Floor Statements

Mr. President, I wish to congratulate Commander John W. Stroud from Hawthorne, NV, on being named the National Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States for 2015. I am proud to honor a Nevadan who has dedicated his life to serving our country and is committed to ensuring that our Nation's heroes receive the care that they deserve.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I recognize the important role the Veterans of Foreign Wars plays for combat veterans and military servicemembers from the Active, Guard, and Reserve forces. This distinguished national group of veterans has been a constant influence, furthering the voice of all of our Nation's heroes. On July 23, 2014, at the 115th National Convention, John Stroud was elected as VFW national commander. This is the second time in VFW history that a Nevadan has been elected commander. John has served the VFW in many leadership positions, and I have no doubt that he will work tirelessly in his new position as commander towards the VFW's mission to ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.

Graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bchelor of science degree in professional aeronautics, Commander Stroud decided to serve his Nation by joining the U.S. Air Force, where he went on to enjoy a distinguished career. Upon joining the Air Force, he was sent overseas for a tour in Korea with the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base as a flight operations superintendent. For his service, he was awarded four Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Force Commendation Medals, three Air Force Achievement Medals, the Korea Defense Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Commander Stroud's accomplishments extend far beyond his numerous commendations; he has also been recognized for his service to the community. He dedicates much of his time as a member of many volunteer organizations, like the American Legion and the Elks, and is a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Military Order of the Cootie, and the VFW National Home for Children.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Commander Stroud for his courageous contributions to the United States of America and to freedom-loving nations around the world. His service to his country and his bravery and dedication earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals who serve our Nation but also 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.

I am both humbled and honored by Commander Stroud's service and am proud to call him a fellow Nevadan. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Commander Stroud for all of his accomplishments and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 150th anniversary of the founding of Stewart's 96 Ranch in Paradise Valley, NV, which serves as an example of the rich and prosperous history that makes the Silver State so unique.

This year commemorates a very special year--not only for Stewart's 96 Ranch, but also 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 Stewart's 96 Ranch in conjunction with our great State's sesquicentennial here today.

Founded in 1864 by William Stock, a German immigrant, Stewart's 96 Ranch is one of Nevada's most iconic ranching operations. Over the past 15 decades, the ranch has faced many obstacles, from aiding our country in World War II efforts to constantly maintaining and modernizing the operation to keep up with the current demands. Due to the ranch's long and fascinating history, it was chosen as the subject of a 1980 Library of Congress project called ``Buckaroos in Paradise.'' It is considered to be one of the most iconic cattle ranches in the West and one of the last true ``old time outfits'' still in original family ownership. Over the years, the ranch has grown and changed, but the original love of Paradise Valley and commitment to agriculture has never wavered.

What started as a simple homestead has grown into a thriving ranch with a new cattle herd that has grown to nearly 800 mother cows and is continuing to flourish. Today, the ranch is still owned and operated by the fourth and fifth generations of William Stock's direct descendants. Fred Stewart, with the help of his wife Kris and daughter Patrice, currently manages the ranch. Fifth generation Patrice Stewart is now a young woman who owns and manages her own small herd of top commercial beef cattle on the ranch, actively helps her parents on the ranch and is involved in all ranch decisions. She also competes in youth and high school rodeo and takes a leadership role in her local Future Farmers of America. Patrice is the future of the ranch and one day aims to manage the same Paradise Valley ranch that her great-great-grandfather William Stock founded in 1864.

Stewart's 96 Ranch truly exemplifies what it means to be a Nevadan, and I am proud to recognize it and the generations of Stewarts that have worked to ensure the survival of one of Nevada's oldest and largest family-owned ranches. Today, I ask my colleagues and residents of the Silver State to join me in recognizing Stewart's 96 Ranch for this great achievement and honor.

Mr. President, today my colleague Senator Leahy, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation that would amend the PATRIOT Act. This new legislation reflects a bicameral and bipartisan compromise that ends the bulk data collection practices currently being used. It also gives our intelligence officials specific rules to follow so they can keep the operational capabilities necessary to protect the United States from a terrorist attack without compromising the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. I thank Senator Leahy for his work, and I am grateful for his partnership.

This important step is necessary for restoring Americans' privacy rights which were taken by a well-intended but overreaching Federal Government in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The expanded authority given to the National Security Agency through executive action and the PATRIOT Act was intended to prevent another attack on America. While I was not a Member of Congress on 9/11, I shared the horror all Nevadans felt watching the murder of thousands of innocent Americans, and the profound sadness as buildings in New York and Washington, DC, sat smoldering. I understand as well as anyone here the reason behind the actions our Nation's leaders took to ensure that another attack on America never materialized, and why our leaders felt that no limits should be imposed. No matter what the cost, Americans had to be protected against another attack.

Viewing the situation from that lens, it is easy to understand how the Fourth Amendment was brushed aside as the Senate expanded law enforcement surveillance capabilities with just one dissenting vote.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation then used section 215 of the PATRIOT Act to expand the scope of surveillance far beyond even what some of the authors believed they were authorizing. The FBI argued that section 215 provided authority to collect phone data of law-abiding citizens without their knowledge. Specifically, they could use the business records provision to force phone companies to turn over millions of telephone calls when there is a reasonable ground or relevance to believe that the information sought is relevant to an authorized investigation of international terrorism.

