Floor Statements

Madam President, I call up my amendment No. 3568 and ask that it be reported by number.

Madam President, our Nation's communities and small businesses have had it rough these past 18 months as they struggle with the lasting effects of the pandemic. Today, they are also being victimized amid surging violent crime rates and progressive prosecutors who adopt nonprosecution policies. And, as a result, small businesses are left vulnerable and unassisted as they are burglarized, defaced, and destroyed.

It is understandable for victimized small businesses, law enforcement, and the public to be dispirited as they are left to pick up the pieces while rogue prosecutors ignore their constitutional duty by refusing to prosecute violent crimes that affect the health, safety, or economy of our communities.

Defying the rule of law and endangering the public has Mississippians and Americans across the country saying enough is enough.

My amendment is simple and straightforward. Any city that purposely obstructs the rule of law by refusing to prosecute--

--certain violent crimes will not be subsidized by the American taxpayers.

I urge my colleagues to vote yes.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Madam President, I rise to join my colleagues in expressing my grave concern over the nomination of Ms. Tracy Stone- Manning to be the Director of the Bureau of Land Management.

The Office of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management is tasked with an enormous responsibility. As it manages an eighth of our Nation's land, its leadership should be held to the highest standards.

Every nominee referred to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee must complete and submit the statement for completion by Presidential nominees, which is the standard committee questionnaire. In the sworn statement, Ms. Stone-Manning told the committee that she has never been arrested or charged and, to her knowledge, has never been the target of an investigation.

Unfortunately, as many of us are now aware, Ms. Stone-Manning's responses were not forthcoming nor fully accurate.

I am particularly disturbed by Ms. Stone-Manning's involvement with the ecoterrorist organization Earth First!, which organized the tree- spiking plot in Idaho. As you all may know, tree spiking involves hammering a metal or ceramic rod into a tree trunk in order to prevent loggers from harvesting the timber. If the saw makes contact with a spike, it can result in severe injury or even the logger's death.

Make no mistake, the people who put these spikes into the trees are well aware of the potential consequences of their actions. These schemes are carried out with intent to harm or even, at the very least, the intent to frighten the loggers who are carrying out their daily jobs.

I want to be clear, no one is claiming that Ms. Stone-Manning put any spikes in any trees herself. However, it is undisputed that Ms. Stone- Manning assisted the people who did.

Ms. Stone-Manning wrote a letter laced with vulgarities to the U.S. Forest Service, threatening loggers who were simply carrying out their jobs, doing what they do for a living.

In the aftermath of this tree-spiking conspiracy, Ms. Stone-Manning was investigated and subpoenaed by a Federal grand jury. Ms. Stone- Manning was silent about her involvement in the plot, but when new evidence came to light 4 years later, she struck a deal for immunity in 1993.

Tracy Stone-Manning's involvement in ecoterrorism as well as her dishonesty to the Senate is more than alarming. There are questions that need to be revisited and answered. The statements from the former lead investigator of the Idaho tree-spiking scheme as well as the actions of the Federal grand jury tell a different tale than what Ms. Stone-Manning led the committee to believe. These discrepancies must not be cast aside.

I am concerned about the precedent that will be set for future nominees if my colleagues simply agree to accept or disregard these inconsistencies.

I am very disappointed that my Democratic colleagues on the Energy Committee moved forward with Ms. Stone-Manning's nomination. There are serious unanswered questions about her voracity and her qualifications to lead.

I applaud my colleagues who have sought the truth, and I am disheartened that those efforts have met with resistance. The American people deserve transparency. I cannot support this nominee, and I would urge my colleagues to do the same.

Thank you, Madam President.

Mr. President, I appreciate the opportunity to join a number of my colleagues representing farm States to sound the alarm to the millions of rural Americans who will be harmed by proposed tax changes outlined in the American Families Plan. Described as a plan to help American families, it would do the exact opposite for farm families across the United States.

