Floor Statements

Mr. President, my colleague Senator Mike Crapo joins me today in congratulating the 71 Livestock Association of southwestern Idaho and northeastern Nevada on its centennial anniversary. On June 24, 2017, members of the 71 Livestock Association will gather at the Three Creek School to celebrate 100 years of good stewardship on our western rangelands.

The 71 Livestock Association has deep roots in southwestern Idaho and northeastern Nevada and boasts a colorful heritage that defines our idea of western ranching. In the early 1870s, the Three Creek Area's premier cattleman, Joseph Scott, was the first to use a 71 brand after purchasing it from a Nevada rancher. The 71 Livestock Association took its name from that brand in homage to Scott.

In 1905, local ranchers requested that the Federal Government look into creating a forest reserve to protect grazing and other resources on the range. Less than a year later in 1906, with Gifford Pinchot as the first Chief of the Forest Service, President Theodore Roosevelt signed into law a forest reserve in Nevada. The creation of the forest reserve sparked a partnership between the Three Creek Ranchers and the U.S. Forest Service.

In December 1917, the ranchers of Owyhee and Twin Falls Counties came together to form the 71 Livestock Association with Joe E. Hawes as the first chairman. Noteworthy, the 71 Livestock Association started with both woolgrowers and cattle producers, which created a stronger partnership and greater collaboration among all range users and managers.

In the early 1930s, livestock producers in the West were concerned with deterioration of the range due to uncontrolled grazing and wanted to better protect the public lands. Due to that concern, Congress passed the Taylor Grazing Act in 1934, and the 71 Livestock Association created its first constitution and bylaws. The Taylor Grazing Act established grazing boards, and the 71 Livestock Association had three members on Idaho's very first grazing advisory board.

The 71 Livestock Association has seen many changes and has evolved to make conditions better on the range. In its formative years, they helped create a system for grazing as the main enforcement body on the forest reserve in Nevada. As the Bureau of Land Management began managing the range in southwestern Idaho and Elko County, NV, they helped to allocate range to its members and to help install key infrastructure like fences, pipelines, roads, phone service, electrical power, and even a tax levy for the Three Creek School.

From its inception, the 71 Livestock Association has experienced many challenges from jackrabbit infestations, plant poisoned cattle, severe winters, environmental lawsuits, endangered species, National Environmental Policy Act, NEPA, regulations, and range fires. In addition, they have lived through the Sage Brush Rebellion and the Jarbridge Shovel Brigade. Through it all, they have been instrumental at bringing together ranchers and Federal, State and local agencies to discuss and resolve issues with a spirit of cooperation.

Today the 71 Livestock Association has been at the center of rangeland fire management. In their true spirit, the 71 Livestock Association pitched in to help with the rehabilitation and reclamation of the land and helped create and develop the Rangeland Fire Protection Associations, RFPA. By being first on the scene, the RFPA have been instrumental in helping to stop fires before they develop into larger uncontrolled range fires.

Because of its success and standing in the region, the 71 Livestock Association has seen members go on to represent constituents of southern Idaho in the Idaho State Legislature--notably, the late Noy Brackett, his son Bert Brackett, and the late George Swan.

The 71 Livestock Association serves as a role model for Idaho and the Nation on how to innovate and collaborate on land management issues. Today they remain focused on advancing their mission of ``bettering conditions on the range.'' Congratulations to the 71 Livestock Association on a successful 100 years of operation.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that following the remarks of Senator Murphy, there be 20 minutes of postcloture time remaining on the Lighthizer nomination, equally divided between the chairman and ranking member of the Finance Committee; that following the use or yielding back of that time, the Senate vote on the Lighthizer nomination; and that, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, first of all, I want to return the sentiments of Senator Shaheen. There was so much written and talked about today in the meeting about the poisoned atmosphere and the lack of bipartisanship, but I can tell my colleagues that working with Senator Shaheen on the Small Business Committee has been an honor and a privilege, and it certainly has been anything but troublesome. We work together closely. Both of us having been Governors, we understand how important small businesses are to our States--in fact, to all the States.

With that, I would like to take a few minutes, with the concurrence of the ranking member, to honor America's small businesses and their owners and the impact they have on our economy and our communities and the vital role small businesses play in America today.

