Floor Statements

Madam President, will the good Senator yield for a question without yielding the floor?

I will be brief. I want to talk briefly and ask a question about the area the Senator was just talking about. My good friend Senator Rubio made reference to the story I am going to tell. My good friends on the other side of the aisle are good about bringing out pictures of people with sad faces. My only regret is I don't have a picture of somebody with a sad face, but I can assure you these people are greatly saddened by this.

We had a hearing in the Small Business Committee and we brought in people from around the country, small businesses who are suffering under this terrible burden. The Senator was not here in the middle of the night when this abomination was shoved down the throat of the American people on a straight party-line vote. I can assure him that we fought it tooth and nail, but now the American people are having to live with this, and so it is good to be reminded again of what we have here.

But this gentleman operated a business called Dot's Diner in Louisiana. He had, I forget whether it was six or seven diners, and this man was living the all-American dream. He had quit a very good job, cashed in his retirement, borrowed money and he and his wife opened this diner. The diner did well because they worked hard. Like the Senator did all night tonight, sometimes they worked that hard. They opened more diners and were just about to open another one when the Senate announced they were going to force ObamaCare on the American people and on the small businesses of this country.

They immediately stopped their plans to open a new diner and then looked at what ObamaCare was going to cost them. The cost of ObamaCare was substantially higher than the profits they were making in the business every year. So what they did, they went and got counsel and said: How can we get around ObamaCare? What they were told is, if you have 49 employees, you are outside of ObamaCare. So given that, what they did is they closed the diners and got down to 49 employees and that is where they are.

Will the Senator tell me, because I would like to hear his thoughts on that and whether he believes the American government that our Founding Fathers fought for and died for should be visiting this on the American people, particularly on small businessmen who are the backbone of this economy?

I thank the Chair.

(The remarks of Mr. Risch pertaining to the introduction of S. 1430 are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Madam President, family-owned small businesses are a crucial part of America's landscape. They supply a demand in locations all across the United States, and are built on the sweat and dedication of their owners and employees. It is for this reason that today I wish to rise to honor Quale's Electronics, its founder Mel Quale, and all those who now manage and work for this longstanding family business.

In 1966, Mr. Quale opened Quale's Electronics, located in Twin Falls, ID. Quale's Electronics began humbly as a television repair shop, but after only a year in business Mr. Quale expanded his business to include retail television and home electronics sales. Small businesses often have trouble obtaining deals to outlet products from top brands, but Mr. Quale's persistence in the late 1960s through early 1970s paid off with several high-level brands in the electronics industry signing them on as a local dealer. Sales quickly took off. Quale's Electronics expanded to a new and larger location in 1976. Always striving to stay ahead of the curve, Mr. Quale sought out and procured deals to sell many of the exciting new electronics that debuted in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Quale Electronics to this day remains a family business. Today, Helen Quale, and Mr. Quale's sons, Bruce and Steve, spearhead the ownership and management responsibilities.

In addition to running a successful small business, Mr. Quale also takes a keen interest in his community, offering his time and funding to important local causes and projects. Mr. Quale has previously served as a member of the Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Council for 9 years, public lands advisor for the Magic Valley Trail Machine, and 20 years as a precinct committeeman for the Twin Falls Republican Party. Additionally, Mr. Quale is an active member of the Twin Falls Rotary Club.

The success Mr. Quale has found in his business and the work he has done for his community is a testament to the important economic and civic good that is created by self-employed entrepreneurs all across the U.S. and a prime example of the spirit of Idaho's entrepreneurs. It is inspirational to see a family-owned business with decades-old roots spanning more than one generation continue to grow and succeed. Such businesses are vital not only to the local and national economy, but also to their home communities, and will always have a prominent place in the fabric of the United States.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill called the Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act. This bill is identical to the House version, H.R. 876, which was introduced and carried through the House by my colleague from Idaho, Representative Mike Simpson, who did yeoman's work on pursuing this and putting it together and shepherding it through. It passed unanimously in the House. I thank him on behalf of all Idahoans for his work on this issue.

The need for this legislation is simple. The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, which was designated by Congress in 1980, abuts the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area, which was designated by Congress in 1964. These areas contain some of the largest and most rugged remote tracts of land in the lower 48 States. It is magnificent in its beauty--substantially better, in my opinion, than the Alps.