As a result, we now have a bulk collection program in existence where telephone companies hand over millions of records to the NSA as part of a massive pre-collection database.

As someone who voted against the PATRIOT Act time and time again, I believe such data collection practices are a massive intrusion of our privacy, which is why I partnered with the senior Senator from Vermont to end these programs. Our legislation tightens the definitions of ``specific selection term'' for section 215 of the PATRIOT Act and FISA pen register trap-and-trace devices so that the information requested is limited to specifically identifying a person, account, address, or a personal device.

With this legislation, bulk collection will be eliminated and the records will stay with the telephone companies. The massive information grabs from the Federal Government based on geography or email service will no longer be permissible. And of the information that is collected, the legislation imposes new restrictions on its use and retention. These reforms will help shift the balance of privacy away from the Federal Government and back to the American people.

I am proud that this bill also includes the Franken-Heller Surveillance

Transparency Act of 2013. I was pleased to join Senator Franken on this legislation because, at the very least, Americans deserve to know the number of people whose information is housed by the NSA. For the first time in American history, the government is forced to disclose to the American people roughly how many of them have had their communications collected.

Our provision calls for reports by the Director of National Intelligence detailing the requests for information authorized under the PATRIOT Act and the FISA Amendments Act. The reports would specify the total number of people whose information has been collected under these programs and how many people living in the United States have had their information collected. They would also permit the intelligence community to report on how many Americans actually had their information looked at by the NSA or any other intelligence agencies.

Furthermore, these provisions would allow telephone and Internet companies to tell consumers basic information regarding FISA court orders they receive and the number of users whose information is turned over.

The principles outlined in this bill to increase transparency for Americans and private companies would clear up a tremendous amount of confusion that exists within the programs. And our private companies need the added disclosure. The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation estimates that American cloud computing companies could lose $22 billion to $35 billion in the next 3 years because of concerns about their involvement with surveillance programs. The analytics firm Forrester put potential losses much higher, at $180 billion.

I want to be clear: I share the concerns of all Americans that we must protect ourselves against threats to the homeland. I believe terrorism is very real and the United States is the target of those looking to undermine the freedoms we hold as the core of our national identity. If the bulk collection programs in existence were bearing so much information to protect the homeland, it would change my opinion on the need for the USA Freedom Act. However, the bulk collection program has simply not provided the tangible results that justify a privacy intrusion of this level. We know this because on October 2, 2013, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy, asked NSA Director Keith Alexander the following question:

At our last hearing, deputy director Inglis stated that

there's only really one example of a case where, but for the

use of Section 215 bulk phone records collection, terrorist

activity was stopped. Was Mr. Inglis right?

To which Director Alexander responded:

He's right. I believe he said two, Chairman.

Congress has authorized the collection of millions of law-abiding citizens' telephone metadata for years and it has only solved two ongoing FBI investigations. Of those two investigations, the NSA has publicly identified one. In fact, that case could have easily been handled by obtaining a warrant and going to the telephone company. It is the case of an individual in San Diego who was convicted of sending $8,500 to Somalia in support of al-Shabaab, the terrorist organization claiming responsibility for the Kenyan mall attack. The American phone records allowed the NSA to determine that a U.S. phone was used to contact an individual associated with this terrorist organization. I am appreciative that the NSA was able to apprehend this individual, but it does not provide overwhelming evidence that this program is necessary. The Obama administration has come to the same conclusion and so has the intelligence community.

The operational capabilities the intelligence community relies on to conduct their mission to keep us safe will not be impacted by the USA FREEDOM Act. If it were, the Intelligence Community and the administration would not have brokered this compromise legislation. Ending the bulk collection programs and giving Americans more transparency so they can determine for themselves whether they believe these programs should exist is an obligation we have to all of our constituents.

We have a bill introduced today that would give our law enforcement authorities the tools they need to keep us safe and also stay true to the Fourth Amendment. I encourage my colleagues to support these important reforms and I hope it can quickly be considered by this Chamber.

Mr. President, today my colleague Senator Leahy, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation that would amend the PATRIOT Act. This new legislation reflects a bicameral and bipartisan compromise that ends the bulk data collection practices currently being used. It also gives our intelligence officials specific rules to follow so they can keep the operational capabilities necessary to protect the United States from a terrorist attack without compromising the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. I thank Senator Leahy for his work, and I am grateful for his partnership.

This important step is necessary for restoring Americans' privacy rights which were taken by a well-intended but overreaching Federal Government in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The expanded authority given to the National Security Agency through executive action and the PATRIOT Act was intended to prevent another attack on America. While I was not a Member of Congress on 9/11, I shared the horror all Nevadans felt watching the murder of thousands of innocent Americans, and the profound sadness as buildings in New York and Washington, DC, sat smoldering. I understand as well as anyone here the reason behind the actions our Nation's leaders took to ensure that another attack on America never materialized, and why our leaders felt that no limits should be imposed. No matter what the cost, Americans had to be protected against another attack.