America's small businesses are truly the engine that keeps our economy running. They create two out of every three jobs in America. Let me say that again. Small businesses create two out of every three new jobs that are created in America today. Our Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship knows that Congress has a responsibility to help this engine roar by getting the government out of the way of our Nation's small businesses and thus providing small businesses with the opportunity to do what they have done to make this the greatest country in the world for the last 240 years.

We know that small businesses are vital to our economy, employing nearly half the American workforce and making up 99.7 percent of all employers in this country. It is because small businesses are so important to our economy that Washington needs to do all we can for businesses to start and, more importantly, to survive and grow.

We have seen a steady and well-documented decline in startups and a persistently low GDP over the past decade. Despite this, small businesses' optimism has hit record-high levels in recent months. Small business owners are more confident than ever. National Small Business Week--this week--is a fitting time to not only celebrate our Nation's small businesses but also to assure them that greater relief is coming.

Congress and the new administration are working hand in hand to undo the regulatory burden that has been hampering small business growth. It is no secret that the excessive regulatory burdens our Nation's entrepreneurs face places them at a disadvantage. We hear this every day from our position on the Small Business Committee. When asked what the biggest challenge they face is, it is almost always the regulatory burdens they are operating under.

America's small business owners want to comply with a reasonable and appropriate regulatory structure; however, the time and money they spend complying with layers of regulations from a myriad of agencies hampers their ability to focus on what truly matters, and that, of course, is running their business.

My Senate colleagues and I will continue to work with the administration on rolling back regulations that don't make sense. We will take a closer look at other issues facing the diverse small business community. Just last week, Senator Shaheen and I held a hearing on the many challenges that exist for rural entrepreneurs. As it turns out, these challenges are not much different from those that exist for entrepreneurs in more populous areas, except the challenges are amplified for business owners who operate without broadband internet or a traditional storefront on Main Street.

The shared challenges amongst most entrepreneurs, such as access to capital, trade opportunities, and cyber security threats, among others, are at the forefront of the minds of those of us in Congress who are committed to delivering the relief small business owners have been waiting for.

Despite these challenges, America's 28 million small business owners and their employees set out every day to pursue their dreams and contribute to their communities. Their entrepreneurial spirit is nothing short of inspiring.

I want to give an example from Idaho--in fact, more than one example from Idaho--but I yield to Senator Shaheen at this moment for her comments and perhaps to tell us a little bit about what she took away from the meeting we recently had on rural small businesses.

Mr. President, I thank Senator Shaheen.

We do, and I want to tell a story of an example of the inspiring spirit small businesses bring to us. This is the story of a small family business in Idaho Falls, ID, called Fin Fun. It began when its founder, Karen Browning, was asked to make a mermaid costume for her granddaughter. That doesn't sound like a very ostentatious beginning, but it was the beginning. This simple request was the catalyst of a much larger operation that experienced over a 3,000-percent growth over a 3-year period, now employing 75 full- and part-time employees in Eastern Idaho. The Browning family contributes greatly to the community and makes all of us in Idaho proud with their continued success, having been named by the SBA as Idaho's Small Business of the Year.

Stories like Fin Fun underscore the optimism that can be found in all corners of our country as small business owners everywhere take the large leap into the American dream.

I ask all Senators to join me this week in supporting and thanking the small businesses in our home States all across America. Senator Shaheen and I, of course, as part of the jurisdiction of our committee, have oversight responsibilities with the SBA. I have been very impressed over the years as to the focus of the SBA on small businesses.

One of the things I think Senator Shaheen shares with me is supporting an increase in the Office of Advocacy. We all know the Federal Government passes regulations at a stunning rate, which most people really don't completely understand. But the job of the Office of Advocacy is to act as an independent voice for small businesses when the Federal Government actually proposes a regulation. The Office of Advocacy is supposed to stand up and say: Wait a minute. Let me tell you how this is going to affect small businesses.

We all know that if the Federal Government, in any one of the agencies, enacts a regulation, it does affect businesses of different sizes differently. Indeed, if it is a large business, they generally have an army of lawyers, compliance officers, and accountants who can deal with the regulations relatively easily and absorb the cost. On the other hand, if it is a one-, two-, or three-person business, just filling out the forms the agencies require is sometimes a real burden. It is important that this Office of Advocacy in the SBA be encouraged, be expanded where possible, and be a real, true independent voice for small business in America. And I know Senator Shaheen shares my enthusiasm for continuing to support that enterprise within the SBA. I am always happy to work with any of my colleagues to make it easier for Americans to start and grow a business.

