Floor Statements

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.

Mr. President, with my colleague Senator Mike Crapo, we honor Sheriff Chris Goetz of Idaho as he announces his retirement after more than 17 years as sheriff and nearly three decades of service with the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office.

Throughout his career, Sheriff Goetz has been a pillar of our community, exemplifying dedication and leadership and earning the respect of colleagues and residents alike. He is a lifetime member of the Western States Sheriffs Association and has served on the Idaho Sheriffs Association Board of Directors since 2010. Among his many notable accomplishments, Sheriff Goetz is one of only three sheriffs in Idaho history to serve as president of the Idaho Sheriff's Association twice. This unique distinction further demonstrates his commitment to public safety, the people of Clearwater County, and Idaho.

Sheriff Goetz's contributions to his community extend far beyond law enforcement. He is a past president of the Idaho Association of Counties and has volunteered countless hours to the Sunnyside Rural Fire District, for

which he serves as assistant fire chief. Sheriff Goetz is also the president of the Clearwater County 4-H Leaders Council and a member of the 4-H Livestock Sale Committee and the Weippe Rodeo Association.

As Sheriff Goetz begins this next chapter, we extend our sincere appreciation for his impressive and heroic tenure in public service. He has undoubtedly made a profound impact on Clearwater County, and his dedication to keeping our citizens safe will leave a legacy that is felt across Idaho for generations to come.

On behalf of the people of Idaho, we wish Sheriff Goetz many happy years in retirement filled with family, new adventures, and continued contributions to the Gem State.

Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated.

I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Blue Fox Theatre in Grangeville during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026.

Cory and Haley Koole, who also operate the local Napa Auto Parts, purchased the historic Blue Fox Theatre in 2024. The pair have worked to maintain the theatre's long legacy and keep movies running while expanding the business to serve the region beyond entertainment. Supporting a wide range of community-centered events and charitable causes, including fundraisers for the local veterans center, medical benefit dinners, and memorial gatherings, the Blue Fox is well ingrained in the fabric of the Grangeville community.

Originally opened in 1930, the Blue Fox Theatre is an iconic landmark and gathering place in Grangeville for nearly a century. Its famous neon marquee won Idaho's statewide historic sign competition earlier this year, and the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, emphasizing the theater's enduring role in Idaho's past and present.

The Blue Fox Theatre was built during a pivotal moment in American history, as the film industry transitioned from silent movies to ``talkies'' and the Nation entered the Great Depression. The original owner Al J. Wagner took a huge financial risk in building the theater in rural Idaho. That gamble paid off. Opening night was a full town event, complete with live music and front-page coverage in the local paper.

Over the decades, the Blue Fox overcame numerous challenges that forced many small-town theaters to close their doors. In the early 1940s, the building survived a fire that collapsed the roof and destroyed most of the interior. Rather than abandoning the theater, the Wagner family rebuilt it with much community support. The theatre also survived significant changes within the movie industry, competition with television and multiplex theaters, and the shift from film reels to digital projection. Through it all, the Blue Fox persevered.

Cory and Haley see the theater not only as a business but as the perfect avenue to invest in the people of north central Idaho. They prioritize community over profit, using the theater to preserve history, help neighbors, strengthen community ties, and invest locally.

Congratulations to Cory and Haley Koole and the entire Blue Fox team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. 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.

Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated.

I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor The Candy Jar in Blackfoot during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026.

Judy and Paul Loomis purchased a historic building in Blackfoot in early 2019 and quickly began renovations. On top of launching a successful candy shop, the couple's goal was to restore the city's downtown and prove that a small business can make a big impact. After 10 months of hard work and dedication, the Loomises opened The Candy Jar.

Located across the street from The Idaho Potato Museum, The Candy Jar immediately became popular with museum visitors. Judy and Paul put the Gem State at the forefront of their business, highlighting Idaho's and the building's rich history. In addition to the store's handmade fudge, The Candy Jar sells Idaho products like heart-shaped suckers from a local candy-maker who still uses her grandmother's recipe, hand-dipped chocolates from Weiser, and many more confections from Post Falls, Pocatello, Caldwell, and everywhere in between.

