Floor Statements

Mr. President, I wish to recognize the service of Sparks City Manager Shaun Carey on the occasion of his retirement. I commend Mr. Carey's career and offer my sincerest thanks for his years of service to the city of Sparks.

Mr. Carey grew up in Sparks and graduated from Sparks High School in 1975. He started his professional career in 1981 as a civil engineer, working in Arizona, Colorado, and California before returning home to Sparks. In 1992, Mr. Carey was named public works director for the city of Sparks. He was later named assistant city manager in 1999 and then city manager in 2000.

Under Mr. Carey's stewardship, Sparks has experienced continued growth through the economic challenges of recent years. He has streamlined city services and kept debt the lowest in the region despite economic challenges. Through his management, Sparks remains a full service city and continues to be responsive to its citizens.

Mr. Carey's leadership was instrumental in the development of the Sparks Marina, and his guidance has been vital in coordinating the local area's continuing development. Under Mr. Carey's tenure, Sparks now boasts a whitewater recreation center, a new community center, and one of the largest artificial turf sports complexes in the world. Thanks to Mr. Carey, Sparks has become known as the premier event center for the region and is the fifth largest city in the State.

I offer Mr. Carey my warmest congratulations and hope he enjoys a rich and rewarding retirement, knowing that his years of service will not be forgotten by the grateful residents of Sparks.

Madam President, I would like to begin by thanking my friend from Rhode Island for his continued work to help the American people by temporarily extending unemployment insurance benefits. This is something he and I have been working on together since this past December. I am pleased to have finally reached a bipartisan agreement that can pass this Chamber.

I admire my colleague's dedication and am greatly pleased that we are here this week to support our efforts to help keep American families on their feet during this tough economy. I also wish to thank Senators Collins, Portman, Murkowski, and Kirk for their continued willingness to come to the table to craft a bill that can garner enough support to pass in this Chamber.

I would also like to recognize some of my other colleagues: Senator Coats, Senator Ayotte, who though not cosponsors on this bill today were instrumental in these negotiations from the beginning. I understand their concerns and I also share their desire to see additional reforms to these programs.

Regardless, I am grateful for their contribution over the past few months. I would also like to thank Senator Isakson and Senator Hoeven for their input and am appreciative of their efforts throughout the process. Though it has not always been easy, this process has truly been a collaborative effort at every level.

Fortunately, I believe we have reached a compromise that will garner enough support in the Senate to help 1.3 million unemployed Americans get back on their feet as they look for work in the toughest job market in decades.

This bill is a responsible, fully paid for, temporary extension of unemployment insurance benefits that expired in December. It addresses concerns that any further extension ought to be paid for. As our economy recovers and people find new jobs, the demand for social safety net programs should naturally diminish, but States such as Nevada, Rhode Island, and many others still have long economic recoveries ahead of them.

I know some may feel there is little reason to extend these benefits, especially since they were allowed to expire at the end of last December, but the fact remains that too many Americans are out of work but want to return to the workforce. I have heard from many Nevada job seekers who in addition to trying to find a job are also struggling to put food on the table for their families, pay their rent or mortgage, and are running out of ways to make ends meet. Extending these benefits will help these families before their situation goes from bad to worse.

My colleagues and I have worked together to come to a reasonable bipartisan agreement on both policy and pay-fors. I think we would all agree there are certain provisions that I think each side would prefer to see included in this bill, such as additional reforms, but this is the nature of compromise.

We also recognize the challenge of dealing with a patchwork of State UI systems of varying capabilities, but I believe we are all open to finding ways to ensure that this extension is implemented as efficiently as possible. This task may not be easy, but I firmly believe it is worth doing.

Again, thanks to all of my colleagues, especially my colleague from Rhode Island who has been involved in this process. I look forward to moving to this bill very soon and am hopeful Congress can finally resolve this matter as soon as possible to help restore some stability for the millions of unemployed Americans looking to get back to work.

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

Mr. President, I wish to congratulate Carson City teacher, Penny Reynolds, and 12th grade senior, Andrea Davis, on their Nevada Restaurant Association ProStart State culinary competition victories. Each was named Teacher and Student of the Year, respectively. Nevada is proud to offer education in a wide variety of subjects, including the culinary arts.

For nearly 30 years, Ms. Reynolds has been an educator in my home State of Nevada. Ms. Reynolds and her 173 students serve lunch four times a week to the community in their student-operated establishment. Ms. Reynolds' Teacher of the Year designation, based on her high expectations for her program and her students' knowledge, is nothing short of deserving. I commend Ms. Reynolds for her leadership and positive influence in Nevada's education system.

