Floor Statements

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

I ask unanimous consent to speak as if in morning business.

Mr. President, today we come together on the floor of the Senate to remember and honor the victims of September 11, 2001.

Only 11 short years ago on this day, enemies of freedom and equality attacked the United States and murdered thousands of innocent people. From this attack, our Nation grew stronger. United by our flag and our beliefs, America rose to defend the homeland and take the battle to our enemies. And it has not been easy. No, it has been a long 11 years of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.

But our military and its leaders have brought the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, to justice. And for a decade, America has been safe from the next round of attacks that we all thought were imminent 11 years ago.

None of this could have been accomplished without the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.

On 9/11, the mission of our military changed overnight. Those already enlisted knew they would be heading for war, and many more joined our military knowing that they too would be headed for combat.

From the events of 9/11, the best of America was reborn. A new generation of Americans dedicated to service and preservation of freedom was called to action because of 9/11. These Americans were among the first on the ground in foreign countries. They toppled a dictator, liberated a nation of women and children from an oppressive regime, and brought to justice Osama bin Laden.

Today our overseas operations fighting the war on terror continue. But for many of these soldiers, their tour of duty is over and they are coming home. They are coming home to family and friends and those who love them, but also to a stagnant economy and record high unemployment.

Today, unemployment amongst post-9/11 veterans is 9.8 percent; 192,000 post-9/11 veterans are unemployed, and 443,000 9/11 veterans are not even participating in the labor force. The policy of this Nation to grow the economy is failing these brave men and women who have fought to protect our freedoms--including economic freedoms.

This week the Senate will take up a bill that will provide $1 billion over 5 years to hire 20,000 veterans. I am proud to support this measure and hope we will have the opportunity to debate it and other job-creating measures before we return home at the end of this work period.

Since coming to the Senate, job creation has been my No. 1 priority. I will

support taking up and debating any measure relating to this issue, especially those that affect veterans. That is why I was proud to reach across bipartisan lines to work to pass the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, and know there is more work to be done. However, it is stunning that we are at this point.

After a $1 trillion stimulus, bailout after bailout, a new government-run health care program that will raise taxes on all Americans, it is time to look our veterans in the eyes and ask: Is this working? Are this administration's policies working for thousands of unemployed Nevada veterans who have come back from their service to find their homes underwater and their jobs lost in this great recession?

It is not working. The bill we are taking up this week is an acknowledgement that the policies of the past 4 years have not worked. As a result of the failed policies of this administration, Nevada veterans cannot find a job.

Our veterans deserve better. They deserve a good-paying job. That is why I will support this measure that we will hopefully take up this afternoon. But I also know there is much more we can do to provide veterans the opportunities they deserve. In addition to supporting cloture on the motion to proceed to this bill, I will also be filing my Veterans Small Business Protection Act as an amendment. I introduced this legislation, along with Ranking Member Burr of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, to ensure that widows and dependents of servicemembers killed in action are not alone to run a small business while grieving over the loss of a loved one.

Congress has provided numerous benefits to our Nation's veterans who own a small business--sole-source contracting, low-interest loans, and other resources, in order to help these small businesses grow and to create jobs. My legislation closes a large gap in Federal law that does little for those who owned businesses before their activation and were killed in the line of duty. As a Member of Congress, we must honor our Nation's fallen as well as ensure that the loved ones they leave behind have the same economic opportunities as afforded to that veteran. It is a small token that we can provide to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for liberty.

I hope we will have the opportunity to offer amendments this week as we debate the veterans job corps legislation and encourage my colleagues to support my veterans small business bill.

In closing, our Nation owes a debt of gratitude to our Nation's veterans, and Congress must fulfill the promises and commitments that have been made to all of them. This week the Senate will continue to work toward providing veterans with a good-paying job, and I support that goal. But if we are going to help small businesses create jobs for veterans and all Americans, we must change the policies coming from Washington, DC, because it is not working.

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

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a native Nevadan for her accomplished career and lifelong commitment to the Silver State. Susan Martinovich, director of the Nevada Department of Transportation, NDOT, will be retiring this summer after 28 years with the agency. As an incredible leader in recognizing and addressing the transportation needs of my home State for nearly three decades, Susan's talent will be difficult to replace.

