Floor Statements

Thank you, Madam President.

I also thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in both Chambers of Congress for their efforts on this important piece of legislation that is before us. I especially thank Senators Isakson, Murray, Alexander, and Harkin for their leadership on this issue and for working together with our colleagues in the House to craft this compromise. I am pleased that Congress has come together in a bipartisan manner to address the most pressing issue we face in the country, which is the need to restore our country's economic health.

We have a responsibility here in Washington to ensure that the needs of American workers, businesses, and job seekers are all being met. I believe we need a two-pronged approach to this problem: first, a full- fledged effort to grow the economy and create new jobs; and second, a temporary safety net that helps people unable to secure a job in this current economic environment. The bill now in front of us is a much- needed effort to reauthorize and streamline the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which is the primary Federal law concerning job training and workforce development programs. The services offered through the WIA Program--job search assistance, career counseling, skills training, and on-the-job training--are a critical part of the effort to grow our economy and to ensure that workers are prepared for the job market.

Importantly, these programs are coordinated at the State and local levels to ensure that the unique needs of our communities are appropriately addressed.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act takes some long overdue steps to modernize our workforce investment system. It eliminates 15 programs that have been identified as duplicative or ineffective. It removes 21 burdensome Federal mandates on States and local workforce boards. It promotes State and local control and improves flexibility so we can better respond to changes in our workforce or the economy. It also improves accountability and transparency measures to guarantee that these programs are operating efficiently and effectively.

Given that this law has been due for reauthorization for more than 10 years, providing States and local communities the flexibility they need is vital to ensuring economic stability. We clearly cannot depend on the Federal Government to provide workers and businesses with timely solutions to help our workforce, so I am pleased this legislation puts much of that control back where it belongs.

The need to reauthorize these important programs is perhaps no more apparent than in my home State of Nevada. Our State is one of the States hit hardest by the economic downturn, and although we are slowly recovering, we still have a long way to go. Industries that thrived for many years suddenly stalled, leaving thousands of workers out of jobs. Nevada had a double-digit unemployment rate for 4\1/2\ years, unfortunately topping the charts at nearly 14 percent for several months.

Over the past few years, I have spoken with employers and job seekers in Nevada to look for ways to restore the health of our economy and get Nevadans back to work. Surprisingly, I heard from many employers that they have job opportunities available, they want to hire more employees and grow their businesses, but they are having difficulty finding workers with the necessary skill sets.

The skills gap problem isn't unique to Nevada. In fact, there are millions of unfilled jobs throughout the country. With nearly 10 million Americans still unemployed and looking for work, we must take steps to connect job seekers with employment opportunities in in-demand sectors.

I was proud to join Senator Joe Donnelly from Indiana in introducing the Skills Gap Strategy Act to develop a solution to this particular issue, and I am glad the manager's amendment before us today also reinforces some of these principles.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is a bipartisan, bicameral piece of legislation that represents real efforts to get our economy back on track. Although no bill is perfect and the nature of compromise means not everyone gets everything they want, I am grateful for the work my colleagues have done in writing this bill. Although I would have preferred to include efforts to provide stability for uemployed job seekers by temporarily extending unemployment insurance benefits, I also recognize that these job training and workforce investment programs are essential in getting Americans back to work.

I still firmly believe that our economic recovery needs a two-pronged approach that grows the economy and provides stability for job seekers, and this bill is an important part of that equation.

While the Senate is in session, I call constituents back in my State and ask them to join me for a telephone town hall meeting. During one of the calls just last night, I asked Nevadans if they felt as though the economy was improving. Of those participating, 26 percent said yes, they do think the economy is improving; 13 percent said they were unsure; and 60 percent said no, they do not think the economy is getting any better. On a ratio of 2 to 1, Nevadans feel that the economic growth is lagging.

We need to fix this and pass policies to help turn this economy around. In the meantime, we cannot forget about the most important safety net available to Americans. Make no mistake. I have every intention of continuing to work with my colleague from Rhode Island to temporarily extend unemployment benefits for those who are seeking to work.