There are a number of water diversions within the Idaho wilderness areas that have existed since the time of this legislation--since the time these wilderness areas were established. Although the diversions continue to exist, the owners currently lack authority to maintain and repair the facilities.

Predating the existence of these two wilderness areas, private landowners had received permits to maintain and repair water diversions that existed on National Forest System lands. The water is used for a combination of many things, including, but not limited to, drinking water for private cabins and ranches and also for generating electricity in some places on a very small scale. Many of the permits have since expired, leaving those who own the water diversions without any options for mechanically maintaining their water systems. In some cases, this lack of management threatens the environment and the watersheds in which they exist.

The Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act will give the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to reissue and issue special use authorizations to the owners of these diversion facilities within the Frank Church and the Selway Wilderness areas for the continued maintenance of their water facilities. The permits would only be issued if the owner could prove the facility existed prior to those lands being designated as wilderness, the facility has been used to deliver water to the owner's land since the designation, and the owner had a valid water right and it would not be practical to move the facility outside of the wilderness area. Undoubtedly, in exercising the discretion, the Secretary would ensure that in no way would it denigrate these wilderness areas. There are several different individuals or businesses that have water diversions in these wilderness areas that meet the description I have given.

Earlier this week the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on H.R. 876. The U.S. Forest Service appeared at that hearing and testified in support of this bill. I look forward to working with Chairman Wyden and Ranking Member Murkowski to pass this bill quickly so as to allow for the maintenance of this water infrastructure.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill called the Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act. This bill is identical to the House version, H.R. 876, which was introduced and carried through the House by my colleague from Idaho, Representative Mike Simpson, who did yeoman's work on pursuing this and putting it together and shepherding it through. It passed unanimously in the House. I thank him on behalf of all Idahoans for his work on this issue.

The need for this legislation is simple. The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, which was designated by Congress in 1980, abuts the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area, which was designated by Congress in 1964. These areas contain some of the largest and most rugged remote tracts of land in the lower 48 States. It is magnificent in its beauty--substantially better, in my opinion, than the Alps.

There are a number of water diversions within the Idaho wilderness areas that have existed since the time of this legislation--since the time these wilderness areas were established. Although the diversions continue to exist, the owners currently lack authority to maintain and repair the facilities.

Predating the existence of these two wilderness areas, private landowners had received permits to maintain and repair water diversions that existed on National Forest System lands. The water is used for a combination of many things, including, but not limited to, drinking water for private cabins and ranches and also for generating electricity in some places on a very small scale. Many of the permits have since expired, leaving those who own the water diversions without any options for mechanically maintaining their water systems. In some cases, this lack of management threatens the environment and the watersheds in which they exist.

The Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act will give the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to reissue and issue special use authorizations to the owners of these diversion facilities within the Frank Church and the Selway Wilderness areas for the continued maintenance of their water facilities. The permits would only be issued if the owner could prove the facility existed prior to those lands being designated as wilderness, the facility has been used to deliver water to the owner's land since the designation, and the owner had a valid water right and it would not be practical to move the facility outside of the wilderness area. Undoubtedly, in exercising the discretion, the Secretary would ensure that in no way would it denigrate these wilderness areas. There are several different individuals or businesses that have water diversions in these wilderness areas that meet the description I have given.

Earlier this week the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on H.R. 876. The U.S. Forest Service appeared at that hearing and testified in support of this bill. I look forward to working with Chairman Wyden and Ranking Member Murkowski to pass this bill quickly so as to allow for the maintenance of this water infrastructure.

Mr. President, I rise today on behalf of myself and Senator Crapo to give recognition to U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge, the longest serving jurist in the great State of Idaho. This month, Judge Lodge marked 50 years on the bench in combined State and Federal service.

His long and notable career on the bench began in 1963 when he was selected probate judge in Canyon County. Judge Lodge was then appointed by Governor Robert Smylie just 2 years later to serve on the Idaho State District Court. He was the youngest person to be appointed a district judge.

After 23 years there, his name was put forth by U.S. Senator James McClure for a seat on the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. President George H.W. Bush appointed him in 1989 and shortly thereafter, his nomination was confirmed in the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent.