Susan started her career at NDOT as a rotation engineer where she became familiar with the inner workings of the department. Shortly thereafter, she was promoted to the bridge division and was responsible for the design of several structures in the State. Over the next decade, Susan worked her way up through the agency and contributed to the development of several major freeway projects. In 2007, she was appointed as the first female director of NDOT, where she assumed the role of managing the agency of more than 1,800 individuals. As director, Susan continuously advocated for a solid and comprehensive transportation plan, focused on creating jobs for Nevadans.

In 2011, she was named the first female president of the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials, AASHTO, a national organization representing highway and transportation departments across the country. As president, she supported AASHTO's mission of promoting the development, operation, and maintenance of a cohesive national transportation system.

I wish Susan the best of luck in her future endeavors and look forward to what she will accomplish next. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing her indelible service to the great State of Nevada.

Madam President, I don't believe any State has felt the brunt of this recession more than the State of Nevada. We are a State that leads the Nation in unemployment, leads in foreclosure, and leads the country in bankruptcy.

There is not an evening that goes by or a day that goes by that I am not thinking about what can we do to create jobs and get our economy moving. In order to help small businesses thrive again, we must tear down the barriers to growth and opportunity and launch this Nation into its next great chapter.

Small businesses are our Nation's economic backbone and they were built on the very same values of hard work and determination our Nation was founded upon. This issue is very personal to me. I spent most of my childhood working at my father's automotive shop in Carson City-- Heller's Engine and Transmission. At this small business my dad taught me how to fix engines and transmissions but, more importantly, I learned about hard work, I learned about personal responsibility, and I learned how to provide an important service to our community.

Although my father's shop has been closed for some time, I have asked him what he would do as a small business owner in today's environment. First of all, he said, you couldn't open that same shop, not with the regulations, the taxes, the overhead that would be involved from what this government has produced. But his simple answer is he would have to close his shop because of the uncertainty and the costs due to all the Federal regulations and mandates.

Contrary to what some in Washington may believe, my father built his business and he worked long hours to make it successful. It was through this business that he provided for my mother and my five brothers and sisters. I can't thank my father enough for the values he instilled in me. It is humbling to think that all around our country sons and daughters are still learning from their parents who are making a living at their small businesses. These businesses are often struggling to make payroll, pay suppliers and, in some instances, can't even afford to pay themselves. These Americans are fighting every day to achieve the American dream, but what they get from Washington is more attacks on their livelihood in the form of new regulations, new mandates, and, of course, every day the talk of new taxes. Just last week, the majority party offered a tax plan that would kill 6,000 jobs in Nevada and more than 700,000 jobs nationwide. In a stagnant economy suffering from chronic unemployment, we should be looking for ways to strengthen job growth, not pushing destructive tax increases that serve as nothing more than political talking points.

Every week I hold telephone townhall meetings with Nevadans from across the State. Lately, a lot of Nevadans have discussed how some in the majority party are willing to take our economy off a fiscal cliff if Republicans will not vote for tax increases on small businesses.

For the past 2 weeks, I have asked all those participating in these townhall meetings if they believe this type of partisan politics is good for the economy. We shouldn't be surprised to know that a vast majority believe partisanship at the expense of the economy needs to end, and with that I agree.

Last Friday, I visited Joe Dutra, who owns Kimmie Candy in Reno, at his factory. He talked about how he is fighting to grow his business with his kids, John and Kathryn. Unfortunately, instead of supporting small businesses throughout our country, Washington has been making a difficult situation even worse. Joe has been getting a lot of heat lately from the press because he is standing up against politicians who belittle his efforts and has had the courage to fight the destructive policies coming out of Washington.

Let me assure my colleagues that Joe built his business and works hard to keep it going. That is what many small businesses across this country want to do. They want nothing more than to expand their businesses, hire more people, and pass on a legacy to their children and grandchildren that shows with hard work and dedication, anything is possible in America. Instead of encouraging this, Washington has increased their burden with miles of regulatory redtape. They passed a health care law that is costing jobs and continues with a top-down, Washington-knows-best mentality that has led to an anemic economy.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and will be a key component to our recovery. It is far past time Washington recognized this by encouraging their growth and getting our Nation on the right track.

Thank you. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of one of Nevada's own, Sofia Guana, on her 100th birthday. Her dedication to community service is commendable, and I am proud that she calls Nevada home.

After Sofia came to Carson City, NV, just more than 20 years ago, she dedicated her time to investing in the Silver State. Whether it was through working for the University of Nevada's Cooperative Extension or volunteering for the local senior citizen's center, Sofia's commitment to the betterment of her State and community is commendable. She serves as an example to us all, and I hope that many more will follow in her footsteps.

