WASHINGTON – Yesterday on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) called out Democrat Leader Schumer for his continued mismanagement of the Senate, including wasting time on partisan show votes in the weeks leading up to the five-week state work period rather than advancing critical priorities and basic functions of government like passing the National Defense Authorization Act and completing the regular appropriations process. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.  

“We spend weeks voting on some of President Biden’s most controversial nominees, many of whom are clearly not qualified for the jobs they have been nominated to fill. Then we cap off the week with a controversial bill that stands zero chance of becoming law just to give our Democratic colleagues a new talking point on the campaign trail. It is a cynical and sad practice.”

“When we return on September 9, we will have only three weeks to work before gaveling out for another six-week recess, leading up to the November 5 election. It’s pretty obvious that the Majority Leader has given us very little time in which to do our jobs, and he’s wasted a lot of that time on unnecessary partisan votes.”

“The defense authorization bill, the 12 funding bills, and the Farm Bill should all be signed into law by the end of September, but it’s unfortunately the case that Senator Schumer has only given us 12 days additional in which to act.”

“Strengthening America’s defense in an increasingly dangerous world, funding the federal government, and safeguarding our food supply—these are the basics of governing, and we’re not doing it.”

“That is no way to treat the government’s most basic responsibilities, and I hope that come November voters will choose a new direction for the Senate.”