[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 186 (Thursday, November 9, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5446-S5456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



             Unanimous Consent Requests--Executive Calendar

  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I am glad that I am rising after my 
colleague from Alaska because I am rising on behalf of a group of very 
special people and also in commemoration of three very special dates. 
The group of people are 364 nominations for military appointments who 
have been pending for months and months and months on the floor of the 
U.S. Senate; and I rise in their honor with the intention, in a few 
minutes, to begin offering unanimous consent motions so that they may 
finally be confirmed to the positions they have earned through their 
sacrifice in the uniform of this country.

[[Page S5447]]

  I also rise to commemorate three special days: November 9, November 
10, and November 11. November 9, today, is Military Day in Alabama, 
designated by Governor Kay Ivey about 10 days ago, recognizing the deep 
connection between Alabama and our Nation's military mission. Governor 
Ivey asked all who were veterans or in Active Duty to wear their 
uniforms today. She asked employers to encourage that to happen. And 
she said that this day--Thursday, November 9, 2023--in the State of 
Alabama should be a day where we commemorate our Active Duty and 
veterans.
  When I saw that today had been designated Military Day in Alabama, I 
was interested in that, and I wondered whether that was the case in 
other States as well. It turns out, no, that it is not. I hope it might 
be a trend that other Governors pick up on in future years.
  The second day that I want to acknowledge is tomorrow, November 10, 
which is the Marine Corps' 248th birthday. I offer this one with a 
little bit of parental pride because my oldest son was a marine 
infantry commander who is now a marine reservist.
  The Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775, when, at the 
Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, there was enacted the 
creation of this corps of marines. And almost immediately, the effort 
began to recruit marines to fulfill the Continental Congress's mandate. 
And the recruitment began at a tavern, Tun Tavern, which is still 
commemorated in Philadelphia.
  And then the final day is Veterans Day, which is set for November 11 
every year. We commemorate it, when it is on a weekend, on the nearest 
weekday. So Veterans Day this year is going to be celebrated tomorrow, 
November 10.
  Veterans Day has an amazing history as well. World War I hostilities 
ended on the eleventh hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. 
And so, a year later, Congress, President Wilson, acted to declare that 
November 11 would henceforth be a day to recognize the heroism of World 
War I veterans. It was originally Armistice Day.
  Armistice Day then began to be celebrated as Armistice Day beginning 
in--it was first commemorated in 1921 with the burial of an unknown 
soldier from World War I at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, 
VA. In 1954, by now, Armistice Day had been extended to celebrate all 
veterans of all wars, and the name of it was changed by Congress under 
President Eisenhower to Veterans Day.
  And so we stand here today, on November 9, Military Day in Alabama. 
Tomorrow will be the Marine Corps' 248th birthday. And we will 
commemorate tomorrow and Saturday Veterans Day all across this country.
  I said I was standing on behalf not only of three special days but 
also hundreds of special people. My colleague and Armed Services 
colleague Senator Tuberville of Alabama has, as is his right as a 
Senator, imposed a blockade on consideration in the normal course of 
business, pursuant to Senate practice, the confirmation of now 364 
high-ranking military officials who have come through the Armed 
Services Committee.
  Senator Tuberville did not object to them coming through the 
committee, but he has placed a hold on these nominees on account of his 
disagreement with a Department of Defense policy that provides leave 
and travel authorities for military servicemembers and their families 
who must travel to seek noncovered reproductive healthcare, including 
abortion care, in vitro fertilization services, and others.
  As of today, according to the Pentagon, 364 individuals are being 
held in this way. Huge numbers of these individuals are either in 
Virginia awaiting confirmation for new positions, in other States 
awaiting confirmation for positions that would move them to Virginia, 
or have had some of their military service in the Commonwealth of 
Virginia. I haven't done the math, but I would venture to suggest that 
this affects Virginians and future Virginians more than it might any 
other State.
  And, to be plain, none of these 364 have anything to do with or any 
responsibility over the policy with which my colleague from Alabama 
finds significant disagreement.
  My colleague and I disagree on the policy. That is the norm on the 
Senate floor. My colleague has had his opportunity to convince Armed 
Services Committee members that the policy is wrong and has failed to 
do so, and he has had the opportunity to bring it forward on the Senate 
floor and has failed to do so.
  But these individuals are in a limbo that is very painful to them, 
and it is my hope that because my Senate colleague did not object to 
them when they were before the Armed Services Committee, he might see 
fit--on Military Day in Alabama and on the eve of commemorating the 
Marine Corps' 248th birthday and Veterans Day--to finally allow them to 
serve in the positions that they have earned.
  And so, with that, Mr. President, I would like to quickly read a 
letter that we recently received from the American Legion, also timed 
around Veterans Day, and then move into an effort to seek by unanimous 
consent the confirmation of all 364 nominees pending before this body.
  To begin--from the American Legion--this was a letter that came to us 
yesterday, no doubt timed because of the pendency of Veterans Day.

