[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 216 (Wednesday, December 15, 2021)]
[Daily Digest]
[Pages D1381-D1386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                                       Wednesday, December 15, 2021

[[Page D1381]]

                              Daily Digest


HIGHLIGHTS

      Senate agreed to the motion to concur in the amendment of the 
      House of Representatives to S. 1605, National Defense 
      Authorization Act.


                                 Senate


Chamber Action
Routine Proceedings, pages S9167-S9218
Measures Introduced: Fifteen bills were introduced, as follows: S. 
3396-3410.                                                   
  Page S9213
Measures Passed:
  Enrollment Correction: Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 64, directing 
the Secretary of the Senate to make a correction in the enrollment of 
the bill S. 1605.                                            
  Page S9216
  REMOTE Act: Senate passed H.R. 5545, to extend certain expiring 
provisions of law relating to benefits provided under Department of 
Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs during COVID-19 
pandemic.                                                
  Pages S9216-17
  Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act: Committee on Banking, 
Housing, and Urban Affairs was discharged from further consideration of 
S. 1404, to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 23d Headquarters 
Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Service Company, popularly known as 
the `Ghost Army', in recognition of their unique and highly 
distinguished service in conducting deception operations in Europe 
during World War II, and the bill was then passed, after taking action 
on the following amendments proposed thereto:            
  Pages S9217-18
Adopted:
  Schumer (for Markey) Amendment No. 4894, in the nature of a 
substitute.                                                  
Page S9217
  Schumer (for Markey) Amendment No. 4895, to amend the title. 
                                                             Page S9218
House Messages:
  National Defense Authorization Act: By 88 yeas to 11 nays (Vote No. 
499), Senate agreed to the motion to concur in the amendment of the 
House of Representatives to S. 1605, to designate the National Pulse 
Memorial located at 1912 South Orange Avenue in Orlando, Florida, after 
taking action on the following motions and amendments proposed thereto:
                                                             Page S9167
Withdrawn:
  Schumer motion to concur in the amendment of the House of 
Representatives to the bill, with Schumer Amendment No. 4880 (to the 
House amendment), to add an effective date.                  
Page S9175
  During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the 
following action:
  Schumer Amendment No. 4881 (to Amendment No. 4880), to modify the 
effective date, fell when Schumer motion to concur in the amendment of 
the House of Representatives to the bill, with Schumer Amendment No. 
4880 (to the House amendment) (listed above) was withdrawn. 
                                                             Page S9175
Gawande Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Atul Atmaram Gawande, of Massachusetts, to be an 
Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International 
Development.                                                 
  Page S9200
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Friday, December, 17, 2021.
                                                             Page S9200
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9200
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9200
  A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further 
consideration of the nomination at approximately 10 a.m., on Thursday, 
December 16, 2021.                                           
Page S9218
Lopez Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination 
of Linda Lopez, of California, to be United States District Judge for 
the Southern District of California.                         
  Page S9200

[[Page D1382]]


  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Atul Atmaram Gawande, of Massachusetts, to be an 
Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International 
Development.                                                 
Page S9200
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9200
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9200
Ohta Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination 
of Jinsook Ohta, of California, to be United States District Judge for 
the Southern District of California.                         
  Page S9200
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Linda Lopez, of California, to be United States District 
Judge for the Southern District of California.               
Page S9200
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9200
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9200
Urias Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination 
of David Herrera Urias, of New Mexico, to be United States District 
Judge for the District of New Mexico.                        
  Page S9200
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Jinsook Ohta, of California, to be United States District 
Judge for the Southern District of California.               
Page S9200
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9200
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9200
Frimpong Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, of California, to be United 
States District Judge for the Central District of California. 
                                                             Page S9201
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of David Herrera Urias, of New Mexico, to be United States 
District Judge for the District of New Mexico.               
Page S9201
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9200
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9201
Beckering Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Jane M. Beckering, of Michigan, to be United States 
District Judge for the Western District of Michigan.         
  Page S9201
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, of California, to be United 
States District Judge for the Central District of California. 
                                                             Page S9201
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9201
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9201
Kumar Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination 
of Shalina D. Kumar, of Michigan, to be United States District Judge 
for the Eastern District of Michigan.                        
  Page S9201
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Jane M. Beckering, of Michigan, to be United States 
District Judge for the Western District of Michigan.         
Page S9201
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9201
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9201
Thurston Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Jennifer L. Thurston, of California, to be United States 
District Judge for the Eastern District of California.       
  Page S9201
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the

