Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, on May 22, 2023, Tom Carper told a crowd of admirers in Delaware that he would not seek a fifth term in the Senate, bringing to a close nearly 50 years in public service. Two days later, he delivered a keynote address at a reunion of 200 Vietnam war former POWs, which was held at the Nixon Library in California.

Those two events speak volumes about the character and commitment of my valued colleague and good friend Tom Carper. From State treasurer to Governor to Congressman and Senator, Tom has been elected to statewide public office a record 14 times. In every way, he has justified the trust the people of the First State have placed in him.

That remarkable accomplishment came after Tom served three tours of duty as a naval flight officer in Vietnam. He is the last veteran of that conflict in the Senate and a powerful and effective voice for those with whom he served.

In 1991, then-Congressman Carper led a bipartisan delegation of Vietnam veterans back to Southeast Asia. Thanks to Tom's leadership, that trip helped lay the groundwork for ongoing efforts to account for Americans listed as missing in action. He exemplifies the ethic of the U.S. military that no one is left behind or ever forgotten.

In the Senate, Tom's priorities have included improving our healthcare system, protecting our environment, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening our national security. And I feel so fortunate to have had the pleasure to work with Tom on many issues. As a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee following the 9/11 attacks, Tom and I were strong allies in supporting America's first responders. He has been a champion for the SAFER and AFG Programs that help provide our firefighters with the equipment, training, and support they need. In fact, Tom and I serve as cochairs of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.

Tom and I have also had a long partnership in strengthening the U.S. Postal Service. Twenty years ago, we introduced legislation that became law to reform the Postal Service--the first overhaul in nearly three decades to ensure universal service, affordable rates, and community access.

Another issue that brought us together is protecting the environment and public health from mercury contamination, a particular threat to children and pregnant women. The Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act we have championed would allow the United States to take a leadership role in generating a long-term mercury monitoring program that would benefit not only our Nation but also the world.

And I think it would be a great tribute to Senator Carper if we passed that bill and got it signed into law before the end of this Congress.

From Southeast Asia to Wilmington to Washington, Senator Tom Carper has served with great distinction. Our Nation is grateful. And I wish him and Martha all the best in the years to come.

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