Sofia's dedication to the betterment of others does not stop with her local community of Carson. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, she is the lifeblood of her family.

Mr. President, I am proud to call Sofia one of Nevada's own and wish her a very happy 100th birthday. On behalf of the State and the residents of Carson City, I thank her for her service and wish her all the best.

Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate one of Nevada's own, Clarissa Martins. Clarissa is a student at the University of Nevada, Reno, who was recently awarded the 2012 Thomas J. Bardos Award for her participation in cancer and nutrition

research. Presented by the American Association of Cancer Research, this prestigious award recognizes and encourages young science students to pursue the field of cancer research. I am proud to honor Clarissa for her commitment to the scientific community in addressing a deadly disease that affects thousands of Nevadans each year.

For UNR senior, Clarissa, the devastating impact of cancer hit home when her mother lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2009. Inspired by her mother, Clarissa began researching the intricacies of this fatal disease. She is currently working on a UNR research project to determine rates of breast and lung cancer.

As someone whose family has been touched by cancer, I am humbled by Clarissa's efforts to study the second most common cause of death in America. Cancer is one of our most pressing health concerns in this country. Over 1.6 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year, and more than half a million Americans will lose their lives to this disease. In order for our country to be better prepared to combat this devastating disease, we must continue to research and provide better oncology care.

I am proud that such an ambitious student calls Nevada home, and that she has remained committed to fighting this deadly disease. I wish Clarissa continued success and the best of luck in her future academic endeavors. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating her on this great accomplishment.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the quorum call be rescinded.

Madam President, Reagan once joked that if anyone wants to understand Washington, DC, just look at how they designed the roads--it is full of circles. We don't have too many roundabouts in Nevada, but in Washington, DC, it seems to be part of the culture. Unfortunately, today Washington is going around in circles again. This time it is about whether Congress should raise taxes on small businesses at a time when our economy is struggling to grow.

The sad reality is that we all live in a country with a temporary tax code. Right now there is no certainty for an entrepreneur to start a new endeavor. There is no certainty for a small business that wants to hire a new employee. There is no certainty for businesses to invest in new equipment or in new buildings.

What makes the situation worse is that the American public is now hearing from the majority party that they are willing to take our country off the fiscal cliff, regardless of the economic damage it may cause, by raising taxes, resulting in a smaller economy, fewer jobs, less investment, and lower wages.

President Obama said in 2009:

You don't raise taxes in a recession . . . because that

would just suck up, take more demand out of the economy and

put businesses in a further hole.

I agreed with that statement in 2009, and I agree with that statement today.

Let me give my colleagues another quote from President Obama after he supported extending all of the tax rates for 2 years in 2010:

The bipartisan framework we have forged on taxes . . . will

provide businesses with incentives to invest, grow, and hire.

I supported this bipartisan framework as a Member of the House of Representatives. Yet, today, in a complete 180-degree turn, raising taxes and going over the fiscal cliff seems to be the new economic agenda.

The plan the majority party and the President are offering will cost Nevadans more than 6,000 jobs and will shrink the State's economy by $1.7 billion. Let me repeat that. The plan of

the majority party and this President will cost Nevadans 6,000 jobs and shrink the economy $1.7 billion. Nationwide, this plan will hurt more than 700,000 jobs. Is this really the economic strategy Washington should be embracing? My home State of Nevada leads the Nation in unemployment at 11.6 percent. We cannot afford to lose another 6,000 jobs.

Divisive, partisan politics does a great disservice to every American who is either out of work or has taken a pay cut. Those who stay up late at night are wondering how they are going to make their mortgage payments, put food on their tables, or clothe their children. While people across our country are struggling to get by, the Senate majority is pushing legislation that will actually hurt job creation.

Congress should do everything within its power to encourage economic growth, and that begins with providing America with tax certainty. It is true that our current Tax Code is too costly, too complex, and too burdensome. There is no question that the Tax Code is unfair and needs an overhaul. But the best this President and the Senate majority can do is push a tax hike designed for nothing more than perceived campaign sound bites.

Instead of election-year campaign gimmicks, let's have an honest discussion on fundamental tax reform. Last summer I reached out to President Obama to offer to work with him to fundamentally reform the Tax Code in a way that would broaden the tax base by eliminating and closing loopholes and reducing the marginal tax rates both on individuals and businesses. This was an issue I worked on in the House as a member of the Ways and Means Committee and I continue to advocate here in the Senate. Yet here we are today, and instead of debating fundamental tax reform we are taking another show vote on a tax proposal that would raise taxes on small businesses and cost jobs. Again, it will cost Nevada 6,000 jobs.

