Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the exemplary career of Goshen County Fire Warden Bill Law. Bill is retiring after six decades of service to Torrington, Goshen County, and the State of Wyoming.

Wyoming adopted its official ethics code, known proudly as the Code of the West, in 2010. One of the principle tenets is ``talk less and say more.'' Bill Law, a humble and devoted public servant, fully embodies this value in everything he does. He invested time, experience, and effort in each of his careers, to the benefit of others. Bill demonstrated his capacity for leadership while serving a greater cause at a young age. While in high school, he enlisted in the Wyoming National Guard. Following his graduation in 1955, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a radio technician. He served 3 years and was honorably discharged in 1958.

Following his military service, Bill found other ways to invest in his community. He moved to Torrington, WY, in 1962 after serving 4 years as the Yoder Fire Chief. This was the first of a long line of roles in fire management.

During this time, Bill met and married the love of his life, Betty Korhonen Law. Bill and Betty raised two children, Alicia and Trevor. This year, Bill and Betty are celebrating their 60th anniversary. Theirs is a remarkable partnership that has endured all of life's challenges.

Bill began as a firefighter with the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department in 1962. Though he enjoyed other successful careers, he remained a committed TVFD member. He often put his life on hold to respond to emergencies in surrounding communities. His dedication to fire safety is unmatched. From 1969 to 1988, Bill worked for Torrington radio legend Kerm Kath, owner and operator of the local KGOS and KERM radio stations. He worked in sales and became the station manager following Kerm's death in 1982. In 1991, Bill became the State provider relations representative for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming. He worked to secure agreements with hospitals, clinics, and medical offices around the State. I was pleased to work with him during my time as an orthopedic surgeon in Casper and as a member of the Wyoming State Senate. Bill retired from Blue Cross in 2004 after a rewarding 16-year career. Shortly after retirement, the Goshen County Commission appointed Bill as the county fire warden. From 2004 to 2012, he served dual roles as the fire warden and the City of Torrington's emergency management coordinator. Bill organized the county's fire suppression and prevention efforts, including communicating with the county's 11 fire districts and 9 fire departments.

A natural leader, Bill served two terms on the Torrington City Council, from 2012 to 2020. His civic engagement also includes serving as a board member for both Eastern Wyoming College and the county chamber of commerce. Bill is a devoted member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, where he held numerous leadership positions. Bill is a remarkable advocate for rural fire districts and firefighters. He spent many years lobbying on behalf of local and State organizations and agencies. In January 2023, the Wyoming Legislature recognized Bill's years of advocacy. Given an opportunity to comment, Bill quipped, ``I look at when I first put the uniform on; the first 40 (years) seemed to drag--I got to tell you, the last 20 (years) go in a hurry.''

After an outstanding career in public service, I hope Bill will enjoy a well-earned retirement with his family. In addition to Betty, his legacy is celebrated by his son Trevor Law of Laramie, his daughter Alicia and Jeff Ayres of Lehi, UT, his granddaughter Emily Ayres, and great-grandchildren Mia Ayres and Drixton Ayres.

Honest and humble, Bill is a man of great integrity. He dedicated his life to serving others, making his community and state better in the process. Though his experience and wisdom will be missed, I know he will continue serving as a mentor, advocate, and trusted adviser. Bill's nephew Chuck Kenyon, Torrington's current emergency management coordinator, said of Bill, ``He is the foundation that makes everything work.''

Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to Bill for his outstanding legacy of service.

Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Ani for her hard work as an intern in my office in Casper, WY. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming.

Ani is a native of Lander. She is a freshman at Casper College, where she studies political science. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months.

I want to thank Ani for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her journey.

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

Mr. President, I come to the floor today to talk about this dangerous rise that we are seeing in anti-Semitism. We are seeing it in this country, and we are seeing it all around the world.

One of the most important vows that our Nation made to the Jewish people is the vow of ``never again.'' I have a simple question. Are we doing everything that we can to keep that vow in the wake of October 7 and the Hamas terrorist attack against Israel? A month ago, Hamas killed more Jews in a single day than at any time since the Holocaust. Yet some students, professors, and public officials in our country are indulging and even endorsing this act, which to me is torture and mass murder, and anyone who has witnessed the videos could say nothing but torture and mass murder.

Once again, the Jewish people are being threatened simply for who they are and for what they believe. It is happening to individuals all around the country and around the world. There are those who are praising the horrific mass murder, torture, and kidnapping of Jews by Hamas terrorists. Some of that praise is even coming from right here in Washington, DC, and across our country.

