Floor Statements

I ask for the yeas and nays.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Madam President, millions of American businesses have found their start in the living rooms, backyards, and garages of aspiring entrepreneurs. Harnessing individual creativity and work ethic, a talent can grow into a lasting enterprise. I wish to honor La Plaza, a restaurant from my home State of Idaho, whose hard work and dedication to quality has seen growth and prosperity while enhancing the local community.

Founded in 2003, La Plaza offers unique and traditional Mexican fare, including an assortment of moles made with chocolate and dried peppers, to diners and visitors in southern Idaho. Guadalupe ``Lupe'' Loza and her husband, Chon, originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico, never planned to own a restaurant until their infant son required long-term hospitalization and they needed to fund his medical bills. As a self- taught chef, Lupe Loza started making tamales and empanadas in her kitchen and selling the food directly to local dairy workers and observers on local soccer fields. As her fans multiplied, and driven by the philosophy that ``farmers can dig the dirt and plant the seeds, but they can't make the plants grow,'' Lupe Loza took a leap of faith and opened the restaurant in a converted two-car garage, where customers sat at folding tables and ate off paper plates.

Today, La Plaza operates out of a 1,992 square foot space on Buhl's Main Street, located on the old Oregon Trail in the western half of Twin Falls County. The Lozas are dedicated to creating and serving authentic Mexican cuisine and making costumers feel like they are eating at home with family. It is not surprising that after 11 years, La Plaza has received overwhelming praise from its diners and the larger community. The from-scratch food and ``grandmother's house'' feel have made La Plaza a local staple and traveler's destination. The small, yet diverse menu is updated frequently, accommodating customer feedback, requests, and favorites. From carne asada tacos to bacon- wrapped cheesy jalapeno bites, customers drive many miles out of their way to sample La Plaza's authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant has also expanded to cater at local venues, including the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration for the Latinos Unidos at the College of Southern Idaho. The Lozas dedication to excellence has earned La Plaza a five- star rating on Yelp, the second-highest rated restaurant in Buhl on Trip Advisor, and a 90 percent customer satisfaction rate on Urban Spoon.

Over the past 11 years, La Plaza has doubled in size, and the homemade ranchero fajitas are now served on china plates instead of paper plates. I hope La Plaza's story will inspire others around the country to chase the American Dream. I congratulate the Loza family and the entire La Plaza team on their success, continued growth, and exemplary reputation for quality. La Plaza represents the best aspects of American entrepreneurship and is a credit to both Idaho and the Nation.

Mr. President, America depends on the ingenuity of small business owners to propel the country forward in innovation. Seekins Precision demonstrates this originality by continuously improving their products for a unique industry. I rise today to honor Seekins Precision of Lewiston, ID, a small business whose commitment to manufacturing products for those who enjoy exercising their second- amendment rights honors both Idaho and the Nation.

Founded in 2004, Seekins Precision builds innovative products for precision shooters. As the result of an unsuccessful deer hunt, founder Glen Seekins identified a need for hunting equipment able to endure the natural elements of the Idaho mountains products that were durable, yet lightweight. The combination of Mr. Seekins' background in mechanical design and his entrepreneurial spirit sparked the design for Seekins Precision's flagship scope rings. After training himself on a computer numerical control machine to build scope rings, Mr. Seekins and his wife, Katie, set up shop in their garage. In November 2005, their scope rings became so popular in the local shooting community that the business developed into a full-time operation.

Over the past 10 years, Seekins Precision has achieved an outstanding reputation for quality, as well as that of a unique Idaho gem. Since its inception, Seekins Precision has expanded from only making scope rings with just a handful of employees, to developing over ten major upper-end rifle lines and creating more than 25 new jobs in

the local Idaho community. Today, the business has expanded to manufacture a full line of automatic rifle products, including rifles, complete uppers, and other parts and accessories. All of Seekins Precision's products are proudly invented, sourced, and made in the USA in their new 25,000 square foot facility, a $4 million investment back into the community.