       Dear Senate leadership: On behalf of our 1.6 million dues-
     paying members, The American Legion respectfully requests 
     your timely attention to the hundreds of U.S. military 
     vacancies awaiting confirmation. Your leadership and the 
     resolve of your conferences to come together and end this 
     blockade is vital to American national security and to 
     preserving the lives of our men and women in uniform. Failure 
     to find a bipartisan solution to the continued political 
     chess risks the lives of our servicemembers and the safety of 
     our nation.
       Since 1919, The American Legion has emphasized the 
     importance of a strong national defense. A well-funded, well-
     equipped, and well-trained military plays a vital role in 
     safeguarding the principles our nation holds dear. As U.S. 
     troops are targeted in the Middle East and global tensions 
     are on the rise, it is imperative leadership vacancies within 
     our military are filled now! Our allies and adversaries are 
     watching closely; inaction risks innumerable consequences.
       The personal toll of confirmation purgatory extends far 
     beyond uniformed candidates with uncertain promotions. U.S. 
     servicemembers may pay the ultimate price if the perception 
     of chaos continues to create opportunity for our adversaries. 
     As we've seen in the past month alone, the Pentagon has 
     reported more than 38 attacks against U.S. troops in the 
     Middle East. While politicians continue to play games and use 
     our servicemembers as pawns, their lives remain in harm's way 
     and could be left paying the ultimate price.
       The American Legion urges both conferences to come together 
     to end the inaction holding our armed forces hostage. Your 
     leadership is vital to protect our servicemembers, national 
     security and our country.
       For God and country, Daniel J. Seehafer, National 
     Commander, American Legion.

  With that, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the consideration of the following nomination: Calendar No. 
46, Col. Leigh A. Swanson to brigadier general; that the Senate vote on 
the nomination without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, 
the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table 
with no intervening action or debate; that any statements related to 
the nomination be printed in the Record; and that the President be 
immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 47, MG Sean A. Gainey to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 48, MG Heidi J. Hoyle to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 49, BG Laurence S. Linton to be 
major general.

[[Page S5448]]