The Senate was created by our Founding Fathers to be the deliberative body. Yet once again we find ourselves in a situation in which we will be unable to have an open debate on an issue that will affect every single American taxpayer.

The Senate should be debating all tax proposals on a bipartisan basis and working to find consensus on areas to increase American competitiveness. Yet instead of providing our Nation's job creators with clarity and economic certainty, some of my colleagues would rather engage in messaging for a perceived political gain. Raising taxes will do nothing to create jobs in Nevada or this Nation.

As the fiscal cliff draws nearer and nearer, the job growth remains stagnant. Congress should focus on long-term economic solutions that provide businesses the certainty they need to create jobs.

Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

I thank the Chair.

(The remarks of Senator Heller pertaining to the introduction of S. 3405 are printed in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

Thank you, Madam President. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, last month was yet another disappointing month of job growth. Over 12 million Americans are unemployed, close to 6 million have been unemployed for over 27 weeks, and 8 million have been forced to work part time because they have been unable to find full-time work.

To put this in context, since this administration came into office, the number of Americans who are unemployed has increased by 700,000. This is a 5-percent increase in our national unemployment rate. Home values and middle-class income have decreased, and America has dropped from being the most competitive Nation in the world to the fourth most competitive Nation in the world.

After this administration's failed policies of bailout after bailout, Senate Democrats are endorsing the idea of letting America go off the so-called fiscal cliff at the end of this year instead of letting businesses maintain their existing tax rates. This would effectively raise taxes on every American during one of the slowest economic recoveries in modern times.

While I support extending these taxes and giving our Nation's job creators certainty, I believe we need tax reform. Our Tax Code is too complex. We need to close loopholes, broaden the base, and lower rates.

As a member of the Committee on Ways and Means in the House, I worked on this issue, and I will continue to advocate for comprehensive reform while I am in the Senate. While I recognize that sometimes comprehensive policies may be difficult to move forward, especially in an election year, I believe we can find consensus on commonsense solutions.

Since coming to the Senate, I have advocated for policies that create jobs for Nevadans and for all Americans. My State has been one of the hardest hit in this current economic climate. Nevada

has had the distinction of leading the Nation in unemployment for over 2 years, as well as in foreclosures and bankruptcies. One part of our population has been especially hit hard, and that is our veterans.

Over 13 percent of the Nation's bravest who put their lives on the line are unable to find a job in this economy. They come home from overseas to find their homes underwater or chronic unemployment in their communities. While a number of veterans have fallen on tough times financially, some have had difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Congress should make it a priority that necessary resources are made available to those who have bravely served our Nation. We must also not forget the families of our veterans, particularly those who have lost loved ones in combat.

So I am proud to join with Senator Burr to introduce the Veterans Small Business Act, which simply ensures that surviving spouses and children are eligible for small business benefits. Congress has provided numerous benefits to our Nation's veterans who own small businesses, including sole-source contracting, low-interest loans, and other resources in order to help these small businesses grow and create jobs. However, should a spouse or a child of a veteran lose a loved one in combat, they can no longer receive these benefits or enroll in these programs.

My legislation closes this large gap in Federal law that does little for those who own businesses before their activation and were killed in the line of duty. As a Member of Congress, we must honor our Nation's fallen as well as ensuring that the loved ones they leave behind have the same economic opportunities afforded to that veteran.

We should be doing all we can to provide all of our Nation's small businesses with the tools needed to survive in this current economic climate. Congress needs to stop worrying about the next election and put in place policies that will not only ignite economic growth, but also get our country back to work.

While there are larger issues we must address, such as tax reform, there are smaller commonsense measures, such as this bill, that we can pass right now if given the opportunity. Measures such as this will make a big difference in our Nation's veterans and job creators.

If it is any indication of how important these issues are to Nevada, I had a constituent, Dan Lyons, who walked from Reno, NV, to Washington, DC, because he didn't think Washington was doing enough for veterans. This was a 6-month walk from Reno, NV, to Washington, DC. He felt he was not getting through to his elected officials via phone or e-mails. So Dan, with a tent, a map, and a plan, started walking across America to see his elected officials face to face.

