The challenges we have at the border, the challenges with fentanyl, just everyday Americans' concerns about the globe often are issues related to the Americas and political instability there.

Let us complete the task. Let us get it done.

That means we are not playing on a level playing field.

The only way we are going to get to the finish line is if we generally work together, listen to each other, are willing to compromise.

I actually share very much what Senator Risch said here.

I think one of the reasons that China is addressing this issue is not just because we have asked but Congress has been deeply engaged as well.

Let us come together for the sense of our strategic competition with the PRC.

We should be providing an alternative to the infrastructure development that the PRC offers.

In order for the United States to be seen as a credible, reliable partner and provide an alternate choice to the PRC...

I also want to underscore this is a recommendation from Senator Coons.

If you look at the statement of NATO, this was the most far reaching statement of concerns of European partners about what China is doing in Europe.

I found a country hungry for U.S. presence, and I found a country littered with debt trap infrastructure projects that they will never be able to pay back.

I will also just indicate that for me the greatest vehicle for building the partnerships that are going to be necessary is to advance partnerships around technology.

But we need to do more, and we have to contest China's actions not only in terms of their forward basing strategy but their desire to go after Africa's rare earths.

I just got back from Laos and Vietnam where I was the first U.S. Senator to visit Laos in 15 years.

Madam President, Social Security is a sacred trust between the American people and our government. It is a promise to workers, many of whom have no other savings besides Social Security. A promise, almost by definition, does not change. It…

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Louisiana.

It is a dereliction of duty, in my view, that we are not moving these men and women through the process.