Floor Statements

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize CMSgt Joshua K. Leonard for his dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force and the Senate as a legislative defense fellow. Josh has served as a vital part of my team since January 2023. He has been a trusted adviser on issues relating to the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security.

Josh enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in June 2005. His continued service is a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of every servicemember who protects our Nation and defends our freedoms. His effort and passion distinguished him as a valuable member of my legislative team. I am proud to have someone like Josh on my staff, who understands the significance of maintaining America's air superiority and caring for our servicemembers and their families.

During his tenure in my office, he led the charge in introducing the Gerald's Law Act. This critical initiative would expand the Department of Veterans Affairs burial benefits eligibility to terminally ill veterans who pass away at a non-VA facility while receiving hospice care. As he is soon to be promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant, Josh's character and consistent display of knowledge, leadership, and devotion deserve to be recognized and rewarded. I am confident he will continue to serve our country honorably.

I am incredibly grateful for his support on behalf of the people of Arkansas. Both in the Nation's Capital and while visiting the Natural State, he spoke with and listened to the concerns of Arkansas's veterans and their families. While stationed at the Little Rock Air Force Base, Josh worked tirelessly to ensure the concerns of our veterans and military community were heard and their issues were resolved. We have been very fortunate to have Josh serve Arkansans as a legislative defense fellow. I also want to thank his wife Mrs. Shauntai Leonard and his beloved children Josiah, Lincy, and Kayla for their support during his time in uniform. Growing up in a military family, I understand that service in the Armed Forces is a family affair and impossible without their sacrifice and unconditional support.

Josh, thank you for your continued service to the U.S. Air Force and all your heartfelt, committed work as a member of my staff. Having you on my team has been a privilege, and you will always be welcomed here. I know that you will remain an asset to our military and veterans in addition to any other endeavors you pursue; I wish you and your family the best and congratulate you on this well-deserved promotion.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Arkansas Farm Bureau president, Mr. Rich Hillman, and the integral role he has had in serving the State of Arkansas and her agricultural pursuits and to celebrate his years of fervent dedication and leadership as his tenure at the helm of the organization comes to a close.

For the past 4 years, Rich has served faithfully as the Arkansas Farm Bureau State president, preceded by 11 years as vice president, and prior involvement on the Arkansas Farm Bureau board of directors dating back to 2001. His influence on the industry is further proven through his service in a number of leadership positions on the national and State levels and especially in his local community.

For more than 20 years, farm families and rural communities across the Natural State have welcomed Rich's leadership with gratitude and depended on him to be a true advocate of their needs. They have relied on him to ensure that policies developed in Washington will benefit farmers and ranchers and the communities that surround them.

Rich's leadership has been marked by wisdom gained through experience. To lead by example is a trait worthy of admiration and one that Rich has undoubtably exemplified. He is a proud sixth-generation farmer in Lonoke County, where he and his wife Tina have grown rice, soybeans, corn, and most importantly, a capable and passionate seventh- generation of agriculturalists in their children Collin and Caroline; their grandchildren; and generations to come.

It is because of people like Rich that I remain hopeful for the future of agriculture. His pragmatic advice has long been paramount in informing our work on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition,

and Forestry Committee and been instrumental in crafting important legislation to support Arkansas agriculture.

I cherish the friendship and counsel I have found in Rich and wish to thank him again for his unwavering dedication to Arkansas's agricultural producers. Though he is stepping down from his role as Arkansas Farm Bureau State president, I know that he will continue to be a fierce advocate for the needs of the industry.

I wish Rich, Tina, and the Hillman family the best as they enter into this new chapter of their lives.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Robert Costrell, professor of education reform and economics and endowed chair in education accountability at the University of Arkansas, who is retiring in December.

Dr. Costrell dedicated his career to improving education as a scholar and public policy adviser. He served in major policy roles to three Massachusetts Governors. In addition, his leadership has been valuable at the national level where he served in several roles to improve education. In 2001, he was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige to serve on the Advisory Council on Education Statistics, and in 2008, he was appointed by Secretary Margaret Spellings to serve on the National Technical Advisory Council. For his contributions to education finance and public pensions, Dr. Costrell was honored with the Steven D. Gold Award in 2020.

