Floor Statements

Mr. President, today I congratulate Arkansas State Representative Steve Cole of Lockesburg for being named the new chancellor of Cossatot Community College. He replaces retiring Chancellor Frank Adams, both of whom have dedicated their careers to inspiring and training students to become our next generation of Arkansas leaders.

Cossatot Community College is a pillar of the communities it serves. With campuses in DeQueen, Ashdown and Nashville, the college serves nearly 1,500 students in western Arkansas. The college offers technical certificates in 7 programs, certificates of proficiency in 13 programs, and 5 associate's degree programs.

Both Representative Cole and Chancellor Adams have played an integral role in the development and success of Cossatot Community College.

Since 2007, Representative Cole has served as vice chancellor and dean of academics. He has also served as a faculty member and administrator for the past 13 years. Representative Cole is a dedicated public servant in the Arkansas State Legislature, representing Howard and Sevier Counties.

Chancellor Adams will retire on June 30 after 18 years at Cossatot. He led the college into the UA system in 2001 and spearheaded the development of satellite campuses in Ashdown and Nashville.

I salute Representative Cole and Chancellor Adams for their leadership, and for their efforts to inspire the next generation of leaders. The knowledge and training that the students at Cossatot Community College receive today are the tools that will carry them for the rest of their lives.

Mr. President, today I congratulate the 2010 inductees to the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame for their significant contributions to Arkansas agriculture, as well as community and economic development. The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Arkansas Farm Bureau.

This year's recipients are a distinguished group, comprised of Arkansas leaders in beef cattle, conservation, crop production, and extension efforts.

Philip Alford Jr. of Lewisville, Lafayette County, is a founding member of the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association. He introduced stocker cattle grazing operations and, by organizing drainage districts, helped convert thousands of acres of nonproductive bottomland into productive crop and pasture land.

Devoe Bollinger of Horatio, Sevier County, led the effort to eradicate brucellosis from cattle herds in the State. Bollinger's career has been devoted to improving the image of the cattle rancher. He served three terms on the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, two of those as chairman.

Mark Bryles of Blytheville, Mississippi County, led a significant increase of cotton acreage while serving as an extension agent in Mississippi County. His career as an agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service spanned 35 years, 22 of those in Mississippi County. He has received numerous awards for his leadership, innovation and service.

Jack Jones of Pottsville, Pope County, helped create the LeadAR program in Arkansas. Jones is a second-generation farmer and rancher from Pope County and has given much of his adult life serving the State's largest industry. He spent 24 years on the Arkansas Farm Bureau board of directors, 17 of those as vice president.

Leonard Sitzer of Weiner, Poinsett County, developed one of the most successful rice farming operations in northeast Arkansas. Sitzer's life is a testament to hard work, dedication, and leadership. With only a 10th-grade education, he returned from duty in World War II to build one of the most successful rice farming operations in Poinsett County. He spent 33 years on the Riceland Foods board of directors.

Mr. President, as a seventh-generation Arkansan and farmer's daughter and as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I understand firsthand and appreciate the hard work and contributions of our Arkansas farmers. Agriculture is the backbone of Arkansas's economy, creating more than 270,000 jobs in the State and providing $9.1 billion in wages and salaries. In total, agriculture contributes roughly $15.9 billion to the Arkansas economy each year.

I salute this year's inductees to the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame and all Arkansas farmers and ranchers for their hard work and dedication.

I move to lay that motion upon the table.

The motion to lay upon the table was agreed to.

amendment no. 3400

Madam President, today I recognize Sandi Sanders of Fort Smith, AR, for her leadership on the U.S. Marshals Service National Museum to be located in Fort Smith. Because of her efforts, Sandi will be honored during a ``Salute to Sandi'' event hosted by the museum later this month.

In January 2007, Fort Smith was given a highly sought after opportunity: designation as the site for a national museum, the U.S. Marshals Museum. As the oldest Federal law enforcement agency in the Nation, the U.S. Marshals Service reflects the history of the United States. Throughout their 219-year history, U.S. marshals and deputy marshals have been involved in many of the Nation's most historic events. Within the history of the Service are powerful stories that touch and inspire all people.

Sandi's involvement with the museum dates back to 2007, when she was named director. She has worked tirelessly to create a museum that will educate all visitors about the history, values, and dedicated individuals of the U.S. Marshals Service. Although she no longer serves as director, Sandi has remained an integral part of the Nation's U.S. Marshals Museum.

