quorum call:

quorum call:

mr. mcconnell: mr. president? the presiding officer: the majority leader. mr. mcconnell: i ask consent further proceedings under the quorum call be dispensed with. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask unanimous consent the senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations en bloc -- calendar 439 and 488. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: nominations, department of defense, jeaninee. davidson of virginia to be under secretary of the navy, todd a. wheeler of virginia to be the assistant secretary. mr. mcconnell: i know of no

further debate on the nomination. the presiding officer: if there is no further debate, all in favor say aye. all opposed, no. the ayes appear to have it. the ayes do have it. mr. mcconnell: i ask consent -- the presiding officer: the nominations are confirmed en bloc. mr. mcconnell: i ask consent the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid on the table en bloc, the president be immediately notified of the senate's action and the senate then resume legislative session. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask unanimous consent the senate proceed to executive session for the en bloc consideration of calendar number 486, 489-494, 496, 497 and all nominations on the secretary's desk, 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, that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the record, the president be immediately notified of the

senate's action and the senate then resume legislative session. the presiding officer: without objection, so ordered. mr. mcconnell: i ask unanimous consent the senate proceed to the immediate consideration of calendar number 368, s. 483. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: calendar number 368, s. 483, a bill to improve enforcement efforts related to prescription drug diversion and abuse and for other purposes. the presiding officer: is there objection to proceeding to the measure? without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask consent the committee-reported substitute amendment be agreed to, the bill as amended be read a third time and passed and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask unanimous consent the senate proceed to the immediate consideration of calendar number 374, s. 2143. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: calendar number 374, s. 2143, a bill to provide for the authority for successors and

signs of the star to margo bridge company, and so forth and for other purposes. the presiding officer: is there objection to proceeding to the measure? without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask consent the bill be read a third time and passed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: i now ask unanimous consent the senate proceed to the immediate consideration of calendar number 389, s. 2512. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: calendar number 389, s. 2512, a bill to expand the tropical disease product priority review voucher program, and so forth. the presiding officer: is there objection to proceeding to the measure? without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask consent the committee-reported substitute amendment be agreed to, i ask consent the bill as amended be read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: i now ask unanimous consent the senate proceed to the consideration of h. con. res. 111, which is at the desk.

the presiding officer: clerk will report. the clerk: h. con. res. 111, concurrent resolution authorizing the use of emancipation hall in the capitol visitors' center, and so forth. the presiding officer: is there objection to proceeding to the measure? without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask unanimous consent the concurrent resolution be agreed to and the motion to reconsider be considered -- be laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: i now ask unanimous consent the senate proceed to the consideration of s. res. 407 submitted earlier today. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: senate resolution 407, congratulating the university of wyoming men's nordic ski team, and so forth. the presiding officer: is there objection to proceeding to the measure? without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask unanimous consent the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: i now ask

unanimous consent the senate proceed to the consideration of s. res. 408 submitted earlier today. the presiding officer: clerk will report. the clerk: senate resolution 408, designating april, 2016, as national congenital diaphragmatic hernia awareness month. the presiding officer: is there objection to proceeding to the measure? without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask unanimous consent the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: i now ask unanimous consent the senate proceed to immediate consideration of s. res. 409 submitted earlier today. the presiding officer: clerk will report. the clerk: senate resolution 409, recognizing march, 2016, as national women's history month. the presiding officer: is there objection to proceeding to the measure? without objection. mr. mcconnell: i know of no further debate on the resolution. the presiding officer: is there further debate?

if not, the question is on the adoption of the resolution. all in favor say aye. all opposed, no. the ayes appear to have it. the ayes do have it. the resolution is agreed to. mr. mcconnell: i ask the preamble be agreed to and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate. the presidin the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask that the senate proceed to the immediate consideration of s. con. res. 34. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: s. con. res. 34, concurrent resolution providing for an are adjournment of the house of representatives. officer snrer objection to proceeding to the measure? without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask unanimous consent that concurrent resolution be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid on the table, with no intervening action or debate. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: as in executive session, i ask unanimous consent that the injunction of secrecy

