We wrapped up a busy week in Washington before adjourning for Thanksgiving recess. Here’s what happened in the Senate:

• Senate Rules Change: Senator Reid broke the rules to change the rules of the Senate, majorly altering the way in which the chamber operates. I voted against this change that reduces the minority’s ability to filibuster executive branch and most judicial nominees. 

• Advanced VA Funding:  The Senate Veteran Affairs Committee passed The Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013. This legislation we helped introduce would prevent veterans’ benefits from being jeopardized in the event of a future funding lapse by providing advanced funding for key veterans’ programs, much like we already do with veterans’ health accounts. 

• National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial: The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources approved legislation we helped introduce that authorizes the creation of a national memorial that recognizes the service of American troops during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. We are now one step closer to this fitting recognition that shows our appreciation for the service of the men and women who served in these campaigns. 

• PEPFAR Reauthorized: The Senate reauthorized the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Started under the vision and leadership of President George W. Bush, PEPFAR, the U.S. government initiative to combat HIV/AIDS around the world, has been credited with saving millions of lives during the last decade. 

• Preventing Child Abuse: We joined efforts to build on the success of the National Child Protection Training Center’s facility at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, through the introduction of the National Child Protection Training Act. This bipartisan bill seeks to improve child abuse training programs and enhance child protection nationwide.