Madam President, I salute Sandi and all of the residents of Fort Smith for their dedication and commitment to this project. The entire community of Fort Smith should be proud of its efforts to bring the U.S. Marshals Museum home where it belongs.

Mr. President, I am pleased to introduced a resolution with my colleague, Mr. Chambliss of Georgia, recognizing hardwood trees as an abundant, sustainable and renewable resource. Specifically, the resolution states that the U.S. Senate

Recognizes that United States hardwoods are an abundant,

sustainable, and legal resource under United States law; and

urges that United States hardwoods and products derived from

United States hardwoods should be given full consideration in

any program to promote construction of environmentally

preferable commercial, public, or private buildings.

Hardwoods are found throughout the U.S., but they are a major component of forests from New England, through the Lake States, and the South-Central and Southeastern states. Hardwood inventories are expected to increase by 27 percent over the next 40 years, according to the Forest Service. Most of these forests are owned and managed by families who make substantial investments in these lands, sometimes without the expectation of timber income in their lifetimes. This resolution recognizes the environmental qualities of hardwood lumber, as well as the generational commitment of America's family forest landowners who grow and nurture this valuable resource.

The Arkansas timber industry has suffered badly during the recession. This resolution will provide new markets for our State's hardwood growers, many of whom are small family landowners who may harvest trees only once or twice in a generation. With more than 60 hardwood facilities in Arkansas, the industry is an important piece of our economy. Hardwood is valued world-wide as a superior and long-lasting building material and I am proud to encourage their use.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a similar resolution, H. Res. 81, on September 15, 2009, by voice vote. It enjoyed widespread, bipartisan support and had more than 50 cosponsors. I urge my colleagues join us in supporting U.S. hardwoods, the hardwood industry and an abundant and renewable resource.

Mr. President, today I congratulate Curtis Stewart and Peggy Clayton Chapman as the 2009 Man and Woman of the Year, as named by the Dumas Chamber of Commerce.

I was pleased to be on-hand as Curtis and Peggy were recognized last month during the Annual Dumas Chamber of Commerce Banquet. I have felt a long kinship to Dumas, and I am grateful for the friendships I have made there.

Dumas is a community with a great spirit of volunteerism and caring. Mr. President, we should all embrace the spirit of service and volunteerism on display by these deserving individuals. I send my heartfelt congratulations to both Curtis and Peggy.

Mr. President, today I congratulate the Jason Smith family for being named the Desha County Farm Family of the Year for 2009.

I have felt a long kinship with Desha County, and I am grateful for the friendships I have made there.

As a seventh-generation Arkansan and farmer's daughter and as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I understand firsthand and appreciate the hard work and contributions of our farm families. Agriculture is the backbone of Arkansas's economy, creating more than 270,000 jobs in the State and providing $9.1 billion in wages and salaries. In total, agriculture contributes roughly $15.9 billion to the Arkansas economy each year.

Our farm families are critical to our Nation's economic stability. We must work to continue the farm family tradition, so families such as the Smith family are able to maintain their livelihoods and continue to help provide the safe, abundant, and affordable food supply that feeds our own country and the world and that is essential to our own economic stability.

I salute the Smiths and all Arkansas farm families for their hard work and dedication.

Mr. President, today I recognize Monticello's Educators of the Year: Dr. Juan Serna, assistant professor of physics at the University of Arkansas at Monticello; Cindy Flemister, a second grade teacher at Drew Central Elementary School; and Wanda Jackson, a third grade teacher at Monticello Elementary School.

These educators represent the best of our Arkansas educational system, and I am pleased to see them receive these recognitions.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello selected Dr. Juan Serna, an assistant professor of physics, as its educator teacher of the year. Serna, who is responsible for the pre-engineering program at UAM, completed his Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas in 2005. His research interests are in mathematical physics and quantum optics.

The Drew Central Educator of the Year is Cindy Flemister, a second grade teacher at Drew Central Elementary School. According to her coworkers, Cindy was chosen for her ``extraordinary kindness, open- mindedness, tolerance, and patience as she works with students or visits with parents.''

The Monticello School District's Educator of the Year is Wanda Jackson, a third grade teacher at Monticello Elementary School. According to her fellow teachers, Wanda believes that all students are capable of learning and achieving. They say her dedication to student success is evident from the moment you enter her classroom, where she provides lessons and activities tailored to meet the specific needs of her students.