Viewing the situation from that lens, it is easy to understand how the Fourth Amendment was brushed aside as the Senate expanded law enforcement surveillance capabilities with just one dissenting vote.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation then used section 215 of the PATRIOT Act to expand the scope of surveillance far beyond even what some of the authors believed they were authorizing. The FBI argued that section 215 provided authority to collect phone data of law-abiding citizens without their knowledge. Specifically, they could use the business records provision to force phone companies to turn over millions of telephone calls when there is a reasonable ground or relevance to believe that the information sought is relevant to an authorized investigation of international terrorism.

As a result, we now have a bulk collection program in existence where telephone companies hand over millions of records to the NSA as part of a massive pre-collection database.

As someone who voted against the PATRIOT Act time and time again, I believe such data collection practices are a massive intrusion of our privacy, which is why I partnered with the senior Senator from Vermont to end these programs. Our legislation tightens the definitions of ``specific selection term'' for section 215 of the PATRIOT Act and FISA pen register trap-and-trace devices so that the information requested is limited to specifically identifying a person, account, address, or a personal device.

With this legislation, bulk collection will be eliminated and the records will stay with the telephone companies. The massive information grabs from the Federal Government based on geography or email service will no longer be permissible. And of the information that is collected, the legislation imposes new restrictions on its use and retention. These reforms will help shift the balance of privacy away from the Federal Government and back to the American people.

I am proud that this bill also includes the Franken-Heller Surveillance

Transparency Act of 2013. I was pleased to join Senator Franken on this legislation because, at the very least, Americans deserve to know the number of people whose information is housed by the NSA. For the first time in American history, the government is forced to disclose to the American people roughly how many of them have had their communications collected.

Our provision calls for reports by the Director of National Intelligence detailing the requests for information authorized under the PATRIOT Act and the FISA Amendments Act. The reports would specify the total number of people whose information has been collected under these programs and how many people living in the United States have had their information collected. They would also permit the intelligence community to report on how many Americans actually had their information looked at by the NSA or any other intelligence agencies.

Furthermore, these provisions would allow telephone and Internet companies to tell consumers basic information regarding FISA court orders they receive and the number of users whose information is turned over.

The principles outlined in this bill to increase transparency for Americans and private companies would clear up a tremendous amount of confusion that exists within the programs. And our private companies need the added disclosure. The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation estimates that American cloud computing companies could lose $22 billion to $35 billion in the next 3 years because of concerns about their involvement with surveillance programs. The analytics firm Forrester put potential losses much higher, at $180 billion.

I want to be clear: I share the concerns of all Americans that we must protect ourselves against threats to the homeland. I believe terrorism is very real and the United States is the target of those looking to undermine the freedoms we hold as the core of our national identity. If the bulk collection programs in existence were bearing so much information to protect the homeland, it would change my opinion on the need for the USA Freedom Act. However, the bulk collection program has simply not provided the tangible results that justify a privacy intrusion of this level. We know this because on October 2, 2013, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy, asked NSA Director Keith Alexander the following question:

At our last hearing, deputy director Inglis stated that

there's only really one example of a case where, but for the

use of Section 215 bulk phone records collection, terrorist

activity was stopped. Was Mr. Inglis right?

To which Director Alexander responded:

He's right. I believe he said two, Chairman.

Congress has authorized the collection of millions of law-abiding citizens' telephone metadata for years and it has only solved two ongoing FBI investigations. Of those two investigations, the NSA has publicly identified one. In fact, that case could have easily been handled by obtaining a warrant and going to the telephone company. It is the case of an individual in San Diego who was convicted of sending $8,500 to Somalia in support of al-Shabaab, the terrorist organization claiming responsibility for the Kenyan mall attack. The American phone records allowed the NSA to determine that a U.S. phone was used to contact an individual associated with this terrorist organization. I am appreciative that the NSA was able to apprehend this individual, but it does not provide overwhelming evidence that this program is necessary. The Obama administration has come to the same conclusion and so has the intelligence community.

The operational capabilities the intelligence community relies on to conduct their mission to keep us safe will not be impacted by the USA FREEDOM Act. If it were, the Intelligence Community and the administration would not have brokered this compromise legislation. Ending the bulk collection programs and giving Americans more transparency so they can determine for themselves whether they believe these programs should exist is an obligation we have to all of our constituents.

We have a bill introduced today that would give our law enforcement authorities the tools they need to keep us safe and also stay true to the Fourth Amendment. I encourage my colleagues to support these important reforms and I hope it can quickly be considered by this Chamber.

Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the current bill before this body, the Bring Jobs Home Act.

At a time when Washington is stuck in political gridlock, I believe Democrats and Republicans should work together on policies that will create jobs not only in Nevada but, of course, across this country.

I have filed five amendments on policies I have been working on here in the Senate this Congress that will spur natural resources jobs throughout the West, and I stand before this body today to urge action on what I consider to be commonsense proposals.