Their offerings have become a fan favorite and helped to inspire economic development throughout the city. In the 7 years since The Candy Jar opened, Blackfoot has seen new small businesses start, grow, and renovate other historic buildings.

While Judy and Paul have enjoyed watching more opportunities come to the city, their favorite part of running the store is interacting with customers. From locals who have become extended family to travelers passing through town looking for a treat, Judy and Paul find joy in helping customers find the right sweet to satisfy any craving.

Congratulations to Judy and Paul Loomis and the entire Candy Jar team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. 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.

Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated.

I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Junkyard Jeans in Boise during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026.

Started in 1991 by Eric Schrader, Junkyard Jeans has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to American- made products. What began with Eric's passion for designing and manufacturing quality denim has since grown into a unique and beloved Boise business. Today, Junkyard Jeans offers a curated selection of vintage goods, including custom chain-stitched and embroidered garments and one-of-a-kind collectible pieces.

Partnering with another Idaho business, McKinney Monograms, Eric and his team learned the art of chain-stitching and embroidery techniques used by old-school masters who worked on vintage denim. Much of Junkyard Jeans' manufacturing work is done in-house with entirely American materials, ensuring each piece in the store has a unique character.

Junkyard Jeans has also invested in the next generation, collaborating with Boise State University, BYU Idaho, and the International Business Program to start an internship program for students interested in clothing design and manufacturing. In 2013, the company participated in a traveling artisan makers project that showcased Idaho craftsmanship and custom sewing across the country.

Located in the heart of Boise, Junkyard Jeans has seen dozens of storefronts come and go. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities many Main Street retailers face, Eric has dedicated much of his 30 years in operation to working with surrounding small businesses and hosting block parties and community events to encourage residents to shop small.

Congratulations to Eric Schrader and the entire Junkyard Jeans team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. 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.

Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated.

I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor New York Pizza Department in Post Falls during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026.

Originally called Nate's New York Pizza, the business was founded in 2009 by Nate Banner with the goal of bringing authentic New York-style food to north Idaho. Applying what he learned from a New Yorker who had moved out West, Nate got to work crafting a menu based on quality and tradition.

Today, the business is known as New York Pizza Department, or NYPD as it is often referred to by Post Falls locals. The name pays tribute not only to the pizza's New York roots but also to all the first responders that serve north Idaho.

Michael Kuipers purchased the store in March of 2026 and, alongside his wife and daughter, operates the business with a passion for building connections with the community over New York-style pizza. Using the original recipes and techniques Nate passed down from New York natives, Michael has cultivated a welcoming gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors.

A major priority for Michael is their work with the Post Falls community to support local schools and teachers. From donating pizzas for events to recognizing educators who go above and beyond, New York Pizza Department is heavily involved in strengthening the growing north Idaho community. The store also puts a heavy emphasis on giving back to local first responders, including the Post Falls Police Department. For Michael, these efforts are not only rewarding but a helpful way to build meaningful connections beyond delicious pizza.

Congratulations to Michael and the entire New York Pizza Department team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. 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.

Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated.

I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Ram's Head Cafe and Lodge in Salmon during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026.

Established in 1965 by Ozzie and Lois Schmidt, Ram's Head began as a small cafe and gas station serving recreationalists in the Salmon- Challis National Forest. Positioned along the banks of the Salmon River, it was the perfect spot for Idahoans enjoying our public lands. Over time, the company changed ownership, expanded the cafe, and added hotel units, but eventually fell vacant for 15 years.

In 2017, Chris and Brianna Reece took on the task of getting Ram's Head up and running again. By the fall of 2018, the pair had refurbished the building and hosted the grand opening of the new Ram's Head Cafe and Lodge.

Now operating primarily as a hunting and fishing lodge, Chris and Brianna provide quality service and food to the surrounding downriver community, Lemhi County residents, and summer recreationalists traveling through Idaho. Through partnerships with local hunting and fishing outfitters, Ram's Head has grown to offer the best experience for locals, travelers, and adventure seekers of any kind in the Salmon- Challis National Forest.