The most concerning changes to the Tax Code include decreasing the estate tax exemption, increasing capital gains tax rates on transfers of property to heirs, and increasing taxes on appreciated assets, such as farmland, which has increased in value very significantly in recent years.

These misguided proposals fail to take into consideration the fact that farmers in general are highly vulnerable to these types of tax changes, as land and equipment comprise most of the farmer's net worth.

If enacted, these tax provisions would strongly discourage and make it more difficult for our next generation to get into farming. The provisions would create significant hurdles from a financial perspective, to say the least.

With the average age of U.S. farmers being nearly 60 years old, do we really want to force surviving spouses or heirs to sell half of the farm they inherited simply to continue farming the land that has been passed down for generations?

Family farms are the backbone of American agriculture. Roughly 98 percent of all U.S. farms are family owned and operated. Whether you like large family farming operations or not, they account for 44 percent of total U.S. farm production annually. That is a staggering figure, given that American farmers contributed $136 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product in 2019. These people who put food on our table and clothes on our back do not need to go out of business because they are being taxed at every turn, punished for their achievements and sacrifices.

Initial reports from the Biden administration suggested that the proposed tax changes I am discussing would have very little impact on America's farmers and ranchers. However, recent research and analysis conducted by Texas A&M University paints a very different picture.

For instance, should the proposed capital gains tax changes and generational transfers become enacted into law, nearly all U.S. family farms would face higher taxes. Nationwide, the average additional tax liability per farm under the capital gains tax change would be $726,104. Mississippi would be the State most heavily affected, with an average additional tax liability per farm of $2.1 million. It is totally unbelievable.

Should the estate tax changes become law, recent analysis also determined that nearly half of all U.S. family farms would face higher taxes. The average additional tax liability per farm nationwide would be $2.2 million, and the fifth most heavily impacted State would again be Mississippi, with an average additional tax liability per farm of $4.6 million. That is totally incredible. As a former ag commissioner of Mississippi, I personally know these farmers and their families. This is truly unbelievable.

More than 3 years of net cash farm income would be needed to meet these additional tax obligations alone. That is simply unmanageable. I am perplexed as to why Democrats want to place the highest tax burden on one of the most economically challenged and socially disadvantaged States in the Nation, my home State of Mississippi.

Let's not forget that in rural America, the primary source of jobs and income are often associated with agriculture. It is the No. 1 industry in Mississippi, employing more than 17 percent of the State's workforce either directly or indirectly.

If family farms are taxed out of business, far more than the farmers will suffer. Low-income and minority populations across rural America will lose jobs and be forced to rely on government support. I hope this is not the underlying plan of my Democratic colleagues.

Let me be clear. For those who are willing to pay for reckless spending by punishing America's farmers and ranchers and everyone who relies on them, you will be doing far more than just that. You will be running off our next generation of farmers. You will be making it easier for large corporations owned by foreign adversaries, such as China, to buy up available farmland, and you will be ensuring that every American pays more for the food they eat and the clothes they wear. The list goes on.

I know there is a deep desire on the other side of the aisle to enact a reckless tax-and-spending spree that makes Americans more dependent on the Federal Government, but family farms cannot be caught up in the administration's punitive dragnet to find ways to pay for it.

Any changes to the Federal Tax Code should be geared toward supporting economic growth and helping the next generation keep these family-owned operations alive. I hope that we can all come to our senses on this.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I am so pleased to join my colleague in congratulating Mississippi State University's baseball team on its recent 2021 NCAA College World Series championship, the first NCAA championship in school history.

Mississippi State capped off its extraordinary season by defeating an incredibly talented Vanderbilt University team 9 to 0 in game 3. My house was full. We were all cheering. Their impressive and remarkable run through this year's College World Series is a testament to the rich tradition of the MSU baseball program, which has now appeared in 12 NCAA College World Series in its history, including most recently 3 consecutive series. The inspiring performance of this baseball team continues to be celebrated all over our State. Maroon is everywhere.