Happy National Small Business Week, and thank you to our Nation's entrepreneurs and small business owners who are the real backbone of our Nation and our economy.

I yield to Senator Shaheen.

Likewise.

Mr. President, the American dream is alive and well today. Entrepreneurs across this country are innovators, leaders, and visionaries who exemplify many of the characteristics that make this country great. Idaho's small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them share a dedication to producing the highest quality products and services. Hard work, dedication, and passion are among some of the other traits that successful entrepreneurs share, whether they be from Idaho or anywhere else in our great country. All of these qualities are on display in this month's Small Business of the Month. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my pleasure to recognize Fin Fun Mermaid Tails as the Senate Small Business of the Month for May 2017.

Fin Fun got its start in 2009 when its founder, Karen Browning, was asked by her granddaughter to design and make a mermaid tail. Even with over 50 years of experience sewing, she was not sure she could complete her granddaughter's request. With some creativity and ingenuity, Mrs. Browning designed the mermaid fins out of spandex swimsuit material and a rigid body for the fin. The design proved so popular that, when Emily and her sister, Sarah, swam with the fins on at the local pool, all their friends asked where they could get a tail of their own. Mrs. Browning began selling the product on eBay and Etsy in 2010. With demand increasing, Mrs. Browning's sons, Eric and Steve Browning, returned to Idaho to run the Fin Fun business. Sales of Fin Fun products increased dramatically since its opening, from selling 200 mermaid tails per month in 2011 to more than 500,000 in 2016.

Fin Fun offers a number of products including their famous mermaid tails, patented Monofin, swimwear, animal blankets, pool toys, and other accessories. In 2012, Eric and Steve Browning took over the day- to-day operations of the company as the founders Jerry and Karen went on a mission for their church. In 2015, Fin Fun purchased a 10,000- square-foot building located on the Lewisville Highway, where the company continues to grow. In that same year, Fin Fun was highlighted by various media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal. In 2016, the company was named to Inc. 500's fastest growing companies list, as the 119th fastest growing company with 3,000 percent growth over a 3- year period. Through the leadership of Eric and Steve Browning and the success of Fin Fun, the company has created more than 75 full-time and part-time jobs within the Idaho Falls area.

As a family-run business, Fin Fun continues to set an example by donating a percentage of its profits to more than 18 charitable organizations annually, in addition to providing employment and support to the local community. Fin Fun is the manifestation of the entrepreneurial spirit that epitomizes the essence of the great State of Idaho. I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the employees and owners of Fin Fun Mermaid for being selected as the May 2017 Small Business of the Month. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.

Mr. President, our country has been built upon a bedrock of guiding principles which has molded the character of many Americans. Hard work, risk-taking, and perseverance are some of the characteristics that have helped so many of our Nation's citizens achieve the American Dream. Continually on the cutting edge of innovation, America's entrepreneurs share an inspiring creative spirit. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my pleasure to recognize one such entrepreneur, Larry Fisher, and his small business, Destinations Inn, as the Senate Small Business of the Month for April 2017.

With a lifelong understanding of business, Mr. Fisher has built many successful businesses, including the critically acclaimed Black Swan Inn. Acquired in 1997, Mr. Fisher transformed the unique 1933 English Tudor into a luxury themed suite lodging facility catering to couples, tourists, and business travelers who are looking for a unique experience.

After the success of the Black Swan Inn, the Fishers purchased and opened a sister hotel located in Idaho Falls in 2010, the Destinations Inn. The building was built in 1905 and has served as host to a number of businesses since that time, including the O.P. Skaggs Grocery Store and Ferrell's Clothing. In 2006, the Destinations Inn reopened as a premier luxury hotel and began to host guests from all over the world. When the Fishers acquired the building in 2010, they used their skills in artistry and contracting to transform the hotel into a world-class themed suite lodging facility. Each of the 14 suites within the Destinations Inn is creatively tailored to encapsulate an imaginative atmosphere. Combining their talents and vision, Larry and Debbie Fisher have created a business environment where creativity and ideas thrive. The Fishers exemplify professionalism and entrepreneurial passion through the success of the Destinations Inn.

