The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS” mentioning John Thune was published in the Senate section on pages S1984-S1991 on April 15.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
By Mr. McCONNELL (for himself and Ms. Sinema):
S. 1133. A bill to direct the Director of the National Institutes of Health, in consultation with the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, to establish a program to support or conduct research on valvular heart disease, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, now, on an entirely different matter, colleagues in Congress and my fellow Kentuckians were heartbroken last June when our dear friend, Carol Leavell Barr, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away.
She left behind two beautiful young daughters and an adoring husband in Congressman Andy Barr. She was only 39 years old. Since then, we have learned her fatal heart attack was likely the result of an underlying condition called mitral valve prolapse.
Carol was diagnosed at a young age. Like millions of Americans with heart valve defects, she lived for many years with no apparent symptoms. Tragically, it only took an instant for her condition to turn deadly. Approximately 25,000 Americans each year lose their lives from this heart valve disease. Her passing deprived the Barr family of an extraordinary wife and mother. We all lost a warm and uplifting friend.
One of the most troubling aspects of this syndrome is just how much we still don't know. So Congressman Barr is taking action. He introduced the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act, the CAROL Act. It would encourage new research into valvular heart disease, help us better understand the risks, and bring together top experts to identify potential treatments.
With this legislation, we can help prevent more families from enduring this tragedy. More than 120 House colleagues have already cosponsored the CAROL Act. It has also earned the support of major health advocacy groups.
So today, I am proud to introduce the CAROL Act here in the Senate. I am grateful to partner with Senator Sinema, one of Congressman Barr's friends from their days serving together in the House. This important legislation is a fitting tribute to a wonderful Kentuckian. It embodies Carol's lifetime of service to others, and I look forward to its passage.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows
S. 1133
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act''.
SEC. 2. GRANTS FOR VALVULAR HEART DISEASE RESEARCH.
Subpart 2 of part C of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285b et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 424C the following:
``SEC. 424D. GRANTS FOR VALVULAR HEART DISEASE RESEARCH.
``(a) In General.--The Director of the National Institutes of Health, in consultation with the Director of the Institute, shall support or conduct research regarding valvular heart disease.
``(b) Support Guidelines.--The distribution of funding authorized in subsection (a) may be used to pursue any of the following outcomes:
``(1) Using precision medicine and advanced technological imaging to generate data on individuals with valvular heart disease.
``(2) Identifying and developing a cohort of individuals with valvular heart disease and available data.
``(3) Corroborating data generated through clinical trials to develop a prediction model to distinguish individuals at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death from valvular heart disease.
``(4) Other outcomes needed to acquire necessary data on valvular heart disease.
``(c) Mitral Valve Prolapse Workshop.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this section, the Director of the Institute shall convene a workshop composed of subject matter experts and stakeholders to identify research needs and opportunities to develop prescriptive guidelines for treatment of individuals with mitral valve prolapse.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.''.
SEC. 3. PROGRAMS OF CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND
PREVENTION.
Part J of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280b et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 393D the following section:
``SEC. 393E. PREVENTION OF SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH AS A RESULT
OF VALVULAR HEART DISEASE.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may carry out projects to increase education, awareness, or diagnosis of valvular heart disease and to reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death caused by valvular heart disease. Such projects may be carried out by the Secretary directly or through awards of grants or contracts to public or nonprofit private entities. The Secretary may directly (or through such awards) provide technical assistance with respect to the planning, development, and operation of such projects.
``(b) Certain Activities.--Projects carried out under subsection (a) may include--
``(1) the implementation of public information and education programs for--
``(A) the prevention of sudden cardiac death from valvular heart disease;
``(B) broadening the awareness of the public concerning the risk factors for, the symptoms of, and the public health consequences of, valvular heart disease; and
``(C) increasing screening, detection, and diagnosis of valvular heart disease; and
``(2) surveillance of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests to improve patient outcomes.
``(c) Grant Prioritization.--The Secretary may, in awarding grants or entering into contracts pursuant to subsection (a), give priority to entities seeking to carry out projects that target populations most impacted by valvular heart disease.
``(d) Coordination of Activities.--The Secretary shall ensure that activities under this section are coordinated, as appropriate, with other agencies of the Public Health Service that carry out activities regarding valvular heart disease.
``(e) Best Practices.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall--
``(1) collect and analyze the findings of research conducted with respect to valvular heart disease; and
``(2) taking into account such findings, publish on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention best practices for physicians and other health care providers who provide care to individuals with valvular heart disease.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.''.
______
By Mr. KAINE (for himself and Mr. Warner):
S. 1155. A bill to reform Federal firearmslaws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, it is painfully clear that existing Federal policies do not provide a comprehensive approach to address the national epidemic of gun violence. In fact, in 2019, for the third consecutive year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported gun violence as a leading cause of premature death in the United States resulting in the loss of 39,707 American lives--that is 109 American lives lost each day. And unfortunately, 2020 was no different. Even as the Country was enduring an unprecedented global pandemic, communities across the country were left dealing with the ever-present threat of gun violence.
