org. ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ c-span as a public service along with these other television providers giving a front row seat to democracy. >> the senate is and to consider more judicial nominations this monday, to vote planned for 5:30 p.m. eastern today confirmation vote on salvador mendoza's nomination ninth circuit of appeals. also vote to advance the nomination of judge to the third circuit. current funding size of the end

of the month, the senate is expected to start debating short-term spending bill possibly as early as next week. chuck schumer said to expect the vote to protect same-sex marriage of the next couple of weeks. live coverage of the senate here on c-span2. ... the presiding officer: the senate will come to order. the chaplain, dr. barry black, will lead the senate in prayer. the chaplain: let us pray. eternal god, who hears our prayers, we praise your righteous name. lord, you are the god who listens

even to our groans, as we bring our requests to you. lord, we thank you for the life and legacy of queen elizabeth ii and request your blessings upon king charles iii. guide him with your wisdom and keep him on the path of integrity. we pray also for our senators. sustain them with your unfailing love, making your way plain for them to follow. protect them from the enemies of freedom, for you have promised to be a shield for the godly. we pray in your loving name. amen.

the presiding officer: please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. the presiding officer: the clerk will read a communication to the senate. the clerk: washington, d.c., september 12, 2022. to the senate: under the provisions of rule 1, paragraph 3, of the standing rules of the senate, i hereby appoint the

honorable mazie hirono, a senator from the state of hawaii, to perform the duties of the chair. signed: patrick j. leahy, president pro tempore. the presiding officer: under the previous order, the leadership time is reserved. morning business is closed. under the previous order, the senate will proceed to executive session and re -- resume consideration of the following nomination, which the clerk will report. the clerk: nomination, the judiciary, lara e. montecalvo, to be united states district judge for the first circuit.

>> host: now a senior congressional reporter at nbc news, congratulations on the new gig, by the way. >> guest: thank you, appreciate it. >> host: joining us for a look ahead in congress and also a month ahead look, the sprint to the expected break before the midterm elections. and top of the list of legislative priorities is keeping the government open, keeping the government funded. remind viewers where we are on a government funding bill. >> guest: well, as you know, john, funding runs out for the government on september 30th, and so we are weeks away from a potential government shutdown. this time around things look to be a little bit easier than perhaps past moments, but again, it's a difficult time for lawmakers. they are thinking ahead to the election. nobody wants a government shutdown right before the election. but at the same time, you know, these things are never easy. and so there's a number of challenges that sort of lie ahead. and one of the top challenges i

would just say is joe manchin was able to get a deal with chuck schumer and the congressional leadership and the white house when they passed the inflation reduction act. he was able, as you probably discussed on this program before, to secure a bill, one of his bills that would reform and ease permitting for domestic energy projects around the country, things like oil and natural gas pipelines. well, progressives in his own party, as you can imagine, are pretty upset with any possibility that that permitting proposal would be attached to the government funding bill. and so manchin and schumer or have this agreement. it's going to be part of the c.r. schumer has allowed. but now progressives are up many arms, and they're not threatening a shutdown, but they are very upset. 70 house democrats have sent a

letter to pelosi saying separate these two items, don't package it all together. this is just one of the potential hiccups that are coming down the road. >> host: "the wall street journal" today picking up on that topic, the manchin permitting watch is the headline of one of their lead editorials. if democratic candidates can't block it, can they make him shrink it. so that's one of the piece of legislation that's being looked at here. the reason why these continuing resolutions, as they're called, are kind of must-pass legislation, right? this is -- if you want to keep the government open, you have to pass this bill. so everybody wants to try to attach their legs to that because it's a great -- their legislation to that because it's a great vehicle to move things through congress. what else could possibly be attached to a continuing resolution? >> guest: the white house has their own set of priorities, $47 billion, a supplemental package, that would cover things like additional aid, military aid,

economic aid for ukraine, an issue that we've seen come up time and time again. well, they need more money, and so the biden administration wants to send them an additional $11.7 billion. things like covid relief. monkeypox relief. this is a big portion of that $47 billion. republicans say, well, we don't need so much money right now for covid. we've already passed billions and billions of dollars during this past congress. and so that is an area of contention. finally, $6.5 billion for disaster relief. that includes things like helping folks who experienced flooding in the past year. we've seen floods in places like kentucky and around the country, wildfires out in california and the west. and so this would be natural disaster relief money. it's i uncertain whether any of

that will be eventually attach ad to this c.r., but mitch mcconnell is representing kentucky, has talked about thed flooding issue before. he knows that his people are hurting. i'm sure that is one of his priorities, to be able to help his people in kentucky. >> host: let's do a little bit of how a bill becomes a law and how many votes a continuing resolution needs in the house and senate because folks may be confused because we've done this budget reconciliation process which is sort of an alternative set of rules on how a bill can become a law. so for a continuing resolution to be patsed, for the -- passed, for the government to stay funded, what needs to happen basically in congress? >> guest: well, we have the filibuster. so for any pa major piece of legislation barring the reconciliation process, most pieces of legislation need 60 votes. what that means in this particular united states senate is you need all the democrats to hold together, you need at least

10 republicans to join with those democrats. if somebody like bernie sanders peels off and says i don't want to support this c.r. because you've attached the joe manchin, you know, energy legislation to that, then you'll need additional republicans to join in. that's where -- [laughter] chuck schumer's job becomes quite a difficult task and sort of cobbling this coalition, what can actually -- which sets of lawmakers can come together and join hands and pass the c.r., then it gets sent over, as you know, to the house of representatives where you need a simple majority. should be an easier lift for nancy pelosi but, again, nothing is very easy in this united states congress. >> host: right now, of course, the president -- [inaudible] the bill into law. we're talking about the week ahead, the road ahead on capitol hill, and we're looking ahead a few weeks as well, cheating a little bit on our week ahead in congress segment.

if you want to join the conversation with scott wang, democrats, 8000, republicans, 202-748-8001. independents, 748-8002. stepping away from the continuing resolution in government funding, another item on to-do list as you note in a great wrap-up for nbc news recently, the protecting legal same sex marriage effort in the congress. explain what that is and where democrats are on that effort. if. >> guest: yeah, john. this is a response to, actually, the roe v. wade decision by the supreme court to overturn the roe us haver wade -- roe v. wade longstanding decision. and so senators, democrats and a handful of republicans, said, look, we may need to -- if the united states supreme court can step in and overturn something, a precedent roe v. wade, perhaps they can overturn other longstanding precedents like,

you know, like gay marriage, like the protection for the use of contraception. and so this bill, sponsored by tammy baldwin -- she's teaming up with susan collins, the republican from maine -- would basically enshrine and protect same-sex marriage as well as interracial marriage as a right. this is a priority of tammy baldwin, of course. she is the first openly gay senator to be elected. and so right now things are a little bit in in limbo. there was some discussion that maybe they would attach that same-sex marriage bill to the c.r. and use that as a vehicle to move it forward. but what baldwin and chuck schumer have said in recent days is they want to move that separately. they think the best chance for that is to hold a stand-alone vote on that bill. and so there are negotiations happening. there are some concerns raised by the right about protections

for religious free freedom -- freedom, whether or not religious freedom would be infringed by the baldwin bill. so there are negotiations, and they're looking for that sort of middle ground. >> host: what is susan collins saying to you? does she say there are nine of her colleagues to get to that 60-vote threshold? >> guest: they're not saying that yet. they're saying they're hopeful that it can pass. but when you go ahead and sort of count all of the heads or noses -- [laughter] you know, rob portman is a yes, thom tillis is a yes. but that does not get you to 10 republicans as we discussed to overcome a republican filibuster. there are a number of republicans who are opposed to doing anything, they just don't feel like it's necessary, they don't feel like there is any sort of movement by the supreme court on that issue. and and so, you know, they're not quite there yet. there's still a lot of

behind-the-scenes wrangling that are happening particularly in regard to this religious freedom concern. but we should know in the coming days, and we should actually see perhaps language from baldwin and collins on religious freedom. >> host: and let me lob just one more issue, president, the senate gavels back into session to consider more federal judges, continue working to fund the government, and to find a path forward to protect marriage equality and other critical issues. later this afternoon, the senate will vote on the confirmation of judge salvador mendoza jr. to serve a lifetime appointment on the ninth circuit court of appeals. the child of mexican immigrant farmworkers, mr. mendoza was the first latino judge to ever serve in the eastern district of washington, and if confirmed today he'd be the first latino from the state of washington ever to sit on the ninth circuit. in 2014, the senate confirmed

mr. mendoza with an overwhelming bipartisan vote, 92-4. today, it should be no different. if confirmed, judge mendoza's elevation would be significant for another reason -- he would be the 80th, the 80th, 8-0, judicial nomination confirmed under president biden. that's more judges confirmed under president biden than were confirmed by this point under president trump, president obama, and president bush. it's something we democrats are very proud of, because the impact of these judges will last for years, if not decades. and we are by no means done. after judge mendoza's confirmed, we'll turn to the nomination of arianna j. freeman, to serve as circuit judge for the third circuit. she'd be the fourth circuit judge nominee we'd consider since the beginning of this work period alone. let me say that again. we're going to begin considering

the fourth circuit court nominee since we returned from the august state work period. i said judges would be a priority, and this is what that looks like. and it's my intention, as majority leader, to keep the senate focused on judges this week and beyond. our fundamental rights and our democracy itself depend on it. now, on marriage, off the senate floor my colleagues continue to have good conversations on very important legislation to codify marriage equality into law. far from being a theoretical exercise, codifying marriage equality would have a dramatic, long-term impact on millions of people. at a time when our rights are under siege, it would be a much-needed shield for scores of americans at risk of discrimination simply because of who they love. for many of sus in this chamber, myself included, passing marriage equality would hit home in a very personal way. i want to thank my colleagues

both sides of the aisle, especially senators baldwin, collins, and sinema for all the work they're doing to build support for marriage equality legislation. over the past several months i've given them the time and space they've requested to have these talks, because i want their efforts to succeed. i know their work is not yet done, and i encourage them to keep going. i truly hope, for the sake of tens of millions of americans, that there will be at least ten republicans who will vote with us to pass this very important bill. we cannot forget that a mere decade ago, a mere decade ago, marriage discrimination was the law in much of the country. while we're happy that america's made a lot of progress since then, we're not naive in thinking we can't go back backwards. as we saw earlier this year, it took the supreme court just a few weeks to unravel decades of vital press didn't on women's -- precedent on women's rights, gun safety and environmental

