Floor Statements

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that Bradley Williams, a detailee in my office, be granted floor privileges for the remainder of the Congress.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of True Companies. This network of Wyoming businesses spans several major industries that directly benefit Natrona County, Wyoming, and our Nation.

Headquartered in Casper, WY, True Companies is a Wyoming institution. Proudly owned and operated by the True family, the businesses that make up True Companies are diverse. They contribute to multiple industries including energy, agriculture, real estate/development, and the financial sector. True Companies employs over 1,000 individuals across the United States in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.

In Wyoming, we follow the Code of the West, a set of cowboy ethics that drive and shape our values. These principles remind us to take pride in our work and to do what has to be done. Today, the Code of the West hangs in the lobby of True Companies, serving as a reminder of the values of its

founder H.A. ``Dave'' True, Jr. Henry Alphonso True, Jr., or Dave as he was known to friends and family, was born in 1915 in Cheyenne. He married his high school sweetheart Jean in 1938. After earning his engineering degree from Montana State University, he followed in the footsteps of his father. Dave worked for Texaco, formerly known as the Texas Company, in Cody, where he lived with Jean and their four children: Tamma, H.A. ``Hank'' III, Diemer, and David L. In 1948, the family relocated to Casper. Here, Dave became part owner and manager of the Reserve Drilling Company, a one-rig drilling outfit that would change the course of his career. Just 3 years later, he was the president of Reserve Drilling and then opened his own drilling enterprise, True and Brown Drilling Contractors.

Dave had an uncanny ability to anticipate the needs of a then-booming oil industry. In 1954, he founded True Oil and True Drilling. He discovered several oil reservoirs in the ensuing years. In the next two decades, he founded eight additional businesses, each uniquely situated to meet the needs of--and capitalize on--the booming oil sector and Casper's growing population. It was also during this period that Dave began to diversify his interests. In 1957, he entered the ranching sector. True Ranches, a 36-head cattle operation included Nugget, his lone bull. Other endeavors were the Belle Fourche Pipeline Company, Black Hills Trucking, and Eighty-Eight Oil LLC. In all his business dealings, Dave was a consummate professional. He valued integrity and respect over making a quick buck. He was known to say, ``A good deal is not a good deal unless it's good for both parties.''

Quiet and hard working, Dave took seriously his role of sharing his time and talent with his community. In 1961, he established a scholarship program for the children of True Companies employees. For over six decades, the program has rewarded deserving, high-achieving students with money to pursue their education. Dave also taught his children the importance of public service and giving back. Today, the True family is well-known for its generous philanthropic efforts. In May of this year, the University of Wyoming, our State's only 4-year university, established the H.A. ``Dave'' True Jr. Family College of Business Deanship. This distinct honor recognizes the True family's legacy of dedicated service and entrepreneurial spirit.

The history of True Companies began with the humble vision and determination of Dave and Jean. After Dave died in 1994, Jean continued as the family's matriarch until she passed in 2006. She was 90 years old. Today, the company's heritage lives on through their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.

Hank III and Karen True have three children: Thea True-Wells and Scott Wells with children Eric, Christopher, Jean Marie, and Katelin Wells; H.A. ``Tad'' IV and Jennifer True with children H.A. ``Henry'' V, Sam and Charlie; and Barbara True.

Diemer and Susie True have four children: Kip and Chris True with children Hailey True, Hannah and Steven Gutenberger, Hollie and Seth Snitker, Hayden and Lydia True, Harrison and Meghan True, Haines, Helaina, Hadleigh and Hyldie True; Kyle and Caridee True with children Connor and Suzanna True, Kennedee and Shawn Dalke, Cross and Megan True, Johnathon and Jacqueline True, Jordan, Sophia, and Patton True; Tara and Kirk Aamot with children Abbie and James Cooksey, Mark, David, and Grace Aamot; and Tracy True-Propp with children Mikayla and Preston Propp.

Dave and Melanie True have four children: Shane and JoAnn True with children Ellie True, Elijah and Katherine True, Rand, Delaney, Finn, and Reagan True; Christy and Quintin LeClercq with children Brayden, Kellan, Lincoln, and Zanden LeClercq; Bryce and Kelsey True with children Taggart, Roark, and Akston True; and Ashley and Gene VanDeest.

Dave and Jean's eldest daughter Tamma True-Hatten died in 2017. Her husband Donald Hatten predeceased her in 2002. Their memories live on through their two children Jaci and Dale Kerns with children Kodi Kerns, Jake (JD) and Dawn Kerns, Josh and Randi Kerns, and Joel Kerns; and Dave Hatten with children Kaci Hatten and Kara and Christian Sabo.

True Companies includes the following businesses: True Oil, True Drilling, True Ranches, Toolpushers Supply Company, Black Hills Trucking, Measurement Services LLC, Bridger Pipeline LLC, Eighty-Eight Oil LLC, Equitable Oil Purchasing Company, Hilltop Bank, Flowstate, and Brick and Bond, in addition to numerous other ranches and properties.