There is single legislative action that can eradicate the complex and deeply rooted issues of gun violence. However, we must undertake the correct approach by focusing on many issues, including improvements to our mental health system, better security protocols, and commonsense rules about gun use and safety, such that keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals.
Virginians know all too well the heartbreaking consequences of gun violence. We have seen it in the tragedies of Virginia Tech and Virginia Beach and the countless drive-by shootings, domestic violence, and suicides by firearms. Yet the Commonwealth has chosen to acknowledge and address its unfortunate history of gun violence, and this past year adopted a series of gun violence prevention measures. These measures include legislation to enact an Extreme Risk Protective Order; an expansion of background checks on all gun sales; a mandate to report lost and stolen firearms; safeguards that prevent children from accessing firearms; and a reinstatement of Virginia's successful one-
handgun-a-month policy. The Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act of 2021 builds on the newly adopted Virginia framework by creating a comprehensive package of policies at the federal level to reduce gun violence across the nation.
With public support for commonsense rules at the highest it has ever been, we cannot wait until the next senseless tragedy before enacting commonsense gun policies. It is important to remember that gun violence is preventable and requires we take an evidence-based approach to create a more peaceful society, free of gun violence. I believe that the ``Virginia Plan'' will pave the way to advance meaningful gun reform and ultimately save lives.
Now is the time to act.
______
By Mr. THUNE (for himself and Ms. Hassan):
S. 1161. A bill to promote focused research and innovation in quantum communications and quantum network infrastructure to bolster internet security, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 1161
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Quantum Network Infrastructure and Workforce Development Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) ESEA definitions.--The terms ``elementary school'',
``high school'', ``local educational agency'', and
``secondary school'' have the meanings given those terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the National Quantum Initiative Act
(15 U.S.C. 8801).
(3) Interagency working group.--The term ``Interagency Working Group'' means the Interagency Working Group on Workforce, Industry, and Infrastructure under the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council.
(4) Q2work program.--The term ``Q2Work Program'' means the Q2Work Program supported by the National Science Foundation.
(5) Quantum information science.--The term ``quantum information science'' has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8801).
(6) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
SEC. 3. QUANTUM NETWORKING WORKING GROUP REPORT ON QUANTUM
NETWORKING AND COMMUNICATIONS.
(a) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Quantum Networking Working Group within the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report detailing a plan for the advancement of quantum networking and communications technology in the United States.
(b) Requirements.--The report under subsection (a) shall include--
(1) a framework for interagency collaboration on the advancement of quantum networking and communications research;
(2) a plan for interagency collaboration on the development and drafting of international standards for quantum communications technology, including standards relating to--
(A) quantum cryptography and post-quantum classical cryptography;
(B) network security;
(C) quantum network infrastructure;
(D) transmission of quantum information through optical fiber networks; and
(E) any other technologies considered appropriate by the Working Group;
(3) a proposal for the protection of national security interests relating to the advancement of quantum networking and communications technology;
(4) recommendations to Congress for legislative action relating to the framework, plan, and proposal set forth pursuant to paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively; and
(5) such other matters as the Working Group considers necessary to advance the security of communications and network infrastructure, remain at the forefront of scientific discovery in the quantum information science domain, and transition quantum information science research into the emerging quantum technology economy.
SEC. 4. QUANTUM NETWORKING AND COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH.
(a) Research.--The Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology shall carry out research to facilitate the development and standardization of quantum networking and communications technologies and applications, including research on the following:
(1) Quantum cryptography and post-quantum classical cryptography.
(2) Quantum repeater technology.
(3) Quantum network traffic management.
(4) Quantum transduction.
(5) Long baseline entanglement and teleportation.
(6) Such other technologies, processes, or applications as the Under Secretary considers appropriate.
(b) Implementation.--The Under Secretary shall carry out the research required by subsection (a) through such divisions, laboratories, offices and programs of the National Institute of Standards and Technology as the Under Secretary considers appropriate and actively engaged in activities relating to quantum information science.
(c) Development of Standards.--For quantum technologies deemed by the Under Secretary to be at a readiness level sufficient for standardization, the Under Secretary shall provide technical review and assistance to such other Federal agencies as the Under Secretary considers appropriate for the development of quantum network infrastructure standards.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Scientific and Technical Research and Services account of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
(2) Supplement, not supplant.--The amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1) shall supplement and not supplant amounts already appropriated to the account described in such paragraph.
SEC. 5. ENERGY SCIENCES NETWORK.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy (referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall supplement the Energy Sciences Network User Facility (referred to in this section as the ``Network'') with dedicated quantum network infrastructure to advance development of quantum networking and communications technology.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of subsection (a) is to utilize the Network to advance a broad range of testing and research, including relating to--
(1) the establishment of stable, long-baseline quantum entanglement and teleportation;
(2) quantum repeater technologies for long-baseline communication purposes;
(3) quantum transduction;
(4) the coexistence of quantum and classical information;
(5) multiplexing, forward error correction, wavelength routing algorithms, and other quantum networking infrastructure; and
(6) any other technologies or applications determined necessary by the Secretary.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
SEC. 6. QUANTUM WORKFORCE EVALUATION AND ACCELERATION.