He demonstrates the same passion for education as a champion for Israel. Dr. Costrell is a leading voice in Arkansas for advancing policies supporting our friend and ally. He has helped educate citizens and leaders at all levels of government about the importance of a strong U.S.-Israeli relationship. His advocacy is especially important today as Israel is under attack by terrorists. As Dr. Costrell would tell us, Israel has a right to defend itself and secure the safety of its people. The U.S. must continue to support Israel through these difficult times.

While Dr. Costrell may be retiring from academia, it is not likely he will slow down. I am confident he will continue to be a vocal supporter of Israel's right to exist and fight to ensure we deliver on our promise to our ally.

I applaud Dr. Costrell for his tremendous career helping shape education policy and setting the stage for success for future generations. I am also grateful for his significant impact in Arkansas and in Washington, DC, as a strong advocate for Israel. I appreciate his friendship and example. I wish him well as he begins a new chapter.

Mr. President, I rise today in honor of a dear friend Jim Deremeik who dedicated his career to supporting low-vision rehabilitation care and education.

Jim and I first met at the New York Lighthouse Guild. I was finishing my optometry studies and doing an externship with the lighthouse program, and Jim was working at the Arkansas School for the Blind. Our work at the New York Lighthouse Guild involved learning how to better enable people who are blind, but still had partial vision, to use this remaining vision through magnifiers and other devices so they could better navigate a sighted world. Through Jim's persistence, I began volunteering in Little Rock at the Arkansas School for the Blind and developing a low-vision program. Working together and with the great team at the school, we were able to make a big difference in the lives of many students. Our working relationship turned into a deep friendship.

My old football coach at the University of Arkansas Frank Broyles always used to say there are two kinds of people: givers and takers. I soon learned that Jim was the definition of a giver. Over the years, Jim has received many awards and accolades, but the thing he will be most remembered for is his servant leadership towards his students and clients, along with the example that he has set for his friends and coworkers.

I know Jim is retiring, but I can't imagine him not being involved in some way through various organizations and entities to continue helping others. My only regret is that life has taken us down separate paths, and we have not gotten to spend nearly as much time with each other as I would like. I wish Jim and Peggy, his wonderful wife, the best. The blind community is much better off as a result of the dedication and care of Jim Deremeik.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Peter Jensen, an AARP 2024 Purpose Prize honoree. This national honor recognizes individuals who are using their life experience to make a positive difference.

Seeing a problem with mental health care access for children, Dr. Jensen founded the REACH Institute in 2006. This nonprofit organization ensures effective and scientifically proven care reaches children and their families. REACH trains primary care providers, therapists, and other health professionals to diagnose and treat young patients.

As a result of this innovative way to connect providers and patients, more than 6,000 pediatricians and physicians in all 50 States have been trained to be ``first responders'' to children with mental health needs.

Dr. Jensen's health challenges as a child shaped an interest in psychology and inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. He earned a medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine and has served in leading research and education roles including for Child and Adolescent Research at the National Institute of Mental Health, the Mayo Clinic, and a professor at Columbia University and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Arkansas is fortunate to have an exceptional, selfless leader like Dr. Jensen who identified a problem and implemented a solution to improve patient care and outcomes. His passion and commitment offer an excellent example for others to follow.

I applaud AARP for recognizing Dr. Jensen's work to build a better future. Dr. Jensen demonstrates what it truly means to go above and beyond for others. I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor and his positive impact. His remarkable achievements offer a model of success that will help patients for generations to come.

Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to outstanding educator Pam Cummings, the 2023 Arkansas History Teacher of the Year.

Cummings has dedicated her life to education and teaching the next generation of Arkansans. She started her career at a public charter school in Little Rock before becoming a history teacher in the Benton School District. For the last 12 years, she has shared her passion for history with Panther students in a number of classes, including U.S. history, advanced placement government, and world history. Her interest in history shapes her lessons and that enthusiasm is passed along to her students. When students see the real-world effect of what she is teaching, it brings her joy to see the connection. In addition to earning bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science, she has master's degrees in American history and government and education theory and practice. This leaves no doubt about her expertise and excellence in the classroom. In 2018, Cummings was named a recipient of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship for Arkansas. She has also served on the Arkansas Coalition for Social Studies.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the History Teacher of the Year award is presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the Nation's leading organization dedicated to K-12 American history education. The award honors one K-12 history teacher from each State, Washington DC, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories.

