want to thank my staff on the defense subcommittee, the majority clerk, brian potz, his team katie, coleen, mike, chris, hans, kate, will todd, carlos alas, and marisa rode. all of them worked day and night to make this happen. without their dedication and expertise shall did and they have a lost it -- we would not be in a position today to send a defense spending bill to the president's desk on time, if we keep working like we're doing. i want to thank them for their work. and finally, i want to thank all of my colleagues here, both sides of the aisle, for cooperation in passing these appropriations bills. i think it shows what the senate can do working together. and i hope we can continue to do this. we all know it's not easy, but it works. i believe, mr. president, it's the right thing for the american people. thank you. mr. leahy: mr. president? the presiding officer: the senator from vermont. mr. leahy: mr. president, i compliment my dear friend, senator shelby. we've worked together on this. we made a commitment along with leader mcconnell and leader schumer to only move forward on t