What Ted Budd said, and what was done

“Mr. President, 9 months ago, both Republicans and Democrats overwhelmingly voted to close the hemp loophole. It happened right here. They wanted to stop intoxicating hemp products being sold and marketed to kids.”

“Mr. President, every parent in America, they want the same thing. They want to know that their kids are safe. As U.S. Senators, each of us has a responsibility to the millions of parents we represent for the safety and welfare of American kids first.”

“THC can have very serious consequences for adults. It can trigger psychosis, addiction, manic episodes, bipolar relapse, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. And having assessed those risks, it makes it utterly irresponsible to turn around and put those same THC substances within reach of our kids.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a multigenerational American small business that has proudly served the community of Ronda, NC, for 150 years: H.G. Greene's General Store.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a patriot and veteran, retired U.S. Navy Commander John ``Jack'' Holland. Mr. Holland's passion for flying came from joining the naval aviation program following his last semester of college.”

“Mr. President, if you open a history book in any middle school classroom in America, you are going to find a very familiar pattern. Throughout history, societies have repeatedly decided that certain groups of people were exceptions to the promise of human dignity.”

“Mr. President, my colleague, whom I very much respect, has chosen to support the loophole through this objection. It allows taxpayer dollars to be used in a manner contrary to the values we cherish at home, allowing no voice to the voiceless.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor a significant milestone in Marine Corps aviation history. Earlier this month, on June 3, the AV-8B Harrier aircraft retired from combat after four decades in service.”

“Mr. President, today, I rise in honor of National Small Business Month to recognize North Carolina's 1.1 million small businesses that drive our State's growing workforce and thriving economy across all 100 counties.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor a significant milestone in Raeford, NC's history. This year, the city celebrates its 125th anniversary. Raeford's history began long before its municipal incorporation in 1901.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life, service, and legacy of Representative James Michael ``Mike'' Clampitt of Bryson City, NC--a devoted public servant, firefighter, and advocate for the people of western North Carolina.”

“Mr. President, I rise today on behalf of 80 percent of Americans, including millions of North Carolinians who are asking Congress to ensure that only Americans can vote in American elections.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life, service, and long-awaited homecoming of Private Luther Leru ``Dusty'' Rhodes of Edneyville, Henderson County, NC, a U.S. marine who gave his life in defense of our Nation during World War II.”

“Madam President, I rise today to commend the law enforcement officers of Graham County, NC, for their exceptional efforts in the completion of Operation Dirty Laundry. This 11-month undercover investigation successfully disrupted a large-scale criminal network in Appalachia.”

“Madam President, 1 year ago, Hurricane Helene brought devastating winds and recordbreaking rainfall to Western North Carolina. Families were displaced; homes were destroyed; and, tragically, lives were lost.”

“Mr. President, I rise today in remembrance of the 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, a disaster of unprecedented magnitude that devastated North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains. On the evening of September 26, 2024, this historic storm struck the Blue Ridge Mountains, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake, putting the livelihoods of thousands of North Carolinians on hold, and shattering many communities.”

“We couldn't have come this far without the local leaders who have shouldered the weight of the crisis and guided their communities toward recovery. I want to thank all of the county commissioners and mayors, county and town managers, and local emergency management directors in all of the impacted counties who have stood on the frontlines of this disaster, never once faltering in their commitment to serve.”

“In my capacity as the Senator from North Carolina, I ask consent that notwithstanding the order of July 1, 2025, I be permitted to address the Senate to propound an order.”

“Madam President, I rise to recognize and commend the outstanding efforts of our law enforcement community in western North Carolina for their role in the success of Operation Uptown Funk.”

“Mr. President, on March 19, 1925, the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce held its first annual meeting. For 100 years, the chamber has played a vital role in the growth and development of Rowan County, serving over 800 members and representing 60,000 employees.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to memorialize a servant leader of the great State of North Carolina. Mayor Karen Alexander of Salisbury went to her heavenly home far too soon on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the age of 73 years young.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Greensboro Police Officer Michael T. Horan. Officer Horan served our Nation in uniform for 18 years as an Active Reservist in the U.S.”

“Michael was devoted to his family and his community. Throughout his career, he was always committed to public safety. He will forever be remembered as a leader who put his city's most vulnerable first, and may his commitment to selfless service be an example to us all.”

“Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 7:07 p.m., adjourned until Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10 a.m.”

“Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of MeckDec Day. On May 20, 1775, exactly 250 years ago, the citizens of Mecklenburg County took a bold and unprecedented step by adopting the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.”

“Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order, following the remarks of Senator Duckworth.”

“Mr. President, as if in legislative session and notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 170, which is at the desk.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of a dear friend and public servant, Egbert Lawrence Davis III, who went home to be with his Heavenly Father on March 17, surrounded by his loving family.”

“Mr. President, the fentanyl epidemic has touched nearly every American. Whether it is a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a coworker--we all know someone whose life has been affected by the tragic reality of this crisis.”

“Mr. President, just last week in my home State of North Carolina, narcotics investigators from the Iredell County Sheriff's Office and the Gaston Police Department seized 5 pounds of fentanyl that was in possession of an illegal alien.”

“Mr. President, I thank my colleague from North Dakota for his comments in support of this legislation. One of the highest priorities of the next administration is securing the southern border, restoring law and order, and reversing the dangerous open border policies of President Biden.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is common sense. But if you stay here in Washington long enough, you will sometimes feel that common sense is not all that common.”