Teachers shape the future. Arkansans can be proud knowing our youth have such a talented and knowledgeable educator who is committed to her craft. I congratulate Pam Cummings for this achievement and the positive impact she is making on the community. I am confident her efforts are inspiring a lifelong interest in history.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Arkansas True Vision Children's Homes for its tremendous work on behalf of children in foster care.

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute--CCAI--recently recognized Arkansas True Vision as a 2023 Angels in Adoption honoree. I believe it is well-deserved for the organization's clear dedication to ensuring better outcomes for children in foster care. CCAI coordinates the Angels in Adoption program and raises awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent homes.

Arkansas True Vision operates three facilities in the State to address a variety of critical needs--helping children in dire situations, supporting foster children who need special care, and keeping sibling groups together. This nonprofit organization supports 40-50 kids daily and is a licensed service provider for the Arkansas Department of Children and Family Services. In addition to its mission of caring for kids in emergencies and long-term foster care, the organization has also assisted in 60 adoptions since 2015. The Florence Crittenton Home in Little Rock opened in 2004 as True Vision's first children's home. It serves as a residential group home providing emergency shelter services and long-term residential care for children and adolescents in need of a safe and secure environment.

The Maggie House in Charleston provides long term residential care to foster children, many with complex cases. The kids live in small group cottages and are supported by house parents, case managers, therapists, and many other community and school resources.

In addition, Arkansas True Vision's newest mission is the Young Children's Home in Fort Smith. This unique program has become a model for home-based foster care where three special houses provide care for sibling groups on a neighborhood style campus.

As a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I am inspired by the work of Arkansas True Vision's volunteers, direct care staff, leaders, and community partners who are working every day to improve the lives of young people.

On behalf of the people of the Natural State, I extend my gratitude and congratulations to Arkansas True Vision Children's Homes for this recognition and the positive impact it will continue to make in the lives of youth in need of safe and loving homes.

Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate Lt. Gen. Glen W. Moorhead III on earning the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Air Force Association.

Wally, as he is known to his close friends and colleagues, is a native of Arkansas. He has an outstanding record in service to our Nation's air superiority. He entered the Air Force upon graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1969, after which he deployed to Asia and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery in the Vietnam war.

As leadership noticed his ability to push his aircraft to the limit in combat, they brought him back home to apply those lessons learned in his A-37 to the Air Force's new platform, the A-10. The A-10 was effective in military operations and was loved by those on the ground. Moorhead played a leading role in the validation of the A-10 and development of the training program, so much so that he led the inaugural weapons school course on the platform. Moorhead was further entrusted with leadership of the Air Warfare Center, which in addition to serving as one of the major testing and evaluation operations of the U.S. Air Force, is also the home of the revered Thunderbirds. He ultimately was assigned to serve as deputy commander of U.S. European Command.

Moorhead's long-lasting impact on the military space community is evident. While commander of the 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base, he was dual-hatted as commander of the Space Warfare Center, which conducted tactics, techniques, and procedures development for space operations and has evolved into a significant part of the Space Force's Space Training and Readiness Command. Not only did he leave a notable imprint upon those under his command, but his enduring legacy will continue for generations of Guardians to come.

Perhaps Moorhead's most consequential role, however, has been as key adviser in the development and standup of the Space Force. No one could overstate the value of his mentorship to the leaders of the Space Force as they assess its current and future needs in pursuit of the vital mission to secure our national interests in, from, and to space.

The sustained record of excellence of Glen Wallace Moorhead has made our country better and safer, and he is to be commended for his lifetime of leadership to our Space Force and Air Force.

As the ranking member of the Senate appropriations subcommittee responsible for ensuring our Armed Forces and their families have the infrastructure and facilities to support their needs, it is an honor to recognize Lieutenant General Moorhead on his outstanding impact within our military.

Arkansas can be proud of his advocacy and leadership that integrally contributed to the United States' ability to maintain our military superiority.

On behalf of the U.S. Senate and a grateful nation, I extend my deepest appreciation to Lieutenant General Moorhead for his many years of exemplary military service and sacrifice. I wish him nothing but the very best in the future.

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

Mr. President, I am very happy to join Senator Murray today in presenting the fiscal year 2024 and 2025 appropriations bill for the Department of Veterans Affairs and for the Department of Defense military construction.

