreement. Mr. Putin did.”
“Senator Kennedy of Louisiana said: [P]utin thinks that America has taken the bullet train to chump town. Chump town. The President is right, and Senator Kennedy of Louisiana is right. There is one man to blame for this war. If Vladimir Putin puts down his guns, there will be no more war. If Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine put down their guns, there will be no more Ukraine. That is the simple truth, and I appreciate the President expressing that forcefully. Then, today, GEN Jack Keane, a very respected observer and officer and official in the Institute for the Study of War, expressed essentially the same sentiments as Donald Trump expressed the day before yesterday and as Senator Kennedy expressed yesterday. On FOX News this morning, General Keane gave the President due credit for pursuing peace in Ukraine.”
“With one hand, Vladimir Putin always makes a show of participating in peace talks. With the other, he has repeatedly bombed civilians--a clear war crime, a war crime--including just on Sunday of last week, Palm Sunday, when he bombed worshipers and children who were playing on a public playground. On Saturday, the day before yesterday, the President took Mr. Putin to task for this brutality, and I commend the President for doing that. The President said: There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days. It makes me think that maybe he doesn't want to stop the war-- he's just tapping me along--and has to be dealt with differently. Thank you, Mr. President, for saying that. One of the President's staunchest supporters in this body echoed that statement just yesterday.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)] [Senate] [Page S2595] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] UKRAINE Mr. WICKER. Madam President, I come to the floor today to add my voice to the many who are commending President Trump as he works toward peace in Ukraine. The President recently gave the aggressor, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, every chance to put down his guns and end the killing. He has done that over and over, but our President is now showing that he will not wait on Mr. Putin forever. Every time Ukraine and the United States have extended the hand of peace, President Putin has responded with aggression.”
“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 senior assistant executive clerk called the roll.”
“And I say, as I said on the floor a few days ago: If Vladimir Putin keeps a promise that he makes to the United States in this regard, it will be the first time he has ever kept his word on any treaty, on any cease-fire. That is who we are dealing with. We have to deal with him, but that is who he is. Vladimir Putin has shown us again who we are dealing with: a man willing to murder children in an attempt to pressure President Zelenskyy and President Trump. I stand with President Trump and President Zelenskyy in facing down this murderous dictator. 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.”
“We must not allow Russia to waffle forever in negotiations. Vladimir Putin would prefer to. Maybe he thinks he can wait out the war forever. But let me tell you, Russia's economy and its industry show signs of cracking. A lot of the American people do not realize this, but the economy of Russia is crumbling. We must show resolve in the face of President Putin's growing weakness. We must not let him up off the mat, allowing him to shore up strength for another assault. President Trump and President Zelenskyy will work toward a deal that will be good for the entire free world--good for Ukraine and good for the United States, but for the entire free world. As they negotiate, we must all keep in mind exactly who their third negotiating partner is.”
“Early last week, President Trump signaled that he was displeased with Putin's refusal to make a deal, as well he should have been. At last week's NATO summit, Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the point. He said: President Trump will not allow the Russian dictator to drag us on in endless negotiation. He said: We will know soon enough, in a matter of weeks, not months, whether Russia is serious about peace or not. I agree with President Trump on his assessment. I agree with Secretary of State Rubio on his statement. But as it turns out, it wasn't in a matter of weeks or months. Putin showed us in a matter of days. Putin launched his attack the day after Secretary Rubio's words. The message was clear. He is not interested in peace. He would like a phony deal that buys Russia time to rearm.”
“The former Speaker said: Putin attacking Zelenskii's hometown and killing women and children is a deliberate insult to the United States and test of how much dishonesty[,] Brutality, and aggressiveness we will tolerate. He must be made [to] Pay for it. And, yes, it is a test of how much we are willing to tolerate, particularly in light of the discussions that were going on. The former Speaker is correct. Mr. Putin launched this attack on women and children in the middle of cease-fire negotiations. These aren't the acts of a leader who is interested in peace. The attack is an insult and a test, but it is also a test the United States must pass. We must not tolerate Vladimir Putin's dishonesty, brutality, and aggression. I believe the President of the United States, President Trump, shares the former Speaker's views.”
“The brightly colored swing sets and jungle gyms, sites of play and joy, are scenes of devastation. The sandbox and merry-go-round are a testament to the Russian brutality. One of the slain children was a 3-year-old boy named Tymofii. He and his grandmother were walking home from the playground when the bombs fell. One moment he had been playing, as children should; the next, he was gone, killed by a Russian attack on a civilian residential neighborhood. The killing, like the entire unprovoked war, is an outrage, and it demands a response. And I want to quote someone who has not been quoted on the Senate floor recently about this topic, and that is former [[Page S2454]] Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. He put it well this weekend.”
“Today, the residents of President Zelenskyy's own hometown, a little village by the name of Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, began a 3-day period of mourning. They are grieving yet another deadly, barbaric attack by Vladimir Putin. On Friday, President Putin launched drones and Iranian-made ballistic missiles into a residential section of that small city. These drones and missiles injured at least 68 people and killed at least 20 people. Among the dead were nine children. They were all noncombatants, ordinary civilians, living an ordinary day, visiting friends, stopping in shops, dining at restaurants, and playing at a children's playground. The attack on a civilian neighborhood is just the latest sign that Putin has no regard for life, but he underscored that fact by raining cluster munitions onto a children's playground.”
“Madam President, I come to the floor today once again to make a simple point, and that is that the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has once again shown the world that he has no interest in peace. In Saudi Arabia, representatives of the United States and representatives of Ukraine are continuing to work in good faith toward a just end to the war in Ukraine. In the coming weeks, a Ukrainian delegation will travel to Washington, DC, for the same purpose. They will discuss with our leaders the future economic partnership between our nations, Ukraine and the United States. Both of our nations want to see an end to the war. Meanwhile, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin continues to show no real commitment to that goal.”