What Eric Schmitt said, and what was done

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor one of the greatest teams to ever wear the black and gold, the 1960 Missouri Tigers. They finished 11 and 0.”

“Devine made a promise in the ashes of defeat. His players believed him. His players were descendants of those who fought in Europe and the Pacific. His players were hardened by parents who had weathered the Great Depression.”

“Madam President, reserving the right to object. I have been advised to address this so-called Delaney Hall Closure Act. My colleague's bill, though, really doesn't do anything to address the issues that he has raised.”

“I will always object to this mass amnesty. I will always object to this mass migration. I will always object to putting American workers last. I will always object to tying the hands of our law enforcement.”

“Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Wendy Sullivan, one of the Show-Me-State's leading disability advocates. Since beginning her career, she has spearheaded the transformation of disability services across the Midwest and helped equip countless families with the resources needed to thrive.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Daniel Newberry, who serves as a park ranger with Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Earlier this spring, Daniel and his colleague Jacob were dispatched in part of a joint operation between the National Park Service, Carter County Sheriff's Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and West Carter Ambulance District.”

“Mr. President, today I want to honor Jacob Crowley, a park ranger at Ozark National Scenic Riverways. On a bitterly cold spring morning earlier this year, Jacob and his coworker Daniel responded to a call where an individual suffered a medical emergency in Missouri's Current River.”

“Mr. President, today I rise to recognize Steve Holley, an outstanding Missourian who over the course of his life went above and beyond to support the Show-Me-State's brave first responders.”

“Mr. President, on July 4, 1776, 56 men crossed a line from which there was no return. These men knew the King they defied. They knew the empire would come for them.”

“Mr. President, today, I rise to honor Hannah Harper of Willow Springs, MO. Since she was a child, the Harper family has been firmly immersed in the American staples of bluegrass and folk music, and this background has helped mold her into a truly remarkable vocalist.”

“Mr. President, we are back. We are back to finish the job now, to make sure that ICE and CBP have the funding they need to carry out the mission we have set out in Federal immigration law.”

“Mr. President, today, I wish to honor Dennis Gannon, a truly remarkable public servant. Over the years, Dennis has led an incredible life marked by an unshakeable commitment to serving others.”

“Mr. President, I rise today because America needs to remember that our Nation was not built by men who asked permission from history. It was built by men who looked into the unknown and saw more than danger.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Holy Redeemer Catholic Grade School of Webster Groves, MO, for 125 years of academic excellence. Holy Redeemer has graduated more than 5,000 students since its founding in 1901.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Zyan Knollmeyer of Jefferson City, MO, a 2026 graduate whose wrestling career showcases American resilience. Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Zyan faced hardship at an early age with the tragic loss of his mother and spent time in Hawaii's foster care system.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the incredible and courageous career of Charles Jeffrey Beaton, who has for the last 15 years served as chief of the Glendale Police Department.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the late Arthur Fillmore II, one of Missouri's true champions. Throughout his entire life, Art's spirit was focused on those around him, as he continually searched for opportunities to protect and serve others.”

“Mr. President, I rise again on this pressing matter of funding law enforcement, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Just weeks ago, I stood on this floor and warned that we would be back.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Gannon Seyer of Ashland, MO. Despite still being enrolled in high school, he has already pursued multiple opportunities to develop his leadership and civic skills, serving as FFA chapter treasurer and as president of his high school's Beta Club, and has shown an impressive dedication to helping others, receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2025 for his volunteer work.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Katerina Pruitt of Webb City, MO. While still a junior in high school, Ms. Pruitt is already an accomplished young woman, having earned a bronze medal in a statewide speech and debate tournament, serving as captain on her school's swim team, and earning the prestigious magna cum laude honor in completing the National Latin Exam, all while maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Spiro Georges of Chesterfield, MO. While only a junior in high school, Mr. Georges has already proven to be an exceptional community servant and student-leader, having volunteered with various youth camps, mentoring younger students and helping them learn to make responsible choices, and serving with his school's student government.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Bella Baker of Atlanta, MO. Her commitment to academic and personal excellence is nothing short of remarkable, as she has balanced roles as State president of Missouri FCCLA, served as a State officer with Missouri 4- H and as an area officer of Missouri FFA, while maintaining a remarkable 3.7 GPA.”

“Mr. President, the bill in the Chamber well right now does one simple thing: It gives U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement stable, long-term funding so it can do the job the Congress assigned it to do--enforce the immigration laws on the books and protect the American people.”