protection. and, of course, judge thomas has opened the door for the court to go even further backward when he is saying that cases like obergefell which protect marriage equality for now should be revisited. so when some republicans say, oh, this is unnecessary, it won't happen, remember, that's the same thing they said about roe, and look at where we are today. we should protect marriage equality now, well before the maga-controlled supreme court steps in. so i encourage my colleagues to continue these conversations. the american people support protecting marriage rights of same; marriages, by a large margins. let's get it done. finally, on the legislative front, on the c.r., both parties must work together to keep the government open, beyond the september 30 deadline. as my colleagues know, negotiations continue on a c.r. to extend funding through about mid december, which hopefully

will give appropriators enough time to draft an omnibus funding package. i thank chairman leahy, ranking member shelby, and everyone from both sides working to keep the government open. no one wants to see a shutdown, and i know that includes my republican colleagues. but in order to avoid a shutdown, senate republicans must continue working with us to resolve the issues that remain. finally, on the 21st anniversary of the horrible day 9/11, everywhere i go, whenever i'm wearing a suit or sport jacket, i wear this flag pin on my lapel. a small, but constant reminder of a promise america made 21 years ago -- never forget. it was on that day, september 12, 2001, that, having seen the horror, smelling the death, of the death in the air, hearing the horrible stories and

seeing hundreds of people lined up with poignant signs that said have you seen my son bill, have you seen my mother mary, because no one knew who was alive and who wasn't, on that day, i called on americans to wear the flag, to display it at their homes, out their windows, or at least wear it on their clothing. i've done so ever since. everevery day i look at the flai think of the people lost and the vicious evil of those who perpetrated this awful act. yesterday, i joined with the vice president, governor hochul, mayor adams and others who honor the fallen, to grief those taken from us, and to affirm that over two decades later those scarred and battered in our country and democracy endure. an eternity can pass, and yet september 11 will always feel like yesterday to me. as clearly as you sit before me,

madam president, i still remember what it was like to visit the wreckage a day or two later, the destruction, the smell, the noise was nothing like the new york i knew and loved. people, as i mentioned, lined up along the sidewalks, hoisting makeshift signs that asked the unthinkable -- have you seen my daughter? have you seen my father? those images, as well as the people i knew who were lost, will never leave me. yet, in the midst of so much pain, on 9/11, america encountered its best self. ordinary people banded together to do extraordinary things. taxi drivers, store managers, businessmen, city workers, everyone in between abandoned their day jobs and became heroes. they donated blood. they organized prayer vigils. i'll never forget the sight of a shoe store owner along the route as people escaped from the

towers, handing out shoes, just depleting his entire stock so people could walk home. people volunteered their times and resources to comfort those in need and rebuilt our city to new heights, and the same is true for millions across the country. and to our first responders and volunteers who worked the pile, we owe you such a special and undying measure of thanks. among all our heroes of that time, they were among the greatest and most valiant, and many of them have paid for that with their lives, because the toxins that were in the air entered their lungs and digestive systems and caused cancers to the extent we have never known in those age groups before. that's why we've worked so hard in this chamber, so hard in this chamber to help, provide health care and help for those who have lost loved ones. when we say america will never forget what happened on 9/11, we mean something far more profound

than recalling the memories of that awful day. it's not a passive promise, but it's also an active one. it's why two months ago, the senate worked together to pass the largest expansion of veteran health care benefits in decades, to aid the nearly three million servicemembers exposed while serving in afghanistan, iraq and other places around the world. it's why we must work to replenish that ground zero fund that helped pay for the health care of those who rushed to the towers. we must replenish that fund in the near future. it's why all of us, regardless of party, must work together to defend the american way of life, to protect our precious democracy that the terrorists tried to bring down with violent means. the world's changed dramatically since that morning that the towers fell, but the need to protect our nation from threats, foreign and domestic, remain. today, 21 years after the worst terrorist attack on u.s.

history, let us stay awake to the things we must do it is we're to keep our promise to never forget. may god bless all those who died on september 11 as well as their families, and all our first responders and servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation. i yield the floor. i note the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call:

>> guest: the democrats do talk about january 6th. there is -- republicans could quickly turn to the 2020 protests, many of which did turn violence, many of which did have property that was destroyed. you know, january 6th for many of us who work in washington, you know, it was horrible to see. for me, it was horrible to experience. i was one of the many reporters, i i was in the capitol that day. we were all focused on sort of what was going to happen on the

floor. wasn't really paying attention about what was happening outside the capitol and and had not realized that there were literally thousands of people who had descended on the capitol and then who were trying to break in and eventually did succeed in breaking into the capitol. so, you know, i do think -- i don't think the two things are on equal footing. one had to do with an election, a presidential election, the certification of an election in which the people had d can uly elected -- duly elected joe biden as president. so this was -- as i'm looking at the capitol just over you shoulder -- your shoulder, this was the democratic process in action and something that was attacked on that day. >> host: we're going to be talking about the election 2022 in the next segment, but right now republicans favored to take over house, the senate more of a question. especially in the past two

months. but what happens to the january 6th committee if republicans do take over the house and if republicans do take over the house and/or senate, what hearings have they promised? what sort of special committees or select committees are they going to form? >> guest: yeah, that's a good question. a lot of reporters are sort of looking ahead to the next congress at this point. we are expecting house republicans to flip control of the house just because of what history has shown us. typically, the party out of power of the white house does take dozening and dozens of -- dozens and dozens of seats. things are a little bit different right now because democrats have the wind at their back largely because of the roe v. are wade decision that has energized democrats, gas prices and some food prices are coming down, and that had been a republican, a winning argument for republicans in terms of giving them back power.

but the january 6th committee, jamie raskin, a member of that committee, had a great quote. he said, we're like cinderella, we sort of expire at midnight. so at the end of the year, that committee does dissoft, if you will -- dissolve, if you will, unless democrats are somehow able to hold on to power. so they need to wrap up their work pretty quickly. they need to write that full come press -- comprehensive e report that they've been working on all summer. the report is their main priorities. >> host: is there going to be a select committee on hunter biden? what are republicans saying? >> guest: they have promised to investigate not only hunter biden and some of his business dealings, they have, in fact, said that they're going to investigate the investigation of january 6th. they believe that it was purely for political purposes. democrats clearly would

disagree, but that is certainly one of the areas. some members on the far right have talked already about impeaching joe biden. and so there's going to be pressure for kevin mccarthy and that leadership team to move towards impeachment. i'm sure that's not exactly the direction he wants to go right off the bat, but he is going to be hearing from some of the members on the far right of his conference. >> host: just a couple minutes left, let me throw another issue at you from david in south carolina, can the guest explain how the college loan transfer proposal is being paid for. thank you. >> guest: that -- i -- [laughter] that's probably a little bit beyond what i could speak to. >> host: and in tampa, florida, with just two minutes left, independent, good morning. >> caller: good morning, john. good morning, mr. wang. i just want to know with the election year, you know, season

coming along, could anyone answer the question if donald trump was many office and that 1964 voting rights act had came up which most presidents just signed and he had refused to sign it, would black people have the right to vote at that time if he had not saned it or -- signed it or said wait until after the election? i would like to know the answer -- >> host: and this is a historical what if? >> caller: yes. >> host: what do you think would happen, kenneth? in your scenario you proposed. >> caller: in my scenario, i believe that -- and i believe that donald trump would have said, no, i'm not going to sign in the til after the election. and then we'd see. but my question is if he had said something like that, would black people -- i didn't say people of color -- would black people have the right to vote at that time.

>> host: i don't know if you want to pick up on a historical what if. we could do that all day on this program. >> guest: i will just say a couple callers now have brought up voting rights, and that is something that is not part of these election proposals in the senate. but, clearly, members of the house of especiallitives who have -- representatives who have passed protections for voting rights would like to see some of those election reforms be much broader. and so we will see recommendations coming out just to tie a couple loose ends together, we will see recommendations coming out from the january 6th committee about what they view i as properer legislation to address what happened on january 6th, what happened in the runup to january 6th to protect our democratic process. >> host: and then a quick question at the end here, how long has the house been away? they're coming back tomorrow. it's been about a month? >> guest: it's been about a month. their recess was cut short just a little bit because they had to

come back into session for one day to pass the inflation reduction act that had passed the senate. so, you know, they're -- we don't see a whole lot of activity during a critical midterm election year. but to go back to my earlier point, this has been a particularly productive congress when you look back at past years and past elections. >> host: not a question, but a comment on that time that they were away from capitol hill, nice vacation that congress gave themselves. they shouldn't get a paycheck when they're campaigning. find scott wang on twitter, and, again, we do always appreciate your time. >> host: thank you very much, john.

mr. mcconnell: madam president. the presiding officer: the republican leader. mr. mcconnell: i ask consent that further proceedings under the quorum call be dispensed with. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: tomorrow the labor department will release the latest monthly update on the democrats' inflation, but of course the american people hardly need government statisticians to explain to them that washington democrats' reckless spending has sent prices skyrocketing. working families have been feeling their pain in their pocketbooks every single day. nearly two-thirds of middle-income americans say inflation is negatively affecting their finances. an outright majority say they're experiencing financial hardship.

a third of the country says they're struggling to meet basic family needs. one parent shopping for school supplies recently told reporters, i had to start early because prices were so high. being a parent, i wanted to give them the world. sometimes i wish i could give them more, but the back-to-school rush isn't the only headache facing working families. since president biden and this all-democratic government took office, prices on grocery store essentials from meat to produce have seen double-digit percentage increases. some household items like furniture are over 20% more expensive than they were on inauguration day. the diesel fuel that moves practically everything through the supply chain and on to store shelves is up nearly 80% since president biden put his hand on the bible.