(a) Identification of Gaps.--The National Science Foundation shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study of ways to support the next generation of quantum leaders.
(b) Scope of Study.--In carrying out the study described in subsection (a), the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shall identify--
(1) education gaps, including foundational courses in STEM and areas in need of standardization, in elementary school, middle school, high school, and higher education curricula, that need to be rectified in order to prepare students to participate in the quantum workforce;
(2) the skills and workforce needs of industry, specifically identifying the cross-disciplinary academic degrees or academic courses necessary--
(A) to qualify students for multiple career pathways in quantum information sciences and related fields;
(B) to ensure the United States is competitive in the field of quantum information science while preserving national security; and
(C) to support the development of quantum applications; and
(3) the resources and materials needed to train elementary, middle, and high school educators to effectively teach curricula relevant to the development of a quantum workforce.
(c) Reports.--
(1) Executive summary.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine shall prepare and submit to the National Science Foundation, and programs or projects funded by the National Science Foundation, an executive summary of progress regarding the study conducted under subsection (a) that outlines the findings of the Academies as of such date.
(2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine shall prepare and submit a report containing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a) to Congress, the National Science Foundation, and programs or projects funded by the National Science Foundation that are relevant to the acceleration of a quantum workforce.
SEC. 7. INCORPORATING QISE INTO STEM CURRICULUM.
(a) In General.--The National Science Foundation shall, through programs carried out or supported by the National Science Foundation, prioritize the better integration of quantum information science and engineering (referred to in this section as ``QISE'') into the STEM curriculum for each grade level from kindergarten through grade 12.
(b) Requirements.--The curriculum integration under subsection (a) shall include--
(1) methods to conceptualize QISE for each grade level from kindergarten through grade 12;
(2) methods for strengthening foundational mathematics and science curricula;
(3) age-appropriate materials that apply the principles of quantum information science in STEM fields;
(4) recommendations for the standardization of key concepts, definitions, and curriculum criteria across government, academia, and industry; and
(5) materials that specifically address the findings and outcomes of the study conducted under section 6 and strategies to account for the skills and workforce needs identified through the study.
(c) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the National Science Foundation, including the STEM Education Advisory Panel and the Advancing Informal STEM Learning program and through the National Science Foundation's role in the National Q-12 Education Partnership and the Q2Work Program, shall coordinate with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, EPSCoR eligible universities, and any Federal agencies or working groups determined necessary by the National Science Foundation.
(d) Review.--In implementing this section, the National Science Foundation shall review and provide necessary updates to the related report entitled ``Key Concepts for Future QIS Learners'' (May 2020).
SEC. 8. QUANTUM EDUCATION PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The National Science Foundation, through the National Science Foundation's role in the National Q-12 Education Partnership and the Q2Work Program, and in coordination with the Directorate for Education and Human Resources, shall carry out a pilot program, to be known as the ``Next Generation Quantum Leaders Pilot Program'', to provide funding for the education and training of the next generation of students in the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics.
(b) Requirements.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out the pilot program required by subsection (a), the National Science Foundation shall--
(A) publish a call for applications through the National Q-12 Education Partnership website (or similar website) for participation in the pilot program from elementary schools, secondary schools, and State educational agencies;
(B) coordinate with educational service agencies, associations that support STEM educators or local educational agencies, and partnerships through the Q-12 Education Partnership, to encourage elementary schools, secondary schools, and State educational agencies to participate in the program;
(C) accept applications for a period of 5 months in advance of the academic year in which the program shall begin;
(D) select elementary schools, secondary schools, and State educational agencies to participate in the program, in accordance with qualifications determined by the Interagency Working Group, in coordination with the National Q-12 Education Partnership; and
(E) in coordination with the National Q-12 Education Partnership, identify qualifying advanced degree students, or recent advanced degree graduates, with experience in the field of quantum information science to provide feedback and assistance to educators selected to participate in the pilot program.
(2) Prioritization.--In selecting program participants under paragraph (1)(D), the Director of the National Science Foundation shall give priority to elementary schools, secondary schools, and local educational agencies located in jurisdictions eligible to participate in the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (commonly known as
``EPSCoR''), including Tribal and rural elementary, middle, and high schools in such jurisdictions.
(c) Consultation.--The National Science Foundation shall carry out this section in consultation with the Interagency Working Group.
(d) Reporting.--
(1) Report and selected participants.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall submit to Congress a report on the educational institutions selected to participate in the pilot program required under subsection
(a), specifying the percentage from nontraditional geographies, including Tribal or rural school districts.
(2) Report on implementation of curriculum.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall submit to Congress a report on implementation of the curricula and materials under the pilot program, including the feasibility and advisability of expanding such pilot program to include additional educational institutions beyond those originally selected to participate in the pilot program.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to carry out this section.
(f) Termination.--This section shall cease to have effect on the date that is 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
______
By Mrs. FEINSTEIN:
S. 1179. A bill to provide financial assistance for projects to address certain subsidence impacts in the State of California, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Ms. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the
``Canal Conveyance Capacity Restoration Act,'' which I introduced today. Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA) has introduced companion legislation in the House.
