Floor Statements

Mr. President, today I recognize University of Arkansas athletes and coaches who are leading an effort to challenge northwest Arkansas volunteers to pack 2 million meals in 24 hours for people affected by the earthquake in Haiti. They are attempting to break the one-day record for the most food packed, which was set in Kansas City earlier this year.

Under the leadership of Jeff Long, athletic director of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, athletes and volunteers will meet at the Randal Tyson Track Center on the University campus June 25 and 26 to work 2-hour shifts filling and sealing packets of soy power, rice, dried vegetables, and vitamins. The packets will reach Haitians 5 to 7 days later after being transported by ground and sea transportation.

Called Razorback Relief Operation Haiti, the effort is also led by former Razorback golfer Rich Morris and sophomore track athlete Terry Prentice, a member of the student athlete advisory committee.

I commend the entire northwest Arkansas community for pulling together to help their global neighbors in need. These athletes and volunteers represent the best of Arkansas, and I am proud of their efforts.

Mr. President, today I congratulate eight Arkansas college students who were recently selected as recipients of this year's Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship Program. The students will receive $1,000 per semester for their agriculture studies in the 2010-2011 school year.

These young Arkansans represent the best of our State, and I am pleased to see them receive this funding to advance their education and prepare them for their future agriculture careers. 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.

To be eligible for the Farm Bureau scholarship, students must be Arkansas residents, members of a Farm Bureau family, and enrolled as juniors or seniors in a State-accredited university. They must also maintain a 2.5 grade-point-average and pursue an agriculture-related degree. 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, and these students are quite deserving of this honor.

This year's scholarship recipients are:

Anna Elizabeth Buck, 21, of Delight, Pike County, daughter

of Ricky and Rebecca Buck. She is an agricultural business

major with a marketing minor at Southern Arkansas University

in Magnolia.

Laura Jones, 29, of Clinton, Washington County, daughter of

Rosemary and Willie Jones. She is an animal science/pre-vet

major at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Mia Hand, 21, of Magnolia, Columbia County, daughter of

Rosanne Hand. She is an agricultural education major at

Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia.

Jaimie McMeechan, 23, of Gamaliel, Baxter County, daughter

of William and Shirley McMeechan. She is an agriculture

education major at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia.

Jared McMillan, 20, of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, son of

Dale and Teresa McMillan. He is an animal science major at

the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Kevin Dale Morrison, 21, of Onyx, Yell County, son of

Vernon and Elise Morrison. He is an agriculture business

major with an emphasis in animal science at Arkansas Tech

University in Russelville.

Daniel Wade Walters, 20, of Fayetteville, Washington

County, son of Danny and Bonita Walters. He is an agriculture

business major at Arkansas Tech University in Russelville.

Fines ``Levi'' Hudson, 22, of Mt. Judea, Newton County, son

Richard and Anita Hudson. He is a food, human nutrition and

hospitality major with a dietetics concentration at the

University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Mr. President, today I congratulate State Representative Linda Tyler of Conway, who was recently elected by her peers as the majority leader for the Arkansas State House of Representatives. She is the first female elected to the position, and I commend her for this significant achievement.

Along with my staff, I have worked with Representative Tyler on behalf of our constituents, and she has always done an excellent job representing the needs of those in her district. As a small business owner, she knows the economic challenges that face so many Arkansas families, and she works tirelessly to help them access the resources and help they need.

Along with all Arkansans, I thank Linda and the entire Arkansas Legislature for their leadership and their dedication to keeping our State strong. I also recognize the other representatives who were recently elected to leadership positions:

David ``Bubba'' Powers, D-District 3, Majority Whip;

Charolette Wagner, D-District 17, Secretary; Barbara Nix, D-

District 28, Treasurer; Butch Wilkins, D-District 74, 1st

District Whip; Fred Allen, D-District 33, 2nd District Whip;

Greg Leding, D-District 92, 3rd District Whip; and Johnnie

Roebuck, D-District 20, 4th District Whip.

Mr. President, today I recognize Arkansas wildlife officer Michael K. Neal, who put himself in harm's way earlier this year to save the lives of his fellow law enforcement officers.

Officer Neal is credited by the West Memphis police for stopping a shootout with suspects in the deaths of two of their fellow officers. On May 20, Officer Neal rammed his truck into a van occupied by a father and son suspected of gunning down West Memphis officers Brandon Paudert and Bill Evans during a traffic stop on Interstate 40, before exchanging gunfire with law officers who cornered them in a parking lot.