Born and raised in Pocatello, ID, Mr. Fisher has been a mainstay in his community since his early years. Mr. Fisher currently serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Pocatello Development Authority, Grand Teton Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and Portneuf Valley Interfaith Fellowship. Recognized for his commitment to the community, Mr.

Fisher was a recipient of a number of awards, including Parade of Homes Best Show, Builder of the Year, Bridge Builder Award from the Grand Teton Council of the Boy Scouts of America, voted as best lodging property several years by the community, TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Award for 5 years of certificates of excellence, and the Community Black Belt Volunteer Award. Mr. Fisher has dedicated his life to serving his customers and the community. It is my honor to recognize Larry and Debbie Fisher and the employees of Destinations Inn who have done so much for their community. You make our State proud, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.

Mr. President, my colleague Senator Mike Crapo joins me today in honoring the life of Colonel Edwin Don Strickfaden, who dedicated 35 years to protecting the citizens of Idaho through his service in Idaho law enforcement.

Colonel Strickfaden led the Idaho State Police, ISP, with distinction, serving as director when two Idaho law enforcement agencies were combined to form one ISP and leading the force to accomplish many law enforcement successes furthering the security of our communities. Current Idaho State Police director Colonel Ralph Powell recognized Colonel Strickfaden as a ``champion for all law enforcement throughout the state,'' and a ``charismatic leader'' who ``worked tirelessly to keep us safe.'' Colonel Strickfaden--Ed to most of us--joined Idaho law enforcement in 1967 after serving 4 years in the U.S. Air Force. A native Idahoan, Ed was born on August 3, 1945, to Don and Ruth Strickfaden in Nez Perce, ID, and served many communities throughout Idaho before retiring in 2002 making a home with his wife, Barbara, in Salmon, ID. Barbara has worked for my Gubernatorial and U.S. Senate offices, which has given us more opportunities to interact with this remarkable Idahoan.

Colonel Strickfaden was known for his thoughtful, reasoned, and inspiring leadership. Although this example of his bravery and devotion to helping others was already highlighted in a 2003 Congressional Record statement, it is worthy of repeating as it is emblematic of how he served. Colonel Strickfaden was honored by then-Governor Cecil Andrus for diving into the icy December waters of the Clearwater River to rescue a woman from a submerged vehicle. His sense of duty and clear empathy for the people he served was an outstanding example to many.

Colonel Strickfaden made an extraordinary difference in the lives of Idahoans he served and the many who knew him. We thank him for his outstanding service as we join his family, including Barbara and their beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild and many friends in mourning his passing and honoring his loving legacy.

Mr. President, known for its diverse natural resources and awe-inspiring landscapes, Idaho is a place of countless possibilities, where citizens with determination and ambition can lay the foundation for their own success. I am particularly proud of my home State's entrepreneurs who continue to pioneer new enterprises that bring our communities together and inspire a creative spirit in Idahoans across the State. These traits are well represented in this month's Small Business of the Month. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Hot Shots Inc. delivery service as the Senate Small Business of the Month for March 2017.

Founded by Lance and Mary Curtis, Hot Shots Inc. is a family-owned and operated small business headquartered in Boise, ID. The innovative vision of the company is driven by a management team with over 50 years of combined experience in courier services. Hot Shots Inc. has provided delivery services in the Boise area since 1998. Their offerings are distinct in that they are capable of delivering anything from small parcels to large freight throughout the Treasure Valley, Sun Valley, Magic Valley, and Twin Falls, all with a same-day guarantee. Over the years, this company has earned and maintained a high level of trust in the Boise area, as is evident through their special delivery service which allows them to access a number of secure locations such as corporate, banking, medical, government, and military sites. Part of what makes Hot Shots Inc. a successful enterprise is its use of modern technology, specifically its utilization of an online ordering system, a GPS package tracking system, and an email notification system. The company has adapted with technological advances, making all of these changes to support mobile transactions. All of these advances help instill confidence in every customer that his or her package, parcel, or shipment will arrive on time. This commitment to customer service has helped the company excel in its field and allowed Hot Shots Inc. to enter new markets such as warehousing.

Hot Shots Inc. has been a pillar of the community since they first opened their doors. This family-run business has displayed its commitment to the Boise community in a variety of ways, whether by delivering diapers for the Idaho Diaper Bank or through their support of the Idaho Foodbank Backpack Program, among other community service activities. I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Lance and Mary Curtis and the employees of Hot Shots Inc. for being chosen as the March 2017 Small Business of the Month. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.