be removed from the following treaty transmitted to the senate on march 17, 2016, by the president of the united states: treaty with kazakhstan on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. i further ask that the treaty be considered as having been read the first time that it be referred with accompanying papers to the committee on foreign relations in order to be printed and that the president's message be printed in the record. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the senate's adjournment, committees be authorized to report legislative and executive matters on monday, march 28, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the upcoming adjournment of the senate, the president of the senate, the president pro tempore, and the majority and minority leaders be authorized to make appointments to commissions, committed, boards, conferences or unts parliamentary conferences authorized by law by concurrent action of the two houses or by

order of the senate. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: i ask unanimous consent that when the senate completes its business today, it adjourn to then convene for pro forma sessions only with no business being conducted on the following dates and times and that following each pro forma session, the senate adjourn until the next pro forma session: monday, march 231, at 10:00 a.m., thursday, march 24, at is 1:00 a.m., monday, march 28, at 11:30 a.m., thursday, march 31, at 6:30 p.m. i further ask that when the senate adjourns on thursday, march 31, it next convene at 3:00 p.m. monday, april 4, following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day. i ask that following leader remarks, the senate be in a period of morning business until 5:00 p.m. with senators

permitted to threek therein for up to ten minutes each. the presiding officer: woiks. without objection. mr. mcconnell: if floss further business to come before the senate, i ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order. the presiding officer: the senate stands adjourned until monday at

declaration comes a day after officials said is likely to miss today's deadline set by congress. in fact a genocide. here is the news conference was secretary kerry. >> good morning, everybody. in 2014 the terrorist group daesh began to seize territory overrunning major cities in committing atrocities. the united states responded quickly by denouncing the horrific acts, taking

coordinated actions to counter. in september of that year president obama authorized international coalition now 66 member strong to halt or reverse the momentum of daesh. in the 18 months since coalition airstrikes have felt to liberate multiple key cities and towns. we have pushed the terrorists out of 40 percent of the territory that they once controlled and 20 percent in syria. we have degraded their leadership, attacked the revenue sources and disrupted supply lines. currently we are engaged in a diplomatic initiative aimed at trying to end the war in syria. that civil war fuels daesh, and in doing what we are

doing now we are working to further isolate, we can, and ultimately defeat them. we are working to stop the spread within and beyond the region. all of this constitutes an extraordinary effort by a large segment of the international community and united states, and that effort is fully warranted by the appalling actions of the organization that we oppose. my purpose and appearing before you today is to assert that in my judgment daesh is responsible for genocide against groups and areas under its control including christians and shia muslims. daesh is genocidal by self proclamation, ideology and action. in what it says comeau what it believes, and what it does. also responsible for crimes against humanity and ethnic

cleansing directed at the same groups that in some cases also against sunni muslims, kurds, and other minorities. i say this even though the ongoing conflict and lack of access to key areas has made it impossible to develop a fully detailed and comprehensive picture of all that daesh is doing and all that it has done. we have not been able to compile a complete record. we don't have access to everywhere. over the past months we have conducted a review of the vast amount of information gathered by the state department, intelligence communities come outside groups. in august 2014 daesh killed hundreds of men and older women and trap tens of thousands on messenger

without allowing access to food, water, or medical care it was clear those people would have been slaughtered. ultimately save many but not before daesh captured and enslaved thousands of women and girls. raping them at will in this trying to communities in which they lived for countless generations. we know and carry cash, mozilla, andcash, muzzle command elsewhere daesh is executed christians so it because of their faith, it executed 49 coptic and ethiopian christians in libya and is also force christian women and girls in the sexual slavery. massacred hundreds diseased and starved the town and kidnapped hundreds, raping

many in front of their own families. we know in areas under its control daesh is made a systematic effort to destroy the cultural heritage of ancient communities, destroying armenian, syria, orthodox, and roman catholic churches,churches, blowing up monasteries and tombs of profits, desecrating cemeteries and in palm europe even beheading the 83 -year-old scholar who had spent a lifetime preserving antiquities. we know the actions are animated by an extreme intolerant ideology that castigates as pagans and devil worshipers and daesh has threatened christians by saying it will conquer your rome, break your crosses, and enslave your women. shia muslims meanwhile i

referred to by daesh as disbelievers and apostates and subjected to frequent and vicious attacks. in december a year ago a 14 -year-old boy approached the gate of a mosque in baghdad unzipping his jacket to show he was wearing an explosive vest. he was told after his recruitment that alessi obeyed every order shiites would come and rape his mother. daesh said, it is a duty imposed to fight them, displacement and to cleanse the land of their felt. one element of genocide is the intent to destroy an ethnic or religious group in whole or in part. we know that daesh has given some of its victims choice between abandoning faith are