I am proud to be a part of this first minibus as we continue the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process and the return to regular order. As in years past, this subcommittee crafted the bill in an open and bipartisan way, and I expect to continue that today as we consider this bill on the floor.

This bill takes into consideration the needs of our veterans, their families, and our servicemembers, and, within that framework, we have created a thoughtful and responsible path for both Departments and our related Agencies.

This bill provides $154.352 billion in discretionary spending, which is $184 million over last year's level. Within that, the Department of Veterans Affairs is provided $134.8 billion in discretionary funding, which is $85 million over last year's level. Included in that level is $121 billion for veterans' medical care, a $2.3 billion increase over last year.

This bill funds priority accounts to prevent veteran suicide, increase rural access to healthcare, and support critical mental health programs. It helps to prevent veterans' homelessness and provides funding for innovative medical research.

The bill provides $19.07 billion to support military construction and family housing needs and funds a total of 163 major military construction projects, which we desperately need.

This bill will give the Department of Defense the resources it needs to project power globally, enhance our warfighting capabilities, and train the forces. This bill also provides $1.9 billion to improve the quality of life for servicemembers and their families.

I also want to note that the bill includes $471.3 million for our related Agencies, which include the American Battle Monuments Commission, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

I want to thank Chair Murray and Vice Chair Collins for their leadership with the total committee, and also I want to specifically thank Chair Murray and her staff and my staff for the hard work they have done in crafting this bill to get us to where we are at today. So we appreciate them.

Also, we will be encouraging votes so that we can actually get these bills across the finish line.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise to recognize the life and advocacy of child nutrition champion Dorothy Caldwell who passed away on August 13, 2023.

From a young age, it was clear to her teachers and others around her that Dorothy would make a difference in Arkansas. She was a trailblazer.

Dorothy was active in 4-H and graduated high school at the age of 16. With help from her community, she was the first person in her family to attend college. At the University of Arkansas, she was involved in a number of activities. She served as vice president and chaplain of Phi Upsilon Omicron, the university's home economics sorority. As a senior, she traveled all over the State for her duties as president of the Arkansas Future Teachers of America.

She fostered a passion for helping students and went to work improving nutrition programs, first as director of food and nutrition for the Lee County School District and, from 1988-1997, as director of child nutrition for the Arkansas Department of Education. Her skills, experience and commitment to public service took her to Washington, DC, where she worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 4 years. Dorothy continued her leadership advancing child nutrition policy in numerous roles including as president of the School Nutrition Association. In this capacity she helped develop nationwide child nutrition standards. Her tireless advocacy on behalf of school-age children resulted in standardized lunch times, education initiatives about healthy eating and the launch of student breakfast programs. She earned the honor of ``School Nutrition Hero'' from the School Nutrition Foundation at its 50th anniversary celebration.

Dorothy dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and ensuring they receive the nutrition necessary to succeed. As we continue building on the groundwork she established and improve access to USDA school meal programs, we remember and honor her tireless efforts and admirable example.

I offer my deepest condolences to her family, friends and those who had the privilege to work alongside such a wonderful person. I am hopeful they can find comfort knowing Dorothy's legacy will live on.

Mr. President, I rise to recognize the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District. The history of this vital entity can be traced back to 1873 when Captain William Henry Harrison Benyuard opened the Monroe-based branch to address surveys and conduct wreck removals on the Yazoo and Ouachita Rivers. Today, the Vicksburg District encompasses areas across Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana containing nine major river basins and incorporating approximately 460 miles of mainline Mississippi River levees.

As U.S. Senator for Arkansas, I have worked closely with the Vicksburg District Corps leaders on many projects to benefit The Natural State. I have always appreciated our collaboration to strengthen navigation, conservation, recreation and water supply on the Ouachita River. To better serve the communities adjacent to tributaries and reservoirs in its jurisdiction, I have worked alongside the Corps to fund studies in the Ouachita River Basin and support its flood risk management mission on the Red and Ouachita Rivers. The District has also been instrumental in securing additional water supply for the city of Hot Springs and Central Arkansas Water via Lake Ouachita and Lake DeGray.

The Corps plays an important role in managing safety and environmental issues for our waterways and related structures. As a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I proudly support these efforts and am committed to always working to ensure it has the funding and resources necessary to carry out its mission.

