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 pleased to honor Anderson's Body and Glass as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for September 2024.

Anderson's Body and Glass opened in 1985 in American Falls when Delane Anderson was 24 years old. Now owned and operated by Delane, his wife Laura, and son Greg, the repair shop has served residents in American Falls, Rockland, Aberdeen, and Pocatello for nearly four decades. Throughout the years, Delane and Laura's four children have all taken turns working at the shop. Today, their dedicated team of seven employees prioritizes superior quality and exceptional customer service. Their mission is to make customers' collision repair experience as pleasant as possible by charging only for necessary services at an affordable price. From collision repair to windshield replacements, customers appreciate the peace of mind Anderson's gives them and the prompt attention that enables them to get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Anderson's puts a high premium on engaging with both business and community circles. They have previously been recognized as a Business of the Year by the American Falls Chamber of Commerce, inducted into the American Falls Education Foundation Hall of Fame, and received the Outstanding Community Service Award from Power County.

Congratulations to the Andersons and all of the employees at Anderson's Body and Glass on their selection as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for September 2024. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Madam 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 pleased to honor 7B Boardshop as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for August 2024.

Located in Sandpoint, 7B Boardshop provides the growing community with skateboards, snowboards, and related apparel and accessories. North Idaho has a variety of excellent places to skate in the summer and snowboard in the winter, including Schweitzer Ski Resort. 7B Boardshop's owner Rory Whitney grew up in the area and recognized the needs of both local residents and the many tourists who visit our beautiful State.

Rory opened 7B Boardshop in 2010, its name a reference to the license plate number of Bonner County, where Sandpoint is the county seat. His business continues to thrive as customers recognize the high quality of his products and his excellent customer service.

Rory has not merely focused on growing his business since 2010, but has also prioritized serving the community. He helped form the Bonner County Skatepark Association, which is spearheading an expansion of Sandpoint's skate park. The skate park needed significant work to meet the demand of Sandpoint's growing population, and Rory has been a leader in raising money and building community support to complete the project.

Congratulations to Rory Whitney and the employees at 7B Boardshop on their selection as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for August 2024. Thank you for serving Idaho not only as small business owners and entrepreneurs, but also as community leaders. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

I ask for up to 5 minutes, equally divided for myself and Senator Cardin, prior to the rollcall vote.

Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the nomination of Margaret Taylor to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State.

While serving as general counsel at USAID, some USAID contractors and partners repeatedly promoted abortion overseas in violation of clear U.S. law. The legal office is responsible for interpreting how, when, and where U.S. laws are applied across the full range of U.S. diplomatic engagement and foreign assistance programs.

Given her negligence in applying longstanding, clear-cut laws restricting abortion advocacy at USAID and the lack of enforcement, I have zero confidence in her willingness and ability to manage this enormous responsibility at the Department of State.

In addition to these concerns, I have an even additional reason for that, and that is the fact that the State Department refuses to share the information about Rob Malley's suspended security clearance. Mr. Malley was U.S. Special Envoy to Iran and was engaged in back-channel talks with the regime. Last April, his security clearance was suspended without explanation.

For over a year now, I and Democrats have asked for information on the suspension: Can the Department confirm

Mr. Malley mishandled classified information by storing secret documents in his personal email? Did he send this information to anyone before he was allegedly hacked and information was stolen? Why hasn't the Department of Justice charged him?

I get no answers to these; neither do the Democrats. The State Department admits they have this information but refuses to give it to us.

In light of all of the above, I cannot support and will not vote for Ms. Taylor's nomination and encourage my colleagues to do likewise.

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 pleased to honor Millhollow as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for July 2024.

Established in 1982, Millhollow was the first soft-frozen yogurt shop in southeast Idaho. Founded by Joe Romney after he moved from San Luis Obispo, CA, to Rexburg, ID, the shop brought a ``taste of California,'' job opportunities, and real-world experiences to the community and Joe's three children. When Joe's son, Aaron, returned from his church mission in Argentina, Aaron took over the family restaurant. Over the years, Millhollow gained significant popularity, and Aaron and his wife Connie decided to expand the restaurant. In 1995, they opened a new location in downtown Rexburg, extending the menu to include toasted sandwiches, salads, catering, and more.