Along with her team of chef classmates, 18-year-old Andrea Davis competed at and won this year's ProStart State hot foods competition, making for 10 first place finishes at the annual event for my alma mater, Carson High School. The five culinary students were each awarded scholarships for their winning dish. I wish Ms. Davis the best of luck on her and the entire team's trip to the national arena.

I admire and recognize the commitment of our teachers to uphold high education standards for Nevada. Educators work tirelessly to ensure our Nation's students are prepared to compete in the 21st century, and I am grateful for Ms. Reynolds's strong leadership and positive influence on Nevada's youth. My home State of Nevada is proud and privileged to acknowledge such an extraordinary educator and leader.

Nevada is fortunate to have such strong educational leadership serving the students of the Silver State. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Reynolds, Ms. Davis, and the entire Carson High Culinary Arts program on their appetizing successes thus far.

Madam President, today I wish to honor Nevadan Mitch Fox for his dedication to journalistic fairness and quality of character.

With almost 39 years of experience working for Las Vegas PBS, Mitch has come to be recognized as a journalist of integrity. Facilitating debate over a multitude of topics, Mitch has shown nothing but respect to his guests, always appreciating and inviting differences of opinion. Whether moderating a debate or a roundtable interview, the respect that Mitch commands encourages quality conversation and civil dialogue.

Mitch's legacy of nonpartisan journalism has made him a go-to source for news coverage. He serves as a shining example within his profession.

I will remember Mitch's welcoming and professional demeanor fondly, and I wish him luck on the next phase of his already distinguished career.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this respectable Nevada journalist.

Madam President, I wish to honor long-time Las Vegas resident and veteran, Willie McTear, who served our Nation in Vietnam.

Our Nation's veterans--the very men and women who put themselves in harm's way--protect the freedoms that Americans enjoy every day. I am grateful to these brave men and women in the Armed Forces, as well as their families, who make significant sacrifices in service to our Nation.

I am humbled to honor Mr. McTear for his dedication while serving in the military as a Rifleman/90mm Specialist. Mr. McTear is a veteran of Charlie Company, which was one of the last combat infantries of 160 men to be drafted, trained, and sent to fight in Vietnam. Despite significant risks and challenges, the men of the 4th Battalion of the 47th Infantry saw their service as a rite of passage. However, it did not come without the wounds of war and the loss of close comrades, and for that, our Nation is indebted to these servicemembers.

Serving on 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.

Today, we commend Mr. McTear for his acts of valor and the continuous sacrifices made by all of our servicemembers to ensure the safety and security of our Nation. We owe them and their families a great deal of gratitude for their commitment to America. I am proud to join the citizens of Nevada in recognizing Mr. McTear, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring him for his service on behalf of this great Nation.

Madam President, today I wish to extend a well- deserved congratulations to Amy Purdy, a Nevadan who has earned the unique distinction of being named to the 2014 United States Paralympic Team. Amy is the only double amputee competing in snowboard cross. Ranking internationally as the No. 2 athlete in the sport in her field, I am proud to recognize her and some of our Nation's greatest athletes as members of Paralympic Team USA.

A Las Vegas native, Amy embodies the epitome of battle born having defeated a number of setbacks after contracting a deadly strain of meningitis at only 19 years of age. Amy overcame this significant challenge without hesitation and stands stronger than ever today. Just 3 months after her release from the hospital in 2001, Amy was back on her snowboard, shredding all statistics that said she should not have been alive.

The snow is not the only place where Amy showcases her talents. Upon her return from Sochi, Amy will compete on season 18 of Dancing with the Stars, where she hopes to raise awareness for the Paralympic movement.

In addition to challenging herself athletically, Amy champions all unique levels of abilities through her founding work with Adaptive Action Sports, an action sport development program for youth, young adults, and wounded veterans, all with permanent, physical disabilities.

I wish Amy the best of luck on her trip in Sochi. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this remarkable athlete and Silver State citizen as we show support for the entire U.S. Paralympic Team.

Madam President, I wish to honor Nevadan Ed Vogel for his longtime dedication to journalistic integrity and for providing Nevadans with quality reporting. Working 35 years with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Ed has covered the gamut of news stories as the RJ's Capital Bureau Chief.

My fondest memories of Ed go as far back as when I served as secretary of state. It was with great pleasure that Ed and I operated with an open-door policy. Whenever he walked into my office, I knew I should settle in for an interesting story or an entertaining

anecdote. I look back on those conversations fondly. Ed is a true character, and one that will be greatly missed in the halls of our Nation's Capitol.

Well-known throughout Nevada for his endless curiosity, Ed was introduced to the Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2012. His experience spans the better part of four decades, beginning back in 1971, he serves as an example within his profession. Committed to the story, truth above all, his words' worth today is immeasurable.

