[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 199 (Wednesday, December 21, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9735-S9738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     
     
        AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023--Continued
     
       The PRESIDING OFFICER. The junior Senator from Delaware.
     
     
                              Afghan Adjustment Act
     
       Mr. COONS. Madam President, I come to the floor for a few moments 
     with a friend and a colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham of South 
     Carolina, but speaking on behalf of a much broader group of Senators.
       Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota has been my partner in this. We 
     have 10 Senators who are cosponsors of an urgent bill, the Afghan 
     Adjustment Act, and the message behind it is simple: that we have to do 
     right by those who fought alongside us for 20 years.
       Madam President, I have two letters with me that I will briefly 
     reference that Shawn VanDiver and the great folks of #AfghanEvac pulled 
     together and presented to us. They have been sent to the majority and 
     minority leaders of the House and the Senate--one signed by 44 flag 
     officers. And I will read one sentence:
     
            We are convinced the Afghan Adjustment Act furthers the 
          national security interests of the United States. It is also 
          a moral imperative.
     
       And the other, from every former Ambassador from the United States to
     
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     Afghanistan, says that ``without the Afghan Adjustment Act, the task of 
     American diplomacy will be much more difficult.'' If we don't act to 
     support our allies by passing it in the future, allies will be less 
     likely to support us.
       And before I hand over comments to my friend and colleague, I just 
     wanted to close by saying, I know this story all too well of an Afghan 
     family of five in Newark, DE: Cher and Shakira Alizai. He served and 
     fought alongside a Delawarean and saved his life. And today, after 
     having received death threats and fleeing the Taliban, he is working 
     day and night to support his family but without the legal status here 
     that this bill would provide.
     
       For folks who are concerned about the alleged lack of vetting of the 
     70,000 Afghans who were brought here, this is the way we get that done: 
     in-person vetting that secures the United States and provides a 
     predictable path forward for these folks.
       I want to thank Congressman Peter Meijer of Michigan, an Army veteran 
     of Iraq, who has been a tireless voice in support of this legislation, 
     and I want to invite my friend and colleague to speak about this 
     legislation and its urgency for our country.
       Mr. GRAHAM. Madam President, I will be very brief here.
       What we are trying to do is solve a dilemma for the Nation. The 
     people we are talking about here almost all came on military aircraft 
     as the country of Afghanistan descended into darkness.
       Yesterday, the Taliban denied a university education for all women. 
     Basically, all women in Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, can't go to 
     school anywhere, anyhow.
       The people who are here that we are talking about got on military 
     aircraft--some have come out other ways--and they have fought alongside 
     us. There is a vetting problem. I acknowledge it.
       We are going to solve the vetting problem. We are going to make sure 
     that people go through a vetting system that protects our national 
     security interests here at home. But 40 percent of these people were 
     Chief of Mission vetted.
       These are the people who interpreted for us, who were there when we 
     needed them during this 20-year war, and they have no place to go. If 
     we send them back, it is a certain death sentence.
       We failed to get it in the omnibus, but we are going to keep trying. 
     I want to let everybody know--the veterans out there who served 
     alongside this population--we are not going to let you down. They were 
     there for you, and we are going to be there for you and them. We are 
     going to get this done. This is the right thing to do.
       There is no other ending that is acceptable to me. The people who 
     were there with us in the fight, that are here in America, need to 
     stay. This will be their new home. They are willing to die for our 
     military members and contractors and civilians.
       I have been to Iraq and Afghanistan over 50 times. A lot of the 
     interpreters that I worked with have made it out. I got involved, like 
     many veterans here in the Senate and the House. So we have a moral 
     obligation to these people. They will make great citizens over time, 
     and we are going to vet them to make sure that we have the right people 
     here.
       But I promise Senator Coons and Klobuchar and Wicker and Moran--the 
     group that started this--that we are going to get this done. To all the 
     veterans groups: Keep your voice up. We need you now more than ever. 
     Next year, this will be a top priority.
       So we are going to succeed in giving those who were willing to risk 
     their life for Americans serving abroad a place to call home: America.
       Mr. COONS. Madam President, I just want to thank my colleagues who 
     have been such great and steadfast supporters. Senator Klobuchar has 
     been tireless in the Democratic Caucus, and we have been joined by 
     Senator Blumenthal, Senator Shaheen, and Senator Leahy.
       Senator Shaheen has also fought tirelessly for the SIB program. There 
     is an expansion of that in the omnibus.
       And, on the other side of the aisle, Senator Blunt, Senator 
     Murkowski, Senator Moran, and Senator Wicker have joined Senator Graham 
     as cosponsors.
       We are so grateful for the American veterans who have brought these 
     cases and this issue to us over and over and have pressed for it. As my 
     colleague from South Carolina has just said, we will not stop fighting 
     for the men and women who served alongside us, who supported our 
     mission, who were a part of our evacuation, and who are now here.
       I cannot imagine a worse moral outcome than for us to force them back 
     to Afghanistan, and this piece of legislation has crafted a solution 
     that allows for in-person vetting for every single Afghan in this 
     country, in exchange for which they would have a path toward legal 
     status.
       After the Vietnam war, thousands of those who served in the military 
     of South Vietnam came to the United States, also as refugees, and they 
     were given legal status through a special adjustment act. That is what 
     we are seeking to do here.
       Those who are here as Afghans temporarily on humanitarian parole face 
     uncertainty and difficulty. We should resolve this. The opposition of a 
     very small number of Senators has blocked this from moving forward, and 
     we want to focus on getting this done.
       To those veterans, those Members of the House, those advocates who 
     have been a part of this effort, we want to thank you. To those who are 
     wondering when and how we are going to get this done, you heard the 
     pledge of my colleague. We are going to keep at this for the rest of 
     this Congress and, if necessary, into the next. We are grateful for 
     your voice, your service, and your support, and we look forward to 
     working with you on this urgent mission together.
       With that, I yield the floor.
       The PRESIDING OFFICER. The senior Senator from Arkansas.
     