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 50, BG Stacy M. Babcock to be 
major general and COL Peggy R. McManus to be brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 51, Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara to 
be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 52, MG Robert M. Collins to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 82, the following individuals 
nominated to be brigadier general: Col. David J. Berkland, Col. Amy S. 
Bumgarner, Col. Ivory D. Carter, Col. Raja J. Chari, Col. Jason E. 
Corrothers, Col. John B. Creel, Col. Nicholas B. Evans, Col. Bridget V. 
Gigliotti, Col. Christopher B. Hammond, Col. Leslie F. Hauck III, Col. 
Kurt C. Helphinstine, Col. Abraham L. Jackson, Col. Benjamin R. 
Jonsson, Col. Joy M. Kaczor, Col. Christopher J. Leonard, Col. 
Christopher E. Menuey, Col. David S. Miller, Col. Jeffrey A. Philips, 
Col. Erik N. Quigley, Col. Michael S. Rowe, Col. Derek M. Salmi, Col. 
Kayle M. Stevens, Col. Jose E. Sumangil, Col. Terence G. Taylor, Col. 
Jason D. Voorheis, Col. Michael O. Walters, and Col. Adrienne L. 
Williams.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 83, Col. Corey A. Simmons to be 
brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 84, Rear Admiral George M. Wickoff 
to be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 85, Rear Admiral Frederick W. 
Kacher to be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 86, the following group of 
individuals who have been nominated to be brigadier general: Col. Sean 
M. Carpenter, Col. Mary K. Haddad, Col. James L. Hartle, Col. Aaron J. 
Heick, Col. Joseph D. Janik, Col. Michael T. McGinley, Col. Kevin J. 
Merrill, Col. Tara E. Nolan, Col. Roderick C. Owens, Col. Mark D. 
Richey, and Col. Norman B. Shaw, Jr.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 87, the following couple of 
individuals nominated to be brigadier general: Col. Kristin A. Hillery 
and Col. Michelle L. Wagner.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 88, the following group of 
individuals nominated to be major general: Brig. Gen. Elizabeth E. 
Arledge, Brig. Gen. Robert M. Blake, Brig. Gen. Vanessa J. Dornhoefer, 
Brig. Gen. Christopher A. Freeman, Brig. Gen. David P. Garfield, Brig. 
Gen. Mitchell A. Hanson, Brig. Gen. Jody A. Merritt, Brig. Gen. Adrian 
K. White, Brig. Gen. William W. Whittenberger, Jr., and Brig. Gen. 
Christopher F. Yancy.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 90, Rear Admiral Shoshana S. 
Chatfield to be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 91, Col. William F. Wilkerson to 
be brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 92, Col. Evelyn E. Laptook to be 
brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 93, Brigadier General Ronald R. 
Ragin--R-A-G-I-N--to be major general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 94, the following group of 
individuals nominated to be brigadier general: COL Brandon C. Anderson, 
COL Beth A. Behn, COL Matthew W. Braman, COL Kenneth J. Burgess, COL 
Thomas E. Burke, COL Chad C. Chalfont, COL Kendall J. Clarke, COL 
Patrick M. Costello, COL Rory A. Crooks, COL Troy M. Denomy, COL Sara 
E. Dudley, COL Joseph E. Escandon, COL Alric L. Francis, COL George C. 
Hackler, COL William C. Hannan, Jr., COL Peter G. Hart, COL Gregory L. 
Holden, COL Paul D. Howard, COL James G. Kent, COL Curtis W. King, COL 
John P. Lloyd, COL Shannon M. Lucas, COL Landis C. Maddox, COL Kareem 
P. Montague, COL John B. Mountford, COL David C. Phillips, COL Kenneth 
N. Reed, COL John W. Sannes, COL Andrew O. Saslav, COL Charlone E. 
Stallworth, COL Jennifer S. Walkawicz, COL Camilla A. White, COL Scott 
D. Wilkinson, COL Jeremy S. Wilson, COL Scott C. Woodward, COL Joseph 
W. Wortham II, and COL David J. Zinn.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to 
make the same request with respect to Calendar No. 95, the following 
group of

[[Page S5449]]