Mr. President, on behalf of myself and my colleague Senator Shaheen, I would like to recognize the contributions made to our Nation and its small businesses by the good work of America's small business development centers. As chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Ranking Member Shaheen and I understand the impact that boosting small businesses makes, with 99.7 percent of all firms across America being small businesses and their employees making up 48 percent of the total workforce.

America's small business development centers provide small businesses across the country with high-quality, low- or no-cost consulting, and a variety of educational programs. These centers operate in all 50 States to support an established network of small businesses while encouraging new entrepreneurs to develop and execute their unique vision, helping innovators get their own small businesses up and running.

Small business development centers are successful because they provide the services of a large consulting firm on a locally scaled level in areas that may go unnoticed by other programs. They provide tailored, individualized attention to over 450,000 entrepreneurs a year, which resulted in $6.9 billion in new sales in 2015. That same year, America's small business development centers aided in the creation of over 100,000 jobs, and the small businesses they serve averaged a growth rate of 15.5 percent, which is nearly eight times the national average.

One of many success stories that can be told is that of Velma, a marketing software firm in Nampa, ID. Founded in 2006, the firm focused on empowering loan officers to create stronger relationships through a customized direct email program. The recession of 2008 hit Velma hard, and in 2010, the company entered into the small business development centers business accelerator program. The structure of the program provided organizational discipline, and the firm pivoted to providing email marketing for mortgage companies. Since the firm began participating in the accelerator program, Velma has quadrupled its employees and created a sustained positive cash flow.

It is a privilege for my colleague and I to recognize America's Small Business Development Centers Day today, March 22, 2017, and we wish them continued success as they work to support the next generation of America's small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship's rules for the 115th Congress be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them are known for their perseverance and get-it- done mentality. They have a seemingly innate understanding of the importance of delivering the highest quality products and services. Successful small businesses are also known for their commitment to getting the job done right. These qualities are on display in this month's Small Business of the Month. Located in north Idaho's rich timber country, this month's honoree is well known in my home State for its strong commitment to its local community and sustainable forestry. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to recognize Bennett Lumber Products, Inc., as the Senate Small Business of the Month for February 2017.

Led by a legendary lumberman, Mr. Frank Bennett, Bennett Lumber Products, Inc., is a family-owned and operated company headquartered in Princeton, ID. The company has two highly efficient mills, one in Princeton, ID, and the other in Clarkston, WA. Bennett Lumber also owns and sustainably manages approximately 70,000 acres of forest lands throughout the Northwest. The Idaho location, originally known as Boones' Mill, was purchased by Bennett Lumber in the early 1950s. The company invested in upgrading the old mill's equipment and modernized its processes in order to mill smaller dimension logs with a largely automated milling process. Always at the forefront of innovation in the lumber industry, Bennett Lumber implemented

the use of a mechanical lumber sorter in 1972, which set the company apart as being ahead of its time. In addition to their commitment to innovation and efficiency, owners and employees of Bennett Lumber pride themselves on producing high-quality products while also adhering to sustainable land management principles.

Bennett Lumber also displays a commitment to the communities in which the company operates by contributing to the Idaho Forest Products Commission's Project Learning Tree. This award-winning organization is dedicated to children's environmental education programs that help to teach students about land stewardship. Bennett Lumber also organizes youth summer reading programs, scholarship awards, school forestry tours, 4-H projects, and contributes to the Distinguished Young Women of Idaho Program. I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the employees and owners of Bennett Lumber Products, Inc., for being selected as the February Small Business of the Month. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.

Mr. President, first of all, let me say thank you to my friend and colleague, the ranking member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. We have worked together successfully on several projects, and I have no doubt that we will continue to work together to benefit small businesses and entrepreneurship here in America.

I rise today to support the nomination by President Trump of Linda McMahon to head the Small Business Administration. Linda McMahon has strong bipartisan support, which is rare here in Washington, DC, these days. At the confirmation hearing, Mrs. McMahon was introduced by, endorsed by, and spoken well of by her two Connecticut Senators, Senator Blumenthal and Senator Murphy. Perhaps for the first time in history, we had a member of the opposite party supported by the two Senators from that State, from the other party. But most importantly, she had run against both of those people, so they had been adversaries previously, but they appeared before the committee to enthusiastically endorse her as the head of the SBA and as President Trump's appointee.