The bill has two major provisions, benefiting both drought resilience and the environment:
First, it would authorize more than $653 million to restore the capacity of three canals of national importance. Restoring these canals would improve California's drought resilience and help the nation's leading agricultural economy comply with limits on groundwater pumping under the state's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
Second, the bill authorizes an additional $180 million to restore salmon runs on the San Joaquin River. The funding is for fish passage structures, levees and other improvements that will allow the threatened Central Valley Spring-run Chinook salmon to swim freely upstream from the ocean to the Friant Dam.
The bill authorizes a \1/3\ Federal cost-share for restoring the capacity of the Friant-Kern Canal, the Delta-Mendota Canal, and the California Aqueduct.
Coordinated legislation in the State legislature introduced by State Senator Melissa Hurtado would authorize a \1/3\ state cost-share for restoring the canals' capacity. Under the coordinated Federal and State legislation, the locals would also be responsible for a \1/3\ cost-
share for the canal restoration projects.
This legislation would help California water users and California's nation-leading agricultural industry comply with a recent State requirement to end the overpumping of groundwater. The stakes are huge: bringing groundwater into balance will reduce the water supply of the San Joaquin Valley by about 2 million acre-feet per year.
Unless local water agencies and the State and Federal governments take action, a recent U.C. Berkeley study has projected severe impacts from these water supply losses:
798,000 acres of land would have to be retired from agricultural production, nearly \1/6\ of the working farmland in an area that produces half the fruit and vegetables grown in the nation; and
$5.9 billion would be lost in annual farm income in a region that is almost entirely reliant on agriculture and has been called ``the Appalachia of the West'' due to its severe economic disadvantage.
One of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to restore groundwater balance is to convey floodwaters to farmlands where they can recharge the aquifer. California has the most variable precipitation of any State. When we get massive storms from atmospheric rivers, there is plenty of runoff to recharge aquifers--but only if we can effectively convey the floodwaters throughout the San Joaquin Valley to recharge areas.
Here is where the challenge arises. For a variety of reasons, the ground beneath the major canals has dropped by as much as 10 to 20 feet, which has caused canals designed to convey floodwaters to buckle and drop in many places. Other parts of the canals have not subsided, so the amount of water that the canal conveys must be reduced so that the canals don't overrun.
As a result, these essential canals for conveying floodwaters have lost as much as 60% of their conveyance capacity. The bill I am introducing today would provide Federal assistance to help fix these Federal canals.
Specifically, the bill would authorize $653.4 million in a Federal funding-cost share for three major projects to repair Federal canals damaged by subsidence to achieve their lost capacity:
$180 million for the Friant-Kern Canal, which would move an additional 100,000 acre-feet per year on average;
$183.9 million for the Delta Mendota Canal, which would move an additional 62,000 acre-feet per year on average; and
$289.5 million for California Aqueduct repairs, which would move an additional 205,000 acre-feet per year on average. While parts of the California Aqueduct are state-owned, the majority of the repairs are on its federally-owned portion.
If the Federal government covers a portion of the cost of restoring these three essential Federal canals for conveying floodwaters, it will give local farmers a fighting chance to bring their groundwater basins into balance without being forced to retire massive amounts of land.
Critically, the ability to deliver floodwaters through restored Federal canals will allow the water districts to invest in their own turnouts, pumps, detention basins and other groundwater recharge projects. The South Valley Water Association, which covers just a small part of the Valley, provided my office with a list of 36 such projects for its area alone.
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) has determined that groundwater recharge projects are the best option to help the San Joaquin Valley comply with the new state groundwater pumping law. PPIC projects that the Valley can make up 300,000 to 500,000 acre feet of its groundwater deficit through recharge projects.
A study commissioned by the coalition group called the ``Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley'' estimates that required reductions in groundwater could cause a loss of up to 42,000 farm and agricultural jobs in the San Joaquin Valley. Another 40,000 jobs or more could be lost statewide each year due to reductions in Valley agricultural production, putting the total at approximately 85,000 jobs statewide. Most of these impacts will fall disproportionately on economically disadvantaged communities. These impacts will be significant unless we address them through collaborative planning, policies, infrastructure, recharge and necessary financial support.
Let me now turn to the three critical canals that the bill would authorize assistance to restore. The Friant-Kern Canal is a key feature of the Friant Division of the Federal Central Valley Project on the Eastside of the San Joaquin Valley. For nearly 70 years, the Friant Division successfully kept groundwater tables stable on the Eastside. This provided a sustainable source of water for farms and for thousands of Californians and more than 50 small, rural, or disadvantaged communities who rely entirely on groundwater for their household water supplies.
But unsustainable groundwater pumping in the Valley has reduced the Friant-Kern Canal's ability to deliver water to all who need it. Land elevation subsidence caused by over-pumping means that not all of the supplies stored at Friant Dam can be conveyed through the canal. In some areas, the canal can carry only 40 percent of what it's designed to deliver.