At the beginning of this year, Seekins Precision participated in the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade, SHOT, Show and Conference in Las Vegas, NV, the largest annual trade show for recreational technology professionals, and the world's premier exposition of combined firearms. Participation in the SHOT Show exposed Seekins Precision to buyers from all 50 States and more than 100 countries, expanding the business' exposure to international markets. Located in the Port of Lewiston since 2010, Idaho's only seaport and the farthest inland port east of the west coast, Seekins Precision relocated to a 25,000 square foot facility in order to accommodate further product demand this past May. The small business received support from Idaho's own Governor, Butch Otter, who attended the grand-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony. Seekins Precision's astonishing success emulates that of the American Dream, reaching beyond the local community and loyal customers.

I congratulate everyone at Seekins Precision on their success, continued growth and exemplary reputation for quality. Seekins Precision represents the best aspects of American craftsmanship and is a credit to both Idaho and the Nation.

Madam President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, it is imperative to distinguish the originality of women-owned small business owners who take a leap of faith and invest in an idea that not only awards their own creativity but also inspires other women throughout the Nation. Across the United States, women-owned companies employ 7.9 million people, generate $1.4 trillion in sales, and are the fastest growing segment in our economy. Today, I am proud to recognize rosieMADE of Meridian, ID, a women-owned small business committed to selling products made in the U.S.A. by women.

In November 2012, Alicia Vanderschuere launched rosieMADE, an online marketplace that features vendors offering quality products made in the U.S.A. by women-friendly companies. After 15 years of experience in

retail and corporate merchandising, Alicia Vanderschuere decided to follow her dreams in pursuit of owning her own business and reached out to the Idaho Women's Business Center, WBC, to help get started. The Small Business Administration's WBCs represent a nationwide network of educational centers designed to assist women entrepreneurs in starting and growing their own businesses.

Inspired by the iconic champion for women Rosie the Riveter, rosieMADE aims to increase the number of women engaged in entrepreneurship while supporting homegrown products. In addition, rosieMADE offers services beyond that of selling products. The business promotes business prosperity through opportunities including training and information sessions on leadership, balancing home and work life, and various elements of small business. The roiseMADE team strives to inspire women to pursue their own business ventures by featuring women- owned business leaders and sharing their stories. As a resource for women nationwide, women who have successfully overcome obstacles in the business environment are honored regularly in the ``Real Life Rosies'' section of the Web site. These success stories are aimed to encourage other women to take a risk and start their own businesses.

Within a few short years, Alicia Vanderschuere and rosieMADE have already achieved an outstanding reputation for quality, as well as that of a unique Idaho gem. It is not surprising that in 2013 Alicia Vanderschuere was featured on the cover of the Idaho Women's Journal and is currently listed as one of the Idaho Women's Journal's ``Who's Who of Idaho Women.'' In addition, in February 2014 Alicia Vanderschuere received the Women of the Year Award from the Idaho Business Review. With rosieMADE's commitment to female small business owners, I hope they will inspire more women throughout the Nation to become entrepreneurs.

I would like to recognize rosieMADE on their mission to promote products made by women in the U.S.A. and their willingness to take a risk in inspiring future entrepreneurs. I congratulate the entire rosieMADE team and wish them great success in the future.

The Senator may do so.

Mr. President.

I ask unanimous consent that----

Mr. President, I intend to speak for about 4\1/2\ minutes.

I thank the Senator from Maryland.

Mr. President, I thank the Senator.

(The remarks of Mr. Risch pertaining to the introduction of S. 2616 are printed in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

I thank the Presiding Officer and yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise on behalf of Senator Crapo and myself to introduce the Idaho County Shooting Range Land Conveyance Act.

Idahoans deeply value their Second Amendment rights, and recreational use of firearms for hunting and shooting sports is common. The use of firearms in Idaho is a tradition often passed through the generations, and many use it as an opportunity to teach safe and responsible practices to their children.

We have been working on this matter and on this particular issue since 2010 as it relates to this particular parcel of ground.

Idaho County needs adequate resources to provide this not only for its citizens but also for its law enforcement agencies. The Idaho County Sheriff's Office cannot effectively train their staff in firearms use because they simply do not have the facilities.