Driven by Joe's vision to provide his children with the chance to learn about responsibility and instill in them a strong work ethic, Millhollow continues to give the next generation an opportunity to give back to their community. Aaron and Connie carried forward this ``all hands-on deck'' approach to foster a work environment where Idaho's youth can actively contribute to the restaurant's operations and growth.

Congratulations to the Romneys and all the employees at Millhollow on their selection as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for July 2024. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. President, with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Congressman Mike Simpson, I rise today to recognize the career and service of Dr. Rick Aman, president of the College of Eastern Idaho--CEI--in Idaho Falls. As president for more than 8 years, Dr. Aman's leadership and service will be missed by the CEI community and all of eastern Idaho.

Originally from Oregon, Dr. Aman was commissioned as a U.S. Air Force officer and spent 4 years as an Active-Duty pilot before returning to the Portland area as an Air Force Reserve instructor pilot. He retired as a lieutenant colonel after 21 years of service and 5,000 flight hours. Dr. Aman later earned a doctorate in community college leadership from Oregon State University.

Dr. Aman's community college administration career began in 1992 at Portland Community College where he spent 16 years in teaching and administrative positions at various campuses around Portland. Prior to his role at CEI, Dr. Aman was the vice president of instruction and student affairs at the College of Western Idaho--CWI--from 2008 to 2012. Dr. Aman led the then-startup CWI in instruction, curriculum development, and student affairs. In 2015, Dr. Aman joined Eastern Idaho Technical College--EITC--and was named the first president of College of Eastern Idaho, following the school's transition from a technical school to a community college.

While at CEI, Dr. Aman facilitated significant changes and collaborations between the school and community to better improve workforce training opportunities for students. In collaboration with the Idaho National Laboratory--INL--CEI students have access to work force training and internship experience. Thanks to INL's $1 million donation, CEI's new 90,000-square-foot Future Tech Building will be completed in 2026 and provide additional workforce training opportunities.

Dr. Aman successfully negotiated an articulation agreement with Idaho State University and separately received accreditation approval for CEI to offer bachelor's degrees in digital forensics and analytics and operations management, a significant accomplishment for a community college.

Among Dr. Aman's community involvement, he sits on the board of the Leaders in Nuclear Energy--LINE--Commission and is on the executive board for the Regional Economic Development Council in Eastern Idaho. Dr. Aman was appointed to the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education--WICHE--Commission and serves on the executive commission as a representative from Idaho. He also serves on a variety of local nonprofit boards and is a member of many civic organizations.

It is our great honor to congratulate Dr. Rick Aman and thank him for his years of service. We wish him the best of luck following his retirement from the College of Eastern Idaho.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Caldwell Night Rodeo. This weeklong event is a cherished tradition in Canyon County, showcasing the best of rodeo excellence and capturing the hearts of over 50,000 fans throughout 5 action-packed nights every year.

In 1922, the Idaho National Guard horse calvary unit faced disbandment by the Federal Government unless proper stables and a riding hall were constructed. The National Guard, in collaboration with the Caldwell commercial business club, established the Caldwell Amusement Association to raise funds for a new rodeo arena, grandstands, and a racetrack. The inaugural rodeo was held from October 2-4, 1924, in the form of a gymkhana. The event included drills, races, and contests, with the only traditional rodeo event being a bucking horse contest that attracted the top cowboys within a 50-mile radius.

The Caldwell Night Rodeo now stands among the Nation's Top 20 Professional Rodeos, ranks within the Top 5 Large Outdoor Rodeos, and pioneered the nighttime rodeo trend in the Pacific Northwest. The arena comes alive with over 700 top-tier participants and seven dynamic nightly events. The rodeo offers an immersive experience as the audience, consisting of ``Rowdies'' and traditional ``Civies,'' actively contribute to the vibrant atmosphere.