In 2017, a very wet year in which we should have been banking as much flood water as possible, the Friant-Kern Canal couldn't deliver an additional 300,000 acre-feet of water that it would have been able to convey had its capacity not been limited by subsidence. This significant amount of water would have been destined for groundwater recharge efforts in the south San Joaquin Valley, where the impacts of reduced water deliveries, water quality issues and groundwater regulation are expected to be most severe.
The California Aqueduct serves more than 27 million people in Southern California and the Silicon Valley and more than 750,000 acres of the Nation's most productive farmland. But despite its name, much of the California Aqueduct is owned by the Federal government and serves portions of Silicon Valley, small towns and communities in the northern San Joaquin Valley, and farms from Firebaugh to Kettleman City. The aqueduct represents a successful 70-year partnership between the Federal Government and the State of California.
In recent years, particularly recent drought years, the California Aqueduct has subsided. It has lost as much as 20% of its capacity to move water to California's families, farms and businesses. California is leading efforts to repair the aqueduct and is working to provide its share of funding, but the Federal government will also need to pay its fair share. The bill I am introducing today would authorize $289.5 million toward restoring the California Aqueduct.
The Delta-Mendota Canal stretches southward 117 miles from the C.W. Bill Jones Pumping Plant along the western edge of the San Joaquin Valley, parallel to the California Aqueduct. The Delta-Mendota Canal has lost 15% of its conveyance capacity due to subsidence. The bill I am introducing today would authorize $183.9 million toward restoring its full ability to convey floodwaters to farms needing to recharge their groundwater, and to wildlife refuges of critical importance for migratory waterfowl along the Pacific Flyway.
This bill responds to a potential crisis that very possibly could cause the forced retirement of nearly 1/6 of the working farmland in an area that produces half of America's fruits and vegetables.
These are Federal canals, and the federal government must help give these farmers and communities reliant on the agricultural economy a fighting chance to keep their lands in production.
In addition, this legislation helps to restore an historic salmon run on California's second-longest river, the San Joaquin.
I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill. Thank you, Mr. President, and I yield the floor.
______
By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Duckworth, Mr.
Leahy, and Mr. Brown):
S. 1185. A bill to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and title 5, United States Code, to permit leave to care for a domestic partner, parent-in-law, or adult child, or another related individual, who has a serious health condition, and to allow employees to take, as additional leave, parental involvement and family wellness leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities or meet family care needs; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 1185
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Family Medical Leave Modernization Act''.
SEC. 2. LEAVE TO CARE FOR A DOMESTIC PARTNER, SON-IN-LAW,
DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, PARENT-IN-LAW, ADULT CHILD,
GRANDPARENT, GRANDCHILD, OR SIBLING OF THE
EMPLOYEE, OR ANOTHER RELATED INDIVIDUAL.
(a) Definitions.--
(1) Inclusion of related individuals.--Section 101 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2611) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(20) Any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship.--The term `any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship', used with respect to an employee, means any person with whom the employee has a significant personal bond that is or is like a family relationship, regardless of biological or legal relationship.
``(21) Domestic partner.--The term `domestic partner', used with respect to an employee, means--
``(A) the person recognized as the domestic partner of the employee under any domestic partnership or civil union law of a State or political subdivision of a State; or
``(B) in the case of an unmarried employee, an unmarried adult person who is in a committed, personal relationship with the employee, is not a domestic partner as described in subparagraph (A) to or in such a relationship with any other person, and who is designated to the employer by such employee as that employee's domestic partner.
``(22) Grandchild.--The term `grandchild' means the son or daughter of an employee's son or daughter.
``(23) Grandparent.--The term `grandparent' means a parent of a parent of an employee.
``(24) Nephew; niece.--The terms `nephew' and `niece', used with respect to an employee, mean a son or daughter of the employee's sibling.
``(25) Parent-in-law.-- The term `parent-in-law' means a parent of the spouse or domestic partner of an employee.
``(26) Sibling.--The term `sibling' means any person who is a son or daughter of an employee's parent (other than the employee).
``(27) Son-in-law; daughter-in-law.--The terms `son-in-law' and `daughter-in-law', used with respect to an employee, mean any person who is a spouse or domestic partner of a son or daughter, as the case may be, of the employee.
``(28) Uncle; aunt.--The terms `uncle' and `aunt', used with respect to an employee, mean the son or daughter, as the case may be, of the employee's grandparent (other than the employee's parent).''.
(2) Inclusion of adult children and children of a domestic partner.--Section 101(12) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 2611(12)) is amended--
(A) by inserting ``a child of an individual's domestic partner,'' after ``a legal ward,''; and
(B) by striking ``who is--'' and all that follows and inserting ``and includes an adult child.''.