individuals nominated to be brigadier general: Col. David R. Everly, 
Col. Kelvin W. Gallman, Col. Adolfo Garcia, Jr., Col. Matthew T. Good, 
Col. Trevor Hall, Col. Richard D. Joyce, Col. Omar J. Randall, and Col. 
Robert S. Weiler.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 96, rear admiral (lower half) for 
the following two individuals: CAPT Walter D. Brafford and CAPT Robert 
J. Hawkins.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 97, the following group of 
individuals nominated to be rear admiral (lower half): CAPT Amy N. 
Bauernschmidt, CAPT Michael B. Devore, CAPT Thomas A. Donovan, CAPT 
Frederic C. Goldhammer, CAPT Ian L. Johnson, CAPT Neil A. Koprowski, 
CAPT Paul J. Lanzilotta, CAPT Joshua Lasky, CAPT Donald W. Marks, CAPT 
Craig T. Mattingly, CAPT Andrew T. Miller, CAPT Lincoln M. Reifsteck, 
CAPT Frank A. Rhodes IV, CAPT Thomas E. Shultz, CAPT Todd E. Whalen, 
and CAPT Forrest O. Young.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 98, to be rear admiral (lower 
half): CAPT Brian J. Anderson and CAPT Julie M. Treanor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 99, two individuals nominated to 
be rear admiral: Rear Admiral (lh) Casey J. Moton and Rear Admiral (lh) 
Stephen R. Tedford.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 100, Rear Admiral (lh) Rick 
Freedman to be rear admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 101, Rear Admiral (lh) Kenneth W. 
Epps to be rear admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 102, the following group of 
individuals nominated to be rear admiral: Rear Admiral (lh) Stephen D. 
Barnett, Rear Admiral (lh) Michael W. Baze, Rear Admiral (lh) Richard 
T. Brophy, Jr., Rear Admiral (lh) Joseph F. Cahill III, Rear Admiral 
(lh) Brian L. Davies, Rear Admiral (lh) Michael P. Donnelly, Rear 
Admiral (lh) Daniel P. Martin, Rear Admiral (lh) Richard E. Seif, Jr., 
Rear Admiral (lh) Paul C. Spedero, Jr., Rear Admiral (lh) Derek A. 
Trinque, Rear Admiral (lh) Dennis Velez, Rear Admiral (lh) Darryl L. 
Walker, and Rear Admiral (lh) Jeromy B. Williams.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 103, CAPT Frank G. Schlereth III 
to be rear admiral (lower half).
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 104, the following pair of 
individuals to be nominated to be rear admiral (lower half): CAPT 
Joshua C. Himes and CAPT Kurtis A. Mole.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to the following individuals on Executive Calendar 
No. 105 to be rear admiral (lower half): CAPT Thomas J. Dickinson, CAPT 
Kevin R. Smith, CAPT Todd S. Weeks, CAPT Dianna Wolfson.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 106 to be major general: Brig. 
Gen. Thomas W. Harrell, Brig. Gen. Jeannine M. Ryder.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 107, Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, 
Jr., to be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 110, these individuals as a group 
nominated to be major general: Brig. Gen. Curtis R. Bass, Brig. Gen. 
Kenyon K. Bell, Brig. Gen. Charles D. Bolton, Brig. Gen. Larry R. 
Broadwell, Jr., Brig. Gen. Scott A. Cain, Brig. Gen. Sean M. Choquette, 
Brig. Gen. Roy W. Collins, Brig. Gen. John R. Edwards, Brig. Gen. Jason 
T. Hinds, Brig. Gen. Justin R. Hoffman, Brig. Gen. Stacy J. Huser, 
Brig. Gen. Matteo G. Martemucci, Brig. Gen. David A. Mineau, Brig. Gen. 
Paul D. Moga, Brig. Gen. Ty W. Neuman, Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Niemi, 
Brig. Gen. Brandon D. Parker, Brig. Gen. Michael T. Rawls, Brig. Gen. 
Patrick S. Ryder, Brig. Gen. David G. Shoemaker, Brig. Gen. Rebecca J. 
Sonkiss, Brig. Gen. Claude K. Tudor, Jr., Brig. Gen. Dale R. White.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 111, Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, 
to be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 112, Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Masiello 
to be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, there 
is no institution in the world I honor more than the U.S. military. I 
am thankful to every veteran all year long, not just on Veterans Day.
  The Republican Party has been a pro-life party for half a century. We 
ought to be proud that we stand for life. We stand for the most 
vulnerable in our society, the unborn.

[[Page S5450]]

  Let me explain, again, why I am doing this and how we got here and 
where we go from here. Nine months ago, the Pentagon announced that 
they would start using taxpayer dollars to facilitate abortion. The 
Pentagon is now paying for travel and extra time--time off--for 
servicemembers and their dependents to get abortions.
  Let me remind everybody, Congress never voted for this. We also never 
appropriated money for this. There is no law that allows this 
administration to do this. In fact, there is a law that says they can't 
do this. It is 10 U.S.C. section 1093. It says the only time the 
Pentagon can spend taxpayer dollars on abortion is in cases of rape, 
incest, and a threat to the life of the mom.