Officer Neal was one of 13 officers from multiple agencies involved in the shootout, and I commend the bravery and heroism of every law enforcement officer involved in this tragic event. I also send my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.

Mr. President, I am also proud that Officer Neal's bravery and heroism were recently honored during a ceremony at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, where he was presented with the Medal of Valor by Governor Mike Beebe. Officer Neal has received recognition from West Memphis-area legislators, the city of West Memphis and its police department, and by the Crittenden County Quorum Court and sheriff's office.

Officer Neal represents the best of Arkansas, and he is more than deserving of these honors. I commend him for his valor, bravery, and selflessness.

Mr. President, today I congratulate the residents of Malvern in my home State of Arkansas as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of Brickfest, a time-honored tradition that commemorates the importance of brick production to the history of the city of Malvern and Hot Spring County. Abundant clay in the area makes it a prime location for brick production, and since 1887, the industry has played a leading role in the area's economic development.

Nicknamed ``The Brick Capital of the World,'' Malvern celebrates Brickfest each year on the last weekend of June. I am looking forward to attending this year's event, which will take place June 24-26 at Malvern City Park, complete with live entertainment, a 5K race, a car and tractor show, motorcycle show, and awards for best dressed brick, brick toss, brick car derby, and much more.

Acme, now the only brick company operating in the Malvern area, provides a display of its product, and every year it manufactures dated mini-bricks that are distributed as souvenirs.

I salute the entire community of Malvern and Hot Spring County as they celebrate this historic milestone. I commend them for keeping the history and heritage of their community alive.

Mr. President, today I congratulate the Arkansas elementary and secondary school students who recently joined students from across the Nation to participate in the annual Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest in Washington, DC. This contest in our Nation's Capitol is the final stage of a series of National History Day contests throughout the school year at the State and local level.

Each year, more than half a million students, encouraged by thousands of teachers nationwide, participate in National History Day. Students choose historical topics related to a theme and conduct research through libraries, archives, museums, oral history interviews and historic sites. The students then present their work in original papers, Web sites, exhibits, performances, and documentaries, which are evaluated by professional historians and educators.

I commend the commitment to learning so clearly on display from the young Arkansans who took part in this event. Their hard work and dedication represents the best of our State, and I am proud of their achievements. By participating in events like National History Day, our young citizens can develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with confidence and self-esteem. These skills will prepare them for the future and help keep our State and Nation strong.

Arkansas students recognized in the annual Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest are:

SPECIAL AWARD: History in the Federal Government

Conway High School East

Conway

Senior Group Exhibit: The Road to Innovation: The Federal-

Aid Highway Act of 1956

Teachers: William Richardson & Charles Williams

Students: Lauren Hart, Anna Jordan, Annie Patton

Mr. President, today I honor and congratulate 40 of Arkansas's brightest young professionals who were recently named to Arkansas Business' ``40 Under 40'' list for 2010.

These young adults represent the best of our State, and I am proud to see them earn this recognition. I am particularly proud to see one of my own staffers on this list, Little Rock native Tamika Edwards. I have seen Tamika's hard work and dedication firsthand, and I know that her work ethic is shared by all of the recipients of this prestigious honor.

These honorees now join an elite group of business and community leaders, and I look forward to working with them as they continue to grow in their careers.

I also commend the editors and readers of Arkansas Business for choosing to highlight these young individuals and their efforts for our State.

Members of the 2010 ``40 Under 40'' group, as named by Arkansas Business, are:

Alexandru Biris, 36--UALR Nanotechnology Center

Chris Bates, 38--The Computer Hut

Allison Cox, 35--Windstream Corp.

John E. Heard, 38--McGehee-Desha County Hospital

Josh Jenkins, 36--Parker Cadillac

Mandy Kelley, 38--Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce

Deanna Newberry, 38--Honeywell International Inc.

Brian Vandiver, 35--Mitchell Williams Selig Gates &

Woodyard PLLC

Michele Simmons Allgood, 39--Williams & Anderson PLC

Kristine G. Baker, 39--Quattlebaum Grooms Tull & Burrow PLC

Elizabeth Bintliff, 33--Heifer International

Shannon E. Butler, 32--City Year Little Rock/North Little

Rock

Craig Shelly, 34--USA Truck Inc.

Jim Chidester, 39--Chidester Engineering PLLC

Courtney Henry, 37--Arkansas Court of Appeals and Arkansas

Supreme Court

Audrey House, 32--Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards & Winery

Sam O'Bryant III, 30--Pulaski County Government

Dan Young, 37--Rose Law Firm

Tom Leonard Jr., 35--PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Robert Coon, 30--Impact Management Group

John Bacon, 39--eStem Public Charter Schools

Chad Evans, 39--Arvest Bank

Kyle Allmendinger, 33--Datek Inc.