“Mr. President, the horrific murder in Chicago last week has reminded this Nation that the battle to defend the American people, strengthen our Republic, and yield constitutional authority for the common good is not confined to the southern border.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the remarkable career of Deputy Mike Rankin. For over 50 years, Deputy Rankin has gone above and beyond in serving the people of Missouri as a member of the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize SrA Jada McMillan, an outstanding medic with the 509th Medical Group at Whiteman Air Force Base. After leaving work one day in July of 2025, Senior Airman McMillan witnessed a hit-and-run auto accident resulting in one of the vehicles becoming airborne.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to commend the selfless work of Aniston Kennedy of Excelsior Springs, MO. Over the last few years, Ms. Kennedy has shown herself to be one of the Show-Me State's animal rescue champions.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the work of Kurt Jordan, who has found a unique way to volunteer his time and serve the great State of Missouri.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Ms. Darci Curtis, a heroic pharmacy technician with the 509th Medical Group. After leaving work one day in July of 2025, Ms.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the lifesaving work of Deanna Chatman, who serves as a postal carrier in St. Louis. Following the late November snow in 2025, the U.S.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the remarkable life and legacy of the late Alverta G. Harvey Hargis. Beginning her life in 1908, she had the opportunity to come of age during the closing days of the American pioneer era.”

“Mr. President, I am going to address two issues. The first is the funding of DHS, and the second will be on the SAVE America Act. I actually agree with the Senator from Hawaii.”

“Mr. President, there are moments when the Senate is asked whether it will merely manage decline or whether it will still govern. This is one of those moments.”

“Title III, Save American Children, says that children should be protected from irreversible harm, not handed over to the appetites, fashions, and confusions of the age. Citizenship, reality, responsibility--those are the basic truths a nation must defend if it intends to remain a nation.”

“Mr. President, I ask for unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 156, H.R. 4553; I ask that the substitute amendment, No. 4353, be considered and agreed to; the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.”

“I just want to point out that we heard from the Appropriations chairman that nobody has come out here and acknowledged anything that happened. Let me point out something that the Democrats have failed to acknowledge in all this.”

“Mr. President, I want to set the stage for where we are at this moment, what just happened. Republicans voted to move forward on a bipartisan appropriations bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which includes, among other things, ICE funding, TSA funding, FEMA funding, and the Democrats voted no.”

“If they actually believed that, they would respect the fact that the American people voted for this, that they voted for deportations. I know that in the ``woke'' left world, that is a dirty word.”

“Mr. President, there is a phrase that gets tossed around a lot these days: ``suicidal empathy.'' It is a term I have used myself on more than one occasion.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the selfless service and commitment to serving others shown by the volunteers of Missouri on a Mission, lineworkers and community leaders from various electric cooperatives across the Show-Me-State.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Harriet Turner and her fellow volunteers as Missourians who have gone above and beyond in serving the St. Louis community. Shortly after retiring from a remarkable 25-year career as a nurse at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Ms.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Ted Martin of Branson, MO. Over his remarkable 30 years with Branson Fire Rescue, he has guided the city's fire department through a period of rapid change and modernization.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Commander Hood, a proud native of Dexter, MO, whose distinguished service in the U.S. Navy embodies the very best of our State and our country.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Professor Robert T. ``Bob'' Marshall, a beloved member of the Columbia community, an educator at the University of Missouri, and a Tiger whose legacy continues to bring joy to generations of Missourians.”

“Mr. President, we are at an inflection point right now in America's role in the world. As we reassess how we deploy our time, money, and political capital abroad, Congress has an obligation to ensure that taxpayer-funded organizations operate within the mission and guardrails Congress has established.”

“Mr. President, in the coming weeks, Washington will spend an enormous amount of time arguing about immigration enforcement. There will be speeches. There will be statements. There will be plenty of noise.”

“You and I were talking last night and you mentioned, in closing, resetting debate. I think that is so important right now. We are talking about appropriations bills, which is fine.”

“Wouldn't you agree that the reason we are here--if it were about ICE or if it were about DHS or if it were about President Trump, you would see this everywhere in the country.”

“Mr. President, we are at an inflection point in this country, and what happens over the next few months will ring onward, far into the future. We have all seen the scenes in Minneapolis--the riots, the violence, the bitter chaos.”

“In Minnesota and here in DC, Democrats are actively and intentionally adding fuel to the fire. The mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, has claimed his city is ``invaded, under siege, occupied.'' The Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, Peggy Flanagan, declared that ``our neighbors are being disappeared. . . .”