     
                             Honoring Fallen Officers
     
       Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today with my friend and 
     colleague Senator Cotton to honor law enforcement officers and 
     recognize the service and heroism of Arkansans who vow to serve and 
     protect by pursuing a career in law enforcement. These individuals 
     selflessly volunteer for this duty while accepting that the dangers of 
     the job also continually put them in harm's way.
       It takes a special person to take on that responsibility, and that 
     fact must never be lost on us. Today, I want to recognize several law 
     enforcement officers who recently made the ultimate sacrifice in the 
     line of duty.
     
     
                        Remembering Detective Paul Newell
     
       Benton County Detective Paul Newell was escorting a convoy of 
     vehicles delivering materials for Wreaths Across America when he was 
     tragically killed in a motorcycle crash on Saturday, December 17.
       As a 24-year veteran of the Benton County Sheriff's Office, Detective 
     Newell made a lasting impression on his colleagues, the community, and 
     everyone who knew him.
       Those who served alongside him saw firsthand the impact of his 
     compassion and kindness on friends and strangers alike. These traits 
     served him well in more than two decades as a law enforcement officer. 
     He was happy to engage with community members to foster positive 
     relationships, participating in events like Shop with a Cop to spread 
     Christmas cheer to children in need.
       He launched his career in law enforcement in 1998 and worked in many 
     jobs in the Benton County Sheriff's Office, including as patrol deputy, 
     patrol sergeant, and training sergeant. His commitment to ensuring that 
     others in the sheriff's office learned from his training and experience 
     was evident.
       Detective Newell was also a motorcycle enthusiast. He rode with the 
     Harley Owners Group and shared that interest with kids in the community 
     by letting them sit on his motorcycle at local events.
       As a veteran of the U.S. Army, he continued his mission to serve 
     others into civilian life and faithfully represented what it means to 
     be a true public servant.
       I join all Arkansans as we mourn the death of this hero. Detective 
     Newell demonstrated what it means to protect and serve every day when 
     he put on his badge and uniform, and his final act was in honor of 
     others who served our country.
       I ask my colleagues to lift up Detective Newell's family in prayer. 
     We are forever grateful for his selfless sacrifice.
     
