[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 58 (Thursday, March 30, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S1061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SENATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  Mr. SCHUMER. First, on our work period recap, well, 66 to 30, that is 
the final count of yesterday's vote to repeal the Iraq AUMF of 2002 and 
1991, a bipartisan success years in the making. That was a very good 
moment here on the floor yesterday--a sign that Senators on both sides 
want to see bipartisanship continue in this Chamber.
  We can see it again if Members work together on issues that Americans 
care about, like lowering costs, preserving America's competitiveness, 
and in yesterday's case, stopping endless wars in the Middle East.
  It is my hope that the AUMF repeal can be a model, a blueprint for 
how the Senate operates in the coming years. It is not easy, but it is 
very much possible, and I thank my Republican colleagues, particularly 
Senator Young, for their cooperation.
  The AUMF repeal was the conclusion of a successful busy work period--
5-week work period that we just completed in the Senate--a busy and 
successful work period on and off the floor.
  We confirmed another 14 highly qualified judicial nominees to 
lifetime appointments to the bench, 13 district and one circuit court 
judge, bringing our total to 119 new judges--119 new judges; that makes 
us proud--under President Biden.
  I also want to recognize our committee chairs for their good work 
over the past month or so in holding hearing after hearing, day after 
day, on important issues that Americans care about, like rail safety, 
the health of our banks, the rights of working Americans, the 
President's budget, and more.
  The Senate will hit the ground running when we return from the April 
State work period by taking up the much needed Fire Grants and Safety 
Act. It is my hope that yesterday's 96-0 vote in favor of moving 
forward portends for swift action and argues very strongly against 
dilatory tactics. Let's do the same thing we did on the AUMF. We are 
willing to allow some amendments, but we have got to move forward. This 
is something that is supported broadly, as shown by the 96-0 vote.
  Just this week, 29 fire emergency service groups warned Congress that 
with summer around the corner, local fire departments of all kinds are 
woefully understaffed, underfunded, and underequipped to meet their 
obligations to keep people safe. So, when we return, the Senate must 
move quickly to pass fire grants legislation without unnecessary delays 
to this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation.

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