being killed, and that for many is a choice between one kind of death and another. the fact is that daesh kills christians because they are christians. shia because they are shia. this is the message it conveys to children under its control. it's entire worldview is based on eliminating those who do not subscribe to its perverse ideology. there is no question in my mind that if daesh succeeded in establishing a so-called caliphate it would seek to destroy what remains of ethnic and religious mosaic once thriving in the region. i want to be clear, i am neitheri am neither judge nor prosecutor nor jury with respect to the allegations of genocide. crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing by specific persons. ultimately the full facts must be brought to light by an independent investigation and through former legal

determination made by a competent court or tribunal. but the united states will strongly support efforts to collect, document, preserve, and analyze the evidence of atrocities and we will do all that we can to see the perpetrators are held accountable. i hope that my statement today will assure the victims that the united states recognizes and confirms the despicable nature of the crimes that have been committed against them. i hope it will highlight the shared interest. underscoring more starkly the need for a comprehensive and unified approach to the feeding --dash part of our response must of course be

to destroy it by military force, but other dimensions are important as well and we dare not lose track. in the past two and a half years the united states has provided more than 600 million in emergency aid to iraqis who have been displaced. we are working closely with local authorities to assist in the recovery of cities that have been liberated and whose residents face grave challenges. both material and psychological. and people who desperately need help in rebuilding our lives. we are supporting character the victims of gender-based violence and those who have escaped captivity. we continue to engage to make sure it security forces and other institutions are more representative and inclusive and are coordinating with our coalition partners to choke off the finances of daesh

and slow its recruitment of foreign fighters and we are preparing for future efforts to liberate occupied territory with an eye to the protection of minority communities. in particular, the liberation of muzzle in iraq and parts of syria that are currently occupied. utterly existential. this is the fight. find itself genocidal. we must bear in mind after all the best response to genocide is a reaffirmation of the fundamental right to survive, every group targeted for destruction.

requires defeating daesh and demands the rejection of bigotry and discrimination, those things that facilitated its rise in the 1st place. this means that as more areas are liberated presidents will need help not only to repair infrastructure but also to ensure that minorities can return and safety, that they are integrated in the local security forces and that they receive equal protection under law. our goal after all is not just a defeat daesh, only to find that in a few years some new terrorist group with a different acronym has taken its place. our purpose is to marginalize and defeat violent extremists once and for all. now, that is not easy. we know this. as president obama and i have consistently said, it won't happen overnight, but today i say to all our fellow citizens and to the

international community, we must recognize what daesh is doing to its victims. they were sold the victims accountable and find the resources to help those harmed by the atrocities. naming these crimes is important. what is essential is to stop them. that will require unity and within the country directly involved and the determination to act against genocide, against ethnic cleansing my against the other crimes against humanity, must be pronounced among decent people all across the globe. thank you. >> sen. tom cottonsenator tom cotton came to the senate floor to respond to

secretary kerry's announcement.cer: ago >> six months ago a 12 -year-old boy stood before a crowd in a syrian village, the spore was a christian and standing above him were islamic state terroristsri holding knives. in the crowd was the boy's father, christian minister. boys methodically the terrorists began cutting off the invoice fingers. amidst his screams they turned to the minister, his father. ifif he renounces his faith and in their terms return to islam, his son suffering would stop.ev in the end however these terrorists killed the boy, killed his father, and killed two other christians the solely over the faith they professed. they did so by crucifixion. in the time of christ acrossut was not just a means of execution but a brutal and public morning doll, the

cause of christ's suffering s a revered symbol of the perfect sacrifice and the promise of salvation. but today it is clear that isis seeks to turn the cross and do a message of dread. eight others were executed by public beheading but not before isis barbarians rape the two women among the victims and forced a crowd witnessed the atrocity. k today was the deadline set by law for secretary of state carry to present congress with an evaluation of persecution of religious minorities in iraq and syria. and i ami am heartened that secretary kerry this morning took the needed steps declaring a sentiment -- systematic murder of religious minorities by isis what it finally is, genocide. the nature of the horrific crimes has not been a secret. it is no secret the story of the torture and death regio