I truly appreciate the hard work, skill, and dedication that earned these athletes the first NCAA Division I baseball championship for Mississippi State, which are aptly described in the accompanying resolution.

We take pride in the legacy and inspiring example of these young men and their coaches. Thank you for such a wonderful and historic season. Hail State.

(Rings cowbell.)

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I join my colleagues today in defense of our longtime friend and trusted ally, Israel, and to argue that absolutely no American taxpayer dollars should be spent to benefit terrorist organizations.

Israel has no greater friend than the United States, and the Israeli people have long relied on assistance from the American people and other allies. It is an unshakeable bond based on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and common interests that existed long before the modern State of Israel was founded. We must continue to support and foster that relationship with everything we have as Israel faces growing threats from Hamas and other terrorist groups in the region.

As the annual appropriations process moves along, I am concerned, as are many of my colleagues, that foreign aid--U.S. taxpayer dollars-- could end up in the hands of those who have boldly proclaimed that their intent is to do harm to Israel and our interests in the region.

The most recent wave of violence in the Middle East makes it clear that our resources must be responsibly spent and kept out of the coffers of terrorist organizations and bad actors whose violence can be bankrolled by commandeering U.S. foreign aid.

The Biden administration admitted recently ``there are no guarantees'' our humanitarian assistance will reach the intended recipients. I believe it is our duty to guarantee this. It is imperative that we are certain that not a single cent of taxpayer money is spent to fund Hamas and its military arsenal.

In this effort, my colleagues and I have teamed up to ensure that safeguards are in place to make sure anti-American and anti-Israel groups do not continue down this dangerous path of radicalization and indoctrination at the expense of hard-working Americans.

The Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act, introduced by my friend Senator Scott of Florida, is commonsense legislation. It protects American assets and allies, while ensuring that not a penny of foreign aid is spent indoctrinating students abroad and bankrolling terrorist activities.

This is a nonpartisan issue. Americans do not support terrorism, so they certainly should not have to subsidize terrorism. We must take a stand against this barbarism and the harm it poses to most innocent civilians.

I simply cannot imagine why any of my colleagues--Republican, Democrat, or Independent--would oppose legislation that is fiscally responsible, morally sound, and in the best interest of our allies, servicemembers, and our future generations.

Finally, I believe we should recognize that American citizens feel the painful effects from the recent flareup of violence toward Israel. In tandem with the global unrest, we have witnessed the significant rise in anti-Semitic attacks largely fueled by old prejudices and accelerated by harmful political rhetoric. It is my fervent hope that we would dedicate ourselves to stopping anti-Semitic violence, to fortifying our determination to protect the State of Israel, and to promoting peaceful relations in the Middle East.

Thank you.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I rise to pay tribute to Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper John Martin Harris, who was killed in the line of duty on May 28, 2021. Harris was conducting a routine traffic stop on Highway 16 in Madison County when a vehicle struck and killed him. I honor Trooper Harris' service, extend my deepest condolences to his family, and reiterate my unwavering support for our law enforcement personnel.

A Clarksdale native, Harris knew from a young age he wanted to serve his community as a law enforcement officer. Trooper Harris began his law enforcement career in 1997 in Webb, MS. He earned his first Law Enforcement Purple Heart while serving on the police force in Friars Point and earned a second Purple Heart while serving at the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Harris then continued his career at the Richland Police Department. In 2018, Harris achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a Mississippi Highway Patrolman and graduated from Trooper School as part of Cadet Class No. 62. In addition to the Purple Heart medals, Harris received dozens of awards, too numerous to mention here, for valor and bravery. Several were commendations for his work on narcotics teams and with K-9 units.

Trooper Harris is survived by his wife Katie Parker Harris of Madison, his two children Parker and Cooper, and his parents Jean and Jimmy Harris of Clarksdale. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and to all who knew him. May God grant them comfort, grace, and peace in these unspeakably difficult times.

