primary source for capitol hill providing balanced unfiltered coverage of government, taking you where the policy debate and decided with the support of america's cable companies. c-span, 45 years and counting, powered by cable. >> the senate is about to gavel in following a late night before members were in the chamber past midnight voting on president biden's judicial nominees. today, members will continue work on district court judicial nominees, during what will be their last day of voting before leaving for thanksgiving break. you're watching live senate coverage here on c-span. ...

desai. the presiding officer: the senate will come to order. the chaplain, dr. barry black, will lead the the senate in prayer. the chaplain: let us pray. eternal god, our father, thank you for the gifts you have given to us and to all humanity. thank you for the loveliness of earth and sea and sky. thank you for the beauty you have enabled the minds and hands of people to conceive. thank you for a nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to

freedom. thank you for enabling us to harness the forces of nature, to find ways of defeating disease and easing pain. thank you for the lawmakers who seek to enable us to live in peace and quietness in godliness and dignity. lord of us all, to you we raise these our prayers of grateful praise. we pray in your mighty name. amen. the presiding officer: please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to our 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. november 21, 2024. to the senate: under the provisions of rule 1, paragraph 3, of the standing rules of the senate, i hereby appoint the honorable raphael g. warnock, a senator from the state of georgia, to perform the duties of the chair. signed: patty murray, 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 to resume consideration of the following nomination, which the clerk will report. the clerk: nomination, the judiciary, noel wise, of california, to be united states district judge for the northern district of california.

>> mychael schnell reports for the hill congrats reporter your tell us what was happening behind closed doors with the ethics committee yesterday. >> the house ethics committee five democrats and five republicans met behind closed doors yesterday in the capital for roughly two hours. i'm told from a source thinly with the matter one of the things that was discussed was to matt gaetz. the committee held a vote to

release the report as is. that failed along party lines and the committee took another vote just releasing the exhibits as part of the report and to matt gaetz that also failed along party lines. there was a third vote to formally complete the report, a procedural thing that has to happen when to do with an ethics investigation and report. that one passed with bipartisan support. the meeting broke and now were expecting the committee may begin december 5. that date was announced by a ranking democrat on the outset of the committee. probably too still talk about matt gaetz report because the precious to mounting on him to release the report is matt gaetz continues to go to the confirmation process for attorney general. >> host: matt gaetz was on capitol hill yesterday meeting with senators. what was happening on on thee of the capital? >> guest: the house ethics committee meeting about whether or not the panels release its

sprawling report. investigation has been going on and off for three years. whether they should release that report. on the other side of the capital the former congressman was crisscrossing different congressional offices meeting with senators to talk what is confirmation. this is something always happens when you have a presidential nominee and their confirmation forthcoming in the senate, meet with all the individual senators to discuss the confirmation. this would happen with a different context. as a house ethics committee was debating whether or not it should release the report and a number of senators including democrats and republicans have called on the ethics committee to release its report because they want to look at the findings before weighing in on his confirmation. things look dicey but nonetheless the president steve and former congressman plowing ahead with this nomination as likely make it. saw matt gaetz talk with senators yesterday. >> host: there have been leaks

of what this committee found out. how does he ethics committee normally conduct their work and what do we know? >> guest: the ethics committee is typically conducts its business in secrecy. the way the committee is set up five democrats five republicans is meant to be so the committee does not police its own members. supposed to be a bipartisan place on capitol hill and a secret place. there have been a number of leaks. there have been some leaks from lawyers of witnesses who have spoken to the committee going to news outlets to talk about what the witnesses have testified. we've seen leaks from other areas. matt gaetz somebody has been a basket by whole slew of folks that just a house ethics committee but it's pretty rare for the ethics committee as a mention they typically conduct their business and in privan secrecy. they don't like for things to leak out. they like to do the investigation in that manner. this situation has blown up

because matt gaetz was always a controversial figure on capitol hill come something that solidified after the lead to oust kevin mccarthy and is now the nominee to be attorney general and there's some questionable lawmakers of did matt gaetz resign from his seat early in an effort to stop the investigation from coming out? the ethics committee does not have jurisdiction over former members of congress. there is some precedent or some history of the releasing reports on former members once they've already departed congress. some questions there if matt gaetz left early to try to fort back of the report but nonetheless a lot of new things we've been seeing in terms of the ethics committee with the situation involving matt gaetz. >> host: what are the details? >> guest: we've heard from lawyers representing women have spoken to the committee that those women saw matt gaetz having sex with a minor, a

17-year-old. they testified they did receive money from matt gaetz for sex. we saw yesterday a report from the "new york times" that the doj and its investigation of matt gaetz had a web of transactions and other monetary transaction between matt gaetz and other individuals including some women. we are starting to get a sense of potential but the committee was looking at, if it's possible that has a lot of these pictures as well, and what evidence is behind these allegations. we've been hearing his allegations about matt gaetz for sometime now. the house ethics committee investigation has been going on since 2021, roughly three years on and off. the department of justice which is their agency matt gaetz now wants to lead was investigating him for some time and it decided not to press charges. there were reports it was because there was concern among prosecutors that the witnesses

could not have credibility for a trial. we've seen these leaks for a while and we are starting to get a picture of what's behind these allegations. it's important to note matt gaetz does deny any wrongdoing and again he still charging ahead with his confirmation process meeting with senators on capitol hill just as recently as yesterday. >> host: president-elect trump has said he stands by matt gaetz. what is the outline for moving forward with his confirmation? what could happen in the new congress when they convene in january? >> guest: it's what could happen before. they're still a high-stakes month we have until we get to that conversation about his potential confirmation hearing and vote. the house ethics committee is scheduled to meet again decembe. i spoke to a source who suggested members left with the understanding the report would be quote ready by the time they met again in december 5 suggesting it may hold another vote on releasing the report. that will be key date to watch.

yesterday there were two house democrats who moved to force a a vote on resolution that would compel the ethics committee to release its report into matt gaetz. there is one example of this happening in the past, 1996 house democrats tried to force the ethics committee through a resolution release its preliminary finding on then speaker newt gingrich. that effort failed so what we want see what happens with those resolutions from those house democrats. it was brought to the floor and a privilege resolution, leadership has to act on the measure within two legislative days. that's today i'm could happen today, possibly unlikely. lawmakers are leaving town for their thanksgiving recess but if not today they will have to deal with that when the return after the thanksgiving recess. that's another time to watch. of course as we continue to watch these conversations about the report that leads up to what would happen likely in january where you see matt gaetz as is customary for all presidential nominees to have a confirmation

hearing in the senate and then that all-important vote on whether or not he would be confirmed to the captain. >> host: what about a recess appointment? >> guest: this is a conversation floating around on capitol hill. a lot of uncertainty surrounding recess appointments. a lot of folks were trying to figure out what the constitutional law is here. what would have to happen for recess appointments to take place. i would say it's definitely a possibility, something we know we've seen present electro demand, ask for taking when the senate gop leader race was going on. trump said whoever is an ex-senator republican leader has to agree to use recess appointments. it's a possibility of the table but there's a lot of uncertainty surrounding that, what it looks like constitutionally, and what appetite there is for that among lawmakers on capitol hill. still something to dig into but deathly something to continue to talk about. >> host: you were part of the former reporters that was covering this story yesterday

outside of the committee room with a house ethics committee met. there were a lot of reporters gathered there waiting to get word from any one of these members of congress. i want to show our viewers what happened when my cooking gas, the chair that committee left the committee yesterday afternoon to those votes were talking about. [inaudible] >> ethics committee meetings -- between now and the end of -- >> are you going to release it to the senate? >> there has been no agreement to release it before. >> have a requested it? [inaudible] >> have you talked to matt gaetz at all? [inaudible]

>> host: that stayed late to keep working on confirming more of the president's judicial nominees. we made excellent progress this week, confirming judges, and i'm pleased to say that we have cleared the way to confirm many more judges when we return after thanksgiving. today we'll pick up right where we left off last night. later this morning, we'll hold two more cloture votes to advance two more district court judges, noel wise to the northern district of california, and gail weilheimer to the eastern district of pennsylvania. we'll finish today with a confirm aig vote of -- confirmation vote of sharad harshad desai to be district judge of the district of arizona. this would put our total for the week at six new judges confirmed to lifetime appointments to the

federal bench, one circuit court judge, and five district court judges. and again, we're in strong position to confirm many more judges when we come back. we hope to make progress on as many as we can. now, i thank all my colleagues for their hard work last night and for being flexible amidst all the roll call votes. i want to thank the floor staff, the cloakrooms, the pages, and all the staff in the senate for staying late several nights this week so we could keep working on the floor. i understand if you feel a little groggy this morning. that's okay. i'm proud that the judges we've confirmed under president biden are exceptional, highly qualified, and have already begun to bring balance to our bench. our nominees are adding new perspectives and broad ranges of experience to their courts. we've confirmed individuals with strong experiences in customer protection and voting rights and civil rights, supreme court advocacy, prosecution, and more.

in other words, the nominees we have considered represent a balanced and even handed group of jurists. we'll keep going when the senate returns, voting on the president's nominees is a basic responsibility of the senate. we'll take that responsibility very seriously between now and the end of the year. now, a look ahead -- when the senate returns after thanksgiving, senators can expect a very busy few weeks to finish our work before the end of the year. both sides must continue working together to keep the government open beyond the december 20 deadline. letting the government shut down just before christmas would be asinine, plain and simple, and nobody wants that to happen. well, there may be a few in the other chamber who do, but they're a distinct minority. we must pass the annual defense authorization bill to provide for our troops and hold the line again adversaries abroad. we have passed the ndaa every

year over the last six decades. with so much going on around the world, in the middle east, indo-pacific, and europe and beyond, passing the ndaa is as critical as it's ever been. we intend to get it done. we also hope to make progress on the farm bill to avoid going over the so-called dairy cliff at the end of september. chair stabenow has released text of her bill earlier this week. i want to commend her for drafting such a strong bill that provides for farmers and ranchers, as well as working families through nutrition programs. democrats are ready to work with republicans to get the farm bill done. another issue we hope to get done is disaster aid. both sides know we needed to act, because both sides represent states impacted by disaster. earlier this week, the biden administration released a comprehensive plan for disaster aid that does a lot of very good things. it replenishes not just programs

housed within fema, which is what most americans think about when they think of a disaster res response, but other programs across the federal government that are dangerously low on funding, if not totally depleted. a few weeks -- a few days ago i highlighted the important role that the sba's disaster loan program plays in times of crisis. another one i want to mention is the department of transportation funding to repair and reconstruct our highways and roads. when disaster strikes, and highways and roads are damaged and rendered impabable, it brings -- impassable, it brings everything to a standstill. aid is slower to arrive, getting people out of dangers is hard and communities can be isolated. this is one example why we need to pass the robust disaster aid package. i hope to work with republicans to get it done as soon as possible and as robustly as possible. when we return after thanksgiving, we'll pick up right where we left off,

confirming more of president biden's judicial and executive nominees. so it will be a very busy and sequential few weeks in the senate when we return, and i thank my colleagues for their cooperation. i yield the floor, note the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call: the clerk: ms. baldwin. and others should be open for the public to review. patricia, ohio, republican.