He walked 25 miles a day, battling treacherous weather, snakes, long, lonely miles, and probably a few blisters just for the chance to sit down and ask that we do more to help struggling veterans. I was proud to meet with Dan, and he is a reminder of what is right with society. He reminds us that we must honor our obligation to our veterans. When they have sacrificed so much to preserve and protect our freedoms, we should at least ensure their needs are met when they and their surviving families fall on hard economic times.

Mr. President, last month was yet another disappointing month of job growth. Over 12 million Americans are unemployed, close to 6 million have been unemployed for over 27 weeks, and 8 million have been forced to work part time because they have been unable to find full-time work.

To put this in context, since this administration came into office, the number of Americans who are unemployed has increased by 700,000. This is a 5-percent increase in our national unemployment rate. Home values and middle-class income have decreased, and America has dropped from being the most competitive Nation in the world to the fourth most competitive Nation in the world.

After this administration's failed policies of bailout after bailout, Senate Democrats are endorsing the idea of letting America go off the so-called fiscal cliff at the end of this year instead of letting businesses maintain their existing tax rates. This would effectively raise taxes on every American during one of the slowest economic recoveries in modern times.

While I support extending these taxes and giving our Nation's job creators certainty, I believe we need tax reform. Our Tax Code is too complex. We need to close loopholes, broaden the base, and lower rates.

As a member of the Committee on Ways and Means in the House, I worked on this issue, and I will continue to advocate for comprehensive reform while I am in the Senate. While I recognize that sometimes comprehensive policies may be difficult to move forward, especially in an election year, I believe we can find consensus on commonsense solutions.

Since coming to the Senate, I have advocated for policies that create jobs for Nevadans and for all Americans. My State has been one of the hardest hit in this current economic climate. Nevada

has had the distinction of leading the Nation in unemployment for over 2 years, as well as in foreclosures and bankruptcies. One part of our population has been especially hit hard, and that is our veterans.

Over 13 percent of the Nation's bravest who put their lives on the line are unable to find a job in this economy. They come home from overseas to find their homes underwater or chronic unemployment in their communities. While a number of veterans have fallen on tough times financially, some have had difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Congress should make it a priority that necessary resources are made available to those who have bravely served our Nation. We must also not forget the families of our veterans, particularly those who have lost loved ones in combat.

So I am proud to join with Senator Burr to introduce the Veterans Small Business Act, which simply ensures that surviving spouses and children are eligible for small business benefits. Congress has provided numerous benefits to our Nation's veterans who own small businesses, including sole-source contracting, low-interest loans, and other resources in order to help these small businesses grow and create jobs. However, should a spouse or a child of a veteran lose a loved one in combat, they can no longer receive these benefits or enroll in these programs.

My legislation closes this large gap in Federal law that does little for those who own businesses before their activation and were killed in the line of duty. As a Member of Congress, we must honor our Nation's fallen as well as ensuring that the loved ones they leave behind have the same economic opportunities afforded to that veteran.

We should be doing all we can to provide all of our Nation's small businesses with the tools needed to survive in this current economic climate. Congress needs to stop worrying about the next election and put in place policies that will not only ignite economic growth, but also get our country back to work.

While there are larger issues we must address, such as tax reform, there are smaller commonsense measures, such as this bill, that we can pass right now if given the opportunity. Measures such as this will make a big difference in our Nation's veterans and job creators.

If it is any indication of how important these issues are to Nevada, I had a constituent, Dan Lyons, who walked from Reno, NV, to Washington, DC, because he didn't think Washington was doing enough for veterans. This was a 6-month walk from Reno, NV, to Washington, DC. He felt he was not getting through to his elected officials via phone or e-mails. So Dan, with a tent, a map, and a plan, started walking across America to see his elected officials face to face.

He walked 25 miles a day, battling treacherous weather, snakes, long, lonely miles, and probably a few blisters just for the chance to sit down and ask that we do more to help struggling veterans. I was proud to meet with Dan, and he is a reminder of what is right with society. He reminds us that we must honor our obligation to our veterans. When they have sacrificed so much to preserve and protect our freedoms, we should at least ensure their needs are met when they and their surviving families fall on hard economic times.

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

Mr. President, last week's jobs report reinforces what many of us have known for some time. Unlike what the President would like you to believe, the private sector is not doing fine and this administration's policies are not providing effective solutions to our Nation's problems. The health of our economy hinges upon job growth, and it clearly has not received the attention it deserves. Our Nation has no roadmap, and it is past time for a genuine effort to work in a bipartisan manner to create the certainty and stability that will allow American businesses and families to thrive.

