Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) addressed the Senate floor today, expressing concern over what he described as a sparse legislative schedule set by Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer. According to Cornyn, the Senate is scheduled to work only 18 of the next 104 days leading up to Election Day, despite multiple critical deadlines.

"We have 104 days until the election, and the Senate is scheduled to be in session for only 18 days. That's about one day a week," Cornyn stated.

Cornyn emphasized the importance of addressing significant legislative tasks before the end of the fiscal year. "We have a mountain of critical work that needs to be completed before the end of the fiscal year," he said.

Highlighting specific priorities, Cornyn noted, "You would think the National Defense Authorization Act would be a priority, but apparently not for Leader Schumer." He also mentioned the necessity of passing all 12 annual appropriations bills and a farm bill to support agriculture.

"The Majority Leader has given us 18 days to complete 14 bills," Cornyn pointed out.

Cornyn also drew attention to bipartisan efforts aimed at enhancing online safety for children and teens. "We've heard countless hearings across multiple committees to learn about the danger that kids face online, as well as Big Tech's failures to keep our children safe," he said. He called for floor votes on two key pieces of legislation: the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act.

"Senator Schumer has hit the pause button on partisan show votes, at least for a week, so we can take action on two critical bills to address this crisis," Cornyn remarked.

In closing, Cornyn criticized what he perceives as delayed legislative action under Schumer's leadership. "It's great the Senate is finally doing some productive work for a change, but it's embarrassing that it's taken this long to put this legislation on the floor, which only the Majority Leader can do."