“No. What is their way? They demand we defund law enforcement Agencies like ICE and CBP. They demand we force ICE agents to dox themselves so that their families can be harassed and threatened in their homes.”

“Everyone, even senior leadership, is out there right now. [The] equivalent of general officers are out there on the ground making arrests and fighting through protesters alongside their guys.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to wholeheartedly endorse the nomination of Tom Albus to be the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. He is part of the forthcoming nominations package that this body will be voting on later this week.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mr. Dan Singletary and to congratulate him on his upcoming retirement. Over his remarkable 40-year career with Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative, Mr.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Chad Wolfe of Missouri. Over his life, Mr. Wolfe has consistently shown an outstanding commitment to serving his country and fellow Americans in all his endeavors.”

“Chad Wolfe is truly an example of our State's Heartland Heroes. He has continually gone above and beyond to support his fellow Americans, and I am grateful for his ongoing commitment to helping the military community.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the career and contributions of Dr. Patrick Westhoff, a cornerstone of agriculture research. For decades, Dr. Westhoff has made outstanding contributions to the agriculture industry through he and his peers' essential economic studies.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to commend the quick response and lifesaving work of Captain Derek Baker of the Kansas City Fire Department. Captain Baker has long demonstrated an outstanding dedication to protecting our fellow Missourians and helping them out in times of crisis through his work, but his heroism doesn't stop off the clock.”

“One thing my friend did not mention is this also affects Washington, DC. Another reason I oppose this amendment is it would weaken Federal authority over the DC National Guard and hinder its ability to respond to a crisis.”

“Cooperation with the Mayor of DC is valuable, but collaboration does not require granting the Mayor Commander-in-Chief powers over a Federal military force. The President must retain that authority to ensure unity in command in a rapid, coordinated Federal response when it is needed most.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Corporal Paul Nichols of Hartsburg, MO, and to thank him for his years of service to our State and great Nation.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Clara Hill of Missouri Middle School for her election as president of Missouri Middle School FBLA. Future Business Leaders of America, FBLA, is a nationally recognized organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of students for careers in business, leadership, and service.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Deputy Adam Chenault of the Cooper County Sheriff's Office for his extraordinary bravery, composure, and willingness to put his life on the line for others.”

“Reserving the right to object, let's be clear about what this provision does from my friend from New Jersey. It is attempting to throw a lifeline to these sanctuary cities that are openly defying the law.”

“Federal immigration officers. They release violent offenders, suppress gang databases, and do everything in their power to prevent the men and women in law enforcement from enforcing our laws.”

“Mr. President, today, I rise to recognize and congratulate Jazz St. Louis, a mainstay of the St. Louis music community. Since its founding 30 years ago, the organization has served as a cornerstone of Missouri culture, hosting over 200 jazz performances annually from both renowned and rising musicians.”

“Mr. President, I rise to discuss the unprecedented obstruction by my Democrat colleagues, which brings us here today, in the activity we are going to see on the floor this week and next.”

“Mr. President, 2\1/2\ years ago, I was sworn in as America's 2,000th Senator, a pretty unique honor for a kid that grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Bridgeton, MO.”

“Mr. President, a little over a year ago, the unthinkable happened: A former President of the United States was shot on American soil. A patriotic father was killed in cold blood, and two others were left critically injured.”

“Madam President, I rise today to honor CDR Stephen Szachta, Jr., of St. Charles, MO, a leader to service personnel who have served alongside him, a companion to our Japanese allies, and a true frontline warrior in our ensuing fight for global competitiveness against the Chinese Communist Party.”

“Madam President, I rise today to honor Detective Jacob Shroyer of Kansas City, MO, for his lifesaving response that went above and beyond the call of duty. While heading home, Detective Shroyer chose to keep his radio on and noticed a vehicle with flashing lights on the far side of the highway.”

“Madam President, I rise today to honor Corporal Kyle Seabaugh of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Special Victims Unit for his outstanding investigative work and leadership that saved four young children from extreme, ongoing sexual abuse.”

“Madam President, I rise today to honor Jim Meyer, manager of the Grain Valley Community Center, for his timely and heroic act of service to save the life of a community member.”

“Madam President, I rise today to honor Mrs. Kack Haslag of Jefferson City, MO, for her service to the State of Missouri. When I was first elected to the Missouri State Senate in 2008, knew I needed to surround myself with talented and organized staff who would help me serve the people of Missouri.”