household electric bills are up an average 20% since january of 2021. commuting and running errands cost more with gasoline up 70%. and as fall and winter approach, homes that burn fuel oil are set to be more than 75% more expensive simply to keep warm. the american people know who created this mess. they remember quite well how washington democrats spent the spring of 2021 dining out on left-wing spending and leaving taxpayers to pick up the bill. in poll after poll has shown they're overwhelmingly dissatisfied with what president biden and his party have done since then. one survey found five consecutive times that more than 70% of americans say our country is headed in the wrong direction. but that hasn't stopped washington democrats from calling the same disastrous play

over and over and over again. for months, months our colleagues' primary focus was on repeating the mistake they made in 2021. and in august on a party line vote, they did it. in the teeth of the worst inflation over 40 years, every single democrat in congress voted to ram through hundreds of billions of dollars more in liberal spending. the american people's top concern is runaway costs. and the supply chain crisis could get even worse, much worse in the next few days if democrats let their far-left big labor allies engage in massive railway worker strikes that would -- the economy even further. top concerns appear to be something very different. they prioritize raging war on affordable american energy in a bill that will have no meaningful impact on global

temperatures. they prioritized inflating the irs with $80 billion to audit more american citizens without a word of accountability for when tax collectors allow confidential information to become a political weapon. even the supposed recent spending package, quote, inflation reduction, end quote, is utter nonsense. nonpartisan experts have concluded that washington democrats did last month will not meaningfully reduce inflation at all, and will actually make it worse in the near term. this is what democrats decided to put first for the better part of a year, and it's what they're now trying to peddle to the people as a victory. but the american people don't want tens of billions of dollars in wish fulfillment for climate activists. they want affordable gas and

electricity. the american people don't want a bloated irs. they want stronger support for law enforcement at the southern border an in their communities. -- and in their communities. washington democrats have consistently misunderstood what the american people have asked them to do. they've repeatedly ignored the basic challenge they created for working families. when the american people's priorities and washington democrats' priorities have diverged, this government has put the people last at every turn. mr. grassley: madam president? the presiding officer: the senator from iowa. mr. grassley: first, i have a

unanimous consent request for james carmany, a detailee in my office, to be granted floor frivolous until august 31, 2023, and other detailee in my office, david luwan, to be granted floor privileges until march 3, 2023. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. grassley: more than a year ago, a news website by the name of propublica published stories that it claims are based on, quote, a vast trove of internal revenue data on the tax returns of thousands of the nation's wealthiest people covering more

than 15 years, end of quote. since then, propublica has continued to publish articles that appeared to use data leaked or hacked from the irs. despite questions from congress and immediate expressions of concern from the treasury department as well as the irs, we don't know anymore today than we did a year ago. even though these apparent leaks of confidential taxpayer information appear to target the wealthy, not just the wealthy but all taxpayers and anyone who cares about the effective tax administration should be very concerned. the fact is, until we get answers, we don't know if

anyone's tax return or other information submitted to the irs is actually secure. at the end of the 2022 filing system, more than 145 million individual income tax returns were filed with the irs. right now we don't know if there is a current vulnerability to the irs systems that makes this personal information accessible within the irs or to bad actors outside of the irs. we do not know if a foreign nation with hostile intentions is responsible for a leak or hack of taxpayer information or the full scope of the irs information that may be involved. just because propublica has found it politically useful to

publicly disclose your private taxpayer information doesn't mean that your tax information hasn't been compromised. as i said earlier, in june of 2021 concern was immediately expressed in the congress and the treasury department. almost that very day, congress man rett "tig" appeared before -- rettig appeared before the committee. it was that first day that the story was published. the commissioner said, and i quote, i think the trust and the confidence in the internal revenue service is sort of the bedrock of asking people and requiring people to provide financial information, and we have, as i said, turned it over

to the appropriate investigators, external and internal -- end of quote. attorney general garland was quoted as saying, quote, this is an extremely serious matter. people are entitled, obviously, to great privacy with respect to their tax returns, end of quote. with this level of concern expressed so quickly and now a year ago, you would expect action to have been taken quickly. if you expected that, you'd be wrong. despite several letters sent by this senator and other members of congress, we don't know anymore today about what appeared and happened than we did last year on june 8 when this situation began.

now, testifying before the house ways and means committee, secretary yellen said, quote, i'm as anxious as you are to find out what happened, end of quote. as a strong proponent of congressional oversight as i am -- and that's congressional oversight of the executive branch -- i've always been frustrated when the executive refuses to share relative information that we need in congress and are entitled to under the constitution to have. secretary yellen's statement suggests a more disturbing possibility where the executive branch completely lacks the sought-after information. now, considering how shocking it is if the secretary of treasury actually has no insight or any knowledge into a possible

massive leak or hack of taxpayers' information that occurred under her watch. in order to determine if any action has been taken, i, along with other republican members of the judiciary committee, wrote to attorney general garland and fbi director wray on june 24 of this year to ask what the status of any information was, and that's the second time we're trying to get this information. i know the department of justice is capable of taking action quickly when the department of justice wants to. i've written to the attorney general several times about the memo that he issued in response to a letter from the national school board association. the school board letter compared

parents to domestic terrorists. it took the department of justice only five days, which included a weekend, to inject federal law enforcement into local debates with concerned parents. clearly the attorney general is capable of taking action very quickly, but that seems to only be when an administrative priority is of concern. i hope the biden administration and the garland department of justice would be as concerned about the protection of confidential taxpayer information as they are about monitoring concerned parents testifying before a school board. if the department of justice and fbi want to show that they take the confidentiality of taxpayer information seriously, they can

start by fully and completely responding to my letter of june 24, which hasn't yet been responded to. more than a full year with a complete filing season is too much time to have gone by without any information on this leaking of taxpayer information provided to any extent. democrats constantly spoke of the need for fairness in any tax system, as they pushed through partisan tax-and-spending bills. yet we've heard barely a peep out of our democratic colleagues on what may be the largest unauthorized disclosure of tax information in history. while we continue to wait for answers, we've learned another

massive breach of taxpayer information. on the first friday of september, we learned the irs mistakenly published on its website private information from about 120,000 taxpayers. according to "politico," the disclosure consisted of, quote, details from business tax returns filed by tax-exempt organizations and retirement accounts, including people's names, business contact information, and income produced by certain investments, end of quote. clearly the ability of the irs to safeguard taxpayer information is still an ongoing issue.

this new revelation should light a very big fire underneath the fbi to get at the bottom of the propublica leak or hack. attorney general garland and fbi director wray must fully respond to my letter and help all of us really understand if our tax system is safe and secure. i yield, and i suggest the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call:

quorum call: lord speaker and speaker of the house. the parliamentary for this ceremony, a symbol of royal authority superseded when the king himself present here.

first lord speaker. he will present his address to the new king. >> your majesty, i welcome you and the queen consult today on this solemn occasion. make majesty, queen and your beloved the missed mother came here many times to receive

congratulations of royal subjects celebrate with them. historic landmarks and long life of dedicated public service. she was a servant to her people. her humility and integrity commanded respect captured the imagination of people and nations across the globe. late majesties joyous and spending reassuring presence made it difficult to contemplate along inspiring rid of unparalleled devotion whatever and. we and the nation closed our eyes to this inevitability but

it hasn't. only a few months after we celebrated her majesties historic jubilee and as you said so movingly in your address to the nation we all feel a sense of loss beyond measure. nevertheless the qualities embodied with to remain to inspire you, your majesty, your family and all your subjects. we remember her commitment, her humor, courage and fortitude as well as deep fear that wars the anchor in her life. your majesty, this is a historic

space, walls built more than 800 years ago by william and significant roof above us commissioned 300 years later by richard the second. much of the national the story has taken place within these walls, ordination bankers to the sentries adjudicate this all of the part of the legal system but this is a living space. it continues to evolve. in 2012 late majesty came to mark her diamond jubilee. we saw the splendid memorial window commissioned by board members, the north wall of this

historic space. for ten years beyond that window out of beauty to this place bathing them and color and millions of visitors to westminster for late majesties dedicated life of service. the exchange through this memorial window or late majesties magnificent achievements will live on by permanently eliminating and reaching international discourse. majesty even as we mourn the loss of our clean we and future generations her example. your majesty on behalf of all

members of the house, i pledge my loyalty to you and wish you and her majesty well in the life of service to which you have dedicated yourself. ident. madam president, egypt is one of america's closest allies. our taxpayers send them more direct funding for their military than we send almost any other nation in the world. but here's what happens to politic opponents of the egyptian regime when they get arrested and they get arrested at a dizzying rate. arrivals there are blindfolded and then forced to run through a human corridor of guards who

pummel them with sticks until they collapse. following this initiation for political prisoners, many are routinely beatenned and tortured for months on end, often with no formal charges being filed. some never make it out alive. human rights groups estimate that there are around 60,000 political prisoners in egypt. i get it that big numbers sometimes lose their meaning in this place, but by comparison, estimates are that russia has 420, china likely has around 1,000, egypt locks up 60,000 political opponents of the regime. to keep up with the demand of

the imprisoment spree, they have had to build 60 new detention centers. they house some of the country's most prominent human rights defenders, journalists, and ordinary people locked up for years because they attended a protest or recorded a tiktok video. let me tell you the story of one of these 60,000 people. one of my constituents is suffering through the pain and uncertainty of having a relative unjustly imprisoned in ee gyp. -- egypt. his father was imprisoned and rearrested and diswraild in june of 2020. according to the u.n., his detention seems, quote, to constitute an act of reprisal against the doctor for documenting cases of enforced disappearances for the special

procedures of the human rights council of the united nations. he has endured abuse that resulted in broken ribs and other significant injures. his abuse included rape, elect kiewtion, threats to -- electrocution, threats to rape his wife and physical abuse while blindfolded. since the president of egypt came to power in 2013, more than 1,000 people have died in egyptian custody. more than 70% are because of a denial of health care. this isn't an adversary of the united states. this is egypt. our ally, and every day that we continue to send billions of dollars to the egyptian government, while paying lip

service to these egregious human rights violations, it is a blow to our nation's character and credibility around the world. for the last several years i fought to change our egypt policy. for the first time in fiscal year 2022, we conditioned with know waiver $75 million of their military aid package on making clear and consistent progress on providing detainees with due process of law. because there is no waiver, they have to certify that egypt has made the progress or they haven't made that progress and withhold the money. the record is clear that they have not. let me provide one way of measuring clear and consistent progress on releasing political prisoners, a group of egyptian human rights organizations submitted a list of 2,954 of