Should the Idaho County Shooting Range Land Conveyance Act be enacted, a 31-acre parcel of land in Idaho will be transferred from the U.S. Government to Idaho County for use as a gun range which will be maintained by the county.

It is enthusiastically supported by both the Idaho County Sheriff's Office, the county commissioners, and the citizens of Idaho County.

Passing this legislation will fill the void in Idaho County for firearm training, practice, and shooting sports for citizens and law enforcement by providing quality facilities that will ensure safe and responsible use for years to come.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to pass this bill.

Mr. President, I rise on behalf of Senator Crapo and myself to introduce the Idaho County Shooting Range Land Conveyance Act.

Idahoans deeply value their Second Amendment rights, and recreational use of firearms for hunting and shooting sports is common. The use of firearms in Idaho is a tradition often passed through the generations, and many use it as an opportunity to teach safe and responsible practices to their children.

We have been working on this matter and on this particular issue since 2010 as it relates to this particular parcel of ground.

Idaho County needs adequate resources to provide this not only for its citizens but also for its law enforcement agencies. The Idaho County Sheriff's Office cannot effectively train their staff in firearms use because they simply do not have the facilities.

Should the Idaho County Shooting Range Land Conveyance Act be enacted, a 31-acre parcel of land in Idaho will be transferred from the U.S. Government to Idaho County for use as a gun range which will be maintained by the county.

It is enthusiastically supported by both the Idaho County Sheriff's Office, the county commissioners, and the citizens of Idaho County.

Passing this legislation will fill the void in Idaho County for firearm training, practice, and shooting sports for citizens and law enforcement by providing quality facilities that will ensure safe and responsible use for years to come.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to pass this bill.

Madam President, more and more small businesses across America have started to pursue opportunities outside of our borders by extending their markets globally. According to the Small Business Administration, almost 96 percent of consumers reside outside of the United States. The benefits to small businesses that export are compelling. According to a report by the Institute for International Economics, U.S. exporting firms grow 2 to 4 percent faster in employing than their nonexporting counterparts, offer better opportunities for advancement, expand their annual total sales faster, and are nearly 8.5 percent less likely to go out of business.

Today, I would like to recognize one such U.S. small business that has experienced growth in revenues and employment because they have pursued exporting opportunities across the globe. Wild Touch Taxidermy in Meridian, ID, a small business dedicated to quality products, has achieved an outstanding reputation both domestically and overseas.

Licensed since 1985, Wild Touch Taxidermy specializes in custom taxidermy for customers who desire a unique and high-quality trophy. Family owned and operated by Kelly and Sharon Adams, Wild Touch Taxidermy lives up to their motto, ``We Do It All.'' The small taxidermy business offers a high-quality way to preserve and display trophy animals of all sizes and from any country, including skull mounts, old mounts, tan hides, and clean skulls. Wild Touch Taxidermy operates in a federally approved facility with U.S. Department of Agriculture permission, allowing them to receive restricted and out-of- country imports and enabling them to expand their business internationally.

To bolster its success, Wild Touch Taxidermy took full advantage of export assistance through the Idaho Department of Commerce, which connected the business to Taiwanese buyers through its trade office in Taipei. The business's exposure to the Asian market allowed them to expand the business to China. Wild Touch Taxidermy was also provided grant funds through the Small Business Administration's State Trade and Export Promotion Program, which seeks to grow the number of U.S. small businesses that export their goods and services to foreign buyers. The additional aid for 2 years allowed the owners to attend several trade shows and trade missions in Taiwan and China, which resulted in a boost to the business's profitability and international presence. Utilizing STEP grants, Wild Touch Taxidermy's actual export sales for year one leveraged a return on investment of 15 to 1 and actual export sales for year two leveraged a return on investment of 74 to 1, with anticipation of more sales in the international market.

With 29 years of experience, Wild Touch Taxidermy has achieved a reputation of excellence both domestically and internationally. Wild Touch Taxidermy's dedication to quality, persistence in pursuing new opportunities, and their efficient use of export assistance have allowed their business to catapult to the next level. I congratulate Kelly and Sharon Adams and wish them an abundance of success in the future.

Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to one of Idaho's legendary ranchers and conservationists, Leonard N. Purdy, who was known to all of us as Bud Purdy. Bud passed away on April 14, at the age of 96, at his home on Silver Creek in Picabo, ID.

Bud never called himself a cowboy, but when I think of an Idaho cowboy, Bud is the one who frequently comes to mind. As many have said, he was the definition of the values we attribute to

cowboys--hard work, common sense, persistence, determination, faith in others, honesty, and, to me, a true friend. Bud demonstrated these every day in life on the ranch, at the store and the grain businesses he owned, and especially among family, friends, and in the community.

I think the love of ranching was just in his blood, an inherited trait. After graduating from Washington State University in Pullman, Bud went to work on his grandfather's ranch. He worked his way up to managing the Picabo Ranch and then he bought it. He also bought the Picabo Store and Silver Creek Supply--a grain elevator and seed business.

Bud was known by all for his love of the cattle industry. He enjoyed moving cattle, riding the fences, and moving and checking water, some of which he did long after most would have retired. He was a real Idaho cowboy. In fact, Bud helped get the Idaho Cattle Association started, where he served as president and was a longtime member of the board.

Bud was one of the larger-than-life Idahoans who helped make the Gem State a great place to live, work, and play. Working the land for livestock grazing, Bud recognized the value of conserving for future generations, so some 20 years ago he donated a 3,500-acre conservation easement along Silver Creek to the Nature Conservancy--a contribution valued at $7 million. Yet Bud--true to his character--did not even take the associated tax deduction.

Clearly, like he valued the land, Bud valued Idaho. He had natural leadership talent which was called on time and again in community and industry organizations. He served on the Idaho Rangeland Committee and the National Bureau of Land Management Advisory Council. Bud also gave time to foundations of the University of Idaho and College of Southern Idaho and the Blaine County Medical Center. In addition, he helped raise funds for the new St. Luke's Hospital. Bud also helped establish the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, where he also served as chairman. IACI, as it is known, is a strong and well-respected group fostering business interests in Idaho.

Amazingly, Bud found time for hunting, skiing, fishing, and flying. Among those he hosted, hunted, and skied with were Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Stewart, and Gary Cooper--all frequent visitors to his ranch on Silver Creek.

Flying became a passion. He checked the ranch from the air and piloted to many meetings across the State and Nation. As late as last year, he and his son Nick flew to California to attend a meeting. At the time of Bud's passing, he was the second oldest pilot in Idaho. He once told me he hoped he could fly long enough to be the oldest pilot in Idaho. Unfortunately, he didn't quite make it. But if there are planes in Heaven, Bud is definitely flying one today.

Among the many honors and awards Bud received were an induction into the Idaho Hall of Fame, an honorary doctorate in range science from the University of Idaho, the Idaho Statesman Distinguished Citizens Award, and serving as grand marshal of the 2013 Ketchum Wagon Days Parade.

As busy as he was, Bud was always a family man. He and his first wife Maxine Dahl had three children--Nick, Mark, and Kris. Nick continues the family ranching legacy. In 1952 Bud married Ruth Eccles. Her son Gordon helped manage the Picabo Store. Throughout the years, Bud employed other family members as well. In fact, you could say the town of Picabo is successfully run and managed by the Purdy family.

Idaho has lost one of its most beloved and respected citizens, but Idaho and our great Nation are better places for the accomplishments and contributions of Bud Purdy. The legacy he leaves the world is one we all would do well to emulate.

Bud, a grateful Idaho and nation will miss you.

Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I would like to recognize the 50th anniversary of the SCORE Association. SCORE is a nonprofit organization supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration--SBA--dedicated to assisting small businesses through education and mentorship. Over the past 50 years, SCORE has been educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide.

As ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I understand the spirit of entrepreneurs to explore beyond their limits in order to achieve the dream of owning a successful small business. Since SCORE opened its doors in 1964, it has provided outstanding mentoring to entrepreneurs across the United States, with 364 local chapters and the help of approximately 11,000+ volunteers nationwide.