Every morning Nevadans wake up and grab their hometown newspaper or turn on their local news. Some are getting ready to go to work, while others start another day trying to find a job. These Nevadans have become all too familiar with headlines of Nevada leading the country in unemployment and foreclosures.

For the Nevadans who are going to their job, these headlines create fear and uncertainty about their future. For the Nevadan who is unemployed, these headlines are another blow to their hopes of finding work. That is what many Nevadans have had to live with for far too long.

I read and see the latest unemployment statistics just like everyone else, but I know that behind these numbers are real people struggling to make ends meet. Being home in Nevada I have met the unemployed mechanic, the unemployed computer engineer, and the unemployed waitress. Blue collar and white collar workers alike continue to pay the price because of the poor decisions by Wall Street and Washington.

Nevadans did not want the Wall Street bailout--but Washington did it anyway. Nevadans did not want the trillion dollar stimulus bill--but Washington did it anyway. Nevadans did not want the President's health care bill--but Washington did it anyway.

When I am in places such as Reno, Las Vegas, Henderson, or Elko I often ask people to raise their hand if the bailout has helped them find a job. No one raises their hand. I ask did the stimulus bill help them find a job. No one raises their hand. Finally, I ask them if the health care bill has helped them find a job and still no one raises their hand.

In January 2009, President Obama was inaugurated and Democrats controlled both the House and the Senate. Nevada's unemployment rate was at 9.4 percent.

Nearly 4 years later Nevada's unemployment rate is 11.6 percent. Too many people in Nevada are unemployed, have stopped looking for jobs or worse, left the State for employment elsewhere.

With over 23 million Americans out of work or underemployed I think it is past time to ask the President and this Congress is this working?

Nevadans have seen the effects of higher Washington spending, higher regulations, and higher debt and they know these policies have failed. They deserve solutions. Instead of having more show votes, Congress needs to focus on pro-growth policies that eliminate burdensome regulations, reform the tax code and help struggling homeowners. It is my hope that our economy will improve as the year goes on, but Washington must take action.

There are small commonsense measures that we can pass right now if given the opportunity. I continually come here to the Senate floor to offer solutions that will provide our Nation's job creators with the tools to provide for long-term economic growth. I have crafted three housing bills to help those foreclosed upon to stay in their home, shorten the short-sale process, and ensure homeowners who get mortgage relief are not hit with additional taxes. I have offered legislation that would require Washington bureaucrats at agencies to take into account jobs when issuing regulations or to streamline permitting for energy-related projects on public lands or even something as simple as combining annual reports submitted to Congress. These are small measures that if passed would make a big difference to our Nation's job creators. Unfortunately, all too often we find ourselves taking political show votes instead of debating

commonsense solutions. The bill we have before us on the floor is a perfect example. I filed two amendments to this bill that would help ease the stress of taxes on middle-class Nevadans and one to help underwater homeowners. Both are bipartisan proposals. Yet once again we find ourselves in a position where we cannot have an open debate on amendments.

These are not partisan issues, these are American issues. If any Member of Congress commits themselves to spending reform, tax reform, regulation reform, and finding solutions to fix the housing crisis, then they will have me as an ally.

Nevadans deserve better than what they have gotten from this Congress and White House, which is why I will continue to keep coming to this floor to raise my voice for the citizens of Nevada and I will fight every day to create jobs and get Nevadans back to work.

Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, today I wish to extend well- deserved congratulations to four Nevadans who have earned the unique distinction of being named to the 2012 United States Olympic Team. Amanda Bingson, Jake Dalton, Connor Fields, and Michael Hunter will be competing in hammer throw, gymnastics, BMX, and boxing at the Olympic Games in London. I am proud to recognize some of our nation's greatest athletes and members of Team USA who will represent the Silver State proudly.

A Silverado High School alumni and UNLV sophomore, Amanda Bingson,

finished second in the hammer throw at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. An ambitious athlete, she is a three-time Mountain West hammer-throw champion, two-time national All-American honoree, and recently set a new UNLV hammer throw record.

Jake Dalton, a 2009 graduate of Spanish Spring High School, took victories in the floor exercise and vault in a combined points total from the VISA Championships and the Olympic Trials. He joins the rest of Team USA in the hopes of winning gold, a feat that has not been secured by men's gymnastics since 1984. Jake has won 4 individual NCAA titles, 13 All-American honors, and is believed to be Nevada's first male gymnast to make the Olympic team.