I was proud to once again team up with the Senator from Rhode Island yesterday to reintroduce a new unemployment extension bill that would provide 5 months of benefits with retroactive eligibility.

We will continue to work with our colleagues here in the Senate, the House, and this administration to pass this legislation to ensure that we continue to provide this temporary safety net while still looking for work.

Again, I thank my friends in both the Senate and the House for their work on this much-needed legislation. This compromise effort proves that Congress is capable of working together on legislation to help our economy. I am hopeful this experience will encourage all of us to continue to work together to pass more bills, grow our economy, and create new jobs for people in Nevada and for all of the United States.

Madam President, I thank my colleagues on the floor for their healthy debate on advancing traffic safety. I am sure we will hear a lot more about it, and I look forward to continued debate.

I also thank my colleague from Missouri for his support on the amendment I am about to offer and talk about. The amendment I am speaking of is the Heller amendment No. 3269 to H.R. 4660.

While I commend the chairwoman and the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee for all of their hard work in putting together the appropriations minibus to be considered on the floor, this is only the first of the appropriations bills that Congress needs to, and should, consider before the end of the fiscal year.

This will not surprise the American public, but this Congress is once again facing another October 1 deadline to complete all of the current fiscal year appropriations bills. We are now well into the year and only now are we starting to bring appropriations bills to the Senate floor. By our own calendar there are only 8 full legislative weeks left to avoid yet another continuing resolution.

Missed deadline after missed deadline has been a staple of this Congress. Without even a basic budget process, we have failed to pass any of the current fiscal year appropriations bills on time so far this year.

I know the Appropriations Committee has been working hard to pass each of their spending bills in committee, but all too often these bills end up being rolled into one large omnibus measure or a continuing resolution that is not subject to any amendments.

As our Nation faces a rising national debt, the American people can no longer afford Congress's failure to tackle our Nation's spending addiction. I must admit that since coming to Washington back in 2006, I have never seen Congress pass all 12 appropriations bills on time. In fact, I am certain most of my colleagues who serve with me today have not experienced a normal appropriations process, and there are probably even more Members who don't think it is even a realistic expectation to pass all 12 appropriations bills on time anymore. So I am here to remind everyone that Congress has been able to accomplish its regular budget and appropriations process before in recent history.

A couple examples: It happened under President Clinton with a Republican Congress in 1996. It happened under President Reagan with a Democratic Congress in 1988. These are just two examples, but the fact remains that these deadlines have been met before, and now is the time to start meeting those deadlines again.

I have always said Washington, DC, is a pain-free zone that faces no consequences--zero consequences--if Members fail to do their jobs. I think it is time we start requiring accountability for Members of Congress in order to get things done.

I know many of my colleagues have heard me talk about my legislation, No Budget, No Pay. It is pretty simple: If Members of Congress do not pass an annual bipartisan budget resolution and all 12 spending bills on time each year, then they simply should not be paid.

I wish to repeat that last part: If Congress fails to pass all 12 spending bills on time each year, they should not get paid.

We have honest, hardworking Americans in the gallery and across this country who play by the rules. That rule says: If people do their job, they get paid. Why shouldn't it be the same for us as Members of Congress? We need to be honest.

We also need to recognize that both Democrats and Republicans are at fault. Governing from crisis to crisis while our long-term debt continues to grow is now the new normal in Washington. We need bipartisan solutions, but nothing will happen if Members of Congress don't start feeling some pain.

Instead of playing another game of brinkmanship, let's start working now on a plan that will place our Nation on sound fiscal footing or cultivate a progrowth economy that will produce jobs in the long term.

I have filed No Budget, No Pay as an amendment to this appropriations minibus to highlight that we have to end this cycle of inaction and indecision. Let's show the American people their elected officials are ready to lead and make the tough decisions these times deserve.

While I am not a betting man, I am from Nevada so I would bet that once again we will fail on passing any appropriations bills into law before October 1, and we will once again punt our responsibilities by doing another CR or omnibus.

I ask my colleagues--if you are sick and tired of this broken budget and appropriations process as much as I am, support No Budget, No Pay, and let's fix this problem once and for all.