Chris and Brianna are also active members of the Salmon Chamber of Commerce and support efforts like the Idaho Conservation Officers Association and Salmon River Days. The pair attributes their ability to renovate and reopen Ram's Head in under 2 years to strong community support and plan to continue giving back to their community as businessowners and through personal endeavors.

Congratulations to Chris and Brianna Reece and the entire Ram's Head team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. 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.

Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated.

I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Weiser Classic Candy during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026.

Founded in 1986 by Fawn Olsen, a local celebrity known for her fudge, Weiser Classic Candy has become an Idaho staple. The fudge is famous for good reason. Fawn, the original owner, worked with food scientists from the University of Idaho to develop and perfect her own line of recipes for the confections still sold today in the Weiser storefront.

Patrick Nauman, who now owns Weiser Classic Candy, fondly remembers walking through Fawn's Classic Candies and dreaming of one day running his own candy shop. In 2007, those dreams came true when Patrick moved back home to Weiser and bought the store from Fawn.

Quickly after taking the reins, Patrick launched a website and implemented ideas that have helped expand the company from seven stores to now having their candies available in more than 200 across all 50 States. To ensure the business's Idaho roots remained front and center, Patrick hosted a community naming contest to rebrand Fawn's Classic Candies to Weiser Classic Candy.

Staying true to his hometown and the Gem State, Patrick prioritizes Idaho ingredients. In each treat, customers are tasting milk from Darigold, cream from Reed's Dairy, apples from Symms Fruit Ranch, huckleberries from north Idaho, and sugar from Amalgamated Sugar. These Idaho products were placed in the spotlight earlier this year when Weiser Classic Candy was invited to send chocolates to the commissioning of the new USS Idaho. Thanks to their hard work, each crew member, their families, and attendees received Weiser's famous fudge.

Patrick recognizes the significant impact a corner candy shop can have on a community. As part of his efforts to help other small business owners succeed, Patrick started the Weiser Classic Candy Entrepreneurial Scholarship. The initiative, which encourages the next generation to take the leap into entrepreneurship, has given out more than $20,000 in scholarships to high school students interested in attending programs that support small business development.

Congratulations to Patrick Nauman and the entire Weiser Classic Candy team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. 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.

Mr. President, for the Committee on Foreign Relations I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the RECORDS on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators .

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.

Mr. President, I rise with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Representative Mike Simpson to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the city of Blackfoot.

Officially incorporated on January 16, 1901, the city of Blackfoot has helped shape the agricultural heritage that has defined Idaho for generations. Located along its namesake, the Blackfoot River, the city was established with an eye toward the future. Surrounded by a key freight corridor and the historic Tilford Ferry, Blackfoot was also developed near an anticipated telegraphy route, making the area a perfect corridor for growth.

Blackfoot's rich soil quickly made it a hub of agriculture, attracting travelers from across the Nation. As more families moved in, Blackfoot's demand for irrigation rose. Early residents went to work, transforming the area into productive farmland by building irrigation ditches and canals that drew water from the Blackfoot River. The beautiful outdoor spaces that resulted from these efforts later inspired Blackfoot's nickname, the ``Grove City,'' which lives on in the Grove City Cemetery.

Following the construction of Interstate 15 in the 1960s, Blackfoot experienced significant commercial growth and became a beloved destination. Today, the city is home to the Idaho Potato Museum and the Eastern Idaho State Fair, a tradition dating back to 1902 that now welcomes more than 250,000 attendees each year.

As the seat of Bingham County, Blackfoot has produced several leaders who have helped shape Idaho's future. The city was home to Idaho's first U.S. Senator following statehood, Fred Dubois, and the Blackfoot City Council was the first chapter in Congressman Mike Simpson's remarkable career as a public servant.

Congratulations to the city of Blackfoot on 125 exceptional years. We are proud to recognize the city and its contributions to the great State of Idaho and its strong path toward future success.