Anti-Semitic incidents of vandalism, harassment, and assault are up almost 400 percent compared to this time a year ago. In October of 2022, there were 64 total anti-Semitic incidents reported in America. October 7, 2023--the day Hamas attacked Israel--since that day to today, over 300 reported incidents. That is a 400-percent increase compared to last year, and that is in America alone.

Anti-Semitism is festering on college campuses. You probably heard about several of these incidents. Fifty-one student groups, including at Berkeley, the University of Michigan, and UCLA, signed a letter in support of Hamas's brutal terrorist, murderous attacks. Students at George Washington University, right here, located in our Nation's Capital, held a vigil that they described as a ``Vigil for the Martyrs of Palestine.'' And they projected ``Glory to our Martyrs'' right on the library wall. It is disturbing and it is hateful.

A pro-Hamas mob at Cooper Union University in New York City stormed the library. The mob started banging on doors and windows. Jewish students were trapped. They feared for their lives. Eventually, they had to be escorted to safety. No one has been punished.

A Cornell student was arrested last week for posting anti-Semitic death threats on the school's messaging boards. Weeks earlier, a Cornell professor said he was exhilarated by Hamas's brutality. Students at Tulane University, which is 40 percent Jewish, were also attacked. Pro-Hamas protesters tried to burn an Israeli flag. One speaker at Princeton University went so far as to equate Israel with Nazi Germany. After a mass murder of innocent Jewish mothers, fathers, children, and Holocaust survivors, radical students and professors in this country have the gall to compare the Jews to those who sought to systemically kill them during the holocaust.

Let's imagine that we are Jewish students who go to these schools and live in these communities. Here is how one Jewish student describes her situation on campus. This young lady said:

It is terrifying to see classmates call for violence

against Jews so confidently and so publicly.

In other words, for many Jewish students, ``never again'' has turned into ``nowhere is safe.''

The University of Wyoming, rightly, has called out the evil in the wake of the terrorist attack against Israel. Our University President, Ed Seidel, and our Provost, Kevin Carman, condemned the ``heinous . . . acts of terrorism'' against Israel. Every university should do the same.

America can't turn its back on the Jewish people of Israel or on Israel. That is exactly what I fear we are seeing right now.

Hamas's brutality is front page news every single day. Israel is clear-eyed in its mission to destroy Hamas. Instead of standing shoulder to shoulder with our closest ally in the Middle East, the Biden administration is currently calling for a ``pause.'' The United Nations' 120 members recently voted in favor of a resolution calling for a cease-fire. In the House of Representatives right down the hall, a group of Members known as the Squad are also demanding a cease-fire. I didn't hear them call for a cease-fire when Hamas attacked Israel. They only want Israel to stop defending itself. That is the role of the Squad.

There already was a cease-fire before October 7. Hamas broke that cease-fire. More than 1,400 innocent Israelis and Americans are now dead. A pause or a cease-fire now would only help Hamas dig in and rearm. I am against a pause. I am against a cease-fire. America should never take action that could help terrorists prevail. To me, that is what a cease-fire would do.

Instead of a cease-fire, we need to cease paying Hamas; we need to cease paying Iran; and we need to cease being silent in the face of anti-Semitism.

Moments like this are very concerning and also moments like this are very clarifying. America has existed from the very beginning to protect our freedom of religion. As President George Washington wrote in a letter to a Newport synagogue in 1790--he said America promises to give ``bigotry no sanction.''

America stands on the values of respect and toleration.

When we vowed ``never again,'' we meant it and continue to mean it today. As we confront the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, our entire Nation must do everything we can to keep our word.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Madam President, today, I have joined Senators Manchin, Risch, Cardin, Boozman, and Hirono in introducing the Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023. In the House of Representatives, Congressmen Westerman, Grijalva, McCaul, and Meeks are introducing identical legislation.

This legislation renews the compact agreements between the United States and the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia, commonly referred to as the Freely Associated States.

This legislation will protect American interests in the Pacific and block

China's efforts to expand its influence. The Compacts of Free Association give the United States exclusive military authority over the Freely Associated States' lands and waters. This authority guarantees that our military can operate bases on the islands and deny access to any potential adversaries in the region. This is critical because Chinese aggression in the region is an ever-present danger.