>> caller: hello. i have a question. my understanding is that there is, and congress a separate taxpayer money against congress by whoever is in the white house were in the congress. i would like to know if that should be released. >> host: okay. that's patricia in ohio. john st. louis, missouri, democratic caller. >> caller: i know the law and i'm positive that matt gaetz is not going to be returning to. [inaudible] why? because of january 6th, people. all these charges he has put off and put off and put off and then this summer over the summer i saw democrats already because i watch too much c-span. >> host: will move on.

marilyn come independent. it's your turn. what you say about this debate? >> caller: yes, i think it should be released. and just on the last caller, two of them, i think he he stated he's a teacher. how is going to teach the young ones about public ethics? we need to bring leaders in our public arena for ethical objective. i come from a country where -- medicos to the parliamentarians, where you call the secretary of state you and interest anybody else. the leaders elected leaders just because of, instead of people are going to test whether republicans or democrats. people are going to be objective. people are going to be ethical. then we are not going to look at america as a model state. we look at america as a model

set of democracy, institutions and justice. so, yes, i think whether it be released and if the public decides -- [inaudible] >> host: solomon in sourcing marilyn breaking up a little bit. as mychael schnell told all of you, yesterday susan while who's the top democrat on house ethics committee came back to that scrum or reporters after leaving the closed-door meeting after the votes they took to clarify she said the democrats position on the committee. five democrats and five republicans on this panel. it is evenly divided so that the act in a bipartisan way. here's what she had to say. >> we just concluded a two hour meeting of the ethics committee, and it was not my intention to make any comments. i want out of this committee without making one and walked back to my office but it has since come to my attention that

we agreed that we're not going to discuss what had transpired at the meeting, but it is come to my attention that the chairman has since betrayed the process by disclosing our deliberations within moments after walking out of the committee. and he has complied that there was an agreement of the committee not to disclose the report. that is an untrue him to the extent that that suggests that the committee was in agreement or that we had a consensus on that, that is inaccurate. and and i will say that a vots taken, as many of you know. this committee is evenly divided between democrats and republicans, which means in order to a from of a move has to cross party lines and ispensed

with. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: well, it's a business why i time around washington -- a busy time around washington. newly elected colleagues who will join us in january are hiring staff and getting acquainted with the rhythms of the nation's capital. i imagine that seasoned veterans are passing along a familiar piece of advice from harry truman -- if you want a friend in washington, buy a dog. it's an observation colored by exposure to the more cutthroat double-dealing corners of public policy. it seems to suggest that loyal, devoted counsel that you can trust implicitly is so rare that you might as well quit looking for it. clearly, the 33rd president of the united states never had the privilege of meeting my friend

david popp. certain corners of the capital press corps may be surprised to learn that indeed my communications director actually has a first name. but like most folks in the building, i call him popp as well. around my office, and frankly across capitol hill, this is one work that has become shorthand for fierce loyalty and peerless capacity for hard work. early on, it wasn't exactly obvious that the proud son of wilmington, ohio, would end up applying these qualities at the highest levels of american politics. for many years popp's highest political holt and most significant vote went to his mom, bonnie, and her campaign for the school board.

and at least until college, his appreciation for hard work had him following in the footsteps of his dad, tom, a longtime community banker. but for those of us who've seen popp on the clock here in the capitol, it's hard to imagine him winding up anywhere else. by the time i got the chance to hire him, popp was already a seasoned pro here on the hill, and being the humble, self-effaciing guy he is, i'm sure he met the opportunity to join senate leadership staff with awe and wonder that the upper chamber rightly commands. still, the thought am just have crossed popp's mind that working in communications for a notoriously tightlipped principal might be a welcome

break from the rambunctious world of the house, where he had cut his teeth. that of course was not to be. as it turns out, in the hallway, when i stay mum, and members of the fourth estate don't get the answers they're looking for from me directly, they simply go to popp. one of the immense luxuries of my time as leader is knowing when you turn to staff to tackle challenges, you get your pick of the very best. i never doubted the than with the ultimate responsibility of broadcasting my views, squashing rumors, and shaping stories is among the very best. as the very best tend to be, popp is modest.

he often tries to convince his colleagues he's really not much of a writer, that he couldn't cut it as a pure flack, he doesn't have an eye for creative side of political commun communications. nobody buys that. popp is a pro. a pro. but he is also an incredible teammate, deflecting praise from his own work usually means showering it. instead on the team he leads so capably, popp treats the rest of my communications staff like his own family. when the senate pulls a late night, he's quick to send as many of them home as possible. after a long session, he's known to appear with a stack of italian subs from a favorite spot down pennsylvania avenue. and if popp treats team like family, i should note that his

real family makes a great team as well. popp's wife and ultimate teammate monica is herself a proven veteran of senate leadership. as chief of staff in the whip's office, she was an essential member of our extended team. for anyone who has met monica, there's no question where david popp learned grace under pressure. any field general for communications brings an invaluable combination of skills. he has both the warrior's instinct to anticipate and prepare for everything that could possibly go wrong and the even keel to stay on course when big waves do inevitably crash across the deck. at moments of immense national importance, popp is unflinching. in chapters of great personal

significance to me, he has my utmost confidence. around the office, no matter the news of the day, popp is quick to remind us all eyes on stakeout. in the mold of a once unnamed predecessor who was mistaken for an out mative e-mail system, he's even quicker to keep me and my team informed of the latest develops at all hours. but less anybody worries i'm working popp too hard, i should point out that he does have hobbies outside of work. after all, after all but the most demanding weeks at the capitol, he and monica find time to escape to their happy place on the water. and in the near future i suspect he'll have a bit more energy to

devote to the hunt for par and a club championship on the golf course. and to more sundowns on the bill with tile and captain -- tilly and captain in tow. until then, i'll relish having such a trusted hand and consummate public servant in my corner. so popp, my friend, thanks for everything. mr. mcconnell: i suggest the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk

will call the roll. quorum call: the clerk: ms. baldwin.

identifying witnesses and exposing law enforcement tactics. the fbi said it received a letter and declined to comment further. tim in michigan republican. good morning. welcome to the conversation. >> caller: yes good morning. i was just listening to this and it's funny because i watch every

day now for a while, and it's funny because the democrats do the same thing that the republicans do, so nobody gets anywhere with the situation at hand. so basically it's just a big pile of dung that nobody actually, it just keeps getting stirred and stirred and stirred. the investigations that we've got going on right now, we've got probably 50 of them. and of them have been resolved in the last eight or ten years. >> host: do you think then the public should see not just this matt gaetz investigation but they should see all the investigations, the work by the ethics committee should not be behind closed doors, is that what you would argue? >> caller: my argument was, with the whole show is if i can

say okay, i know that you went out, and this is just a hypothetical, if i say i know that you went out and you slept around on your husband and i can make that statement and i can say, well, this is what happened and everything like that, then you have to, you know, say that no, i'm innocent, okay? if i say that and i charge you with that, then how do i i kn? how do you know? you know that you can do it. i know that i'm in the wrong for saying that, but it doesn't matter. it's out there. so it's not good. >> host: republican caller. let's listen to speak mike johnston who is opposed to the ethics committee releasing the report. this is what he had to say sunday. >> i don't know anything about

the contents of the report because the way the rules work of course the speaker of the house can't put a thumb on the skill to be involved in an ethics committee report. what i do know is the comments about this being there's a precedent for releasing reports is not accurate. there are two breaches of the tradition in the past under very excellent and her circumstances. i don't think this meets that criteria. look matt gaetz is a colleague of mine. we've been serving together for the ages. he's one of the brightest minds in washington or anywhere. he knows everything about how the department of justice has been weaponized and misused. he will be a reformer. that's why establishment in washington is so shaken up about this pick. but with regard to the report there's a very important reason for the tradition and the role we have almost always followed, that is we don't issue investigations and ethics reports on people who are not members of congress. i'm afraid that would open a pandora's box. the jurisdiction of the ethics committee is limited to those who are serving in the

institution. that's its purpose in this of the a breach of protocol that could be dangerous for us going forward in the future. >> host: that was the speaker on "fox news sunday" saying he opposed the idea of the ethics committee releasing this report. the ethics committee met behind closed doors. they could not come to an agreement. there were split along party lines about whether not released the report. they did vote to complete it and are going to gather again in early december. according to mychael schnell who joined us earlier a reporter for the hill, according to her reporting the committee will have the support done by the time they meet again. there could be another vote on whether not to release it. all of that happening ahead of any confirmation hearings and votes over on the senate side for attorney general. president-elect donald trump picking matt gaetz to lead that agency. from abc news in the reporting

yesterday. democrats on capitol hill on the house side try to force ethics committee to release the gaetz report. a privileged resolution on the floor yesterday. here's a portion of his remarks. >> the form of the relation is as follows. house resolution, to release to the public the committee's report on its investigation into allegations against former representative matt gaetz. whereas on april 9, 2021, the committee on ethics of the house of representatives announced it had begun to review allegations that representative matt gaetz may have engaged in sexual misconduct in illicit drug use, should inappropriate images or videos on the house floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds for personal use and accepted a bribe, improper gratuity or impermissible gift in violation of the rules of the house, laws or other standards of conduct.

whereas, the committee on ethics of the house of representatives has completed its review and to the allegations pursuant to committee roles 1483 and 18 a that representative gates may have engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use accepted improper gifts to spend special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship and sought to obstruct government investigations into misconduct. whereas, on november 13, 2024, president-elect donald trump announced his nomination of former representative matt gaetz to serve as attorney general. whereas on november 13, 2024, representative matt gaetz announces resignation from congress. whereas, there is precedent for the committee on ethics of the house of representatives to release reports on former members of the house of representatives should information in those reports remain relevant to the function

of congress. whereas, the decision by the committee on ethics of the house of representatives not to release the report on its investigation into the serious allegations against former representative matt gaetz impedes the ability of the senate to provide advice and consent on this nomination. and whereas, a failure of the committee on ethics of the house of representatives to release its report on its investigation impedes the dignity and integrity of the legislative proceedings of the house. >> host: democrat sean casten on the floor yesterday offering a privileged resolution to force the house ethics committee to release the report on matt gaetz. the conservative "wall street journal" editorial board, their opinion this morning. the house ethics report on matt gaetz. for understand the reasons the norm is at such ethics inquiries are closed quietly if lawmakers step down. but mr. gaetz abruptly quit congress last week a hours after

mr. trump announced his nomination for ag. the committee was reportedly days from releasing its investigation. it's one thing to keep sorted details private when a lawmaker accused of misbehavior is resigning. this looks more like an effort to dodge accountability by getting a promotion. they go on to say this. even without they house report the senate could call the same witnesses to testify as senator john cornyn a republican of texas suggested this week. quote in order to do our job when you get access to all the information he said. but also to protect the president gets any surprises that might damage his administration. the senate would be justified in sticking to that line, whatever the political pressures that mr. trump might bring to bear for a speedy matt gaetz confirmation. the other republican senators who are saying they should be able to look at this ethics report on matt gaetz.