Green Valley High School alumni, Connor Fields, won the U.S. Men's BMX Time Trials in Chula Vista, California, earning a place on the three-man team for the 2012 London Games. This 19-year-old southern Nevada native is the first rider in BMX supercross history to win three straight World Cup final races.

Michael Hunter, Las Vegas heavyweight boxer, qualified for this summer's London Games with a semifinal victory in the AIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Rio de Janeiro. A three-time national champion, encouragement from Michael's family has always been paramount to reaching his Olympic dream.

I wish Amanda, Jake, Connor, and Michael the best of luck in London this summer and look forward to watching them compete. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these four remarkable athletes as we show our pride and support for entire the U.S. Olympics Team.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties, HCC, for its dedication to meeting Nevadans' healthcare needs. The HCC serves 8 of Nevada's rural areas by partnering with local agencies to provide health and wellness resources to the Silver State's most remote communities. I am proud to honor the HCC's commitment to serving the citizens of my home State.

Local residents created the HCC in 1995 to provide a safe environment for Nevada's youth by reducing poverty and substance abuse. Adapting to Nevada's evolving needs, the HCC expanded its resources to provide rural Nevadans of all ages with health and wellness resources they could otherwise not access. Promoting healthy communities in Nevada for over a decade, the HCC remains dedicated to addressing local needs to capitalize on local strengths.

Nevada has been one of the hardest-hit States in this difficult economic climate. Far too many Nevadans are out of work and continue facing great difficulties. I commend and appreciate organizations like the HCC, which offers assistance to struggling Nevadans who depend on their local resources. The HCC is empowering the communities of rural Nevada as we work to return America's economy back to a period of greater prosperity.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the HCC for all it does for the Silver State. I wish the HCC staff continued success and thank them wholeheartedly for their efforts to encourage a healthy community for all Nevadans.

Mr. President, I rise today in the tradition of patriotic celebration to recognize 236 years of American independence. The Fourth of July is not only a proud and inspiring symbol of our nation's independence, but of our undeniable strength and unity. As we celebrate Independence Day this year, I am thankful for our forefathers' struggle to afford us freedom and liberty which we enjoy today.

As the first battles of the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, many colonists were skeptical of complete independence from Great Britain. By the middle of the following year, tensions and hostility were high. As revolutionary sentiment spread, so too did the colonists' desire to become liberated from Great Britain.

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of a resolution for independence. Two days later, our Founding Fathers adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking the United States' break with Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress instituted July 4th as a federal holiday. As Americans, we are proud to celebrate this important national holiday, a symbol of our patriotism and freedom.

On the eve of this celebration, we also pay tribute to today's heroes; America's brave men and women in uniform who have fought tirelessly to protect and preserve the very freedom afforded to us by our Founding Fathers. Their perseverance in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of the greatest military in the world. We are proud to honor our veterans, active duty soldiers, and military families for their grave sacrifices made for the safety and security of this great nation.

Next week, as we gather with family and friends, let us reflect on the trials and tribulations of our nation's path to independence and the everlasting impact of this defining moment in America's history. With appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy today, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the birth of our Nation's independence.

Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Mr. Norman ``Norm'' Dianda, who was recognized as the 2012 Reno Rodeo Parade Grand Marshal. My home State of Nevada is proud and privileged to acknowledge such an extraordinary civic leader.

Since founding Q&D Construction in 1964, Norm has been committed to making the Truckee Meadows a great place to live. He has served as the heart and soul of the company by continually going above and beyond the call of duty each year, assisting numerous organizations for the betterment of the Silver State.

A native Nevadan, Norm has volunteered his time to organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, March of

Dimes, American Cancer Society, the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Saint Mary's Hospital, and, of course, the Reno Rodeo Association. His extraordinary charitable work in the community is admirable. For 9 of the past 13 years, Norm was voted Contractor of the Year by his peers in northern Nevada. He truly is one of the best.

Recently, Norm was honored with the privilege of leading the Reno Rodeo Parade. Having attended and supported the Reno Rodeo for over 60 years, Norm has seen and experienced many changes in the community and the rodeo itself. His company has been instrumental in updating the rodeo grounds for years. Norm's love for Nevada, community service, and the Reno Rodeo are unmatched.