(b) Leave Requirement.--Section 102 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2612) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``spouse, or a son, daughter, or parent, of the employee, if such spouse, son, daughter, or parent'' and inserting ``spouse or domestic partner, or a son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece of the employee, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee, if such spouse, domestic partner, son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece, or such other individual''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``spouse, or a son, daughter, or parent of the employee'' and inserting ``spouse or domestic partner, or a son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent, parent-in-law, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece of the employee, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered servicemember'' and inserting ``spouse or domestic partner, son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, sibling, uncle or aunt, nephew or niece, or next of kin of a covered servicemember, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the covered servicemember'';
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``son, daughter, spouse, parent, or covered servicemember of the employee, as appropriate'' and inserting ``son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, spouse or domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, nephew or niece, or covered servicemember of the employee, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee, as appropriate''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``spouse, or a son, daughter, or parent, of the employee'' and inserting ``spouse or domestic partner, or a son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent, parent-in-law, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece of the employee, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee, as appropriate,''; and
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
``, or domestic partners,'' after ``husband and wife''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or parent-in-law'' after ``parent''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, or those domestic partners,'' after ``husband and wife'' each place it appears.
(c) Certification.--Section 103 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2613) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``son, daughter, spouse, or parent of the employee, or of the next of kin of an individual in the case of leave taken under such paragraph
(3), as appropriate'' and inserting ``son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, spouse or domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece of the employee, or the next of kin of an individual, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee, as appropriate''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``son, daughter, spouse, or parent and an estimate of the amount of time that such employee is needed to care for the son, daughter, spouse, or parent'' and inserting ``son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, spouse or domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece of the employee, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee, as appropriate, and an estimate of the amount of time that such employee is needed to care for such son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, spouse or domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece, or such other individual''; and
(B) in paragraph (7), by striking ``son, daughter, parent, or spouse who has a serious health condition, or will assist in their recovery,'' and inserting ``son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, spouse or domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece, with a serious health condition, of the employee, or an individual, with a serious health condition, who is any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee, as appropriate, or will assist in the recovery,''.
(d) Employment and Benefits Protection.--Section 104(c)(3) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2614(c)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``son, daughter, spouse, or parent of the employee, as appropriate,'' and inserting ``son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, spouse or domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece of the employee, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee, as appropriate,''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking ``son, daughter, spouse, or parent'' and inserting ``employee's son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, spouse or domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece, or (with relation to the employee) any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship, as appropriate,''.
SEC. 3. LEAVE TO CARE FOR A DOMESTIC PARTNER, SON-IN-LAW,
DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, PARENT-IN-LAW, ADULT CHILD,
GRANDPARENT, GRANDCHILD, OR SIBLING OF THE
EMPLOYEE, OR ANOTHER RELATED INDIVIDUAL FOR
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.
(a) Definitions.--
(1) Inclusion of a domestic partner, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent-in-law, adult child, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling of the employee, or another individual related by blood.--Section 6381 of title 5, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in paragraph (11) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (12), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(13) the term `any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship', used with respect to an employee, means any person with whom the employee has a significant personal bond that is or is like a family relationship, regardless of biological or legal relationship;
``(14) the term `domestic partner', used with respect to an employee, means--
``(A) the person recognized as the domestic partner of the employee under any domestic partnership or civil union law of a State or political subdivision of a State; or
``(B) in the case of an unmarried employee, an unmarried adult person who is in a committed, personal relationship with the employee, is not a domestic partner as described in subparagraph (A) or in such a relationship with any other person, and who is designated to the employing agency by such employee as that employee's domestic partner;
``(15) the term `grandchild' means the son or daughter of an employee's son or daughter;
``(16) the term `grandparent' means a parent of a parent of an employee;
``(17) the terms `nephew' and `niece', used with respect to an employee, mean a son or daughter of the employee's sibling;
``(18) the term `parent-in-law' means a parent of the spouse or domestic partner of an employee;
``(19) the term `sibling' means any person who is a son or daughter of an employee's parent (other than the employee);
``(20) the terms `son-in-law' and `daughter-in-law', used with respect to an employee, mean any person who is a spouse or domestic partner of a son or daughter, as the case may be, of the employee;
``(21) the term `State' has the same meaning given the term in section 3 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203); and
``(22) the terms `uncle' and `aunt', used with respect to an employee, mean the son or daughter, as the case may be, of the employee's grandparent (other than the employee's parent).''.
(2) Inclusion of adult children and children of a domestic partner.--Section 6381(6) of such title is amended--
(A) by inserting ``a child of an individual's domestic partner,'' after ``a legal ward,''; and
(B) by striking ``who is--'' and all that follows and inserting ``and includes an adult child''.
(b) Leave Requirement.--Section 6382 of title 5, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``spouse, or a son, daughter, or parent, of the employee, if such spouse, son, daughter, or parent'' and inserting ``spouse or domestic partner, or a son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece of the employee, or any other individual related by blood whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship, if such spouse, domestic partner, son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece, or such other individual''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``spouse, or a son, daughter, or parent of the employee'' and inserting ``spouse or domestic partner, or a son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent, parent-in-law, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece of the employee, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered servicemember'' and inserting ``spouse or domestic partner, son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, sibling, uncle or aunt, nephew or niece, or next of kin of a covered servicemember, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the covered servicemember''; and
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``son, daughter, spouse, parent, or covered servicemember of the employee, as appropriate'' and inserting ``son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, spouse or domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, nephew or niece, or covered servicemember of the employee, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee, as appropriate''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``spouse, or a son, daughter, or parent, of the employee'' and inserting ``spouse or domestic partner, or a son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent, parent-in-law, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece of the employee, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee, as appropriate,''.
