[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 119 (Wednesday, July 12, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2362-S2366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Mrs. Feinstein, Ms. Warren, Mr. 
        Blumenthal, Mr. Booker, Mr. Sanders, Ms. Cortez Masto, Mr. 
        Wyden, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Brown, Mr. Markey, 
        and Mr. Menendez):
  S. 2253. A bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to 
provide increased labor law protections for agricultural workers, and 
for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions.
  Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the 
Fairness for Farmworkers Act, which I am reintroducing today.
  Farmworkers feed our Nation. This is especially true in California, 
the agricultural heart of the Nation. California

[[Page S2363]]

is the most successful State in agricultural production and has the 
largest population of farmworkers. In fact, more than one-third of our 
country's vegetables and two-thirds of fruits and nuts come from 
California. During COVID-19, a time of incredible hardship, farmworkers 
put food on the tables of millions of Americans despite working in 
extreme conditions and facing deep-rooted inequities in the workforce. 
The time to address these inequities is now.
  While the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act established Federal standards 
for minimum wage and overtime pay, the law excluded millions of 
domestic and agricultural workers, who were overwhelmingly people of 
color. In 2016, California recognized the need to provide farmworkers 
overtime protection. The California overtime law, which ensures 
farmworkers will have an equal right to overtime pay, is the same model 
as this Federal bill.
  Farmworkers in California and across the Nation deserve an end to 
discrimination in labor laws. We must undo the discriminatory exclusion 
of farmworkers by amending the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  That is why I am proud to introduce this bill, which will improve the 
lives of farmworkers and their families, create equity in our food 
system, and benefit farming communities as the increased wages are 
spent in local businesses.
  This bill will gradually implement overtime pay over the course of 4 
years and bring greater equity to the American agricultural industry to 
greater prosperity to historically marginalized workers.
  This legislation will also boost farming community economies as 
increased wages are spent in local businesses.
  I want to thank Congressman Grijalva for introducing this bill with 
me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this bill that 
would provide a measure of long overdue fairness for our Nation's 
farmworkers.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. Wicker):
  S. 2261. A bill to ensure that significantly more students graduate 
college with the international knowledge and experience essential for 
success in today's global economy through the establishment of the 
Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program in the Department of State; to 
the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of 
the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Senator Paul Simon Study 
     Abroad Program Act of 2023''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) To prepare students for success in the modern global 
     economy, opportunities for study abroad should be included as 
     part of a well-rounded education.
       (2) Study abroad programs provide students with 
     unparalleled access to international knowledge, an unmatched 
     opportunity to learn world languages, and a unique 
     environment for developing cultural understanding, all of 
     which are knowledge and skills needed in today's global 
     economy.
       (3) Only 10 percent of United States college students study 
     abroad before they graduate, leaving 90 percent of graduates 
     entering the workforce without the global skills, knowledge, 
     and experiences afforded by study abroad programs that will 
     position them for success in the global economy. Minority 
     students, first-generation college students, community 
     college students, and students with disabilities are also 
     significantly underrepresented in study abroad participation.
       (4) Congress authorized the establishment of the Commission 
     on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program 
     (referred to in this section as the ``Lincoln Commission'') 
     under section 104 of the Miscellaneous Appropriations and 
     Offsets Act, 2004 (division H of Public Law 108-199). 
     Pursuant to its mandate, the Lincoln Commission submitted a 
     report to Congress and to the President containing its 
     recommendations for greatly expanding the opportunity for 
     students at institutions of higher education in the United 
     States to study abroad, with special emphasis on studying in 
     developing nations.
       (5) According to the Lincoln Commission, ``[e]xperience 
     shows that leadership from administrators and faculty will 
     drive the number of study abroad participants higher and 
     improve the quality of programs. Such leadership is the only 
     way that study abroad will become an integral part of the 
     undergraduate experience.'' A competitive grant program is 
     necessary to encourage and support such leadership.
       (6) Student health, safety, and security while studying 
     abroad is, and must continue to be, a priority for 
     institutions of higher education and study abroad programs.
       (7) The COVID-19 pandemic prevented students from 
     participating in study abroad due to travel restrictions and 
     reduced budgets. According to Open Doors 2022, published by 
     the Institute of International Education in partnership with 
     the Department of State, study abroad participation at 
     colleges and universities in the United States plummeted by 
     91 percent during the 2020-2021 academic year. In the post-
     pandemic world, increasing access to study abroad for 
     students at institutions of higher education across the 
     United States is critical to ensuring that those students 
     gain the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to 
     maintain the leadership of the United States in tackling 
     global challenges, such as pandemics, and succeeding in a 
     global economy.