[[Page D1383]]

Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the nomination 
of Shalina D. Kumar, of Michigan, to be United States District Judge 
for the Eastern District of Michigan.                        
Page S9201
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9201
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9201
Menendez Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Katherine Marie Menendez, of Minnesota, to be United 
States District Judge for the District of Minnesota.         
  Page S9201
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Jennifer L. Thurston, of California, to be United States 
District Judge for the Eastern District of California.   
Pages S9201-02
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9201
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9201
Dimke Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination 
of Mary Katherine Dimke, of Washington, to be United States District 
Judge for the Eastern District of Washington.                
  Page S9202
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Katherine Marie Menendez, of Minnesota, to be United 
States District Judge for the District of Minnesota.         
Page S9202
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9202
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9202
Pantaleon Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Julissa Reynoso Pantaleon, of New York, to be Ambassador 
of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Spain, and to serve 
concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador of the 
United States of America to the Principality of Andorra.     
  Page S9202
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Mary Katherine Dimke, of Washington, to be United States 
District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington.       
Page S9202
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9202
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9202
Emanuel Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Rahm Emanuel, of Illinois, to be Ambassador of the United 
States of America to Japan.                                  
  Page S9202
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Julissa Reynoso Pantaleon, of New York, to be Ambassador 
of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Spain, and to serve 
concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador of the 
United States of America to the Principality of Andorra.     
Page S9202
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9202
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9202
Markell Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Jack A. Markell, of Delaware, to be Representative of the 
United States of America to the Organization for Economic Cooperation 
and Development, with the rank of Ambassador.                
  Page S9202
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Rahm Emanuel, of Illinois, to be Ambassador of the United 
States of America to Japan.                              
Pages S9202-03
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9202
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9202
Crocker Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Bathsheba Nell Crocker, of the District of Columbia, to 
be Representative of the United States of America to the

[[Page D1384]]

Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in 
Geneva, with the rank of Ambassador.                         
  Page S9203
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Jack A. Markell, of Delaware, to be Representative of the 
United States of America to the Organization for Economic Cooperation 
and Development, with the rank of Ambassador.                
Page S9203
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9203
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9203
Gitenstein Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Mark Gitenstein, of Washington, to be Representative of 
the United States of America to the European Union, with the rank and 
status of Ambassador.                                        
  Page S9203
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Bathsheba Nell Crocker, of the District of Columbia, to 
be Representative of the United States of America to the Office of the 
United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, with 
the rank of Ambassador.                                      
Page S9203
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9203
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9203
Bauer Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination 
of Denise Campbell Bauer, of California, to be Ambassador of the United 
States of America to the French Republic, and to serve concurrently and 
without additional compensation as Ambassador of the United States of 
America to the Principality of Monaco.                       
  Page S9203
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Mark Gitenstein, of Washington, to be Representative of 
the United States of America to the European Union, with the rank and 
status of Ambassador.                                        
Page S9203
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9203
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9203
Burns Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination 
of R. Nicholas Burns, of Massachusetts, to be Ambassador of the United 
States of America to the People's Republic of China.         
  Page S9203
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Denise Campbell Bauer, of California, to be Ambassador of 
the United States of America to the French Republic, and to serve 
concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador of the 
United States of America to the Principality of Monaco. 
                                                         Pages S9203-04
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9203
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9203
Cronin Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Claire D. Cronin, of Massachusetts, to be Ambassador of 
the United States of America to Ireland.                     
  Page S9204
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of R. Nicholas Burns, of Massachusetts, to be Ambassador of 
the United States of America to the People's Republic of China. 
                                                             Page S9204
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9204
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9204
Escobari Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Marcela Escobari, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant 
Administrator of the United States Agency for International 
Development.                                                 
  Page S9204
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Claire D. Cronin, of Massachusetts, to be Ambassador of 
the United States of America to Ireland.                     
Page S9204