Tim Hicks, 38--Bank of the Ozarks

Cristian Murdock, 39--Arkansas State University

Jason Taylor, 35--First Community Bank

Justin Acri, 36--KABZ-FM, 103.7

Jean C. Block, 36--Office of the Arkansas Attorney General,

Health Care Bureau

Chris Cranford, 37--Jones Film Video

Tamika Edwards, 31--Office of Senator Blanche Lincoln

Tara Smith, 31--Arkansas Department of Higher Education

Brooke Vines, 37--Vines Media

Shayla Copas, 36--Shayla Copas Interiors

Russell Harris, 39--Entergy Arkansas Inc.

Roberts Lee, 39--Meadors Adams & Lee

Gwendolyn Bryant-Smith, 35--Central Arkansas Veterans

Healthcare System

Melissa Hendricks, 37--Pulaski Technical College

Scott Shirey, 34--KIPP Delta Public School

Kevin Keech, 39--Keech Law Firm

Melissa Snell, 33--Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic

Laboratory

Mr. President, today I recognize six Arkansas historic sites that have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. These Arkansas landmarks help define our State's history and heritage, and I am proud to see them included on the National Register.

The newly listed properties are:

The Century Flyer at Conway, a miniature train manufactured by the National Amusement Device Co. of Dayton, OH, around 1955.

Arnold Springs Farmstead at Melbourne in Izard County, featuring a vernacular Greek Revival house built around 1857, plus several outbuildings.

The Walnut Street Commercial Historic District at Walnut Ridge, with buildings dating to around 1875.

Fargo Training School Historic District near Fargo in Monroe County, where Black children attended school between 1949 and 1968.

Old Searcy County Jail on Center Street in Marshall, a 1902 Native- stone building influenced by the Romanesque style of architecture.

Cherry Street Historic District Boundary Expansion at Helena-West Helena.

Along with all Arkansans, I congratulate these communities for receiving this national recognition. I also salute the local officials and residents of our State for their efforts to maintain the beauty and history of their communities.

Mr. President, this year marks the 25th anniversary of a landmark nonprofit in my home State of Arkansas. Winrock International will celebrate 25 years of empowering the disadvantaged, increasing economic opportunities and sustaining natural resources in our State and around the world.

With its global headquarters in Little Rock, Winrock International traces its roots to a charitable endeavor that Arkansas Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller established at his home and ranch on Petit Jean Mountain, the Winrock International Livestock Research and Training Center. In 1985 that institution merged with the Agricultural Development Council and the International Agricultural Development Service, both founded by Mr. Rockefeller's brother, John D. Rockefeller III, to form Winrock International.

From Arkansas to Africa to Asia, Winrock touches lives all across the globe. They find solutions that work in the real world, increase long- term productivity and make lasting improvements in people's lives.

Near Helena-West Helena, AR, my hometown, Winrock helped five sweet potato farmers build a new industry based on local produce grown by smallholder farms. Important projects like these put infrastructure and expertise on the ground that support our

traditional industry of agriculture while also building new opportunities for growth.

In the Philippines, a Winrock project has supported the electrification of 474 villages, 13,422 households and 224 schools. This project improved education for more than 44,000 students and gave families and communities access to modern energy sources, which is a critical first step in increased social and economic development.

I salute Winrock International for their dedication, commitment and support of our neediest communities and citizens--both in the United States and around the world, and I am proud that Winrock calls Arkansas home.

Mr. President, my home State of Arkansas is known for its natural beauty, drawing thousands of visitors each year for camping, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Tragically, 20 visitors to Camp Albert Pike lost their lives last weekend after severe rain resulted in flash flooding early Friday. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and loved ones, many of whom I met as I toured the devastation. I will continue to pray that they find peace and consolation.

I have always had the utmost respect for our law enforcement, first responders, search and rescue teams and offices of emergency management. I have never been more impressed than in seeing their monumental effort during this tragedy. These brave men and women put their own safety at risk to search for survivors and victims, and they demonstrated amazing competence and dedication.

I was personally moved, as once again, Arkansans rallied to help their neighbors. While most of the victims of this disaster were from outside the boundaries of our State, local citizens embraced them with love and true compassion.

It was heartbreaking to hear the stories of those who struggled to make it out alive and those who were not so fortunate. There were many true heroes--of all ages--who continued to rescue others even when they knew members of their own families had perished and in the face of unbelievable personal danger.

