kurt d. engelhardt. those who joined him on this latest slate for consideration are each well qualified. each has received thorough examination from the judiciary committee. each stands ready to serve on the federal bench while the confirmation of judge engelhardt, we will also look at mr. brennan's nomination. this comes as only the latest distinction in a career marked by truly impressive legal accomplishments. in both public service and private practice, this graduate of notre dame and northwestern law school has developed a represent fiergs a keen legal mind and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. according to current and former peers on the milwaukee county circuit court, mr. brennan has, quote, the mind, heart, and soul of a great jurist and a keen understanding of the legal issues and sophisticated and complex litigation. like judge engelhardt mr. brennan has my full support and i encourage my colleagues to vote to confirm another fine nominee this week. now, on another -- on a final matter, it seems that every day it brings another piece of good news for middle-class worker

kurt d. engelhardt to be united states circuit judge for the fifth circuit. mr. mcconnell: mr. president. the presiding officer: the majority leader. mr. mcconnell: an important tribute took place here in the capitol this morning, the fifth annual memorial service for the four united states capitol police officers who have died in the line of duty. sergeant christopher uni, officer jacob chestnut, detective john gibson, and sergeant clinton holts were rememberedded with a wreath laying in the capitol's visitor's center. this marks the anniversary of the shooting when officer chestnut and gibson were kimed. next week is national police week, and i will have more to say more about the heroism that the professionals who put themselves in harm's way every day to keep others safe. today the senate honors the memories of these four fallen heroes. now on another matter, mr. president, yesterday the senate advanced another nomination of this week's judicial nominees, kurt d. engelhardt. those who joined him on this latest slate for consideration are each well qualified. each has received thorough

kurt d. engelhardt to be united states circuit judge gor the -- for the fifth circuit. the presiding officer: the senator from south dakota. mr. thune: republicans wanted to put more money in the pockets of hardworking americans and we wanted to create the kind of economy that would give americans access to economic security for the long term. to achieve the first goal, we cut tax rates across the board, nearly doubled the standard deduction, and doubled the child tax credit. and americans are already seeing this relief in their paychecks. to achieve the second goal, we reformed our tax code to make it easier for businesses to increase wages, expand their business. after five months after the tax cuts was signed into law, we are seeing a better playing field for workers. there are a lot of things that go into giving a worker a secure economic future, a good job, good wages, opportunities to grow, good retirement benefits, and opportunities to achieve the education necessary for that good job or that wage hike. sometimes a degree or certification can make all the differe

kurt d. engelhardt of louisiana, the president's choice to serve on the fifth circuit court of appeals. the senate previously confirmed kurt d. engelhardt by a voice vote to the eastern district of louisiana. since then he has strengthened his thoughtfulness. his legal peers describe him as, quote, very conscious and fair and independent minded. the american bar association agrees. it awarded judge engelhardt its highest rating of unanimously well qualified. i would urge every one of my colleagues to join me in advancing judge engelhardt's nomination later this afternoon. on one final matter, in storefront windows across america, new signs are going up, signs that new communities haven't seen literally in years. here's what the sanes say, now hiring. 16 months into this trump administration, and the percentage of american workers who are unemployed, underemployed, or giving up finding a job is smaller than it ever was in any of the obama years. in fact, it hasn't been this low since 2001. let me say that again, less under employment, unemployment, and discouragement than in the past 8 ye