Avner

Aye

Aye

Aye

Madam President,

Seeing as there is no debate at all, I second the motion for cloture.

I yield.

Aye

Madam President,

I offer the following amendment on behalf of the president,

Quote

(d) There is to be an appropriation of $8 Billion for Anti-Ship Missile Development for DARPA.

I yield in hopes of a second.

I have food poisoning, so after I stop vomiting, I'll handle everything I need to in-game and will be limited from the site until I feel subpar because right now, I feel like total shit.

Aye

Aye

Aye

"S.49 Protective Military Equipment for All Act guarantees religious freedom in our armed services."

Washington, D.C:  Meeting with officials from the Orthodox Union, one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States, Senator Mofaz told them that one of his highest priorities was to get his bill, the Protective Military Equipment for All Act, passed and signed by the president. The legislation would allocate $1 billion to research, develop, and produce beard-friendly military gas masks and protective gear for Muslim, Jewish, and Sikh soldiers, ensuring their ability to serve while maintaining their religious and cultural practices.

While the U.S. Armed Services do not permit facial hair, since 2014, the service has allowed all officers and enlisted personnel to request permission to wear beards and articles of clothing for religious reasons.

"Well, firstly, my legislation protects religious freedom; developing beard-friendly military equipment ensures that religiously observant individuals can fulfill their duties while practicing their faith. Secondly, we are facing a staffing shortage across the armed services branches; military-grade gas masks and protective equipment that accommodate religiously mandated facial hair; the government can demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity, making military service a viable option for a broader range of individuals.

But most importantly, we are protecting our men in uniform with beards! This will ensure that all service members can fully participate in military operations without compromising their safety or effectiveness is essential. I will not open a can of worms to permit everyone to have a beard; I leave that to the Pentagon. However, when it concerns our servicemembers with a religious exemption, we must assure that religiously observant individuals are afforded the same opportunities and protections as their non-religious counterparts."

Madam President,

I don't know how straightforward my friend, the majority leader, could introduce this bill. Various reports have indicated that the United States faces a severe skilled trades shortage like many Western developed nations. 71% of American tradespeople believe the labour shortage is worsening. In a 2018 report, Madam President of the Department of Education stated there would be 68% more job openings in infrastructure-related fields in the next five years than people are training to fill them.

We are heading into a disaster Madam President if we as a legislative body do not take action. Expanding the workforce pell grant for trade schools and certificates would encourage individuals to pursue careers in skilled trades, such as plumbing, electrical work, healthcare technology, and more. This, in turn, helps address the skills gap, ensuring a well-prepared workforce to meet the needs of the evolving job market. 

Many trade schools and certificate programs offer shorter, more cost-effective training options than traditional four-year college degrees. By extending financial assistance through the Pell Grant, individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds would have the opportunity to pursue quality education and gain valuable skills without incurring overwhelming debt.

Not everyone is meant for a four-year degree Madam President; we talk about all Americans having equal opportunity, and this bill ensures they do.

I second the motion for cloture and yield.

Madam President, 

I commend my friends, the gentlemen from Arizona & New York, for their work on this bill. I am not a fan of cryptocurrency; if anything, I am opposed to it; however, significant parts of the people we represent disagree with me! Yet that must not dictate or sway us not to begin enforcing regulation on this wild west currency. We can establish clear guidelines and standards to protect consumers from fraudulent practices, scams, and security breaches with the law. It can enforce strict measures to ensure transparency, accountability, and the safe storage of digital assets, enhancing trust in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

May I remind everyone in this chamber of the many flaws of cryptocurrency? In 2020, Altsbit lost most of its client's money due to hacking. A man in Ohio laundered $300 million by using cryptocurrency. $25 million was stolen from Lendf.me, a cryptocurrency platform. A hacker group from Eastern Europe stole over $200 million from cryptocurrency exchanges.

Madam President, I can go on and on for days about the danger of cryptocurrency without regulation. Yet we must continue to talk about it; without limitation, we have seen cryptocurrencies associated with money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activities due to their pseudonymous nature. Regulation can impose stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, making it harder for criminals to exploit cryptocurrencies illegally.

Right now, a bill is in the hopper introduced by the gentleman of Utah targeting Iranian proxies, Madam President. Does the chamber know Hamas & Hezbollah use cryptocurrency for fundraising, getting cash, and using that cash to commit terrorism? Even al-Qaeda & ISIS use/use crypto; all four are labelled terrorist organizations in this country! As members of Congress, our job is to protect the consumer interests of Americans and the national security of this nation; regulating crypto does both, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this bill through a bipartisan effort.

I yield.

Madam President,

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism has gained significant recognition and adoption worldwide. It provides a comprehensive framework for identifying and combating various forms of antisemitism, including those on college campuses. There are several reasons why the US government should utilize the IHRA definition to address antisemitism on college campuses,

By adopting this definition, the Department of Education can establish a consistent terminology for identifying and addressing antisemitic incidents on college campuses. This clarity enables universities, students, and law enforcement agencies to identify and address acts of antisemitism without ambiguity effectively.

Using the IHRA definition encourages educational institutions to raise awareness about the different forms of antisemitism. It helps educate students, faculty, and staff about the historical context, stereotypes, and manifestations of antisemitism, fostering a better understanding of its impact and consequences.

By adopting the IHRA definition, the US government aligns with numerous countries and organizations worldwide that have already recognized its value. This alignment allows for sharing best practices, collaborating on research, and implementing joint initiatives to address antisemitism effectively globally.

Lastly, many critics of IHRA claim it will limit freedom of speech, but I reject that entirely. Adopting the IHRA definition does not infringe upon free speech or academic freedom. It provides a tool for distinguishing between legitimate criticism of Israel and antisemitism, ensuring that meaningful discussions and debates on college campuses can continue while safeguarding Jewish students from discrimination and harassment.