what do all of you say? rob in new york in independent. >> caller: before i i made ths telephone call up like to say that i went to the library and did my due diligence on the advice and consent clause. i would like to say that the consent part of that phrase means an informed consent. the senate needs to be fully informed, and they must do their constitutional duty. going back in history there was a time when the senate stood in recess or in adjournment, but there were also a few senators that stayed behind while their fellow senators traveled home, and they stayed back in washington to provide the

president with advice and consent in the event that something came up requiring it. so the senate has a constitutional duty to be fully informed. now, whether they are informed in a public forum or if they are informed in an executive session where they are permitted to be fully informed by reviewing the report remains to be determined. whether this man is still in the house or not does not act as a shield against the senate being fully informed. thank you. >> host: rob, independent in new york. and senator markwayne mullin republican of oklahoma agreeing with you that according to the "washington examiner" reported he said looking into the report

is outlined in the constitution under the i ask unanimous consent that the quorum call be suspended. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. thune: before i begin, i'd like to say a word about the international courts for -- the icc's decision is outrageous, unlawful, and dangerous. israel has a right to defend itself and the icc's rogue action only allows -- these actions threaten israel, left uncheck, they could pose a threat to the united states and the future. the senate needs to stand strongly with our ally at this time. i am, again, calling on leadership schumer to bring a bill to the floor sanctioning the icc, which the house has already passed with bipartisan support. last night, the senate send a

strong bipartisan message of support for israel by rejecting resolution that's would have denied israel the lethal aid that they need. now the democrat leader needs to bring up the icc sanctions bill. if he chooses not to act, the new senate republican majority will next year. we will stand with israel and make this bill and other supportive legislation a top priority in the next congress. in six weeks republicans will retake the majority here. and when we do, we will make it clear that the united states stands squarely in israel's corner. mr. president, a democrat congresswoman said the quiet part out loud when she said she would have supported the ab abolishment of the filibuster, she did not support the filibuster now that republicans

have gained control. this is her quote, i am championing getting rid of the filibuster now when the senate has the trifecta. actually, let me repeat that. she asked it as a question, am i a championing with getting rid of the filibuster now that the senate has a trifecta. she answers no, if i had the trifecta, i would have because we could show government can deliver. let me repeat that. had we had the trifecta, i would have been supportive of abolishing getting rid of the filibuster. in other words, one rule for democrats and one rule for everybody else. democrats should be able to do whatever they want, republicans not so much. mr. president, i happen to agree with the congresswoman with preserving the filibuster. this essential tool encourages

compromise and helps ensure that all americans, not just those whose party is in the majority have a voice in legislation. the difference between and the congresswoman is that i believe that the rules should apply all the time. i don't think there shalled be -- should be special rules for republicans or as the congresswoman believes, for democrats. the congresswoman was perhaps more frank than other democrats in admitting out loud that she thinks the rule shouldn't apply to democrats. but her attitude is hardly new. if there is one thing we learned is that democrats believe that the only legitimate government is a democratic government. take democrats' campaign to be undermine the legitimacy of the supreme court. let the court issue any decision that democrats don't like, and these days you will be confident you will hear some democrat decrying not just the court's

decision but the court's legitimacy. now -- never mind the fact that this court is composed of nine justices duly nominated and confirmed in accordance with the constitution. or that so-called liberal and conservative justices vote together a substantial personage of the time. this court sometimes issues decisions that democrats don't like and therefore, in their view, the court is somehow illegitimate. i find it hard to believe that we're talking about the importance of preserving our democracy seems intent on embracing the undemocratic notion that only one party should make decisions in this country. well, i hate to tell democrats that's not how it really works.

and the idea that one party should have a lock on power and the courts is usually associated with forms of government that go by less pleasant names than democracy. i'm also always struck by the elitism that goes with democrats' attitude. it's no secret that a lot of people on the left despise individuals who voted for president trump. words like racist, sexist and misogynistic describes voters tired of democrats' failed policies or worried about the crisis at other border or disagreed with many of the democrats' radical social policies. and democrats belief that it's the democrat party and the democrat party only should be calling the shots in washington

betrays some of that same disdain for voters. mr. president, the filibuster is safe for now. and while i don't have high hopes for democrats changing their tune on the supreme court, perhaps being in the minority in the next congress will remind democrats of the importance of protecting minority rights no matter what party's in power and ensure that the next time democrats are in charge they're not quite so eager to tear down this important safeguard. we can only hope. mr. president, i yield the floor, and i suggest the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call: the clerk: ms. baldwin.

the presiding officer: the senator from massachusetts. mr. markey: thank you, mr. president. mr. president, i rise today to discuss -- the presiding officer: the senate is in a quorum call. mr. markey: i ask for a vish education of the -- to vitiate the quorum call. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. markey: i rise to discuss an issue that has been a dominant subject, artificial intelligence or a.i., chap gbt has exploded in popularity while companies invested tens of millions of dollars developing a.i. models. this is in full swing, and i share much of this excitement. a. has the potential to transform the way we live, work, andn't interact with the world. as with any race, there are

winners and losers. i'm deeply worried we are too focused on the potential winners and neglecting those left behind because although a.i. might be having a moment right now, we have been living with its impact for years. this is especially true for black and brown and immigrant and lgbtq plus communities which have borne the cost of move fast and break things, mind-set that prevadz silicon valley. to understand why, it is important to understand how the a.i. allgorithms work. they are supercharged pattern recognition systems, it's not all that different from teaching a dog a new trick. to teach a dog to fetch, you gather a bunch of balls and treats and instrubt the dog to run after and return the ball and provide feedback, treats.

over time the dog recognizes the pattern, run after, return the ball and receive a treat. the same principles aptto algorithms, a company will feed information into a computer with basic instructions, like a dog who looks helpless when first told to fetch, an algorithm might have confusing algorithms, after time it will improve with the instructions of the algorithms decision-making happen outside of public view. this lack of transparency and the failure to properly test for bias in algorithms creates serious risk. what happens when the information being fed into an algorithm reflects preexisting

biases. if the dog is only trained to fetch tennis balls, it may not understand how to fetch a stick or it may return the stick to a different person. the same problem happens with algorithms involved in decisions around banking, health care, and the criminal justice system. but with much more serious results. numerous studies and reports have revealed the consequences that biassed algorithms have for marginalized communities. for example, a 2019 report found that due in part to biassed mortgage approval algorithms, lenders were 80% more likely to reject black applicants than similar white applicants. on another occasion, a tech company found that its a.i. resume screening tools recommended mail applicants for jobs at much higher rights than

similar female applicants. and just yesterday, a comprehensive new report found that 92 million low-income americans are subject to algorithm decision-making and therefore subject to bias and discrimination baked into thighs algorithms. this is unacceptable. and that's why in september i introduced my a.i. civil rights act, comprehensive legislation intended to ensure that the a.i. age does not replicate and supercharge the bias and discrimination already prevalent today in our real world. specifically, my legislation would impose new rules when companies use algorithms to make decisions on employment, banking, health care, the criminal justice system and other important aspects of our

lives. today, i'm proud to announce that 54 new organizations have endorsed my bill, including some of the biggest labor unions in the cannot, critical housing organizations and indispensable civil rights groups. in total 80 organizations and a.i. experts have endoresed -- endorsed my a.i. civil rights act. this report sends a clear message. as congress considers a.i. legislation in the coming weeks and years, we must ensure that the a.i. age does not come at the expense of already marginalized communities. we cannot allow a.i. to stand for accelerating injustice in our country. we have a choice -- do we promote innovation, without addressing a.i. bias and discrimination? do we protect profits instead of people? do we allow buy aced -- biassed

black-box algorithms to destroy our lives? we can have an a.i. revolution while also protecting the civil rights and liberties of everyday americans. we can support innovation without supercharging bias and discrimination. and we can promote competition while safeguarding people's rights. and that is why we must pass my artificial intelligence civil rights act. this is the beginning of an era where we can do this right, but it's up to the congress to make sure that that happens. mr. president, with that, i yield back. the presiding officer: 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 number 782, noel wise, of california, to be united states district judge for the northern district of caviled, signed by -- california, signed by 17 senators. the presiding officer: by unanimous consent the mandatory quorum has been waived. the question is, is it the sense of the senate that debate on the nomination of noel wise of california to be united states district judge for the northern district of california shall be brought to a close. the yeas and manned tris are -- the yeas and nays are mandatory under the rule. the clerk will call the roll. vote: the clerk: ms. baldwin. mr. barrasso. mr. bennet. mrs. blackburn. mr. blumenthal. mr. booker. mr. boozman. mr. braun. mrs. britt. mr. brown. mr. budd. ms. butler. ms. cantwell. mrs. capito. mr. cardin.

mr. carper. >> i can't do that but in

packing plant of the farmers and ranchers are very careful how they hire practices. we have ice enforcement from several years ago and we have seen other opportunities for ice to enforce the law. a lot of the immigrants her second and third generation, 15 miles south of court that's been there for generations and now their kids are going on to medical school so we seen a real evolution. i'm not saying there illegally there but i'm confident the industry has done a good job. >> what about getting he says workers get there here just to

work, whole would be the outcome? >> number one we are going to start with remain in mexico. i think what the border is secure you will see bipartisan efforts to make sure legal immigration system works. we had 500,000 backlog because hollow folks are

of will fade and support. december of 20 i was in the el

paso station border completely in thousand oaks they clearly defined for asylum. the process in the border is secure. happen simply we can all agree on on the border. >> republican of nebraska cliffs district elected in the a

republican color, good morning to you. >> nasty conditions that and will children in the united states range two to four years of age. what will happen to those children ask will deported with the youngest children and teens legally necklace get response. >> law is not for sale family

situations listed will here in the states illegally. to go back to your country and you go through the process. new immigrants raise their right hand. i know they spent time and effort. these folks did it right, why should we short-circuit the law? we have to force the law. >> republican who negotiated democrats that would have done

several steps on the border. would you support that? >> no. that bill had totally different iterations and never had the opportunity. that would have it significantly. >> reconciliation is new to me and focus on working that unfold. it relates to step benefits.

the house will and will have a federal budget. we did our budget on time humans ahead of time. note that. i'm used to a budget process that works i think that will be good for independence to have a conversation. >> what you think will be done short-term the government only operates the government open and not shut down parts of it? >> i've voted for every resolution. the government not being funded to me is not an option.

it's hidden in january and then start the process. >> served on the financial services committee taking your calls this morning. timothy in vermont. hi, timothy. >> regarding the whole border issue cost biden tried to get that through and trump has to pass the move and said though do it. new orleans only ended a lot.

i tell you most of his staff are immigrants and you never see these people. they are shaking in their boots. i know them very well. but not is coming through legal ports of entry technically by white people. that's in the cap siding angle. the farm bill. i live in an economic democrat area and i can tell you there

are stores that cannot the same and economy around here in the whole 9 yards. now you have people like elon musk who want to work that out brought up in this regime. >> i'm going to jump in because that's a lot to respond to. >> where should we start? >> let's start with the farm bill because we haven't talked about that yet. >> we have a bipartisan form bill. we are going to take it up in january and it's important for me crop insurance program. it is a federal program that does its job. and focus on making sure without strings or extras attached.