  So this is a policy that is illegal and immoral. This is about life, 
and it is also about the rule of law. It is about our Constitution. It 
is about whether we make laws at the Pentagon or whether we follow the 
Constitution.
  This is also about the integrity of our military. The only thing in 
this world I honor more than our military is the Constitution itself, 
one that we all swore to serve.
  I also feel really strong about the obligation to do something about 
this when the Constitution is attacked. I cannot simply sit idly by 
when the Biden administration injects politics in our military and 
spends taxpayer money on abortion.
  The only power that a Senator in the minority has is to put a 
nomination on hold--the only power. I am not the first person to do 
this. Holds on nominations happen all the time. Holds on military 
nominations happen and have happened many times before. Typically, they 
don't last long because the Senator gets what he wants and negotiates, 
and then doesn't get what he wants. That is not what happened this 
time. Abortion is so important to the Democrats that they have not 
negotiated with me--zero.
  This has been a long 9 months for us all. Every day this continues is 
a day that my Democratic colleagues think abortion is more important 
than these nominations.
  I support many of these nominees. I agree that they are very, very 
important jobs. But we could have been voting on these nominees the 
entire time. I am not blocking all of these at once. Vote on them one 
at a time.
  I have been talking about that. The Senate has had more than 90 days 
off this year. Each nomination could take as little as 2 hours. We 
confirmed three just last week. The nominees at the very top ought to 
be voted on anyway. They are very, very important positions. These jobs 
are too important not to receive the advice and consent of this body, 
the U.S. Senate.
  I respectfully disagree with my colleagues about the effect my hold 
has on the readiness of our military supposedly--not being able to be 
ready because of people not in positions. But not one of these jobs is 
unfilled as we speak. Biden officials have been saying this for months, 
and nobody has explained to me what reasoning they come up with.
  So the fact is, no jobs are going unfilled. Every job is being done. 
In fact, GEN Mark Milley, who just retired from the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff, said recently that our readiness is the best it has been in 
years. Time and time again, generals and servicemembers have assured me 
that they are ready. I believe them.
  I am going to keep my holds in place. If Senators want to vote on 
these nominees one at a time, I am all for it. I will keep my holds in 
place until the Pentagon allows me the opportunity to negotiate this 
change of law. This is about our Constitution, and it is about the 
right to life. They are some of the most important things in this world 
and very important to me.
  For that, Mr. President, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, before returning to Calendar No. 113, I 
want to respond briefly to my colleague from Alabama.
  His position on abortion and reproductive rights is well known, but 
his claim that the Pentagon policy is unlawful is incorrect. In fact, 
there has been a policy in place since the Reagan administration that 
impacts directly upon the policy in the Pentagon.
  The Senator from Alabama is correct that, except for limited 
exceptions, Federal funds may not be used to pay for abortions. That is 
true. We commonly call it the Hyde amendment, and I am a Hyde amendment 
supporter.
  But, in the 1980s, the Reagan administration was confronted with an 
issue: What if women in prison--in the Bureau of Prisons--become 
pregnant and want to terminate a pregnancy? Could Federal funds be used 
to allow that pregnancy to be terminated?
  The Reagan administration's Solicitor General analyzed the situation 
and said that the Hyde amendment would prohibit funding to procure the 
abortion, but Federal funds could be used to enable a prisoner to 
travel to medical care where she could make the choice to terminate a 
pregnancy.
  Later administrations grappled with the same question with respect to 
Peace Corps volunteers. If a Peace Corps volunteer in a country that 
does not have reproductive rights access gets pregnant and wants to 
terminate a pregnancy in a way that is lawful in the United States but 
not where she is deployed, would the Hyde amendment allow Federal funds 
to be used?
  And consistent with the Reagan administration's ruling, Federal 
policy has been that Federal funds can be used to enable this Peace 
Corps volunteer to travel, but the payment for the abortion itself 
would have to be done privately.
  When the Dobbs decision was handed down by the Supreme Court in the 
summer of 2022, you suddenly had a whole variety of States eliminate a 
right that women had been able to count on for half a century--that in 
the early phases of pregnancy, they could terminate a pregnancy without 
intrusion by the State.
  I have a kid in the military. He didn't get to decide where he went. 
The women who are in the U.S. military don't get to choose where they 
are deployed, and so now, huge numbers of women who serve this country 
are deployed either in nations or in States within the United States 
where they are no longer able to make their own reproductive choices 
because of where they are deployed--possibly against their will. We 
want people to be deployed where the military thinks it is best for 
them to go. We don't want soldiers to have a veto over where they 
should go. They should go where the mission demands.
  But in the aftermath of the Dobbs decision, the Pentagon grappled 
with the same question that Republican and Democratic administrations 
had grappled with respect to women in Federal prisons and Peace Corps 
volunteers: Should you be able to travel to seek medical care, 
including terminating a pregnancy, in a way that is lawful in the State 
where you go and could that be paid by the Pentagon?
  And with that consistent policy in place under Democratic and 
Republican administrations, the Biden administration said we should 
treat our servicewomen no worse than prisoners; we should treat our 
women servicemembers no worse than Peace Corps volunteers.
  Federal funds, pursuant to the Hyde amendment, cannot be used to pay 
for an abortion. But if for decades we have allowed Federal prisoners 
and Peace Corps volunteers to travel and have the Federal government 
pay so that they can make a decision that is theirs to make on their 
own dime, we will treat servicewomen no worse.
  It is a policy that is not unlawful. It is a policy that is 
completely consistent with the way the U.S. Government or Democratic 
and Republican administrations have treated similarly situated women 
since the 1980s.
  Furthermore, the Senator has indicated that the only option a 
minority Member has is to place a hold on nominees. To the contrary, 
not a single one of these individuals has had anything to do with the 
policy that my colleague doesn't like. Why take it out on them? There 
is another avenue: Convince your colleagues that you are right.
  The Senator and I are on the Armed Services Committee. In June, we 
marked up the National Defense Authorization Act, and we sat around the 
table. And it is a slight-majority Democratic committee by one member.
  And Senator Tuberville offered the amendment saying: Hey, the 
Pentagon is wrong. We should rescind the Pentagon policy.
  And he didn't get the votes. He was not able to persuade his 
colleagues that he was right.