I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Madam President, today I wish to recognize the 95th year of the Annual Reno Rodeo, the ``Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West''. Revered by some as the greatest outdoor rodeo in the world, I, along with my fellow Nevadans, are proud that it has called the great State of Nevada home for so many years.

The Reno Rodeo was started in 1919 by local community leaders and has grown exponentially in the past 95 years, offering Nevadans and rodeo goers nationwide a place to truly experience the gritty, energetic entertainment that the Wild West is best known for. For generations fans have been flocking to Reno to see some of our Nation's toughest cowboys and cowgirls compete in ten days of competition, showcasing their amazing talents, from roping to bull riding. This event has become a yearly tradition for many Nevada families, including my own, and is the source of many cherished memories. As rodeo lovers, my wife Lynne and I have proudly ridden in the Reno Rodeo Parade on our horses, Jackson and Cruise, and Lynne has had the privilege of singing the National Anthem at the Rodeo's opening several times.

From its start as a charitable organization in 1986, the Reno Rodeo Foundation has focused its mission on benefitting and enriching the lives of Nevada families in need. With the help of over 500 dedicated volunteers in the community, the Reno Rodeo Foundation has made a tradition of giving the annual proceeds of the event back to the residents of Nevada in a variety of ways. The organization has used the proceeds to build a horseback riding facility for Marvin Piccolo, a school for children with special physical or mental needs in Reno, and has created a recreation center on the Kids' Kampus to benefit abused and neglected children in protective custody. These are just a few examples of how the rodeo gives back to the Silver State. I am both humbled and honored to recognize the Reno Rodeo here today for donating over $1 million in the form of scholarships, children's charities, high school rodeo, literacy programs, and much more.

I ask my colleagues to join me and all Nevadans in recognizing Reno Rodeo, a special event that has proudly called Nevada home for the past 95 years, and I would like to offer the best of luck to all who are participating in this year's events.

Mr. President, Today I recognize one of Nevada's brightest students--Karthik Rohatgi--for earning the prestigious title of Presidential Scholar from the U.S. Department of Education. Presidential Scholars are chosen for outstanding test scores, essays, grades, and community service commitments.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars named only 141 scholars throughout the United States this year, and Karthik Rohatgi, who attends the Davidson Institute for Talent Development at the University of Nevada, Reno is among them. Each Presidential Scholar will receive a medallion at a ceremony on June 22 in Washington, DC.

This young man's academic accomplishments serve to reinforce the important role of education in our State. As the father of four and husband to a lifelong teacher, ensuring that all of Nevada's students have access to a high-quality education is important to me. I strongly believe higher education opens the door to more job opportunities and professional fulfillment, as well as increased earning power. For this reason, I will continue working to support educators and students to ensure that Nevadans are well prepared to enter the workforce and begin successful careers.

On behalf of the residents of the Silver State, I am proud to recognize Karthik for his accomplishments and contributions to our State. He undoubtedly represents Nevada's best and brightest. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this exceptional young Nevadan.

Madam President, I would like to begin by thanking my colleague from Pennsylvania Senator Casey for his dedication in working with me in a bipartisan manner to resolve the backlog of veterans' benefits claims. The care of our Nation's veterans is truly a bipartisan issue.

I would also like to take this moment to commend my colleagues, the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee Senator Sanders and also the senior Senator from Arizona for bringing together ideas from both sides of the aisle to address the problems facing appointment wait times, VA scheduling practices, accountability, and the overall quality of our care provided at VA medical facilities across our Nation.

A recent VA audit of VA facilities across the Nation found that appointment wait times for new patients at hospitals and clinics were up to several months. No veteran should have to wait that long to get their first appointment. I have talked with the Las Vegas VA Director, Isabel Duff, about plans to reduce their wait times. I am confident the proposals in the veterans bill passed yesterday will help these facilities make immediate improvements in progress to provide the necessary care to these Nevada veterans.

