Tragic Terrorist Attack in Orlando

I am deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred this weekend in Orlando and continue to pray for the victims, their families and our dedicated first responders.

Welcoming Tennessee Pastor Steve Berger

Senator Corker last Thursday welcomed Tennessee pastor Steve Berger as Guest Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. Berger, who was invited by Corker to open Senate proceedings with prayer, is the founding pastor of Grace Chapel in Leipers Fork.

“Steve is one of the greatest spiritual leaders in the United States, and I was proud to invite him to open today’s Senate proceedings with prayer,” said Corker. “He prays daily for our nation and leads a church that is making a huge difference not only in Tennessee, but across the country and around the world. I am continually inspired by the purity of his mission and thank him for his friendship.”

For video of Pastor Berger’s prayer on the Senate floor, click here.

For video of Corker’s floor remarks about Pastor Berger, click here.

Opposing $36 Billion Increase in Federal Spending

Senator Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement last week after voting against two amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that combined would increase federal spending by $36 billion next year.

“Our nation’s military leaders have repeatedly warned that the greatest long-term threat to our security is our inability to get our fiscal house in order,” said Corker. “While I support investing the appropriate resources to ensure our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to defend our nation from a variety of threats, we must set priorities. Unfortunately, the amendments considered today are not offset and instead take advantage of a fund that was designed to provide emergency spending for military missions overseas.”

Corker offered an amendment to the NDAA that would reduce unnecessary spending at the Department of Defense by establishing a process for the timely closure and realignment of military installations so that priority can be placed on the readiness of our military forces.

“Pentagon officials have repeatedly stated that we carry 20 percent more land and facilities than necessary, and we should consider all options to reduce redundant expenses,” added Corker.

U.S. Must Use Influence to Restore Accountability and Oversight of UN Peacekeepers

Senator Corker last Tuesday released the following statement after top United Nations (U.N.) whistleblower Anders Kompass resigned in protest over the U.N.’s failure to hold senior officials accountable for allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by peacekeeping forces and efforts to silence those who revealed them.

“This resignation appears to be a damning indictment of the leadership at the United Nations that has failed to end the horrific sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers and protect those who report wrongdoing,” Corker said. “The so-called 'zero-tolerance' policy has provided cover for a culture of impunity where allegations are swept under the rug and whistleblowers are intimidated to stop them from revealing the truth. The U.S. must use its influence as the largest contributor to peacekeeping to restore accountability and oversight of missions that are supposed to be about protecting vulnerable populations and restoring stability during conflict.”

Kompass’s former deputy, Miranda Brown, testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at a hearing on April 13 in which Corker expressed disgust over continued reports of SEA and the failure of the U.N. to provide accountability.

“If I heard right now that a U.N. peacekeeping mission was going to North Chattanooga today, which is where my wife is, I would be on the first plane out of here to go home and protect her,” Corker said at the April 13 hearing. “I am disgusted by the actions of U.N. peacekeepers that American taxpayers are paying for, and I hope that somehow we’ll figure out a way to reel this in.”

At an earlier hearing on December 9, 2015, Corker questioned U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power about the U.N. strategy to effectively address and prevent SEA. The 2017 State Department authorization bill passed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in April included provisions to encourage U.S. leadership at the U.N. to end SEA and protect whistleblowers.

Welcoming Tennesseans to Washington

Last Wednesday, Senator Corker greeted around 150 Vietnam veterans with HonorAir Knoxville during their trip to D.C. and personally thanked them for their service.

Senator Corker met with students from Baylor School (Chattanooga) during their annual trip to D.C. last week.

Last week, Senators Corker and Alexander hosted more than 50 Tennesseans at “Tennessee Tuesday,” a regular breakfast held on Capitol Hill every week the Senate is in session for visitors from the Volunteer State. For more information, click here.

Welcoming the Prime Minister of India to Washington

Senator Corker last Wednesday welcomed Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, to Washington for his joint address to Congress.