As Ed announces his retirement, I reflect fondly upon our interviews together and wish him the best of luck in his new era of life.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this upstanding Nevada journalist.

I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business for up to 10 minutes.

Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Madam President, I rise to recognize the great State of Nevada, as we celebrate 150 years of statehood. It is a remarkable opportunity to speak on the floor of this Chamber about this milestone, given the role the Congress played in the formation of the Silver State. The movement to make the Nevada Territory a State began within the territory, but the first attempt to formulate a Constitution failed.

Shortly after, the 38th Congress passed an enabling act for Nevada statehood. Signed by President Abraham Lincoln on March 21, 1864, this bill

made it possible for Nevada to eventually adopt a State constitution. Lincoln proclaimed Nevada a State on October 31, 1864.

The guarantee of statehood was given to us by Abraham Lincoln, who, without assistance, would go on to pass the 13th amendment, win the Civil War, and heal our broken Nation.

Marking the 150th year of Nevada's statehood takes me back to Carson City when I was just 4 years old. It was Nevada's centennial celebration, the date was October 31, 1964. I remember being with my family, sitting on the lawn, listening to the Carson City Municipal Band lead the festivities at the State capitol.

During that same year, 1964, Lyndon Johnson was reelected over Barry Goldwater and would go on to declare a war on poverty. In 1964, race riots broke out in Harlem. Across the Nation, President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law. The 24th amendment to abolish the use of poll taxes was ratified. In 1964, the Summer Olympics were held in Tokyo, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin resolution, which ultimately allowed for increased military action in Vietnam. The James Bond film ``Goldfinger'' began its run in the United States and ``Bewitched'' premiered on television.

So much has changed in these past 50 years, but the character of Nevada has not. From its first birthday to its 100th, to its 150th, Nevada continues to be shaped by its people, people who are entrepreneurial, fiercely independent, and as diverse as our terrain. We are molded by the grit, hard work, and pioneering spirit of individuals determined to succeed.

The list of men and women who have molded our State is long. Where some saw impossibility, a Nevada Senator by the name of Newlands saw opportunity. To this day, his legacy lives on in the hay, the cattle, and the very fields that were made possible by the waters he brought to this desert.

Standing among our Nation's great, frozen in bronze, greeting visitors to the Nation's Capitol is another Nevadan, Sarah Winnemucca. She, similar to many Nevadans, challenged the status quo. She refused to accept the injustices brought on her Native American brothers and sisters.

Instead of fighting with a weapon, she fought with her pen. Through her words, the plight of our fellow Americans living on reservations was heard.

Of course, in Nevada, Mark Twain was born. Samuel Clemens adopted the famous pen name while covering the news for the Enterprise in Virginia City. Twain wrote eloquently about Nevada, from the rough-and-tumble attitude of the Wild West to the beauty of Lake Tahoe, dubbing it ``surely the fairest picture that the whole earth affords.'' Any visitor to this pristine landscape would also agree.

More recently, I think of Paul Laxalt, the former Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and U.S. Senator from Nevada. Among other things, he was instrumental in preserving Lake Tahoe and establishing our State's first community colleges and our medical school; or former Representative Barbara Vucanovich, who will be recorded in the history books as the first woman to represent Nevada in the U.S. House of Representatives. This alone is a remarkable achievement, but the integrity and determination with which she fulfilled her duties makes her achievement even grander.

Former State Senator Bill Raggio also comes to mind. He was a true statesman and the longest serving member in the history of the Nevada State Senate. These individuals have left their mark, but it is the people of Nevada who have forged the Silver State.

During the formation of our State's constitution, Nevadans demanded that our State's mothers and sisters be heard. The women of Nevada were granted the voice of a vote before the 19th Amendment was ratified by our Nation. We helped pioneer the vote for all.

During World War II, when our brave soldiers fought for peace and prosperity, Nevadans who were not able to fight abroad brought forth minerals such as magnesium from the ground. Magnesium, harvested near the township of Henderson, was considered a miracle metal for the munitions and airport parts which would help lead to us victory.

The residents of Boulder City built the Hoover Dam, a government infrastructure project which holds back 26 million acre-feet of water. The dam was completed early and under budget. With an expected 2,000- year lifespan, the Hoover Dam supplies clean energy to the grid, water to thirsty cities across the Southwest, and protection to downstream communities.

Ever since we were borne into the battle to mend our broken Nation, Nevadans have been willing and able. Although our population is small, our caliber is high. From all walks of life, brave Nevadans have heard and responded to the call to arms. At Naval Air Station Fallon, we host the Navy's top gun school. The elite men and women of our Armed Forces who train here push the limit, compete, and set the tone for global air superiority.