Law enforcement officers across our Nation face many challenges in their mission to protect and serve. Trooper Harris's death shows us that our law enforcement officers face tremendous danger to ensure public safety, and I greatly admire those who remain steadfast amiss the dangers of their noble profession. Let us commemorate Trooper Harris's life by redoubling our commitment to support and advocate for those in law enforcement. I will continue to honor the legacy of Trooper Harris and all of those officers who have lost their life in the line of duty by doing all I can to support our law enforcement officers.

Madam President, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, AAPD, last month named Dr. Heber Simmons, Jr., of Jackson, MS, as its 2021 Pediatric Dentist of the Year. I commend him for his decades of service and for the significant contributions he has made to the dental profession. His lifetime commitment to the specialty of pediatric dentistry has helped advance children's health in Mississippi and around the country. Dr. Simmons' many years of clinical practice, his dedication to improving academic dentistry, and his passion for public policy make him a deserving recipient of the Pediatric Dentist of the Year honor.

Dr. Simmons received his dental degree from the University of Tennessee and completed his pediatric dentistry training there after serving our Nation for 3 years in the U.S. Army Dental Corps. Following his training and military service, Dr. Simmons practiced for 57 years in Jackson before retiring recently from active practice. His passion and dedication have made him a national leader in dentistry, proven by his past presidencies of the AAPD, the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the Mississippi Dental Association. Furthermore, he received the AAPD Distinguished Service Award in 1994 and the Ann Page Griffin Humanitarian Award in 2011. For many years, he served on the Board of Trustees of the American Dental Association, ADA, serving as a spokesperson for the ADA from 1981 to 2019. In this role, he was featured on nationally televised programs such as ``60 Minutes'' and ``Good Morning, America.''

Dr. Simmons currently serves as a special consultant to the AAPD Board of Trustees after serving as the academy's congressional liaison since 1997. As AAPD Congressional Liaison, he helped educate Members of Congress and their staffs concerning oral health issues for children, testified before Congress, and served in a key leadership role in AAPD advocacy efforts. This includes helping to allocate more than $158 million for pediatric dentistry to the title VII program at the Health Resources and Services Administration. For this work, Heber was awarded an AAPD Presidential Citation in 2001, and more recently, his alma mater, the College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, recreated an endowed professorship in his name. Last year, at the AAPD Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference, Dr. Simmons was the keynote speaker and received another Presidential citation in recognition of and appreciation for his tireless and dedicated national advocacy for his profession and the oral health of America's children.

I commend Dr. Heber Simmons, Jr., for his many accomplishments and well-deserved recognition of his advocacy, dedication, and leadership. My State is fortunate to have him as a leader focused on the health and wellness of all Mississippians. I congratulate him on being recognized for his many years of service by being named the 2021 Pediatric Dentist of the Year.

Mr. President, on May 31, 2020, Mr. Tom Gresham of Indianola, MS, concluded his term as the 84th president of Delta Council. I am pleased to commend him for his service and contributions to the Delta region and the State of Mississippi.

Organized in 1935, Delta Council plays an important role in uniting the agricultural, business, and economic development leadership to solve problems and promote greater opportunities in the Mississippi Delta region, which encompasses 19 counties in Northwest Mississippi.

Mr. Gresham's tenure began on the heels of the devastating and historical Yazoo Backwater Flood of 2019, which destroyed thousands of acres, hundreds of homes, and took two lives. As a Delta native, business owner, and servant to his community, his leadership helped bring tremendous attention and change to a new plan proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address this critical flood control issue.

He also met challenges unlike any other Delta Council president in the unprecedented times we faced during the onset of the global pandemic of COVID-19. In leading Delta Council throughout his presidency, he navigated the way for the council to continue its devoted work to the region, despite the difficulties the virus brought us. This included the first-ever virtual meeting of Delta Council.

I also applaud Mr. Gresham, as a longtime former chairman of Delta Council's Development Department, along with Delta Strong leadership, on bringing hundreds of jobs to the Delta through the Delta Strong industrial recruitment initiative. As the president of Double Quick, Inc., for over 35 years, Tom Gresham knows what it takes to grow a successful business in the Delta.