known political prisoners. these are people who should not be in jail. they protested the government. and if you're going to be an ally of the united states, you shouldn't lock people up for political speech. but of those 2,954 detainees, the government released 49. that's not clear and consistent progress. another metric, since april, egypt's terrorism courts released 417 prisoners, but over the same time period, 4,400 have had their time renewed by the court. that is not clear progress. it's progress, but it's always one step forward or two or three steps backwards. egypt has not made the kind of progress required to merit the release of $75 million. in addition to that, congress

has tied an additional $225 million of egypt's military aid to sustained and effective steps in approving egypt's human rights records, a broader record of human rights abuses. egypt needs to allow ngo's and the media to operate, and investigate and prosecute the cases of forced disappearances. again, the record is overwhelmingly clear that things in egypt have gotten worse on these fronts, not better over the last year. journalists are regularly still charged with joining a terrorist group or spreading false news for any critical reporting. just last week four journalists from the independent outlet with charged with a single news article that documented corruption within a political party close to the president. earlier this year, human rights lawyer was charged with inciting

terrorism after he wrote a social media post denouncing prison conditions. egypt is also not content with imprisoning its critics at home, but increasingly it's pursuing its critics abroad. news reports emerged in december that a prominent opposition leader, who lives in exile in turkey, had his phone hacked with nso group software. in january, the u.s. justice department arrested a foreign agent here, acting on behalf of egypt. this is not the behavior of a foreign g government that made significant progress to improve human rights to merit the release of $225 million. lastly, every year we have this debate there are proponents who argue that even though egypt has this horrific human rights record, we should give them money anyway. the argument is that because egypt is a really important

strategic ally if we withhold a portion of the $1.3 billion, the egyptians might stop cooperating with us or shop around for another partner. let me take a minute to address the fallacy of this argument. first, egypt does provide strategic benefits to the united states. egypt provides counter terrorism cooperation, shares intelligence with us about shared threats, ac sis to the suez canal is critical for the united states. when violence flares up in gaza, egypt often helps mediate and facilitate a truce through ties with hamas. there's good reasons for the united states and egypt to be partners. it's not crazy that we give them military aid. but we shouldn't dilute ourselves into thinking that reducing aid from $1.3 billion to $1 billion after giving egypt the entire year to meet commonsense conditions will make the sky fall. last year, the government

withheld $130 million of egypt aid. of course, the egyptians were angry. it probably made our diplomats' life harder in egypt. our relationship didn't change. evening incorporatings still cooperated with us on counterterrorism. they provided a suez and overflight access. they again facilitated a truce in gaza. why? because all of these areas in which we engage are beneficial for the egyptians. they don't do it as simple payback for the aid. they engage with us on these issues, engage with israel, because it's good for egyptian security. notwithstanding whether they get $1 billion or $1.3 billion from the united states. we also sent a signal to the egyptians by withholding some of that money last year. while we didn't see significant improvement, we did see some political prisoners released. this year we have to keep the pressure up. the united states needs not just

to talk the talk when it comes to human rights abroad. we need to be able to walk the walk as well. and the decision that the administration will make this week as to whether to comply with the conditions set forth by congress on holding the egyptians accountable for progress on human rights is critical to american credibility globally when it comes to our call to protect human rights and democracy abroad. for that reason, i would urge the administration to withhold the full $300 million as called for by the appropriations act, until egypt's record gets better. i yield the floor.

mr. murphy: i note the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call:

mr. durbin: madam president. the presiding officer: the senior senator from illinois. mr. durbin: are we in a quorum call? the presiding officer: yes, we are. mr. durbin: i ask unanimous consent to dispense with the quorum call. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. durbin: like you, i'm proud to represent the city of

chicago. on friday, returning back home to chicago, i had a chance to see the best of that great city. i traveled to the salvation army freedom center in humbolt park in the city of chicago, where redents from around our city -- residents from around our city have come together to welcome the families seeking refuge in america. our city's agencies, state agencies, members of the faith community, and kind families have stepped up to provide supplies, the basics -- clothing and such -- and a safe place to sleep for many of these people who have come to america. these modest acts of generosity have changed everything for the families who have arrived at that salvation army freedom center. because, for the first time in months, they feel safe and secure, and that's exactly why they left their home in the first place, to survive.

in chicago we're honored to offer a warm welcoming hand to these families escaping unimaginable circumstances. because in them we see ourselves. we see america. we see our history as a nation. and for me personally? i see my own family. back in 1911, a young lithuanian woman set sail for america. she carried two things with her -- her catholic prayer book, published the year before the czars outlawed it in lithuania, and her 2-year-old daughter, ona, my mother. more than a century stands between my mother's arrival in america and the arrival of families i met friday, but in many ways it's the same story. america opened its doors to my family all those years ago and gave us a chance to find a place for a new land of opportunity. today, it is our responsibility

to welcome families fleeing violence and persecution, families seeing nothing more than safety and a fair shot. this is fundamental to who we are as americans, but sadly it seems that some in politics think otherwise. you see, there's a reason these families arrived in chicago, and it's not because they booked a bus on their own accord. it's because the governor of texas has chosen to exploit this hume humanitarian challenge to score political points. when these families arrived in our nation's border seeking asylum, what did the governor of texas do? he didn't help. he took advantage of the fear and confusion. he rounded these families up, boarded them onto a bus and shipped them to cities like chicago and new york, without even telling them where they were headed, and without any consultation with their destination states.

this is cruelty of the highest degree. the governor of texas didn't provide any notice to illinois or chicago. he bussed them to our union station downtown, nearly 1500 miles away from their texas border, without sending as much as a text message in advance. no logic, no rationale, just plain meanness. look, we can have a reasonable disagreement about how to address the situation on our nation's borders, but there is no excuse for playing games with human lives. it's not the first time. sadly, it's the playbook for many of the other party. do you recall when president trump, the nominee or candidate, stood up and said they're all murderers and rapists coming in from mexico? or do you remember when more than a thousand children, infants and toddlers were separated from their parents at the border? some of them are still adrift, never being reunited with their

families. one of the people i met on friday was a man named carlos. he and his wife are from venezuela, a country with an economic and political crisis so severe that their family feared persecution was on the brink of starvation, even though carlos was a hard worker, always looking for a job. so on may 15, may 15, carlos and his wife did what they needed to do. imagine this, if you will, they picked up their two children, a 5-year-old little girl and a 1-year-old infant, and set out on a trip to the united states. they set out on foot to reach the particulars-mexico board -- the texas-mexico border. their journey was a nightmare, violence, theft, and exploitation. carlos told me at one point he thought he would dive, with his

wife and kids forced to spend nine nights in a panamanian jungle. they were finally rescued by a local military force, but they'd lost all of their money, their cell phones, everything. it had been stolen. they didn't quit. they were determined. slowly making their way across central america, primarily on foot, stopping from time to time, carlos said i'd take any work they'd give me. i'd sell things on the street, whatever it was to feed my family. it took four long months for them to reach our nation's border, and they had no des facial in mind when -- destination in mind when they arrived. no context. they simply followed instructions, then were placed on a bus by the governor with of texas that took them to chicago. carlos has no intention of ending up in this great city when he and his family arrived in america, but he told me, with real gratitude, that he wanted to stay in chicago.

i warned him to get ready for the winter. they've been amazed by the welcome they've received from the salvation army and from so many others -- catholic charities and other groups that stepped up to help. that's a similar sentiment i heard expressed by another man i met on friday, william. william is 42 years old. he sat down next to me as i was talking to this family. i thought he was a translator. he happily listened to the conversation back and forth. i turned to him and said what's your story? again he left venezuela, left his family behind, hoping to get work here so he can send money back to his family. we talked about what he would do and it was literally anything. he would take any job. i asked him if he had any family or friends in the united states. you know what he told me? he said, quote, i have you.

before i left on friday, both carlos and william had something else to say to me. they both asked me the same question -- when can i go to work? it should be a simple answer, because the reality is they are legally in the country now, awaiting a hearing on their ultimate status. that hearing could be a matter of months or years. there's no shortage of work opportunities in chicago and all across the country. plenty of businesses -- restaurants, entertainment venues, nursing homes, landscaping -- all of them would be happy to hire them. but under the law currently, they cannot do that, because asylum seekers like carlos and william could be years away from the final determination of their status in america. they're at least prohibited for the first six months from taking any kind of legal employment in the united states. how did that happen? we let them into the country, and yet we wouldn't even allow

them to work to feed their families. well, you won't be surprised to know that was a decision by the trump administration. this administration, under president biden, is trying to change it. but in the meantime, they're faced with the horrible dilemma. a jean valjean moment if there ever was one, when trying to find some way to feed their families. but if they take a job and are paid for it in any way, they risk deportation. this is yet another example of a broken immigration system. the system has failed not just these families, but our nation's economy as well. we have ten million unfilled jobs in this country. we have five million unemployed americans. there are jobs in every direction. leading restaurantier in chicago whom you know very well, madam president, said to me if you took the undocumented workers out of the restaurants in chicago, you would turn out the lights. behind those swinging doors in each of those restaurants are

undocumented people who are doing the hard work, the dish washing, food prep and cleanup that is part of being a restaurant. the same thing is true when we talk about other areas. i had a visit from the farm bureau of illinois. they told me point-blank, we're desperate fork migrant workers to pick the crops that pass other chardz in southern illinois torque work in the -- that pass other chardz in southern illinois, in northwestern illinois. in every direction they need these workers and now. ag workers. it isn't just the midwest. it's across the nation and yet we don't have a system that allows for these people to come to this country and to legally work. it doesn't make any sense. now, of course, there are standards we ought to apply. they shouldn't be offered any job that hasn't been offered first to an american. that's our first obligation. i get it. and we ought to make sure that if they're going to be here,

they're good people. i don't believe we should knowingly allow any dangerous person to come into this country or to stay. if they are guilty of crimes while they're here, they should be punished and deported, period. the standards we should establish should keep our country safe first and foremost. but secondly, we have seen over the past four years and the previous president a complete downturn in the immigrants coming into this country to work. and that's why there are so many shortages in our current workforce. we can do better and we should do better. and there's a problem we have that is very fundamental. our nation's birth rate is not keeping up with our demands for new workers. we have to accept that reality, particularly when it comes to entry level positions. we are a nation desperate for workers, particularly young, able bodied people like those two men that i met but we can't put them to work under the law as it stands today. how does that make any sense?