As the Presiding Officer knows, roughly 85 percent of the land in Nevada is controlled by the Federal Government. Other Western States range somewhere between 50 percent and 80 percent. This situation presents our local and State governments with a lot of unique challenges.

Our communities' economic vitality is directly tied to the way the Federal Government manages our Federal lands. As a result, one of my top priorities in the Senate is to implement reforms that streamline bureaucratic redtape that gets in the way of natural resources job creation.

I have five amendments I have filed to deal with public land issues that specifically directly affect rural Nevada and rural America. I encourage my colleagues across the aisle to work with me so we can consider my amendments and other job-related amendments. If given the opportunity, we could spur natural resources-related economic development across this country and especially across the West.

My first amendment, the Lyon County Economic Development and Conservation Act, is a Nevada-centric jobs bill which I have been focusing on for years which, to the disappointment of my constituents, has been held up through Senate gridlock.

The Lyon County Economic Development and Conservation Act could transform the local economy of the county in my State that is struggling the most during this current recession. The bill allows the city of Yerington to partner with Nevada Copper to develop roughly 12,500 acres of land surrounding the Nevada Copper Pumpkin Hollow project site. The intent of this legislation is economic growth, and the land purchased by the city will be used for mining activities, industrial and renewable energy development, recreation, and open space. Enactment of this legislation is the last obstacle in the way of the company moving forward in the creation of over 1,000 jobs. For a rural county such as Lyon County, 1,000 jobs truly is a game changer.

My second amendment, the Public Lands Job Creation Act, will create jobs by streamlining the bureaucratic process, cutting redtape, and ensuring that the BLM reviews Federal Register notices in a timely manner.

The permitting and approval process for energy and mining projects on Federal lands takes several years, largely because of unnecessary delays, which costs businesses valuable time, resources, and jobs.

This amendment, which I have also introduced as stand-alone legislation, streamlines the process by holding these agencies accountable to work effectively and timely to limit the negative effects of bureaucratic delays. Specifically, if BLM does not review a Federal Register notice by 45 days, the notice will be considered to be approved and the State BLM office will immediately forward the notice to be published in the Federal Register. This type of work is basically the transfer of paperwork but a transfer that is consistently holding up important job-creating projects.

Earlier this year I facilitated a meeting between a local company going

through the process to start a large hard rock mineral mine in Elko County and the local BLM to break this bureaucratic logjam. This mine will create hundreds of new jobs. While we were able to get the ball rolling in this particular instance--and I greatly appreciated the agency's work to move forward--it also shouldn't require congressional interaction to spur prompt action.

My legislation will provide certainty to our local job creators.

My third amendment, the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act, is an initiative we have been working on for many years. This legislation is a strong bipartisan proposal that will help create jobs, progress toward energy independence, and preserve our Nation's natural wonders by spurring renewable energy development on public lands.

Energy is one of Nevada's greatest assets, and I believe continuing to develop renewable and alternative sources is important for Nevada's economic future. Geothermal and solar production in my State is a major part of the U.S. ``all the above'' energy strategy. In 2013 Nevada ranked second in the Nation for geothermal energy production and third for solar production. Eighteen percent of our total electricity generated came from renewable, compared to the national average of 13 percent.

Our Nation's public lands can play a critical role in that mission, but uncertainty in the permitting process impedes or delays our ability to harness the renewable energy potential. Under current law, permits for wind and solar development are completed under the same process for other surface uses, such as pipelines, roads, and power lines. The BLM and Forest Service need a permitting process tailored to the unique characteristics and impacts of renewable energy projects. This initiative develops a straightforward process that will drive investment toward the highest quality renewable sources.

In addition, the legislation ensures a fair return for public lands communities. Since Federal lands are not taxable, State and local governments deserve a share of the revenues from the sales of energy production on public lands that are within their county or State borders. These resources will help local governments deliver critical services and develop much needed capital improvement projects--projects such as roadways, public safety, and, of course, law enforcement.

In my opinion, this proposal is a win-win situation. It is good for economic development while at the same time protecting the natural treasures out West that all of us value most.

My fourth amendment, the Energy Consumers Relief Act, gets the government out of the way of our private sector natural resources job creators.

Instead of advocating for policies that will put people back to work, this administration's EPA continues to develop rules that will increase Americans' utility bills, cause companies to lay off employees, and stifle economic growth.

My amendment will specifically require the EPA to be transparent when proposing and issuing energy-related regulations with an economic impact of more than $1 billion. Additionally, it prohibits the EPA from finalizing a rule if the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with other relevant agencies, determines the rule would cause significant adverse effects to the economy.

Finally, my final amendment, the Emergency Fuel Reduction Act, tackles a major problem many of our communities out West are facing right now; that is, catastrophic wildfires.

One of the greatest challenges facing our western forests and rangelands is the growing severity and length of the fire season. Nevada is one of a handful of Western States that seemingly keeps enduring recordbreaking fire seasons year after year. We are always going to have fires out West, but we must be proactive in treating our forests and rangelands so that we can reduce the size, the frequency, and the intensity of these forest fires.