Addressing the serious concerns of health care at the VA is an urgent issue, one that needs quick action from Congress. I am pleased we were able to pass that bipartisan legislation, but there is another side of the coin separate from the Veterans Health Administration; that is, the Veterans Benefits Administration. It is the responsibility of VBA to administer benefits to our veterans. The VHA has undergone intense scrutiny in the last few weeks, but the veterans disability claims backlog is another urgent issue that needs action from this Congress.

The legislation we passed helped get the VHA system in order, but this will do no good. It will not do good unless the veterans can actually get their benefits and utilize these hospitals. The problems with accountability, management, and efficiency with the VA health care nationwide are the same problems the Veterans Benefits Administration is facing.

As we speak, nearly 287,000 veterans across this country and nearly 3,700 veterans in the State of Nevada have waited over 125 days for their claims to be processed. In fact, veterans in Nevada have the longest waiting time in the Nation at 346 days. This week the VA inspector general released its report on the inspection of the Reno VA regional office, which processes claims for veterans in our State. The inspection found that 50 percent of the claims the IG reviewed were not accurately processed. Furthermore, many of these inaccuracies were the result of a lack of proper management.

The problems at the Reno VARO are a prime example of why Congress needs to act now to bring reforms and accountability to the VBA. Just as it is unacceptable for veterans to wait months for appointments, it is just as unacceptable for them to wait months for the benefits they have earned.

To address this issue, Senator Casey and I introduced the VA backlog working group report along with a bipartisan group of our colleagues, which included Senators Moran, Heinrich, Vitter, and Tester. This report outlines the claims process, explains the history of the VA claims backlog, and offers targeted solutions to help the VA develop an efficient benefit delivery system.

To put the report's targeted solutions into action, our working group introduced the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act. This comprehensive, bipartisan piece of legislation addresses three areas of the claims process: claims submission, VA regional office practices, and Federal agencies' responses to VA requests.

I am pleased 18 of our Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle have cosponsored this legislation and that it has gained the support of the veterans service organizations such as the VFW, DAV, the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America and the AUSN.

Senator Casey and I recognize that the claims process is complex. There is no easy answer. There is no silver bullet that is going to solve this particular problem, but the VA's current efforts will not eliminate this backlog.

So just as we worked to address the issues at the VHA, I encourage colleagues to work to address some of these issues at the VBA.

I was pleased to see the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs try to move forward with examining our proposal just last week. While I understand that the committee had to cancel this hearing, I encourage the chairman of the committee to reschedule it. Our proposal can no longer afford to wait in the backlog of bills to be considered by this Chamber.

Practical, targeted solutions are needed to address inefficiencies that are keeping veterans from receiving timely decisions on their benefit plans. After all our veterans have sacrificed in service to our country, we owe this to them.

I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to move this commonsense proposal forward.

With that, I yield for my friend and colleague from Pennsylvania, Senator Casey.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I rise in remembrance of my friend, mentor, and coach, Marv Teixeira, a true Nevada statesman and dedicated public servant.

Mayor Teixeira's legacy as the longest running mayor in Carson City exemplifies his commitment and dedication to the betterment of his community. Marv served three terms as mayor and was always willing to listen to the voice of the people and base his decisions on what citizens wanted. His leadership and exemplary contributions to the State of Nevada are, and continue to remain, unmatched.

There was no disguising Marv's love of Carson City, often referring to it as ``Nevada's best kept secret'' and he was right. Carson City is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, and Marv's mayorship has contributed greatly. There is a long list of accomplishments that he achieved for Carson: the Pony Express Pavilion, the V&T Railway Reconstruction Project, and the Carson freeway. As mayor, he brought new companies and jobs to the area. He was an outstanding public servant. He always supported me, and we were able to work together on a bipartisan basis for the good of Nevada.

Born in 1935, Marv led a long life dedicated to selflessly serving his country and the community. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean war, who bravely served in South Korea. As one of our Nation's servicemembers, he made exceptional sacrifices for our country and deserves our deepest gratitude. After his time in the Air Force, Marv attended college and eventually settled in Carson City. He had a long career of 30 years as an IBM Corporation Representative in Carson and after retirement, focused on giving back to the community by becoming mayor. Marv spent much of his free time coaching Pop Warner football and Little League and was active in the development of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada. His service to his country, as well as his bravery and dedication to his family and community, earn him a place in history among the many outstanding men and women who have contributed to our Nation and to the great Silver State.