     SEC. 3. PURPOSES.

       The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to ensure that significantly more students have access 
     to quality study abroad opportunities, especially among low-
     income students and students of color;
       (2) to ensure that the diversity of students studying 
     abroad reflects the diversity of students and institutions of 
     higher education in the United States;
       (3) to encourage greater diversity in study abroad 
     destinations by increasing the portion of study abroad that 
     takes place in nontraditional study abroad destinations, 
     especially in developing countries; and
       (4) to encourage a greater commitment by United States 
     institutions of higher education to expand study abroad 
     opportunities.

     SEC. 4. SENATOR PAUL SIMON STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Consortium.--The term ``consortium'' means a group 
     that--
       (A) includes at least 1 institution of higher education; 
     and
       (B) may include nongovernmental organizations that provide 
     and promote study abroad opportunities for students.
       (2) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
       (3) Nontraditional study abroad destination.--The term 
     ``nontraditional study abroad destination'' means a location 
     that is determined by the Secretary of State to be a less 
     common destination for students who study abroad.
       (4) Student.--The term ``student'' means--
       (A) an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in 
     the United States or a national of the United States or (as 
     such terms are defined in paragraphs (20) and (22) of section 
     101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 (8 
     U.S.C. 1101(a))) who is enrolled at an institution of higher 
     education located within the United States; or
       (B) an individual who is an eligible noncitizen for Federal 
     student aid, as determined by the Secretary of Education for 
     purposes of the Federal student loan program under title IV 
     of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).
       (5) Study abroad.--The term ``study abroad'' means an 
     educational program of study, work, service learning, 
     research, internship, or combination of such activities 
     that--
       (A) is conducted outside of the United States; and
       (B) carries academic credit.
       (6) World language.--The term ``world language'' means any 
     natural language other than English, including--
       (A) languages determined by the Secretary of State to be 
     critical to the national security interests of the United 
     States;
       (B) classical languages;
       (C) American sign language; and
       (D) Native American languages.
       (b) Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program.--
       (1) Establishment.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations and under the authority of the Mutual 
     Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2451 
     et seq.), the Secretary of State shall--
       (A) rename the Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for 
     U.S. Students Program (commonly known as ``IDEAS'') as the 
     ``Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program'' (referred to in 
     this section as the ``Program''); and
       (B) enhance the program in accordance with this subsection.
       (2) Objectives.--The objectives of the Program are that not 
     later than 10 years after the date of enactment of the 
     Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2023--
       (A) not fewer than 1,000,000 undergraduate students from 
     the United States will study abroad annually;
       (B) the demographics of study abroad participation will 
     reflect the demographics of the United States undergraduate 
     population by increasing the participation rate of 
     underrepresented groups; and
       (C) an increasing portion of study abroad will take place 
     in nontraditional study abroad destinations, with a 
     substantial portion of such increases in developing 
     countries.
       (3) Competitive grants to institutions of higher 
     education.--

[[Page S2364]]