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       I am honored to be here with my colleague from Arkansas, Senator 
     Cotton, to show our appreciation for fallen, but not forgotten, law 
     enforcement officials.
       Mr. COTTON. Madam President, I join one of law enforcement's finest 
     friends, Senator Boozman, in honoring and mourning Benton County 
     Detective Paul Newell, who passed away on Saturday after a lifetime of 
     service to his community, our State, and our country.
       Detective Newell was also an Army veteran and a law enforcement 
     officer who had served with the Benton County Sheriff's Office for 24 
     years.
       Detective Newell began his career in the office's detention division. 
     Thanks to his hard work, he rose through the ranks to be a patrol 
     deputy, a patrol sergeant, a training sergeant, a lieutenant, and, 
     finally, a detective in the criminal investigative division.
       In short, Detective Newell was a patriot who served his community and 
     his country with great devotion, and, even in his final moments, that 
     is exactly what he was doing.
       Last weekend, Detective Newell gave up his Saturday morning to escort 
     the Wreaths Across America procession through Bentonville. The 
     procession was delivering wreaths to our fallen veterans at 
     Fayetteville National Cemetery. Detective Newell was on a police 
     motorcycle. Tragically, Detective Newell's motorcycle struck a curb 
     during the procession. He crashed into a semitruck and was pronounced 
     dead at the scene.
       Detective Newell's passing is a tragedy and a reminder that the men 
     and women of law enforcement risk their lives every day--and not just 
     in shoot-outs or foot chases but in so many other unsung acts of 
     service they perform day in and day out.
       Detective Newell deserves our gratitude, as does every American who 
     puts on the uniform. I am proud to report that the community of 
     Northwest Arkansas came together to show their gratitude for Detective 
     Newell's service. The morning after that tragic crash, officers and 
     citizens alike came out to honor Detective Newell as law enforcement 
     transported his remains to the Arkansas State Crime Lab.
       Detective Newell gave his life during a procession honoring our 
     fallen heroes. So it is only fitting that Detective Newell should have 
     received a procession honoring him in return.
       Detective Newell's watch has ended, but his spirit and his memory 
     live on. May God comfort his wife Charlene, his daughters, and all 
     those who knew him in this life. May God bless and keep Paul Newell.
     
     
                     Remembering Police Sergeant Donald Scoby
     
       Madam President, I also sadly join Senator Boozman today in mourning 
     the death of another patriot, veteran, and great Arkansan. Last week, 
     Stuttgart Police Sergeant Donald Scoby was shot and killed in the line 
     of duty while pursuing a dangerous criminal.
       Officer Scoby lived a life of selfless service. He is described by 
     friends as ``the type of person who would give you the shirt off his 
     back.''
       He joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to both Iraq and Bosnia, 
     where he fought to keep peace halfway around the world. He proudly and 
     honorably served in our Armed Forces, but he wasn't done there.
     
       Back in Arkansas, he joined the Stuttgart Fire Department and then in 
     2018 joined the Stuttgart Police Department. In 2019, the department 
     named him ``Officer of the Year.''
       After a life of running toward danger to protect others, Officer 
     Scoby was in hot pursuit of a violent and unstable criminal, a man 
     named Jacob Barnes, last week. Barnes then abandoned his car and fled 
     on foot. Officer Scoby pursued him. As Scoby chased down this menace to 
     our society, Barnes opened fire on the officers, shooting and killing 
     Officer Scoby.
       Later that night, Barnes met an end that, it is fair to say, he 
     deserved. He was killed by Arkansas SWAT officers. But this justice is 
     insufficient to repair the far deeper injustice that he had inflicted 
     on our State and on Officer Scoby's comrades in arms, his family, and 
     his friends. Arkansas lost a hero last week.
       Donald Scoby served in war zones, charged toward raging fires, and 
     fought criminals threatening our streets. He protected our country, our 
     State, and our neighborhoods. He lived a noble life and he died nobly, 
     serving the community he loved and swore to protect. He leaves a legacy 
     and an example from which all Arkansans can draw inspiration.
       We grieve his death, but we are grateful for Sergeant Scoby's life of 
     sacrifice. Our prayers are with his wife Amanda and his four children--
     Rebecca, Sarah, Dylan, and Haley--and all those who knew him and loved 
     him. May God bless and keep Donald Scoby and may God console his family 
     and friends in this time of grief.
       Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I also want to recognize the service 
     and sacrifice of Stuttgart Police Department Sergeant Donald Scoby, 
     who, as we have heard, was deeply passionate about public service. For 
     4 years, he protected his community as an officer of the law.
       Sergeant Scoby was fatally shot while attempting to apprehend a 
     suspect who fled a traffic stop last week and laid to rest last Monday.
       Even before joining the police force, he demonstrated his willingness 
     to give back. In fact, helping others and meeting needs bigger than his 
     own have been a cornerstone of his life.
       He served in the U.S. Army and deployed during the Iraq War, in 
     addition to being part of the peacekeeping group in Bosnia.
       He also stepped up to the plate back home, working at the local fire 
     department, first as a volunteer before joining full time. His 
     colleagues at the fire department recall his friendly manner and 
     enthusiasm for helping others.
       His positive attitude and determination were apparent to those he 
     served with or encountered. The Stuttgart mayor called Sergeant Scoby a 
     fierce advocate for the community, and others close to him fondly 
     remember his humor and selflessness, describing him as ``the type of 
     person who would give you the shirt off his back.''
       It is clear that he meant a great deal to so many, and his legacy as 
     a giver and protector will serve to inspire countless others and 
     comfort his family, friends, and all of those impacted throughout his 
     life.
       Sergeant Scoby's death is a tragic reminder of the risk law 
     enforcement officers face each day when they put on their uniform and 
     start their shift, knowing their duty to serve and protect could place 
     their safety and very lives in jeopardy.
       Yet that is exactly the choice they make each day, just as Sergeant 
     Scoby did only a few short days ago. Tragically, but with valor and 
     resolve to uphold his oath, he made the ultimate sacrifice.
       My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, including Amanda, 
     his wife of 16 years, his children, and colleagues at the Stuttgart 
     Police Department, as well as the citizens of this very close community 
     as they mourn the loss of a hero in Sergeant Donald Scoby.
     