Nevada's economy relies on events such as the Reno Rodeo, which celebrated its 93rd anniversary this year. Dependent upon nearly 400 volunteers from across the Truckee Meadows, the event is said to have an economic impact of $42 million in the Reno/Sparks area. This 10-day rodeo recognizes the passions and skills of some of the world's top professional cowboys and cowgirls and their contributions to the sport of rodeo.

I admire and recognize Norm's commitment to northern Nevada. His dedication serves as a constant reminder of the importance of giving back to our communities. I am proud to stand with the residents of my home State to recognize his generosity and selflessness. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a native Nevadan for all that he does for the Silver State.

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

Mr. President, I rise today to discuss one of the biggest threats to economic growth in this country, and that is this administration's job-killing regulatory agenda.

My goal in the Senate is to promote policies that create jobs. With my home State of Nevada leading the Nation in unemployment, I do not believe the private sector is doing just fine, and I support commonsense policies that give our job creators the necessary tools to provide for long-term economic growth.

Under the current administration, they seem bent upon issuing regulation after regulation that threatens existing jobs and preventing new ones from being created. As I have stated before, you cannot be projobs and antibusiness at the same time.

With unemployment at 11.7 percent in Nevada--and it continues to lead the Nation in unemployment--the only things as scarce as jobs in Nevada are private property and water. Roughly 87 percent of Nevada is controlled by the Federal Government, and the remaining 13 percent is heavily regulated by the Federal Government also. Nevada is also one of the driest States in the Nation. Because of this, water is a very precious commodity.

As we debate the farm bill, I am proud to join with some of my colleagues in their efforts to provide some much needed regulatory relief for American farmers in rural America. However, the latest efforts by this administration go well beyond the agricultural sector.

For years there has been a concerted effort to expand the regulatory reach over water in this country. After years of failed attempts to legislatively change the scope of regulatory authority over water, the EPA is now trying to overturn both congressional intent and multiple Supreme Court decisions to further their goal of overregulation.

To put it into context, if this regulation were enacted, it would give the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers the ability to regulate irrigation ditches, large mud puddles, or anything that contains standing water, regardless of whether it is permanent, seasonal, or manmade. Never before under the Clean Water Act have Federal regulations extended this far. This was not the intent of Congress when writing the Clean Water Act, and Congress has repeatedly rejected any legislative effort to alter the existing law.

More disturbing, the administration has bypassed public outreach and has

neglected to consider the economic impact of their proposed action. This is in addition to ignoring the fact that the Supreme Court twice affirmed the limits of the Federal authority under the Clean Water Act. But apparently the EPA believes it does not have to adhere to laws of the land.

Expanding the Federal regulatory overreach into water also infringes on private property rights. It stops investments and development and infrastructure projects, including housing, schools, hospitals, roads, highways, agriculture, and energy. In my home State, this regulation will hurt farming, ranching, mining, and construction--the same middle- class, blue-collar jobs this administration claims to care about.

In an already struggling economy, we cannot afford to create additional regulatory barriers that will cost jobs and prevent future economic growth. That is why Senators Barrasso, Inhofe, Sessions, and I have offered an amendment to the farm bill, as well as a stand-alone piece of legislation that would preserve the current definition of waters of the United States. The Preserve the Waters of the United States Act is simply straightforward legislation that would preserve the current definition of Federal waters as well as uphold private property rights.

Opposition to this legislation has been disingenuous. It is ridiculous to assert that supporters of this important legislation are opposed to clean water. What I am opposed to is the Federal Government continuing its overreach and further hurting our economy and jeopardizing personal property rights and States rights. I am opposed to giving Washington bureaucrats the authority to regulate your backyard. And I am opposed to this administration using a closed-door process to issue job-killing regulations that have become far too common.

I had hoped for a vote on this amendment that will allow the Senate to make a clear choice between jobs and an extreme environmental agenda. Unfortunately, the amendment process has once again broken down, and we will not have the ability to openly debate this important issue.

I encourage my colleagues to support the Preserve the Waters of the United States Act and show their constituents that they stand with job creators. There is a vast and diverse coalition of support for our efforts to limit the Federal Government's overreach. It includes local governments, municipalities, manufacturers, small businesses, and many more.

As an outdoorsman, I am committed to good stewardship of our natural resources and believe that we do not have to choose between a healthy environment and economic prosperity. The Preserve the Waters of the United States Act is a commonsense solution that will prevent jobs from being destroyed and keep private property rights from being further eroded by this Federal Government. I respectfully urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation and bring it to a vote.

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