In addition, SCORE's Treasure Valley chapter in Idaho celebrates its 43rd Anniversary this year. Since 1971, Treasure Valley SCORE has been helping entrepreneurs and small business owners in Boise, Nampa, Eagle, Caldwell, and the surrounding areas. With the help of approximately 45 valuable volunteers, Treasure Valley SCORE assists local Idaho small businesses through free mentoring and monthly workshops which have produced a great deal of small business success stories from my home State.

Today, I applaud SCORE on their outstanding service to help local startups sustain struggling businesses, and expand growth for existing businesses. It is always great to see an organization so dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, particularly those located in rural areas, thrive in increasingly competitive global marketplaces.

Congratulations to SCORE for celebrating its 50th anniversary and to the Treasure Valley SCORE chapter for celebrating its 43rd anniversary. SCORE's work in supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, the backbone of our great Nation's economy, is deeply valued by Congress and the entire nation. I wish SCORE, and especially the volunteers in the Treasure Valley chapter, years of success in the future.

Madam President, there are countless modern conveniences we take for granted. Paramount among those is the easy availability of clean water. Sanitation has been the single biggest factor in the doubling of life expectancy over the last 200 years. Most water we use comes from municipal systems, and those systems in turn rely on manufacturers to provide the filtration and treatment technology necessary for one of life's building blocks. I rise today in honor of one company whose contribution has aided in our continued supply of water--Hayden, Idaho's Blue Water Technologies.

Blue Water Technologies began in 2003 as a commercialized extension of an idea that was developed at the University of Idaho. After 5 years of research, the university developed the Blue PRO system, a better way to remove arsenic from drinking water and phosphorous from wastewater. From there Blue Water Technologies licensed the patent-pending process from the University and began several pilot projects. As their reputation grew, Blue Water Technologies earned a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study on metal and phosphorus removal. By 2005, the process was demonstrated to be effective at full-scale use through the tremendous success of the use of the system at the Hayden Wastewater Research Facility. Within 4 years, Blue Water expanded its business internationally.

Today, Blue Water Technologies is an international industry leader, spanning six continents. Their customers include municipal systems and industrial facilities of all sizes. Providing solutions that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, Blue Water Technologies is constantly finding new ways to handle emerging problems such as wildlife being harmed by the presence of trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in their water supply.

Blue Water Technologies is home to a dynamic and talented team who possess the diverse backgrounds and specializations vital to understanding and adapting to the water needs of a varied group of consumers, both public and private. Their use of best practices is vital to the efficiency and sustainability of their organization and to the constantly evolving nature of water treatment technology. I want to thank Blue Water Technologies for their efforts in making our water safer in environmentally friendly ways and congratulate them on their continued success.

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

Madam President, I come to the floor today to talk about a case involving ObamaCare and an Idaho resident. She has asked me to state her case. It is one of many such cases that I have. I did not pick this one because it is the most egregious or anything else. I picked it because this is an effect that ObamaCare is having on ordinary American people, people who deserve better, people who deserve a government that will help them and will leave them alone when leaving alone is the right thing to do.

She writes to me and says that her husband's company will no longer be offering health insurance next year. Of course, that is the result of ObamaCare. We have all heard the reasons why many companies are abandoning offering health care to their employees. Be that as it may-- and there is a lot of reasons for that, none of which are good--these people are caught in this spot.

Right now, through her husband's business, they are paying $700 a month. They get 80-percent coverage for that $700 a month. Their deductible is $2,500 each. They are told, through the exchange, through which they have shopped in Idaho, that the new coverage they are going to get is going to cost them $1,400 a month. So that is exactly double what they are paying now.

One would think you would get double benefits, right? Wrong. Because of the government involvement in this, instead of 80-percent coverage, they are going to get 70-percent coverage. Instead of a $2,500 deductible, they are going to have a $5,000 deductible.

Well, who are these people? They are ordinary, regular American people. They are 60 years old. They do not qualify for a tax subsidy. They tell me that now the cost of their health insurance is going to be three times what they are paying for the cost of their house. They told me: Senator, we are not extravagant people. We live in a 1,400-square foot house. We do not take vacations, never bought a new car, raised our kids, and saved for their educations. Both of us went to college.

They talk about how they taught their children to pay their taxes and to work hard and be contributing members of society.