(c) Certification.--Section 6383 of title 5, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``son, daughter, spouse, or parent of the employee, as appropriate'' and inserting
``son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, spouse or domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece of the employee, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee, as appropriate''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(4)(A), by striking ``son, daughter, spouse, or parent, and an estimate of the amount of time that such employee is needed to care for such son, daughter, spouse, or parent'' and inserting ``son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, spouse or domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece of the employee, or any other individual related by blood whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship with the employee, as appropriate, and an estimate of the amount of time that such employee is needed to care for such son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, spouse or domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, uncle or aunt, or nephew or niece, or such other individual''.
SEC. 4. ENTITLEMENT TO ADDITIONAL LEAVE UNDER THE FMLA FOR
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND FAMILY WELLNESS.
(a) Leave Requirement.--Section 102(a) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2612(a)), as amended by section 2(b), is further amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph:
``(5) Entitlement to additional leave for parental involvement and family wellness.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B) and section 103(g), an eligible employee shall be entitled to leave under this paragraph to--
``(i) participate in or attend an activity that is sponsored by a school or community organization and relates to a program of the school or organization that is attended by a son or daughter or a grandchild of the employee; or
``(ii) meet routine family medical care needs (including by attending medical and dental appointments of the employee or a son or daughter, spouse, or grandchild of the employee) or attend to the care needs of an elderly individual who is related to the employee through a relationship described in section 102(a) (including by making visits to nursing homes or group homes).
``(B) Limitations.--
``(i) In general.--An eligible employee shall be entitled to--
``(I) not to exceed 4 hours of leave under this paragraph during any 30-day period; and
``(II) not to exceed 24 hours of leave under this paragraph during any 12-month period described in paragraph (4).
``(ii) Coordination rule.--Leave under this paragraph shall be in addition to any leave provided under any other paragraph of this subsection.
``(C) Definitions.--As used in this paragraph:
``(i) Community organization.--The term `community organization' means a private nonprofit organization that is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and provides activities for individuals described in section 101(12), such as a scouting or sports organization.
``(ii) School.--The term `school' means an elementary school or secondary school (as such terms are defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)), a Head Start program assisted under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.), and a child care facility licensed under State law.''.
(b) Schedule.--Section 102(b)(1) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 2612(b)(1)) is amended by inserting after the third sentence the following new sentence: ``Subject to subsection (e)(4) and section 103(g), leave under subsection (a)(5) may be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule.''.
(c) Substitution of Paid Leave.--Section 102(d)(2) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 2612(d)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) Parental involvement leave and family wellness leave.--
``(i) Vacation leave; personal leave; family leave.--An eligible employee may elect, or an employer may require the employee, to substitute any of the accrued paid vacation leave, personal leave, or family leave of the employee for any part of the period of leave under subsection (a)(5).
``(ii) Medical or sick leave.--An eligible employee may elect, or an employer may require the employee, to substitute any of the accrued paid medical or sick leave of the employee for any part of the period of leave provided under clause
(ii) of subsection (a)(5)(A), except that nothing in this title shall require an employer to provide paid sick leave or paid medical leave in any situation in which such employer would not normally provide any such paid leave.
``(iii) Prohibition on restrictions and limitations.--If the employee elects or the employer requires the substitution of accrued paid leave for leave under subsection (a)(5), the employer shall not restrict or limit the leave that may be substituted or impose any additional terms and conditions on the substitution of such leave that are more stringent for the employee than the terms and conditions set forth in this Act.''.
(d) Notice.--Section 102(e) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 2612(e)), as amended by section 2(b), is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) Notice relating to parental involvement and family wellness leave.--In any case in which an employee requests leave under paragraph (5) of subsection (a), the employee shall--
``(A) provide the employer with not less than 7 days' notice, or (if such notice is impracticable) such notice as is practicable, before the date the leave is to begin, of the employee's intention to take leave under such paragraph; and
``(B) in the case of leave to be taken under subsection
(a)(5)(A)(ii), make a reasonable effort to schedule the activity or care involved so as not to disrupt unduly the operations of the employer, subject to the approval of the health care provider involved (if any).''.
(e) Certification.--Section 103 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 2613) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Certification Related to Parental Involvement and Family Wellness Leave.--An employer may require that a request for leave under section 102(a)(5) be supported by a certification issued at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe.''.
SEC. 5. ENTITLEMENT OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES TO LEAVE FOR
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND FAMILY WELLNESS.
(a) Leave Requirement.--Section 6382(a) of title 5, United States Code, as amended by section 3(b), is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B) and section 6383(f), an employee shall be entitled to leave under this paragraph to--
``(i) participate in or attend an activity that is sponsored by a school or community organization and relates to a program of the school or organization that is attended by a son or daughter or a grandchild of the employee; or
``(ii) meet routine family medical care needs (including by attending medical and dental appointments of the employee or a son or daughter, spouse, or grandchild of the employee) or to attend to the care needs of an elderly individual who is related to the employee through a relationship described in section 6382(a) (including by making visits to nursing homes and group homes).