       (A) In general.--In order to accomplish the objectives 
     described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of State shall 
     award grants, on a competitive basis, to institutions of 
     higher education, either individually or as part of a 
     consortium, based on applications by such institutions that--
       (i) set forth detailed plans for using grant funds to 
     further such objectives;
       (ii) include an institutional commitment to expanding 
     access to study abroad;
       (iii) include plans for evaluating progress made in 
     increasing access to study abroad;
       (iv) describe how increases in study abroad participation 
     achieved through the grant will be sustained in subsequent 
     years; and
       (v) demonstrate that the study abroad programs have 
     established health, safety, and security guidelines and 
     procedures, informed by Department of State travel advisories 
     and other appropriate Federal agencies and resources, 
     including the Overseas Security Advisory Council and the 
     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
       (B) Priority.--In awarding grants under subparagraph (A), 
     the Secretary may give priority to--
       (i) minority-serving institutions listed under section 
     371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1067q(a)));
       (ii) eligible institutions (as defined in section 312(b) of 
     the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1058(b)) that 
     qualify for the Strengthening Institutions Program of the 
     Department of Education; and
       (iii) institutions that offer study abroad programs with a 
     significant world language learning component, as applicable.
       (4) Implementation of lincoln commission recommendations.--
     In administering the Program, the Secretary of State shall 
     take fully into account the recommendations of the Lincoln 
     Commission, including--
       (A) institutions of higher education applying for grants 
     described in paragraph (3) shall use Program funds to support 
     direct student costs;
       (B) diversity shall be a defining characteristic of the 
     Program; and
       (C) quality control shall be a defining characteristic of 
     the Program.
       (5) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary of State shall consult with representatives of 
     diverse institutions of higher education and educational 
     policy organizations and other individuals with appropriate 
     expertise.
       (c) Annual Report.--Not later than December 31 of each 
     year, the Secretary of State shall submit an annual report to 
     the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives 
     that details the implementation of the Program during the 
     most recently concluded fiscal year.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
     the Program for fiscal year 2024 and for each subsequent 
     fiscal year.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Mr. Padilla):
  S. 2269. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to permit 
removal of trees around electrical lines on National Forest System land 
without conducting a timber sale, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Madam President, I rise today to introduce the Fire 
Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2023 and thank my colleague Senator 
Padilla for joining as an original cosponsor.
  Our bill would allow the U.S. Forest Service to approve removal of 
hazardous trees near power lines on Federal forest lands without a 
timber sale, thereby reducing administrative burden and reducing the 
risk of catastrophic wildfire.
  Californians are all too familiar with the potential for electrical 
power lines to cause devastating wildfires. Three of the largest and 
most destructive wildfires in California history--the 2017 Thomas Fire, 
the 2018 Camp Fire, and the 2021 Dixie Fire--were started by electrical 
equipment. Together, these wildfires burned more than 1.2 million 
acres, destroyed more than 15,000 homes, and killed 87 people.
  When power lines cross Federal land, the Forest Service generally 
requires utility companies to keep the area around them free of trees 
that could touch or fall on the lines or otherwise ignite. Removing 
those cut trees, however, requires the Forest Service to hold a timber 
sale, which imposes administrative costs. Meanwhile, cut trees often 
linger on the landscape, posing a continued risk of igniting during a 
wildfire or damaging other infrastructure during a flood.
  Our bill would make targeted changes to existing Forest Service 
authorities to encourage quicker and less costly removal of the trees. 
Specifically, we would allow the Secretary of Agriculture to grant 
utilities permission to cut and remove trees or other vegetation near 
their power lines without a separate timber sale, provided that that 
removal is consistent with existing forest management plans.
  Included in this legislation is a requirement that any proceeds 
obtained from timber or forest products removed under this authority be 
returned to the Forest Service. This removes any financial incentive to 
remove trees other than those necessary for wildfire mitigation. After 
all, the goal is to streamline actions that protect against devastating 
wildfires--protecting, not removing, our Nation's forests.
  Congress has an opportunity this year to make this small change to 
Forest Service authorities to ensure better stewardship of our national 
forests and prevent catastrophic wildfires. I thank Senator Padilla for 
his partnership on this bill, and I urge the full Senate to take it up 
and and pass it as soon as possible.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. BARRASSO (for himself, Ms. Lummis, and Mr. Carper):
  S. 2274. A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal 
Service located at 112 Wyoming Street in Shoshoni, Wyoming, as the 
``Dessie A. Bebout Post Office''; to the Committee on Homeland Security 
and Governmental Affairs.
  Ms. LUMMIS. Madam President, it is my real honor today to join 
Senator Barrasso of Wyoming and Senator Carper of Delaware in support 
of legislation to rename the Shoshoni, WY, Post Office the Dessie A. 
Bebout Post Office.
  Wyoming is full of exceptional women, and Dessie was surely one of 
them. In the years following the Pearl Harbor attack, Dessie was one of 
the first women to enlist in the WAVES, the Women Accepted for 
Volunteer Emergency Services.
  Dessie traveled by train across the country to New York City for 
basic training. She was later stationed in Seattle for 2\1/2\ years, 
where she was responsible for recording the arrival and departure of 
sailors to and from the Pacific Fleet.
  Dessie then married Herbert ``Hugh'' Bebout, also a Wyoming native, 
and, in 1945, they moved back to Wyoming to start their life together. 
They raised five children, and today their family has grown to 13 
grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
  In 1962, Dessie became the postmaster of the Shoshoni post office. 
Her exemplary service was recognized when she was awarded the Order of 
the Vest, which is the highest honor given to postmasters.
  Dessie Bebout passed away in May of this year at the age of 102 
years. She lived up to what it means to be part of the Greatest 
Generation. It is very fitting that we rename the Shoshoni Post Office 
after Dessie Bebout. It serves as a small token of our appreciation for 
her service to Wyoming and our country.
  Now I would like to yield the floor to the senior Senator from 
Wyoming, John Barrasso, whose inspired idea to name the post office in 
Shoshoni after Dessie Bebout brings us here today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming is recognized.
  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, it is a privilege to be here today, 
joined by my colleague from Wyoming, Senator Cynthia Lummis, and my 
colleague from Delaware, the chairman of the Committee on Environment 
and Public Works, Senator Tom Carper, to honor this incredible woman, 
Dessie Bebout.
  Senator Lummis is absolutely right. I attended the funeral of this 
102-year-old just a couple of weeks ago. We were in Riverton, WY, for 
the services as she was laid to rest with military honors in Hudson, 
WY, and thought what an opportunity to name a post office after someone 
who has given so much to their country, as well as to the Postal 
Service.
  It is wonderful to be working with Senator Tom Carper again on an 
issue of great interest to both of us because he was a senior partner 
when, a few years ago, we named a post office in Thermopolis, WY, after 
Bob Brown, a World War II hero who then was awarded the Purple Heart 
for his service in Korea and served 41 years at the Thermopolis Post 
Office before he retired as the postmaster. So I come to the floor 
today, along with our colleagues, to introduce a bill to honor the 
legacy of this remarkable woman, Dessie A. Bebout of Shoshoni, WY.
  She was really a trailblazer for women in Wyoming because she was a 
patriot. She honorably served our