His motivation and selflessness embodies the Battle Born State. With his passing, Nevada lost a great man who is immortalized for his service to our Nation and to the Carson City community.

My entire family extends our thoughts and condolences to Marv's wife Elizabeth and his loved ones, and we thank them for their service as well.

I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Mayor Teixeira for his unwavering loyalty and dedication to Nevada.

Madam President, I wish to congratulate Nevada's own, Nia Sanchez from Las Vegas, on being crowned Miss USA 2014. Nia is the first beauty queen in the competition's history to ever win from the great State of Nevada, and I am truly honored to congratulate her on this great achievement.

The Miss USA pageant had its start in 1952 as a local ``bathing beauty'' competition that transformed into an international and annual tradition that has been a part of American history for the past 62 years. The women who are awarded the crown and named Miss USA are goal- oriented, knowledgeable and aware of what is going on at home and abroad. These characteristics are exemplified in Nia's everyday life, as a woman who is constantly seeking to improve the lives of others and her local community.

Nia truly is an example of a person who overcame great obstacles to achieve her dreams. When she was 8 years old, she and her mother were forced to live in a women's shelter, and that is one of the driving forces behind her choice to dedicate her life to serving others. As a fourth-degree black belt and instructor, Nia spends her time teaching martial arts to women and ``Stranger Danger'' classes to children in the community. She also volunteers her time teaching Sunday school

at the Shade Tree shelter in Las Vegas, which serves the needs of women, children, and their pets in Southern Nevada. Her volunteerism within the community is just one part of how she serves others. Her service extends far beyond our Nation's borders through her travels to work on mission trips to Mexico, Thailand, and the Great Wall of China. She is an exemplary Nevadan, and we are honored that she calls the Silver State home.

I know the citizens of the Silver State are proud to see a fellow Nevadan succeed in making their dream of winning Miss USA come true. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Nia Sanchez on this incredible honor and wish her the best of luck as she pursues the crown for Miss Universe and serves as a global ambassador.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize artist Ron Spears for sharing his talents to create the Nevada Statehood Forever Stamp, almost 150 years following Nevada's entrance into the war-torn union.

This year commemorates a very special year in Nevada's history during which we celebrate 150 years of statehood. From those days of bitter conflict, Nevada forged a State dedicated to preserving liberty and bettering America. Our dramatic entrance is why our State calls itself Battle Born and why Nevadans, over the past 150 years, have been entrepreneurial, fiercely independent, and as diverse as our terrain. It is an honor to recognize the

artist who painted and captured the essence of the Nevada statehood in the Forever Stamp.

A resident of Reno, NV, Ron Spears is a university professor with a master's in fine art. His career is decorated with many different projects, ranging from illustrations on casino games, book covers, magazine articles, and even illustrations for Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, Harry Potter Card Game, Upper Deck, Blizzard Entertainment, and others. Now, Ron can add the Nevada Statehood Forever Stamp to his long list of works of art. His contribution to our State's history is something to be both commended and applauded. Ron's creativity glows from this stamp commemorating Nevada's sesquicentennial.

The brilliance and the vision that Ron discovered on his 2-year travels throughout this great State exemplifies the very inspiration that was born on October 31, 1864. Just beyond the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip sits the stunning red rocks and bright blue skies that set the stage for a destination that is hard to miss, the Valley of Fire, Nevada's oldest State park. The magnificent formations of sandstone and dunes are what make this park a truly unique and brilliant place, one that I am glad was captured for our stamp. To say that I was struck by Ron's workmanship and vision would be an understatement.

I am truly proud that we are able to showcase this incredible achievement that I am sure will serve as a model for other artists and pioneers, right here in Nevada. Today I ask my colleagues and residents of the Silver State to join me in recognizing Ron for this great achievement and honor.