As a mother of twin boys and as an aunt with many nieces and nephews, I know firsthand that no child is alike. They each have unique personality traits and different abilities. They also have their own learning habits and interests. I have heard from many Arkansas teachers, administrators, parents, and students who have expressed the same view.

There is no issue more intricately connected to the future prosperity of our Nation than the quality of our schools. I am proud to see our Arkansas educators, especially those in Monticello, offer every child the chance to achieve his or her full potential.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor the town of Hot Springs in my home State of Arkansas. Hot Springs was recently voted the ``Best Attraction in Arkansas'' by the readers of Southern Living magazine, one of the largest lifestyle magazines in the country.

I have always felt a close connection to the community of Hot Springs. I have many fond memories of the trips to Hot Springs that my parents took me and my siblings on when we were young. Exploring the downtown shops, restaurants, and National Park bathhouses was always exciting. We also spent untold hours on the area lakes boating, swimming, and fishing. I am pleased that I am able to continue experiencing those wonderful memories with my own children, who I know will someday look back on their childhood days spent in Hot Springs, as I have, as some of the most happy times of their lives.

In 1832, Congress set aside the natural hot springs site as a Federal reservation, making Hot Springs National Park America's ``first resort.'' Hot Springs provides opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and boating on its lakes and in its forests. Hot Springs is also known for its vibrant arts community, with a variety of art galleries and antique shops, along with the nationally recognized Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and Hot

Springs Music Festival. Hot Springs is also home to Oaklawn Park, which offers thoroughbred racing each, spring and simulcast racing throughout the year.

I salute the residents of Hot Springs for their efforts to maintain the heritage, beauty, and history of their community. I join all Arkansans to express my pride in this jewel of Arkansas.

Mr. President, today I congratulate the Norris Stevens family for being named the Drew County Farm Family of the Year for 2009.

I have felt a long kinship with Drew County, and I am grateful for the friendships I have made there. I have many fond memories visiting the Drew County Courthouse, where my southern Arkansas field office was located when I was first elected to the U.S. Senate.

As a seventh-generation Arkansan and farmer's daughter, and as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I understand firsthand and appreciate the hard work and contributions of our farm families. Agriculture is the backbone of Arkansas's economy, creating more than 270,000 jobs in the State and providing $9.1 billion in wages and salaries. In total, agriculture contributes roughly $15.9 billion to the Arkansas economy each year.

Mr. President, our farm families are critical to our Nation's economic stability. We must work to continue the farm family tradition, so families such

as the Stevens family are able to maintain their livelihoods and continue to help provide the safe, abundant, and affordable food supply that feeds our own country and the world and that is essential to our own economic stability.

I salute the Stevens and all Arkansas farm families for their hard work and dedication.

Mr. President, today I congratulate Shay and Sherrie Gillespie of Monticello as the 2009 Man and Woman of the Year, as named by the Monticello-Drew County Chamber of Commerce and Monticello Economic Development Commission.

I have felt a long kinship to Monticello, and I am grateful for the friendships I have made there. I have many fond memories visiting the Drew County Courthouse, where my southern Arkansas field office was located when I was first elected to the U.S. Senate.

Monticello is a community with a great spirit of volunteerism and caring, as evidenced by the Gillespies. Owners of Head of the Class Childcare and Learning Center, the Gillespies are known throughout the community for their work with youth, their church and community activities, and their service on the Monticello City Council. Sherrie is a current city alderman and Shay is a former alderman.

According to those who know her best, Sherrie is quick to open up her home to the youth in her church and community, using her personal finances to help feed senior citizens and provide clothing for the needy. She was instrumental in forming a community action organization that provides tutoring to African-American students to help them make the most of their future.

Mr. President, we should all embrace the spirit of service and volunteerism on display by these deserving individuals. I send my heartfelt congratulations to both Shay and Sherrie.

Mr. President, today I proudly join all Monticello residents to congratulate SeaArk Marine and Ray's Restaurant as the Monticello-Drew County Industry and Business of the Year, respectively, as named by the Chamber of Commerce and Monticello Economic Development Commission.

I have felt a long kinship to Monticello, and I am grateful for the friendships I have made there. I have many fond memories visiting the Drew County Courthouse, where my southern Arkansas field office was located when I was first elected to the U.S. Senate.