Judge Lodge has earned the respect of his colleagues as a jurist who, no matter the pressure or how big the case, works to ensure a trial is fair. Throughout the years, he has consistently received high ratings from the Idaho State Bar.

Though it may say more about my State than I would like, Judge Lodge is believed to have presided over more murder cases than any other judge in Idaho. And, in fact, he may just be the only judge who presided over two such cases simultaneously. These cases and the many others upon which he has presided distinguish Judge Lodge as a lifelong student of the law and as someone wholly dedicated to serving the people in judicial matters.

A native of Caldwell, ID, Judge Lodge earned a bachelor's degree from the College of Idaho in nearby Nampa, where he graduated cum laude. He then went north to the University of Idaho in Moscow to earn his juris doctorate.

Many may not know that throughout his education--from high school through university--he was an outstanding athlete. He was named three times an All-American in football at Caldwell High School, Boise Junior College and the College of Idaho. In addition, he was a Golden Gloves champion and successfully participated in track-and-field. These accomplishments landed him a place in the Boise State Athletic Hall of Fame and the College of Idaho Hall of Fame.

Judge Lodge is married to long serving Idaho State Senator Patti Anne Lodge. They have three grown children: Mary-Jeanne, Edward and Anne- Marie.

Idaho is proud to call Judge Lodge a native son.

Mr. President, independence and self-sufficiency are two characteristics of adulthood that many of us simply take for granted. However, as we age, oftentimes we need a helping hand to accomplish daily tasks or deal with medical ailments. Teresa Nelson, owner of Home Helpers of Eastern Idaho and a certified senior adviser, recognizes the value of independent living and, through her hard work, has greatly contributed to the rich and full life of many Idahoans. I rise today to honor Home Helpers of Eastern Idaho located in Pocatello,

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, as National Small Business Week comes to a close I would like to rise today to recognize Nightforce Optics of Orofino, ID, an inspirational small business that has grown and expanded in spite of the economic challenges of the last half decade. Founder Dr. Ray Dennis is an avid hunter and shooter from Australia who had a dream of manufacturing and selling riflescopes of unmatched quality in the United States. His dream led him on a search for a location to help make this vision a reality. Dr. Dennis was ultimately drawn to the beautiful city of Orofino in my home State. A friendly business climate, an enthusiastic labor base, and close proximity to major shipping centers made Orofino, ID the perfect place to establish Nightforce Optics.

In 1999, Nightforce Optics started with four employees occupying a small manufacturing facility. Today, Nightforce Optics employs over 100 people and has expanded their Orofino headquarters to a 35,187 square foot facility. Nightforce is committed to hiring a local workforce, as well as attracting specialized craftsmen and women to Idaho. Throughout this time, the company has delivered the utmost quality, performance, and craftsmanship of their products to customers. This dedication became self-evident as hunters, marksmen, police, and military users have come to revere Nightforce Optics as a top-tier brand in the industry.

Companies like Nightforce represent a critical part of the economy and even national security for the United States. Nightforce riflescopes produced in Orofino, ID have been used by U.S. servicemen in operations all around the globe. It is my opinion that the U.S. military should always have available the best in quality and technology, and it is in small businesses like Nightforce Optics that we often find the innovative ideas and determination that can make these products available.

By 2011, Nightforce underwent a $1 million expansion, resulting in improved manufacturing and research and development capabilities. This investment has directly led to the company's recent introduction of new, innovative products that otherwise might never have been developed.

Although we hear over and over again that the national climate for promoting small business needs to improve, it is refreshing to hear that a sportsman from Australia with an idea and motivation relocated to Idaho to build his dream. Every year, thousands and thousands of products come from Orofino, ID with a label reading ``Made in USA.'' I commend Dr. Ray Dennis for investing in American entrepreneurship and to Nightforce Optics for representing a small business with ingenuity and local ties that I am proud to honor as Idaho's Small Business of the Day.

