Senator Grassley: (11:23 AM)

• Spoke on domestic violence.
  • "As stated in our resolution, Congress should continue to raise awareness of domestic violence within our country. We also should pledge our continued support for programs designed to assist survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and bring, hopefully, an end to domestic violence. I thank my colleagues, Senator Leahy, Ayotte, and Klobuchar, for joining as original co-sponsors of the resolution. It passed the Senate unanimously September 15. Through the enactment of other key measures, such as the Violence Against Women Act, the Family Violence Prevention Act, and the Victims of Crime Act, Congress has made support to survivors a national priority for over three decades. Through the enactment of laws criminalizing domestic violence at the state and local level, we also sent a strong signal to abusers that domestic violence is not a private matter but a very public issue. We've come a long ways, but our work is far from complete."

 

Senator Cardin: (11:29 AM)

• Spoke on the death of Shimon Peres.
  • "I extend my condolences to the family of Shimon Peres and to the people of Israel. Today you have lost a towering leader who leaves behind a legacy of moral clarity and hope. I had the opportunity to meet Shimon Peres on numerous occasions. After each meeting, I walked away inspired and hopeful, having benefited immensely from his insight and perspective on a number of difficult global issues. Shimon Peres was not only one of the world's greatest statesmen, but an ardent and committed advocate for peace. Given Shimon Peres's personal history and journey, it is truly remarkable that in his final years he refused to give in to cynicism and acrimony."

 

Senator Peters: (11:32 AM)

• Spoke on NASA.
  • "But we can't let up on the development if we're going to put a human on Mars. That is why I, along with a number of my Commerce Committee colleagues, recently introduced the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2016. This bipartisan bill will ensure NASA maintains a continuity of purpose over the next year. The NASA Transition Act will give NASA the stability needed to keep NASA's important missions moving through 2017, and it's not just important to the agency. It's something that is particularly important to the thousands of small and medium-sized businesses across the country where dedicated men and women are working hard to move our space program forward. With this bill, we are sending a strong message to companies like Futuramic Tool and Engineering in Michigan who are so proud to help build the rockets that will take us to Mars. And all of us in the United States Congress must stand solidly behind their efforts."