Despite the time spent dedicated to his presidency and career, Mr. Gresham still finds time to serve in a multitude of capacities locally and regionally. He has served in leadership roles as cochairman of the Indianola Promise Community, director of Northwest Mississippi Community Foundation, past chairman of Mississippi Economic Council past president of Mississippi Association of Convenience Stores, Indianola Educational Foundation, Indianola Rotary Flub, Mid-Delta Arts Association, Society of Independent Gas Marketers of America, and more.

I am pleased to join the citizens throughout the State of Mississippi in commending Thomas G. Gresham and sharing our appreciation with his wife Louise Houseman Gresham and their three adult children and four grandchildren. His input over his year of service has undoubtedly contributed to the overall success of this highly respected 86-year-old organization, Delta Council.

Mr. President, I am pleased to commend Mr. Paul Hollis of Rollingi Fork, MS, for his service and contributions to the State of Mississippi while serving as the 85th president of Delta Council.

Organized in 1935, Delta Council plays an important role in uniting the agricultural, business, and economic development leadership to solve problems and promote greater opportunities in the Mississippi Delta region, which encompasses 19 counties in Northwest Mississippi.

Mr. Hollis has selflessly committed himself this year to the standing priorities of Delta Council's agenda, namely flood control, among other major issues the council addresses. As the owner and operator of Hollis Farms in Anguilla, MS, for over 30 years, he knows all too well the unjust history and devastation the incomplete Yazoo Backwater Pumps flood control project has brought to his community. There are few proponents of the Yazoo Backwater Pump Project who have volunteered the time, loyalty, attention, and leadership as fervently as Paul Hollis.

Mr. Hollis assumed the role of Delta Council president in a nontraditional fashion by way of the first-ever virtual meeting of Delta Council, due to the unprecedented challenges we faced during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Despite the hardships the virus brought upon our State and Delta Council, Mr. Hollis led this organization admirably through the rest of 2020 to restore the traditional Delta Council Day at the 86th annual meeting, at which I am honored to serve as the keynote speaker.

Outside of his time spent working on his farm and serving Delta Council, Mr. Hollis contributes his leadership skills to many valuable community organizations. He serves as commissioner for the Mississippi Levee Board and chairman of the Delta Council Flood Control Committee. He is president of his local Rotary Club, president of the Sharkey Country Club, serves on the board for Sharkey-Issaquena Academy, as well as Sharkey County School Board, chairman of the Board for Central Mississippi Walk to Emmaus, and a board member for the Lower Delta Partnership. He has also served as past chairman of Farm Service Agency for Sharkey County and is chairman of Trustees for Rolling Fork United Methodist Church.

It is my pleasure to join the citizens throughout the great State of Mississippi in offering congratulations to Mr. Paul C. Hollis and sharing our appreciation with his wife Laura Boykin Hollis, their four adult children, and six grandchildren. His input over his year of service has undoubtedly contributed to the overall success of this highly respected 86-year-old organization, Delta Council.

Mr. President, it is a solemn honor to recognize National Police Week. Each year, we dedicate this week to express our admiration and gratitude to all of the law enforcement officers working to keep us safe. We also take this time to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past year.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, I rise to discuss the importance of the American energy sector and my concern about President Biden's Executive orders regarding domestic energy policy.

In the first hours of the Biden administration, the President signed an Executive order revoking the Presidential permit of the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project projected to add 11,000 American jobs this year and pump $1.6 billion in wages into our economy. The new administration's actions ceased construction work, nullified contracts issued last October to hire an estimated 7,000 union construction workers, and disappointed our Canadian ally.

It is deeply concerning that our national energy policy should take such a dramatic turn away from pro-jobs and pro-American energy independence. Americans' unemployment rate is already in a precarious situation due to the ongoing global pandemic, and I fail to see how destroying more jobs unifies our Nation.