i was walking in parades in nebraska. we want to get them. the house did its job. how important is this farm bill? >> really important. it's important to a lot of folks across the country. and he's right. >> close on a.i. and have a lot of production and it's brought

in. >> a.i. >> think about 1860 people said will never get paid on time. the used to be one in iowa and today tractors drive themselves, automated theory automation and. and different ways to raise crops and it helps producers bottom line.

a number one industry so i'm not concerned. i do think a lot of people in these jobs and treating to operate more efficiently and grow so there is virtually. >> trumps nomination and matt gaetz. what you think of his nomination? >> i've sat in the chair presiding on the half of speaker and probably log about 35 hours. there are certainly issues on

that. i was watching. i watched him debate reform and one of the most articulate right focused members making headlines will. i sat there that day event that this guy has a gift. we agree? no. first of all, i am going to support what they ultimately do you think it has to be protected

there are different ways to do. i will ultimately support whatever needs to be done. the benefit a useful tool. >> i'm sure they are going to make it in the house and lead

with both members on that side and make a decision. >> , your thoughts on the nominee. you have concerns what he has said? >> there is a conversation as it relates to getting me out of the diet. i think it is, upon to show them the value of protein. 3 ounces of beef is three cups of quinoa. deliver protein into humans, this is one of the best ways to do it to the extent he has concerns about crops we raise for food we produce, we need to get him into nebraska and see what we do for the world.

our beef -- countries around the world because of grass and corn fed beef and rfk junior full start hopefully after being confirmed. >> what state for you from? >> i grew up in new york city in april by the beach. i've got a couple things to say. >> the previous caller. >> did you hear laken riley's father? he read a letter you wrote in a diary to her future husband

being, having a relationship. this was her diary. i was driving the car. >> are you still there? >> can you hear me? laken riley's father -- >> we heard that part about the diary entry. >> first thing to ask them, can we do mass deportations? is it that was your daughter, would you saying we can't do mass deportation? try to put myself and others choose. 13000 people walking around here that are rapists and murderers and you make it sound like -- did you lose a child? is an american family who lost that are from a guy who had no right to be here. new york city doesn't want to put him on a plane.

a moderate republican i am log and let's be clear, there are a lot of people searching for a home will. a house in phoenix where there was a local level tragedy in places like guatemala.

>> hi, julie. i. >> to elaborate on people coming across the border and that supports social security and other financial needs the country has. they never get a return on what they contributed to the country. >> we got to respect the rule of

law. these are difficult conversations to have. who will tackle these complex issues. >> do you agree they are paying taxes? what is the ramification to that? like they are here illegally so they should not be eligible for government benefits mimic what benefits are they eligible for? >> i know some dates extend medicaid to illegal immigrants. we don't do that in nebraska but i know some states do that. american taxpayer money should go for american citizens. secure the border and making

sure legal immigration system works and fair to say in the united states right now you're not a criminal, you want to work hard and go through a legal process. raise your right hand in front of a federal judge. thank you for the conversation with our viewers this morning. we want to welcome to our table this morning democrat of california and natural resources committee cochair. what do you think should happen here as far as reports being released?

>> first of all, thank you for having me here. i think they should. the reality is been nominated for the united states especially that is the path for the country and care about justice, the law and doing the things you're supposed to do, he shouldn't be afraid of whatever is in that report. i think it is unfortunate, continue to keep the report from being released but if they go through a vetting process and i hope they do, they should get the report and it should be released. >> the pentagon as member of the foreign affairs committee, what you think about nomination? >> unfortunate and troubling he has zero foreign policy experience.

he's a newscaster, loyalist president elect. my concern is many of the folks to be in cabinet don't have experience with fired to have experience in being loyal to trump so he and his advisors will tell him what he wants them to do cannot seek any other counsel and especially dealing with important issues you need to hear from all sides to you are able to make reasonable comprehensive decisions safe for the american people but you won't get anything out of the sky except loyalty to donald trump. >> what is next when you look at

the world map, what is the issue percolating for the work you will have to do? >> there's a lot going on, a genocide happening in conflict in the middle east rating and tens of thousands of innocent babies are being killed. pacific region is unstable and continued conflict in ukraine were russia invaded and is working with north korea and iran. china and a proxy war against the united states telling us to bow down. meanwhile someone also nominated as director of national intelligence supported to be a sympathizer so battling bullies

some of the people in your said should not be friends with the bullies trying to help them succeed. we are also talking about the western hemisphere and changes in south america. donald trump had a zero of her policy, something alarming that is given how fastest growing. a lot to discuss in foreign affairs. >> the papers today with the result president and what gives

you cause? >> countries around the world reassess their relationship with us and china. policies in the first 100 days. brazil is incredibly important looking to be a global power and we continue to work with columbia and south africa so incredibly important we continue good relationship with them. we cannot lose friends.

>> will they take up the issue of mass deportation? >> it's under the purview of judiciary. i suspect we will bring it up because republicans and they talk about immigration but folks like to talk about it and they get riled up and that happened when were supposed to be passing a budget. >> the new york times this morning and the region of 90 days and what is the committee

doing? republicans and democrats have a different idea how federal land should be. we need to be drilling more. all water is clean water and don't have to worry about it and democrats say we have to pause. we are dealing with finite resources. thinking about climate change we have taken pictures the and

thankfully a series of storms and the president elect to see roof. >> and tommy how they are going to survive dealing with natural disasters. >> democrat of california. >> all of the guests tommy how they are all in. a mayor in a small town in

indiana. >> tires falling out of the sky and as far as matt gaetz, every time a republican because you you keep asking, how do you know that? >> these are allegations? the conversation we have here i moderated you give your opinion. >> some people believe in santa claus and some don't. the reality is thing happened because of republicans and

democrats have been getting information and continued, there's criminals pages just because you don't like something doesn't mean it is still. >> good morning. my concern is great now democrats have a tendency to sit back and that the republicans pushes back. the right to get jobs, everything and they feel like we

do not do enough to talk about jobs in taxes. all of those things are not registered. you will demonstrating on campus, we do not have the records to go and you remember was going to happen no. the national guard came out and five people were killed by the national guard.

>> we probably are not selling what we do enough. we like loud and flyers because it can be entertaining. we have faltered when it comes to education and not putting enough money into programs that support special needs. back in the date education was a priority said they know civics and what can be done. we've got a lot more apathetic.

snout is not the time to continue. democrats defendant defense mode so a lot of things that didn't happen or because of democrats and you want to defend democracy fighting against that thing. poison pills put in the budget bills. we law against all of those things and republicans those with other republicans fighting against her house caucus members. are we going on television? maybe not as much as we should be. >> the hairs campaign saying

they bridge the disconnect with voters and could not get over inflation and the economy in the hairs campaign could not convince voters should be effective on issue. >> running a presidential campaign on special elections 100 days to introduce herself to the country. inflation is important and going up everywhere because of the pandemic and other things. we will enter into a time of

good economy because of biden not because of trump and what makes you feel like when you go to the grocery store and help people understand what happened to make them go from three to $6 and listen to the american people the disconnect being able

to discuss a topic and trump came out loudly and said he wanted to nominate supreme court justices to roll back roe v. wade and democrats to a poor job saying lives better to have abortion is proportional is wouldn't be able to get contraception or whatever it is they need at the state level. >> good points. there's a lot of confusion about the role of federal government and the states. i live in a state where abortion is legal, i'm going to be okay even if somebody gets in the white house that has national

abortion ban. i can't tell you how many times i go to the grocery store, hide, what's it like in sacramento? it's out with the capital this, it's in d.c. or hi congresswoman, i want to talk to you about state laws. i don't work on state laws anymore. oh, so we still have a lot of educating to do with neighbors about responsibility of jurisdiction and is responsible for what but if there is national abortion ban, it will impact you whether you are in new york, wisconsin or california. >> you are kosher, is just one issue you will talk about? >> this is a group of women in the caucus and would talk about things that impact women which is everything, healthcare,

housing, access to education and childcare and menopause and caregiving and equal pay and protections under the law and every person man or woman would want to speak on these issues. are you saying your mother doesn't deserve the same rights as you or your sister? >> thank you for taking my call. my main issue is gates. nobody cared about voting and trump, a sexual predator and now they are worried about gates. i called in a few weeks ago, 129

became independent. i want to hear about them right now and everything going on, they did it, they took away our right to choose and they did it. shut up and have a reckoning. >> she said a lot of things. i'm concerned about somebody who will be top cop involved, i'd like to know that especially given the department of justice i continue to look at the numbers. the electoral college map definitely more red than i would like it to be.

american people don't care about the distractions out of washington and they would like us to focus on real issues. i will say a real issue is, who do you want having authority over you will? will take a risk when it's important will or find somebody who is qualified? will. >> i was a biden supporter and still in my feelings about what happened and she's living legitimate and her angst about

that. it would have been hard to have an open primary before the election so you want an entire year or two before you have an election. it's a process that takes time will. i'm not going to lay down will and let trump roll over me so i encourage democrats who, do your day drinking or whatever and get up and fight because there are a lot of issues at stake.

>> we pick up in california mary will not be coming back. >> explained that. >> when you need to get anything done including past the rule to bring up a bill and you are in

the majority, you control the bills that come up to vote. when you do not have a majority to make decisions, it's a problem. i get we might have legislation that comes up but you should at least have a vote to bring it to the poor to be discussed and they don't have that. they had like the seeds so they have the technical majority they should be able to have done more. >> good morning.

the international ukraine issue providing weapons, the attack on ukraine? >> we passed historic piece of legislation which would infuse into our economy and needed to talk about that. we will see those benefits.

i wish we would have sent it to ukraine before now. not getting to the places where they store the palms that is being funded by china so they can work with north korea.

>> what can be done? >> i believe everyone is waiting forey results. biden suggests to stop this when it comes to the nuclear option. hopefully we can send more support.

>> issuing arrest warrants. the decision is outrageous, unlawful and dangerous. these actions threaten israel and left unchecked, last night the senate sent a strong bipartisan message.

if he chooses not to act, the new senate majority next year will and stand with israel and make it a top priority. we will make it clear the united states dance and israel's corner. democrat congresswoman said a quiet part out loud if democrat has one full control, she does not support abolishing filibuster while republicans gain control will. i champion getting rid of the filibuster now when the senate

has a trifecta. had we have the trifecta, i would have been because we have to show the government can deliver. had we had to have the trifecta, would have been supportive abolishing the word of the filibuster democrats should be able to do what they want. i agree about the filibuster. it ensures all americans, not just those in the majority have a voice and legislation.

i believe the rules should allow the time. there should be social rules. congresswoman is perhaps more afraid and she thinks the rules shouldn't apply to democrats. the attitude is hardly new. democrats firmly believe the only legitimate government is the democrat government and undermines the legitimacy of the supreme court. you will hear the courts legitimacy. this court like others justices

julie nominated and confirmed in accordance to the constitution or liberal and conservative justices vote together. this court sometimes issues decisions and therefore in their view the court is somehow illegitimate. i find it ironic we spent a fair amount of time talking about the importance of reserving our democracy and embracing these and make a decision in this country. ...

by the elitism that goes with democrats attitude. it's no secret that a lot of people on the left despise individuals who voted for president trump. words like racist, sexist, and misogynistic get thrown around to describe voters who are simply tired of democrats failed economic policies, or who were worried about the crisis at our border, or who disagreed with many of the democrats radical social policies. and democrats appear to believe that if the democrat party and the democratic party only that should be calling the shots in washington betrays some of that same disdain for voters. the filibuster is safer now. while i don't have high hopes

for democrats changing their tune on the supreme court perhaps being minority in the state congress will remind democrats of the importance of protecting minority rights in a matter what is in power. and ensure that the next time democrats are in charge, they are not quite so eager to tear down this important safeguard. we can only hope. mr. president, i yield the floor. i suggest the absence of a quorum. >> the clerk will call the roll. >> ms. baldwin.

