Floor Statements

Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am proud to honor Disciples Coffee in Boise as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for September 2026.

Chris and Joey Melrose started Disciples Coffee in October 2023 after inviting Daryl Gurden, then known for his work smoking meats, to try his hand at roasting coffee beans. The skillset turned out to be surprisingly transferable, and Daryl quickly became the company's new head roaster, bringing exceptional and fresh coffee to Boise. Earlier this year, Timothy Taylor assumed ownership of the day-to-day operations of Disciples Coffee, allowing Joey more time to focus on building and consulting with other businesses in the Treasure Valley. Despite the transition, Disciples Coffee's goal remains the same: to create specialty coffee and foster genuine connections over a cup of joe.

The company's name is derived from the Great Commission, the call for followers of Jesus to go forth and make disciples of men. Each owner found meaning in Matthew 28:19 and saw coffee as a natural way to bring people together for meaningful conversation and to grow their faith. With each batch of coffee they roast, Disciples Coffee strives to roast to perfection and brew for connection.

Disciples Coffee aims to serve more than just coffee to the Treasure Valley. Through its Mission of the Month Program, the business works with local organizations like Mighty Oaks, PAL, Idaho Diaper Bank, Foster + Heart, and the Whosoevers, to bring attention to those who serve the community, as well as donate tips collected throughout the month.

Congratulations to the Disciples Coffee team on being recognized as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for September 2026. Your dedication to excellence makes Idaho proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Madam President, the Gem State is made strong by the hard-working, dedicated, and selfless actions of Idahoans. Across our State, hundreds of thousands of veterans, first responders, volunteers, and public servants go above and beyond for the communities they call home. These people are pillars of our State and are essential to keeping Idaho the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Through my Idaho Service Spotlight, I recognize these exceptional Idahoans whose service and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Gem State. Today, I am pleased to recognize Heath Gunns as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of September 2026.

Heath Gunns understands the sacrifice and mental weight of service. A Marine veteran and former police officer, Heath found peace from the stress of a life dedicated to protecting others in the outdoor landscapes of North Idaho. For Heath, the beautiful rivers, lakes, and lands that make Idaho special are a safe haven and a place where he can serve his community once again.

In 2023, Heath started Spoken Outdoors to provide first responders and veterans space to reconnect with nature and reflect. Under his leadership, the nonprofit has hosted guided river tours, fishing excursions, and recreational events across the country for those who have spent their careers in public safety. Heath knows firsthand the lasting effects of serving our country and believes each and every one of our first responders and veterans deserves not only our gratitude, but also opportunities to heal. Since 2024, Spoken Outdoors has supported more than 500 first responders, veterans, and servicemembers as they work to recenter after traumatic events during their service.

Heath's work has made a meaningful difference for Idaho's first responders. Following the tragic Canfield Mountain incident in 2025, Spoken Outdoors hosted the Shield and Flame event, providing those involved in the rescue efforts with a day of wellness and support on the Kootenai River. Spoken Outdoors also organized river trips on the Kootenai and Grand Ronde Rivers, giving 80 first responders an opportunity to gather and spend a day fishing.

Heath finds Spoken Outdoors helps not only first responders, but the broader community as well. Each event offers first responders with the chance to create meaningful relationships and better navigate their experiences, helping them recognize they are not alone in their struggles. In turn, their families and communities benefit from more resilient first responders with renewed hearts of service.

On behalf of the people of Idaho, I thank and congratulate Heath for being selected as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of September 2026. You reflect the very best of our state and Idaho is stronger because of your actions.

Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Madam President, the Gem State is made strong by the hard-working, dedicated, and selfless actions of Idahoans. Across our State, hundreds of thousands of veterans, first responders, volunteers, and public servants go above and beyond for the communities they call home. These people are pillars of our State and are essential to keeping Idaho the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Through my Idaho Service Spotlight, I recognize these exceptional Idahoans whose service and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Gem State. Today, I am pleased to recognize Marvin Barnes as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of September 2026.

Following in the footsteps of his father and uncles, Marvin joined the Air Force in 1962. Throughout his military career, Marvin earned numerous awards for his courage, dedication, and professionalism, including three Meritorious Service Medals and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Even after retiring from Active Duty in 1982, Marvin continued to serve his country as a recruiter. During the Vietnam war, Marvin was part of a two-man team tasked with developing Air Force Medical Corps recruiting and later trained enlisted airmen and officers as a master instructor in the Air Force School of Applied Aerospace Sciences.

Today, Marvin resides in Twin Falls with his wife Kathy and remains deeply committed to serving the community. An active member of Joining Forces Magic Valley, he provides support and fellowship to local veterans and their families. Whether it is helping a veteran obtain a vehicle so they could commute to work or securing heat for the home of a veteran's widow, Marvin is always ready to step up for a military family in need.

Marvin's efforts extend far beyond the veteran community. He has been instrumental in the success of Mustard Seed Ministries, a local nonprofit which offers food, clothing, and financial assistance to Magic Valley residents. He also uses his talent for 3D printing to give back, creating and gifting items to nurses, doctors, special needs children, and anyone facing hardship.

Faith has long been at the heart of Marvin's service. Recently, in the aftermath of a tragic shooting in Twin Falls, he was among the many individuals who gathered to support, console, and pray with their neighbors. While Marvin does not keep track of his good deeds, his kindness, compassion, and generosity are well known throughout the Magic Valley.

On behalf of the people of Idaho, I thank and congratulate Marvin for being selected as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of September 2026. You reflect the very best of our State, and Idaho is stronger because of your actions.

Madam President, the Gem State is made strong by the hard-working, dedicated, and selfless actions of Idahoans. Across our State, hundreds of thousands of veterans, first responders, volunteers, and public servants go above and beyond for the communities they call home. These people are pillars of our State and are essential to keeping Idaho the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Through my Idaho Service Spotlight, I recognize these exceptional Idahoans whose service and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Gem State. Today, I am pleased to recognize Michelle Martinez as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of August 2026.

For almost a decade, Michelle Martinez has been the director of the Melba Valley Senior Center. Every month, she and her team serves more than 45,000 pounds of food to over 1,200 families in the form of hot nutritious meals and the facility's pantry. While her role is specific to the senior center, Michelle offers food and positive social interaction to anyone in the community in need.

Each November, Michelle hosts a community Thanksgiving at the senior center. Alongside a group of volunteers, Michelle makes a home cooked Thanksgiving feast with several turkeys and sides made from scratch. Their delicious offerings attract a large number of local residents, and Michelle makes sure every person that walks through the doors leaves with a full stomach.

Michelle also coordinates the Melba Valley Farmers Market. Originally started to combat isolation during the pandemic, the market creates an environment for members of the community to gather and grow new relationships. In its 6 years of operation, Michelle has watched camaraderie flourish, and she looks forward to the continuation of this project.

Michelle serves her community because she believes that everyone has a responsibility to make the world a better place. Whether through a smile or a shared laugh, Michelle is proof that even the smallest act can have a significant, meaningful impact on the lives of others. She has, without a doubt, built spaces for people to gather and share those important moments.

On behalf of the people of Idaho, I thank and congratulate Michelle for being selected as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of August 2026. You reflect the very best of our state, and Idaho is stronger because of your actions.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.