[[Page S2365]]

country during World War II. She was one of the first to raise her 
hand, take the oath, and volunteer as she did for this remarkable group 
of individuals who volunteered: the Women Accepted for Volunteer 
Emergency Service in World War II, the WAVES.
  She was born in Hudson, WY--a very small community--in 1920. If you 
haven't ever been to Hudson, there is a small Main Street. And since 
Hudson didn't have a doctor, Dessie was born with the help of a 
midwife. She was the fourth of nine children. They worked very hard 
supporting the family business that was the Svilar family. Her maiden 
name was Svilar. They had the Svilar's bar and restaurant, the Svilars' 
Light and Power company--they provided libations as well as 
electricity--and the Svilars' derby bar. It is a small town, but two 
bars make for a smalltown charm. The Svilars' bar and restaurant is 
still open today. So, if you ever get to Hudson, stop in because they 
have the best steaks you are going to ever find anywhere.
  Her life experience is one, really, that highlighted her legendary 
work ethic. After graduating from Fremont County Vocational High School 
in Lander, she worked for the Fremont County Extension service and at 
the F.E. Warren Air Force Base. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 
1941 changed the United States and the world forever, and it certainly 
changed her. Being willing to serve the country, to step forward, is 
part of the Wyoming bloodstream.
  When she joined and went to New York City for basic training and was 
then stationed in Seattle, WA, she reconnected with a young man who she 
had met previously in Hudson, Herbert ``Hugh'' Bebout. After a few 
months of writing letters, they were married in 1943. He was an 
enlisted man in the U.S. Air Force.
  After World War II ended, he was discharged; and, along with Dessie, 
they came home to Wyoming. They started a family and had four children: 
Eli, Ruby, Nick, and David. Eli was speaker of the house in the Wyoming 
Legislature. Ruby runs the Wyoming public television. Nick played 
football for the University of Wyoming and then for the NFL.
  Dessie's life and family and giving just continued to grow. She 
started her career in the Postal Service in 1962. She rose to 
postmaster for Shoshoni, WY, where she served for 13 years. In 1975, 
Dessie retired as the Shoshoni postmaster, where she had earned the 
Order of the Vest. It is the highest award given to postmasters.
  Although she had retired from the Postal Service, her work and 
community service didn't stop. She served as a Fremont County election 
judge, for the Shoshoni Chamber of Commerce, on the Shoshoni PTA, on 
the Wyoming women's commission, on the Veterans of Foreign Wars Women's 
Auxiliary, and on the Riverton hospital board, among many 
organizations.
  As a result of her military and civic service, she was awarded with 
the Wyoming Woman of Distinction award from the Wyoming women's 
commission, and she received the Medal of Honor from the Daughters of 
the American Revolution. Her accolades and awards didn't stop there. 
She even had her own holiday because, in 2022, the mayor of Hudson, 
Mike Anderson, declared May 30 as Dessie Bebout Day.
  Now, she had--I think the Senator from Wyoming said--13 
grandchildren. As they spoke at the funeral--as a number of them did--
there were those who claimed to be the favorite grandchild, but since 
Kara Calvert is here today, the granddaughter of Dessie Bebout, I think 
we will let Kara put upon herself that accolade.
  Dessie Bebout truly exemplifies the Code of the West, which is, in 
Wyoming, you live each day with courage; you take pride in your work; 
and you do what needs to be done. Cowboys never complain. Cowboys never 
quit. If somebody were hungry, she would feed them--a remarkable woman. 
If they were sick, she would care from them.
  I am proud to be joined by both Senator Carper and Senator Lummis 
today in introducing this legislation to rename the post office in 
Shoshoni, WY, as the ``Dessie A. Bebout Post Office.'' Naming it after 
Dessie is going to ensure her legacy carries on for future generations 
of Wyoming's men and women.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Delaware.