My amendment streamlines the bureaucratic process for fire prevention projects, where a dangerous density of fuels threatens critical infrastructure such as power lines, schools, and water delivery canals, private property owners who live adjacent to Federal lands, and areas that threaten endangered species candidates such as the greater sage- grouse.

Every year I hear from ranchers who live in northern Nevada's rural counties, such as Humboldt County, where, through no fault of their own, fires on Federal lands spread onto their private property. The Federal agencies have to prioritize proactive preventive work in these areas. My constituents should not have to suffer because the Federal Government is simply not doing their job to properly manage our own lands.

I think nearly everyone can agree on a commonsense proposal such as the Emergency Fuel Reduction Act.

If this body adopts my five amendments, Congress could go a long way toward spurring economic development and job creation within the mining, energy development, ranching, timber, and outdoor recreational industries. These types of jobs are the bedrock of our Western way of life, and concurrently these fields are struggling the most under this administration's restrictive Federal land management policies. It is no coincidence that our western rural communities are suffering from unemployment rates well above the national average. Let's get the government off their backs and allow them to do what they do best; that is, create jobs.

At a time when the American public continues to lose faith in Congress, I hope the Senate can put partisan politics aside and restore order to the traditional amendment process this deliberative body has been known for over time. We should break through the political gridlock and have an open amendment process in the Senate.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Madam President, last week the Washington Post ran an opinion piece titled ``Moral clarity in Gaza.'' The thesis of the article states that Israel is not interested in cross-border violence; rather, the goal of the current military action is to establish peace. I believe the writer correctly suggests that Israel has been left with no choice but to act in order to defend herself from the terrorist organization Hamas.

The piece also made the important conclusion that Hamas wants to provoke a fight with Israel and that this group is willing to sacrifice their own people in order to win international support and ultimately undermine Israel's legitimacy and right to defend itself.

There is no question regarding Israel's legitimacy, and there is also no question regarding Israel's right to defend itself. The international community has affirmed this principle. Further, this body affirmed Israel's right to defend itself when the Senate recently passed Senator Graham's resolution on this matter.

As a cosponsor, I believe this resolution speaks in clear terms: The Senate stands with Israel's right to defend itself, and it demands that Hamas immediately--immediately--stop attacking Israel.

While the Senate has made its position on this issue clear, Israel has been forced to take matters into its own hands. As we speak, Israeli defense forces are engaged in Operation Protective Edge, working to identify and destroy the infrastructure Hamas has used to execute attacks and move artillery underneath Gaza City.

Recent reports have stated that the IDF has destroyed more than 20 tunnels and identified many more as ground troops moved from building to building. They are utilizing air, ground, and sea to strike designated targets and provide support as IDF works its way through Gaza City.

The fighting will likely continue and more casualties on both sides will increase until either a cease-fire can be negotiated or Israel believes the tunnel system has been successfully negated.

I believe Israel has been left with no choice but to defend herself. Israel has faced a barrage of rocket attacks from Gaza Strip, and according to Secretary of State Kerry Hamas has attempted to sedate and kidnap Israelis through the network of tunnels used to stage cross- border raids.

Prime Minister Netanyahu cannot tolerate rocket attacks and cannot tolerate kidnappings aimed at Israelis. Their right to defend themselves is without question. But through the process, innocent Palestinians are being killed. This tragic loss of innocent life must not go unnoticed, but we must acknowledge Hamas's role in risking the lives of their own through their own actions.

Hamas stores and launches rockets from heavily populated areas. They do this because they know it will draw return fire from Israel, and even if some Palestinians are killed, the coverage aired worldwide will be favorable to Hamas and therefore well worth the loss. Hamas is sacrificing its own to win a media war against Israel. In contrast, in the lead-up to military action, Israel dropped thousands of leaflets explaining to Palestinians where they can go to be safe.

There is no clearer picture of right versus wrong than Israel fighting to protect its citizens against a terrorist operation operating underground and using Palestinians they live with as human shields.

Hamas is a terrorist organization willing to let women and children die if there is a possibility it advances international sympathy for them and underscores Israel in any way.

The footage of innocent Palestinians dying in Gaza is tragic, but the blame is not at the foot of Israel; it is on Hamas.

Over the next weeks and months, the military action in Gaza may escalate. If a cease-fire is not negotiated, the United States cannot turn its back on Israel. We must continue to stand with them and allow them to eradicate this terrorist threat and shut down these underground tunnels. It is their right as a nation, and the United States must stand with them.

I thank the Presiding Officer and yield the floor.

Madam President, I wish to congratulate one of Nevada's brightest students--Rebecca Espinoza --for being chosen to participate in the United Health Foundation's Diverse Scholars Forum in Washington, DC.

The United Health Foundation named scholars from 28 States throughout the Nation this year, and I am proud that Rebecca Espinoza, who attends the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is among them. The Diverse Scholars Initiative serves to improve our Nation's health care system by increasing the number of health care professionals from multicultural backgrounds. Rebecca's academic achievements thus far and her continued commitment to serving her community have made her a qualified candidate for the forum.