Through its mission to preserve and promote Western heritage, entertain the American family, and partner with

charities, youth, and nonprofit organizations, the Caldwell Night Rodeo has made a significant difference in the Caldwell community. With the help of over 500 volunteers and the support of more than 100 community business and media sponsors, the rodeo raises thousands of dollars each year for local causes. Since its establishment, the Caldwell Night Rodeo Foundation has granted more than $262,000 in youth scholarships, livestock purchases for 4H and FFA, and sponsored other youth activities. In addition to its charitable contributions, the Caldwell Night Rodeo is estimated to have an annual economic impact of $10 to $12 million to the city of Caldwell.

The Caldwell Night Rodeo serves as the hometown rodeo of the Man Up Crusade, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness of domestic violence at professional rodeo venues across the Nation. During Wednesday's events, attendees are encouraged to wear purple to stand up and ``man up'' against domestic violence. The Caldwell Night Rodeo also hosts a first responder family night, a cancer awareness night--known as CNR Strong--and Patriot Night to recognize servicemembers and veterans.

The Caldwell Night Rodeo's 100-year anniversary is a testament to its legacy and the remarkable impact on the community of Caldwell. We commend the organizers, volunteers, participants, and sponsors for their dedication and contributions to this outstanding event. May the Caldwell Night Rodeo continue to thrive and bring joy to the community for years to come.

Mr. President, I rise today, along with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo, Representative Mike Simpson, and Representative Russ Fulcher, to recognize MG Michael J. Garshak on his retirement from the National Guard and his distinguished service as the Adjutant General of Idaho.

Major General Garshak has dedicated over three decades of his life to serving our Nation and the State of Idaho. He began his military career in 1987 when he received a commission as an aviation officer through the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps at Northern Arizona University.

Major General Garshak has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment to duty throughout his career. During his Active-Duty service, Major General Garshak served as an Apache attack helicopter platoon leader in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He also served as an Apache helicopter instructor pilot at Ft. Rucker, AL. In 1993, he joined the Idaho National Guard and served with the 1-183rd Aviation Regiment. He deployed as the 1-183rd Aviation Task Force Commander to Bosnia-Herzegovina from 2002-2003. His career of distinguished service and leadership ultimately led to his 2017 appointment by Governor Butch Otter to serve as the Adjutant General of Idaho.

Major General Garshak's dedication to his craft is evident through his extensive education and training. He holds a bachelor of science in business administration from Northern Arizona

University and a master of science in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. He has also completed numerous military schools, including the Aviation Officer Basic Course, Officer Rotary Wing Aviator Course, AH-64 Aircraft Qualification Course, AH-64 Instructor Pilot Course, and the UH-60 Aircraft Qualification Course.

Throughout his career, Major General Garshak held various command and staff positions, including aviation battalion and group commander, State Army aviation officer, G3 operations officer, and chief of staff of the Idaho Army National Guard. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring the readiness, effectiveness, and future of the Idaho National Guard.

Major General Garshak's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal.

Beyond his military accomplishments, Major General Garshak has been actively involved in professional organizations and has made significant contributions to the Idaho community. He has served as an executive board member of the Idaho National Guard Officer's Association and is a member of the National Guard Association of the United States and the U.S. Army War College Alumni Association.

Please join us in expressing our deepest gratitude and appreciation to MG Michael Garshak for the exemplary service to our Nation and the State of Idaho. His leadership, dedication, and selfless commitment to duty have made a lasting impact on the Idaho National Guard and the lives of countless servicemembers. We wish him a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement.

Madam President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ friends and neighbors, but they showcase Idaho's creativity and values.

Idaho small businesses provide invaluable goods and services and are an intrinsic element of the Gem State. These small businesses deserve to be celebrated for the integral role they play in our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide initiative, on June 7, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Axe Force One as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2024.

