[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 43 (Thursday, March 10, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, so we still have some more work to do,
but it has already been a remarkably busy and productive week here in
the Senate.
After nearly a decade of work, this week the Senate finally passed
the largest postal reform bill in a very long time, with huge
bipartisan support, I am happy to say. We also sent to the President's
desk the first bill in American history that finally, finally--long
overdue--declares lynching a Federal crime after a century of failed
attempts. These are both momentous and indeed historic accomplishments,
and I thank my colleagues for working in good faith to get them done.
I have always said that, whenever possible, Democrats would be
willing to work in a bipartisan way to get things done, and, once the
omnibus is done, in this week we will have achieved three major
bipartisan accomplishments.
Yesterday, Senate Democrats also met for our DPCC retreat over at
Howard University, where we had a spirited and productive conversation
about the biggest issues facing American families: lowering costs. As
the world continues to struggle with COVID, supply chain disruptions,
and Russia's war on Ukraine, Americans need relief--relief on
everything from energy costs, prescription drug costs, the cost of
groceries and meat and so much more. Democrats will keep working these
issues with laser-like intensity and unflinching focus.
Moving forward, the Senate will also continue the process of
considering and, ultimately, confirming President Biden's exceptional
nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. That
Judge Jackson is qualified for the High Court is not in question. That
she merits bipartisan support should not be disputed, because on three
occasions she has already come before this Chamber and has been
embraced by people on both sides of the aisle.
When Judge Jackson's confirmation hearings begin on March 21, the
entire Nation will get to see what many of us in the Senate are
learning for ourselves: Judge Jackson is brilliant, she is beloved, and
she belongs on the Supreme Court. The three b's: brilliant, beloved,
belongs.
We have more work to do before this week comes to an end, but, for
now, I thank my colleagues for a very, very productive few days.
I yield the floor.
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. McCONNELL. 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.
____________________