different victims of throughout the region.tones. smash their tombstones. it they are being abducted and murdered. no secret that isis terrorists capture women and girls and lock them into a life of sexual slavery and repeated rape. own many victims choose to take their own life seeing suicide is there only escape amid hopelessness and unimaginable suffering. it is no secret that

thousands of christians and other religious minorities have been systematically raped, tortured, beheaded him a crucified, burned alive, and buried in mass graves, if buried at all. and it is no secret that the word we should use to describe these atrocities, the word we must uses genocide. seeking to eradicate religious groups it sees as apostates and infidels. the mide part of the fanatical focus on establishing aa caliphate 1st in the middle east and eventually across the world.ea christians and others who have managed to find refuge have seen the genocidal campaign of isis firsthand. kil,

they can list name after name of missing family members, wives and daughters kidnapped in the sexual slavery, sons and brothers kills and others spirited oer away to unknown fates. these victims know the truth of the genocide occurring int syria and iraq and now it is recognized by the united states of america. there were those who wavered on whether this was genocide. they feared that uttering this truth would compel us action to stop the genocide. my answer is, and? terrorist a mortal enemy who wishes to commit mass terrorist atrocities against the united states is also systematically persecuting and exterminating christians and other religious minorities. when will our national security interests ever overlap more perfectly with our moral sentiment than now? we can and ought to stop they kill more americans,

before they eliminate christian communities thatf have existed since the days of christ himself. still others argued that while genocide may have been occurring, recognizing it would play in the isis propaganda as if fighting a righteous jihad. i never understood this argument.ropagand stay silent in the face of isis propaganda is to accommodate the propaganda. went -- bend the night of truth. standing up for the partition is ofpractitioners of religions born in the middle east and calling original is the beginning of recorded history, not a new crusade. p it offensive world order. defensive world order. demonstrated through the period peaceful pro- existence and the many religions in those ancient lands, and existence that is threatened with extinctionisis's by barbarism of isis.

they righteously recognize the genocide. stopping the malignant expansion of the united states but stopping isis and the depraved ideology that enables it is also a pursuit that aligns with our highest ideals and humanitarian o principles.t's p i and many of my colleagues have deep disagreements. o for two years this policy of confusion, delay, and paralysis has failed to stop the terrorists. an entirely new approach that has the united states in the lead of interment coalition is badly needed. but it is not only president obama strategic approach that is ill considered.

his policy on syrian refugeele resettlement is as well. because the united states unwisely relies on the united nations for all referrals of refugeesettlemen seeking resettlement christians and other religious minorities fleeing persecution of the victims of audit attentional discrimination. yea last year of the 1,790 syrian refugees of those 41 29 or christian.29 or christian. that means that while 13 percent of syria's prewar religious minorities, only 2.3 percent of the refugees that make it to the us a religious minorities. doubt, syr without doubt syrians of all confessions are being victimized by the savage warbutp and the pacing and imaginal suffering.

but only christians and other minorities are the deliberate targets of systematic persecutionen genocide. their ancient communities are risk of extermination, ancestral homes and religious sites are being erased from the middle eastern map.ro christians and other minorities should not be shut out from the small number of refugees to find shelter in the united states. we had to help ensure that these committee survive. but why are christians underrepresented? there are number of factors. chief among them is that the united states for all intents and purposes relies exclusively on the un refugee agency to identify candidates for resettlement. the less than 1 percent of the thousands of syrian refugees referred by the un to the united states are religious minorities.n is not

let me stress that this underrepresentation is not the result of intentional discrimination. the un does praiseworthy and hard-working relieving the suffering of refugees and asnd a result improving the security and stability of nations in the near conflict and disaster zones.y but it is well-established that many religious minorities in syria are reluctant to register as refugees with the united nations because they fear facing even more persecution.ugees the un itself has reported that minority communities fear that registration might bring retribution from other refugees and camps and other areas in which they have sought safe haven. the united states commission on international religiousorted freedom is reported by christians refrain from f registering with the un because they fear being marked for revenge by forces loyal to a sod should he remain in power. exi