Mr. President, before I begin, I would like to take a moment to address the unsettling events that occurred yesterday when two members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and an innocent civilian were victims of a terrible act of violence. While words offer little comfort at this difficult time, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the victims' families. The Las Vegas community is grateful to these police officers for their service and joins their families in mourning their loss. I would also like to thank the men and women of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department who sprung into action following the tragic events, even after losing members of the law enforcement community.

Madam President, today I wish to congratulate two of Nevada's own, MSG Davis B. Leonard and Private Gaetano R. Benza, for being awarded the National Order of the French Legion of Honor in the rank of chevalier. Their service to our country and dedication to ensuring freedom beyond America's borders earn them a unique place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation.

As we approach the anniversary of D-day, nearly 70 years after World War II, these heroes are being honored with the Legion of Honor, France's highest distinction. Veterans who risked their lives during World War II and fought on French territory have this award bestowed upon them as a token of gratitude from France for defending liberty on their soil. The sacrifices these brave soldiers made set America and the world on a path to peace, freedom, and liberty that we as Americans enjoy today. Master Sergeant Leonard and Private Benza are joining the ranks of other notable Americans, such as GEN Dwight D. Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur and even, as an institution, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, by receiving this honorable recognition.

A highly decorated veteran from Henderson, NV, MSG Davis Leonard served in the U.S. Army Air Force Reserve as part of the 8th Air Force. He was transferred to England, where he flew his first of 64 combat missions as a bombardier and navigator. Master Sergeant Leonard was active in the Battle of Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. For his service, he earned several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with two bronze and one silver oak leaf medal. Upon his return home, he worked to rebuild our country working for Pacific Telephone Company for 30 years. Now retired at the age of 91, Master Sergeant Leonard resides in Henderson with his wife.

Private Gaetano Benza from Las Vegas, NV, spent 4 months transporting supplies and ammunition to the men on Omaha Beach as a longshoreman for the Port Battalion 297th Port Company. During the invasion of Normandy, Private Benza worked tirelessly, while under heavy enemy fire, to ensure that the soldiers that landed were equipped for battle. After spending 4 months at Omaha Beach, he moved to La Havre, France, where he would remain until the end of the war. Awarded for his service to our country, Private Benza received the World War II Victory medal. Once he returned home, he continued his education and became a barber at Nellis Air Force Base. While retired from the Armed Forces, 89-year- old Private Benza refuses to retire from his active lifestyle and is still a barber in the Las Vegas area.

Their commitment to this country, as well as their dedication to their families and communities, exemplified why the legacy of all World War II veterans must be preserved for generations to come. These veterans truly are the ``greatest generation''--selflessly serving not for recognition but because it was the right thing to do. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals but to ensure they are cared for when they return home. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation.

Please join me in congratulating these men for their acts of heroism and valor that helped to defend France from the greatest enemy they or we have ever faced. May we never forget the brave actions by these heroes that allowed the Allied troops to begin a march across Europe and defeat tyranny. Today, I join the Clark County community and citizens of the Silver State to congratulate these courageous men and honorable Nevadans.

Madam President, today I wish to congratulate Nicholas ``Cole'' Carothers Nimmo, on obtaining one of the Boy Scouts of America's highest ranks of Eagle Scout.

Cole began his journey to the rank of Eagle Scout when he became a Boy Scout in 2008. Throughout his time in the Boy Scouts, he has tirelessly worked to achieve this next rank and honor. He completed his Eagle project this past fall by leading a team of friends, family, and leaders in raising money for the materials and building a large storage shed for a local girls summer camp. Becoming an Eagle Scout enabled Cole to develop an appreciation and love of the outdoors. Biking in the Acadia National Forest with Troop 388, canoeing on the Susquehanna River, and earning his favorite merit badge in camping were highlights of his tenure in the scouts thus far.

As one of tomorrow's leaders, Cole's dedication to his local community enhances my faith in our great Nation's future. His training has enabled him to develop skills and knowledge that will help him serve those around him his whole life. It is truly an honor for me to help in celebrating his advancement to Eagle Scout. Continuing at this level of accomplishment, with such a strong commitment to civic duty, Cole will become a strong, contributing citizen of this great Nation. He knows that achieving the rank of Eagle is just the beginning of a life filled with leadership and service opportunities.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Cole on his loyal service and contributions to his troop and community.

