Mr. President, I wish to acknowledge Memorial Day, which provides us with an opportunity to take time out from our busy lives to remember and honor those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the United States and the liberties we hold dear. Mississippians have a strong affinity for our national defense, with thousands of brave citizens volunteering to serve in the Armed Forces. We also understand that, unfortunately, we will lose loved ones as part of that dedication. The very first Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was observed in 1868 by decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers, and since then Americans have set aside a time each year to honor their fallen heroes. Columbus, MS, proudly claims to be the birthplace of this tradition, but Memorial Day wasn't officially established as a Federal holiday until 1971. In the nearly 234 years since we became an independent nation, Americans have fought in numerous wars, and many have given their lives in defense of the ideals that the United States represents. As we gather this year to commemorate Memorial Day, we can reflect on all of the Mississippians who have perished protecting our Nation, whether in battles long ago or in the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.…
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Mr. President, the Senate is scheduled to vote at 2:15 on the continuing resolution. The resolution will provide $1.1 billion in emergency funding to respond to the Zika virus outbreak. Funds are included to accelerate vaccine development…
Mr. President, I wish to recognize the service of my staff member Janice Rankin Mitchell of Madison, MS, on the occasion of her retirement following a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Senate as a constituent service…
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Amendment No. 932
Mr. President, I am very pleased to join my friend in introducing legislation celebrating Black History Month. This opportunity provides us with an excuse, if we need one, to remember the challenges and the failures of the past, and the…





