Floor Statements

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

Henry is a native of Virginia. He attends Trinity School at Meadowview. 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 Henry 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 Ethan 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.

Ethan is a native of Cody. He attends Brigham Young University, where he studies American studies. 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 Ethan 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 rise today in celebration of Mitch and Lilly Zimmerman, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming's 2023 honorees.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming began in 1969 as an organization to promote character development in young boys. Today, both boys and girls participate in the clubs to develop leadership skills and athletic abilities. They learn about a healthy lifestyle while focusing on character development and personal growth.

The mission of the club is to ``enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.'' The hundreds of adult mentors and volunteers who dedicate their time and passion make the success of this organization possible. Each year, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming honors one or more individuals for their nonstop support and guidance of Wyoming's youth.

On the morning of September 13, 2023, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming will host their 25th annual awards and recognition breakfast in Casper. They will honor Mitch and Lilly Zimmerman for their resolute dedication to Casper's youth. The Zimmermans' reputable character and commitment to Wyoming's youth is commendable. With this award, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming affirms their appreciation for these community leaders.

Raised in Wyoming, Mitch and Lilly graduated from Natrona County High School. They married shortly after Mitch's graduation from college. Their Wyoming roots continued to grow. They both started their own businesses in Casper and engaged in charitable outreach. Mitch's entrepreneurial journey began in 1996 when he opened Computer Associates, a system network integration and software design company that still operates in Casper today. His devotion to bettering the community does not stop there. Mitch has served on the board of directors, including president, for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming for 20 years. In addition, he has coached youth swimming and soccer for over 20 years. Lilly serves as the director of advancement at the True Care Women's Resource Center. She coordinates fundraisers and oversees the organization's volunteers. Prior to serving at True Care, Lilly owned a children's clothing store. Along with serving the women of the community, Lilly dedicates her time helping youth. She served on the board of directors, including president, for the Youth for Christ Organization for over 10 years. She has gone on several international mission trips. The Zimmermans raised two sons in Casper, Collin and Austin. Collin, married to Taryn, has two children, Beau and Emory.

Mitch and Lilly's community service and business ventures are guided by one important question they ask themselves every day, ``How can I be a servant and a role model today?'' It is with that commitment that they have touched the lives of so many children in Casper.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming are essential in helping young people reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. These services would not be possible without the passion and care of volunteers like Mitch and Lilly. They are extraordinary role models.

It is with great honor that I recognize and celebrate this incredible couple and their steady commitment to Casper's youth. They are incredibly dedicated members of the community. They represent the best of Wyoming. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to Mitch and Lilly Zimmerman for their selection for this special award.

I come to the floor to join my colleague from Kansas, Senator Marshall, in talking about the economy. President Biden has spent the last 2 weeks trying to define and then redefine what has been come to be known as Bidenomics. The President now wants to talk about his economic record. Well, I would say, let us have that conversation.

Here is what Bidenomics means to working families in my home State of Wyoming. It means record inflation. It means hollowed out savings. And it means crushing interest rates.

Bidenomics is a radical recipe causing more and more Americans to fall further and further behind. It means families are faced with tough decisions every single day--decisions about how they are going to make ends meet; decisions about what they can afford at the grocery store, how much gas they could put in the vehicle; decisions as they are trying to pay their bills sitting at the kitchen table. Bidenomics is spelling a summer of suffering for every single American.

Before the President took office, inflation was practically nonexistent, 1.4 percent. But under the Biden-Harris administration, prices have risen 16.6 percent. American households are spending $900 more per month just to keep up. The average household has spent over $2,300 more on energy alone since Joe Biden came to the White House-- that is to fill a tank of gas, to keep the lights on, to heat the house in the winter and cool it in the summer.

Wyoming families are worried about our Nation and our Nation's future, and they believe this country is on the wrong track. It is what I heard all over the Fourth of July recess from families from Cody to Gillette, Casper to Pinedale. That is what they shared with me. They are so much in agreement with families all across this country because the high cost of everything is the top issue that people are talking about and thinking about nationally. That is the impact of Bidenomics. That is what Joe Biden has done to this country. The pain and suffering that the American families are feeling was nothing to celebrate over the Fourth of July, but that is what the White House is trying to do.

You wonder how we got here. Let me tell you. This agenda by the Democrats and Joe Biden and his colleagues in the House and in the Senate, the Democrats have an agenda of runaway spending, of government overreach, and of reckless tax hikes. We warned our Democratic colleagues that the Biden-Harris spending would send prices soaring. That is exactly what happened.

The spending also drove interest rates higher. Sky-high interest rates are sapping savings. They are putting an additional burden on working families. People are actually dipping into their savings account or taking on additional credit card debt just to pay current- day bills.

Credit card debt recently hit a record of nearly $1 trillion. That is roughly $10,000 per household in this country. These are drastic measures that people are being forced to take because inflation has outpaced wages for 26 months in a row.

Adding to the pain of record-high prices and more debt is the administration's excessive and continued government overreach. The Biden-Harris administration's regulatory agenda is the most expensive of any administration in modern history. The administration is surrendering America's energy and economic dominance and they are doing it to adversaries like China. And they are doing it right now as John Kerry prepares to go to China and continue this American surrender. The President wants all Americans driving electric cars no matter what it costs. Here is the catch. The electric cars are going to be slapped with ``Made in China'' stickers.

What happened last week? China choked off supply of critical minerals that are used for solar panels that Joe Biden wants us to make here.