This year, members and employees of the True Companies family will celebrate its 75th anniversary by giving back to the community. On August 19, 2023, True Companies will join Bluepeak in sponsoring the annual 5150' Festival, a free community event hosted by Visit Casper. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that Casper has to offer with food, vendors, and live music.

True Companies was built on a foundation of humble service and hard work. Its founder, H.A. ``Dave'' True, Jr., established a culture that encouraged employees to ``talk less and say more.'' Bobbi and I are honored to celebrate its 75th anniversary, and we look forward to the next 75 years of success.

Madam President, at the 111th Wyoming State Fair, Senator Lummis and I will have the pleasure of introducing Jon and Dianne Kirkbride as 2023 inductees to the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Jon and Dianne Kirkbride have been devoted to each other and the agriculture industry for over five decades. They have been married for 55 years while also running a multi-operational ranch, the Harding and Kirkbride Livestock Company. Harding and Kirkbride Livestock company is located 32 miles outside of Cheyenne, WY. The ranch has hosted tours during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Fair and Rodeo, educating the public on Wyoming ranch life.

Dianne devoted decades to the beef industry. She is a member of Wyoming CattleWomen, of which she is the past president. She advocates for American and Wyoming beef. Dianne was selected as the American National CattleWomen's Woman of the Year in 2001 for her years of dedicated service to the cattle industry. Dianne also worked for Senator Mike Enzi as a field representative in Cheyenne for 20 years.

Dianne's service to her community doesn't end here. She is on the Cheyenne Regional Medical Board of Trustees, the Laramie County Community College Foundation Board, and the Congressional Award Council, where she was the president for 6 years. Through her work in the Wyoming Congressional Awards Program, Dianne mentored more than 80 students in volunteer and community service projects for the past 24 years. Dianne regularly follows up with kids that she worked with 20 years ago. She is delighted when she hears about all of their impressive accomplishments. These students learned early on the value of being involved and giving back to their communities. This is a great example of how the Kirkbrides are influencing the next generation in Wyoming.

Jon runs the ranch while also contributing to the beef industry on a local, State, and national level. He is committed to agriculture in Wyoming and to Wyoming public schools. Jon has served as president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and as the Wyoming director of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Jon also spent 16 years on the Laramie County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees. He served as president of the Wyoming School Board Association and also served on the Wyoming State Board of Education. In addition to serving his community, Jon served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

Together, Jon and Dianne have garnered an impressive list of accomplishments. Both Jon and Dianne exemplify the leadership in Wyoming agriculture that the Agriculture Hall of Fame has recognized for over 20 years. Jon and Dianne have three sons TJ, Jeff, and Glen. TJ and his wife Michelle have two daughters Maddy and Bryn and two boys Brady and Joel. Jeff and Jami have six boys Taylor, Carter, Jackson, Jayden, Grayson, and Bennett, along with their daughter Savannah. Glen and Rochel have three children Kayla, Morgan, and Shelby. Jon and Dianne's son Jeff and grandson Taylor are both ranchers living in Meriden. TJ is a counselor at Triumph High School, and Glen is also a teacher and coach at Central High School. Dianne and Jon's children are a testament to their dedication for education in Wyoming.

Jon and Dianne's unmatched passion for family, Wyoming agriculture, wildlife and animal conservation, and cultivating partnerships make them an outstanding choice for the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame.

It is a great honor to participate in their induction. They continue to represent Wyoming and Western interests with dedication and distinction. My wife Bobbi joins me in congratulating Jon and Dianne as 2023 inductees into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame.

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

Haley has lived in Casper since she was young. She recently graduated from Casper College and plans to continue her studies at the University of Denver in the fall. 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 Haley 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.

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

Keenan has lived in Casper since he was young. He is currently attending Casper College, where he studies secondary education, political science, and history. 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 Keenan for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.

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

Zoey is a native of Casper. She is currently attending Mount Holy Oak College where she studies international relations and environmental studies. 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 Zoey 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.

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

Grace is a native of Pine Bluffs. She is a sophomore at Baylor University, where she studies political science with a minor in legal reasoning and analysis. 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 Grace 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 Will for his hard work as an intern in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office as well as to the State of Wyoming.

Will is a native of Virginia. He attends the University of Florida, where he studies business administration. 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 Will for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.

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

Brooks is a native of New York. He attends Harvard University, where he studies government. 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 Brooks for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.

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

Brittany is a native of Evanston. She attends Brigham Young University, where she studies business. 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 Brittany 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 Noah for his hard work as an intern in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office as well as to the State of Wyoming.

Noah is a native of Cheyenne. He recently graduated from the University of Wyoming, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in political science. 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 Noah for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.

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

Greg is a native of Pine Bluffs. He attends the University of Wyoming, where he studies political science. 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 Greg for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.

Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to McKenna 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.

McKenna is a native of Lander. She attends the University of Wyoming, where she studies marketing. 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 McKenna 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 Jackson for his hard work as an intern in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office as well as to the State of Wyoming.

Jackson is a native of Illinois. He attends the University of Wyoming College of Law. 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 Jackson for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.

Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Robert 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.

Robert is a native of Big Horn. He attends Sewanee University, where he studies 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 Robert for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.