Industry of the Year SeaArk Marine is one of the Nation's leading commercial and military boat builders. Known for its commitment to customers and quality, SeaArk has been under the same ownership for over 51 years, with many of their key craftspeople employed for more than 30 years.

Business of the Year Ray's has been a local icon since 1951, when the restaurant first began serving burgers at what was then known as C.L. and Ruth Ray's Anchor Drive In on Hyatt Street. Ray's now serves a diverse menu of Arkansas favorites, including burgers, catfish and hickory-smoked barbeque.

Mr. President, I salute these Arkansas businesses for their hard work and dedication in serving our State.

Mr. President, this year marks the 100th anniversary of a landmark institution in my home State of Arkansas. On February 1, Delta Trust & Bank will celebrate 100 years of service in our State. In honor of this milestone, the towns of Parkdale, Hamburg, Wilmot, Little Rock, and Bella Vista will proclaim Monday, February 1, as Delta Trust Day. At a time when many banks across our Nation are struggling, Delta Trust represents a long history of financial strength and security in Arkansas.

Founded as The Bank of Parkdale in 1910, Delta Trust's origins lie in the small town of Parkdale in Southern Arkansas. Parkdale is similar in many ways to my hometown of Helena, where faith, community, and family are an integral part of rural life. These values have stayed with Delta Trust throughout its 100-year history.

Delta Trust touches every corner of our State, with branches in northwest Arkansas in Bella Vista and Fayetteville; in central Arkansas in the Little Rock neighborhoods of Hillcrest, Chenal, and Walton Heights; and in the southeast part of the state in Parkdale, Hamburg, Eudora, and Wilmot.

Delta Trust's assets are impressive at $298 million. But this institution is about much more than assets or the bottom line. Delta Trust is known for its commitment to community service, not to mention its top-notch customer service. Integrity, privacy, and intelligent advice are the trademarks of Delta Trust. Through its Women's Advisory Council, Delta Trust has committed to serving the banking needs of women, their families, and their businesses.

Mr. President, I salute the partners, associates, and employees of Delta Trust for their dedication to serving the people of Arkansas. I send my best wishes for the next 100 years of service to Arkansans.

Mr. President, I wish to recognize a man who I am proud to call a fellow Arkansan. Hope native George Frazier, 91, embodies Arkansas and the values we hold so close to our hearts: community, family, and faith. Earlier this month, George was honored by his fellow Kiwanis Club members in Hope for 62 years of service in the organization.

Known by some as ``Mr. Hope, Arkansas,'' George and his wife Effie have touched countless members of the Hope community, including former President Bill Clinton, who telephoned George on his 75th birthday to thank him for the positive impact he had on his life. George is such an integral part of his community that the local newspaper, The Hope Star, recently penned a series of articles in his honor.

I salute George Frazier and all residents of Hope for their strong sense of Arkansas values and community pride. Renowned for its annual watermelon festival, Hope is often said to be ``a slice of the good life.'' I couldn't agree more.

Mr. President, today I honor two brave Arkansas Guardsmen who risked their lives to rescue a citizen in need. Maumelle resident Major Steven Hall, a native of Rector, and Chief Warrant Officer Ricky Bullinger of North Crossett recently received the

Soldier's Medal, the highest award for heroism not involving combat, for risking their lives to rescue a woman who was being electrocuted underneath a hotel dock on Lake Hamilton in Arkansas.

On August 23, 2008, Hall and Bullinger had spent the day at a training workshop, later joining their families to boat on Lake Hamilton. Before long, they heard cries for help from two families nearby on the water and immediately went to their aid.

Both Hall and Bullinger jumped into the water, quickly finding it to be full of electricity from a nearby streetlight. The pair spent 15 minutes diving for a woman trapped in the water. Eventually, their efforts were successful as they pulled her from the lake. Not everyone was saved, however. A 14-year-old girl lost her life that day.

I salute these two brave servicemen. My father and both grandfathers served our Nation in uniform and taught me from an early age about the sacrifices our troops and their families make to keep our Nation free. All of our service men and women from the Greatest Generation to Vietnam war veterans to the new generation of servicemembers in the Middle East and across the globe have sacrificed greatly on behalf of our country and local communities.

It is the responsibility of our Nation to provide the tools necessary to care for our country's servicemembers and honor the commitment our Nation has made to them. During these tough economic times, it is even more important that we don't shortchange our veterans. It is the least we can do for those whom we owe so much.