Mr. President, I ask that we remember those who lost their lives in this tragic event:

Mr. President, today I recognize the Celebration Singers of Central Arkansas, who will be performing this weekend at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, as the feature choir for the 2010 Nation's Capital Festival of Youth Choirs. This group of 60 young singers from Sherwood and North Little Rock represent the best of Arkansas, and I am pleased that they will be able to share their talents at this special performance.

The Celebration Singers Choir is an award-winning choir comprised of students in 6th through 12th grade, and serves as the premier worship choir for the Student Ministry at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship in Sherwood, AR.

In addition to singing at Sunday worship services throughout the year, the choir takes an extensive mission tour every other summer as they share God's love through music and fellowship with people in other churches, nursing homes, retirement centers and various shelters that assist people in crisis and other needs.

Under the leadership of conductor Eddie W. Airheart, the choir has performed across the United States, including at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York's Battery Park, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, MD. The choir has also performed across Central Arkansas at The Cathedral of St. Andrew, First Presbyterian Church, and St. James United Methodist Church.

I commend these young people for their dedication to serving others through music and worship.

Mr. President, today I recognize the Westark Area Council Boy Scouts of America as they celebrate the 90th anniversary of their founding with a day of recreation, fun, and learning at Camp Orr, on the Buffalo River north of Jasper, AR.

Founded in 1920, Westark Area Council serves 17 counties in northwest Arkansas.

Under the current leadership of Bryan Feather, Scout executive and CEO, and Dr. Paul Beran, president, the Westark Area Council helps Scouts gain a sense of pride, self-confidence and responsibility. Scouting instills virtues that are an integral part of shaping a young person's life, and they can be essential in building the strong character of a leader.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every scout, scoutmaster, volunteer, parent, staff member, and alumni of the Westark Area Council as they celebrate this milestone.

Mr. President, today I honor SPC William C. Yauch, 23, of Batesville who died in Jalula, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. According to initial reports, Specialist Yauch died of injuries sustained when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his patrol. He is survived by his wife of Batesville, his mother of Cave City, and his father of Saint Charles, MO.

My heart goes out to the family of Specialist Yauch who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our Nation. Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for his service and for the service and sacrifice of all of our military servicemembers and their families. I am committed to ensuring they have the full support that they need and deserve. Our grateful Nation will not forget them when their military service is complete.

More than 11,000 Arkansans on active duty and more than 10,000 Arkansas reservists have served in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. These men and women have shown tremendous courage and perseverance through the most difficult of times. As neighbors, as Arkansans, and as Americans, it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to honor their service and to provide for them and their families, not only when they are in harm's way but also when they return home. It is the least we can do for those whom we owe so much.

Specialist Yauch was assigned to B Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.

Mr. President, today I pay tribute to two airmen from Arkansas, Air Force COL William H. Mason of Camden and CMSGT. Thomas E. Knebel of Midway, who bravely gave their lives during the Vietnam War, but whose ultimate fate had remained unknown. During a recent ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Colonel Mason and Chief Master Sergeant Knebel along with their crew members were given full military honors for their sacrifice.

On May 22, 1968, these men were aboard a C-130A Hercules on an evening flare mission over northern Salavan Province, Laos. Fifteen minutes after the aircraft made a radio call, the crew of another U.S. aircraft observed a large ground fire near the last known location of the aircraft. Search and rescue could not be attempted due to heavy antiaircraft fire in the area.

The fate of the plane and its crew was a mystery for decades. Military investigators pursued numerous leads before locating the crash site just inside Vietnam in 2000, then spent several more years trying to identify human remains at the site.

After years of uncertainty, the families of Colonel Mason and Chief Master Sergeant Knebel can now be at peace knowing the remains of their loved ones have been found.

My heart goes out to the families of these airmen, who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our Nation. Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for the service and sacrifice of all of our military servicemembers and their families. I am committed to ensuring they have the full support that they need and deserve. As Arkansans, and as Americans, it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to honor their service. It is the least we can do for those whom we owe so much.

Mr. President, today I recognize Police Chief Bobby Southard of Hot Springs, AR. After a 22-year law enforcement career, Chief Southard will retire at the end of June.

Hired as a police officer in 1988, Chief Southard has enjoyed a successful career, serving as sergeant, lieutenant, captain, acting chief of police, and in February 2007 was selected as chief of the 129- person department.

Along with all Arkansans, I recognize the courage, bravery, and dedication of our Arkansas law enforcement, who risk their lives each day to keep our citizens safe. I thank these public servants for their service and sacrifice.