Mr. President, some of the most successful small businesses in America originate with an entrepreneur who takes a leap of faith to try something new. Dale Wilson and Brett Hatfield, the owners of Western Idaho Cabinets, had no prior experience working in a cabinet shop. Brett has a degree in production, while Dale has a degree in information studies. Despite their initial inexperience, Western Idaho Cabinets, since its founding in 1993, has grown to be the largest cabinet manufacturer in Idaho. This remarkable story is why I wish to honor Western Idaho Cabinets in Boise, ID as the Idaho Small Business of the Day as part of National Small Business Week.

Western Idaho Cabinets is a great example of job creation and expansion, starting as a two-man shop in Dale's garage to a company whose annual sales will reach nearly $15 million this year. This is the American dream. Currently, Western Idaho Cabinets is the premier kitchen cabinet supplier in the State, housed in a state of the art facility and boasting 170 employees. Last year, the company took first place in four out of seven categories at the 2012 Parade of Homes.

In addition to delivering quality products, Western Idaho Cabinets works hard to streamline the process of manufacturing, optimize usage, and eliminate waste--perhaps Western Idaho Cabinets should teach the Federal Government a thing or two about this. Co-owners Dale and Brett traveled internationally to learn from different countries' manufacturing processes in order to develop the most efficient methods. In doing so, the company was able to cut waste by 60 percent, meaning they could make twice the amount of product with the same amount of labor. They continue to invest in equipment that will automate the production process and help to save money and allow them to meet their customers' demands. This lean production model has led to Western Idaho Cabinets' reputation as the local expert on the manufacturing process and the company is frequently approached by others who want to learn their methods. Western Idaho Cabinets enjoys great success that seemed an improbable feat from the early days of constructing cabinets out of a two-car garage.

With the willpower to achieve success and the commitment to perfecting their business model, Western Idaho Cabinets proves that a small business can start from a basic idea and evolve to be at the top of their industry. Small businesses around the country and globally could stand to learn much from Western Idaho Cabinets and I am proud to honor them today as a part of National Small Business Week.

Mr. President, as a part of National Small Business Week it is important for us to recognize companies who have a history of continually pushing the bounds of improvement and expansion. America depends on small businesses to propel the country into future innovation and that is why I would like to honor Dome Technology from Idaho Falls, ID as the Idaho Small Business of the Week.

Dome Technology builds thin shell monolithic domes which can be used for industrial bulk storage or for practical architectural facilities such as churches or gymnasiums. Though dome architecture has been used in the past, the specific technique used by Dome Technology was patented in Idaho in 1977 by three brothers, Barry, David, and Randy South. They began experimenting with dome technology in 1975 by spraying foam and concrete to the inside of a pressurized, dome-shaped fabric air form.

Dome Technology has built some 500 monolithic domes in the past 30- plus years all over the United States, Canada, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Argentina, Germany, Jordan, Lithuania and multiple other countries. In addition to providing durable and multi-purpose structures, Dome Technology continues to work to create domes which can withstand environmental extremes such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

In 2007, Dome Technology built the largest monolithic dome in the world. Currently, 75 percent of all concrete domes worldwide have been built by Dome Technology.

But things haven't always been easy for this Idaho company. Dome Technology is an example of how a small business can overcome difficulty and rebound from economic hurdles. Prior to 2002, Dome Technology had been building on average 20 domes per year and employed 135 people. But after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the company shrunk to 35 employees while demand and prices decreased.

Dome Technology then borrowed around $1 million and diversified their products. Pivoting from large scale storage, the company began focusing on marketing their domes for architectural purposes such as churches, gymnasiums and community centers. Dome Technology has seen growth in the demand for schools built with dome technology and in 2007 built the first indoor water park in a dome.

In addition to expanding the uses of architectural domes, Dome Technology began focusing on exporting their product internationally to countries such as Canada, Poland, Latvia, Morocco, Romania and Bulgaria. The company has now rebounded back to 120 employees and demand is steadily growing.

Through experimentation and a devotion to quality, Dome Technology has proven itself to be a company which delivers a unique, quality product year after year. What strikes me the most about Dome Technology is their ability, as a specialized company with a

niche product, to make the most of what could have been a depressed period of business and to use that as an impetus for improving their business model. Idaho is proud of small businesses like Dome Technology and I am especially proud to recognize them today in honor of National Small Business Week.