     
                     Remembering Police Officer Vincent Parks
     
       Madam President, finally, we join together to recognize the service 
     and sacrifice of Jonesboro Police Officer Vincent Parks.
       ``Vinnie,'' as his family and friends called him, was one of those 
     brave Americans willing to answer the call and play an integral role in 
     the safety and security of his neighbors, friends, and even strangers. 
     He was just weeks into his law enforcement career, learning about how 
     to be a force for good and the responsibilities that come with wearing 
     a badge.
       While continuing his police training at the Central Arkansas Law 
     Enforcement Training Academy at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, his 
     life was tragically cut short. Though he did not survive the medical 
     episode he experienced, we know he was prepared to sacrifice his own 
     safety and well-being for the good of others.
       We are blessed to have brave men and women like Patrolman Parks, who 
     are willing to wear the uniform and take the risk.
       His death is not in vain, and his community has already demonstrated 
     an outpouring of support to show how grateful they are for his service.
       Honoring his life is also a tribute to his family, whom we know were 
     the most important thing to him. He surrounded himself with the love of 
     his mother Jacquelyn, his wife Christina, and his daughter Vivianna--
     his little girl whose dancing brought him endless joy and pride.
       This son, husband, dad, friend, and colleague is gone too soon, but 
     he will
     
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     live in the hearts and memories of all those he impacted and who cared 
     for him.
       Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Jonesboro community and 
     those who served alongside Officer Parks and all those who loved him.
       May he rest in peace and may his example inspire and shape future 
     acts of service and sacrifice.
       I yield the floor to Senator Cotton and thank him for his constant 
     efforts to champion our law enforcement community.
       Mr. COTTON. Sadly, I join Senator Boozman again in mourning the death 
     of a public servant and a good and decent Arkansan. This July, 
     Jonesboro policeman Vincent Parks died of a heart attack after training 
     exercises at the Central Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. He 
     was on the force for 32 days.
       Parks was a native Arkansan and dedicated family man who is survived 
     by his loving wife Christina and his daughter Vivianna. He is 
     remembered as a kind and joyful man with an infectious smile and 
     positive attitude that could fill a room.
       For 14 years, he had a good, stable job, but he felt a calling to do 
     more and to serve the community where he was born. So in June of this 
     year, he answered that call. At the age of 38, he joined the Jonesboro 
     Police Department.
       Tragically, only a month into this noble new chapter of his life, 
     Officer Parks started showing signs of medical distress during 
     training. He suffered a severe heart attack on the way to the hospital 
     and was pronounced dead later that day.
       All of Arkansas was saddened by the news of this good and dedicated 
     man who was taken from his family and community so young and too early, 
     but his memory, spirit, and example endure.
       May God bless and keep Vinnie Parks, and may God bless and keep all 
     of our heroic fallen officers.
       I yield the floor.
       The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Connecticut.
     
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