Senator Blumenthal said: ``She is an excellent fit for this agency based on her experience and her expertise as a business leader.

Senator Murphy stated: ``I will never question whether she has the experience and the determination necessary to lead this great agency.''

These are strong endorsements by people of the other party for a person who has been nominated by President Trump.

This is an important agency. It is not a particularly large agency, but it certainly services one of the, if not the most important sector of our economy.

It is important to note that these two colleagues of ours came and supported Mrs. McMahon before the committee.

Those people who have been watching what is going on in this city since the election, particularly in regard to the appointment by President Trump of his Cabinet, as he has attempted to fill his Cabinet and seen the obstructionism that has taken place as he tries to fill that Cabinet, know that this city has become a caldron of anger, bitterness, and acrimony since the States came together and selected Donald Trump to be the President of these United States. So it is good for a bipartisan effort on one of these Cabinet members, and Linda McMahon is that person.

Linda McMahon is not a bureaucrat. She is about as far from that as you possibly can get. In 1982 she and her husband took over a small business and turned it into a family business and have operated it since 1982. Of particular importance was her description of how she and her husband got there and their struggles as they started with a small business that actually failed. I think her description of that and her feelings about that and how she and her family struggled with that built the character they needed to start the business they did in 1982. They took that business from 1982 from a small company, very few employees and family only, to what is now a publicly traded company with a global brand.

Mrs. McMahon has the experience in the small business world, from her struggles at the beginning and her

great success as she worked through making this business succeed, to actually understand what small businesses go through.

In meeting with her and discussing with her the importance of what we do on the Small Business Committee, I can tell you that she shares the passion that I have about what we can do with the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and, indeed, all committees in the U.S. Senate; that is, get the government out of the way while Americans attempt to build a business. She shares the passion that I have with reducing to a bare minimum the regulatory structure that has grown up in America today and is really stifling businesses at all levels but particularly businesses at the small end of the scale.

We all know that when the government enacts a regulation, which happens all too frequently--hourly, every day, several every day--and they are laid down in front of businesses, a large business really has substantially less difficulty dealing with those.

Large businesses will tell you that is the largest challenge they have today, the most significant challenge they have; that is, overcoming the barriers that are put in place by the government as they attempt to succeed and as they attempt to do business. When a regulation is laid down, a large business has an army and a fleet of lawyers and compliance officers and accountants who can work through these regulations. If you are a small business and you are fixing lawn mowers in your garage and you get a 30-page questionnaire from the government that has significant implications for what is going to happen to you, it is very burdensome and cuts deeply into the progress you are trying to make as a small business and provide for your family.

We have an operation within the Small Business Administration called the Office of Advocacy. The committee has attempted to grow and strengthen its independence. The purpose of the Office of Advocacy is to stand up whenever the government acts in a way that affects small businesses and say: Wait. Stop. Think about this. Look what you are doing and look how this is going to affect business--and particularly small business--in America, the regulations you are attempting to impose.

Linda McMahon shares my passion in that regard. I have every reason to believe she is going to assist in strengthening that particular division within the Small Business Administration.

Based upon her qualifications, based upon her view of small business and entrepreneurship, based upon her experience in small business and in growing small business, and based upon what I think perhaps is going to be one of the only bipartisan efforts we make to construct the Cabinet or assist the President in constructing his Cabinet, I strongly recommend and join my colleague the ranking member in urging all Members of the Senate to support Linda McMahon in this effort and in her confirmation.

With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor.

I yield back all time.

Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

I object.

Mr. President, I am the one who entered the objection, and let me say to my good friend from Vermont that I agree with him 100 percent that we should get back to what made the Senate great.

We have rules around here, and the rules are very clear that you don't impugn another Senator. Now, you can't do that in your words and you can't do it with writings. You can't hold up a writing that impugns another Senator and say: Well, this is what somebody else said. I am not saying it, but that is OK.