Madam President, during Small Business Week it is important to recognize the ingenuity of small business owners who take a leap of faith and invest in an idea in order to make their dream of being an entrepreneur a reality. I rise today to honor The Nehemian of Buhl, ID, a small business that has shown over the course of 25 years in business that they can take chances and survive in this economic climate.

Over 26 years ago, Nancy Tyrrell and her husband, Ed, opened The Nehemian, a shop that sold antiques and offered custom picture framing. But after years of being in business, the Tyrrells wanted to expand their services and increase their sales. Tyrrell began designing custom key fobs which depict Idaho points of pride, including the Boise State Broncos and the University of Idaho Vandals. As a result of this risk to produce and market new product, The Nehemian found great success in the sale of these local treasures.

Tyrrell has faced her share of entrepreneurial challenges. After a $25,000 loss on a project, Tyrrell considered going back to teaching instead of continuing as a small business owner. But her love for the creative opportunities her business provided convinced her that she wouldn't be happy doing anything else. Instead of giving up, Tyrrell rededicated herself to her store and sought to expand into an untapped market. Her custom key fobs are manufactured by Silver Creek Mint, another local business located in Buhl and where her son is employed. Tyrrell licensed both the Boise State Bronco and University of Idaho Vandal key fob with Collegiate Licensing Co. in order to sell to a market in which she recognized a demand for her product. After only 6 weeks of selling her custom key fobs, Tyrrell had recouped two thirds of her investment. Currently, The Nehemian sells 12 different variations of key fobs. There is even a Great Seal of Idaho key fob which is sold at the Idaho State Capitol gift shop. Tyrrell also offers key fob design services to large companies to commemorate special milestones.

Though The Nehemian is a small company, they have learned to manage their resources well and expand their products. Nancy Tyrrell's business has achieved a reputation of quality, as well as that of a unique Idaho gem. I would like to recognize The Nehemian as an Idaho Small Business of the Day based on their resiliency through hard times, their willingness to take a risk and their creative spirit.

Madam President, a cornerstone of the American dream has always been the belief that those individuals with a good idea and a strong work ethic can become successful. In these tough economic times, it is inspiring to hear the stories of small businesses that have risen above the challenges they have faced and are making their dreams come true. That is why during National Small Business Week, I rise today to honor Quest Aircraft located in Sandpoint, ID

Quest Aircraft was founded in 2001 by Tom Hamilton and David Voetmann. These men saw the need for development of a plane that could be used for humanitarian work in remote areas of the world. Tom and David brought on Bruce R. Kennedy to chair Quest's board of trustees. Bruce was a man who had a noteworthy aviation career, holding the positions of chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Alaska Airlines. Bruce helped bring Tom Hamilton's and David Voetmann's vision to fruition, chairing Quest's board of trustees until his tragic death in 2007. That same year, Quest started its first production run of the KODIAK airplane.

The KODIAK airplane is a rugged short takeoff and landing, STOL, turboprop aircraft that requires only 1,000 feet of runway, making it ideally suited for the demanding nature of global humanitarian work. The KODIAK is currently in use around the world. While principally marketed for humanitarian missions, purchasers of the KODIAK include the U.S. Park Service, foreign governments, and private citizens.

Despite the impact the global recession has had on the airplane industry, Quest Aircraft has persevered and expanded their company in recent years. Quest Aircraft has expanded from a staff of 14 in 2001 to currently employing nearly 200 people. Shortly after the first year of business, Quest Aircraft moved into its 27,000-square-foot facility at the Sandpoint, ID, Municipal Airport. By May 2007, the KODIAK received FAA type certification and began global deliveries that year. Keeping in line with the mission put forward by the founders of Quest Aircraft, approximately every 10th plane produced is subsidized by the profits the company brings in. This aircraft is then donated to a participating not-for-profit humanitarian organization. This is testament to the good that can be spread from a success story such as this, and serves as an inspiration to many who wish to find the successful intersection of humanitarian work and financial success.

Small businesses like Quest Aircraft are on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. These businesses are often at the forefront of groundbreaking advances that provide much-needed solutions to the marketplace. Small businesses are the economic engines of our economy and critical to the national economic recovery. I have faith in the many small businesses that spring up in Idaho and around the United States today, and success stories such as Quest Aircraft should serve as inspiration for the future generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Madam President, my colleague, Senator Mike Crapo joins me today in recognizing the extraordinary life of Robert Earl Holding.