Welcoming tourists from across the globe, farming, mining, engineering, ranching, and serving in the Armed Forces, these are just a few things we Nevadans do. And as our State motto goes, all of these are done ``all for our country.''

Recent times have been tough in Nevada, but our pioneer spirit lives on. We continue to move forward. We have seen the booms and now, more than most, we continue to feel the most recent bust. Like many in our great Nation, Nevadans have lost homes, livelihoods, and the promise of a steady paycheck, but this will not deter us. Our State is battle born. We will continue to fulfill our 150-year-old promise of being willing and able to give all for our country.

I am a proud Nevadan, and as the son of a auto mechanic from Carson City, it is a privilege to stand on this Senate floor to recognize our State's 150 years of Statehood.

Before I close, I thank Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki, chair of the Nevada Sesquicentennial Commission, for the hard work he has put into recognizing this important milestone. Over the course of this year, the commission has planned and overseen many events and activities, providing Nevadans an opportunity to reflect on where we have been and where we are going.

Syria

Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Connor Perkins on obtaining one of the Boy Scouts of America's highest ranks of Eagle Scout.

Connor began this journey as a Cub Scout in 2005 and 5 years later became a Boy Scout with Troop 695. His commitment to excellence continues to expand his record of 35 merit badges, 80 hours of community service, and 100 miles of hiking. Connor has also assumed leadership roles in the Scouts, serving as a den chief for the newer members, including his younger brother Bradley. Furthermore, Connor has lead as troop guide and historian, and he is presently the troop's senior patrol leader.

As one of tomorrow's leaders, Connor enhances my faith in our great Nation's future. 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, Connor will certainly be a strong, contributing citizen of this great Nation.

Connor plans to continue being an active Scout, even after receiving his Eagle status. The guidance of his loving parents and Scout leaders has undoubtedly instilled him with these motivations to do a good turn and make change daily wherever he may go. I am proud to have such a loyal and prepared member in my family and the Boy Scout family.

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

Madam President, I first would like to thank Senators Gillibrand, McCaskill, Ayotte, and Fischer for their hard work on this issue, and my friend from South Carolina, who has worked passionately hard on this issue also.

As someone who strongly believes in bipartisanship, I am glad to see the Senate moving forward today on debating and voting on this particular issue.

While we may not all agree on how to best solve this particular issue, we can all agree that it is too important not to debate and ultimately vote on ways to address it.

Our military is the greatest fighting force the world has ever known. The freedoms we enjoy as Americans are because men and women continue to volunteer to serve and to protect our Nation.

The vast majority of these men and women serve with honor and integrity. However, there are a few bad actors in our military who commit crimes against their fellow servicemembers.

The question the Senate faces is whether or not the military justice system is equipped to properly handle sexual assault within the ranks.

After careful consideration, weighing all the facts, I feel the military today is not equipped, and that is why I support Senator Gillibrand's approach.

Like everyone else in this Chamber, I am disappointed we ever got to this point. No soldier should have their service degraded due to dishonorable conduct in the ranks. But there have been ample opportunities for the military to address this issue within its own ranks, and too much time has passed without this problem being resolved.

It is Congress's responsibility now to step in to protect the best America has to offer. Congress needs to address what is currently lacking for victims. Victims need to feel confident in reporting crimes of sexual assault. Victims must be protected from retaliation, and victims must be confident that justice will be served.

Senator Gillibrand's legislation will accomplish these goals.

If the Senate passes this bill today, loopholes in the military structure will no longer be an option to protect sexual assailants. These changes are long overdue and will hold the military to the highest standards that they strive towards.

I encourage the rest of my colleagues to join me in supporting her efforts and keeping our commitment to protect the men and women who are honorably serving our Nation.

Thank you, Madam President.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor an exceptional Nevadan, Corey Taylor.

Corey is a sophomore at Las Vegas' Northwest Career and Technical Academy and the host of her own radio show, which focuses on bullying issues in high schools. She is on a mission to end the senselessness that is bullying. Championing a safe environment through activism of acceptance, even at a young age, Corey has embraced diversity by defending individual expression.

Overcoming her own situation of adversity is just one example of character Corey stands upon as a leader in her community. The hard- earned money she saves goes to her radio show, where she reaches an audience through her words in addition to her actions. She encourages people of all ages to surround themselves with positive influences and to embrace their unique qualities.

Through her community outreach, Corey encourages her peers to be true to themselves despite any type of social pressure. She refuses to let her spirits be diminished by bullying, and her work has inspired others to do the same.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and congratulating Corey for her service and contributions to Nevada.

