[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 198 (Monday, November 15, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S8066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                              Veterans Day

  Madam President, one final matter. Last week, I had the honor of 
spending Veterans Day at the groundbreaking ceremony for Louisville's 
new VA hospital. We are finally going to replace the city's original VA 
medical center that was built almost 70 years ago. Kentucky veterans 
are going to get new, expanded options for the cutting-edge treatment 
that they richly deserve.
  The long-awaited groundbreaking was a special day for Kentucky and 
our heroes. But for me, the celebration also underscored how 
unfortunate and unacceptable it is when it comes to our legislative 
duties here in Washington. This Democratic Senate majority is coming up 
short on supporting our servicemembers past, present, and future.
  Today is November 15. The full Senate should have considered, 
amended, and passed an annual defense authorization bill months ago. 
That is how it normally works. It is a major bipartisan priority that 
the Senate majority focuses on as a matter of basic governance.
  But this unified Democratic government has been distracted from the 
people's business. They have spent months behind closed doors putting 
together another reckless taxing-and-spending spree. And this obsession 
with party-line wish lists have led Democrats to drop the ball on basic 
duties. Keeping our servicemembers and our commanders waiting months 
for an NDAA is just one example.
  The Democratic majority has also completely dropped the ball on a 
bipartisan appropriations process. Oh, and by the way, President 
Biden's proposals for funding the government would have us cut defense 
spending after inflation.
  According to reports, China recently tested a hypersonic vehicle that 
is capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Just this morning, according to 
some early press reports, Russia may have tested some new anti-
satellite weapon system. In the Middle East, President Biden's own 
advisors are saying that his rushed retreat from Afghanistan will open 
the door for a terrorist resurgence.
  It is against this dangerous backdrop that our Democratic majority 
does not move an NDAA until mid-November, and President Biden doesn't 
want defense spending to keep pace with President Biden's inflation.
  Madam President, better late than never. I am glad the Democratic 
leader says we will finally let the full Senate consider an NDAA in the 
coming days. The Senate will need to have the kind of robust bipartisan 
floor process that is customary for this important bill, and we will 
need to leave extraneous items on the sidelines.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.