In an effort to continue her dedication and service to her community, Rebecca is currently majoring in social work at UNLV and hopes to one day become a clinical social worker operating a non-profit to help disadvantaged youth in the community. I commend Rebecca for her mission and recognize that professional social workers provide valuable mental health therapy, caregiver and family counseling, health education, program coordination, and case management services. They also seek to ensure full participation of all members of society by working with millions of individuals, their families, and communities to combat a range of social problems so that we may improve our Nation's health and potential. Rebecca has been presented with the opportunity to pursue her career as a health care professional, and I am confident that great things will come from her in all of her future endeavors.

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

Madam President, I wish to recognize a veterans education program within Las Vegas known as Veterans Support Network for its continued dedication to helping its fellow servicemembers gain training and certifications that will assist them in becoming self- sufficient. This unique program works to improve the lives of disabled, visually impaired, and homeless veterans by providing educational classes and trainings, funding for on-the-job training, as well as professional talking books and Braille books to assist those with disabilities.

The brave men and women who served the United States and fought to protect our freedom have often come home to a struggling economy. A number of veterans are unable to find a job or afford to buy or rent a home. As the demographics of our Armed Forces have changed throughout the years, so too have the needs of homeless veterans. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, this is an issue I have been personally involved with and have introduced legislation to address. Organizations like the Veterans Support Network serve to help those in need in the Las Vegas community. This organization is a shining example of the kind of initiatives that will help to get our veterans off of the streets.

There is no way to adequately thank the men and women that lay down their lives for our freedoms, but the founders and volunteers at the Veterans Support Network are working to assist our Nation's veterans by giving them the opportunity to start a new career. The organization was founded by Ed Manley, a brave veteran who has selflessly been working toward the betterment of the homeless veteran community by teaching certification classes and working tirelessly to find funds to assist the homeless and wounded veterans within the community. This organization's continued dedication to serving veterans needing to learn new skills, build resume experience and earn wages through work assistance programs is commendable.

As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I know the struggles that our veterans face after returning home from the battlefield. Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals, but to ensure they receive the quality care they have earned and deserve. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation. I am very pleased that veterans service organizations like the Veterans Support Network are committed to ensuring that the needs of our veterans are being met.

Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing the Veterans Support Network, an organization whose mission is both noble and charitable. I am both humbled and honored to recognize the Veteran's Support Network's mission of providing veterans with the skills that will allow them the opportunity to change their circumstances. This organization's commitment to helping struggling veterans get back on their feet is admirable, and I wish them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.

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

Mr. President, I rise to speak on S. 2244, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. This is a bill I have worked on closely with my colleagues Senators Schumer, Kirk, and Reed from Rhode Island. I also want to thank Chairman Johnson and Ranking Member Crapo, who have been instrumental in getting this bill to this point. Without their leadership, we would not be here today.

The terrorist attacks on September 11 caused a sudden and dramatic shock in the domestic market for terrorism insurance. After the attack there was a tremendous amount of uncertainty about the frequency and potential size of future attacks. Insurers quickly withdrew from the terrorist coverage market, and a new threat to our economy emerged.

In response, Congress passed TRIA, to provide a Federal insurance backstop for terrorism coverage. Since the passage in 2002, TRIA has helped ensure the widespread availability of affordable insurance against terrorism. This helped spur new development and protected existing real estate throughout our country.

TRIA was reauthorized in 2005 and reauthorized again in 2007. It is currently set to expire at the end of this year unless Congress acts. Unfortunately, the tragic bombing in Boston last year has shown that even years after September 11, the threat of terrorism still exists and we must continue our efforts to prevent, respond, and recover from any possible attacks in the future.

I wish to remind my colleagues that terrorism is not only an issue for big cities in New Jersey, on the east coast, in the Midwest, Chicago, terrorism is a real threat in both rural and urban areas, north, south, east, and west. That is why I have been so involved in trying to get TRIA extended.

In my home State, Las Vegas is considered one of the leading international business and tourism destination cities in the world. Southern Nevada welcomes almost 40 million tourists annually and has a population of nearly 2 million people. We have 35 major hotels along the Las Vegas strip. Many of them could have up to 15,000 occupants at any given time. According to the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, in 2013, the total economic impact of tourism was $45.2 billion, supporting 47 percent of the region's gross product, and 383,000 jobs, nearly half of the total workforce in southern Nevada.

My point in citing these statistics is if a terrorist attack were to occur in Las Vegas, our entire State economy would be devastated without TRIA.

It is not just about Las Vegas. In northern Nevada, our tourism and gaming industry is the largest private employer in Washoe County, which also includes Reno. They know that unless they have access to affordable terrorism coverage, they will have difficulty starting new capital projects and creating new jobs.

You will find similar stories across our Nation in every State. Currently, there is no evidence that the terrorism risk insurance market is prepared to provide coverage without TRIA. Without TRIA, most developments would halt because businesses would not be able to access and afford the necessary insurance that is often required to secure a loan.

