Speeches

Floor Remarks on Title X Rule

Mr./Madam President, Last week, the Trump administration proposed new rules to finally bring federal policy back in line with federal law. This should not be controversial in a republic committed to the rule of law. But this new policy touches the question of abortion, which tempts all three branches of our federal government to turn truth, justice, and the law inside out in the service of violence. President Trump is resisting those temptations, and affirming that the law should do what it says.

Jim Bridenstine to be the next NASA administrator

Mr. President, later today this body will vote to confirm my friend Jim Bridenstine to be the next NASA administrator. In that position, he will be in charge of rebuilding a space program that matches the pioneering spirit and determination of the American people. I have known Congressman Bridenstine for many years, and I know that he is just the man for this important undertaking. Let us review his record. It will show that Jim Bridenstine’s service to our country is matched only by his eagerness to press the boundaries of sky and space.

Floor Speech on Ryan D. Nelson

Mr. President, I’d like to speak for a few minutes about Ryan Nelson, who has been nominated as solicitor for the Department of the Interior. Ryan is a fantastic choice for this position at Interior. As a native of Idaho Falls, he is a fellow Westerner who understands the issues confronting the region.

Remarks to the Federalist Society on Trade & Article I

Good afternoon, thank you all for being here. And thanks to the Federalist Society for organizing this conference on restoring Article I of the Constitution, which is a subject near and dear to my heart. Article I, of course, is the section of the Constitution that enumerates the powers of Congress.

Floor Colloquy on the Civil War in Yemen

Sens. Lee, Sanders, and Murphy Introduce Yemen War Powers Resolution

February 27, 2018

Frederick Douglass Bicentennial

Mr. President, Two hundred years ago this month, a man was born into slavery in a cabin not far from here in Maryland. The child knew his mother only briefly; they were cruelly separated when he was young. He knew his father only by the rumors.

February 9, 2018

He’s Always Lucas First

Mr. President, There is good news. There is great news. And then there is the story of Lucas Warren of Dalton, Georgia. I do not know Lucas. For he is only 18 months old – and so has the good sense not to consort with politicians. But like millions of Americans who have not met Lucas, I will never forget him.

February 9, 2018

We need an open, transparent process that can be observed by the American people

January 29, 2018

Floor Speech on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Mr. President, Right now, the United States is one of just seven countries in the whole world that allow elective abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. And we are not in good company. Of the other six countries that allow elective abortions at that late stage, half are authoritarian communist countries with horrible records on human rights.

January 23, 2018

Remarks to the National Association of Evangelicals-Christian Student Leadership Conference

I’d like to start by thanking the National Association of Evangelicals for inviting me to speak. It is heartening to see so many young Christians who are engaged with their faith as well as public controversies-and so early in the morning, too. This conference is a unique opportunity for you to learn about the serious challenges facing our country, and how Christians can respond to them.