[[Page S5451]]

  In the Armed Services Committee, I make amendments all the time that 
I am not able to persuade my colleagues to go along with me on. I have 
been on the committee for 11 years now. I bet I have offered dozens and 
dozens of amendments. I have a pretty good batting average, maybe like 
a Ted Williams batting average--like .400, not 1.000.
  I lose amendments all the time, never once--never once--have I lost 
an amendment, been unable to convince my colleagues that I am right, 
and then said I am going to take it out on brave men and women wearing 
the uniform of this country, who had nothing to do with the policy that 
makes me upset. Instead, I try harder. I come to the floor and make an 
amendment to see if I can convince my colleagues here.
  Senator Tuberville had an opportunity, when we considered the Defense 
bill on the floor, to offer the amendment, to change the Pentagon 
policy, and yet he failed to do so. We offered him the opportunity. He 
failed to take it. Why? Because he was going to lose on the floor even 
worse--even worse.
  There are ways to handle a policy disagreement. Persuade your 
colleagues you are right or persuade your colleagues in some middle 
ground, but don't punish these individuals whose names I am taking time 
to read because each one of them has served this country bravely, in 
most instances for decades, with multiple deployments, with Purple 
Hearts, with Silver Stars, with service in combat zones.
  The Senator understands this. His father was a decorated World War II 
veteran who received a Purple Heart. I will be at the grave of my 
father-in-law tomorrow, a World War II submariner who is buried at 
Christ Church, on the Northern Neck of Virginia, to put a flag on his 
grave. He was buried less than a year ago.
  I will give my dad a call this weekend, an Army veteran who served 
immediately after the Korean war in the U.S. Army. I will think about 
my son, now a Marine reservist. I will think about my chief military 
LA, a Marine veteran. They don't deserve this punishment.
  And, Mr. President, I ask that it now be in order to make the same 
request with Calendar No. 113. I believe Calendar No. 112 has been 
disposed of already. So if I could ask, with respect to Calendar No. 
113, Rear Admiral James P. Downey to be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 130, MG John W. Brennan, Jr., to 
be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 131, VADM Karl O. Thomas to be 
vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 132, Lt. Gen. Michael S. Cederholm 
to be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 133, Brig. Gen. Derin S. Durham to 
be major general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 134, the following three 
individuals to be brigadier general: COL Brandi B. Peasley, COL John D. 
Rhodes, and COL Earl C. Sparks IV.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 135, BG William Green, Jr., to be 
major general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 136, MG Mark T. Simerly to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 138, VADM Craig A. Clapperton to 
be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 139, Col. Brian R. Moore to be 
brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 180, VADM Daniel W. Dwyer to be 
vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 182, Rear Admiral (lh) Darin K. 
Via to be rear admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with what appears to be a redundant appointment Calendar No. 
183, Rear Admiral (lh) Darin K. Via to be rear admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 184, Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 185, Brig. Gen. Dale R. White to 
be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 186, Maj. Gen. David A. Harris, 
Jr., to be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.