It is not OK. It is a violation of the rules, and we should get back to what made this Senate great, and that is, to stay within the rules, stay within civility, and not impugning another Senator, whether it is through words or whether it is through writings.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, my home State of Idaho has long been known for its incredible natural resources and vibrant agricultural economy. What some may not know, though, is that Idaho is also home to a burgeoning technology industry, thanks to a number of impressive innovators who bring their entrepreneurial spirit and innovations to our State. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my pleasure to recognize one of these great innovators, xCraft Enterprises, LLC in Coeur d'Alene, as the Senate Small Business of the Month for January 2017. xCraft has made Idaho proud with their considerable success and continuous innovation in and contribution to the unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, or drone, industry.

Cofounder and CEO JD Claridge has always had a passion for flight. He built numerous flying toys as a child, and at the age of just 7, he constructed a hang glider and even convinced a friend to test it. JD harnessed this lifelong love of flying and started xCraft Enterprises, LLC, along with fellow aviation enthusiast, Charles Manning. Their vision for the company was to develop small, powerful, long-range drones that serve the needs of both hobbyists and commercial customers. With the expertise and skills of their team of highly educated engineers and business people, they have turned their aviation dream into a successful small business endeavor.

xCraft's patent-pending drones are built with lightweight materials that allow for long-range flight and are also capable of flying preprogrammed GPS-enabled flight paths. Notably, the company has designed a drone which has the ability to carry and utilize a smartphone, making it possible to link advanced smartphone technology to an economically priced small drone. In addition, xCraft has been recognized as a leader in the UAV and technology industries for producing one of the fastest racing drones available on the market today, exceeding speeds of 100 miles per hour. This continuous innovation and reinvention adds an immense value to the numerous and diverse industries that drones play a major role in, helping to drive the entire American economy forward.

Today xCraft offers seven drones of varying sizes and capabilities. There is no telling what their next innovation will be, but I know it will be another great contribution to their industry and the many others that depend upon it. It is my honor to recognize JD, Charles, and all of the employees at xCraft Enterprises, LLC in Coeur d'Alene. Thank you for your commitment to innovation and for carrying on the entrepreneurial spirit that is so valued in our great State of Idaho. I look forward to following your continued growth and success.

Mr. President, I rise today also in support of the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015. I am honored to be here today with Senator Murkowski. Idahoans and Alaskans have a lot in common when it comes to outdoor sporting activities, including hunting and fishing. Senator Crapo and I were honored to host Senator Murkowski in Idaho. Although we don't have the acres Alaska has, we certainly have that diverse environment for hunting and fishing in many different areas of the State that support and will continue to support both fishing and game.

This bill is cosponsored by a bipartisan team of Senators who are committed to advancing the agenda of sportsmen and sportswomen. Senators Murkowski and Heinrich, along with the leaders of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus--myself and Senator Manchin as the co- chairmen and Senator Fischer and Senator Heitkamp as the co-vice chairmen--make up the largest bipartisan caucus in Congress, and we have diligently labored to craft this bipartisan legislation that is supported by a broad coalition of sportsmen's groups. Indeed, we have worked on it substantially more since the first of the year. Last year we labored over it at great length and were not able to get it across the finish line, but we are cautiously optimistic this year that we have hit that right spot where we actually can get this across the finish line this year.

One provision of this package will encourage States to create and maintain public shooting ranges. This will promote gun safety by providing a venue to teach young adults about firearms. These public ranges can also serve as a place to hold hunter education classes and can be used as facilities to train police forces.

This bill will also allow any legal gun owner to carry a firearm on land administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This provision will require the Army Corps to conform their regulations to align with local laws related to firearms. I wish to thank my colleague from Idaho, Senator Mike Crapo, for his hard work and leadership on this particular issue. I know the sportsmen of Idaho and across the country are pleased to know that this legislation will allow firearms on Army Corps land and that it is included in this bipartisan sportsmen's package.

This bill will also reauthorize the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act, a program that enables the Bureau of Land Management to sell public land for community development and other projects. This land-for-land approach creates jobs and generates funding for the BLM to acquire critical inholdings from willing sellers.

I am also proud to include a provision supported by my colleague from Wyoming, Senator Mike Enzi, to allow archery equipment to be transported and possessed in national parks. Archery is one of the fastest growing sports in America. It should not be illegal to carry a bow in a national park.

I am happy to work with my colleagues to include this important provision in this Sportsmen's Act. Whether you hunt or fish to put food on the table or for sport or to pass down a tradition to your family or for game-management purposes, there is something in this bill for you.