it's the same story for millions of people living throughout our hemisphere. even though american employers should be willing to sponsor them, there are few viable legal immigration pathways to bring them to america. and as a result, the arduous journey to the american mexican border is the only option they have. i'll be the first to agree with my colleagues on the other side in saying we need an orderly process at the border and we do not have it today. i'm chairman of the senate judiciary committee. we have the responsibility of writing the laws in immigration, and you say to yourself, well, senator, why haven't you done it? and i can tell you why. because our committee is evenly divided, 11 democrats, 11 republicans as is the senate, 50-50. making it extremely difficult to pass anything controversial. it was seven or eight years ago when we put together a group of eight senators, four democrat, four republicans. i was glad to be part of forming

that group. john mccain, lindsey graham, marco rubio, jeff fleak on the republican side. and on the democratic side, myself, chuck schumer, bob menendez, michael bennet. we put together a comprehensive immigration bill and called it on the floor of the senate here, and it passed. 68 votes. we were elated. we finally found that sweet spot, that agreement. we said to president trump, we'll build some more of your wall. i had second thoughts about that but if that's what it took, we had an agreement for a comprehensive bill. passed it in the senate and sent it over to the house of representatives. under paul ryan's leadership, they refused to call it or consider t. it died and nothing, nothing has been done ever since. in fact, nothing has been done for 30 years when it comes to the immigration laws of this country. is it any wonder the problems we face? we need an order lir process. we -- orderly process. we need to make sure no dangerous person is going to

come into this process, do our level best to keep them out and we need to accept one reality. that is, we cannot accept everyone in the world who wants to come to america tomorrow. the numberers overwhelming. we have to have an orderly process and bring those people in that help us grow as a nation. imagine if you will, i thought about it from time to time in my own family, sitting down in a small town, small village then in lithuania and ubarkas was the name of the village. i can't imagine what it was like over a hundred years ago when my grandfather sat down with any grandmother and said we're leaving for america. we're going to the land of america, going to east st. louis, illinois, where i was born. imagine that decision. leaving your home, your church, your relatives, everything behind and going to a land where you don't speak the language. it sounds like an incredible

decision on their part, and i marvel today that they even did it. a lot of the people around them in their same village must have said, that family? they'll be back. they weren't. they came here. they endured. and because of that endurance and determination, i'm standing here today. that kind of spirit in the d.n.a. of people who are willing to sacrifice everything to be part of america is something we should not dismiss. this is not a selfish decision on the part of the head of those families. this is a selfless decision for their family. they are willing to risk everything to come to this country. now, we need an orderly process to bring them into this country as needed in the right fashion. i believe we can achieve that but unfortunately politically we are stopped at the moment. i'm going to continue to work to try to find some partisan approach to this which will solve this problem. our nation's immigration system should reward hard work at a

determination that these people have to be in america. instead of exploiting families who are fleeing for their lives, we should all work together to create a system that reflects the best values of america. we are a nation of immigrants. our diversity is our strepg. those who say -- strength. those who say we need some kind of ethnic purity are aspiring to a goal that does not serve us well. we've done just the opposite. we've taken people from different sections of the world, brought them together into the american family, and that is what's important for our future as well. madam president, i ask consent that an additional statement i'm about to hand to the clerk be placed in a separate part of the record supporting the nomination of judge salvador mendoza jr. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. durbin: madam president, i yield the floor.

secretary began his career with local to entry. thank you for all you do. thank you. >> today i have the great honor of introducing someone who understands the american worker, president biden. he understands what we go through. he cares about us, sees us and fights for us. president biden delivers to working and middle-class americans. over the past year end a half president biden and his administration created record numbers of families sustaining

careers. president biden is taking action to protect workers, health, safety and wages. he's protecting retirement security for millions of american families. president biden bipartisan infra structure law invests $1.2 trillion in america's infrastructure. [applause] it will create opportunities for communities of color for women and veterans including here and boston. he is not running from tough issues, he's working hard to fix them, every day putting the workers of americans front and center. president biden promised to put working on this first and you have done that. on behalf all of us in boston and across the nation, we salute you. thank you and it's our honor to

work today sisters, brothers, siblings, join us in welcoming president joe biden. ♪♪ >> hello, boston. hello, hello, hello. [cheering and applauding] okay, sit down. take a see if you have one. i want said that when there was no seats. anyway, thank you. thank you for the introduction. i know this is a heavy load to

carry but you're doing a hell of a job. making sure projects like the one here we are going to talk about our done with labor union. the got trade here with labors and workers, electricians, painters, operating engineers and we got servers, machinists, mechanics. project won't get done without you and when it gets done, it will get done the best. [applause] when i spoke to the chamber of commerce and business round table, i said i am a union guy and made it clear why. it makes sense, the single best workers in the world are american union workers, that's the truth. what people don't realize what i

keep saying over and over again is that they don't just show up and decide to be electricians, they get four or five years of training, four or five years training college going back to school, to get some paper that got to do it so the reason i'm pushing labor and union neighbor is because the cheapest investment you make because it's the longest duration and whatever is done is done well. besides, everyone my dad used to have an expression, everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity, everybody. unions demand to be treated with dignity and i demand to do that, too. so thank you. [cheering and applauding] thank you for the passport into the city, i don't know where you are sitting. i just had my picture taken with you but -- back there, there hugo. appreciate it. you are a great champion for the

working people of boston. [applause] government, thank you for your partnership over the years. when i got started we all used to be like you and i, get along and care for each other and treat each of the descent and we may disagree but we got to return that kind of politics. [applause] i tell you what, when a congressional delegation. i can't do anything without checking in on the delegation. powerful talented delegation in the country. lori, i think you may be the festival based on the kids. anyway, you've done a good job

in the problem is, you're too young. [laughter] i remember he came down to help me the last event we had when i was running for u.s. senate and came down in delaware we have this great big thing and they were about to tear down, the largest group we have two days before the election were under no, six, 7000 people assembled and he stood up and said i like joe biden a lot, to be good. the problem is, i think he's too young. i was 29 at the time. the "wall street journal" ran straight story. too young to be in the senate. [laughter] anyway. he was a great friend. richie neil who you made

possible today with your support of infrastructure, we wouldn't be here without you guys anymore but wouldn't have gotten this done. i want to thank you to the port authority, lisa, thank you for woman welcoming me to the airport today. [applause] i'm here too talk about the historic investment we are want to make across the country. for too long we talked about having the best economy in the world. the best safest roads. now we are finally getting it them. we are turning infrastructure from a punchline my sister into infra structure decade on our watch. assigned law last year in the generation and our investments in high-speed internet, bipartisan infrastructure law and the most significant

investment. [applause] your members of congress got it done. making sure this investment from the law gets to the right places weekly and they have the right impact. a great man who recently passed away and understands how important this investment is for our cities and towns across america because he senate and it matters here at logan airport. in 2019, 42 million people through through this airport. before the pandemic, the 16th largest airport in the united states and its more than an airport, it's an economic engine.

in 2019, $17 billion worth of exports and imports float here. it supports 162,000 jobs across the region and hundreds of small businesses -- alabama. mr. shelby: madam president, i am pleased this afternoon to commend mr. francisco j.calanzo of alabama for his contributions to our great country and to the state of alabama. born in 1931 in puerto rico, mr. calanzo joined the army at 15 years of age. he had an exceptionally distinguished career serving in the korean and the vietnam wars and retiring as a chief foreign officer 4. he continually worked to further his education while in the army. during his 30 years of military service, he attended numerous army technical schools and earned sufficient academic credits to receive the

department of the army's bachelor's equivalency degree in math matter hikes and computer science. after his retirement from the army, he continued his lifelong learning with additional coursework and the study of complex missile systems. in 2003, the university of alabama in huntsville recognized his technical achievements and bestowed upon him an honor rather agree of -- honiarary agree of doctor of science. in 1980, mr. calanzo and his wife warmen started a corporation in hear garage in southeast huntsville, alabama. it is a service-disabled veteran-owned company and it rapidly grew and received many accolades. in 1983, colso was certified under the business development program. the small business administration certified colza

as a socially and economically disadvantaged company. in 1988, madam president, the s.b.a. selected colsa as the regional small business prime contractor of the year. such an achievement. in 1997, collazo received the codswell he ward for excellence in security operations and in 2004, collazo was inducted into the engineer hall of fame. nasa awarded the company the small business contractor. year award. in 2021, forbes magazine named collazo to two of her top lists -- best employers by state, fourth in alabama; and america's best midsized employers, 17th overall in the united states.

today collszo was grown to over 1,600 employees, madam president. 1,600 employees from zorro. and currently regarded as 16th. frank collazo has received numerous awards. in the military, he was awarded the meritorious service medal. the accommodation medal, a bronze star for distinguished service during his time in vietnam. as an industry leader, the chapter of the national management association recognized frank collazo as the manager of the year 30 years ago, 1991. mr. collazo has served of

president of the air defense artillery association, the air, space, missile defense association, the huntsville chapter of the industrial association. in 2008, he received the davidson award for his leadership in the defense community. in addition to his leadership in industry, mr. collazo has been exceptionally generous in his contributions to local organizations. he funded the collazo endowment to retain and recruit students at the university of alabama in hubtsville. he established the collazo scholarship fund and is a partner of education at the cybersecurity. he is a routine and substantial contributor to over 80

charitable organizations in the tennessee valley, that's including a lot of alabama and tennessee. he personally signified his motto. he says character is a matter of what you do when no one is watching. i'm pleased this afternoon here in the u.s. senate to join the citizens in huntsville, alabama, and throughout the state of alabama in offering my sincere thanks and gratitude to frank collazo and i want to share my appreciation to his wife and extended family. frank has continually showed his commitment to our country, the state of alabama and to the community. basically, madam president, frank collazo is an outstanding american. thank you, madam president. i yield the floor.