China is expanding its power in the Indo-Pacific and is threatening the Freely Associated States. China is actively trying to upset the security and power dynamic in the region and threaten Taiwan. In March of this year, the outgoing President of the Federated States of Micronesia outlined Chinese attempts to undermine his country's ties to the United States through bribery and threatening public officials. China has also tried to use aggressive and coercive actions against the economies of the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands by threatening their tourism and fishing industries.

Today's introduction is a positive step. The House Natural Resources Committee intends to mark, up this legislation in order for it be included in the National Defense Authorization Act, NDAA. The Senate has already included language in the NDAA supporting renewal of the compacts. One important issue that is not addressed in this bill is how the legislation will be paid for. The question of a spending offset needs to be addressed as the bill makes its way through the legislative process.

Madam President, today, I have joined Senators Manchin, Risch, Cardin, Boozman, and Hirono in introducing the Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023. In the House of Representatives, Congressmen Westerman, Grijalva, McCaul, and Meeks are introducing identical legislation.

This legislation renews the compact agreements between the United States and the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia, commonly referred to as the Freely Associated States.

This legislation will protect American interests in the Pacific and block

China's efforts to expand its influence. The Compacts of Free Association give the United States exclusive military authority over the Freely Associated States' lands and waters. This authority guarantees that our military can operate bases on the islands and deny access to any potential adversaries in the region. This is critical because Chinese aggression in the region is an ever-present danger.

China is expanding its power in the Indo-Pacific and is threatening the Freely Associated States. China is actively trying to upset the security and power dynamic in the region and threaten Taiwan. In March of this year, the outgoing President of the Federated States of Micronesia outlined Chinese attempts to undermine his country's ties to the United States through bribery and threatening public officials. China has also tried to use aggressive and coercive actions against the economies of the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands by threatening their tourism and fishing industries.

Today's introduction is a positive step. The House Natural Resources Committee intends to mark, up this legislation in order for it be included in the National Defense Authorization Act, NDAA. The Senate has already included language in the NDAA supporting renewal of the compacts. One important issue that is not addressed in this bill is how the legislation will be paid for. The question of a spending offset needs to be addressed as the bill makes its way through the legislative process.

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Wyoming Women in Agriculture. This organization is paving the way for a better future for all Wyoming ranchers.

Ranchers Sharon Cardwell and Peggy Price of Alcova, WY, had a casual conversation in 1993. They decided female ranchers needed an organization that addressed their distinct challenges. The role of women in ranching has changed over the years. Women are now actively involved in integral management decisions, either as independent ranchers or with their husbands. They are often isolated, far from the closest town or another ranch. Sharon and Peggy founded Wyoming Women in Ag to bring together a community of like-minded women. They were assisted by Jerry Buk and Debbie Johnson, both employees with the University of Wyoming extension office in Casper. The first board for Wyoming Women in Ag included Chairman Sharon Cardwell, Vice Chairman Peggy Price, Treasurer Anne Miles, and Secretary Ruth Stevenson.

In 1998, Wyoming Women in Ag was established with official nonprofit status. They are an ``organization that provides information on current topics important to women in the agriculture industry.'' They soon branched out from Natrona County and included women from all over the Cowboy State. Wyoming Women in Ag will celebrate their 30th anniversary at their 2023 Symposium and Diversity Tour in Worland, WY. This annual event brings women together who share a similar way of life. The event location rotates between counties and includes a speaker who is a featured industry professional. Women have the opportunity to connect with their fellow ranchers to ``ensure the next generation of women are educated, encouraged, and empowered to take on the challenges of meeting the world's growing food, fuel, and fiber needs.'' Attendees participate in a variety of workshops and have access to a trade show. The 2023 Women in Ag committee members are Abbi Rodgers, president; Julie Volker, vice president; Stacey Schmid, Secretary; Traci Faxon, Secretary; Angela Grant, Treasurer; and committee members Madison Trimble, Heidi Foy, and Caitlin Youngquist.

It is an honor for me to rise in recognition of this significant milestone. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to Wyoming Women in Agriculture for their 30th anniversary.

Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Sydney for her hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC, office. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming.

Sydney is a native of Virginia. She is currently a junior at the Madeira School in McLean, VA. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months.

I want to thank Sydney for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her journey.

Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Shawn for his hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC, office. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming.

Shawn is a native of Casper. He recently graduated from the University of Wyoming, with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic,

which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months.

I want to thank Shawn for the dedication to our office. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team.

Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Cassie for her hard work as an intern in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming.