TRIA has helped many hotels, hospitals, office complexes, shopping centers, colleges, and universities have access to terrorism insurance coverage.

The bill before us today is truly a bipartisan bill. It received a unanimous 22-to-0 vote in the banking committee. Such a strong vote only reinforces the bipartisan work that went into crafting this legislation.

I, along with my colleagues on the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, agreed to several key reforms that would increase the insurance industry's aggregate retention level and coinsurance levels, which will significantly reduce the potential cost to taxpayers.

It is my hope that we can easily pass this important legislation with a strong bipartisan vote and send this bill to the House as soon as possible. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and let's not wait until the end of the year to extend this critical program.

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

Mr. President, I wish to congratulate COL James Walker of Las Vegas, Nevada on his upcoming retirement from the Nevada Army National Guard. I am proud to honor a Nevadan who has dedicated his life to serving our country.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, Colonel Walker's desire to serve came when he was studying psychology in college. On scholarship for soccer at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he decided he wanted to enlist and become a combat medic. Upon joining the Army in 1979, Colonel Walker rose through the ranks and eventually became the highest ranking African-American Army National Guard officer in Nevada history. Colonel Walker's career from private to colonel over the course of 35 years is both commendable and admirable.

Throughout his career, Colonel Walker continued to pursue all of the educational training that the Army National Guard had to offer. With the support of his wife Doris Colonel Walker decided to pursue three NCO professional development schools, earning him the prestigious NCO Ribbon. Colonel Walker also participated in an Officer Candidate School at Clear Creek near Carson City and was a pioneering student in the Nevada primary leadership development course, graduating at the top of his class with honors. After his success there, he served as a training officer for the next graduating class. His ability to give back to the National Guard and his community was also exemplified during his 3 years of teaching ROTC at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Upon his retirement from the National Guard, Colonel Walker plans to continue working for National Security Technologies as the company's facility manager at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas.

I extend my deepest gratitude to Colonel Walker for his courageous contributions to the United States of America and to freedom-loving nations around the world. His service to his country and his bravery and dedication earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals who serve our Nation but also 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.

Throughout his tenure, Colonel Walker has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of the Army National Guard. I am both humbled and honored by his service and am proud to call him a fellow Nevadan. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing COL James Walker for all of his accomplishments and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. President, I wish to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Nevada Battleship. I am proud to be able to honor Nevada's namesake battleship today and all of the Americans that served aboard her.

The anniversary of the battleship USS Nevada comes on the heels of Nevada celebrating its 150th year of statehood. Through her years of service, the Nevada suffered many blows and casualties, but remained dedicated to defending her country. The crew that served aboard her have all earned a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation. I, along with my fellow Nevadans, feel a great sense of pride that our State has been chosen as the namesake for this ship that is arguably one of the greatest of our navy or of any Navy.

Launched on July 11, 1914, at the Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation in Quincy, MA, the USS Nevada was the most-advanced battleship in the U.S. Navy at the time. The USS Nevada saw both World Wars during her time in active service. During the final months of World War I, she was based in Bantry Bay, County Cork, Ireland, to ensure that the supply convoys that were sailing to and from Great Britain were protected. In World War II, she was the

only ship to get underway during the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor. After receiving one torpedo hit and several bomb hits, the USS Nevada had to be beached, but after vigorous salvage work, repairs and improvements, she was able to return to combat. Highly decorated for the numerous battles that she was a part of, the USS Nevada was present at the Attu landings against the Japanese, fired against German defenses during the Normandy landings, and supported operations in Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After over 30 years of service, the USS Nevada was deemed too old for retention and was assigned to serve as a target in the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll. The experience left her radioactive and badly damaged, leading to her being decommissioned and eventually sunk during naval gunfire practice.

It is an honor to be able to commemorate this day on behalf of my fellow Nevadans as we remember those who have risked their lives to defend freedom. Our Navy's commitment to this country, as well as their dedication to their families and communities, exemplified why the legacy of all veterans must be preserved for generations to come. These heroes selflessly served 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 recognize the commissioning of the USS Nevada and honor all that sailed aboard her. I am both humbled and honored to commemorate the brave men and women who dedicated their lives to serving our country and recognize them here today. May we never forget the legacy of this great battleship and her gallant crew.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and congratulate Ms. Lammiman for being awarded the National Association of Agricultural Educators Agriscience Teacher of the Year award. Ms. Lammiman will receive her award at the NAAE convention in Las Vegas on December 5, along with a grant to purchase supplies and equipment for her classes. I am humbled and honored to congratulate her on being presented this prestigious award.

The National Association of Agricultural Educators named only six educators throughout the United States this year, and Ms. Lammiman, who is a teacher at Douglas High School in Minden, NV, is among the select few chosen. The National Agriscience Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers who have inspired and enlightened their students through engaging and interactive lessons in the science of agriculture. Ms. Lammiman, who has taught at Douglas High School for the past 9 years, exemplifies these qualities. During her tenure, she has created several hands-on courses that allow students to apply in-class lessons to real-life situations in agricultural science.

