[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 191 (Thursday, December 8, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S7045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                   National Defense Authorization Act

  Mr. President, now, there is still a lot to do before the end of the 
year. Later today, the House is scheduled to vote on the NDAA, and when 
it arrives here in the Senate, I hope both sides can come to agreement 
quickly, pass it, and send it to the President's desk.
  Defense authorization and preservation of national security are 
important. I hope the Senate can act rather quickly. Equally important 
is funding the whole government, and we need to do whatever it takes to 
make that happen.
  We need to make sure our whole government is postured to compete with 
China, both at DOD and across the government. We need to fund our 
efforts to assist the Ukrainians. We need to fund our new commitments 
to our friends in Taiwan. While there is still more work to do before 
we bridge the gap, I am hopeful we can get a full government funding 
package done soon.
  I want to remind everyone--I think people know it--that fully funding 
the government is the best outcome, not only for the public but for our 
servicemembers in uniform who work day and night to keep us safe. 
Short-term extensions will hinder their ability to work at full 
capacity.
  I hope we don't go down that road, and I urge all sides to keep 
negotiating until we reach a solution.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I ask that the vote not occur until after 
comments by Leader McConnell.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Without objection, it is so ordered.