whether these fears are well-founded or not, the reality is they exist. and they deter christians. has from seeking un protection. its while the un has sought to r educate minority populations r the fact remains that only 1 pef refugees registered are non-muslim. the united states ought not to depend solely on the un for refugee resettlement referrals.ancien if we do our part we must find alternate ways to identify persecuted people to whom we can grant safe haven. today i am introducing legislation to create that alternate way. the religious persecution relief act would grant religious minorities fleeing persecution at the hands of isis and other groups in syria priority status so

that they can apply directly to the us resettlement without going to the un 1st. and it will set aside 10,000 resettlement slots annually that must be devoted to religious minorities. the priority status will allow religious minoritiesonfirm to skip the un referral process and fast-track the process by which we confirmgenoe that they are in fact targets of persecution and genocide. to answer in advance a most urgent and understandable question, those who apply for status will be subject to the exact same security vetting process as all other refugee applicants. and it is my strong position that the us must work with known religious leaders in the region and pursue other proven vetting methods to ensure that those who enter the country are not a threat to the security of the american people.

extending a hand is not a new idea. in 1989 the late senator from new jersey crafted what has been called the lautenberg amendment in 2,004 late senator from pennsylvania expanded the amendment to cover religious minorities. and in 2,007 the late senator from massachusetts passed a bill a greater priority status. the bill i am introducing today follows the bipartisan tradition of the senate and our country. world. mowing the 1st americans were programs from religious persecution in the old world hee that is onethat is one reason we have a long tradition of defending religious minorities here and around the world.

in the coming weeks i will discuss this with my fellow senators in my hope is that it will pass and pass soon. each day will bring another christian child who was tortured, another minister crucified, and another girl raped. communities in the middle east are slowly being strangled out of existence. we're coming up on easter, the day of christ's resurrection, the message is one for all of humanity that in times of pain and suffering, trial and tribulation they can ultimately be salvation, they're can ultimately be triumph over death. i try to keep this message in mind particularly amidst these times when religious conflict and depression do not seem to be waning the waxing. today christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world. other religions are not far behind in the scope and depth of the oppression of hoce.

while the united states cannot save all who aree suffering, when the persecutors are terrorists who want to kill americansnd we and we have the means not only to defeat but to protect the innocent we ought to act. and we have an obligation to stop the unintentional discrimination that unfairly box christians and other religious minorities from seeking safety in the united states. madame president, i yield the floor. >> forty-eight hours of nonfiction books and authors every weekend. here are some programs to watch for. saturday night a book discussion with city university of new york professor douglas rushkoff author of throwing rocks at the google bus. he talks about how americans can build upon the digital

economy but changing how they grow businesses to benefit employees and employers. then afterwards examining the growth of the federal government and presidential power during the obama administration. former deputy assistant attorney general. >> it seems obvious the government can regulate the money that you would use to participate in a constitutional right. citizens united says since you have a right to free speech particularly in politics and during campaigns then having the government say you can't spend money on using your constitutional right -- >> sunday night former 1st lady laura bush chronicling the lives of afghan women since the us invasion. wrote the introduction to the book which was put out

by the george w. bush institute. gutted booktv.org for the complete weekend schedule. ♪ >> when i tune in on the weekend sharing new releases. .. ssia >> they bring you author after author and spotlight fascinating people. >> i love booktv and i am a c-span fan. >> senator marco rubio turns to the senate today, two days after ending his presidential campaign. he participated in a foreign relation committee and voted on

a resolution holding backpage.com in contempt. here is video from the vote where you can see his republican colleagues welcoming him back. >> mr. rubio, aye. mr. connell, aye. mr. toomey, aye. mr. hatch, aye. ms. fienstein, aye. mr. johnson, aye.

mr. rono, aye. >> the c-span city tour this weekend takes you to montgomera, alabama. >> he showed you a house that was a turning point. this was house was a regrouping stage and it wasn't the place where you will find scott and zelda engaged in indom domestic activities. they were planning their next move. >> and what happens in the 1958

campaign walt really does try to reach out to the racial moderate and campaign for the poor and working class albaman's. and gets the support of the naacp but loses unfortunately to john paterson by a large margin. he is devastated. all wallace wants to be is governor and he is really upset by this loss and considers it is a failing. so, you know, when people ask him what the takeaway from the 1958 campaign he said i tried to talk about good roads, schools and progressive and no one listened. but when i talked about segregation everybody stopped and started listening. >> watch the c-span city tour

saturday at noon and sunday at three on c-span3. visit cities across the country. >> on tuesday, the chinese premier answered questions on the state of the china economy, the u.s. economy relationship during a legislative conference. this is courtesy of state-run china central television. >> good morning, ladies and gentlemen. today we have the honor to have invited premier. we have an impressivef turnout and our time is limited so i would ask you ask only one question. now some opening premarks from

premier li. -- remarks. >> a very warm welcome to you all and i want to thank you for your interest in china's two sessions and for your hard work. just now as our moderator said time is limited. let's get done -- down to business and by the way:

>> with the rec eshrecent violan the stock market are real. what is the challenges facing the market? what are the plans for the chinese government for the future development of the financial market and strengthening of regulations? what are the major reform steps that will be adopted for stock,

currency, and the market in china? will the recent volatility hold back the development? and will the stock connect be lunched this year? [speaking chinese] [speaking in native tongue]

>> you got the first opportunity to ask questions and made them all about the financial sector. that is quite understandable as many economic problems first manifest in financial markets.

the top priority of the financial sector is to support the development of the real economy. its functional real economy represents the largest risk to the financial markets. we have cut interest rates and held the banks liable. all of these steps were aimed to bring down the cost of financing and help the development of real economy. so i believe the job of financial institutions is to provide better services to a real economy especially the micro and small businesses. [speaking native tongue]

>> does the national separate operate according to its own laws and one should look like financial issues. last year because of difficulties in some sectors the npl ratio of some financial institutions in china increased

but we are still in a good position to diffuse financial risks because the capital ratio rate is at 30% and the bank's covered ratio is at about 180%. that is above the level of 150% that was set. we have other market based tools at our disposal to help bring down the corporate debt ratio and a corporate debt ratio is no new problem in china because they raise finances indirectly in china. we have a high savings rate in this country despite the volatility of the financial markets we are determined to press ahead with the building of a multi tiered capital market and we can use the market set

forth for equity swap to bring down corporate ratios. [speaking in native tongue]

>> last year due to multiple factors there were unusual fluxations on chinese's state department. the government took steps to stabilize the government and prevent systemic risks and our measured achieved to desired purpose. as to what will the government do next with respect to the financial markets in china a few days ago our new chairman of the csc gave an elaborate answer to that so due to time constraints i will not spell them out here. whether it is the stock market or bond and currency market they are all financial markets so we will continue to pursue

market-oriented reform and establish legal framework for the operation of those markets that is sound. the government has the regulatory obligation and we need to improve our regulation system in china. there needs to be full coverage of financial regulation as we are seeing an increase in products. second, we need to step up the coordination because the financial markets and products are connected and such coordination must be athorative. responsible must be matched with power. the local governments must perform their job with conscious and guard against moral hazard. in a world we must sharpen our vision to exercise most effective regulations.

[speaking in native tongue] >> here i want to emphasize it will be a process to put in place a full-fledged financial regime. we must toin continue to do a

diligent job in carrying out our responsibility. we are watching out for possible risks to insure the interest of investors and consumers will be uphe upheld. i want to remind the various departments and local authorities to do their job properly otherwise they will be held accountable. thank you. [speakinging in native tongue]

>> we have seen tumalltuous economic developments since the beginning of this year and china's economy is under downward pressure. some people are worried that china's growth will slide or dip below 6.5%. this will setback the efforts of building a prosperous society but it will weigh down global economic growth. what is your view, mr. premier? [speaking native tongue]

>> well, i somehow recall that last year when a journalist raised a question he was wearing a lot of hats. since tat you have narrowed it down to a single one. you raised a big question. it would be impossible for me to find with a few we are not able to meet our major economic development targets for this year. [speaking in native tongue]

>> you are right in pointing out that global economic growth is sluggish and as china's economy has become deeply integrated into the global economy it has been affected by global economic performance. china is going through a transition and some deep-seated problems that are built up over the years have become more acute. all of these have added to the downward pressure on china's economic growth. another prominent feature is that the growth prospects for different regions and sectors have become divergeant. i read a report from a foreign media outlet that said if one goes to a heavy industry company in china it will feel the economy is weak. but if he goes to a signs and technology zone he will feel that the economy is all booming as if it is still growing at the

double-digit rate and that report is very mechanism in line with the information -- much -- we have gained from our field trips to various localities. that shows there are both difficulties and hopes for china's economy but given the underlying trend and the fundamentals there are more h e hopes than difficulties. [speaking in native tongue]