>> the senator from massachusetts. >> i rise today to discuss an issue that is been -- >> the senate is in a quorum call. >> mr. president, i ask for appreciation of the quorum. >> without objection. >> thank you, mr. president. i rise today to discuss an issue that has been a dominant topic of conversation in this country, artificial intelligence, or ai. over the past two years generative ai products like chatgpt have exploded in popularity while companies have invested tens of billions of dollars developing new ai models. the ai innovation race is in full swing and and i shouldf this excitement. ai holds great promise with the potential to transform the way we live, work, and interact with the world. as with any race there are winners and there are losers. i'm deeply worried that we are to focus on the potential winners of this ai race and were neglecting those who are already

being left behind. because although ai might may be having a moment right now, we've been living with its impact for years. this is especially true for black and brown and immigrant and lgbtq communities which have borne the cost of move fast and break things mindset that pervades silicon valley. it's helped understand how these ai driven algorithms actually work. because of these algorithms are really just supercharged pattern recognition systems. it's not all that different from teaching a dog a new trick. for example, to teach a dog to fetch you gather a bunch of balls and treats and a struck the dog to run after an return the ball and provide feedback, treats, along the way. over time the dog recognizes the pattern, run after them return the ball and receive a treat. the same principles apply to

algorithms. a company will map by unanimous consent -- 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 number 790, gail a. weilheimer of pennsylvania to be united states district judge for the eastern district of pennsylvania signed by 17 senators. the presiding officer: biff 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 gail a. weilheimer of pennsylvania to be united states district judge for the eastern district of pennsylvania shall be brought to a close. the yeas and nays are mandatory under the rule. the clerk will call the roll.

vote: the clerk: ms. baldwin. mr. barrasso. mr. bennet. mrs. blackburn. mr. blumenthal. mr. booker. mr. boozman. mr. braun. mrs. britt. mr. brown. mr. budd. ms. butler. ms. cantwell. mrs. capito. mr. cardin. mr. carper. mr. casey.

the clerk: mr. cassidy. ms. collins. mr. coons. mr. cornyn. ms. cortez masto. mr. cotton. mr. cramer. mr. crapo. mr. cruz. mr. daines. ms. duckworth. mr. durbin. ms. ernst. mr. fetterman. mrs. fischer. mrs. gillibrand. mr. graham. mr. grassley. mr. hagerty. ms. hassan.

mr. hawley. mr. heinrich. mr. helmy. mr. hickenlooper. ms. hirono. mr. hoeven. mrs. hyde-smith. mr. johnson. mr. kaine. mr. kelly. mr. kennedy. mr. king. ms. klobuchar. mr. lankford. mr. lee. mr. lujan. ms. lummis. mr. manchin. mr. markey. mr. marshall. mr. mcconnell.

mr. merkley. mr. moran. mr. mullin. ms. murkowski. mr. murphy. mrs. murray. mr. ossoff. mr. padilla. mr. paul. mr. peters. mr. reed. mr. ricketts. mr. risch. mr. romney. ms. rosen.

mr. rounds. mr. rubio. mr. sanders. mr. schatz. mr. schmitt. mr. schumer. mr. scott of florida. mr. scott of south carolina. mrs. shaheen. ms. sinema. ms. smith. ms. stabenow. mr. sullivan. mr. tester. mr. thune.

mr. tillis. mr. moran, no. mr. tuberville. mr. van hollen. mr. vance. mr. warner. mr. warnock. ms. warren. mr. welch. mr. whitehouse. mr. wicker. mr. wyden. mr. young. the clerk: senators voting in the affirmative -- casey, king, lujan, sinema,

stabenow, and tester. senators voting in the negative -- barrasso, capito, collins, cornyn, cramer, cruz, fischer, hagerty, hawley, johnson, lankford, moran, murkowski, and tillis.

the clerk: ms. warren, aye. [applause] >> thank you, thank you. all downhill from here. but in all seriousness, it's particularly get a beer assume has been a long time resident of this area, washington, d.c., northern virginia, it's so gratifying to see this extraordinary investment take life and it even more life to this community. some gingerly grateful just as a

citizen of the commonwealth and someone also feels very strongly about washington, d.c. so grateful to amazon or its presence, it's investment and its engagement. as he said i've been doing this now for about 32 years. i started at the state department back in the early 1990s when president -- here with us today, , my great colleagues knows back then i started on the 64 of the department in the bureau of european and canadian affairs in the front office. i had a small office, previous pikemen it'd been for a large space so we give you some idea what the offices like. [laughing] no windows. a very large weighing computer. some of you may be old enough to member some of those giant computers. over the course of years i moved up one flight of the 74 and got got some windows so not bad. but to all of you today but especially steve, amazon, torn credible team of the department

including assistant secretary smith, director, the entire diplomatic security team for all that they do to protect the state department community every day and for the role in this partnership will have to tell you i have a deep personal affection gratitude to all of the men and women diplomatic security come just on a personal level of them a family, likely a first person i see in the morning every day and last person i i see at night every evening is -- we all travel the world together and they do so much to make sure that we can do our jobs every single day. and this institution we built together since its creation back in 1985, it has been a vital partner to the state department. as steve said, we are operating, you are operating in the global environment with a global brand,

the american flag. and that is almost entirely for the good but it brings some challenges with it. it's imperative that working together we make sure we're doing everything possible, whether it's in federal government, whether it's in the private sector to make sure we're defending our people, defending our property and look out for each other. that's what bosak has been all about. together, we are to prevent to mitigate, to manage the threats to our people, to our facilities, to our firms overseas. now, back when it started there were 15 members. today 6700 organizations across 150 country chapters representing an incredibly broad spectrum of private actors from fortune 500 companies to small ngos. and as you look at it, is not

just grow in numbers. it's adapted. time and time again to the threat landscape that is increasingly complex and increasingly volatile. terrorist groups changed. they have adapted. anyways they've expanded their reach and they've modernize their tactics. and then around the world we see new security challenges that were not even present when osac was founded by continue to surface and rapidly rapidly rapidly evolve. today with osac partners who are sharing best practices to safeguard against threats from emerging technologies like ai, like malicious cyber activity preparing for this great risk that will be exacerbated by things i claim a change and more intense hurricanes, droughts and other extreme weather. osac has also become an essential form for managing crises. because when the rubber really hits the road, having this

organization, having all of these lines of connection and communication makes a big difference. we see members using encrypted communication channels to exchange information on the impacts of conflicts, health emergencies, natural disasters, their impacts on civilians, , ad infrastructure, on supply chains. receivers working in real time. and this group increasingly plays a key coronation will for the security of major events like world expos or the paris olympics where osac ran a joint operations hub. earlier this week the state department signed a series of m.o.u.s with elephants health and the security foundation, the wildlife conservation society through which osac has transitioned from a a federal advisory committee to a public-private partnership. and here again what i've seen over many years in government but especially now is the power of these public-private partnerships. i think this is at the heart of

everything we need to be doing to make sure that government and the private sector are working effectively together. so this model is going to empower osac response even more quickly to unfolding crises or newfound threats, allow members to contribute great greatl support to osac. it will enable the state department to solicit the expertise of all osac partners as opposed to the narrower group of members we could engage under the original framework. at its core osac smashes to make it safer for americans to advance our shared interests around the world because a world for our fellow citizens can safely travel, safely work on safety trade, , safely study, safely live is a better world, a better world for our people, a better world farm workers, for our enterprises, and i would argue a better world for people everywhere. so i'm really, really pleased to be a today to help kick this off because i think we've taken an

important step this week to further strengthen our ability to deliver on that crucial and enduring mission, a mission that a think is getting even more essential. we are not going back on the fact that we are operating in an interconnected, global world. that's not going to change. and we just have to make sure that working together we can operate in the most safe, the most secure way possible. and thanks to osac, were able to do that. so to each and every one of you, thank you, thank you, thank you, for your partnership and have a great day. thank you. [applause] >> joining us is mychael schnell, she reports for the. congressional reporter. tell us what happening behind the closed doors with ethics committee yesterday. >> the house ethics committee made up of five democrats and five republicans met behind closed doors yesterday in the

capital for roughly two hours anatol from a source familiar with the matter that one of the things that was discussed of course is this report to former congressman matt gaetz. the committee held a vote to release the report as is. that failed along party lines and the committee took another boat on just releasing the exhibits as part of the report into matt gaetz. it also failed along party lines and there was a third vote to formally complete the report. this is a procedural thing that has to happen when you do with an ethics investigation and report. that one passed with bipartisan support. so now than the meeting broke and now we are expecting ethics committee to meet again decembe. that date was announced by susan wild the ranking democrat on the house ethics committee, probably to still talk about this report because this pressure is to mounting on the panel released a report as matt gaetz continues to go through this confirmation process for attorney general

tremor matt gaetz was on capitol hill yesterday being with senators what was happening on that side of the capital? >> guest: quite the split screen. the house ethics committee meeting about whether or not the panel should release its sprawling report. the investigation has been going on and off for three years now. whether that, they should release that. heaviside of the capital the former congressman was crisscrossing congressional offices meeting with senators to talk about his confirmation. this is something that always happens when you have a presidential nominee and their confirmation forthcoming, to meet with the individual senators to discuss the confirmation. this would happen with a different context, right, as the house ethics committee was debating whether or not it to release the report and a a nur of senators including democrats and republicans have called on the ethics committee to release its report because what to look at the findings before weighing

in on matt gaetz confirmation. things look dicey but nonetheless the presidency and the former congressman popping ahead with his nomination as likely mention comes on matt gaetz talking to senators yesterday. >> host: there have been leaks of what this committee found out. how does he ethics committee normally conduct their work and what do we know? >> guest: the ethics committee is very typically conducts its business in secrecy. the way the committee is set up five democrats five republicans is meant to be so the committee does not police its own members i'm supposed to be a very hyper someplace and a secret place on capitol hill. there have been a number of these leaks. there have been some leaks from lawyers and witnesses who have spoken to the committee going to news outlets and talking about what the witnesses have testified. we've seen some leaks from other areas as well. matt gaetz somebody has been a basket of eyeholes of folks that just the house ethics committee but it's pretty rare for the

ethics committee they can't locate conduct their business in private, in secrecy. they don't like for things to leak out. you like to do the investigation in that manner. this situation has blown up because matt gaetz was always a controversial figure on capitol hill come something that solidified after he led the charge to oust kevin mccarthy. and he is now the nominee to be attorney general and there are questions among lawmakers of did matt gaetz resign from his seat following his nomination to be ag, did he resign early endeavor to stop the ethics report from coming out? the ethics committee does not have jurisdiction over former members of congress so there is some precedent, some history of the releasing reports on former members once they had departed congress so questions their matt gaetz early left to try to thwart the report but nonetheless a lot of new things we've been seeing in terms of the ethics committee with a

situation involving matt gaetz. >> host: what are the details? >> guest: we've heard from lawyers representing women who have spoken to the committee that those women saw matt gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old. those women of course the lawyer, those women testified he did did receive money from matt gaetz for sex. we recently saw yesterday a report from the "new york times" the doj and its investigation of matt gaetz had a web of transactions and other monitor transactions between matt gaetz and other individuals including some women. we are starting to get a sense of potentially what the committee was looking at. it's possible the committee has a lot of these materials as well, and what evidence is behind these allegations. we've been hearing these allegations about matt gaetz for some time now. the house ethics committee investigation has been going on since 2021, on and off so roughly three years on and off.