mr. shelby: i suggest the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call:

mr. schumer: i ask unanimous consent the quorum be dispensed with. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. schumer: i move to proceed to legislation. the presiding officer: the question is on the motion. the ayes appear to have it. the ayes do have it. the motion is agreed to. mr. schumer: i move to proceed to executive session to consider calendar number 103 #. the presiding officer: the question is on the motion. all in favor say aye. all opposed, no. the ayes appear to have it. the ayes do have it.

the motion is agreed to. the clerk will report the nomination. the clerk: nomination, the judiciary, sarah a.l. merriam to be united states district judge. mr. schumer: i send a cloture motion to the desk. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: cloture motion, clclwe,the undersigned senatorsn accordance with the provisions of rule 22 of the standing rules of the senate, do hereby bring to a close debate on, sarah a.l. merriam to be united states circuit judge for the second circuit. mr. schumer: i ask unanimous consent that the reading of the names be waived. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. schumer: i ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum call for the cloture motion filed today, september 12, be waived. the presiding officer: without objection. surely schumer i note the absence of a quorum. -- mr. schumer: i note the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call:

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[background sounds]. >> >> the parliamentary cover for the ceremony, is a symbol of royal authority, superseded when the king himself is present. [background sounds]. >> we will first hear the speaker presenting his address to the new king.

to parliament today, in the late majesty, and your beloved and deeply missed mother, came here to west minister hall, and many things to receiving congratulations ever loyal subjects in the two houses of parliament and to celebrate with them, the historic landmarks dinner long years of dedicated service.

she was a leader and a servant of her people and her humility and integrity commanded the respect and capture the imagination and nations across the globe. her late majesties joyous reassuring treasures across the years, many difficult to contemplate that are long and inspiring rain, deep and unparalleled devotion will ever and. we close our eyes to this inevitability. only a few months after we celebrated her late majesties historic platinum jubilee, and as you said, so movingly your

majesty about and you addressed the nation if, in essence of loss beyond measure. nevertheless, the qualities overnight majesty had such constancy remain to inspire you, your majesty, your family, and all of your subjects. we remember, her commitment, her humor, her courage and her fortitude as well as the deep faith which was the anchor in her life in your majesty, this is a historic space, is well thought more than 800 years ago, by william griffith, and doing this event roof above us, commissioned 300 years later by

richard the second. since medieval times many things are taken place up and then from galleries to coronation banquet so that duties in which this hall was at the heart the legal system. but this ancient help is a living space, and our great nation, it continues to evolve. in 2012 the late jesse came to westminster hall to mark her diamond jubilee and we saw the unveiling of the splendid memorial and commissioned by board members of parliamentary which no the north wall of this historic space. and i've known for ten years, the light from that window its added beauty, and the remaining

hundreds and these millions of visitors through parts of west minister, all from the late majesties dedicated lack of service. and like the light that shines through this memorial window, the late majesty of his skin achievements, live on by permanently enriching her life in the national discourse, and your majesty, even as we mourn the loss of her dear queen, we in future generations will draw strength from her shining example in your majesty, on behalf of all of the members of the s of the lord's, i pledge milo the and wish you and your majesty the queen consort in the life of the service to which you

have dedicated your self and we are deeply humbled it to welcome you and we look forward to welcoming you on many more occasions to the parliament and to this whole in the years ahead and finally your majesty, the hostess commission need to deliver the following humble address which their lordships agreed on the tenth of september and i show now read the address. most gracious auburn the majesties most duty fallen loyal subjects in the spiritual and temporal parliament and symbol, thanks to convey to that majesty, deep sympathy felt by this house and the grief of your majesty has sustained by the death of the late beloved queen,

your majesty mother of blessed and glorious memory into extended to all of the royal family the deepest sympathy of this house and the grief which is shared by all members to assure of your majesty, that the example of the public service, which the late sovereign displaced over her reign of 70 years. in her endeavors in the welfare of the people in her fortitude that it will ever be held in the happiness ever tickling grantees of all of your people and all of

your realms. [background sounds]. >> personal address and the formal address of condolence from speaker lord. the speech then presented to the king an outcome of the speaker of the house of commons, lindsay. >> your majesty, let me repeat it welcome to you, and tour majesty, the queen counsel, on this solemn occasion, members of both under both house the part of it are here to express the deep civilly in the resulting in the death of our summer lady, queen elizabeth. we have seen this around the world, it is the loss to the united kingdom, we are seed in the crone dependency, and many

countries on which she rains, it is almost the entire - which she did so much to nurse her so loss to all of us, and what we know most of all, it is a loss to you, your majesty onto the royal family. newspapers are being filled with photographs of the late majesty, the most touching has been the glimpses into the family life which we usually cannot children from the public. we know your grief is deeper and our heartfelt sympathy to you and all of the royal family predict that we know that there is nothing that we can say, that the queen your mother, you will not already know. and of the past days, members of the house, have spoken of their times with queen elizabeth.

they have spoken of the sense of duty or wisdom, her kindness, her humor how she touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of their constituents and to every part of this country. the worms are heartfelt pretty and she sat in this historical, as you said now on many occasiod some of those locations to celebrate in her own ways and the addresses to celebrate for silver, balding and diamond jubilee's insured commonality several constitutional monarchies and similar stability, and it never and ever changing world. and how the speaker and queen elizabeth wisdom and grace demonstrated for all to see the value of a constitutional monarchy and the liberties and

the fundamental unity of the kingdom and the commonwealth. and on other occasions, like queen was here, to mark the historic moments such as the 50th anniversary of the singapore war, war which she herself served armed forces in a 1988, we celebrate the 300th anniversary of the revolutions of 1688, through 1689 and it is perhaps celebrating the revolution, by presenting an address to the majesty. both of those revelations led to a constitutional freedoms, and set the foundation for stable monarchy. in your first address to the nation, you recognize your life would change as a result of the new responsibilities pretty you

put yourself to uphold constitutional principles at the heart of our nation. in these weighted responsibilities asleep early queen elizabeth said in her final speech, to be a kingdom, is nothing more glorious to them, then it is. [inaudible]. and we know you'll uphold the greatest respect and the precious traditions, the freedoms and the responsibilities of the unique history and or systems of parliamentary goodness. we know that you'll bear those responsibilities which hold to you with a fortitude and dignity and demonstrated by her late majesty. when the house met with the council, was to take the oath from people the true allegiance to a majesty king charles.

and so it is my duty, to present our humble address to you, our new king, i do expect mother federal of the confidence in the future in your rain. and most gracious so vern, we your majesty usual dutiful oil subject, the commas of the united kingdom of great britain, and northern ireland, and parliaments assembly, express deep simply don't buy this house, the great sorrow which your majesty has sustained by the death unlikely, your majesty's mother. extended to all of the royal family the deep civilly in the south and the brief which is shared by all of its members. enjoy your majesty, the late majesties dedication of a over 70 years to the service of a

great country. enter the people into the service of the countries and the people of the commonwealth, which will always be held affectionate. this is a historic moment. if confirms, judge mendoza would be the first hispanic judge to serve on the ninth circuit from washington. judge mendoza, who i have met before nominating him to the white house council's office as candidate for u.s. district court for eastern district of washington, has been somebody who, when you think about his childhood growing up in yakima valley, an agricultural area in eastern washington, he comes from a family of farmworkers and has worked in the fields himself. as a young student at prosser high school, it was not uncommon

for him to wake up before dawn to work in the fields before rushing home to change and head do school -- head to school. his had work earned him admission to the university of washington. after graduating from the university of washington, he left the state to get his law degree from ucla. after earning his degree, he returned home to washington where he worked as assistant attorney general in the washington state a.g.'s office. he went on to serve the community he grew up in, first as deputy prosecutor for franklin county, then as judge in the benton-franklin superior court. he's been an outstanding judge for the district in eastern district of washington where he served since 2014. clearly, my colleagues in the senate saw his potential, since he was cirnld to the -- confirmed to the eastern district 92-4. judge mendoza is not just an outstanding jurist.

he is a community leader as well. he served on bodzdown on numerous boards of directors in washington, including the legal aid society, the binton-franklin county circle of hope, and drug courts and united way. i know judge mendoza will make apex lent -- an excellent addition to the ninth circuit court. i judge my colleagues to support his nomination to the court of appeals. i thank the president. i yield the floor. i suggested the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. vote: quorum call:

quorum call: a senator: madam president, i

ask the quorum call be vitiated. the presiding officer: without objection. under the previous order, the senate will resume consideration of the following nomination which the clerk will report. the clerk: the judiciary, salvador mendoza jr. of washington to be united states circuit judge for the ninth circuit. the presiding officer: the question occurs on the nomination. is there a sufficient second? there appears to be. the clerk will call the roll. vote:

vote:

vote:

vote:

the presiding officer: on this vote the yeas are 46. the nays are 40. the nomination is confirmed.

under the previous order, the motion to reconsider is considered made and laid on the table and the president will be immediately notified of the senate's actions. the clerk will report the motion to invoke cloture. the clerk: cloture motion, we, the undersigned senators in accordance with the provisions of rule 22 of the standing rules of the senate do hereby move to bring to a close debate on the nomination of executive calendar 1043, air ana j. freeman of pennsylvania to be united states circuit judge for the third circuit signed by 17 senators. the presiding officer: by unanimous consent, the mandatory quorum call has been waived. the question is, is it the sense of the senate that debate on the nomination of arianna j. freeman of pennsylvania to are united states circuit judge for the third circuit shall be brought to a close.

the yeas and nays are mandatory under the rule. the clerk will call the roll. vote:

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remind where we are on the funding bill. kirk's vending resort for the government on september 30. we are weeks away from a potential government shutdown. this time around things looked to be a little bit easier then perhaps past of moments. again, it is a difficult time for lawmakers. they are thinking ahead to the election. nobody wants a government shutdown right before the election. but, at the same time these things are never easy. there is a number of challenges that lie ahead. one of the top challenges i

would say this joe manchin was able to get a deal with chuck schumer and congressional leadership in the white house when they pass the inflation reduction act. he was able to secure a bill, one of his bills that would reform and ease pervading for domestic energy projects. inks like oil and natural gas pipelines. well, progressives in his own party, as you can imagine, are pretty upset with any possibility that permitting proposal would be attached to the government funding bill. and so manchin and schumer of this agreement. it is part of what schumer has allowed. but now progressives are up in arms. they are not threatening a shutdown but they are very upset. seventy house democrats have sent a letter to pelosi saying separate these two items.