  Mr. CARPER. Madam President, folks that are back in Delaware are 
probably wondering as they are watching on C-SPAN, What is our Senator 
doing there giving a floor speech and talking about a woman from 
Wyoming? There is a Wyoming, DE. It is in Kent County, which is just 
south of Dover. We have great restaurants, plenty of restaurants. In 
fact, the Senator from Wyoming described that Svilar's--is it Svilar's? 
I think it is Svilar's--still exists.
  We have a huge Air Force base in Dover, the Dover Air Force Base. 
They fly huge airplanes and have a mortuary there to receive the 
remains of our fallen heroes. That is part of our State. We just have 
very strong support for military personnel and all things Air Force. I 
am Navy.
  So it is the idea that we have a woman here--you know, it is one 
thing for a guy to have done some of this stuff that Dessie did, but it 
is another to have a woman in World War II volunteer and enlist on the 
heels of the attack on Pearl Harbor and to go on and serve, really, 
with distinction.
  In my family, we believe in the Navy blue. My dad was a chief petty 
officer, and my uncles were chief petty officers. My mother's youngest 
brother died in a kamikaze attack on his aircraft carrier, and my 
grandmother got the Gold Star for the Great Green Fleet Navy blue. So I 
just get inspired by Dessie's heroism that we are hearing about here 
today.
  For the people who might have been listening carefully when Senator 
Barrasso was talking about the restaurant that she opened, he said 
that, when the people were hungry, she fed them. That is a line out of 
the Bible. It is actually a line out of Matthew 25: When I was hungry, 
you did feed me. When I was naked, you did clothe me. When I was sick 
and in prison, you did visit me. When I was thirsty, you did give me 
drink.
  This is a woman who not only served her country in uniform and who 
not only ran a successful business--it sounds like--for over 100 years 
for family but who actually felt a moral responsibility to make sure 
that people did not go hungry.
  I also am the senior Democrat--I am the senior, actually, member of a 
committee called Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. We have 
jurisdiction, among other things on that committee, over the Postal 
Service. We have, literally, tens of thousands of people who serve in 
the Postal Service across the country today. It is a tough job and 
sometimes a thankless job, but we are grateful to them for their 
service. A lot of them, it turns out, served in the military. They may 
have served in the Korean war, and they may have served in Vietnam; 
they may have served in Afghanistan, and they may have served in Iraq. 
But they wore the uniform of our country, and they wore or wear the 
uniform of the Postal Service. In either instance, they are serving 
this country. They are serving their communities and are doing so, in 
some cases, at great risk to themselves.
  There is a little bit of a love story in this as well. It is kind of 
a mixed marriage of a Navy woman and an Air Force man who get married 
and raise a family--have all of these kids--and go on to do amazing 
things as a family in their own community. It is a story that I am 
inspired by, and I am honored that Senator Barrasso would ask me to 
join him and Senator Lummis to tell the story, too.
  I remember a couple of years ago when we were on the floor here--
Senator Barrasso and myself and a fellow named Mike Enzi, the late Mike 
Enzi, who held the seat that Senator Lummis now holds today--hearing 
them talk about the naming of a post office in Wyoming in a place 
called Thermopolis, which I had never heard of but that I will never 
forget. The question was, Should they rename that post office there 
after Bobbi Barrasso's dad? They didn't have a Democratic cosponsor for 
the bill. I talked to Senator Barrasso and to Senator Enzi and said: I 
would be honored. If you are looking for a bipartisan bill, I would be 
happy to be your wingman on this particular flight. And they were good 
enough to let me join the team.
  So, to Dessie Bebout, your family members are out there, watching and 
listening. I want to just say thank you