the department of justice was it is a very agency matt gaetz that wants to lead was investigating him for some time and it is said not to press charges. there were some reports that was because there was concern among prosecutors that the witnesses could not stand up credibility the before trial. we've seen these leaks for a while and sony get a picture what's behind these allegations. it's important to note matt gaetz does deny any wrongdoing and is charging it with his confession process meeting with senators just as recently as yesterday. >> host: president-elect trump says he stands by his nomination of matt gaetz. what is the outline for moving forward with his confirmation? what could happen in the new congress when they convene in january? >> guest: there still a high-stakes month we have until we get to that conversation about a potential confirmation hearing and vote. the house ethics committee is scheduled to meet december 5. i spoke to a source who

suggested members left with the understanding the report would be quote ready by the time they huddled again on december 5 suggesting they may hold another vote releasing of oregon. that would be today to watch. yesterday there were two house democrats who forced a vote on resolution that would compel the ethics committee released its report into matt gaetz. there is one example happening in the past, 1996, house democrats tried to force the ethics committee commn to release its preliminary findings on been speaker newt gingrich. that effort failed so will have to see what happens with those resolutions from those house democrats because it was brought to the floor and a privileged resolution, leadership has to act on the measure within two legislative days. that's today, could happen today, possibly unlikely. lawmakers leaving town for the thanksgiving recess. and if not today for will have to deal with that when the return after the thanksgiving

recess. that's another time to watch. as we watch these conversations about the report now that leads up to what would happen likely in january where you see matt gaetz as is customary for all presidential nominees to have a confirmation hearing in the senate and then that all-important vote on whether not he would be confirmed to the cabinet. >> host: what about a recess a s appointment? >> guest: this is still the conversation floating around. a lot of uncertainty surrounding recess appointments. a lot of folks are trying to figure out what the constitutional law is. what would have to happen for recess appoint was to take place. i would say it's a possibility come something we know we seem president-elect trump demand ask for particularly when the senate gop leader race is going on. all trump said what is the next senate republican leader has to agree to use recess appointment so it's definitely a possibility on table but there's a lot of uncertainty surrounding that. what it looks like

constitutionally and what apathetic there is for that among lawmakers on capitol hill. source still something to dig into but something to continue talking about. >> host: you were part of the swarm of reporters that was covering this story yesterday outside of the committee room where the house ethics committee met. there were a lot of reporters gathered waiting to get word from anyone of these members of congress. i want to show our viewers what happened when michael gates the chair of the committee left when they were took the boat you are talking about. [inaudible] are you going to release it to the senate? >> there's been no agreement to release the report. >> have they requested it?

can he become attorney general without this becoming public? >> have you spoke to matt gaetz at all? has he had a a chance to lookt the report? is there a vote? >> excuse me. >> host: so that was the scene yesterday mychael schnell, after the chairmen had left the proceedings and is walking over to one of the house office buildings. you with the reporter. that video on nbc. describe the scene. >> guest: chaotic in one word that probably the best way to put it. we had been camped outside the house ethics committee room for about two hours and remember we know there's a lot of this is going on there but the ethics committee is note again for conducting its business in secrecy so we want to try to get any ounce of information we could many of those members who

walked out. the chevy was the only one who spoke other than others who said we are expecting the chairman to give a statement. the chairman said the been no agreement by the committee to release the report and later mention they would continue to meet of course read more questions that but he was advancing them. that brief statement prompted response from susan wild the top democrat on the ethics committee who came out moments shortly after and delivered a statement on behalf of all democrats on the ethics committee and said i don't want you to think from what the chairman said was there was unanimous agreement for us to not release the report. she suggested that vote on releasing the report was along party lines. it was. i did a confirmed that. susan wild saying there were five democrats and five republicans on this panel in order to release report we need at least one of those republicans to vote for. we need a majority vote and that did not happen today. going into this meeting susan

wild and other democrats said they want the report to be released. again to the committee, et al. is conducted business in secrecy so were trying to get tidbits from all over the place but is interesting to see him come out and see susan wild follow him with such a strong response about the very brief remarks that he had given. >> mychael schnell is following this reporting you can follow report if you go to build up, and follow on x as well. thank you as always for your time. we appreciate it. >> guest: thanks so much for having me. the clerk: mr. manchin, aye. mrs. britt, no.

the clerk: mrs. gillibrand, aye.

the clerk: mr. scott of florida, no. mr. carper, aye.

the clerk: mr. mcconnell, no. the clerk: mr. helmy, aye. mr. schatz, aye.

>> mr. president before you begin i'd like to say a word about the international criminal courts issuing arrest warrants for israeli prime minister netanyahu and former defense minister gallant. the icc decision is outrageous, unlawful, and dangerous. israel has right to defend itself and icc rogue actions only enable the terrorists who seek to wipe israel off the map. these actions threaten israel, if left unchecked they could

pose a a threat to the united states in the future. the senate needs to stand strongly with our ally at this the clerk: mr. murphy, aye.

>> mr. president before i begin i liked is a word about the international criminal courts issuing arrest warrants for israel prime minister netanyahu and former defense minister gallant. the icc decision is outrageous, unlawful, and dangerous. israel has a right to defend itself and icc's broke actions only enable the terrorists who seek to wipe israel off the map. these actions threaten israel but if left unchecked they could pose a threat to the united states in the future. the senate needs to stand strongly with our ally at this time. i am again called on leader schumer to bring a bill to the floor sanctioning the icc which the house has artie passed with

my partisan support. last night the senate sent a strong bipartisan message of support for israel by rejecting resolutions have denied israel the lethal aid that they need. now the democrat leader nick to bring up the icc sanctions bill. if he chooses not to add the new senate republican majority next year will. we will stand with israel and make this bill and other supportive legislation a top priority in the next congress. six weeks republicans retake the majority here. and when we do we will make it clear that the united states stands squarely in israel's corner. mr. president, a democrat congress one said quiet part out loud the other day while she made when she would have supported the abolishment of the filibuster if democrats had one full control of washington she did not support abolishing the

filibuster now that republicans have gained control. this is her quote, i am championing getting rid of the filibuster now when the senate has a trifecta. actually let me repeat that. she asked it is a question, mi championing getting rid of the filibuster now that the senate has trifecta? she answered and a quote, no, i had we had the trifecta, i would have been because we have to show that government can deliver, end quote. let me repeat that, mr. president. had we had the trifecta, i would have been supportive of abolishing getting rid of the filibuster. in other words, one role for democrats and one role for everybody else. democrats should be able to do whatever they want. republicans not so much. i happen to agree with the

congressman about preserving the filibuster. this essential tool encourages compromise and helps ensure that all americans, not just those whose party is in the majority have a voice in legislation. the difference between me and the congresswoman is i believe the rules should apply all the time. i don't think there should be special rules for republicans or as a congressman believes, for democrats. the congresswoman perhaps of more frank vincent democrats and admitting out loud that she thinks the rules should apply to democrats. but her attitude i have to say is hardly new. if there's one thing we've learned over the past few years is the democrats firmly believe that the only legitimate government is a democrat government. democrats campaign to undermine the legitimacy of the supreme court. but the court issuing a decision the democrats don't like, and these days you can be confident you will hear some democrat

decry not just the court's decision but the court's legitimacy. now we mind the fact that this court like others before it is composed of nine justices duly nominated and confirmed in accordance with the constitution. or that so-called liberal justices and so-called conservative justices vote together of substantial percentage of the time. this court sometimes issues decisions that democrats don't like. and, therefore, in their view the court is somehow illegitimate. i find it ironic that a party that's the spin a fair amount of time this election cycle talk about the importance of preserving our democracy seems intent on embracing the democratic notion that only one party should be making decisions in this country. i hate to tell democrats that

that's not how it really works. and the idea that one party should have a lock on power and the courts is usually associated with forms of government that go by less pleasant names than democracy. i've also always struck by the elitism that goes with democrats attitude. it's no secret that a lot of people on the left despised individuals who voted for president trump. words like racist, sexist and misogynistic get thrown around to describe those who are simply tired of democrats failed economic policies, or who were worried about the crisis at our border, or who disagreed with many of the democrats and social policies. democrats apparent belief that it's the democrat party and the democratic party only that

should be calling the shots in washington betrays some of that same disdain for voters. the filibuster is safer now. while i don't have high hopes for democrats changing their tune on supreme court, perhaps being a minority in this next congress will of these reminf the importance of protecting minority rights to matter what party is in power. and ensure that the next time democrats are in charge, they are not quite so eager to tear down this important safeguard. we can only hope. ideal to the floor and i suggest the absence of a quorum. >> the clerk will call the roll. >> ms. baldwin.

>> the senator from massachusetts. >> thank you, mr. president. mr. president, i rise today to discuss an issue that has been -- >> the city is in a quorum call. >> i ask for appreciation of the call. >> without objection. >> mr. president, i rise today to discuss an issue that has been a dominant topic of conversation in this country, artificial intelligence, or ai. over the past two years generative ai products like chatgpt have exploded in popularity while companies have invested tens of billions of dollars developing new ai models. the ai innovation race is in full swing and i sure much of this excitement. ai holds great promise with the potential to transform the way we live, work and interact with the world.