Cassie is a native of Buffalo. She attends the University of Wyoming, where she studies environment and natural resources concurrent with political science. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months.

I want to thank Cassie for the dedication to our office. It is a pleasure to have her as part of our team.

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 the need for more American energy. Joe Biden's policies are destructive to our Nation, and that is because he continues to put liberal priorities first and America last.

Last week, the Biden administration agreed to ease oil sanctions on Nicolas Maduro's brutal socialist regime in Venezuela. Let's be clear. I want to be clear about what is going on here. Venezuela gets to produce more oil. President Biden is putting Venezuelan oil production ahead of American oil production. He is prioritizing Venezuelan energy workers over Wyoming and American energy workers.

Our energy workers at home are rightly asking: When is Joe Biden going to ease the sanctions that he has put on American energy production?

Because, since day one, American oil, American natural gas, American coal producers have been in the President's crosshairs. He refused to change course, even when gas prices skyrocketed.

Well, Biden certainly has never encouraged more American production like he has around the world in Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and even Russia at one point. Instead, Joe Biden has raided the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and he did it to deflect blame for high energy costs at the gas pump. That was in the runup to the midterm elections. So he used our energy stockpile emergency supply for his own political gain. And it is disgraceful.

America's energy reserve is now 45 percent lower than it was when Joe Biden entered office, much lower than it was when he was Vice President. Our emergency supply is actually at a 40-year low in terms of the energy supply we need for emergencies.

With the Hamas terrorists' attack against Israel, there is more uncertainty in global oil production, and our own stockpiles here at home are dangerously low. And this could be the time when we need it the most.

So, last week, the administration came to the conclusion: Well, maybe we ought to try to fill it up again. So he has announced the purchase of 6 million barrels of oil to help replenish our emergency supply. Six million barrels is a drop in the bucket compared to the 290 million barrels that the President has already drained. The President's administration plan is too little, too late, and it comes at too high of a price. President Biden is offering 79 cents a barrel for these 6 million barrels of oil to help start to replenish the emergency reserve. Well, the price of oil now is $90 a barrel.

So Joe Biden is going, once again, on bended knee to dictators, begging them to produce more oil and sell it to the United States. Maybe he believes this begging will lower oil prices and increase his abysmal approval ratings. But turning to dictators is not a way to govern, and it is not a way to focus on America's national interests.

Joe Biden continues to turn his back on America's workers, on American families; and, once again, he is putting liberal politics first and American energy workers and the American public last.

Maduro isn't Joe Biden's first date with a dictator. Oh, no. He has been coddling dictators, and he is making it a habit. He tried to placate Vladimir Putin by choosing not to impose sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2 Pipeline to Germany, and what the President got in return for his appeasement was more Russian aggression and Russia attacking Ukraine.

While the President was draining our strategic emergency oil reserves, he was looking for ways that the Ayatollah in Iran could sell more oil. It is astonishing. He foolishly refused to enforce maximum pressure sanctions against Iranian oil, and this refusal allowed Iran to line its pockets with $80 billion from selling oil exports.

I wonder what they could have used that money for. Well, let's look.

The President continues to kiss up to Iran. He cut a deal to send $6 billion in sanctioned funds to Iran. In return, Iran was able to expand its support and financing of terrorist groups like Hamas.

Today, the world is witnessing the devastation and the violence inflicted by Iranian-backed-and-funded terrorism. Hamas's unprovoked attack against Israel killed thousands of civilians, including children, with at least 33 Americans dead, more missing.

President Biden has not learned from his mistakes because he continues to repeat the mistakes over and over again. This appeasement by Joe Biden will not work. It didn't work with Russia. It didn't work with Iran. It is not going to work with Venezuela. But President Biden refused to do what we know will work--will work here at home--and that is, unleash American energy.

The President's administration has used every trick in the book to smother American production of oil, gas, and coal. It has had an extreme negative impact on families all across America and on our Nation's economy.

Look, before the COVID pandemic, the Energy Information Administration, they forecasted that here in America, we would produce about 14 million barrels every day this year--14 million barrels of oil a day. Through June of this year, due to Joe Biden's attacks on American production, production is running way, way behind

what was anticipated and what we need as a nation. As a result, we are turning to countries for the 1.4 million barrels a day that we need additional.

We are way behind, and it is not just energy. This President continues to outsource not just our supply of oil and gas but our mineral supply--critical minerals that we need here in the United States. The Democrats' reckless tax-and-spending bill just accelerates that.