Idaho has lost a great visionary with his recent passing. As an entrepreneur, he saw potential in many businesses, including the Idaho resort Sun Valley.

Earl Holding came from modest means. It is well-documented how he started his business empire with the purchase of a motel called Little America in Green River, WY. He expanded the chain and added gas and oil businesses that operate in the western United States.

Earl purchased the Sun Valley Resort in 1977 and he had a long-term vision for the resort that was business as well as a labor of love.

Restoring Sun Valley Resort to its glory days took great attention to detail and substantial investment. He built ski lodges with stunning views, added high-speed quad lifts and state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment. Earl worked to create a superb skiing experience that brought Idahoans and out of staters to its slopes to an extent that wasn't possible in the past. His focus on excellence resulted in Sun Valley being regularly ranked as a top snow skiing destination.

His transformation of Sun Valley, coupled with his involvement in the 2002 Winter Olympics and the hosting of the 2009 International Special Olympics at the Sun Valley Nordic Center, led to his induction into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2011.

Earl renovated the Sun Valley Lodge more than once and upgraded the resort's golf course. He made Sun Valley into a year-round resort that allowed area businesses to expand and create new jobs. Local governments and residents have greatly appreciated his vision and long- term commitment to the resort.

Sun Valley is a special place to my wife, Vicki, and me. Our whole family has spent numerous nights in the Sun Valley Lodge--a tradition we continue to this day. It was always a pleasure to run into Earl and his wife, Carol and sit and talk in such a beautiful place. They were very gracious and it was always an enjoyable time with them.

We cannot forget in every step of the way, he had a wonderful partner in Carol. They were a great team and for every story of Earl waiting tables, there is a story of Carol cleaning rooms. For 64 years, they were partners in every sense of the word. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol and their three children during this time.

Earl Holding was a devoted husband and father and an accomplished businessman. He had integrity in his business dealings and was loyal to his employees. He valued his customers and he was generous in many ways.

Idaho and America has had a great man pass from our midst, but we are all better off because of his presence.

Mr. President, my colleague Senator Mike Crapo joins me today in recognizing Madison County's 100-year anniversary.

Established on February 18, 1913, by the Idaho legislature and named after our Nation's fourth President, James Madison, Madison County has distinguished itself in its contributions to the success of our State.

Five people with connections to Madison County went on to become Governors in the States of Idaho, Michigan, Kansas, and Massachusetts. Two people from the county served in Congress, representing Idaho and Utah. And one man went on to serve as Idaho's Lieutenant Governor, my good friend, Mark Ricks, who served with me during my time as Governor.

The people of this county distinguished themselves for helping their neighbors and strangers when the Teton Dam collapsed on June 5, 1976. The ensuing flood spread throughout the valley, uprooting farms and homes. Due to the resiliency of the residents and people helping one another, they quickly overcame the disaster and carried on with their lives.

Madison County has a rich agricultural history, with the first irrigation system in the State built in this county. It is home to 21 different century farms; places that have been continuously farmed by the same family for 100 or more years. The rich, fertile soil and abundant water has made the county the eighth largest potato growing area in the Nation, along with an abundance of grain, livestock, and other commodities.

In the county seat of Rexburg, you will find Idaho's second largest university, Brigham Young University-Idaho, formerly known as Ricks College. Citizens of the county, and throughout the region, for that matter, are very proud of this university and the tremendous growth it has experienced. They are also proud of the 95 percent graduation rate in their local high schools and at the university.

Rexburg and BYU-Idaho is also home to the Idaho International Dance Festival. For 27 years, the festival has brought hundreds of dancers and musicians from around the world to share their native music, songs, dance, and dress. Madison County residents strongly support the festival and are proud of the rich history of this event.

Madison County also has an abundance of natural features, including the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the Cartier Slough and Deer Park wildlife management areas, and the twin Menan Buttes.

Senator Crapo and I are proud to recognize this landmark anniversary. We congratulate Madison County residents for this centennial and we wish them all and their communities many more years of success.