``(B)(i) An employee is entitled to--
``(I) not to exceed 4 hours of leave under this paragraph during any 30-day period; and
``(II) not to exceed 24 hours of leave under this paragraph during any 12-month period described in paragraph (4).
``(ii) Leave under this paragraph shall be in addition to any leave provided under any other paragraph of this subsection.
``(C) For the purpose of this paragraph--
``(i) the term `community organization' means a private nonprofit organization that is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and provides activities for individuals described in section 6381(6), such as a scouting or sports organization; and
``(ii) the term `school' means an elementary school or secondary school (as such terms are defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)), a Head Start program assisted under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.), and a child care facility licensed under State law.''.
(b) Schedule.--Section 6382(b)(1) of such title is amended--
(1) by inserting after the third sentence the following new sentence: ``Subject to subsection (e)(4) and section 6383(f), leave under subsection (a)(5) may be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule.''; and
(2) in the last sentence, by striking ``involved,'' and inserting ``involved (or, in the case of leave under subsection (a)(5), for purposes of the 30-day or 12-month period involved),''.
(c) Substitution of Paid Leave.--Section 6382(d) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) An employee may elect to substitute for any part of the period of leave under subsection (a)(5), any of the employee's accrued or accumulated annual or sick leave. If the employee elects the substitution of that accrued or accumulated annual or sick leave for leave under subsection
(a)(5), the employing agency shall not restrict or limit the leave that may be substituted or impose any additional terms and conditions on the substitution of such leave that are more stringent for the employee than the terms and conditions set forth in this subchapter.''.
(d) Notice.--Section 6382(e) of such title, as amended by section 3(b)(2), is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) In any case in which an employee requests leave under paragraph (5) of subsection (a), the employee shall--
``(A) provide the employing agency with not less than 7 days' notice, or (if such notice is impracticable) such notice as is practicable, before the date the leave is to begin, of the employee's intention to take leave under such paragraph; and
``(B) in the case of leave to be taken under subsection
(a)(5)(A)(ii), make a reasonable effort to schedule the activity or care involved so as not to disrupt unduly the operations of the employing agency, subject to the approval of the health care provider involved (if any).''.
(e) Certification.--Section 6383(f) of such title is amended by striking ``paragraph (1)(E) or (3) of'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)(E), (3) or (5) of''.
______
By Mr. KAINE (for himself, Mr. Rubio, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms.
Collins, Mr. Coons, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Durbin, Mrs. Feinstein,
Mr. Graham, Mr. King, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Moran,
Mrs. Shaheen, and Mr. Warner):
S.J. Res. 17. A joint resolution requiring the advice and consent of the Senate or an Act of Congress to suspend, terminate, or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty and authorizing related litigation, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, throughout his time in office, President Donald Trump repeatedly disparaged our NATO allies and reportedly threatened withdrawal from the NATO alliance, the bedrock of European and American security for over seventy years. Although our current President has recommitted the United States to NATO and our transatlantic partnerships, it is still necessary for the Senate to consider legislation that prevents any President from withdrawing the United States from this critical defense treaty. This legislation would not only help address present national security challenges by reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Europe, it would also provide clarity to important constitutional questions regarding the role of Congress in terminating U.S. participation in treaties and alliances. Particularly with a treaty obligation that is as central to U.S. security as NATO, no President should be allowed to unilaterally withdraw without the advice and consent of the Senate.
Over the past several years, NATO allies, many of whom we have fought alongside since World War II and earlier in some cases, have questioned our allegiance for the first time in the history of NATO. In response to the only invocation of Article 5 of the NATO Treaty following the 9/
11 attacks, more than 1,000 servicemembers from these allied nations gave their lives fighting alongside the United States. While the United States must continue to press every country to increase defense spending to meet the agreed-upon goal of 2 percent of GDP by 2024, and ensure that our European allies contribute to their own defense, U.S. withdrawal from NATO should not be considered without Congressional input. For this reason, we must use our constitutional powers of advice and consent and of the purse to block any unilateral executive withdrawal, and preemptively authorize legal proceedings to challenge any decision to terminate U.S. membership.
The legislation I am introducing today with Senators Rubio, Collins, Blumenthal, Coons, Duckworth, Durbin, Feinstein, Graham, King, Klobuchar, Merkley, Moran, Shaheen, and Warner would provide the necessary tools to prevent a President from unilaterally withdrawing the United States from the NATO treaty without the consent of Congress. The Senate has repeatedly indicated its support for NATO through previous legislation, including the original vote of 82-13 in 1949 to grant the Senate's consent to join NATO, and the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which called for the United States to ``remain ironclad in its commitment to uphold its obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty.''
I am proud to have bipartisan support for this bill to ensure that the safety of the American people is prioritized through our continued membership in NATO, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that this legislation is swiftly considered by the Senate.
Thank you, Mr. President.
____________________
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