[[Page S5452]]

  

  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 187, Maj. Gen. David R. Iverson to 
be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 188, Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider 
to be general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 189, Maj. Gen. Laura L. Lenderman 
to be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 190, MG David M. Hodne to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 191, MG Roger B. Turner, Jr., to 
be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 192, Rear Admiral Yvette M. Davids 
to be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 193, Rear Admiral Brendan R. 
McLane to be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 194, Rear Admiral John E. 
Gumbleton to be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 195, Rear Admiral Christopher S. 
Gray to be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 196, VADM Charles B. Cooper II to 
be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 197, Rear Admiral James E. Pitts 
to be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 198, Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach to 
be general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 199, Maj. Gen. Linda S. Hurry to 
be general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 200, BG Miguel A. Mendez to be 
major general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 201, COL Marlene K. Markotan to be 
brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 202, VADM William J. Houston to be 
admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 203, Col. David M. Castaneda to be 
brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 204, Rear Admiral Robert M. 
Gaucher to be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 205, Rear Admiral Douglas G. Perry 
to be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 224, MG Karl H. Gingrich to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request for Calendar No. 225: Rear Admiral (lh) Kenneth R. Blackmon, 
Rear Admiral (lh) Marc S. Lederer, and Rear Admiral (lh) Robert C. 
Nowakowski to be rear admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to the following group of individuals on Calendar 
No. 226, nominated to be rear admiral (lower half):

[[Page S5453]]

CAPT Jeffrey A. Jurgemeyer, CAPT Richard S. Lofgren, CAPT Michael S. 
Mattis, CAPT Richard W. Meyer, CAPT Bryon T. Smith, CAPT Michael R. 
Vanpoots.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Fetterman). Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 227, CAPT John E. Byington to be 
rear admiral (lower half).
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 228, CAPT John A. Robinson, III, 
to be rear admiral (lower half).
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Is the next item, Calendar No. 229? Then I ask the same 
request that it be in order to make the same request with respect to 
Calendar No. 229, CAPT David E. Ludwa to be rear admiral (lower half).
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 230, CAPT Peter K. Muschinske to 
be rear admiral (lower half).
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 231 CAPT Marc F. Williams to be 
rear admiral (lower half).
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 232, LTG Andrew M. Rohling to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 233, MG John B. Richardson, IV, to 
be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 234, VADM Jeffrey W. Hughes to be 
vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 236, Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot 
to be general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request for Calendar No. 237, Maj. Gen. Heath A. Collins, to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 238, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Kruse, to 
be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 239, Maj. Gen. Michael G. 
Koscheski to be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 240, Lt. Gen. Donna D. Shipton to 
be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 241, MG Anthony R. Hale to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 242, LTG Laura A. Potter to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 243, MG William J. Hartman to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 244, LTG John S. Kolasheski to be 
lieutenant general.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 245, COL Matthew N. Gebhard to be 
brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 246, COL Katherine M. Braun to be 
brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 248, Maj. Gen. Leonard F. 
Anderson, IV, to be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 262, Lt. Gen. Timothy D. Haugh to 
be general.

[[Page S5454]]

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 283, two individuals nominated to 
the rank of major general: BG Mary V. Krueger and BG Anthony L. 
McQueen.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that the same request be made with 
respect to Calendar No. 284, COL Jack J. Stumme to be brigadier 
general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 285, COL James F. Porter to be 
brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 286, BG Beth A. Salisbury to be 
major general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 287, Maj. Gen. Michael J. Lutton 
to be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 288, LTG James J. Mingus to be 
general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 289, MG Thomas L. James to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 290, MG Charles D. Costanza to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 291, Maj. Gen. James H. Adams, 
III, to be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 292, Lt Gen Michael A. Guetlein to 
be general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 293, Lt Gen Philip A. Garrant to 
be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to the following three individuals on Calendar No. 
294 nominated to the rank of major general: Brig Gen Donald J. Cothern, 
Brig Gen Troy L. Endicott, and Brig Gen Timothy A. Sejba.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 295, Maj Gen Shawn N. Bratton to 
be major general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 296, Maj Gen Shawn N. Bratton to 
be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 325, BG Laura L. Clellan to be 
major general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 326, COL John B. Hinson to the 
rank of brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 327, CAPT Michael T. Spencer to be 
rear admiral (lower half).
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 328, Lt Gen Stephen N. Whiting, to 
the rank of general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 330, BG Lisa J. Hou to be major 
general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 331, the following two individuals 
nominated to the rank of major general: BG Jackie A. Huber and BG 
Warner A. Ross, II.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 332, the following group of 
individuals being nominated to the rank of brigadier general: COL Paul 
W. Dahlen; COL Hubert L. Davidson, Jr.; COL Shawn M. Fuellenbach; COL 
Eric L. Gagnon; COL Joy L. Grimes; COL John C. Kinton;

[[Page S5455]]