do not package it altogether. this is just one of the potential hiccups that are coming down the road. >> the wall street journal picking up that topic. the manchin permitting watch is the headline of one of their editorials. democratic critics cannot block it, can they make him shrinkage? that's one of the pieces of legislation that is being looked at here. the reason why is the can tendering resolutions that are must pass legislation. if you want to keep the government open you have to pass this bill. everyone wants to try to attach it they are at legislation to that. it's a great vehicle to move things through congress. so what else could be possibly attached to a continuing resolution to keep the government funded? >> the white house has their own set of priorities. $47 billion supplemental package that would cover things like additional aid, military aid, economic aid for ukraine.

an issue we have seen come up time and time again. they need more money so by the wants to send them an additional $11.7 billion. things like covid relief. monkeypox relief. this is a big portion of that $47 billion. republicans say we do not need so much money right now for covid. we have already passed the billions and billions of dollars during this past congress. until that is an area of contention. finally at $6.5 billion for disaster relief. that includes things like helping folks who experience the flooding in the past year. we have seen it floods in places like kentucky and around the country. wildfires out in california and the west. this would be a natural disaster relief money. it is uncertain whether any of that will be eventually

attached. but mitch mcconnell is representing kentucky. has talked about the flooding issue before. he knows his people are hurting. i am sure that is one of his priorities to be able to help his people. >> let's do a little bit of how a bill becomes a law. and how many votes the resolution needs of the house and senate. people may be confused because we've done this budget reconciliation process which is sort of an alternative set of rules on how a bill can become a law. for continuing resolution to pass the state-funded what happens in congress? >> we have the filibuster. so for any major piece of legislation, barring the reconciliation process which only needed 50 democratic votes, most pieces of legislation need 60. so what this means in this particular united states senate as you need all of the democrats to hold together. you need at least ten republicans to join those

democrats. if someone like bernie sanders peels off and says i do not want to support this because you have attached the joe manchin energy legislation to that, you will need additional republicans to join in. that is where chuck schumer's a job it becomes quite a difficult task. in cobbling this coalition, what can actually -- which sets of lawmakers can come together and join hands and pass? get sent over to the house of representatives were you need a simple majority. it should be in easier lift for nancy pelosi. but again nothing is easy in this united states congress. >> then a presidential signature to have the bill into law by return but the week ahead. the road had on capitol hill. we are taking it ahead a few weeks as well for cheating a little bit on the congress segment this mike you want to join the conversation you can do so phone lines are open,

democrats and republicans 202-748-8001. independence 2,027,488,002. away from the continuing resolution in government funding, another item on the to do list as you note in a great wrap up for nbc news recently protecting legal same-sex marriage effort in the congress, explain what that is and where democrats are on that effort? >> this is a response to the roe v wade decision by the supreme court to overturn the long standing senators, democrats and a handful of republicans if the united states supreme court can step in and overturn something like row v wade perhaps they can overturn other long-standing precedents like gay marriage, like the protection for the use

of contraception. so this a bill sponsored by tammy baldwin she is teaming up with susan collins a republican from maine in trying to protect the same well as interracial marriage as a right. this is a priority of tammy baldwin she is first openly gay senator to be elected. things are a little bit in limbo for there some discussion maybe they would attach the same-sex marriage bill to the cr and use that as a vehicle to move it forward. but what boldin and chuck schumer have said in recent days is they want to move that separately. they think the best chance for that is to hold a standalone vote on that bill. so there are negotiations happening for their concerns

raised about protections for religious freedom but whether or not religious freedom would be infringed by the tammy baldwin bill. a lot of bipartisan negotiations they're looking for that middle ground. >> what is it saying to you? is that nine of the republican colleagues will join her to get to the threshold? >> they are not saying that yet. they're saying they're hopeful i can pass. but, when you go ahead and count all of them, their heads, their noses rob portman is asp thom tillis is a yes. that does not get you 210 republicans as we discussed to overcome a republican filibuster. there are a number of republicans opposed to doing anything, they just don't feel like it is necessary. they don't feel like there is any sort of movement behind the supreme court on that issue. they are not quite there yet. there is a lot of behind-the-scenes wrangling that's happening particularly in

regards to this religious freedom concern. but we should know in the coming days we should see language from baldwin on religious freedom for. >> one more issue you can do all of this. it grapples with election reform legislation as time it runs short to act that the handling of your story from this weekend, explain it. >> gets election reform obviously were talking about this in the context of january 6 for the attack on the capitol just over your shoulder here. the attempt to try to encourage or put pressure the vice president and members of congress to overturn the election of joe biden. and so there has been a discussion happening again involving these folks in the middle, susan collins. a number of the same individuals joe manchin another one.

two bills, one dealing with reforming the electoral contract this archaic law from 1887. which walks you through the process of how the vice president and congress certify and count electoral votes that are sent from the state. think to make sure it is airtight. there is no room for any sort of funny business that we saw after the 2020 election. that is one of the bills. the other deals with election security. enhancing the penalties for people who are pressuring, intimidating poll workers, election officials. also enhancing security for any sort of electronic voting system. that was a big focus of the 2020 election. these are responses to what we saw on january 6 the run up to january 6. right now it looks like it's are

going to be into the lame duck section. there's not a time and accounted to do cr as well as election reform. >> with all of that bring in some colors you get when you join the conversation will look at weekend a month ahead on capitol hill we've got senior congressional reporter with nbc news. robert is in democrat good morning. >> good morning. i think the most important thing we really need to do during this session is passed that bill h1 the voting rights bill. without the voting rights built we ain't going to get nothing done in this country because we've got the progressive party separated themselves from the democratic party. promising young kids college, be this, it be that. give me this and give me that. and then we have the tea party separated themselves on the

republican party they're not even republican. we have people they try to put on the september 11 committee. he would've ran back and told donald trump anything they'd been doing. and bernie sanders and elizabeth warren i was on this campaign and at the time we had elizabeth warren running against scott brown i think his name was. so what we did is we ran elizabeth warren on the same ticket as obama. we put one on the campaign trail. >> will take the comment i think you meant the january 6 committee when he was referring to the committee work, generate

six committee expected to meet again, meet publicly again. televised hearings where are we on that? >> yes exactly bread the generate six committee has already said they're going to hold additional hearings where they have helped eight hearings during the course of june and july for this i when they return from summer recess which is this week, they will begin to hold additional hearings. we expect at least one of those to happen later this month. there could be additional hearings in addition to that one. some of the members of the generate six committee have said they want to focus on some key issues heading into the fall. one of those being what happens in the wake of the january 6 attack on the capitol all the way leading up to the inauguration of joe biden on january 20? that window, what was happening questioning some the discussions

we know cabinet members were discussing invoking the 25th amendment to forcibly remove it then at president trump from office. at the same time we know there were discussions about impeachment about when the vice president and the cab that decided not too. we saw the house of representatives moved to impeach donald trump. that will be one of the areas we are told from committee members they could be looking at and some of these additional hearings progress good question from cynthia on a topic we mentioned back in our first segment this morning pretty got a lot of attention on twitter last night progressive guess know why donald trump is in d.c.? is it deposition time, healthcare, what do you know or have you heard anything on this photo this taken it dulles airport last night by an independent journalist and blogger of the prep former president donald trump landing? >> i did see that photo.

i note that reporters are aware of it especially nbc. i have not actually looked into it. i do not have any definitive answer why the president might be here. it could be fundraising. it could be something a little more serious than that. certainly raised eyebrows the president was back in d.c. this week for. >> headlines from the daylight something up? we will see if there's more to come. david in south carolina independent, good morning you are next. >> good morning jon. listen, whatever they do is going to diddle in twiddle. the congress and the senate of our country are owned by corporate america. people have got to understand this. they are not going to do anything that's going to benefit anyone except for corporate america. they get money from them. they are all in league with the

military industrial complex to money into their states for ridiculously bloated pentagon budget. this is bankrupting us all. we have put off social advances in this country for the last 50 years of fighting the communists in russia. we still do not have proper healthcare for our citizens. we just passed a law that a senior does not have to pay more than a certain amount for diabetic medicine. what about the babies that have diabetes? nobody talks about that. that doesn't matter does it? what matters is corporate america's bottom line. wall street's bottom line. good day sir. >> south carolina at the white house this week, president biden expected to talk about achievements that democrats are claiming for people when it comes to healthcare and climate change as well. their ceremony for inflation

reduction act. that's happening this week. >> that is right. what is interesting, i've been thinking a lot about this congress and how toxic it has become. we have seen threats against some members of congress. against their lives. whether it's a phone call, people around their homes back in their home states. the same time it's pretty remarkable how this congress has been we've seen improbably in our careers. starting from last year the bipartisan infrastructure act. this year the passage of ships in science bill give her the president talk about semi conductor here at home. he mentioned the inflation reduction act that's probably going to be president biden signature achievement much like obama.

we've seen the passage just the summer of gun reform for the first time in a generation. as well as the act for to help veterans who will ask who were exposed to burn pits. you lift all those pieces of legislation it is quite consequential. so when the democrats or take issue with the caller in terms of being able to get things done for the american people. the republicans would probably say it is too much money. we are spending too much money and that's why we need to change course and direction in the midterm election. >> you mentioned reporting a think to start about the same time 2003. the newspaper à la california. and then to the arizona republic the hilt for a long time. an out senior congressional reporter at nbc news. always been a good front of this network as well. we appreciate that. about ten minutes left with him if you have questions we talk about the week ahead in

washington. catherine in new jersey good morning too. >> i think we lost catherine, gary and massachusetts republican good morning. >> hello yes. i have three things i asked. three things i heard about 911 god bless the people. the muslim extremists were bad. it's okay to say maga extremists. i guess that's okay. i'm bored about the green energy had massachusetts we as 1% renewable energy. we do exactly that california right now all across the country every states rate one hundredths of a degree. i love to talk with the insurrection no one talks about 2020 when they attacked all of the police station, everybody and anybody they could who is in the court or anywhere else for

the insurrection of january 6 is the worst day we ever had. let your pearls will quit their precooked gary and massachusetts. couple topics there which you want to take? >> those are some challenging topics. in terms of the georgia floyd a protest of 2020 that has been a republican concern whenever they do talk about that on january 6. they quickly turn that's horrible to see for me that's horrible to experience bizarre the many reporters in the capitol that day. i was going to happen on the floor.