Her mission to teach her students to think, rather than what to think, is displayed in the courses that she has available for students. Ms. Lammiman's students are truly receiving a hands-on education through her classes in floriculture, where children learn to operate a self-sufficient floriculture business; equine science, where they aided in the training and care of an adopted, orphaned foal named ``Flash;'' and natural resources, where the students create trails, raise Lahontan Cutthroat trout, and collect data on Nevada's wild horse population. Ms. Lammiman is not only an advocate for agriculture in the classroom, but is also a co-advisor for the local Future Farmers of America chapter. Through her role as a co-advisor, she recruits volunteers from the community to coach FFA teams, teaches the students to train horses, provides placements for the individualized work experience internship courses, and helps the students to raise livestock. The FFA serves to provide students the opportunity to become well-educated, skilled, and productive citizens through agricultural education.

It is no secret that teaching is one of the hardest jobs in the world and one of the most important. As a father of four children who attended Nevada's public schools, and as the husband of a lifelong teacher, I understand the important role that teachers play in enriching the lives of Nevada's students. Ensuring that America's youth are prepared to compete in the 21st century is critical for the future of our country. The State of Nevada is fortunate to be home to an educator like Ms. Lammiman, whose mission to educate children extends far beyond the walls of the classroom.

I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in thanking Ms. Lammiman for dedication to enriching the lives of Nevada's students and congratulating her on this great achievement.

Madam President, today I wish to recognize the Nevada National Guard's 45th Detachment of the Operational Support Airlift Agency, DET 45 OSAA, located at Reno-Stead airport. On June 6th, this unit departed for Joint Base Bagram, Afghanistan, where they will be serving for the next 9 months.

While tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, I am both humbled and honored that these brave men and women are willing to go into harm's way to put the needs of our country before their own. We owe our respect and gratitude to these soldiers, who are sacrificing so much to defend our freedoms. The DET 45 OSAA unit has a flawless reputation for providing safely executed flight operations both nationally and internationally without any accidents for the past 20 years, which has earned them a spot among the top 10 units for the past 10 years. I, along with my fellow Nevadans are honored that the DET 45 OSAA Unit call Nevada home. We as a nation are fortunate to have men and women, like those in the DET 45 OSAA unit, to serve and protect us.

The Nevada National Guard's 45th Detachment plays an integral role within the Operational Support Airlift Agency's mission by providing high priority, short notice fixed wing air transport support to passengers and cargo for all components and members of the Department of Defense. DET 45 OSAA has supported many missions both nationally and abroad. From 2003 to 2010 the unit flew missions in Cuba in support of Special Forces operations, and were deployed to Iraq and Kuwait supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the United States Africa Command. The DET 45 OSAA unit has also supported ground forces by flying an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission with the King Air 300 series Medium Altitude Reconnaissance

and Surveillance System aircraft. Most recently, the State of Nevada has contributed to a new intelligence mission by providing soldiers working as Aerial Electronic Sensor Operators to perform their newest intelligence mission.

I would like to thank the courageous men and women in DET 45 OSAA for their contributions to the United States of America and to freedom- loving nations around the world. Their service to our country and their bravery and dedication to their families and communities earn all of these heroes a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation.

I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing and thanking these heroes for their selfless service both at home and abroad. May they have another successful mission and a safe return home.

Madam President, today I wish to recognize a veterans volunteer program within Las Vegas known as Squadbay for their continued dedication to help their fellow servicemembers transition back from the battlefield to their communities. This unique program comprised of Marine Corps combat veterans provides recently discharged veterans with a mission, which uses newly acquired battlefield skills, and provides housing and other resources.

There is no way to adequately thank the men and women who lay down their lives for our freedoms, but the founders and volunteers at Squadbay have developed a way to assist our Nation's veterans in need by affording them various ways to use their training to benefit others. I commend this organization's continued dedication to serving Marine combat veterans needing to process traumatic experiences while simultaneously affecting a positive change in the lives of those in need of humanitarian assistance. Squadbay was founded by Lu Lobello, a brave veteran living in Las Vegas who realized the importance of having a mission after returning home from combat in Baghdad. Lu serves as a shining example of putting one's community before oneself.

With its first mission in 2013 to the Philippines after Typhoon Yolanda, Squadbay's service extends far beyond our Nation's borders. By allowing veterans the ability to continue using their combat training in a new environment, with a new mission that mirrors the values of their military experience, Squadbay is working to create a seamless transition to civilian life for our veterans. By providing a safe and social space for combat veterans to come together and the opportunity to embark on humanitarian aid missions, they are affording these brave men and women an opportunity to work through any issues brought on by experiencing combat.

As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I know the struggles that our veterans face after returning home from the battlefield. Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals but to ensure they receive the quality care they have earned and deserve. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation. I am very pleased that veterans service organizations like Squadbay are committed to ensuring that the needs of our veterans are being met.

Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing Squadbay, an organization whose mission is both noble and charitable. Their commitment to helping rehabilitate our veterans by giving them an outlet to embark on humanitarian aid missions in a positive life- changing scenario is admirable, and I wish them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.