Floor Statements

Madam President, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Lynette West of Jonesboro on being named Arkansas' 2024 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

As the owner of HealthWear Corporation, a boutique business that offers medical uniforms and accessories, West is an inspiring entrepreneur who has worked hard to attain success personally and professionally, including putting herself through college while raising two young children.

Her journey with HealthWear began in 2013 when she started working part-time at the specialty shop before it even opened its doors. She played a crucial role in getting the shop ready for its grand opening, working closely with vendors to ensure a successful launch. When HealthWear faced the possibility of closure in 2015, West stepped in and took over as the full-time owner, determined to turn things around.

Since acquiring the business, she has been actively involved in all aspects of its operations, including managing the team of five employees to ensure they provide excellent service to their customers. Her hands-on approach has helped create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere in the store, attracting a loyal customer base.

Under her leadership, HealthWear has received recognition not only for its stellar reputation among clientele, but also for the quality of its products, including an award for best uniform from Premiere Magazine in northeast Arkansas. These accolades and West's pursuit of support and mentorship have helped her guide the business through challenges and opportunities alike.

Congratulations again to Lynette West and her entire team, as this distinction is a result of their outstanding efforts. Her passion for her business, her community, and her family shines through in everything she does. We are proud to celebrate the hard work and success that has made HealthWear such an integral part of the economic and medical care needs in the region.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the founding of the U.S. Army Reserve. On April 23, the Army Reserve will celebrate 116 years of service by our citizen soldiers who stand ready to answer the call to serve, bringing critical skills and capabilities to the Nation, while defending America's freedoms and liberties.

Across the United States of America, brave and dedicated men and women with great passion for service answer the call, no matter the personal sacrifice, to come together and make up the U.S. Army Reserve. Over the course of its long and storied history, our Reserve force has utilized a diverse set of professional skills, educational backgrounds, and experiences to honor and serve our great country.

Since the activation of the modern-day Army Reserve's predecessor the Medical Reserve, the United States has mobilized more than 1.3 million soldiers, trained, equipped and prepared to perform their duties at home and abroad. On any given day, upwards of 9,000 Army Reserve soldiers are mobilized or deployed to 23 countries worldwide in support of combatant commands, while tens of thousands of others in the Reserve train for deployments or participate in joint exercises to strengthen national alliances and partnerships across the globe.

The resilience of the Army Reserve is critical to our national security in responding to constantly changing and evolving challenges our country and allies face each day. To reinforce the Army and the joint force today and into the future, the Army Reserve supports all aspects of a soldier's life--family, employment, and education goals-- integrating a rewarding uniformed experience and getting our citizen soldiers back to the fundamentals in defense of our Nation's interests.

In the great State of Arkansas, 2,184 soldiers and 38 units contribute an economic impact of $130 million to our State's economy.

As our reservists prepare for their next 116 years of service, they can take pride knowing they are a part of one of the most experienced forces in our Nation's history. I am grateful for the sacrifices each and every one of them make every day. As we look to the future, I am proud to be able to support our Army Reserve in achieving its mission of ``Ready Now'' and ``Shaping Tomorrow!''

I want to thank my good friend from North Dakota Senator Hoeven for his leadership on this issue. Under normal circumstances, we would have been celebrating the passage of a new farm bill by now. Unfortunately, we are not there yet, and our farmers continue to face far from normal circumstances. But we are making progress, and I am committed to meaningfully addressing the needs of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

Alongside bolstering the title 1 reference prices, maintaining and improving crop insurance is at the top of the list for my farm bill priorities. But more importantly, these are the top priorities of farmers across the country.

The first of many farm bill listening sessions I have participated in started with a roundtable in Senator Hoeven's home State of North Dakota. The takeaway from that event has been echoed across the countryside and in meetings throughout Washington: We need more ``farm'' in the farm bill.