Doug Duncan opened Axe Force One in 2019 following a business trip where he tried the thrilling sport of axe throwing for the first time. Doug knew this adrenaline-pumping pastime would be a hit in Coeur d'Alene.

Axe Force One's nine throwing lanes, arcade, pool table, and corn hole set provide plenty of activities for both first-time axe throwers and axe throwing regulars. Expert instructors assist in axe throwers' pursuit of a bullseye, while ensuring a safe experience for everyone. Axe Force One is also a gathering place for the community and church groups and is an entertaining team-building experience for north Idaho.

Congratulations to Doug Duncan and all of the employees at Axe Force One for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2024. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Madam President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ friends and neighbors, but they showcase Idaho's creativity and values. Idaho small businesses provide invaluable goods and services and are an intrinsic element of the Gem State. These small businesses deserve to be celebrated for the integral role they play in our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide initiative, on June 7, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Backwoods Brew as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2024.

Shania Woods opened Backwoods Brew in April 2022 as a walk-up coffee trailer. Lewiston coffee drinkers immediately fell in love with Shania's drinks, allowing her to expand to a drive thru just 7 months later. After just more than 2 years in business, Backwoods Brew recently announced a second brick and mortar location will open soon to fuel even more of the LC Valley.

Backwoods Brew serves coffee, teas, Italian sodas, and their well- known signature drinks. Their talented and unified team of baristas are passionate about creating a personalized experience for every customer. Shania knows, not only their delicious drinks, but their outstanding service is what keeps customers coming back for more.

Congratulations to Shania Woods and all of the employees at Backwoods Brew for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2024. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Madam President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ friends and neighbors, but they showcase Idaho's creativity and values. Idaho small businesses provide invaluable goods and services and are an intrinsic element of the Gem State. These small businesses deserve to be celebrated for the integral role they play in our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide initiative, on June 7, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Hands On as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2024.

Hands On has served as a creative outlet for Twin Falls since 2003. The corner paint-your-own pottery studio came to light following a family vacation to Italy when Robin Dober hoped to purchase ceramic pieces, but couldn't figure out how to safely travel back to Idaho with them. With no background in pottery, Robin hired a consultant and Hands On opened 3 months later. In 2016, Ashley Dubois acquired the studio.

Hands On is designed for all ages and all skill levels, offering canvas, clay making, and clay throwing courses. Last year, Hands On celebrated 20 years in business with a full day of activities for the Magic Valley. Robin and Ashley have ensured that Hands On is an accessible outlet for everyone to slow down and lean into their creative side.

Congratulations to Ashley Dubois and all of the employees at Hands On for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2024. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Madam President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ friends and neighbors, but they showcase Idaho's creativity and values. Idaho small businesses provide invaluable goods and services and are an intrinsic element of the Gem State. These small businesses deserve to be celebrated for the integral role they play in our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide initiative, on June 7, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Manwaring Cheese as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2024.

Basil Manwaring opened Manwaring Cheese in Ashton in 1955. Basil grew up on a dairy farm, working with his father Arthur and siblings to deliver milk on a horse-pulled dairy wagon. Basil met his wife Edna at a creamery in Blackfoot and later attended Utah State University, where he managed the school dairy--made ice cream, cheese, and butter. After graduating, Basil returned to Idaho to work for the Nelson-Ricks Creamery in Rexburg until he purchased the plant in Ashton.

The Manwarings operated the plant in Ashton for 16 years before building a new facility in Rigby in 1971. Basil passed away in 1972, but Edna and their children maintained operations through the late 1980s. In 2011, Basil's son, Blake, carried on the Manwaring's dairy appreciation and opened a new location in Rigby. Manwaring Cheese relocated to its current location in Idaho Falls in 2019, where it continues to provide great grilled cheeses, ice cream, cheese curds, and more.