Mr. President, I wish to recognize an exceptional Nevadan and veteran, Army MG Floyd Edsall. On January 29, 2014, Nevada's humble servant was called home after 92 years of devoted community advocacy.

Born December 21, 1921, Mr. Edsall answered a call for military service at an early age through his involvement at UNR in their ROTC program. In 1944, he fought in World War II and was awarded the Silver Star and three Bronze Stars for his valiant bravery.

Upon his return from service with the Army's 63rd Infantry Division, Major General Edsall taught at Elko and Sparks High Schools as well as his alma mater UNR, where he coached football and track and field. Throughout his teaching and coaching career, he remained active in the Nevada Guard.

Major General Edsall is recognized as the Nevada National Guard's first full-time adjunct general. From 1967 to 1979, he commanded the Nevada Air and Army Guard all while maintaining a steadfast dedication to expanding the Guard's enlistments during the Vietnam war. His focus and recruitment abilities exhibited with the Guard were widely regarded, and Major General Edsall retained his role of leadership over the span of three Nevada gubernatorial administrations.

Recognizing a lifetime of commitment to service, the Nevada Army Guard dedicated a 1,697-acre training facility in his honor in 1997, and on May 10 of the same year, the Maj. Gen. Floyd Edsall Training Center opened to further the foundations of service his namesake bears.

Major General Edsall's passing is a great loss and his loyal commitment to the Silver State will never be forgotten. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the life of a devoted Nevadan and honoring his accomplishments.

Madam President, today I wish to extend well-deserved congratulations to Nevada's own David Wise, a Sochi Olympic athlete who won gold in this year's debut sport of halfpipe skiing. Motivated by support from his family and the Nevada community, David triumphed this year in Russia to bring home one of the United States' nine gold medals.

Despite difficult conditions in Sochi that proved challenging for these experienced athletes, David outperformed his skilled opponents by scoring a 92 on his first run in the halfpipe. As an American and Nevadan, I am honored that David represented our Nation proudly and brought home the gold.

During his free time, David enjoys spending time with his wife Alexandra and their 2-year-old daughter Nayeli. David's accolades reach far beyond his athleticism and victories on the slopes. As a believer in service, David frequently supports a number of charities, including several water projects in the Dominican Republic. This community service extends to his local community, where he runs a youth group at his family's local church.

Driven by his purpose founded in sport, service, and family, David embodies the spirit of an exemplary athlete that the Nevada Family is proud to call our own. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this remarkable individual as we show our pride and support for all of his accomplishments.

Mr. President, today it is with great pride I congratulate all of the 2014 Winter Olympians, especially Tim Jitloff, David Wise, and Chas Guldemond, the three Nevada proudly call their own.

A Reno native, Tim Jitloff grew up on skis and has been claiming international titles since 2005. Tim's unwavering dedication to his sport has developed him into a two-time Olympic athlete, qualifying for the Men's U.S. Ski Team for the first time when he was just 19 years old. In Sochi, he will compete in Alpine skiing's super combined giant and common slalom. Tim's successes extend not only to a first place finish at the 2013 U.S. Championship, but off the snow where he is a determined advocate in the fight against breast cancer, as his mother is a survivor. Tim's passion for service is marked by the respect he has earned on the big snow as well as his earnestness and resounding hard work.

David Wise's Olympic status begins in the Reno snow where he began skiing as a 3-year-old. He turned professional at an early age after securing his first U.S. national title when he was 15. His wins include The Dew Tour, The Grand Prix, and repeat Winter X Game titles. David continued his achievements in 2013 when he qualified for his first Olympics in this year's debut sport of ski halfpipe. David's dedication to his passion, family, and faith personifies a true talent, unmatched and inspiring for all of Nevada.

Chas ``Chuck G'' Guldemond has been a driving force in snowboarding since moving to Lake Tahoe in 2005. Working a series of odd jobs to pay his own way for the sport for years is just one of the testaments of character Chas contributes to the 2014 U.S. Olympic team. Chas has had seven healthy seasons of competition and won almost every major event in snowboarding since his early days of participating in the sport. In Sochi, he competes as one of the biggest names in slopestyle. The dedication and sacrifices Chas has made in pursuit of his dream are commendable.

Steadfast in their training, each one of these athletes reminds us that even the seemingly unfathomable is possible. Our American pride grows stronger as these Nevadans compete in Sochi. It is an honor to watch them and the entire team compete in the name of a United States victory in these 22nd Winter Olympics. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these and all of the remarkable athletes on their accomplishments thus far. We wish them a safe and gold-winning trip to Russia.