“Madam President, I rise today to honor Captain Ray Elder of Kansas City, MO, for his dedication to recognizing and honoring all fallen KCPD firefighters on the city's firefighter memorial.”

“Madam President, I rise today to commend the lifesaving service and unwavering dedication of Officer Richard DuChaine of Kansas City, MO. While on duty for the Kansas City Police Department, Officer DuChaine swiftly responded to a critical emergency call on Highway 71.”

“Mr. President, I want to echo the comments from Senator Hawley. This is a very proud day for the State of Missouri and significant that the first district court judges that are coming before this body under President Trump's second term in office will be filling the bench, the four vacancies, in the Eastern District of Missouri: Josh Divine, Cris Stevens, Maria Lanahan, Zach Bluestone.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the athletes of the Washington University Women's Tennis Team and to congratulate them on their recent victory in the NCAA Division III Women's Tennis National Championship.”

“Mr. President, we are here today. We are about to begin vote-arama--vote-arama. We seem to do this quite a bit these days, but we are here to do it on a very, very important bill: the rescissions package for President Trump.”

“Mr. President, I rise in opposition to this amendment from Senator Coons that strikes the rescission for international disaster assistance, IDA. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.”

“Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the amendment offered from my colleague Senator Cortez Masto. Let's be clear about this. The funding rescinded in this package has zero--zero--impact on emergency alert systems.”

“Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the amendment offered by the Senator from Hawaii, Senator Hirono. Saying that defunding CPB will somehow prevent Americans from receiving emergency alerts is demonstrably not only fearmongering but not true.”

“Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit offered by Senator Warner that would effectively kill this bill. Let me be clear, the funding we are rescinding in this package will have no bearing on the safety, security, or prosperity of the American people.”

“Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the amendment offered by Senator Schumer. We heard that refrain before the Big Beautiful Bill--the tired refrain about tax breaks for billionaires.”

“Mr. President, I rise in opposition to this amendment from Senator Schiff that reduces the global health rescission from $500 million to $66 million to fence off unobligated balances for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other diseases.”

“Mr. President, I stand in opposition to the amendment from Senator Markey. Saying that defunding the CPB will somehow prevent Americans from receiving children's educational programming is patently false.”

“Mr. President, I rise in objection to the amendment from my colleague from Alaska. As was mentioned earlier on several of these other Corporation for Public Broadcasting amendments, this rescission does nothing to affect FEMA, which actually does the emergency response system.”

“Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the amendment from Senator Ossoff. UNICEF's mission, although admirable, is not immune from waste, fraud, and abuse. That is why this rescission package includes $142 million for UNICEF's overhead.”

“Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the amendment offered by Senator Merkley. The Trump administration has been very clear and has directed that the nonstatutory components and functions of the U.S.”

“Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the motion that has been made by Senator Kim. Two quick points. The first is, if this were to actually somehow pass, it would kill the bill because it would go beyond the July 18 deadline.”

“Mr. President, we are on the precipice in this Chamber right now to do something that is rarely done in this town, which is to identify waste, fraud, and abuse and actually do something about it.”

“Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of President Trump's rescission package. In a time of extraordinary debt, this bill is a first step in a long but necessary fight to put our Nation's fiscal house in order.”

“Mr. President, I am proud that this breakthrough provision has been included in the Big Beautiful Bill. This will provide much needed relief for individuals with disabilities who have waited far too long to be on the waiting list to receive services.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mr. George Garrison of Joplin, MO, for his storied career of public service and for his 95th birthday. Born on April 15, 1930, in Joplin, MO, George attended Joplin High School, where he played baseball and football.”

“Mr. President, I rise today for National Police Week to honor the courageous men and women of law enforcement in Missouri and across our great country. Over the past decade, our police officers have weathered a flood of propaganda and lies, repeated and pushed by many of the most powerful voices in America.”

“Mr. President, I would like to address that. If this were a blanket hold, if these weren't indiscriminate, maybe that would be productive, but these are indiscriminate holds.”

“Mr. President, I would just like to respond by saying it is not personal. The Senator from Hawaii, who is my friend, is--by defending USAID--is defending these positions.”

“Mr. President, I rise for two things. First, I wanted to make the Chamber aware of the passing of legendary Missouri Senator Kit Bond. Former Senator Bond served as Missouri's Governor.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to engage in this great debate that is raging across our country. Turn on the TV, read the newspapers, or open your phone, and you will be overwhelmed by the back-and-forths over tariffs, trade deficits, prices, and markets.”