Mississippians and Americans in the energy industry have worked tirelessly for our Nation, and in 2019 America became energy independent for the first time in 60 years. It is thanks to our energy workers that we are no longer forced to rely on foreign powers who do not wish America well.

Terminating the Keystone XL Pipeline was just the start of what we now recognize to be a concerted effort to bring down fossil fuel resources in our Nation. The administration's subsequent ban on new oil and gas leases on Federal lands will result in an estimated $33.5 billion in lost GDP across Western States in President Biden's first term and risk over $8.8 billion annually in conservation funding.

Oil and natural gas from Federal lands accounted for 6.4 percent and 9.2 percent, respectively, of the Nation's total production. Jobs and economic opportunity are being carelessly stripped away.

And while my State may not be burned by the Federal leasing ban as badly as Wyoming, New Mexico, and other Western States, Mississippi will certainly feel the heat from this. Mississippi has a significant energy infrastructure which provides thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic output.

The Gulf of Mexico is one of the Nation's most important regions for energy resources and accounts for a large portion of our crude oil and Federal offshore natural gas production.

My State is home to the 1,443-megawatt Grand Gulf nuclear power station in Port Gibson, MS, which is the largest reactor in terms of generating capacity in the United States. We host a large petroleum refinery, a natural gas processing plant, and a liquefied natural gas terminal located along the State's Gulf of Mexico coastline.

Additionally, the Red Hills surface coal mine provides lignite coal to the Red Hills Power Plant, creating jobs and generation capacity in North Mississippi. Along with these great sources, Mississippi has growing investments in natural gas and in solar power.

Destructive policies that make fuel sources more difficult to obtain could greatly harm economic growth and raise the cost of energy prices, which will ultimately harm low-income families and many small businesses, not just in Mississippi but across the entire Nation.

My concerns are not based on any objections to green or renewable energy sources. I believe the American people want balanced national energy policies that promote growth and price stability. However, the early actions of the Biden administration are cause for concern and not a source of unity. They signal a troubling willingness to sacrifice strategic industries that are important to our economy and for the jobs that they provide.

This body should take into consideration important legislation such as the POWER Act and the Conservation Funding Protection Act, which would allow Congress to enact responsible energy policies and move away from policies landed in executive edits.

During a time when America's energy businesses are seeking recovery from this global pandemic, losing precious jobs that keep the lights on for the constituents and feed their families cannot and should not be the route this administration is taking.

Tribute to Sarah Thomas

Mr. President, now on a more positive note, I would like to speak on a separate and special matter.

As Americans and people around the world settle in front of their televisions this Sunday to watch the 55th annual Super Bowl, they will be tuning in to a historic event. I am not speaking about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the game or Tom Brady's record Super Bowl appearances. Instead, I am focused on the history that will be made by an exceptional woman from Mississippi, my good friend Sarah Thomas.

Sarah Thomas, a native of Pascagoula, MS, will go down in sports history on Sunday as the first woman to officiate the Super Bowl.

Sarah has always had a passion for athletics. She made a name for herself in high school sports. She became an Academic All-American in basketball at the University of Mobile, where she amassed a career record of 779 points, 441 rebounds, 108 assists, and 192 steals-- accomplishments that illustrate her determination to perform at the highest levels.

While the news of a female officiant for the Super Bowl is a historic first, Sarah is no stranger to making history. Following college, Sarah's attention shifted to football--namely, officiating games. She quickly earned a reputation as an elite referee while officiating high school games.

Sarah became the first woman to officiate a Division 1A high school game in Mississippi. Sarah continued to do so well in her craft that it caught the attention of renowned NFL official Gerry Austin, who invited her to an officials' camp. Here again, Sarah's talents proved impressive, and she soon became the first woman to officiate a college football game and the first woman to officiate a college bowl game.

The NFL hired Sarah as its first female official in 2015, and in 2019 she became the first woman to officiate an NFL playoff game.