Madam President, what I will say is, for far too long, university administrations have ignored the cries of American Jews and our organizations when we have provided overwhelming statistical data that show the uptick of antisemitism on campuses that target Jewish students & staff. For far too long, we as a nation have allowed this old hatred to fester in these academic spaces; the result has been appalling levels of violence at places of learning where we send our children to learn, express themselves, and learn new ideas. So, Madam President, the time is now to say no more to this; this bill will mandate that the Department of Education withhold any federal grants to universities until said university administration complies with acting to stop and investigate antisemitic harassment, crimes and overall complaints.

We must be bold, so I, therefore, move for cloture. I yield. 

CS

Aye

Nay

CS

Senator Mofaz, introduces

A BILL

To ensure yearly funding for Israel's Iron Dome system.

Section 1. Title

This Act may be cited as the "Iron Dome Replenishment Act."

Section 2. Findings

The Congress finds the following:

(a) The Iron Dome is a proven missile defence system that has saved countless Israeli lives and protected Israeli cities from rocket attacks.

(b) The Iron Dome is critical to Israel's national security strategy.

(c) Continued funding for the Iron Dome is essential for ensuring that Israel can defend itself against threats from hostile actors in the region.

Section 3. Funding for Iron Dome Replenishment

(a) There is to be appropriated $2 billion annually, in permanent funding, to the Department of Defense to replenish Iron Dome missile defence interceptors

(a) There is to be appropriated $1 billion annually for FY 2021 to FY 2026 to the Department of Defense to replenish Iron Dome missile defence interceptors.

(b) The funds shall be used to support the production, procurement, and delivery of Iron Dome interceptors to Israel.

(c) The Department of Defense shall coordinate with the Government of Israel to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of Iron Dome interceptors.

(d) There is to be an appropriation of $8 Billion for Anti-Ship Missile Development for DARPA.

Section 4. Aerial Refueling Program

(a) In General.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall—

(1) make available sufficient resources and accommodations within the United States to train members of the air force of Israel on the operation of KC–46 aircraft; and

(2) conduct training for members of the air force of Israel, including—

(A) training for pilots and crew on the operation of the KC–46 aircraft in accordance with standards considered sufficient to conduct coalition operations of the United States Air Force and the air force of Israel; and

(B) training for ground personnel on the maintenance and sustainment requirements of the KC–46 aircraft considered sufficient for such operations.

Section 5. Reporting Requirements

(a) The Department of Defense shall provide regular updates to Congress on the progress made in implementing this program, including information on the number of Iron Dome interceptors produced and delivered, the cost of production and delivery, and the impact of these interceptors on Israel's national security.

(b) The Department of Defense shall submit an annual report to Congress on using funds authorized under this Act.

Section 6. Enactment
(a) This Act shall take effect immediately. 

PES: Establish annual funding of $2 billion for Israel's Iron Dome replenishment.

Eric Adams for NY

"Defending Against Covid Act will help our nation's recovery."

Augusta, Georgia: Addressing concerns over the Defeating Covid Act at a townhall in Augusta, Senator Barak Mofaz told the audience that he was proud to support the significant historic piece of legislation that, while it had some elements he disagreed with and voted against, it would help the nation recover from the ongoing COVID crisis that had killed so many and put a terrible strain on the economy.

"As some of you know, my father died in a nursing home of COVID. So, for me, defeating this damn illness is the top priority. The Defeating Covid Act provides the necessary funding for vaccines, medicines, testing, and the other supplies our frontline medical professionals need. It would ensure that the vaccines would be covered under Medicare & CHIP, so like I said, get your lazy behinds to the clinic and get your immunization shot; because I wish my father had had the chance to get him, but he didn't, now my mother is a 95-year-old widow.

Many of you lost income and your businesses because of the lockdowns; this bill will provide those small businesses with the resources and funding to stay afloat while you, main street, will be getting $1,400 stimulus checks. Of course, there are some things in there I didn't support, needle access for drug addicts & Pell Grants for those under DACA; those are no longer in the bill. It's not perfect, but then again, nothing is, but what we have here is a way to move us forward and get our country back on.

However, in closing, we need more bipartisanship in these processes; some called me the president's rubber stamp during the election campaign. I am my own voice; my employers are the people of this state and no one else, frankly, but I won't be intimidated or threatened to go against what is good for our state and our country, don't fuck with me or the people of Georgia."

Mofaz celebrates the passage of the "Buy American Produce Act," "Bipartisanship does work."

Macon, Georgia: Senator Barak Mofaz again met with Georgia farmers, this time in Macon, to celebrate the recent passage of the Buy American Produce Act. The legislation would require all school districts enrolled in The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to prioritize purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables from American farmers. This marks a significant step forward in supporting local farmers and fostering a healthier future for American children.

"The Buy American Produce Act mandates that, by 2022, school districts procure a minimum of 50% of their fresh fruits and vegetables from American farmers. Furthermore, by 2023, this requirement will increase to 75%. This crucial legislation recognizes the importance of investing in local agriculture, ensuring the vitality of our farming communities and the availability of nutritious produce for our students.

This legislation supports farmers to continue thriving and producing the freshest and most nutritious food for our nation's children.

Additionally, through bipartisanship, the Buy American Produce Act will take this nation into a forward-thinking approach by issuing unified permits for aquaculture. This measure streamlines the permitting process and ensures that our aquaculture industry can flourish, providing a sustainable and reliable source of seafood. By simplifying regulations, we can unlock the potential of aquaculture while safeguarding our precious aquatic resources. When Democrats & Republicans can work together, we can accomplish great things."

Aye on all

Aye

Aye on all