[[Page D1385]]


  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9204
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9204
Knapper Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Marc Evans Knapper, of California, to be Ambassador of 
the United States of America to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 
                                                             Page S9204
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Marcela Escobari, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant 
Administrator of the United States Agency for International 
Development.                                                 
Page S9204
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9204
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9204
Gifford Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Rufus Gifford, of Massachusetts, to be Chief of Protocol, 
and to have the rank of Ambassador.                          
  Page S9204
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Marc Evans Knapper, of California, to be Ambassador of 
the United States of America to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 
                                                             Page S9204
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9204
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9204
Sanchez Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the 
nomination of Gabriel P. Sanchez, of California, to be United States 
Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.                         
  Page S9205
  A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the 
nomination of Rufus Gifford, of Massachusetts, to be Chief of Protocol, 
and to have the rank of Ambassador.                          
Page S9205
  Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the 
following action:
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session. 
                                                             Page S9205
  Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to 
consider the nomination.                                     
Page S9205
Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations:
  By 50 yeas to 49 nays (Vote No. EX. 500), Jennifer Sung, of Oregon, 
to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.     
Page S9175
  By 62 yeas to 37 nays (Vote No. EX. 501), Samantha D. Elliott, of New 
Hampshire, to be United States District Judge for the District of New 
Hampshire.                                               
Pages S9181-82
  Rostin Behnam, of Maryland, to be Chairman of the Commodity Futures 
Trading Commission.
  Rostin Behnam, of Maryland, to be a Commissioner of the Commodity 
Futures Trading Commission for a term expiring June 19, 2026. 
                                                             Page S9205
Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations:
  Errol Rajesh Arthur, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate 
Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of 
fifteen years.
  Leslie A. Meek, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge 
of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of 
fifteen years.
  Carl Ezekiel Ross, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate 
Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of 
fifteen years.
  Jessica G. L. Clarke, of New York, to be United States District Judge 
for the Southern District of New York.
  Sherilyn Peace Garnett, of California, to be United States District 
Judge for the Central District of California.
  Hector Gonzalez, of New York, to be United States District Judge for 
the Eastern District of New York.
  Kenly Kiya Kato, of California, to be United States District Judge 
for the Central District of California.
  Nina Morrison, of New York, to be United States District Judge for 
the Eastern District of New York.
  Evelyn Padin, of New Jersey, to be United States District Judge for 
the District of New Jersey.
  William S. Pocan, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge 
for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
  Jennifer Louise Rochon, of New York, to be United States District 
Judge for the Southern District of New York.

[[Page D1386]]


  Fred W. Slaughter, of California, to be United States District Judge 
for the Central District of California.
  Sunshine Suzanne Sykes, of California, to be United States District 
Judge for the Central District of California.
  1 Air Force nomination in the rank of general.
  1 Army nomination in the rank of general.
  A routine list in the Army.                                
Page S9218
Messages from the House:                                     
  Page S9209
Measures Referred:                                           
  Page S9209
Enrolled Bills Presented:                                    
  Page S9209
Executive Communications:                                    
  Page S9209
Executive Reports of Committees:                         
  Pages S9209-13
Additional Cosponsors:                                   
  Pages S9213-14
Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions:              
  Pages S9214-15
Additional Statements:                                       
  Page S9209
Amendments Submitted:                                    
  Pages S9215-16
Authorities for Committees to Meet:                          
  Page S9216
Privileges of the Floor:                                     
  Page S9216
Record Votes: Three record votes were taken today. (Total--501) 
                                                  Pages S9175, S9181-82
Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 8:15 p.m., 
until 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 16, 2021. (For Senate's program, 
see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on page 
S9218.)