China controls the supply chain for the minerals needed to build the electric cars and the batteries. But we are not allowed to mine for it here--no. His Department of Interior shut down mining in Minnesota for critical minerals. He is making China richer and America poorer.

Joe Biden is turning to China, not American workers, for the critical minerals needed for these cars. Bidenomics is selling out to communist China.

America isn't blind to the blunder of Bidenomics. Here is a quote from a recent CNN story. It says:

Most Americans are convinced the economy is in bad shape,

and they blame the president.

A new poll from the Associated Press and the National Opinion Research Center found that 64 percent of Americans--almost two-thirds of Americans--disapprove of the way Joe Biden is handling the economy. A Harvard-Harris poll said that 74 percent of Americans say their financial situation is not improving under this administration. Yet you see Joe Biden touring the country, and Democrats giving victory speeches. Bidenomics is ravaging our wallets, wrecking our savings, and ruining our economy, and the Democrats are saying: Great.

Senate Republicans have solutions to get America back on track, and it starts with spending less and reducing redtape and unleashing American energy.

As the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I will tell you that unleashing American energy is my top priority. To accomplish that, we need to pass true permitting reform. Our plan is going to make life more affordable by making it easier to produce every type of American energy.

We will need traditional, reliable forms of energy like oil, coal, and natural gas for years and years to come in spite of what the President may foolishly believe. We also need to produce more energy from resources like nuclear, wind, and solar. We need it all.

Unleashing American energy with permitting reform is the key that unlocks American dominance again. This is what we need to do to reverse the damage, the destruction, and the devastation of Joe Biden and Bidenomics.

Bidenomics is a grim reality for too many people in Wyoming and across the country. Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Washington Democrats cannot keep ignoring the pain they are causing. Nobody can afford another bad day of bad Bidenomics.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, it is a privilege to be here today, joined by my colleague from Wyoming, Senator Cynthia Lummis, and my colleague from Delaware, the chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, Senator Tom Carper, to honor this incredible woman, Dessie Bebout.

Senator Lummis is absolutely right. I attended the funeral of this 102-year-old just a couple of weeks ago. We were in Riverton, WY, for the services as she was laid to rest with military honors in Hudson, WY, and thought what an opportunity to name a post office after someone who has given so much to their country, as well as to the Postal Service.

It is wonderful to be working with Senator Tom Carper again on an issue of great interest to both of us because he was a senior partner when, a few years ago, we named a post office in Thermopolis, WY, after Bob Brown, a World War II hero who then was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in Korea and served 41 years at the Thermopolis Post Office before he retired as the postmaster. So I come to the floor today, along with our colleagues, to introduce a bill to honor the legacy of this remarkable woman, Dessie A. Bebout of Shoshoni, WY.

She was really a trailblazer for women in Wyoming because she was a patriot. She honorably served our

country during World War II. She was one of the first to raise her hand, take the oath, and volunteer as she did for this remarkable group of individuals who volunteered: the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service in World War II, the WAVES.

She was born in Hudson, WY--a very small community--in 1920. If you haven't ever been to Hudson, there is a small Main Street. And since Hudson didn't have a doctor, Dessie was born with the help of a midwife. She was the fourth of nine children. They worked very hard supporting the family business that was the Svilar family. Her maiden name was Svilar. They had the Svilar's bar and restaurant, the Svilars' Light and Power company--they provided libations as well as electricity--and the Svilars' derby bar. It is a small town, but two bars make for a smalltown charm. The Svilars' bar and restaurant is still open today. So, if you ever get to Hudson, stop in because they have the best steaks you are going to ever find anywhere.

Her life experience is one, really, that highlighted her legendary work ethic. After graduating from Fremont County Vocational High School in Lander, she worked for the Fremont County Extension service and at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 changed the United States and the world forever, and it certainly changed her. Being willing to serve the country, to step forward, is part of the Wyoming bloodstream.

When she joined and went to New York City for basic training and was then stationed in Seattle, WA, she reconnected with a young man who she had met previously in Hudson, Herbert ``Hugh'' Bebout. After a few months of writing letters, they were married in 1943. He was an enlisted man in the U.S. Air Force.

After World War II ended, he was discharged; and, along with Dessie, they came home to Wyoming. They started a family and had four children: Eli, Ruby, Nick, and David. Eli was speaker of the house in the Wyoming Legislature. Ruby runs the Wyoming public television. Nick played football for the University of Wyoming and then for the NFL.

Dessie's life and family and giving just continued to grow. She started her career in the Postal Service in 1962. She rose to postmaster for Shoshoni, WY, where she served for 13 years. In 1975, Dessie retired as the Shoshoni postmaster, where she had earned the Order of the Vest. It is the highest award given to postmasters.

Although she had retired from the Postal Service, her work and community service didn't stop. She served as a Fremont County election judge, for the Shoshoni Chamber of Commerce, on the Shoshoni PTA, on the Wyoming women's commission, on the Veterans of Foreign Wars Women's Auxiliary, and on the Riverton hospital board, among many organizations.

As a result of her military and civic service, she was awarded with the Wyoming Woman of Distinction award from the Wyoming women's commission, and she received the Medal of Honor from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her accolades and awards didn't stop there. She even had her own holiday because, in 2022, the mayor of Hudson, Mike Anderson, declared May 30 as Dessie Bebout Day.

Now, she had--I think the Senator from Wyoming said--13 grandchildren. As they spoke at the funeral--as a number of them did-- there were those who claimed to be the favorite grandchild, but since Kara Calvert is here today, the granddaughter of Dessie Bebout, I think we will let Kara put upon herself that accolade.