>> we have full confidence in the bright future of china's economy. our confidence is not founded on weak ground. we feel confidant because we believe as well as we stay on

the course of the storm, chinese's economy will not suffer a hard landing because we still have enormous potential in our big market and there is mense creativity among the people. china is not holding back produ productiv productivity. i believe we will stimulate the market with the wisdom and hard work of our people and we will be able to expand the downward pressure. [speaking native tongue]

>> we have been trying structural reforms including streamlining the administration and delegating powers in the government and packing corporate taxes will stimulate further market vitalities. at the same time, new forces that drive china's development is taking shape in a way that has gone beyond our expectations.

in a past few year, in spite of slower growth we have achieved sufficient employment. last year alone we generated over 13 million urban jobs. in the first two months of 2016, our sector expanded at 8.1% including the services for high tech rmd. in the mean time, we are upgrading our traditional growth drivers where there is still much we can do because china is still at a stage of industrialization and urbanization. there is much to boost in industrialization and it represents the largest source of china's domestic demand. in china's central and western regions there is enormous room for enrichment propelled by the new engines china's economy will

be able to rise to a higher level of promise. [speaking in native tongue]

>> there are few uncertainties and destabilizeing factors are on the rise. we have a good reserve of policy instruments in our tool kit. last year, global economic growth slipped to a six-year low but still we managed to meet our economic development target of around 7%. instead of resorting to massive stimulus measures, we have chosen a sustainable but much harder path of development to pursue structural reforms. going ahead, there may be small ups and downs at particular points in time in china's economic performance but in case

any sign that the economy may slide out of this appropriate range we will employ means to exercising macro economic regulation to ensure steady economic performance. [speaking in native tongue] >> we have passed the stress test in this process. i believe under the strong leadership of the central

committee with the sen jl secretary as well as we apply the new vision to development and unite the whole chinese of people in a joint effort we will be able to get off to a good start researching the five-year plan period and that will be the warm breeze china a brings to the world. thank you. [speaking in native tongue]

>> just want to add one thing to part of the questions raised by the writer journalist regarding when will the stock exchange stock connect be launched. we have launched the shanghai and hong kong stock exchange and must experience has been gained. the stock connect has brought

benefits to both localities. the relative authorities on the inland and hong kong are in consultation and we will work for the launch of the shenjing launch within this year. [speaking in native tongue] >> your work report has plans to stabilize china's economic growth but there is one factor of uncertainty and that is the continue dispute between the two world's largest economy. what do you propose can be done to improve china-u.s. relations?

and american concerns with respect to the market that has investment restrictions and level the playing field of american companies or fair trading practice that do not steal american jobs? issues have been raised by the strong candidate in the u.s. current election. thank you. [speaking in native tongue]

[speaking in native tongue]

>> there are broad interest between china and the united states. there are also some differences between the two counteries and some differences could be sharp. there is no reason to ignite this. but for some time it seems many people are talking about the differences between the two countries but overlooked one important thing that happened last year and that is china became the united states top-trading partner with two-way trade between the countries reaching $560 billion u.s. dollars. this in itself shows the common interest in the two countries far outweigh their differences. [speaking in native tongue]

>> as for how to ensure healthy development of china's u.s. ties i believe both countries need to act in keeping with the principles of equality and mutual i benefits. the two countries are engaged in a negotiation and china while

give u.s. investors wider market access in a gradual way and we hope the opening is mutual. we should proceed on the bases of mutual benefits. there are up to a hundred dialogue and exchange mechanisms between china and the united states. as long as sides act in good faith, i believe their common interest will further expand and as our cooperation expands, the number of differences will naturally rise but the percentage of differences in overall china's relationships will come down and broader operation services the interest of both countries and the world. [speaking in native tongue]

>> the coopation between the countries has been of mutual benefit something i believe the u.s. people know which best. as for the ongoing general election in the united states it has been lively and caught the eye of many. i believe that no matter in the end who gets into the white house the underlying trend of china'-u.s. ties will not change. it has been several deck apeds since the countries established diplomatic relations.