Mr. President, I first wish to thank my good friend from Louisiana for putting together a proposal that would ultimately increase

veterans access to care. As does he, I believe our veterans are entitled to a VA system that provides them with the services they were promised--not only promised but to receive them in a timely manner. As my colleague from Louisiana mentioned, I support his efforts to authorize 27 VA clinics, and I cannot understand why the Senate is not acting on this commonsense proposal.

I would also like to thank my other friends; for example, Senator Rubio from Florida, who is fighting to bring some sort of accountability to the VA. His bipartisan, bicameral proposal is a much needed step in the right direction to give the VA the tools to fire VA executives who are not doing their jobs.

Unfortunately, after talking extensively with veterans in Nevada, I believe these problems of management, of accountability, and of efficiency extend well beyond the Veterans Health Administration. The Veterans Benefits Administration continues to struggle to eliminate the veterans disability claims backlog as it operates in what I consider to be a 1940s system here in the 21st century. There are more than 3,600 veterans in Nevada and nearly 300,000 nationwide who are stuck in a VA disability claims backlog. My home State of Nevada has the longest wait in the Nation at 348 days for a claim to be processed.

What veterans need is for Congress to take action to reform a broken, outdated claims-processing system. That is why Senator Casey and I came together a year ago to address this issue with a targeted approach to fix the claims process. So here is what we introduced. It is the ``VA Backlog Working Group March 2014 Report.'' These solutions we are speaking about are included in our 21st-century Veterans Benefit Delivery Act, which Senator Casey and I introduced in March.

Our legislation addresses three main areas of the claims process: submission, VA regional office practices, and the agency's response to VA requests. I recognize that the claims process is complex, and there is no silver bullet that will solve this problem, but the VA's current efforts will not eliminate this backlog.

I think my colleagues here today would agree this is a bipartisan issue. There isn't a Member of the Senate whose State is not impacted by the VA claims backlog. Yet this bipartisan legislation remains in the backlog of bills yet to be considered by the Senate.

It is past time for Congress to give this issue the attention it deserves. Congress needs to reform the VA and when doing so cannot ignore the problems that plague its benefits administration.

Thank you, Mr. President.

With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I wish to remember and honor the brave Nevadans and all Americans who risked their lives defending our liberty on the beaches of Normandy, France 70 years ago. The sacrifices our brave soldiers made on this day set America and the world on a path to peace, freedom, and liberty that all Americans enjoy today.

At dawn on June 6, 1944, the Allied powers stormed the beaches of Normandy and started their march across Europe to defeat Hitler. It was one of the most important days in American history and one the biggest tests our Nation has ever faced. What is known as D-day marked the beginning of the demise of one of the worst enemies that the United States has ever had to face. The brave men that stormed Omaha Beach that day sacrificed their lives, their ambitions, and their relationships with loved ones to liberate those who were enslaved by the Nazis. Their courage demonstrated that America would not sit idly by as countries across the Atlantic suffered, reaffirming America's belief that violations of basic human rights will not be tolerated. Their unwavering service is what has made this country so great and a beacon of democracy. These men believed that freedom was worth fighting for and that reflects what is most inspiring about the United States of America.

It is an honor to be able to commemorate this day on behalf of my fellow Nevadans as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and died to defend freedom. Our soldiers' commitment to this country, as well as their dedication to their families and communities, exemplified why the legacy of all World War II veterans must be preserved for generations to come. These heroes truly are the ``greatest generation''--selflessly serving not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals, but to ensure they are cared for after their return home. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation.

I ask that we remember the Americans who stood against tyranny and persevered. The brave men and women who risked everything to come to the aid of others deserve our respect and appreciation, and I am both humbled and honored to recognize them here today. May we never forget the brave actions by these heroes that allowed the Allied troops to defeat tyranny.

Madam President, that is fine with me.