[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 4, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S3173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                           Election Security

  Madam President, finally, on election security, today's anniversary 
should also be a reminder of how precious our elections are and how we 
must guarantee that they continue to be fair and to be free.
  Last week, Mr. Mueller reminded us once again that Russia conducted a 
malign campaign to interfere in our 2016 elections. Director Wray and 
our intelligence community leaders have issued clear and unambiguous 
warnings that foreign powers will try to do it again in 2020.
  The Senate must act on this. How can we sit by idly with our arms 
folded complacently while foreign countries try to interfere with our 
democracy--our beautiful, wonderful democracy?
  We have bipartisan legislation ready right now to harden our election 
infrastructure and to hold foreign powers accountable for trying to 
meddle in our elections, but so far, much to our dismay--much to the 
Nation's dismay--Leader McConnell has not indicated any openness to 
have this body consider it.
  As frustrating as that is, we have made progress on my request for an 
all-Senators briefing on the threats of election meddling. We should 
hear from our leaders of the FBI and Homeland Security about the 
upcoming threats. Director Wray has already said something publicly 
about this.
  Now, the good news here is that I spoke to the Republican leader, 
Leader McConnell, and he has agreed to hold such an all-Senators 
briefing. We haven't gotten a date yet. I urge him to hold it as soon 
as possible, and certainly it should take place during this work 
period. This briefing should only be the beginning--the beginning 
only--of a larger conversation about the steps we must take to secure 
our elections.
  Ladies and gentlemen, Democrats and Republicans, Americans, this is 
not optional. There aren't two sides to this issue. Our democracy was 
attacked, and we--both Democrats and Republicans--must take steps to 
prevent an attack in the future.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority whip.


                100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

  Mr. THUNE. Madam President, before I begin, I would like to take just 
a second to mention the resolution the Senate will be passing this week 
celebrating the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of 
the 19th Amendment.
  This was a landmark moment in the history of freedom in our country--
a major step forward in realizing America's promise of liberty. It is 
an important moment to celebrate, and I look forward to voting for this 
resolution this week and honoring all the women whose courage resulted 
in the 19th Amendment's passage.