Congratulations to the Manwarings and all of the employees at Manwaring Cheese for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2024. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Madam President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ friends and neighbors, but they showcase Idaho's creativity and values. Idaho small businesses provide invaluable goods and services and are an intrinsic element of the Gem State. These small businesses deserve to be celebrated for the integral role they play in our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide initiative, on June 7, to encourage

Idahoans to support the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Nel's Bi-Lo Market as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2024.

Nel's Bi-Lo Market has been a mainstay in Pocatello for over half a century. Originally known as ``The Little Chief'' in the late 1930s and 1940s, Ray Colaianni and his brother-in-law Jim Grayson took ownership and renamed the store Bilo Food Center in the mid-1940s. In 1991, after running Del Monte Meats as third generation owners, Todd and Linda Nelson bought the store. Todd learned about the business from his father Ron at the age of 9 and was a journeyman meat cutter by 15. After running Del Monte for 20 years, Todd sold the business in 1996 to devote his time and attention to Nel's Bilo Food Center. Upon his retirement, Todd's son-in-law Barry and his wife Jacque took over the business in 2009.

Under Barry and Jacque Dutton's ownership, southeast Idahoans still receive the impeccable customer service Nel's Bi-Lo Market was built on. Every customer and employee that walks into Nel's Bi-Lo Market is treated like an extension of the family. In return, they are invaluable to the Pocatello and Chubbuck community.

Congratulations to the Nelsons, Duttons, and all of the employees at Nel's Bi-Lo Market for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2024. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Madam President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ friends and neighbors, but they showcase Idaho's creativity and values. Idaho small businesses provide invaluable goods and services and are an intrinsic element of the Gem State. These small businesses deserve to be celebrated for the integral role they play in our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide initiative, on June 7, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor the Parma Motor-Vu as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2024.

Susan Haaheim's grandparents Bill and Gladys Dobbs opened the Parma Motor-Vu in 1953, one of the first drive-in theaters in the Treasure Valley. Seventy-one years and three generations of owners later, the Parma Motor-Vu remains one of the few drive-in theaters in the State thanks to the support from the Parma community. Through the years, the Motor-Vu adapted to the changing film industry by projecting Spanish- speaking films in the 1960s, adding radio sound in the 1970s, showing more current films in the 1990s, and going digital in the 21st century.

The Parma Motor-Vu leans into their long-standing history ensuring a family atmosphere, good entertainment, and the best popcorn popped by their over 65-year-old Manley popcorn machine. As long as it is dark, the Motor-Vu has even played Boise State football games on the big screen. The Parma Motor-Vu is a mainstay in the valley and remains fun for all ages, whether they are seeing their first drive-in movie or they remember when speakers hung from the car window.

Congratulations to the Parma Motor Vu family and all of the employees for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2024. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Madam President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ friends and neighbors, but they showcase Idaho's creativity and values. Idaho small businesses provide invaluable goods and services and are an intrinsic element of the Gem State. These small businesses deserve to be celebrated for the integral role they play in our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide initiative, on June 7, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor The Eddy as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2024.

Ed Lodge opened The Eddy in July 2023. As a lifelong Idahoan and avid river-sport enthusiast, Ed aspired to create a place of rest and rejuvenation for the Marsing community. The Eddy, named after the calm waters after a rapid, offers locals or visitors pastries, beer, wine, and locally sourced coffee. Hundreds of cars pass by The Eddy along Highway 55 every day; whether it is the first or last stop for people visiting Idaho or traveling from neighboring States, Ed created a place that no one will forget.

Ed's goal for The Eddy is to give back to the community and use his small business to support the small businesses around him. In addition to the local products they sell, all of the furniture, stools, and tables in the building were sourced and made by a local welder. Nearing the 1-year anniversary of The Eddy, Ed has big plans to create an outdoor concert space, covered patio with outdoor seating, and food truck hookups for local vendors to continue supporting an already thriving and growing community.

Congratulations to Ed Lodge and all of the employees at The Eddy for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2024. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.