Last week, I issued a report proving how the Democrats' reckless tax- and-spending bill moves the United States away from energy independence to energy and mineral dependence. An energy transition dependent on China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, the tyrants and the terrorists there is not what our Nation needs, but it is what Joe Biden has brought upon us. Yep, it is what he caused.

America should never have to beg for energy, for minerals from anybody, let alone from dictators. Our energy policy should enrich American people. The American economy should be strengthened by it. Instead, Joe Biden's policies, dictated by the liberal left, are enriching our enemies.

America's energy policy must always put affordable, reliable American energy first. We must put America first. We must unleash American energy. That is the solution to help build our economy, build our country.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sheridan's Senior Center, the Hub on Smith in Sheridan, WY. The Hub is a cornerstone for the community. It provides essential care, meals, and support to residents of Sheridan County.

To commemorate this outstanding achievement, the Hub is hosting ``50 for 50''--50 small events and opportunities to highlight staff, patrons, and programs.

In 1972, Sheridan County created the Senior Citizen's Coordinating Council to address the need for senior citizen services. The council discovered many seniors were living alone and struggling to meet basic needs. Poverty and lack of services resulted in a push for a nursing home.

In 1973, the Senior Citizen's Coordinating Council was incorporated into a private nonprofit organization, the Senior Citizens Council. This began their longstanding commitment to the community. The Sheridan Senior Center was established.

Numerous expansions of land, acquisitions, and services occurred over the years. Longstanding relationships with volunteers, foundations, individual donors, local businesses, local government, and elected leaders are greatly responsible for the success and sustainability of the Hub.

The Sheridan Senior Center rebranded in 2017 to the Hub on Smith, a Center for All Generations. This was done to modernize the way services are delivered and marketed. Folks now refer to the center as ``the Hub.''

The Hub on Smith exemplifies their vision statement of ``Sheridan is a community that improves the quality of life for people of all ages by strengthening and supporting its elders and where elders contribute to the well-being and foresight of the community.'' This is evident through the many services provided to residents in these Wyoming communities: Sheridan, Ranchester, Dayton, Arvada, Clearmont, Big Horn, and Story.

The number and quality of services increased over the years. The Hub on Smith prepares 400-500 nutritious meals daily. These meals can be enjoyed in the center or delivered to residents' homes. The Sheridan minibus was the first service provided by the center. Through fundraising and expansions, Goose Creek Transit is now a door-to-door service for appointments, grocery runs, trips to the Hub, and out-of- town medical appointments. The support center is a team of dedicated information specialists, intake workers, care coordinators, and case managers. They work together to offer an all-encompassing resource hub, often referred to as ``the hub of the Hub.''

The Hub recognizes the importance of supporting family members and caregivers. Programs such as counseling, support meetings, respite, education, and training creates a strong network of care for this courageous group. The Hub offers care to seniors both at the center and in their homes. Registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, and access care coordinators make up the Help at Home service. This is a licensed home health agency that supports seniors while maintaining their dignity and independence. The Hub's numerous services and programs include Day Break, an adult daycare, Dementia Friendly Wyoming, which furnishes education and training, and a Loan Closet, lending durable medical equipment to patrons. Fun & Wellness provides social engagement through educational sessions, dance, exercise, outdoor adventures, arts, music, crafts, games, and more. The Trailblazer Project trains volunteers to give one-on-one support to the older adults who need it. The Grab `N Go Cafe is an alternative option to congregate meals by offering unique foods and drinks. Sales from Urban Thrift, a secondhand store on Main Street, directly benefit the Hub.

There are over 350 individual volunteers who help the community in a variety of roles. These include home-delivered meal drivers, teachers, meal servers, registrars, musical performers, advisers, and board members. Their commitment and willingness to give back reflects their strong community spirit.

The Hub on Smith's mission is ``to celebrate, embrace, and serve older adults for the betterment of our community.'' With 29 percent of Sheridan's population 60 years and older, the Hub on Smith is a vital resource for the city.