hasn't this relationship seen a fair share of ups and downs? but it has been more moving forward always which i believe is the underlying trend. thank you. [ >> rapheal from the spanish news industry. the north korea's essays have prompted to the united states to increase their military presence in south carolina. military tensions have increased in the south china sea at the same time. australia is in talks with the u.s. in order to host a strategy in this territory and in the trade area 12 countries but not china have signed the transpacific partnership and my question is if put in this together, then you are saying

the presidents will focus on the pacific region and the issue is becoming a problem for china? and if you see any other sources of instability in the whole pacific area. thank you. [speaking in native tongue]

>> [speaking in native tongue] >> it seems all of your quest n questions are related to china's neighborhood. let me say, china believes in peace with neighbors and believe we need a stable neighborhood environment. [speaking in native tongue]

>> it is up to the efforts of regional countries to maintain regional stability and harmony in the neighborhood. it is also natural that some differences my arise between neighbors but we believe as long as we all treat each other with sincerity and seek peaceful

settlements to difference means regional stability will be maintained. as for countries from outside of the region, like the united states, we think the united states is never left the asia pacific renali pacific region and all countries can come together to enhance corporations and properly handle difference. [speaking in native tongue]

>> china is now pursuing modernization and development is our top priority. china needs a stable neighborhood for its growing development. we will uphold global peace and this is in the interest of china's neighbors. china is remaining commitment to the path of peaceful development and will not waiver to uphold sovereignty and integrity. we hope all countries from within this region and without will work together to uphold regional stability and it is not

the opposite that is in the interest of all. with russia today, on both china and russia, have recognized the business cooperation between the two countries is lagging behind the growth of their political ties. both sides have promised to change this by promoting trade ties and investment corporation. we have not seen a large inflow of development in russia yet. what is the reason for that? is it because of the sanctions between russia or russia's own economic situation? are chinese companies under precwith the united states and other countries from cooperating with russia? some experts believe china is not interested in making investments in russia only

interested in russia's cheap energy; what is your response? [speaking in native ties] s

>> china and russia are each other's biggest neighbors. there is a partnership of coordination between the two countries. this relationship is all dimensid dimensi dimensional. the presidents have met often and there is a close relationship between the

countries and our business coopation is going up. china has developed its relations are russia on the bases of mutual respect and benefit. and china proceeds the foreign policy of peace. china will not be affected by changing circumstances in the international environment and china has no burden or is under pressure of continuing to develop relations with china. ni china follows the pressure of alignment and will not be targeted to a third party. [speaking in native tongue]

>> just now i said our business coopration has been going up. for example, last year chinese oil imports from russia increased by 80 billion tons. but because of plummeting in the commodity prices on the international market chinea's imports and exports declined and not just on the imports from russia. the physical volume is up but the total trade volume has come down because of falling prices and neither country is responsible for that. last year i had a deep discussion about the china business relations with the prime minister and we believed we can explore development in

the oil and natural gas sectors that will attract more chinese investment and we can increase a greater level of diversity into the trade mix. only then will i hold if you come to the press conference next time, i can tell you we took a turn for the better. thank you. [speaking in native tongue] >> and i believe the enhancement of our business ties will also reflect the improvement in global trade situation and that will be the warm breeze that our two countries can bring to global trade. >> next, senator harry reid discusses the future of american politics and the rise of donald trump.

then senate democrats talk about president obama's supreme court nominee and later secretary of state john kerry talks about genocide and that is followed by a defense committee hearing on the budget. this week, the c-span city tour takes you to montgomery, alabama. >> we show you a house that was the turning point for scott and zelda. when they moved here the idea was to regroup. this was was a regrouping stage as i said. it wasn't the place where you are going to find scott and zelda engaging in domestic activities, if you will. it was the sort of place where they were planning their next

move. >> on american history tv: >> what happens in the 1958 campaign is wallace does try to reach a racial moderate and campaign for the poor and working class and progressive improvement. and gets the support of the naacp in the initial campaign. but unfortunately he loses by a significant margin to john paterson and he is devastated by this loss. wallace, all he wants to be is governor, and he is upset by this lost and considers it a failing. so you know, when people ask him what the take away from the 1958 campaign is he said i tried to talk about progressive improvements, and good roads and good schools and no one would listen. but when i started talking about segregation everybody stopped

and started listening to me. >> >> the watch the c-span city's tour on saturday and sunday on c-span 3. the c-span city tour, working with our cable affiliates and visiting cities across the country. >> booktv weekends bring you author after author. ...