[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 160 (Thursday, October 5, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Page S6328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                    NOMINATION OF LEE FRANCIS CISSNA

  Mr. President, I had expected to be able to vote today on the 
confirmation of Mr. Lee Francis Cissna, to be Director of the U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS. Instead, I am in Las Vegas 
helping my constituents in the aftermath of the worst mass shooting in 
modern American history.
  On the question of Mr. Cissna's nomination, I want to make my 
opposition to his confirmation clear. I do not believe Mr. Cissna to be 
qualified to lead the USCIS. This decision is based on his prior 
experience, as well as his testimony before the Senate Judiciary 
Committee. Mr. Cissna stated during his confirmation hearing that he 
had a role on President Trump's transition team and he offered his 
``technical assistance'' in crafting some of the President's draconian 
immigration policies. Additionally, it is my belief that Mr. Cissna 
does not have the management experience necessary to oversee a large 
organization like the USCIS.
  If confirmed, I hope that Mr. Cissna will surpass my expectations and 
serve this country well as USCIS Director. The role of the USCIS in 
implementing and administering our immigration benefits is too 
important for any other result. I believe strongly in the importance of 
immigrants to the culture and economy of the United States, and I hope 
Mr. Cissna's actions as Director show that he agrees. However, I cannot 
in good conscience vote to confirm someone about whom I have so many 
concerns.
  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.