but as with any race there are winners and there are losers. and i'm deeply worried that we are to focus on the potential winners of this ai race and when neglecting those who are already being left behind. because although ai might maybe having a moment right now, we have been living with its impact for years. this is especially true for black and brown and immigrant and lgbtq communities which have borne the cost of move fast and break things mindset that pervades silicon valley. to understand why it's helpful to understand how these ai driven algorithms actually work. because these algorithms are really just supercharge pattern recognition systems. it's not all that different from teaching a dog in utrecht. for example, to teach a dog to fetch you gather a bunch of balls and treats and a struck the dog to run after an returned

the ball and provide feedback,, treats, along the way. over time the dog recognizes the pattern, run after an returned the ball and receive a treat. same principles apply to algorithms. a company will feed the struggle information into a computer with basic instructions. like a dog that looks helpless when first told to fetch, and algorithm may first provide confusing responses to these instructions but over time as the algorithm receives feedback from a trainer, the algorithm will improve after responding to the instructions. here's the problem. this training and the algorithms decision-making and recommendations happen outside of public view. this lack of transparency and a failure to properly test for bias in algorithms creates serious risks. what happens when information being fed into an algorithm reflects pre-existing societal

biases? to return to my dog analogy, if the dog is only train to fetch tennis balls, , it made it understand how to fetch a stick or it may return the stick to a different person. the same problem happens with algorithms involve the decisions around banking, healthcare and the criminal justice system. but with much more serious results. numerous studies and reports have revealed the consequences that biased algorithms have for marginalized communities. for example, a 2019 report found that due in part to bias mortgage approval algorithms lenders were 80% more likely to reject black applicants and similar white applicants. on another occasion a tech company found that it ai resume screening tools recommended male

applicants for jobs at much higher rates than similar female applicants. just yesterday a comprehensive new report found that 92 million low-income americans are subject to algorithmic decision-making and, therefore, potentially subject to bias and discrimination baked into these algorithms. this is unacceptable. that's why in september i introduced my ai civil rights act copperheads of legislation intended to ensure that the ai age does not replicate and supercharge a bias and discrimination already prevalent today in our real world. specifically, my legislation would impose new rules when companies use algorithms to make

decisions on employment, banking, healthcare, the criminal justice system and other important aspects of our lives. today i'm proud to announce that 54 new organizations have endorsed my bill including some of the biggest labor unions in the country, critical housing organizations and indispensable civil rights groups. in total, 80 civil rights organizations and ai experts have endorsed my ai civil rights act. this support sends a clear message. as congress considers ai legislation in the coming weeks and years, we must ensure that the a i age does not come at the expense of already marginalized communities. we cannot allow ai to stand for accelerating injustice in our country. we have a choice. do we promote innovation without addressing ai buys and

discrimination? do we protect profits instead of people? do we allow buys lockbox algorithms to control our lives? make no mistake, we can have an ai revolution while also protecting the civil rights and liberties of everyday americans we can support innovation without supercharging bias and discrimination, and we can promote competition while safeguarding peoples rights. and that is why we must pass my artificial intelligence civil rights act. this is the beginning of an era where we can do this right but it's up to the congress to make sure that that happens. mr. president, with that i yield back.

the clerk: ms. smith, aye.

the clerk: mr. cardin, aye.

the clerk: mr. peters, aye.

the clerk: ms. baldwin, aye. the clerk: mr. schumer, aye. mr. fetterman, aye.

vote:

the clerk: mr. mullin, no. the clerk: mr. warner, aye. mr. welch, aye.

the clerk: mr. ossoff, aye. ms. ernst, no.

the clerk: aye.

the clerk: mr. coons, aye. mr. romney, no. ms. cantwell, aye. the clerk: mr. hickenlooper, aye.

mrs. shaheen, aye.

mrs. shaheen, aye.

>> forminger defense minister gallant. icc decision is outrageous unlawful, and dangerous. israel has a right to defend itself in the icc role actions only enable to swipe israel off the map. these actions threaten israel. but left unchecked, they could pose a threat to the united states in the future. the senate needs to stand strongly with our ally at this time. i am, again, calling on leader schumer to bring a bill to the floor sanctions icc, which the house is already passed with bipartisan support. last night, the senate seangt strong bipartisan message of support for israel by rejecting

resolutions that would have denied israel the leaf they need. now the democrat leader needs to bring up the icc sanctions bill. if he chooses not to act a new senate majority will. we will stand with israel and make this bill and other supportive legislation a top priority in the next congress. in six weeks, republicans will retake the majority here. and when we do, we will make it clear that the united states stands squarely in israel's corner. mr. president, a democrat congresswoman said that quiet part outloud the other day admitted while she would have supported abolishment of filibuster if democrats won full control of washington she did not support filibuster now that republicans have gained control. this is what her quote --

i am championing getting rid of the filibuster now. when the senate has the trifecta. let me repeat that asked that in the question champion of getting rid of a filibuster when the senate has trifecta. she answered i quote again, no. but had we had the trifecta, i would have been because we have to show that government can deliver end quote. repeat that, mr. president, had we had the trifecta, i would have been supportive of abolishing getting rid of the filibuster in other words one rule for democrats and one rule for everybody else. democrats should be able to do whatever they want. republicans not so much. mr. president, i happen to agree with the congress when preserving the filibuster this essential tool encourages compromise and helping ensure that all americans not just

those whose parties in the majority have a voice in legislation. the difference between me and the congresswoman, is i believe that the rule should apply all of the time. i don't think there should be special rules. for republicans or as the congressman believes for democrats. mr. president, the congresswoman is perhaps more frank than some in thes democrats in admits outloud that rules shouldn't apply to democrats. but her attitude, i have to say is hardly new. it is one thing that we've learned over the past few years that the democrats firmly believe that the only legitimate government is the democrat government. think democrats campaigned to undermine the legislate of the support and anything the democrats don't like and you'll be confident you'll hear not just the decision but the court's legitimacy nevermind the

fact this court like others before have composed of mind jtles, duly nominated and confirmed in accordance with the constitution. or that so-called liberal justices and so-called conservative justices vote together l of substantial percentage of the time this court steams issues decisions that democrats don't like. and therefore, and their view -- the court is somehow illegitimate. mr. president, i find it ironic that a party that's spent a fair amount of time this election cycle talking about the importance of preserving our democracy seems intent on embracing the fully undemocratic notion that one party -- should be making decisions in this country. well i hate to tell democrat that that's not how it really works. and the idea that one party should have a lock on power and

the courts is usually associated with forms of government that go by less pleasant names than democracy. i'm also always struck by the elitism that goes with democrats attitude. it is no secret that a lot of people on the left despise vegs who voted for trump words like misogynistic get thrown around to describe voters who were simply tired of democrats failed economic policies or who were worriesed about the crisis at our border. or who disagreed with many of the democrats radical social policies. and democrats apparent belief that it is the democrat party and the democrat party only that should be calling shots in washington betrays some of that same disdain for voters.

mr. president, the filibuster is safe for now. and i don't have high hopes, for democrats changing a court perhaps being a minority will remind democrats of the importance of protecting minority rights no matter what parties in power. and ensure that the next time democrats are in charge they're not quite so eager to tear down this important safeguard. we can only hope. mr. president, i yield the floor. i suggest door clerk will call the roll. >> mr. baldwin. >> a little extra -- [laughter] >> that's all i get. [laughter] >> yes. [silence]

the senator from massachusetts. >> thank you mr. president. >> mr. president, i rise today to discuss an issue that has been -- the senate is in the -- clerk. >> mr. president i answer of the quorum. >> without question. >> i rise to discuss an issue that has been a dominant topic of conversation in this country artificial intelligence. or a.i. over the past two years generative a.i. products like chat gpt exploded in popularity while companies invested tens of billions of dollars developing new a.i. models. the a.i. innovation race is in full swing. i share much of this excitement a.i. holds great promise with the potential to transform the way we live. we work, and interact with the world. as with any race there are winners and there are losers. and i'm deeply worried that we

are too focused on potential winners of this a.i. rice and we're neglecting those who are already being left behind. because although a.i. might maybe having a moment right now, we have been living with its impact for years. this is especially true for black and brown and implant and elect q communities which have born the cost of move fast and break things. mindset that pervades silicon valley. to understand why it is helpful to understand how these a.i. driven algorithms actually work. because these algorithms are really just supercharged patterns recognition systems. it is not all that different from teaching a dog a new trick for example to etch too a dog to fetch, you gather a bunch of balls and treats, instruct the dog to run after and return the ball and provide feedback, treats along the way. over time the dog recognizes the pattern.

one after return the ball, and receive a treat. the same principles apply to algorithms. a company would feed historical information into a computer with basic instructions. like a dog, that looks helpless, when first told to fetch, and algorithm may first provide confusing responses to these -- the clerk will report the nomination. the clerk: nomination, the judiciary, gail a. weilheimer, to be district judge for the eastern district of pennsylvania. mr. schatz: mr. president. the presiding officer: the senator from hawaii. mr. schatz: the past four years have been the most productive ever for the senate committee on indian affairs. we have secured the largest investment in native communities in american history and enacted more than two dozen bills into

law. the progress we made is real, tangible, and meaningful, but there's still a lot of work to do to live up to our responsibilities in these communities, including in the final weeks of this congress. there are currently more than a dozen bills that have advanced out of the committee on a unanimous bipartisan basis but have yet to receive full consideration. there is no reason to let it languish for months or even years without action. my bill zest 385 makes technical corrections to improving visitors' experiences. this is for recreational travel and tourism activities. this bill was reported out of committee more than a year and a half ago. there's been more than enough time to rectify any issues. it is time to get this done now.

s. 1322, unlocking native lines for congress and key economic developments would enable indian tribes to lease their own land for 99 years, to improve certain rights of way. senator murkowski included this legislation that will incentive more businesses to invest in indian country. this commonsense legislation supporting tribes mr. support and their economic development needs. finally, s. 2868, was introduced by senator smith to revoke the tribes indian reorgan section 17 charter of incorporation. the tribe testified in committee that the charter is hindering its economic development activities because it can't -- it can't do things without the secretary's approval. the tribe's charity has been in place since 1937 and only congress has the power to revoke such charters and has acted to

revoke such charters previously for a number of tribes. and so as if in legislative session, i ask unanimous consent that the senate proceed to the immediate consideration of the following bills en bloc, calendar 34 s. 385, is s. 13 it 2 2sh 1322, and s. 2868. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: s. 385 to improve the visitor experience act and so forth and for other purposes. calendar number 342, s. 1322, a bill to amend the act of august 91855. calendar number 490, s. 2868, to revoke the charter of the lowe sioux indian community and so forced and for other -- so forth

and for other purposes. the presiding officer: is there objection to proceeding to the measures en bloc? the senator from south dakota. mr. rounds: reserving the right to the object. i would like to offer an additional piece of legislation that i think would be very appropriate to include in the proposal. i ask today for consideration of the wounded knee massacre memorial and sacred site act s. 2088. this would place 30 acres of tribal land at the massacre strike in restricted fee status. two tribes hold a very deep connection to this event. this is the wounded knee massacre site. there were relatives coming from the cheyenne river tribe down to

winter near pine ridge. that's where this event oh, kierd and it's -- occurred and it's one of the most terrible events in the history of the united states where native americans were killed and they were left to freeze in a snowstorm. as you all know, the wounded knee massacre not only represents a low point in their relations but it serves as truly one of the darkest moments in our nation's history. to date the wounded knee massacre grounds remain a symbolic site with tribal members regularly visiting the area to honor the deceased. in 2022 both tribes purchased the 40 acres from a private owner in an effort to preserve the land. shortly after they signed a covenant holding that it would be maintained as a memorial and

sacred site without any other development. this legislation, which places the 40 acres into restricted fee status, would help reserve the site for future tribal generations. as we approach the 134th interfere next -- anniversary, it is my hope that we can acknowledge this and work with each other with respect. the wounded knee massacre memorial is one way to show healing and progress. this legislation easily passed the house and has languished in the united states senate for months. passing this legislation during native heritage month is of great importance to wounded knee descendants from my home state. look, this is one of those areas where you have two tribes that lost members and their relatives