With more than half a million sportsmen and sportswomen in the State of Idaho, this legislation will ensure they can continue to access their favorite hunting or fishing sport. In fact, the number of people who hunt each year in Idaho would fill Boise State Broncos stadium more than 6\1/2\ times. Most of you are familiar with that stadium since it is the only stadium in America that has blue turf, and most everyone has seen that.

For those of us who hunt and fish, it is difficult to put into words why this legislation is so important. I ask everyone I talk to about these issues to encourage and teach youngsters about hunting and fishing. In Idaho this last year 14,000 kids purchased a junior fishing license, and approximately 14,000 purchased a junior hunting license. These numbers could be higher, and they should be higher. It is important to teach and mentor these future generations--those coming behind us--about hunting and fishing and to hand down this culture to them. Hunting and fishing give us a great reason to be in the great outdoors, a great reason to hand down traditions, and a great reason to support the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015.

I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work with this bipartisan coalition we put together, to cosponsor and to work with us to pass this legislation.

Mr. President, I rise today also in support of the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015. I am honored to be here today with Senator Murkowski. Idahoans and Alaskans have a lot in common when it comes to outdoor sporting activities, including hunting and fishing. Senator Crapo and I were honored to host Senator Murkowski in Idaho. Although we don't have the acres Alaska has, we certainly have that diverse environment for hunting and fishing in many different areas of the State that support and will continue to support both fishing and game.

This bill is cosponsored by a bipartisan team of Senators who are committed to advancing the agenda of sportsmen and sportswomen. Senators Murkowski and Heinrich, along with the leaders of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus--myself and Senator Manchin as the co- chairmen and Senator Fischer and Senator Heitkamp as the co-vice chairmen--make up the largest bipartisan caucus in Congress, and we have diligently labored to craft this bipartisan legislation that is supported by a broad coalition of sportsmen's groups. Indeed, we have worked on it substantially more since the first of the year. Last year we labored over it at great length and were not able to get it across the finish line, but we are cautiously optimistic this year that we have hit that right spot where we actually can get this across the finish line this year.

One provision of this package will encourage States to create and maintain public shooting ranges. This will promote gun safety by providing a venue to teach young adults about firearms. These public ranges can also serve as a place to hold hunter education classes and can be used as facilities to train police forces.

This bill will also allow any legal gun owner to carry a firearm on land administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This provision will require the Army Corps to conform their regulations to align with local laws related to firearms. I wish to thank my colleague from Idaho, Senator Mike Crapo, for his hard work and leadership on this particular issue. I know the sportsmen of Idaho and across the country are pleased to know that this legislation will allow firearms on Army Corps land and that it is included in this bipartisan sportsmen's package.

This bill will also reauthorize the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act, a program that enables the Bureau of Land Management to sell public land for community development and other projects. This land-for-land approach creates jobs and generates funding for the BLM to acquire critical inholdings from willing sellers.

I am also proud to include a provision supported by my colleague from Wyoming, Senator Mike Enzi, to allow archery equipment to be transported and possessed in national parks. Archery is one of the fastest growing sports in America. It should not be illegal to carry a bow in a national park.

I am happy to work with my colleagues to include this important provision in this Sportsmen's Act. Whether you hunt or fish to put food on the table or for sport or to pass down a tradition to your family or for game-management purposes, there is something in this bill for you.

With more than half a million sportsmen and sportswomen in the State of Idaho, this legislation will ensure they can continue to access their favorite hunting or fishing sport. In fact, the number of people who hunt each year in Idaho would fill Boise State Broncos stadium more than 6\1/2\ times. Most of you are familiar with that stadium since it is the only stadium in America that has blue turf, and most everyone has seen that.

For those of us who hunt and fish, it is difficult to put into words why this legislation is so important. I ask everyone I talk to about these issues to encourage and teach youngsters about hunting and fishing. In Idaho this last year 14,000 kids purchased a junior fishing license, and approximately 14,000 purchased a junior hunting license. These numbers could be higher, and they should be higher. It is important to teach and mentor these future generations--those coming behind us--about hunting and fishing and to hand down this culture to them. Hunting and fishing give us a great reason to be in the great outdoors, a great reason to hand down traditions, and a great reason to support the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015.

I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work with this bipartisan coalition we put together, to cosponsor and to work with us to pass this legislation.