To me and many others, Sarah's selection to officiate at Super Bowl LV is just a natural progression for a talented professional. I can assure you, anyone who knows Sarah as I do will not be surprised by her successful career.

Sarah--a mother, a career woman--has all the qualities I imagine the NFL wants in a good official: smart, confident, decisive, reliable, and committed.

My State of Mississippi is extremely proud of Sarah Thomas, and we look forward to watching her latest history-making appearance at the Super Bowl.

And to Sarah's children--these precious children: Bridley, Brady, and Bailey--congratulations to you on this historic achievement, and you can be so proud of your mother.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

I object.

Mr. President, each Memorial Day we, as Americans, take time to honor the heroes who gave their lives in service to our country, from those who died in the creation of this great Nation to those who today risk their lives in the most dangerous corners of the world.

As we approach this Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to honor the heroes still among us who served in the Second World War. There are fewer than half a million of these veterans still living, and we lose more than 300 every day.

These men and women of the World War II era are truly heroes here among us. In the great battle between good and evil, these heroes advanced over rough terrain against bombs and bullets and tanks.

Today, their battle is against the unrelenting march of time and the inescapable effects of aging. For these veterans, whose valor many of us only know from history books or movies, we still have the opportunity and sacred duty to express our gratitude, so we honor them as we aspire to be greater than we are. If we desire to serve more than ourselves, we must honor them.

On this Memorial Day, I take time to draw special attention to one of these heroes, who is now hospitalized in Mississippi.

Ninety-four years ago, Thomas O'Loughlin was born in an Irish- Catholic community in New Jersey. When his country called him to war, Tom responded and made his first trip to Mississippi, courtesy of the U.S. Army, for training at Camp Shelby. He deployed to the European Theater where, in January 1944, he was captured by the Axis forces and held as prisoner of war for more than a year before liberation. Following the war, Tom served as a guard during the Nuremberg Trials of Nazi war criminals. One of the prisoners in his charge was Deputy Fuhrer Rudolf Hess.

Following the Nuremberg Trials, Tom continued serving his country in the Armed Forces, once again serving in combat with the 811th Engineer Aviation Battalion assigned to the Fifth Air Force in Korea. He returned to civilian life in 1952, eventually making his way back to Mississippi. Keeping his Jersey accent and Irish sparkle, Tom made Mississippi his home and married Rachel Pitts, a Southern belle. They settled down in Laurel, MS, and like many members of the Greatest Generation, Tom dedicated himself to serving his community as a sponsor for those facing addiction. Even now, he calls from his hospital bed to encourage sobriety and offer support to those who still turn to him for help.

To honor Tom O'Loughlin, I had a U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. I pray his health returns, and I ask we all offer prayers of gratitude for Tom and the other World War II veterans across our country, for they truly are heroes here among us.

Mr. President, I am pleased to commend Woods Eastland of Indianola, MS, for his service and contributions while serving as the 83rd president of Delta Council.

Founded in 1935, Delta Council is a widely respected economic development organization representing business, professional, and agricultural leaders in the Delta region of Mississippi. I commend the Delta Council for its continuing role in improving the quality of life in this unique part of our Country.

Woods Eastland's tenure as Delta Council president began in June 2018. Under Mr. Eastland's leadership, the Delta region has benefitted from his extensive experience in farm policy, water resource issues, and economic and community development, among other major issues that Delta Council addresses.

Mr. Eastland graduated from Vanderbilt University and earned a juris doctorate from the University of Mississippi. A Navy veteran, Eastland began farming following his military service. He was also CEO of StaplCotn for over 24 years, where he led the largest cotton marketing firm in the United States, headquartered in Greenwood, MS. Upon his retirement, he became Chairman of the Board for another 8 years. In addition to Delta Council, Eastland serves his church, community, and Delta region through numerous leadership roles.

I am pleased to offer congratulations to Woods Eastland and to share this appreciation with his wife Lynn, their two children, and grandchildren, at the time of the 84th annual meeting of the membership of Delta Council in June.