The dedicated staff and board members who keep the Hub on Smith running are:

Board of Directors

Melissa Butcher, President

Lori McMullen, Vice President

Robert E. Miller, Treasurer

Kati Sherwood, Secretary

Board Members

Michael W. McCafferty

Casey Osborn

Marcyes Schmaus

Anthony Spiegelberg

Bryn Stewart

Director Emeritus, Ky Dixon

Director Emeritus, Dr. Seymour Thickman

Staff

Carmen Rideout, Executive Director

Sheree Childers-Cossel, Director of Human Resources

Meredith Sopko, Director of Development

Ryan Landis, Director of Operations

Cheryl Lasher, Financial Director

Steve Ainslie, Transportation Director

Barb Blue, Day Break Director

Helaine McRae, Support Center Manager

Kevin Coleman, Executive Chef

Robin Ruff, Tongue River Valley Program Coordinator

Erin Kranz, Urban Thrift Manager

Beth Leahy, Help at Home Manager

Lisa Wells, Sr. Fun and Wellness Coordinator

Amanda Munford, Fun and Wellness Coordinator

Jessica Culligan, Intake Specialist

Heather Comstock, Dementia Friendly Wyoming Director

Emily Gorham-Keith, Care Coordinator

Amanda Rodriguez, Help at Home Program Assistant

Leah Frank, Care Coordinator

Dayna Gates, Care Coordinator

Marcie Morrow, Volunteer Coordinator

Director Emeritus, Ky Dixon

Director Emeritus, Dr. Seymour Thickman

It is an honor for me to rise in recognition of this significant milestone. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to the Hub on Smith for their 50th anniversary.

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Casper Refinery in Natrona County, WY.

On September 27, HF Sinclair will hold a Casper centennial celebration lunch. They will ``celebrate the history of the refinery and the Casper story.'' For the past 100 years, the refinery and its employees have played a key role in economic and energy development, benefitting the Casper community and the State of Wyoming.

This facility first opened in 1923 as the White Eagle Refinery. It is now one of the oldest operating refineries in the Rocky Mountain region. In the beginning, crude oil was transported fifty miles to a processing site by horse-drawn wagons. This journey took over ten days. Initially, the refinery produced an industry-leading 200 barrels-per- day.

In 1968, the former White Eagle Refinery was acquired by Sinclair Corporation from Mobil Oil. It was then renamed the Little America Refining Company. In 2022, Sinclair joined HollyFrontier Corporation to form HF Sinclair. The Casper refinery is a central hub in Wyoming for crude oil supply. Their goal is to ``update and modernize equipment to maintain ratable production well into the future.''

The refinery is capable of running both domestic and Canadian synthetic crudes. With a 30,000 barrels-per-day output, the facility primarily runs Rocky Mountain Region sweet crude. They are also efficient in producing gasoline and diesel for customers in Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, Montana, and South Dakota.

The Sinclair Casper Refinery focuses on treating their customers and coworkers like family. They build their company on integrity and loyalty. Plant Manager Sam Cooper continues the legacy of hard work. He is joined by 180 employees in this endeavor. The team at the Casper refinery creates ``a culture driven by excellence in production, reliability and safety.'' They are able to accomplish this by following their five core values of safety, integrity, teamwork, ownership, and inclusion.

It is an honor for me to recognize this significant milestone for the Casper Refinery. This refinery serves as an economic cornerstone for central Wyoming. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to the HF Sinclair Casper Refinery on their 100th anniversary.

Mr. President, I come to support Senator Vance's Freedom to Breathe Act. I believe this bill is a vital step to protect the individual's rights as well as preserving State's rights. And in the interest of time, I would just point out, too, that we have a number of Republican Senators on the floor standing with Senator Vance in support of this legislation. I see Senator Cruz here from Texas, Senator Mike Braun from Indiana, Ted Budd from North Carolina, Katie Britt from Alabama, and Eric Schmitt of Missouri. I appreciate all of them being here to support and stand with Senator Vance on this important piece of legislation.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. President, at this point, I call up my amendment No. 999 and ask that it be reported by number.

For decades now, Russia has flooded America's uranium market. Russia has driven America's nuclear fuel suppliers out of business. Russia now supplies 24 percent of our enriched uranium imports. Russia is our third largest supplier. We spend nearly $1 billion each year on Russian uranium. Russia uses these revenues to fund its invasion of Ukraine.

Here in America, we have the resources to fuel our own reactors. My amendment authorizes the Department of Energy to take the steps necessary to expand U.S. nuclear fuel production.

The Energy Committee passed this legislation by voice vote in May. The Senate passed this legislation by voice vote last December. It was included in last year's Senate Defense bill.

I would like to thank Senator Manchin, Senator Risch, Senator Mark Warner, Senator Budd, and Senator Coons for their effort and their support and cosponsorship on this critical issue.

I urge you to support this bipartisan amendment.

I yield back all time.

Vote on Amendment No. 999

I ask for the yeas and nays.