[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 129 (Tuesday, August 2, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3838-S3839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                          Biden Administration

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, over the last 5 days, we have seen what 
President Biden and a Democratic-led Congress are focused on getting 
done: bringing terrorists to justice, lowering costs, reducing 
inflation and the deficit, helping out our veterans, and better 
competing with countries like China.
  I want to begin with a word on last night's strike. Last night, 
President Biden reported that the United States conducted a strike that 
targeted and killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, the notorious mass murderer, the 
leader of al-Qaida, and one of the sick planners of the September 11 
attacks, which in New York and around the country and the world we are 
still mourning.

  The strike against al-Zawahiri is a major victory for the United 
States. It will make our country and the entire world a safer place. It 
will also help bring an element of justice for the 9/11 families, as 
well as the many Americans who still carry the scars deep within.
  I applaud President Biden for bringing final justice to this 
loathsome murderer who orchestrated the killing of thousands of my 
fellow New Yorkers, including some people I knew quite well. I also 
want to thank the President's national security team for keeping 
Congress fully and currently informed throughout the process. Finally, 
I want to applaud the skill and bravery of our dedicated intelligence 
community, servicemembers, and diplomats who work day and night--day 
and night--to keep America safe.
  This successful mission will send a chill down the spines of 
terrorists all over the world and likewise will send a clear message to 
those who wish to cross our Nation and harm our citizens: You will find 
no comfort. You will find no quarter. You can run, but you can't hide. 
We will hunt you down to the ends of the Earth until justice is carried 
out.


                            PACT Act of 2022

  Mr. President, now on the PACT Act, every day that passes without 
action on the PACT Act is another day that our Nation's veterans have 
to do the

[[Page S3839]]

unthinkable: fight for basic healthcare benefits they rightfully 
deserve.
  Two months ago, the Senate overwhelmingly passed this bill that 
secured the largest healthcare benefit expansion for our veterans in 
decades. We are dealing by and large with that exact bill again, so 
there is no justification to delay swift passage of the PACT Act any 
longer.
  I am very hopeful that Republicans can work with Democrats to break 
through the impasse on the PACT Act immediately. We have offered 
Senator Paul and Senator Toomey votes on the amendments they have been 
calling for, set at a 60-vote threshold, just like the cloture vote has 
a 60-vote threshold. We hope to reach an agreement where we can act on 
this bill as soon as today, but for that to happen, our colleagues on 
the other side of the aisle should work with us in good faith.
  There is no better message we can send to the veterans who have 
camped out for nights in front of the Capitol than that their long wait 
and the wait of veterans everywhere is finally over. These brave 
Americans risked life and limb to keep our country safe, and the very 
least we can do is ensure they receive top care.
  I urge my colleagues to come together so we can get the PACT Act done 
ASAP, as soon as today.