[[Page S2366]]

for sharing a remarkable person, not just with the folks in the town in 
which she and her family have lived, worked, and served for all of 
those years, but thank you for sharing her with our country in a 
broader way. Thank you for serving as an inspiration. We are in your 
debt, and I am honored to be part of this trio to offer this 
legislation today and to ask for its passage.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. McCONNELL (for himself, Ms. Sinema, Mr. Ossoff, Mr. Paul, 
        Mr. Lee, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Rubio, Mrs. Blackburn, 
        and Mr. Braun):
  S. 2284. A bill to require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to 
be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; to the 
Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the text 
of the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:
       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Prisons 
     Accountability Act of 2023''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) The Director of the Bureau of Prisons leads a law 
     enforcement component of the Department of Justice with a 
     budget that exceeded $8,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.
       (2) With the exception of the Federal Bureau of 
     Investigation, the Bureau of Prisons had the largest 
     operating budget of any unit within the Department of Justice 
     for fiscal year 2023.
       (3) As of 2023, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons 
     oversaw 122 facilities and was responsible for the welfare of 
     more than 159,000 Federal inmates.
       (4) As of 2023, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons 
     supervised more than 34,000 employees, many of whom operate 
     in hazardous environments that involve regular interaction 
     with violent offenders.
       (5) Within the Department of Justice, in addition to those 
     officials who oversee litigating components, the Director of 
     the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the 
     Director of the Community Relations Service, the Director of 
     the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Director of the 
     Office on Violence Against Women, the Administrator of the 
     Drug Enforcement Administration, the Deputy Administrator of 
     the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Director of the 
     United States Marshals Service, 94 United States Marshals, 
     the Inspector General of the Department of Justice, and the 
     Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment 
     Practices, are all appointed by the President by and with the 
     advice and consent of the Senate.
       (6) Despite the significant budget of the Bureau of Prisons 
     and the vast number of people under the responsibility of the 
     Director of the Bureau of Prisons, the Director is not 
     appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

     SEC. 3. DIRECTOR OF THE BUREAU OF PRISONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 4041 of title 18, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking ``appointed by and serving 
     directly under the Attorney General.'' and inserting the 
     following: ``who shall be appointed by the President, by and 
     with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Director shall 
     serve directly under the Attorney General.''.
       (b) Incumbent.--Notwithstanding the amendment made by 
     subsection (a), the individual serving as the Director of the 
     Bureau of Prisons on the date of enactment of this Act may 
     serve as the Director of the Bureau of Prisons until the date 
     that is 3 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this Act shall be 
     construed to limit the ability of the President to appoint 
     the individual serving as the Director of the Bureau of 
     Prisons on the date of enactment of this Act to the position 
     of Director of the Bureau of Prisons in accordance with 
     section 4041 of title 18, United States Code, as amended by 
     subsection (a).
       (d) Term.--
       (1) In general.--Section 4041 of title 18, United States 
     Code, as amended by subsection (a), is amended by inserting 
     after ``consent of the Senate.'' the following: ``The 
     Director shall be appointed for a term of 10 years, except 
     that an individual appointed to the position of Director may 
     continue to serve in that position until another individual 
     is appointed to that position, by and with the advice and 
     consent of the Senate. An individual may not serve more than 
     1 term as Director.''.
       (2) Applicability.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) 
     shall apply to appointments made on or after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.

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