COL Scott J. Lewis; COL Jason A. Salsgiver; COL Darin D. Schuster; and 
COL Geoffrey G. Vallee.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 335, VADM James W. Kilby to the 
rank of admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 336, two individuals to the rank 
of brigadier general: Col. Matthew S. Allen and Col. Lawrence T. 
Sullivan.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 337, Col. Trent C. Davis to the 
rank of brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 338, Lt. Gen. James C. Slife to 
the rank of general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 339, Maj. Gen. Sean M. Farrell and 
Calendar No. 340 Maj. Gen. Adrian L. Spain to the rank of lieutenant 
general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 342, BG Mary V. Krueger to the 
rank of lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 343, MG Stephen G. Smith to the 
rank of lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. I ask that it be in order to make the same request with 
respect to Calendar No. 344, COL Renea V. Dorvall to the rank of 
brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 345, COL Robert S. Crockem, Jr., 
to the rank of brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 346, COL Clifford R. Gunst to the 
rank of brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 347, Rear Admiral (lh) Heidi K. 
Berg to the rank of rear admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 348, Rear Admiral Jeffrey T. 
Jablon to the rank of vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 349, Rear Admiral Blake L. 
Converse to be vice admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 350, Rear Admiral (lh) Michael A. 
Brookes to the rank of rear admiral.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 351, Maj Gen David N. Miller, Jr., 
to be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 382, COL Paul T. Sellars, to the 
rank of brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 383, COL Michael C. Henderson, to 
the rank of brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 384, a group of individuals 
nominated to the rank of major general: BG Richard T. Appelhans; BG 
James B. Bartholomees; BG Jacqueline D. Brown; BG Lance G. Curtis; BG 
Michelle K. Donahue; BG Thomas M. Feltey; BG Lawrence G. Ferguson; BG 
Andrew C. Gainey; BG David W. Gardner; BG Gavin J. Gardner; BG Clair A. 
Gill; BG Garrick M. Harmon; BG Richard A. Harrison; BG Joseph E. 
Hilbert; BG Daryl O. Hood; BG Charles T. Lombardo; BG Douglas S. 
Lowrey; BG Steven M. Marks; BG Mark C. Quander; BG John T. Reim, Jr.; 
BG Lori L. Robinson; BG Monte L. Rone; BG William A. Ryan, III; BG Eric 
P. Shirley; BG David F. Stewart; BG Curtis D. Taylor; BG Brandon R. 
Tegtmeier; BG Colin P. Tuley; BG John W. Weidner; BG James P. Work; BG 
Richard L. Zellmann.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 385, these two individuals 
nominated to the rank of brigadier general: COL Kristina J. Green and 
COL Colin J. Morrow.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?

[[Page S5456]]

  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 386, COL Anthony B. Poole, to be 
brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 387, the following group of 
individuals nominated to the rank of major general: BG James A. Benson; 
BG Karen A. Berry; BG Bobby L. Christine; BG Jeffrey L. Copeland; BG 
Daniel A. Degelow; BG Joseph A. Dinonno; BG Terry L. Grisham; BG David 
L. Hall; BG Charles D. Hausman; BG Cindy H. Haygood; BG Stephen F. 
Logan; BG Corwin J. Lusk; BG Jesse M. Morehouse; BG Stephen E. 
Schemenauer; BG Isabel R. Smith; BG Craig W. Strong; and BG Katherine 
E. White.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 388, Brig. Gen. Michael J. Regan, 
Jr., to be major general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 389, Col. Harold W. Linnean, III, 
to be brigadier general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 390, LTG Douglas A. Sims, II, to 
be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 391, MG David T. Isaacson, to be 
lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President I ask that it be in order to make the same 
request with respect to Calendar No. 392, Maj Gen Douglas A. Schiess, 
to be lieutenant general.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I believe I have now offered UC requests 
for all 364 service men and women whose nominations have been pending 
on this floor many months. They have waited patiently after serving 
their country courageously, and I am sure there are some in the Chamber 
wondering why bother to take the floor for a couple of hours when the 
outcome of this was pretty well known in advance.
  On the evening before Veterans Day, on the evening before the Marine 
Corps' 248th birthday, and on the day that the State of Alabama is 
celebrating its ties to the military, I wanted to offer these unanimous 
consent requests so that I could have a chance to say the name of each 
individual as a way of letting them know that there are many in this 
body who will not forget about them until they are confirmed.
  With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence 
of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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