“Boonville, a town where my grandmother went to high school, was another place that lost a Toastmaster factory. In 2011, the town of about 8,000 people lost its modular home manufacturing factory to the housing crisis too.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Rick Ziegenfuss of Hollister, MO, for his many years of public service for our country and the State of Missouri. Rick has always been committed to serving wherever he finds himself.”

“Mr. President. I rise today to honor the remarkable spirit of service and tireless work demonstrated by first responders, utility lineworkers, emergency response personnel, and remarkable volunteers across Missouri in their heroic work responding to the devastating storms that have hit Missouri over the past month.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mr. Zachary Northcutt of Florida for his promotion to lieutenant commander of the Navy after 12 years of dedicated service to our country in the U.S.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Derek Weber of Memphis, MO, for his dedication and leadership in providing affordable housing options to the working families of northeast Missouri.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mr. David T. Snider of Ozark, MO, for his lifetime of service, resolute commitment to honoring our Nation's veterans, and devoted dedication to his community.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Buck Smith of Saint Louis, MO, for being an advocate of Missourians with disabilities for more than 30 years. In 1994, Buck Smith and a group of friends hosted their first game of what would become St.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mike Scheib of Lancaster, MO, for his lifesaving decision-making and his leadership in addressing the need for an increase of middle-class housing for the growing workforce in northeast Missouri.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mayor Michelle Heiliger of Wright City, MO, for her heroic actions to save the life of an elderly neighbor. While working in her garage one morning, Michelle Heiliger realized something was wrong when she saw black smoke engulfing her neighbor's garage.”

“Michelle Heiliger a hero, but she is also an active community member and public servant. On top of being mayor, she is also currently the director of the Wright City Fire Protection Board and the director of human resources with Sellenriek Construction, Sellenrick Energy, UtiliSource, and Selcon Construction.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Kim Fast of Wright City, MO, for her heroic act of bravery and saving a life. On the morning of October 12, 2024, Kim was helping her friend Wright City mayor Michelle Heiliger with work in her garage.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Allie Bennett of Palmyra, MO, for her passionate leadership in providing housing for middle-income families in northeast Missouri. The housing landscape has changed; as more of the workforce is retiring, they are remaining in their homes, resulting in fewer options for the growing workforce to live.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor PreventEd in St. Louis, MO, for 60 years of reducing and preventing the harms of alcohol and other drug use. As our country reels from the devastating effects of drug and alcohol abuse, our Nation's young people must be educated about the dangers of these addictive substances.”

“Mr. President, I spoke on this topic last week, but there is just so much more to talk about this week. This is about the important work that President Trump and Elon Musk and the other folks at DOGE are doing to save taxpayer dollars.”

“But to normal people, in real America, they think this stuff is crazy. And, finally, we have somebody in the Oval Office with a team that can root this stuff out.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to argue for a swift and decisive confirmation of Elbridge Colby as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. It is common today to hear leaders in the foreign policy establishment talk of upholding the rules-based international order and promoting liberal values and norms.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor Officer Dana Byerley of Sparta, MO, for her timely and heroic act of service to save the life of an infant.”

“Mr. President. I rise today to honor Deputy Markus Burns of Benton County, MO, for his selfless act of bravery and continued service to the State. As heavy storms came on April 29, 2024, Benton County Sheriff's Deputy Markus Burns responded to reports of a woman crying for help inside Deer Creek.”

“Mr. President. I rise today to honor Rick Barnes of Doolittle, MO, for his service to his neighbors and the State by a simple act of kindness. On March 8, 2024, Stella Typaldos and her two young children were on the way to St.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to talk about the impressive pace by which this body is confirming President Trump's nominees to important Cabinet positions, to fulfill his agenda and his promises to the American people.”

“Management and Budget deals with a lot of sort of the tentacles inside of government, where the wheels kind of turn, and you also get a glimpse of the opportunities to save money that have been neglected for far, far too long.”

“Mr. President, I stand here to amplify my support that I was able to give in the Judiciary Committee of Pam Bondi, who will hopefully, in a few short hours here, be confirmed as the next Attorney General of the United States of America.”

“Mr. President, I rise to speak about the grave threat that the administrative state poses to our country and what we can do to stop it. I want to thank the Senator from Oklahoma for sort of leading the effort here today to talk about this and to air this out on the Senate floor.”