wasn't paying attention to what was happening outside the cap liberal had not realized literally thousands of people's succeed in breaking out for the capitol. the two things are not on equal footing. one has to do with an election, a presidential election certification of an election. looking at the capitol just over your shoulder this was the democratic process in action

vote:

what is your mission how are you founded? >> thanks for having on the show today. it is great to be here. the center for growth and opportunity we do economic researcher. we are really excited about asking questions about the problem standing in the way of

the american people. we think there are topics on tech innovation where i work, immigration and environment issues. the survey will be discussing today is a great example of the kind of research we do on innovation and across the board at the organization. we are supported by a wide array of organizations and individuals and foundations. the research is entirely directed by scholars precooked with the goal of the research? what you do with it when you're done? informative policymakers, journalists, industry leaders, general public other academics. we are based at utah state university of that foot and the academy we want to research to be relevant to issues of today we try to predict what issues are coming around the turn in the next two years. excelling of the ability to big tech and american's attitude toward it? >> i've been digging personally for ten years of very we've been doing the survey for the past

two years. we have been conducting service and so i've 2020 precooked what you found so far in the surveys? >> the one big thing, the one to take ways americans do not have a consensus on what to do about big tech.

we are just less than two months away now. and things are really heating up. >> white north carolina? >> i said that was very interesting and talking voters about some of their concerns ahead of consumer lessons were. >> wise is an interesting race? what's the there? >> it's interesting. she was the chief justice of north carolina supreme court. is currently a member in the house. if and when the senate seat she is running for she be the third african-american woman to serve in the senate. it's a very interesting race. ask what you focus on many were there did she make news question requested talk to voters and after their concerns whether or not inflation is a concern for them, the rising gas prices.

but, on the campaign trail one thing voters costly brought up was abortion. i was a real concern for them to correct what did they tell you in that recent north carolina? >> it is very clear there is mounting evidence showing democrats voters are galvanized by the recent dobbs decision. voters are very concerned about the supreme court with roe v wade precrisis with the issues democrats really have a momentum on. abortion, and is also the issue of climate change in the wake of the provisions or passing the inflation reduction act. gun control is also an issue that holds well among democrats and issue their focus on. but, republicans point back to the james caldwell quote that it is the economy. what do you think it is right now from talking to voters? are they more focused on is the economy, stupid, or some of

these other social issues? >> i can definitely say republicans are hoping voters are very concerned about the economy. inflation is very high. gas prices are starting to go down. but it is becoming clearer and clearer voters are really concerned about some of the social issues like abortion. >> talk about the midterm election with christian hall of bloomberg news for this segment of the "washington journal". are there races you want to talk about? are there campaigns you want to focus on give us a call democrats (202)748-8001. republicans (202)748-8001. independence (202)748-2002. number having good conversation for the next 20 minutes or so on the "washington journal". you mention the north carolina race that you're watching byrd what are a couple other races you think best demonstrates the issues set or the overall dynamic of campaign 2022?

>> i think pennsylvania is definitely an interesting race has a betterment running against dr. oz. the race is definitely picking up a lot of energy. fetterman is holding up pretty well against the trumpet back to candidates, oz. despite suffering a stroke recently and having to go on hiatus with this campaign. he has managed to hold up pretty well. his wealth, residency, so it yes it's a very interesting race brickwork thursday senate race of the start of the cycle? that to me is giving up, he is retiring. when this race came up originally, was it expected to be a republican advantage? >> yes i think republicans felt this would be a very competitive race for them. but it is becoming clear that oz might not be as strong as a candidate as we had expected. >> with the latest polling right

now? the race watchers the political, the inside where they put the race right now? >> the race is really close. oz has a good chance of pulling it out. he is within striking distance. but, minority leader mitch mcconnell even said himself the quality of these candidates could really determine the outcome of the election. people are starting to call into question dr. oz ability to win the senate race precooked is fetterman going to debate and there's a lot of questions about his health. >> yes i believe he really said he would debate him. there been a lot of questions about his health. he is trying to gain back. i believe he will debate against them for. >> the race according to insight election is at the arizona senate race the georgia race, nevada race and that pennsylvania it race arizona, georgia, nevada races to places where democrats are trying to hold their seats. pennsylvania if democrats pick

up it would be a pickup opportunity for them but some of the races we are talking about in this segment of the "washington journal", what do you want to hear about? robert in pittsburgh, mississippi is up first. line for republican, robert good morning. >> good morning. i want to talk about the joe biden situation. as soon as he got in office he shut down the pipeline. and he is because energy prices to go up. i think he needs to be impeached. he opened the borders. the country should not be an open border country. he should not be running again. i also want to comment about the january's sixth grade.

i have a letter from nancy pelosi to the mayor of portland, oregon it was before that rate happened said there was going to be a riot's and they're to blame it on trump. and that news media it will support them. >> how did you get a letter from nancy pelosi to the mayor portland? >> a friend of mine got it off the internet. >> gotcha. i want to come back to the energy prices it's falling down i want to focus on that as i show this chart from gas buddy sue shown it several times the past couple of months. on the average gas price in the united states now down to about

$3.67. it was just the beginning of june it topped over $5 a gallon. christian hall since election 2022 picnics have been on the campaign trail voters are concerned about gas prices. gas prices expected to benefit off of in their senate races. but abortion again is really a big issue. i've been hearing it from a lot of voters on the campaign trail. >> first, our gas prices are $3.39 which is awesome. the second point is in this area, we are worried. women are worried about abortion. i have a friend who was pregnant

with siamese twins. went to johns hopkins. that is her right to seek out professional help so women, if you are listening you need to vote to keep your right. that is what i had to say. so keep your rights, women. >> lynn in maryland democrat certainly trying to bring democrats to the polls, bring women to the polls on the issue of abortion. you've been talking about already this morning for his recent ad for the democratic senator campaign committee this is arizona criticizing the republican candidate and that senate race, blake masters on the area of abortion byrd hears that ad precooked i was 14, he was 18. he was so abusive. choosing to end the pregnancy was not easy but it was the right choice for me. it is personal. it is complicated.

>> and blake masters wanted to ban all abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest. quite blake masters had no idea what i went there. and he has no business making that decision for me. or for any woman. >> responsible for the content of this advertising. >> on that ad in the ad blitz by democrats on this issue. >> you know, this is, as i said earlier, a big issue for voters. recent polling hasn't showed a large number of americans are really concerned about the supreme court ruling. a large number of them have an unfavorable view of the supreme court. but i do believe that democrats are going to use this issue in this race, in this midterm election. >> how close are you following the arizona race? >> i'm following it pretty closely. >> what are your thoughts? right now and how the race has evolved? >> yes, i think republicans are

hoping they can pull out that race. i think arizona it's going to be very close race. >> washington post the column today aaron blake taking a look at republican flip-flops and walk backs on this issue. the presiding officer: the yeas are 45, the nays are 44. the motion is agreed to. the clerk will report the nomination. the clerk: nomination, the judiciary. arianna j. freeman of pennsylvania to be united states circuit judge for the third circuit.

mr. padilla: madam president? the presiding officer: the senator from california. mr. padilla: i ask unanimous consent that is not withstanding rule 22, the senate consider calendar number -- treaty document 116-did, that the treaty be considered as having been advanced through the various parliamentary stages up to and including the presentation of the resolution of the advice and consent to ratification, that any committee conditions, declarations, or reservations be agreed to and applicable, that any statements be printed in the record as if read, further, that if the resolution of ratification is agreed to, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the president be immediately notified of the senate's action. the presiding officer: without objection.

the clerk will report. the clerk: treaty calendar no 4, treaty doc 116-2, -- mr. padilla: madam president, i ask for a division vote on the resolution of advice and consent to ratification. the presiding officer: a division vote has been requested. on treaty document 116-2. all those in favor, stand and be counted. all those opposed, stand and be counted. on a division vote, two-thirds of the senators present having voted in the affirmative, the resolution of advice and consent to ratification has been agreed to. mr. padilla: madam president, i ask unanimous consent that the senate proceed to legislative session and be in a period of morning business with senators

permitted to speak therein for up to ten minutes each. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. padilla: madam president, i ask unanimous consent that the senate proceed to the immediate consideration of senate concurrent resolution 44. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: s. con44, authorizing the use of the rotunda of the capitol for a sir money to present the statue of harry s. truman from the people of missouri. the presiding officer: without objection, the senate will proceed. mr. padilla: madam president, i ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution be agreed to and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate. the presiding officer: without objection. the clerk: madam president, i understand there is a bill at the desk and i ask for its first reading. the presiding officer: the

clerk will receipt the title for the first time. the clerk: a bill to amend the federal election campaign act of 1971 to provide for additional disclosure requirements so forth and for other purposes. mr. padilla: i now ask if for a second reading and in order to place the built on the dart -- bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule 14, i object to my own request. the presiding officer: objection is heard. the bill will be read for the second time on the next legislative day. mr. padilla: thank you, madam president. i ask unanimous consent that when the senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10:00 a.m. on tuesday, september 13, and that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed. that upon the conclusion of morning business, the senate

proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the freeman nomination postcloture. further, that all postcloture time on the freeman nomination be considered expired at 11:30 a.m. and that following the cloture vote on the montecalvo nomination, the senate recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for weekly caucus meetings. finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during tuesday's session, the motion to reconsiderren be considered laid and laid upon the table and the president be immediately notified of the senate's action. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. padilla: if there is no 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 senate stands adjourned until

to the ninth circuit court of appeal. current federal funding expires at the end of the month. the senate is expected to begin a short-term spending bill possibly as early as next week. senate majority leader chuck schumer's also said to expect a vote to protect same-sex marriage of the next couple of weeks. watch live coverage of the senate when they return here on cspan2. ♪ c-span is your unfiltered view of government funded by these television companies and more including charter communication. >> broadband is a force for empowerment. that is why charter has invested billions of building infrastructure, upgrading technology, empowering opportunity in communities big and small. charter is connecting us. >> charter communication support c-span as a public service. along with these other television providers. giving you a front rowea