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Floor Speech
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Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, over the last 5 days, we have seen what President Biden and a Democratic-led Congress are focused on getting done: bringing terrorists to justice, lowering costs, reducing inflation and the deficit, helping out our veterans, and better competing with countries like China.
I want to begin with a word on last night's strike. Last night, President Biden reported that the United States conducted a strike that targeted and killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, the notorious mass murderer, the leader of al-Qaida, and one of the sick planners of the September 11 attacks, which in New York and around the country and the world we are still mourning.
The strike against al-Zawahiri is a major victory for the United States. It will make our country and the entire world a safer place. It will also help bring an element of justice for the 9/11 families, as well as the many Americans who still carry the scars deep within.
I applaud President Biden for bringing final justice to this loathsome murderer who orchestrated the killing of thousands of my fellow New Yorkers, including some people I knew quite well. I also want to thank the President's national security team for keeping Congress fully and currently informed throughout the process. Finally, I want to applaud the skill and bravery of our dedicated intelligence community, servicemembers, and diplomats who work day and night--day and night--to keep America safe.
This successful mission will send a chill down the spines of terrorists all over the world and likewise will send a clear message to those who wish to cross our Nation and harm our citizens: You will find no comfort. You will find no quarter. You can run, but you can't hide. We will hunt you down to the ends of the Earth until justice is carried out. PACT Act of 2022
Mr. President, now on the PACT Act, every day that passes without action on the PACT Act is another day that our Nation's veterans have to do the unthinkable: fight for basic healthcare benefits they rightfully deserve.
Two months ago, the Senate overwhelmingly passed this bill that secured the largest healthcare benefit expansion for our veterans in decades. We are dealing by and large with that exact bill again, so there is no justification to delay swift passage of the PACT Act any longer.
I am very hopeful that Republicans can work with Democrats to break through the impasse on the PACT Act immediately. We have offered Senator Paul and Senator Toomey votes on the amendments they have been calling for, set at a 60-vote threshold, just like the cloture vote has a 60-vote threshold. We hope to reach an agreement where we can act on this bill as soon as today, but for that to happen, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle should work with us in good faith.
There is no better message we can send to the veterans who have camped out for nights in front of the Capitol than that their long wait and the wait of veterans everywhere is finally over. These brave Americans risked life and limb to keep our country safe, and the very least we can do is ensure they receive top care.
I urge my colleagues to come together so we can get the PACT Act done ASAP, as soon as today.
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