Dessie Bebout truly exemplifies the Code of the West, which is, in Wyoming, you live each day with courage; you take pride in your work; and you do what needs to be done. Cowboys never complain. Cowboys never quit. If somebody were hungry, she would feed them--a remarkable woman. If they were sick, she would care from them.

I am proud to be joined by both Senator Carper and Senator Lummis today in introducing this legislation to rename the post office in Shoshoni, WY, as the ``Dessie A. Bebout Post Office.'' Naming it after Dessie is going to ensure her legacy carries on for future generations of Wyoming's men and women.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, it is a privilege to be here today, joined by my colleague from Wyoming, Senator Cynthia Lummis, and my colleague from Delaware, the chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, Senator Tom Carper, to honor this incredible woman, Dessie Bebout.

Senator Lummis is absolutely right. I attended the funeral of this 102-year-old just a couple of weeks ago. We were in Riverton, WY, for the services as she was laid to rest with military honors in Hudson, WY, and thought what an opportunity to name a post office after someone who has given so much to their country, as well as to the Postal Service.

It is wonderful to be working with Senator Tom Carper again on an issue of great interest to both of us because he was a senior partner when, a few years ago, we named a post office in Thermopolis, WY, after Bob Brown, a World War II hero who then was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in Korea and served 41 years at the Thermopolis Post Office before he retired as the postmaster. So I come to the floor today, along with our colleagues, to introduce a bill to honor the legacy of this remarkable woman, Dessie A. Bebout of Shoshoni, WY.

She was really a trailblazer for women in Wyoming because she was a patriot. She honorably served our

country during World War II. She was one of the first to raise her hand, take the oath, and volunteer as she did for this remarkable group of individuals who volunteered: the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service in World War II, the WAVES.

She was born in Hudson, WY--a very small community--in 1920. If you haven't ever been to Hudson, there is a small Main Street. And since Hudson didn't have a doctor, Dessie was born with the help of a midwife. She was the fourth of nine children. They worked very hard supporting the family business that was the Svilar family. Her maiden name was Svilar. They had the Svilar's bar and restaurant, the Svilars' Light and Power company--they provided libations as well as electricity--and the Svilars' derby bar. It is a small town, but two bars make for a smalltown charm. The Svilars' bar and restaurant is still open today. So, if you ever get to Hudson, stop in because they have the best steaks you are going to ever find anywhere.

Her life experience is one, really, that highlighted her legendary work ethic. After graduating from Fremont County Vocational High School in Lander, she worked for the Fremont County Extension service and at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 changed the United States and the world forever, and it certainly changed her. Being willing to serve the country, to step forward, is part of the Wyoming bloodstream.

When she joined and went to New York City for basic training and was then stationed in Seattle, WA, she reconnected with a young man who she had met previously in Hudson, Herbert ``Hugh'' Bebout. After a few months of writing letters, they were married in 1943. He was an enlisted man in the U.S. Air Force.

After World War II ended, he was discharged; and, along with Dessie, they came home to Wyoming. They started a family and had four children: Eli, Ruby, Nick, and David. Eli was speaker of the house in the Wyoming Legislature. Ruby runs the Wyoming public television. Nick played football for the University of Wyoming and then for the NFL.

Dessie's life and family and giving just continued to grow. She started her career in the Postal Service in 1962. She rose to postmaster for Shoshoni, WY, where she served for 13 years. In 1975, Dessie retired as the Shoshoni postmaster, where she had earned the Order of the Vest. It is the highest award given to postmasters.

Although she had retired from the Postal Service, her work and community service didn't stop. She served as a Fremont County election judge, for the Shoshoni Chamber of Commerce, on the Shoshoni PTA, on the Wyoming women's commission, on the Veterans of Foreign Wars Women's Auxiliary, and on the Riverton hospital board, among many organizations.

As a result of her military and civic service, she was awarded with the Wyoming Woman of Distinction award from the Wyoming women's commission, and she received the Medal of Honor from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her accolades and awards didn't stop there. She even had her own holiday because, in 2022, the mayor of Hudson, Mike Anderson, declared May 30 as Dessie Bebout Day.

Now, she had--I think the Senator from Wyoming said--13 grandchildren. As they spoke at the funeral--as a number of them did-- there were those who claimed to be the favorite grandchild, but since Kara Calvert is here today, the granddaughter of Dessie Bebout, I think we will let Kara put upon herself that accolade.

Dessie Bebout truly exemplifies the Code of the West, which is, in Wyoming, you live each day with courage; you take pride in your work; and you do what needs to be done. Cowboys never complain. Cowboys never quit. If somebody were hungry, she would feed them--a remarkable woman. If they were sick, she would care from them.

I am proud to be joined by both Senator Carper and Senator Lummis today in introducing this legislation to rename the post office in Shoshoni, WY, as the ``Dessie A. Bebout Post Office.'' Naming it after Dessie is going to ensure her legacy carries on for future generations of Wyoming's men and women.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Mountain View, WY.

On August 19, the folks of Mountain View will come together for the town's 50th birthday party celebration with food, music, games, and fireworks. This event is an exceptional example of Mountain View's strong sense of community. The town of Mountain View was incorporated on November 20, 1973, in Uinta County, WY. Wilford Stoddard became the first mayor, along with council members Eldon Tripp, Jack Byrne, Alfred Davidson, and James Cox. Located in Bridger Valley, at the base of the Uinta Mountain Range, the town is far older than 50 years. Mountain View was platted on 40 acres within the county on February 26, 1898. Today, the town spans over 550 acres.

In 1843, fur trapper Jim Bridger set up a trading post on the Black's Fork River just a few miles from present day Mountain View. The post served travelers on the Oregon Trail and later the Mormon and California Trails. In 1858, the U.S. Army took over the post and named it Fort Bridger. The army abandoned the fort in 1890. As Americans began moving west, many settlers in Bridger Valley and what is today Mountain View established ranches. Today, Mountain View remains deeply rooted in agriculture, feeding Wyoming and the rest of the country.

The views and scenery of Mountain View are unparalleled. The town serves as a hub offering its residents and visitors remarkable opportunities for fishing, camping, and hiking in the Uinta Mountains. The Uintas are one of only two major mountain ranges in the United States that run east to west. One of the earliest local businesses in Mountain View was Benedicts, the town's only grocery store. Started in 1938 as the Benedict Trading Company by Harlen Benedict, the store is still a cornerstone of the community. Another local and long-standing business is the Union Telephone Company. Founded by John Woody in 1914, Union provided the first phone service in Bridger Valley. John Woody used rifle cartridges as plugs and jacks on his first homemade switchboard. Managed by four generations of the Woody family, the company is still headquartered in Mountain View where they serve over 40,000 Wyoming customers. In June 1937, the people of Mountain View and the surrounding Bridger Valley unified to create the first electric utility under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Rural Electrification Administration. Bill Riding served as the first general manager for the newly formed Bridger Valley Electric Association. The association continues to provide Mountain View with power in 2023.

Mountain View boasts a long and rich local history. From the time of the fur trappers, to the Nation's westward expansion of the 19th century, to modern day, Mountain View truly embodies the culture of the Cowboy State.

Mountain View is led by these dedicated individuals:

Bryan Ayres, Mayor

Tori Carter, Council

Jenny Harvey, Council

Jamy Ferrin, Council

Kelly Bonner, Council

Penny Robbins, Clerk/Treasurer

Amanda Fraughton, Deputy Clerk

Mark W Harris, Attorney

Tammy Murray, Deputy Clerk

Heather Ayres, Deputy Clerk

Jacob Porter, Public Works

Steven Kendall, Public Works

Spencer Bates, Public Works

Steve Catlin, Public Works

Allister Bunch, Police Chief

Dexter Moehler, Fire Chief.

Event Planning included these committed citizens

Mark Tesoro and Todd Griffith, Southwest Wyoming Outdoor

Trails

Tom Dean and Dennis Freeman, American Legion Post #36

Leila Dean, Linda Lingle, Donna Bindl, and Vicki Fader,

American Legion Auxiliary

Andy Kopp, Sheriff and Trevor Rasmussen, Under Sheriff,

Uinta County Sheriff's Department

Mindy Tollefson--Uinta County Fair Manager

Isaac Lords, Scoutmaster and MarNae Lords--Leaders, Boy

Scout Troop #7798

Cara Trees--Leader, 4-H Group--The Rednecks

Collette Bugas, Instructor, UC School District #4 High

School Student Council

Wade Stoddard, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Service

Regina Dickson and Allen Deru, Wyoming Game and Fish

Jessica Guild, Instructor, Mountain View High School

Cheerleaders.

It is an honor for me to rise in recognition of this significant milestone for Mountain View, WY. Their golden anniversary celebration is a tribute to generations of determination and commitment that built this town. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to the town of Mountain View on their 50th anniversary of incorporation.

Madam President, I rise today in recognition of the distinct history of Wyoming's Platte County Courthouse. The courthouse reopens this summer following its first significant renovation in over a century. For 105 years, the residents of Platte County have recognized the courthouse as an important landmark and testament to the county's history. Located in the county seat of Wheatland, WY, the roots of this historic courthouse are tied to the wild frontier.

After the county's incorporation in 1911, the Platte County Board of Commissioners agreed to lease office space in the Stock Growers Bank for $55 per month. Five years later, the commission recognized the need for a permanent structure to house both the court and jail. Eager to start, commissioners issued $50,000 in county bonds to finance construction, subject to voter approval. Residents were passionate about the campaign for a new courthouse and jail. There were well- reasoned arguments on both sides. On November 7, 1916, the will of the people won: Platte County would build a new courthouse and jail.

Construction progressed quickly. Commissioners contracted with architectural firm Baerreson Brothers, based in Denver and Cheyenne, for initial design plans. By April 6, 1917, the county approved Archie Allison's bid for general construction. State Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge, Herbert King of Laramie, dedicated the building's cornerstone on June 20, 1917. In January 1918, the county completed work on the courthouse and jail. The total cost, including furnishings, was $85,000. Since then, generations of dedicated civil servants have preserved and enhanced the building. The National Park Service recognized the rich historical value of the courthouse on October 15, 2008, when the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, the courthouse acts as an archive for the history of Platte County. It provides a sense of community for its citizens and is an important gathering place for public activities. Remarkably, in its 105-year history, the Platte County Courthouse has undergone only small renovations to adapt to changing technology and workplace standards. That changed in 2018, when voters authorized the county to collect $4.7 million in Specific Purpose Excise Tax--more commonly known as a sixth- penny sales tax. This, plus other reserve funds and grants, allowed the county to complete $6.5 million in extensive renovations. For the past 18 months, county officials have been temporarily displaced while the building underwent massive changes. In addition to a brandnew HVAC and electric system, the renovation includes added insulation, new plumbing, and a new elevator. The county implemented all of these designs with an intent to increase efficiency and accessibility.

On July 1, 2023, residents of Platte County will gather to celebrate this impressive achievement. Officials will host a county-wide celebration. They plan to commemorate the history of the county and the generosity and commitment of its citizens.

Platte County is led by these dedicated individuals:

Steve Shockley, Commissioner

Kayla Mantle, Commissioner

Ian Jolovich, Commissioner

Malcolm Ervin, Clerk

Kristi Rietz, Treasurer

David Russell, Sheriff

Doug Weaver, Attorney

Phil Martin, Coroner

Danette Eppel, Assessor

Hal Hutchinson, Engineer

Terry Stevenson, Emergency Management

Jim DeWitt, Maintenance Supervisor

Doug Dumont, Planning Director

Penny Simonton, Public Health

Beal Angle, Road and Bridge

Mona McAuley, Clerk of the Court

Honorable Edward Buchanan, 8th Judicial District Court

Judge

Honorable F. Scott Peasley, 8th Judicial District Court

Judge

Honorable Nathaniel Hibben, 8th Judicial Circuit Court

Judge

Honorable Clark Allan, 8th Judicial Circuit Court Judge

Magistrate Scott Cole, 8th Judicial District

It is an honor to rise in recognition of this significant milestone for Platte County. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to the citizens of Platte County on the lasting legacy of their newly renovated courthouse.

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the Centennial of Evansville, WY. Located in Natrona County, just east of the city of Casper, Evansville is home to 2,746 residents. Settled along the North Platte River, the area boasts many opportunities for outdoor recreation and activities. Visitors to the Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park can enjoy fishing, hiking, canoeing, and biking. Named after Edness Wilkins, a longtime Natrona County legislator, the park is also a great place for wildlife viewing.

Evansville's history is built upon a legacy of opportunity. With its proximity to the North Platte River, the area was a gateway to the West. The area, originally popular with mountain men and fur traders, attracted thousands of American Pioneers along the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails during the 1850s and 1860s.

In the fall of 1852, French trader John Baptiste Richard built the first successful bridge over the North Platte River. He designed the thousand-foot bridge with reinforced wood piers meant to withstand high water and strong currents. Given his accent, many thought Richard pronounced his name ``Reshaw.'' Thus, the crossing became widely known as Reshaw's Bridge. It was completed in 1853 and was immensely popular. That year, nearly 50,000 people paid fees to cross the river safely.

As traffic at the bridge increased, a settlement developed in the area. This included a trading post, where travelers could barter for buckskin clothing, moccasins, and other supplies.

Eventually, competition from other bridges and alternate routes drew visitors away, and the post was abandoned.

In 1855, the US Army established Fort Clay, an outpost of Fort Laramie, where soldiers protected citizens living in the area. By 1856, the fort housed the 10th Infantry, led by Captain Henry Heth. It was renamed Camp Davis in honor of Jefferson Davis. The Army briefly used Camp Davis from 1855 to 1856 and later as a supply post during the Mormon war.

During an especially hard winter in 1865-66, soldiers from nearby Fort Caspar dismantled Reshaw's Bridge and used it for firewood. Today, a replica of the bridge stands in Reshaw Park in Evansville. The town of Evansville also maintains a free exhibit in the community center detailing the site's history.

In 1911, William T. Evans, an English immigrant, homesteaded a plot of land in the area and began a successful ranch. As the area grew, Evans began parceling off property for homes and businesses. He built many of the area's most prominent buildings, including the Bishop House in Casper, which was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2001. Evansville was officially incorporated on May 15, 1923.

Evansville and the surrounding area experienced rapid growth during the oil boom of the 1920s, with the discovery of oil and natural gas at Salt Creek Oil Field. During this time, Evansville was home to two of the State's 16 refineries. The Texas Company, established in 1922, and White Eagle Oil and Refining, established in 1923, boosted the small town's economy. While oil and natural gas development is still a primary economic driver, Evansville has many thriving small businesses whose owners are committed to giving back to the community.

The only Wyoming State Veterans Cemetery--Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery--is also located in Evansville. Built in 1983, the cemetery holds regular events to honor our current, former, and fallen U.S. servicemembers.

On November 11, 2022--Veterans Day--I was honored to join members of the Evansville community in honoring the life and service of Leo Sanchez. Leo, a Casper native, served as a U.S. Marine in the Korean war. Officials renamed a bridge leading from the cemetery to Evansville the Leo R. Sanchez Freedom Bridge. It is a testament to his decades of service as a teacher, mentor, and American hero.

There are several events planned to celebrate Evansville's centennial. On May 15, the town's actual centennial, Evansville's first responders hosted a parade. Students at Evansville Elementary School spent time learning about the area's history and contributed to a time capsule. On June 24, town officials and residents will celebrate its 100th birthday with a family-friendly festival in Reshaw Park. There will be vendors, food trucks, and live music and a fireworks show. I appreciate the efforts of Evansville council member Candace Machado and the members of the centennial planning committee: Alona Vigneault, Town Clerk Janelle Underwood, PW Director Robert Lewallen, Carol Knop, Ardell Breed, Fire Chief Leo Malsom, and Police Chief Mike Thompson.

The Town of Evansville is led by these dedicated individuals:

Chad Edwards, Mayor

Candace Machado, Council Member

Dacia Edward, Council Member

Greg Flesvig, Council Member

Janelle Underwood, Clerk

Lexi Erickson, Treasurer

Shane Porter, Planning/Zoning Director

Robert Lewallen, Public Works Director

Mike Thompson, Police Chief

Leo Malsom, Fire Chief

Evansville is a remarkable place. I applaud the citizens who continue to improve their community, making it a safe and welcoming place for all to visit. In honor of Evansville's centennial celebration, my wife Bobbi joins me in recognizing this special milestone.

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

Mr. President, I come to the floor today to rise in opposition to the nomination of David Crane, who has been nominated to serve as the Under Secretary of Energy for Infrastructure. It is a job that involves sending taxpayer money to energy companies. Mr. Crane has no business at all deciding how to spend taxpayer money on energy.

Mr. Crane spent 12 years--a dozen years--as CEO of NRG Energy, a job from which he was fired. It is not hard to see why he was fired. In his own words, he explained it. He said:

We were taking the profits from the coal plants and plowing

it into solar development . . . that got to be annoying to

the shareholders and to the board of directors of the

company.

According to the Wall Street Journal, investors were very unhappy with Mr. Crane's investments in renewable energy. His strategy at the company led to a 59-percent drop in the company's share price the year before his departure. Once he was gone, the company's stock reversed course, with a long and sustained rebound.

Mr. Crane has significantly focused his career on combating climate change, which he has called the ``moral imperative of our time.'' He has called for ``name and shame'' activism against companies that do not share his extreme vision.

He once wrote that his ``green dream''--he said--included being considered ``the Mother Teresa of clean energy.''

Mr. Crane is welcome to spend his own money however he wishes, but he should not be permitted to waste hundreds of billions of dollars in taxpayer money in his effort--and it is a delusional effort--to be the next Mother Teresa.

America needs proven, reliable, cost-effective energy--affordable, available, reliable. We must unleash American energy production and therefore promote energy security for our Nation.

With our grids stressed and blackouts coming this summer, Mr. Crane has absolutely no interest in reliable energy. Instead, he wants to spend taxpayer money on sources of energy that make us more dependent on our adversaries, like China.

David Crane's record is that of a climate zealot. It is not what we need in this important post at the Department of Energy. We need someone who is dedicated to promoting affordable American energy, reliable American energy, available American energy. David Crane is clearly not that person; nor is he Mother Teresa.

So I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this terrible nomination.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Wyoming Shrine Bowl. This postseason high school football game showcases the top Wyoming high school athletes and coaches. The annual event supports and enriches patient care at Shriners Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT.

In 1973, football Coaches Jerry Overton, from Kelly Walsh High School, and Denny Brown, from Byron High School, started organizing an all-star football game. The challenging search for a sponsor ended with an agreement from Shrine Temples in Sheridan and Rawlins to sponsor the annual game. This partnership created the Shrine Bowl of Wyoming, Inc., a nonprofit organization. The first Wyoming Shrine Bowl was played in 1974. It was an all-star football game for Wyoming high school seniors led by Wyoming all-star coaches.

Since the Shrine Bowl's beginning, the organization has raised over $1,000,000 for the Shriners Children's Hospital. Thousands of Wyoming residents are now familiar with the Shrine Bowl's purpose and motto:: ``STRONG LEGS RUN SO WEAK LEGS MAY WALK.'' In 2022, the Shriners Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City treated 400 Wyoming children.

A cornerstone of the Shrine Bowl is a visit by the coaches and players to this great hospital. The week prior to the event, participants and learn about the lives of these children who are benefiting from their charitable football game. On June 10th, 2023, at the Kelly Walsh High School in Casper, the all-star north and south teams will face off in the 50th Annual Wyoming Shrine

Bowl. Both the athletes and the coaches demonstrate incredible selflessness by dedicating their time and skill for the patients at Shriners Children's Hospitals.

Along with the players and coaches, the dedication of the officers and volunteers to the mission of the game is incredible. Wyoming Shrine Bowl officers and volunteers are

Frank Selby, Executive Director/Treasurer; John Bouzis,

Director of Football Operations; Allen Pierce, President;

Otto Schwartz, Vice President; Jace Baker, 1st Vice

President; Jesse Sutphin, 2nd Vice President; Disco Harris,

Board Member; Zach Breed, Board Member; Tom Linnan, Board

Member; Keith Santa, Potentate Korein Temple; Michael Malone,

Potentate Kalif Temple; Bill Biggs, Secretary; Craig Warner,

Head of Support; Dan Sterkel, Ambassador of Advertisements;

Becci Sutphin, Communications; Halley Plourde, Administrative

Assistant.

The Shrine Bowl 2023 roster is

South Team

Mckay Young, Head Coach; Thomas Howard, Big Piney; Cody

Hape, Burns; Cooper Lakin, Burns; Keagan Bartlett, Cheyenne

Central; Auggie Lain, Cheyenne Central; Richard Prescott,

Cheyenne Central; Ethan Brinkman, Cheyenne East; Trevor

Eldridge, Cheyenne East; Dominic Kaszas, Cheyenne East; Garet

Schlabs, Cheyenne East; Robert Campbell, Cheyenne South;

Isaiah Hernandez, Cheyenne South; Jesus Bencomo, Cokeville;

Landon Walker, Cokeville; Jackson Hughes, Douglas; Braxton

Bauer, Evanston; Carson Van Gieson, Evanston; Rylan Bloem,

Glenrock; Kyler Bartlett, Green River; Tanner Moseley, Green

River; Adrien Calderon, Laramie; Christopher Gonzales,

Laramie; Kannadis Peroulis, Little Snake River; Hadley Myers,

Little Snake River; McKoy Smith, Lyman; Braden Walker,

Mountain View; Dalton Schaefer, Pine Bluffs; Carter

McBurnett, Rock Springs; Wyatt Campbell, Southeast; Derek

Astle, Star Valley; Brandon Beck, Star Valley; Jacob Hodges,

Star Valley; Taft McClure, Star Valley; Chase Stewart, Star

Valley; Jesse Blunn, Cheyenne East, Asst. Coach; Cody

Peacock, Lyman, Asst. Coach; Ballard Johnson, Star Valley,

Asst. Coach; Brian Anderson, Pine Bluffs, Asst. Coach; Tyrel

Clove, Star Valley, Asst. Coach; Jack Cobb, Little Snake

River, Asst. Coach; TL Espinoza, Cheyenne East, Athletic

Trainer; Quincie Moser, Cheyenne East, Student Trainer; Kylee

Erickson, Star Valley, Student Manager.

North Team

Kirk McLaughlin, Head Coach; Wyatt Brown, Big Horn; Cooper

Garber, Big Horn; Dylan Greenough-Groom, Big Horn; Michael

Ihnat, Buffalo; Blake Bell, Buffalo; Jeffrey Pelton, Campbell

County; Remy Broussard, Cody; Jace Grant, Cody; Matt Nelson,

Cody; Luke Talich, Cody; Hunter Reilly, Hulett; Erich

Hulshizer, Kelly Walsh; Chris Pickering, Kelly Walsh; Gabriel

Harris, Lander; Matisse Weaver, Lander; Benjamin Nichols,

Lovell; Preston Nichols, Lovell; Connor Strom, Lovell; Cody

Crawford, Natrona County; Breckin McClintock, Natrona County;

Kayden Pharr, Natrona County; Wyatt Powell, Natrona County;

Holden McConkey, Newcastle; Braden Vincent, Riverton; Nate

Minemyer, Rocky Mountain; Dillan Bennett, Sheridan; Colson

Coon, Sheridan; Deed Kirschner, Sheridan; Casen Willson,

Sheridan; Pehton Truempler, Shoshoni; Kayden LaFramboise,

Thunder Basin; Logan Loftus, Thunder Basin; Jayden Luciano,

Thunder Basin; Tavis Aksamit, Tongue River; Brock Douzenis,

Worland; Kade Weber, Worland; Colter Brantz, Big Horn, Asst.

Coach; Andrew Marcure, Big Horn, Asst. Coach; Boz Backen,

Hulett, Asst. Coach; Richard Despain, Rocky Mountain, Asst.

Coach; Jim Talich, Cody, Asst. Coach; Aaron Papich, Kelly

Walsh, Asst. Coach; Christian Galindo, Thunder Basin,

Athletic Trainer; Olivia Ballew, Sheridan, Student Trainer;

Hannah Zent, Big Hom, Student Manager.

It is an honor for me to recognize this significant milestone for the Wyoming Shrine Bowl. The organization, coaches, athletes, and fans make a profound impact on the lives of many children. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to the Wyoming Shrine Bowl on their 50th anniversary.

Madam President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Ella Tanner 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.

Ella is a native of Virginia. She is currently a senior at McLean High School and plans to attend Brigham Young University 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 Ella 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 rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Young at Heart Senior Citizens and Community Center in Rock Springs, WY. On May 19, 2023, a gala will be held at the Young at Heart Center to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The Young at Heart Center has served the Sweetwater County community since its founding in May, 1973. Founding board members were J. Garrett Smith, Louis M Groh, Ruth Lucas, T.H. Smith, Dwight J Jones, Lyda Hium, Elmer Halseth, Willie Heikes, and Ernest J Mecca. The center was originally designed to serve the senior population. With the construction of their new facility in 2009, their services expanded to address the needs of the entire community.

The Young at Heart Center exemplifies their mission of ``a community place for the young and the young at heart.'' The center offers 14 different programs with amenities, activities, and services for residents of all ages. Young at Heart is a safe place for Sweetwater County residents to gather, receive educational and nutritional services, pursue interests, and participate in social and recreational activities. The center is also a public-use space for meetings and events. The center serves as a cornerstone for the senior population by providing meals and care. Seniors participate in numerous daily activities that include games, hobbies, exercise, and opportunities for friendship.

Young at Heart added several home health and caregiver services for patients 18 and older. These include skilled nursing services, personal care services, assistance to at-home caregivers with support and education, home-delivered meals, and the Senior Companion Program. Each of these foster wonderful relationships within the community. Many young people in Sweetwater County have been impacted by the Young at Heart's Early Learning Center. The Early Learning Center focuses on building children's self-esteem and self-worth through strong partnerships with parents. The center provides positive guidance, indoor and outdoor gross motor space, and technology to enhance learning. The importance of nutrition is highlighted by the dedicated kitchen staff who prepare breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon snacks.

The Young at Heart Center receives funding through various government grants and private programs. They also rely on the generosity of Sweetwater County organizations and individuals. The Young at Heart Center would not be able to provide a safe and engaging space without the dedication of staff and volunteers. Volunteers use their skills and interests to help lead support groups, serve meals, assist special events, offer companionship, and maintain the grounds.

Jamie Loredo began her career with the center as the activities coordinator and facilities secretary. In the fall of 2022, she took over as executive director. Her resolute dedication to the center is notable. She has focused on gaining community involvement, helping to advance the center's success. Jamie has made a significant difference in the lives of Sweetwater County residents.

The wonderful staff and board members who keep the center running are:

Jamie Loredo, Executive Director

Louise Webb, Receptionist

Brianna Romero, Early Learning Center Director

Billie Seneshale, Director of Nursing

Brandy Sellers-Mertin, In-Home Services Supervisor

Gina Randolph, Access Care Coordinator

Misty Wilson, Center Bookkeeper

Cindy Stensgard, Home Services Bookkeeper

Daphne Palmer, Kitchen Manager/Home Delivered Meals

Coordinator

Kandi Lewis, Facility Secretary/Activities Coordinator/

Outreach Coordinator

Meagan Rogers, Aging Division Coordinator/ Outreach

Coordinator

Board of Directors

Diana Jessop

Suzette Williams

Kent Porenta

Richard Vandersloot

Michelle Quiroz

Kathy Gilbert

Wanda Bobo-Ferber

Kevin Maloney

Sue Riggs

Mary Thoman, County Liaison

It is an honor for me to recognize this significant milestone for the Young at Heart Center. The center serves as a gathering place where the Sweetwater County community can enjoy friendship and fellowship. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to the Young at Heart Center on their 50th anniversary.

Madam President, it is a privilege to join my colleague from West Virginia, Senator Capito, on the floor today to talk about legislation that we will be introducing tomorrow.

It is about permitting, and I come to the floor to talk about ways to lower prices for American families and to restore our country to energy dominance. And, of course, the way to achieve this is by fixing our broken permitting process.

There is a lot of work to be done. There is bipartisan support to do it. She will be introducing, along with me, our legislation tomorrow, and this legislation is going to streamline a very complicated permitting process. It is going to speed up American infrastructure and energy, as well as mining projects. Taken together, this legislation will address fatal flaws in today's Federal permitting process.

Now, the current system moves in very slow motion. Too often, as Senator Capito said, there is no motion at

all. Things are stopped in their tracks. Today's process forces project developers to endure a maze of regulations, mountains of paperwork, expensive studies, and bureaucratic foot-dragging.

It takes an average of 4\1/2\ years now just to complete an environmental impact statement for one single project. In some cases, it can take a decade or more to get final approval for a project.

And even if a project makes it through the regulatory roadblocks to get a permit, it will inevitably be challenged in court. Project opponents are skilled at exploiting our broken permitting process to stop all progress. Litigation can drag on for years and cost millions and millions of dollars.

In my home State of Wyoming, activists are suing to cancel hundreds of Federal oil and gas permits. Now, these permits were issued after years of environmental reviews. They are frivolous--the lawsuits--but they are happening all across the country.

The longer it takes to get a permit, the more a project costs. The more it costs, the more likely a developer will either pull the plug or just give up before even starting.

The result of all of this is that energy prices go up. People feel the pain because, when investments aren't made, jobs don't materialize and projects of national importance don't get built.

And I am talking about projects like oil and gas wells, pipelines, transmission lines, wind and solar farms, powerplants, roads, tunnels, bridges, and mines.

To see what I mean, take a look at this chart from the Economist, ``Cancel culture.'' It shows that, for the past several years, more miles of interstate gas pipelines have been canceled than have been built.

Let me repeat that.

This shows that, for the past several years, more miles of interstate gas pipelines have been canceled than have been built.

You know, we used to be able to build things in this country--not anymore. It is not that we don't know how. It is that we are not being allowed.

It shouldn't take longer to permit a project than to actually build it. In too many instances, it does. The American people inevitably lose when that happens.

The permitting process must change so we can lower costs for families and unleash American energy. We can't keep today's broken process and expect to stay ahead of rivals like China.

Taken together, the legislation that Senator Capito and I are introducing is going to streamline the permitting process while preserving environmental standards. This will put America back in the lead.

Project developers need to expect a system that is predictable and delivers a timely answer. Our legislation will do that by sticking to four basic principles.

First, real reform must benefit the entire country, not a narrow range of special interests. Our bills are technology and fuel neutral. By that, we mean we don't put our thumb on the scale for politically favored technologies. This is going to help expedite projects from both conventional and alternative energy sources. We need all the energy here in America.

Second, our legislation includes enforceable timelines with specific time limits on environmental reviews.

Third, we place time limits on legal challenges to prevent endless litigation intended solely to kill new energy projects.

And, finally, our legislation prevents the executive branch from hijacking the process to meet its own policy preferences.

The energy bill that I am going to introduce focuses on streamlining improvements to produce more American energy and more American mineral resources. It is going to lower costs for families. It is going to enhance America's energy security. It is going to reduce reliance on China, on Russia, and on other adversaries for energy, as well as key minerals.

A key aspect of my energy bill is to resume Federal onshore and offshore oil and gas leases. Now, the Biden administration has tried from day one to block access to Federal lands and waters, regardless of the law. We cannot allow any administration to deny, defy, and disregard the law.

My bill also will speed up the production of critical minerals used in renewable and battery technologies. Our country is blessed with large mineral deposits. Some are in your home State, Madam President, and in my home State, in Wyoming, in particular.

We have large reserves of coal, uranium, rare earths, and other minerals. Yet it often takes over 10 years in the United States to get a mining permit. Our competitors in China move much faster, as do our northern neighbors in Canada.

Unlocking domestic mining means that we will no longer have to rely on China and Russia for critical minerals. Finally, my bill will ensure the affordability and reliability of our electric grid. We will have American energy that is affordable, that is reliable, and that is available.

Now, the House recently passed the Lower Energy Costs Act. The Senate now has an opportunity to pass our own legislation. We can pass bipartisan legislation that unleashes American energy, boosts our international competitiveness, creates jobs, and lowers prices. This starts with fixing today's broken permitting process.

Now, Democrats said last year that this reform is necessary. Senator Capito and I are bringing solutions to the table. If Democrats are serious about fixing the broken process, meaningful reform is possible.

I yield the floor.