This next farm bill must update the risk management tools farmers and ranchers need to succeed in order to reflect the nature of the challenges under which they operate today. Here is the reality: Producers are experiencing unprecedented challenges, regulatory uncertainty, and historic volatility in the farm economy, all of which are predicted to even get worse.

A producer from Minnesota told me recently that record high input costs, coupled with declining crop prices, would mean that she would have to harvest a record yield just to break even. That is not a scenario farm families want to pass on to the next generation.

Historic inflation, rising interest rates, a record trade deficit, devastating natural disasters, and global disruptions will make it more difficult for our farmers to succeed in the years to come. And with an outdated farm safety net, described by a Texas farmer as 2 inches above the concrete, agriculture is left wondering what level of crisis is necessary to compel Washington to act.

I commend Senator Hoeven's leadership in introducing the FARMER Act and proactively addressing the needs of farmers and ranchers who have asked for improvements to the Federal Crop Insurance Program.

The FARMER Act includes critical components to modernizing the farm safety net for producers across all regions and all commodities. From wheat in North Dakota to cotton in Georgia, to peaches in New Jersey, corn in Illinois and Colorado, to apples in Vermont and soybeans in Ohio, producers in every State could reap the benefits of more affordable crop insurance options.

The strength of this approach is underscored by the endorsement of over 20 grassroots organizations representing the voices of farm families from across the country.

We can pass a farm bill that strengthens title 1 and title 11, while also making improvements across every other title and meet our shared goals.

This isn't an either-or decision. The next farm bill provides an incredible opportunity to make things right for farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and those in need. Working together we can protect and enhance voluntary conservation programs, provide investments needed to open new export markets, and expand existing markets, build on research that allows our farmers to do more with less while reducing environmental impacts, protect the health of our Nation's herds and flocks and help rural communities flourish and prosper.

Passing such a bill is never an easy task, but it is one that this body has come together to accomplish time and time again. I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Stabenow and my Senate colleagues to pass a farm bill that achieves these goals, and I very much appreciate the work of Senator Hoeven and his contribution to that process.

I want to thank my good friend from North Dakota Senator Hoeven for his leadership on this issue. Under normal circumstances, we would have been celebrating the passage of a new farm bill by now. Unfortunately, we are not there yet, and our farmers continue to face far from normal circumstances. But we are making progress, and I am committed to meaningfully addressing the needs of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

Alongside bolstering the title 1 reference prices, maintaining and improving crop insurance is at the top of the list for my farm bill priorities. But more importantly, these are the top priorities of farmers across the country.

The first of many farm bill listening sessions I have participated in started with a roundtable in Senator Hoeven's home State of North Dakota. The takeaway from that event has been echoed across the countryside and in meetings throughout Washington: We need more ``farm'' in the farm bill.

This next farm bill must update the risk management tools farmers and ranchers need to succeed in order to reflect the nature of the challenges under which they operate today. Here is the reality: Producers are experiencing unprecedented challenges, regulatory uncertainty, and historic volatility in the farm economy, all of which are predicted to even get worse.

A producer from Minnesota told me recently that record high input costs, coupled with declining crop prices, would mean that she would have to harvest a record yield just to break even. That is not a scenario farm families want to pass on to the next generation.

Historic inflation, rising interest rates, a record trade deficit, devastating natural disasters, and global disruptions will make it more difficult for our farmers to succeed in the years to come. And with an outdated farm safety net, described by a Texas farmer as 2 inches above the concrete, agriculture is left wondering what level of crisis is necessary to compel Washington to act.

I commend Senator Hoeven's leadership in introducing the FARMER Act and proactively addressing the needs of farmers and ranchers who have asked for improvements to the Federal Crop Insurance Program.

The FARMER Act includes critical components to modernizing the farm safety net for producers across all regions and all commodities. From wheat in North Dakota to cotton in Georgia, to peaches in New Jersey, corn in Illinois and Colorado, to apples in Vermont and soybeans in Ohio, producers in every State could reap the benefits of more affordable crop insurance options.

The strength of this approach is underscored by the endorsement of over 20 grassroots organizations representing the voices of farm families from across the country.

We can pass a farm bill that strengthens title 1 and title 11, while also making improvements across every other title and meet our shared goals.

This isn't an either-or decision. The next farm bill provides an incredible opportunity to make things right for farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and those in need. Working together we can protect and enhance voluntary conservation programs, provide investments needed to open new export markets, and expand existing markets, build on research that allows our farmers to do more with less while reducing environmental impacts, protect the health of our Nation's herds and flocks and help rural communities flourish and prosper.

Passing such a bill is never an easy task, but it is one that this body has come together to accomplish time and time again. I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Stabenow and my Senate colleagues to pass a farm bill that achieves these goals, and I very much appreciate the work of Senator Hoeven and his contribution to that process.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of Charleston, AR.

This city in western Arkansas, incorporated in 1874, has a rich history as an education, business, and government hub.

Located within the former territorial area acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase, the community was eventually named for one of its first settlers, Charles R. Kellum, who moved to Arkansas from Massachusetts. He operated a general store, organized a Baptist church, and was appointed as Charleston's first postmaster.

In the decades that followed, Charleston became a stop along the Butterfield Overland Mail Company route and served as a home to many businesses. Its first school was established in 1855 and soon had more than 100 students.

During the Civil War, skirmishes between Union and Confederate soldiers resulted in a tragic consequence when most of the city's buildings and homes were burned. This didn't stop the resolve of Charleston residents. When the war ended, citizens returned to rebuild and laid out a new community.

Because Franklin County was divided in half by the Arkansas River, the State legislature created a second county seat in Charleston to serve the southern portion of the county in 1885. The community was an important stop for the railroad and flourished with cotton, coal, and eventually natural gas.

World War II brought new opportunities to Charleston with the creation of Camp Chaffee less than a mile from the city limits. The new Army fort brought jobs and helped develop a strong economic and cultural bond between the city and military members.

Charleston is also noted as the first school district in Arkansas to desegregate after the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education. Just days after the ruling, the schoolboard voted to enroll 11 Black students in the Charleston School System.

The community is proud of its native son, Dale Bumpers, who was the 38th Governor of Arkansas before being elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served for 24 years. Bumpers was a soldier and a statesman who was born and raised in Charleston. He was known as the Senate's best orator. In his decades of service, one role he held was the chairman of the Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee, which led him to promote agriculture in Arkansas tirelessly. The results of his advocacy continue to impact farming and rural support programs in the State today.

His story is just one of many that help define the city's growth and progress over more than a century.

Congratulations to the entire community on this 150th anniversary. Charleston continues to be a place people are proud to call home. I am excited to recognize this milestone and look forward to continuing to work with area leaders to support this great Arkansas city and its bright future.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary

of LeadAR, a hands-on program that brings together dedicated individuals from across Arkansas to empower their communities and initiate positive change.

LeadAR has helped educate and build a network of Natural State leaders who share the common goal of bettering their communities.

As a champion of leadership development in the Natural State, the program gives participants an opportunity to connect with peers from different backgrounds who call a variety of rural, agriculture, and larger communities home in order to facilitate an understanding of the unique needs across our State.

Participants take part in a number of seminars and team-building exercises throughout the year in multiple settings. I have had the opportunity to visit with LeadAR classes during the trip each takes to Washington, DC, and share how we work together with local communities and the State to support the needs of citizens, including encouraging economic growth and development.

Alumni of this organization include individuals from all walks of life. Professionals including educators, farmers, to local elected leaders and more have benefited from the excellent leadership principles LeadAR teaches. Over the course of 18 months, these Arkansans acquire even more tools and skills to enrich their own careers and enhance the civic contributions their families, friends, and neighbors value.

As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize the impact it has made in the lives of participants and the progress it has helped inspire in communities across the State.

I appreciate the guidance of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service for successfully coordinating this program so it continues to be a distinguished activity citizens strive to be part of. I look forward to supporting LeadAR for many years to come and celebrating the next generation of participants who are developing their vision for a stronger Arkansas.

Madam President, I rise today to honor Missie Lambert, who has been a valuable member of my staff and an incredible resource for the people of Arkansas for more than 15 years. With her compassion, dedication and trademark southern charm, she has helped thousands of people and set a standard for constituent service.

Missie is a 1980 graduate of Decatur High School in Decatur, AL. She attended Auburn University, where she was a cheerleader and graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications. She first used her talents in the business world, nonprofit sector, and as a wonderful wife and mother.

In 2009, she joined my staff in the U.S. House of Representatives to take what she thought was a small, part-time job assisting with veterans' issues. Her tremendous compassion and organizational skills soon made her an invaluable constituent service representative. She worked to create partnerships with veterans' agencies and organizations, quickly becoming a subject matter expert and authority people across the State were eager to consult.

During her time working for the U.S. House and Senate, Missie has handled more than 7,000 cases to help veterans, servicemembers, and their families navigate difficult processes with the Federal Government.

As a caseworker, she is best known for her persistence, never taking ``no'' for an answer on behalf of a veteran and exhausting every option or resource available. Countless times, it has been her diligence that helped track down a lost record and made the difference for a veteran and their family.

In addition to handling a large caseload, Missie took on the challenge of leading my office's nomination process for young people applying to the U.S. military academies. She spent months each year making sure every candidate would get the best possible consideration. In addition, she provided leadership for the entire Arkansas congressional delegation to improve the process for these youth across the State.

Missie is a multi-talented person with a great singing voice, a green thumb, and the gift of hospitality as she shares her famous cooking with friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Her kindness and expertise helped change countless lives, comfort numerous families, and set a standard of excellence. Her friendship and counsel will be greatly missed. Although she is leaving us to be with her family in Alabama, Missie will always have a home in Arkansas.

Madam President, I rise to recognize and congratulate Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass on her upcoming retirement from the U.S. Air Force after 31 years of distinguished military service to our great Nation.

As the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Chief Bass's unflagging

leadership, relentless initiative, and trailblazing achievements as the highest ranking enlisted member of the U.S. Air Force from August 2020 to March 2024 were vital in leading and developing 689,000 airmen. She used her unique perspective as an enlisted leader to guide and shape the Air Force during the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, the end of combat operations in Afghanistan, and through one of the most evolving and challenging strategic environments in modern history.

As the senior enlisted adviser to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Chief Bass provided sound advice, perspective, and assistance on matters pertaining to enterprise management, enlisted heritage, force development, servicemember pay and compensation, and future force design. Through her expertise and collaborative efforts with her sister-service senior enlisted advisers, she ensured our Nation's land, sea, air, and space forces will continue to provide unmatched military capability to deter, dissuade, and defeat our enemies.

Additionally, she directly influenced joint, interagency, and coalition teams to redesign and modernize air, space, and cyberspace organizations, resources, and training efforts with a renewed emphasis on enlisted empowerment.

Chief Bass focused airmen on competition and innovation, accelerating the service's necessary transition into the Air Force of tomorrow. Through her reimagining of Air Force foundational documents, creation of the enlisted force development blueprint, and delivery of the first- ever service manual of the joint team called ``The Purple Book,'' she revolutionized the recruiting, development and retention of the greatest talent our Nation has to offer: our people. Her legacy will be forever etched into the history of the Air Force as a changemaker during an incredibly consequential time for our country.

I spent time with Chief Bass during our visit to Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas and at several Capitol Hill engagements as she encouraged congressional support to strengthen military readiness and achieve Air Force priorities. Airmen can be proud of her leadership and advocacy to ensure the United States maintains air superiority in this era of great power competition.

On behalf of the U.S. Senate, the Senate Air Force Caucus, and a grateful nation, I extend my deepest appreciation to Chief Bass and her family for their many years of exemplary military service and sacrifice. I wish her nothing but the very best as she begins a new chapter.

Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate 2nd Lieutenant Madison Marsh on being selected as Miss America 2024. Lieutenant Marsh is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, currently pursuing a master's in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, and represented the State of Colorado in the national pageant. Although she is now famous across the country, she is best known in Arkansas as a native of Fort Smith, and our State is proud of her achievements.

Marsh is the first Active-Duty member of the military to win the Miss America crown, and she is already setting a tremendous example for young women nationwide with a desire to make a difference. Her aptitude in the field of aerospace and her commitment to military and civic service is an example for us all. Marsh grew up in Fort Smith as a hard-working student, athlete, and community leader. She excelled in the classroom while participating in numerous extracurricular activities including cheering at Southside High School, pursuing her private pilot's license, and working toward her black belt in Taekwondo. She has been an inspiration to her friends, family and residents of her hometown for many years.

Her life was altered forever when her mother passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2018. Despite the tragedy she and her family experienced, Marsh persevered in her goals, honoring her mother along the way. Marsh turned her grief into action with the creation of the Whitney Marsh Foundation. As president and founder, Marsh has already raised more than a quarter-million dollars for research with her leadership team at the foundation and brought her voice to this cause in the Halls of Congress. In addition to her public policy studies, she is also a graduate intern at the Harvard Medical School, contributing to efforts to use artificial intelligence to detect pancreatic cancer.

Having graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2023 with a degree in physics, she was selected for pilot training, which is scheduled to begin after completion of her master's program, with the goal of becoming an Air Force fighter pilot. She has commented in recent interviews that she became interested in aeronautics at a young age and set about doing what was necessary to become a pilot. Her hard work and a passion for aeronautics and space led her to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where she shined. During her time at USAFA, Lieutenant Marsh was honored as a two-time National Astronaut Scholar, eight-time Dean's List honoree, named to the Superintendent's List three times, and interned with NASA for gamma-ray burst research.

As a native of Fort Smith and the chair of the U.S. Senate Air Force Caucus, I am proud that Madison Marsh is representing her community, her State, and our Nation's armed forces with dignity and excellence. I wish her the best of luck during her reign as Miss America and continued success in her career of service with the U.S. Air Force.

Madam President, I rise today with my friend and colleague, Senator Cotton, to recognize the service and the sacrifice of Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Smith, who was fatally wounded in the line of duty on January 2, 2024.

It takes a special person to wear a law enforcement officer's uniform. For Deputy Smith, being part of this select group of individuals called to serve and protect was a dream come true. He was a distinguished member of the law enforcement community for 24 years, honorably serving first as a corrections officer in Jackson and Independence Counties and then as a constable and deputy sheriff in Stone County, where he spent 14 years.

Deputy Smith loved his job. He loved working for the good of his family, friends, and neighbors. He was so proud to be in a position to make a difference in the lives of the Arkansans and took advantage of that opportunity on countless occasions.

Those who served alongside him recognized his compassion and the helpful influence he had on the youth he worked with--two marks of any special public servant. Stone County Sheriff Brandon Long described Deputy Smith as a team player who was always willing to go the extra mile. The sheriff said:

There was never a time he was called to come in that he

didn't show up.

By living his life dedicated to public service, he also instilled that passion in his family. His sons have taken up roles with a higher calling as well, one being a veteran, another currently serving in Active Duty in the Air Force, and another who followed directly in his father's footsteps by pursuing a career in law enforcement. They all benefited from the love of their dad, not only for them but for others, and the faithful way he went about showing it in every aspect of life.

As Deputy Smith knew, we depend on law enforcement officers to keep us safe. His death is a tragic reminder of the risks these men and women face each day, and it prompts us to ensure

we always offer the gratitude and respect they so richly deserve in exchange for the tremendous sacrifices that they make.

I join all Arkansans as we mourn the death of this hero.

I ask my colleagues to lift up Deputy Smith's wife Lori and his entire family, Stone County's law enforcement personnel, and all who loved him in prayer. We will forever remember him as the true hero he was.

I yield to my colleague, Senator Cotton.

Madam President, I rise today to recognize Kathy Webb, who is retiring as chief executive officer at the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance after a tremendous 11 years advocating greater food security for all Arkansans.

Kathy started her work with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance as a volunteer in 2006 before serving on the board of directors and ultimately leading the nonprofit as CEO since 2012. She has been a champion of anti-hunger efforts, helping many Natural State residents access nutritious food while partnering with State and Federal lawmakers to enact meaningful policy solutions, as well as increasing awareness and mobilizing others to address this issue.

Under Kathy's leadership, the Alliance hosted the first legislative SNAP challenge, created the Arkansas Legislative Hunger Caucus--the first of its kind in the country--and organized new partnerships in sectors previously not engaged in fighting hunger. Her leadership was instrumental in successfully expanding access to healthy food and enhancing State and Federal nutrition policies to help hungry kids. With a common goal of improving child nutrition programs, I was proud to collaborate with Kathy on a landmark measure to ensure children have access to healthy, nutritious meals year-round.

She is a dedicated public servant whose has spent her career striving to make Arkansas better. As city director and vice mayor of Little Rock, a member of the civic advisory board for the Little Rock School District, a former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, and volunteer at Susan G. Komen for the Cure events, her sustained presence and passion have benefited countless lives.

Kathy exemplifies what it means to give back to her community. I am grateful for all she has contributed locally and beyond to combat hunger over many years with so much important progress achieved. I appreciate our longtime friendship, and I know her impact will continue to be seen for generations to come. I wish her the best of luck in retirement.

Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to Arkansas State Police troopers Special Agent Matt Foster and Senior Corporal David Smothers, the 2023 State Law Enforcement Officers of the Year.

The Arkansas Officer of the Year Award honors members of law enforcement who exemplify bravery, service, and commitment. The recognition is bestowed upon officers who go above and beyond the call of duty. Special Agent Foster and Senior Corporal Smothers earned this distinction by saving a victim of human trafficking and apprehending the trafficker. Smothers was conducting a traffic stop on I-40 when, after recognizing the smell of marijuana, he initiated a search of the vehicle and found illegal drugs and weapons. Additional items discovered during the search led him to believe a woman in the car was the victim of human trafficking.

He contacted Special Agent Matt Foster, who is trained in recognizing and identifying victims of human trafficking. In an interview with the passenger, she confirmed to him how she had been trafficked for several months. Thankfully, Foster facilitated her rescue from this dangerous situation and helped place her in a recovery program specializing in assisting victims of human trafficking and drug use.

On behalf of all Arkansans, I thank Senior Corporal David Smothers and Special Agent Matt Foster for making sacrifices to keep us safe, saving the life of an innocent victim, and bringing offenders to justice. I applaud their courageous actions, compassion, and the use of their skills to enforce the law and protect the vulnerable.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Cotton and I be allowed to speak for up to 10 minutes, followed by Senator Tuberville for up to 10 minutes, prior to the scheduled rollcall vote.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Harding University football team on winning the 2023 Division II NCAA National Championship. The school is proud to call Searcy, AR, home, and we are pleased to join all those celebrating this historic, undefeated season.

Those of us who have ever played football or followed along as fans are familiar with the term that describes each team's time with the ball as they move down the field: ``drive.'' But drive is also what you need to finish a perfect season. The Harding Bisons exemplified it and racked up major achievements along the way, including breaking the collegiate rushing record with more than 6,000 yards on the ground for the season.

The Bisons' offense tapped into a tried-and-true style of football. Its successful run game propelled the team and wore down opponents all season long, culminating in a dominating performance in the national title game, where it scored 38 unanswered points.

As a former football player, I remember well how much this sport asks of young men. It is more than just a game, and the preparation that goes into competing at a high level can be grueling. Intense practices, careful film study, strength training, and much more are all key ingredients an elite program must get right. Harding did just that, in addition to putting on a consistent display of athleticism and skill.

Winning a national championship has solidified their brotherhood and forged a bond the team and its fans will hold on to for years to come. The hard work of the players, dedication of Coach Paul Simmons and his staff, as well as the enthusiastic support of alumni, fans, and the Searcy community, were all critical to making this dream come true.

Great coaches can get truly the best out of their players, so it is easy to see why Coach Simmons was named National Coach of the Year by D2Football.com. We applaud his commitment to excellence personally and for every individual involved with his team.

Senator Cotton and I, along with so many Arkansans, are thrilled to commemorate Harding's outstanding season. As Bisons players, coaches, and fans are painting Searcy black and gold this week to celebrate these champions, it truly is a time to honor them.

I look forward to seeing this program reach even further heights and am thankful for how it represents the university, community, and our State on and off the football field.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I rise today to recognize Rogers Fire Chief Tom Jenkins whose service and dedication will be missed following his retirement.

Tom has been a firefighter for 26 years, serving as chief of the Rogers Fire Department since 2009. He has truly lived out his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter and exceeded his young expectations.

As fire chief, he has worked tirelessly to develop and grow the department to fit the needs of the community. He advanced the department's medical services and improved the training of paramedics and firefighters to better serve Rogers residents. By making each ambulance a mobile emergency room and equipping each firetruck with medical equipment, he made sure citizens can get assistance no matter what type of emergency they are experiencing.

During his tenure, he successfully led the city to earning a class 1 rating by the Insurance Services Office. This accomplishment helped save property owners money as a result of the department's hard work and commitment to excellence.

Tom's leadership extends beyond Rogers. He served at the request of Arkansas Governors Mike Beebe and Asa Hutchinson on several State safety commissions and groups. He also served on the board of directors for the International Association of Fire Chiefs as second vice president. In 2017, he was elected president and chairman of the board. In this role, he traveled around the world observing other fire departments.

Tom is a humble servant who is always quick to give credit to the dedicated men and women he works with. He has seen the department through tremendous growth in the community, a pandemic, and more. He imparted a feeling of trust to citizens. They know when Rogers firefighters are on scene, they are in good hands.

While he will be missed, he has certainly earned a well-deserved retirement. Chief Jenkins demonstrated the true meaning of dedication, passion, and public service. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the achievements of Jeremy and Magen Allen who have been recognized as the 2023 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. This award reflects the dedication of the Allen family to farming and its contribution to the top industry in Arkansas.

As owners of JA Farms, Jeremy and Magen care for a 300-head of cow- calf herd and run their own hay operation. In addition to their farm, they oversee a diverse enterprise that includes JA Farms Feeds, a custom livestock feed business, and JA Farms Trucking, which facilitates transportation of their products. The Allen family's presence in Hot Springs County has proven vital to the community. Just one example of this was, when the sole Bismarck hardware store closed last year, the Allen family was quick to action, further expanding their enterprise to include JA Farms Feed & Mercantile, a retail storefront, in order to incorporate supplies and necessities utilized by farm families and others in the community. Since 1947, the Arkansas Farm Bureau's Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program recognizes outstanding farm families throughout the State for their contributions to the industry and their communities.

I am proud of the Allen family's embodiment of this mission. Jeremy and Magen are driven and hard-working, and this recognition is the fruit bore of that effort. As Arkansas Farm Family of the Year, JA Farms will be competing with nine other State winners to vieuie for the Sunbelt Age Expo Farmer of the Year Program in Moultrie, GA, where I and their fellow Arkansans will be wishing them the best of luck.

Congratulations to Jeremy, Magen, and their children Lane, Brody, Evelyn, and Eli for their outstanding accomplishments in agricuture. I wish them continued success in the future of their operation.