I look forward to continuing our partnership and delivering the resources to improve Corps infrastructure and facilities, and I congratulate the Vicksburg District on 150 years of managing water resources and responding to emergencies for the benefit of the entire region it serves and supports.

Madam President, I rise today to applaud the efforts of the young people who interned in my Washington, DC, and Arkansas offices this summer.

I appreciate their commitment and dedication to serving Arkansans and

being an ambassador for our office. These talented students and recent graduates have grown professionally and personally through this experience. On a daily basis, they provided support to all areas of office operations. From giving tours of the U.S. Capitol, to drafting press releases and researching legislation, they played a vital role in helping us provide the best possible constituent service.

Interns also took advantage of our speaker series, hearing from some of Arkansas' best and brightest in our Nation's Capital. This summer offered our interns memorable moments, including attending Prime Minister Modi's arrival at the White House, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and the Army Birthday Run at Arlington National Cemetery. These responsibilities and opportunities allow interns to maximize their time in the Nation's Capital while ultimately serving the Natural State.

I would like to recognize the following interns for their hard work and service to Arkansans this summer: Alex Sumrall, Danny Moreno, Reese Maginn, Cross Thompson, Wyatt Bailey, Kylie Roesler, Sydney Kincaid, Ben Sherman, Julija Eddy, Kendall Webb, Blake Bradshaw, Rebecca Brown, Trey Nichols, Sam Woodhouse, John Reagan Hiland, Jackson Renfro, and Colin Keady all served in the Washington, DC office.

Anna Mathis, Kade Miller, Logan Moss, Heath Brandt, Ryan Munley, and Mary Eichenberger served as interns for the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.

Victoria Moody, Buddy Gaston, Jake Strawn, and Kyleigh Threlkeld served in State offices.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our interns for their service. Their contributions to our office have been invaluable, and I wish them all the best.

Madam President, I rise today to recognize DaySpring Cards president James Barnett, who is retiring after 42 years of service with the world's largest Christian expression company.

James is a business leader, family man, person of faith, community supporter, and author. A native of Northwest Arkansas, he holds a bachelor of science degree in business from John Brown University and an MBA from the Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas.

After beginning his DaySpring career as an intern, James was inspired to expand the company's reach into well-known retail stores. His four- decade commitment to DaySpring led to a successful career that incorporated his dedication to business and ministry.

Since 1994, James has led DaySpring with humility, strength, and a servant's heart. His leadership has been instrumental in the company's mission of sharing God's word over the course of four decades. Even in times of deep division in our Nation, his stewardship has helped encourage countless people to live out their faith with devotion and positivity.

His impact extends far beyond DaySpring. James has been very involved in organizations around his community including athletic, charitable, and scholastic boards. He served on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and in 2020, he was board chairman of the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves on the Walton School of Business Advisory Board and is a member of the WorkMatters board.

I congratulate James on his faithful service and wish him the best in his retirement, where I know he will be happy to spend more time with his wife Marilyn, their children, and grandchildren. I know he will continue working in different but meaningful ways to spread God's love.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Shannon Newton on 20 years of dedicated service to the Arkansas Trucking Association. Shannon began her career with ATA working with the organization's self-insurers' fund after starting in the trucking industry at Maverick Transportation in North Little Rock. She quickly advanced within ATA after demonstrating her talents and skills to support and enhance the trucking industry. Since 2014, Shannon has served as president of ATA. Under her leadership, the organization has been tremendously strengthened and serves as a professional, organized, and effective advocate for Natural State truckers.

The work Shannon has done on behalf of Arkansas trucking is remarkable. Her leadership in such a critical industry has received national recognition. Shannon was awarded the Mike Russel Trucking Image Award from the American Trucking Association in 2017 and received the American Trucking Associations' President's Trucking Association Executives Council Leadership Award in 2018. The trucking industry in Arkansas has benefited from Shannon's guidance and steady hand. She has worked tirelessly to build coalitions, create relationships and ensure pro-safety, pro-trucking policies are enacted at the State and national levels.

I have worked closely with Shannon during her tenure at ATA and have always been impressed by her passion and dedication in service to the men, women, and industry suppliers who help keep our country moving. I look forward to many more years of partnering to champion policies and reforms that will improve the trucking industry in Arkansas and across our country.