are still there, they still honor that site, and i agree that the other pieces of legislation that are here in front of us i think are good and i think they represent some of the best work of the united states where you set aside differences, you come together and you pass good legislation. i believe this legislation fits that particular set as well. and so, with that, i would simply ask that -- that -- i would ask the senator that he would modify this request to include h.r. 3371, the wounded knee massacre memorial and sacred site act. the presiding officer: is there objection to the modification? the presiding officer: the senator from north carolina. mr. tillis: thank you, propose. -- mr. president. reserving the right to object. i want to make this very clear to the members of the ogala

sioux tribe, this is not about you, you've been seeking for -- it's been 100 years since the event that's been memorialized and you've been seeking this for some time. you need to know that your leadership is playing a game that will ultimately force me to take a position on the modification. i believe that the wounded knee massacre memorial is a sacred site and the act really does need to come into law, just not yet. the reason is i've got an issue with their tribal leadership. i've got an issue with the sioux's leadership going after the lumby tribe in eastern north carolina, the lumby have been seeking -- there is racism and things i will not talk about today but i will in the coming weeks. as many of my colleagues know,

i've been working on the lumby fairness act, getting it passed in a law for quite some time. i acknowledge -- let me. i'm going to go quicker on this. i'm going to submit something for the record, if i may. but, mr. chair -- i'm sorry, mr. president. the bottom line is i'm not going to get into the history of the tribe, i will get into the history of the casino cartel that is trying to prevent the lumbee tribe from being recognized. first among them in is the indian tribe east of the mississippi river, it is east of the cherokee in north carolina. these are my constituents. they are the same constituents where then-speaker tom tillis made sure they were treated

fairly and it was to the objection of a majority of my republican members. it's the only bill that i allowed to do in my four years as speaker to do the right thing for the cherokee. my reward was to have them use some of the treasure that was gained from my support in the state house to pay lobbyists huge sums of money to discredit the application for recognition of the lumbee indians. for years the eastern band of the cherokee indians and their advisor had led the efforts directly against the lumbee tribe. most recently at the 81st ncai convention, a few weeks ago, unio, spread inflammatory information about the lumbee

tribe. that was on november 1. the eastern band publicly faked the uino for the distribution of these materials. they were false. since this stunt, the ncai president has publicly condemned the distribution of those materials and issued an polling for the lumbee tribe. now i've been made aware that the eastern band william pipe stechl uino have been hosting events on capitol hill spending large sums of money continuing to spread those lies. in the coming weeks and months, i will continue to highlight the individuals, the lobbyists the tribal leaders and groups part of this web that are preventing the lumbee from getting the recognition they have deserved for nearly 130 years. i want to reiterate to the

oglaala sioux, this is not about you, this is about your leaders and this is about their underhanded and unfair treatment of a tribal nation that deserves recognition and that this country needs to atone for over a century of racism and neglect. and for that reason, mr. chair, i do object to the modification. the presiding officer: objection to the modification is heard. mr. rounds: mr. president. the presiding officer: the senator from south dakota. mr. rounds: thank you, mr. president. look, i am very disappointed in my friend from north carolina's approach to this particular issue. as members of the senate we each have a vote as to whether or not we will support different pieces of legislation. i had chosen not to object to his legislation, which he has been speaking about, and we have

done our best to try to allay any concerns that he may have about our future attempts to disrupt his approach. so it's very disappointing that he would hold as hostage this particular piece of legislation which is of solid intent to help repair relations between the oglala sioux tribe and the government of the united states in a way which does not impact his tribe or the challenges he has with getting his tribe recognized, whatsoever. in fact, we had felt that by not objecting at this point, and we have not, that he would understand how serious we were about trying to get our piece of legislation attached to this to fix the problem. as an example, today, and to the chairman of the committee, who worked so hard to bring these

forward along with the ranking member, i have no intentions of standing in the way of them passing their solid legislation simply as a protest vote. i think we have to move forward and take the best that we can. i will continue to try to work with the member from north carolina to assure him that if he will allow this piece of legislation to move forward, we would not be objecting to his legislation in the future, but if we can't have ours, i guess there's always the possibility that he will not be able to get his as well. and with that, i will not object to the original proposal. mr. tillis: mr. president. the presiding officer: the senator from north carolina. mr. tillis: my -- senator rounds, i call him mike, and i are good friends. we came into the senate together in 2014. we got to know each other before we even got here. he is a man of honor, and he's a man of his word, and i have no doubt that he would stand in the

way, should i allow this measure to go forward today. the problem is the tribes that he represents will. they will continue to work to spread the misinformation, to smear a tribe that deserves recognition, and they want the respect that they have been entitled to for over 130 years, when they first got recognition, short of federal recognition. so if i had a senate and a congress, if i had 535 mike rounds, i would not have objected to this today. if i had tribal leaders who were not lying to constituents and misinforming them on the background of the lumbee tribe, and knowing that they will continue to, i have no other option than what i did today. and it gives me no pleasure to do it to one of my favorite

people in the u.s. senate. the presiding officer: is there objection to the original request? without objection, the senate will proceed to the measures en bloc. mr. schatz: mr. president. the presiding officer: the senator from hawaii. mr. schatz: i further ask that the committee-reported subs two amendment, s. 1322 be agreed to, and the bills as amended, where amended be read a third time en bloc. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. schatz: i know of no further debate as amended where amended en bloc. the presiding officer: is there further debate? hearing none. all those in favor say aye. all opposed say no. the ayes appear to have it. the ayes do have it. the bills as passed are passed as amended, where amended, en bloc. mr. schatz: i ask that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table en bloc. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. schatz: mr. president, i took the floor today to pass

several indian affairs bills that have been lang wishing for months, some for even years. i continue to intend to fight to pass several bipartisan bills. so it is good that we passed three of them, but there is a lot more work to do. senators padilla, lujan, heinrich, smith, and others all have bills that are ready for consideration today, and can and, as federal law by the end of this congress, they would improve the lives of tribes in their communities, from water right settlements to protecting children from abuse and neglect. all of these have to be considered. i am told additional time will be needed to clear these bills over the thanksgiving break, and so i will stand down for now. i just want to make it clear to everybody, we're going to spend a lot of time on the floor tog together. there will be no cheap holds. there will be no convenient

holds. there will only be -- we'll give people a chance to work out their problems, but we're going to do this on the floor, live, like a real legislature, and we're going to get this done. thank you very much. i yield the floor. the presiding officer: under the previous order, the senate will resume consideration of the following nomination, which the clerk will report. the clerk: nomination, the judiciary, sharad harshad desai, of arizona, to be united states district judge for the district of arizona. mr. barrasso: mr. president. the presiding officer: the senator from wyoming. mr. barrasso: as if in legislative session, i ask unanimous consent that the senate proceed to consideration of senate res. 909, at the desk. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: senate resolution 909, designating november 21, 2024 as national rural health day. the presiding officer: without objection, the senate will proceed. mr. barrasso: mr. president, i

ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. barrasso: thank you, mr. chairman. i yield the floor.

the presiding officer: the two morepr -- the scheduled vot begin immediately. the presiding officer: without objection. on the previous order, the question is on the nomination. is there a sufficient second? there appears to be. the clerk will call the roll. vote: the clerk: ms. baldwin. mr. barrasso. mr. bennet. mrs. blackburn. mr. blumenthal. mr. booker. mr. boozman. mr. braun. mrs. britt. mr. brown. mr. budd.

ms. butler. ms. cantwell. mrs. capito. mr. cardin. mr. carper. mr. casey. mr. cassidy. ms. collins. mr. coons. mr. cornyn. ms. cortez masto. mr. cotton. mr. cramer. mr. crapo. mr. cruz. mr. daines. ms. duckworth. mr. durbin.

ms. ernst. mr. fetterman. mrs. fischer. mrs. gillibrand. mr. graham. mr. grassley. mr. hagerty. ms. hassan. mr. hawley. mr. heinrich. mr. helmy. mr. hickenlooper. ms. hirono. mr. hoeven. mrs. hyde-smith.

mr. johnson. mr. kaine. mr. kelly. mr. kennedy.

mr. king. ms. klobuchar. mr. lankford. mr. lee. mr. lujan. ms. lummis. mr. manchin. mr. markey. mr. marshall. mr. mcconnell. mr. merkley. mr. moran. mr. mullin. ms. murkowski. mr. murphy. mrs. murray. mr. ossoff. mr. padilla. mr. paul. i've been doing this now 32 years. technology payment. my great colleagues in fact that

started on the floor of the department in the front office. he gives you an idea. to all of you here today, our incredible team secretary smith and the entire diplomatic security. team world to protect the state department every day and for their role. and by family in the first

person seeing one. and do so much we can do our jobs in this institution and the and operating environment and let it the challenges and work together to make sure we do everything possible to the people and properties.

we have partnered to prevent manage our people to our firm's members. 150 representing entity and as you look at it, it's not that it was a strong and numbers and the landscape and volatile. and that's it expanded their reach and modernize the tactics

and around the world we seen the challenges and rapidly evolve. change best practices to safeguard emerging technologies like a.i. and should five activity and climate change and other extreme weather. when the rubber it's the road, having this organization and lines of connection and communication makes a big difference. we see exchange of information the health emergency and natural disasters on supply chains and working real-time and major

events. earlier this week the state department signed the series. and even more crises or newfound threats. it will enable the state department the narrow group.

at its core making say for americans and interests around the world. they safely work in study and safely live in a better world for people and workers in a better world everywhere. we take an important step this week to deliver it's getting even more essential. not going to change. working together we can operate.

you for your partnership,. >> on a bipartisan basis investment and native communities and more than two dozen in law still a lot of work to do. currently more than a dozen bills of our communities and a unanimous bipartisan basis and full senate consideration and no

good reason. technical correction in the visitors experience act disease organizations for travel and tourism activities. time to get this done now. and under existing law.

tribes finally see it was introduced by senators and section 17 in the charter is because it can do things without secretary's approval. also a number of tribes. so i asked unanimous consent to concede to the consideration of calendar number 34, 342 as 1322 and calendar number 4902968.

>> the court will report. >> calendar number 34. 1322 on 1955. 490 a bill to accept the request for the incorporation of the community and so forth and for over purposes. >> is there objection for proceeding to the measures? >> senator from south dakota. >> reserving the right to object. at like to offer an additional piece of legislation i think would be appropriate in the.

3371. this is the wounded massacre site. relatives from cheyenne for the tribe near pine ridge. that's where this occurred in one of the most terrible event united states native americans were killed.

in the correlation also serves as one of the darkest moments our nation's history. travel members visiting the area. in 2022, 40 acres in an effort to preserve the land in both tribes in the legislation and it will serve for generations. in the hope we can come together in this event.

this legislation easily passed the house and the u.s. senate for months. native american heritage month is of importance from my home date. this is an area you have two tribes and lost members and their members are honored and i agree the legislation here are good to set aside differences and come together and pass legislation. i believe it that particular

sect as well. i would simply ask the senator that he would monitor the wounded knee oscar. >> is there objection to the modification? thank you, mr. president. reserving the right to object. i want to make this clear. this is not about you. it's been 100 years. to know leaders playing a game that will force me to take a position on the model occasion.

the sacred. with the readership going after the tribe. as meeting tonight legs are working on an assignment getting it passed into law for quite some time. ... vote: