Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Joe Fox for his years of service and dedication to the State of Arkansas. For the past 11 years, Mr. Fox has served as the Arkansas State Forester, directing the good work of the forestry division within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to promote and steward the State's forestry community.

His leadership, dedication, and passion for forestry is worthy of celebration as his service as State forester comes to a well-deserved retirement. Joe boasts a long and rich history advocating for our natural resources. Prior to this role, he worked as the director of conservation forestry for the Arkansas branch of the Nature Conservancy. He is also the former president of the Arkansas Forestry Association and served on the Arkansas Forestry Commission from 1987 to 1997, serving as chairman in 1995 and 1996.

A native Arkansan, Joe is a third-generation lumber industry professional and the first in his family to receive a forestry degree from a university. His vast experience in conservation forestry has been instrumental in promoting forest health, stewardship, and conservation. Joe has been the guiding voice for the division of forestry and I, as well as the State of Arkansas, have been blessed to benefit from his advice and knowledge throughout his tenure. His testimony and expertise have been essential in informing forestry- related policy through our work on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. I am pleased to consider Joe a friend and am grateful for his service to our State.

I commend Joe for a job well done and wish him the best in this next chapter of his life.

Madam President, I rise today to recognize Blanchard Springs Caverns on its 50th anniversary. Blanchard Springs Caverns--BSC--opened to the public in 1973 after decades of underground exploration and development to share this natural wonder with the community and the entire world.

Blanchard Springs Caverns is the second-largest commercial cave in the country and is often described as one of the most beautiful. This is, in part, thanks to U.S. Forest Service--USFS--employees, community advocates, and outdoor enthusiasts who ensure they are maintained in their natural state--helping Arkansas live up to its own proud title as a home of spectacular outdoor elements and resources.

Although the first documented visit to the cave system was in 1934 by Civilian Conservation Corps planner Willard Hadley, its name is derived from the nearby spring that formed it and had been used by John H. Blanchard, a Civil War veteran who called the area home, to power a gristmill.

The Dripstone Trail Tour was the first to launch for recreational use, and as time went on, two other tours, the Discovery Trail and the Wild Cave, opened as well. BSC is referred to as a ``living'' or ``active'' cave, as it is constantly changing. The caverns include an underground river, delicate ``soda straw'' formations, stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and huge areas of flowstone. Along with the unique formations, it is also home to a number of species of cave animals. The USFS has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring preservation and conservation of the habitants including the Ozark blind salamander native to BSC. In addition to what is happening underground, there is also the amazing landscape of the Ozark National Forest. As people from all across the globe are attracted to the area for its splendor, they are driving the local economy. This popular destination helps support area businesses, spurring critical development and commerce.

I am pleased to recognize all those helping to maintain Blanchard Springs Caverns over the last five decades. This natural wonder is accessible and engaging because of their dedication to preserving it for all Arkansans and visitors to enjoy.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Chairman Bobby Martin, who has dedicated years of service to the preservation and conservation of our natural resources.

In 2016, Governor Asa Hutchinson appointed Bobby to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and since then, he has exemplified the very essence of public service, devoting himself to the noble cause of conservation. From a young age, Bobby enjoyed outdoor recreation. He became an avid outdoorsman from his first years duck hunting with his father near Wynne, which helped him become a lifelong, passionate conservationist with deep knowledge and appreciation for the natural resources throughout our State.

During his tenure at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, his hard

work and vision have paved the way for significant advancements in the protection and management of our State's rich wildlife and natural habitats. Under his guidance and vision, the commission has flourished, becoming a beacon of excellence and innovation in the field of conservation.

Bobby has been a leader in State and national conservation work, including helping Congress pass the landmark America's Conservation Enhancement Act to safeguard wildlife and ecosystems. He was instrumental in building the coalitions critical to advancing this legislation and protecting our natural resources for future generations to enjoy. He also helped develop the concept and plans for a highly successful shooting sports complex in Jacksonville.

His contributions have also been invaluable in communicating the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's priorities so our congressional delegation could support its efforts with Federal Agencies. He has illustrated and led through example the importance of building consensus and working together for a common goal. His commitment to environmental education and outreach programs has fostered a sense of stewardship among Arkansans of all ages through initiatives such as promoting shooting sports in schools.

I am so pleased that Bobby has used his leadership skills for public service. He is acknowledged as one of the most influential people in the retail community and has used those skills to think outside the box regarding the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, making sure the agency evolves and keeps pace with an ever-changing public demand. Bobby has demonstrated that ability in the business world and the conservation community has benefited immensely as he has used his deep knowledge, passion, and experience on its behalf.

He demonstrates what it means to go above and beyond in his role. His time as chairman is esteemed across The Natural State for his tireless work to preserve Arkansas's beautiful natural scenery and wildlife. As we recognize Bobby's years of service and dedication to conservation and celebrate his vision protect and enhance our beautiful State for future generations, I thank him for his dedication and service to Arkansas and wish him the best for years to come.

Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate CSM Steven Veazey on his upcoming retirement from the Arkansas Army National Guard after 44 years of distinguished military service to our great Nation.

CSM Veazey had an exceptional career in the Arkansas National Guard. For the past 12 years, he has served as the senior enlisted adviser to the adjutant general and Arkansas Governor on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale and proper utilization and progress of the Arkansas enlisted force.

After enlisting in the Army in 1979, CSM Veazey would go on to serve in various duties and leadership roles as an infantryman. He deployed in support of the U.S. peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As the senior enlisted leader of the Joint Forces of the Arkansas National Guard, his integrity, character and transparent leadership built an enduring trust with the 8,000 enlisted members under his command. His passion for building a trained, ready, and resilient force will have lasting positive impacts on the Arkansas National Guard, the servicemembers, and their families.

As the ranking member of the appropriations subcommittee responsible for ensuring our Armed Forces and their families have the infrastructure and facilities to support their needs, I met with CSM Veazey as he encouraged congressional support to strengthen National Guard priorities and military readiness. Arkansas can be proud of his advocacy and leadership that integrally contributed to the U.S. ability to maintain our military superiority.

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

When I was suddenly catapulted into the leadership of the

bus protest in Montgomery, Alabama, a few years ago, I felt

we would be supported by the white church. I felt that the

white ministers, priests and rabbis of the South would be

among our strongest allies. Instead, some have been outright

opponents, refusing to understand the freedom movement and

misrepresenting its leaders; all too many others have been

more cautious than courageous and have remained silent behind

the anesthetizing security of stained glass windows.

In spite of my shattered dreams, I came to Birmingham with

the hope that the white religious leadership of this

community would see the justice of our cause and, with deep

moral concern, would serve as the channel through which our

just grievances could reach the power structure. I had hoped

that each of you would understand. But again I have been

disappointed.

I have heard numerous southern religious leaders admonish

their worshipers to comply with a desegregation decision

because it is the law, but I have longed to hear white

ministers declare: ``Follow this decree because

integration is morally right and because the Negro is your

brother.'' In the midst of blatant injustices inflicted upon

the Negro, I have watched white churchmen stand on the

sideline and mouth pious irrelevancies and sanctimonious

trivialities. In the midst of a mighty struggle to rid our

nation of racial and economic injustice, I have heard many

ministers say: ``Those are social issues, with which the

gospel has no real concern.'' And I have watched many

churches commit themselves to a completely other worldly

religion which makes a strange, un-Biblical distinction

between body and soul, between the sacred and the secular.

I have traveled the length and breadth of Alabama,

Mississippi and all the other southern states. On sweltering

summer days and crisp autumn mornings I have looked at the

South's beautiful churches with their lofty spires pointing

heavenward. I have beheld the impressive outlines of her

massive religious education buildings. Over and over I have

found myself asking: ``What kind of people worship here? Who

is their God? Where were their voices when the lips of

Governor Barnett dripped with words of interposition and

nullification? Where were they when Governor Wallace gave a

clarion call for defiance and hatred? Where were their voices

of support when bruised and weary Negro men and women decided

to rise from the dark dungeons of complacency to the bright

hills of creative protest?''

Yes, these questions are still in my mind. In deep

disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church. But

be assured that my tears have been tears of love. There can

be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. Yes,

I love the church. How could I do otherwise? I am in the

rather unique position of being the son, the grandson and the

great grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the

body of Christ. But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred

that body through social neglect and through fear of being

nonconformists.

There was a time when the church was very powerful--in the

time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed

worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the

church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas

and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that

transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early

Christians entered a town, the people in power became

disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians

for being ``disturbers of the peace'' and ``outside

agitators.'' But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction

that they were ``a colony of heaven,'' called to obey God

rather than man. Small in number, they were big in

commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be

``astronomically intimidated.'' By their effort and example

they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and

gladiatorial contests. Things are different now. So often the

contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an

uncertain sound. So often it is an archdefender of the status

quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church,

the power structure of the average community is consoled by

the church's silent--and often even vocal--sanction of things

as they are.

But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before.

If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit

of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit

the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant

social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Every

day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church

has turned into outright disgust. Perhaps I have once again

been too optimistic. Is organized religion too inextricably

bound to the status quo to save our nation and the world?

Perhaps I must turn my faith to the inner spiritual church,

the church within the church, as the true ekklesia and the

hope of the world. But again I am thankful to God that some

noble souls from the ranks of organized religion have broken

loose from the paralyzing chains of conformity and joined us

as active partners in the struggle for freedom. They have

left their secure congregations and walked the streets of

Albany, Georgia, with us. They have gone down the highways of

the South on tortuous rides for freedom. Yes, they have gone

to jail with us. Some have been dismissed from their

churches, have lost the support of their bishops and fellow

ministers. But they have acted in the faith that right

defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. Their witness has

been the spiritual salt that has preserved the true meaning

of the gospel in these troubled times. They have carved a

tunnel of hope through the dark mountain of disappointment. I

hope the church as a whole will meet the challenge of this

decisive hour. But even if the church does not come to the

aid of justice, I have no despair about the future. I have no

fear about the outcome of our struggle in Birmingham, even if

our motives are at present misunderstood. We will reach the

goal of freedom in Birmingham and all over the nation,

because the goal of America is freedom.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to outstanding educator Capri Salaam, the 2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.

As a social studies teacher at North Little Rock Middle School, since 2015, Capri has become known for her innovative teaching practices, her ability to connect with students, and her efforts to stay involved in their lives even after they leave her classroom. She reflects her love for education and her students in the unique ways she connects with her class and engages with history. She also demonstrates extraordinary compassion and support beyond her classroom by investing in their well- being, ensuring students have access to ACT preparation programs, financial aid workshops, and tutoring programs in high school. As a teacher to seventh and eighth graders, she appreciates seeing students grow emotionally, physically, and mentally during this critical age as they become young adults.

Capri's dedication to the field of education is not only evident in her teaching styles, but also in her passion for continuing to learn. In addition to receiving a bachelor of arts in English from the University of Central Arkansas, Capri has a master of arts in teaching in middle school education and a master of science in special education. She is also working on earning a learning systems technology education graduate certificate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is licensed to teach social studies along with English and special education.

Outside of the classroom, Capri also continuously finds ways to be involved in her community. She is a member of the Junior League of North Little Rock and volunteers for Special Olympics, the Fellowship Baptist Church Special Needs Clothes Closet, and the North Little Rock Ole Main Clean-up.

Arkansas is fortunate to have an exceptional teacher like Capri representing the many great teachers in our State, as well as serving as a role model to future generations of educators. Capri demonstrates what it means to go above and beyond for her students. I congratulate her for this achievement and the positive impact she is making on the community and the entire State. Her passion and commitment offer an excellent example for others to follow. I am confident her efforts are inspiring future generations in the classroom and beyond.

Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of National Rendering Day.

As ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a voice for Arkansas farmers and ranchers, I have seen firsthand their dedication to producing the most affordable, abundant, and safe supply of food in the world. That responsibility extends beyond the farm, with rendering playing a critical role in ensuring we can meet the growing global demand for food, feed, and fuel.

U.S. renderers contribute $10 billion in annual economic activity. These include many small businesses which are the backbones of our economy. Utilizing innovative technologies and a highly skilled workforce, renderers reclaim otherwise wasted animal material such as protein, bone, and fat, as well as used cooking oil from restaurants.

For hundreds of years, renderers have been upcycling the unused materials into higher-value applications including pet food, biofuels, soaps, gels, and candles in addition to fertilizer. By reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, rendering makes our food production footprint smaller and helps minimize the environmental impacts of animal agriculture and food production.

In Arkansas, there are many successful rendering companies, and I am grateful for the jobs they create and their proficiency in generating useful products for consumers. We celebrate the inaugural National Rendering Day on April 21 and recognize the countless contributions of the industry to protecting the environment, delivering sustainable solutions, and growing the economy. I am pleased to join this special acknowledgment to help bring awareness to reducing and eliminating food waste through rendering and promote rendered products as a sustainable choice for our planet.

Mr. President, it is great to be here with Senator Carper and Senator Capito--two dear friends but also two leaders in the recycling effort, not only recycling in general but the Recycling Caucus--to raise the visibility of the importance of recycling from an environmental standpoint as well as the important role the industry has in our economy.

Of the many caucuses that I am a member of, the Senate Recycling Caucus is one of the most active.

The attention to recycling in Congress is night and day compared to what it was a couple of years ago, in large part because of Chairman Carper's leadership. So I want to thank him so much for his commitment not only in word but in deed.

When China implemented its ``National Sword'' policy in 2018, that halted the import of plastics and other materials destined for its recycling processors. As a result, we really began to see how crippled our domestic recycling abilities were. But through a lot of hard work, we are beginning to help the policymakers and the public and private sectors understand how recycling is common sense.

This is not a red or a blue State issue. Recycling is good for the economy, it creates jobs, and helps the environment. Everyone should be able to get on board with those incentives.

Recycling is a critical part of the United States, with it being a $200 billion industry that has created over 680,000 jobs. However, with the recycling rate in the United States currently sitting at around 32 percent, there is certainly room for improvement.

It will take a team effort to get where we want to be. Corporations, manufacturers, and leaders from across the spectrum all have a role to play in developing the best ways our country can be a global leader in this important industry.

One of the bills we are introducing today is the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act. This is a data collection bill at its core.

As it stands, there is no standardized data for our national recycling system, since there are upward of 10,000 individual recycling systems in the United States at local and State levels. It is hard to fix a recycling problem--it is hard to fix any problem--if you don't have a baseline data point to work with. That is what this bill is all about.

The other bill that we are championing is the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act. This pilot program will award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to improve recycling accessibility in a community or communities within the same geographic area.

While these bills will not completely fix our Nation's recycling system, we know it is progress. If we keep building on commonsense wins, I am confident the United States can become the leader globally in recycling, as it should be.

I look forward to further working with Senator Carper and Senator Capito and, again, thank them for their leadership and their efforts as we champion sustainable and economically beneficial policies that recycling is all about. We must continue to develop meaningful, long- term solutions that address the challenges facing the recycling industry today.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Frank Thomas who is retiring as vice president and assistant to the chairman at Stephens, Inc., after a long and dedicated career advocating on behalf of Arkansas. In his 27 years at Stephens, Inc., he was responsible for a number of duties, including outreach to elected officials as leader of the government affairs office, but his service and impact on Arkansas started long before.

Frank first pursued a career in journalism while attending the University of Arkansas. He served as the student station manager of KUAF before assuming the role of news director. He went on to work as a reporter at television and radio stations in Michigan and New York. He was called to continue serving Arkansans as an adviser to U.S. Senator David where he served in a number of capacities, including as the Senator's chief of staff.

In 2019, Frank was inducted into the University of Arkansas's Lemke Alumni Society's Hall of Honor in recognition of graduates who have enjoyed distinguished careers in journalism, brought honor and integrity to their respective communities and contributed to the growth of the school. Frank's expansive career has given him valuable experience and a wealth of knowledge that he was kind enough to share with Arkansas interns interested in serving The Natural State through my office's summer internship speaker series. Throughout his life, he has represented the very best of a public servant.

I am grateful for the friendship we have built and for his advice. I wish Frank and wife Sylvia much happiness as he begins a well-deserved retirement. I am confident their family, son John, daughter Lauren, and granddaughter Finley are excited for this next chapter.

Madam President, I rise today to recognize Faulkner County, Arkansas's 150th anniversary. Founded on April 12, 1873, Faulkner County has a rich history that is as diverse and vibrant as the rolling hills and farmland that make up its landscape. With the establishment of a railway station in the county seat of Conway, people started to settle in the area. Since then, thousands have come to know the area as home.

Named after the legendary Sandy Faulkner who was instrumental in the early development of Arkansas, Faulkner County has become a beacon of culture and community in the heart of The Natural State. From the official

state historic song, ``Arkansas Traveler,'' to the renowned Toad Suck Daze festival, Faulkner County has been proud to embrace its heritage and celebrate its unique identity.

With around 125,000 residents, Faulkner County is now the State's sixth most populated county and home to a thriving economy that has enhanced the quality of life. In Conway, also known as the City of Colleges, students at the University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College, and Central Baptist College enrich its social life and culture during the school year and long after graduation.

The county's proximity to Little Rock and major transportation routes makes it an ideal location for industry and business, while Lake Conway and Cadron Creek provide ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

As we mark this historic milestone, we celebrate the generations of families, workers, and leaders who have made Faulkner County the wonderful place it is today. From the pioneering settlers who first carved out a life in this beautiful land, to the innovative businesses and industries that now call it home, Faulkner County has always been defined by its spirit of resilience and determination.

Congratulations to the entire community on the 150th anniversary. I applaud the Faulkner County Historical Society for planning celebrations for all to enjoy and commemorate this occasion. I look forward to continuing working with area leaders to support their vision for future growth.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Bentonville, Arkansas's 150th anniversary.

Founded in 1873, Bentonville has a long and vibrant history. In 1837, a site was designated as the county seat for Benton County. Then in January 1873, residents filed a petition with Benton County to incorporate as the town of Bentonville. On March 28, incorporating documents including a petition, map, and transcripts of the court hearing were certified, and in April, the certified incorporating documents were officially filed with Benton County.

The county and the town, which became the county seat, were named in honor of Senator Thomas Hart Benton, from Missouri, in recognition of his advocacy for westward expansion of the United States that resulted in Arkansas's admission to the Union.

Over the years, this community has grown and flourished, becoming a hub of commerce and culture in the region. It officially became a city in 1905 and was known most for the agricultural activity that characterized its economy and lifestyle. Just a few decades later, its economic footprint began to change. By 1950, Sam Walton had opened the original Walton's 5&10 store on the Bentonville Square and helped transform the city as the company continued grow, expanding its influence both locally and globally.

Bentonville is also home to the stunning Crystal Bridges Art Museum, which houses a world-class collection of American art. The museum's architecture and natural surroundings make it a must-see destination for art lovers throughout the U.S. and around the world.

The Natural State is blessed with over 100,000 miles of streams and rivers, 600,000 acres of lakes, hundreds of miles of trails, and over 3.2 million acres of public land, and Bentonville is a great example of a community that embodies the opportunity these outdoor amenities hold. The city has become a premiere cycling destination with over 181 miles of dedicated trail across Bentonville and neighboring cities in the county. These paths have become a key cultural and economic driver and represent the strong recreational quality of life that thrives in the region.

Given its rapid growth, I have been proud to work with local leaders and support their efforts to improve infrastructure and allow citizens to enjoy these trails or access the unique opportunities available in the community and throughout Northwest Arkansas.

Congratulations to the entire Bentonville community on the milestone of 150 years and counting. I applaud the City of Bentonville Public Art Advisory Committee members for their hard work and dedication in organizing the celebratory events. They have brought pieces of the past together in a commemorative logo that defines the history, small-town feel and culture that is Bentonville. The State flower of the apple blossom shares the story of the city's history as a one-time top apple producer. I am pleased to see the excitement in recognition of this occasion and wish the community the very best as it continues to grow, help define northwest Arkansas, and serve as wonderful place to live, work, and explore.

Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the staggering crime problem plaguing the Nation's Capital and an outrageous attempt to unleash even more of it on residents and visitors alike.

The DC City Council unanimously voted last year to substantially weaken its criminal code, including by eliminating life sentences and most mandatory minimums for any crime but first-degree murder.

It is also lowering maximum penalties for some violent offenses like carjacking and robberies. These so-called reforms weren't just opposed by Republicans; they were even a bridge too far for the District's Democratic Mayor who vetoed the legislation, only to see that overruled by the City Council by a 12 to 1 margin.

DC is experiencing a wave of the very crimes this proposal is going soft on. There have been 99 carjackings so far this year. Thirty-eight homicides have occurred in 2023, and 203 murders took place in the city last year--the second consecutive year its total surpassed 200.

This preposterous answer to DC's public safety crisis was also rejected by the Washington Post editorial board,

which said the city could become more dangerous while even further tying the hands of police and prosecutors if this effort were to succeed.

Let's be clear, only in an overwhelmingly liberal city, with years of support from liberal lawmakers at the Federal level, would something like this ill-conceived crime spree incentive be possible. It is just bad policy. It is also unbelievably insensitive and disrespectful to victims on the receiving end of heinous and violent crimes.

There is no justice in downplaying crime. There also can be no pretense of keeping the public safe and upholding the law and order when leaders refuse to demand true accountability from those who brazenly break the law.

How should these victims react to these senseless proposals that delegitimize their suffering and the consequences that they will provoke?

Unlike our Democratic colleagues, Republicans won't make excuses for criminals, and we won't sit back and allow far-left ideology to gut the criminal justice system of civility to deter and punish unlawful, violent behavior.

For too long, our friends on the other side of the aisle have used, frankly, irresponsible rhetoric about crime and policing that would inevitably lead to ideas as bad as this or worse. From ``defund the police'' to ``reimagining justice,'' there has been no shortage of liberal slogans and agendas to undermine the rule of law and minimize crime's societal impacts.

Democrats in Washington, including President Biden, have only poured fuel to the fire. Many have openly embraced these absurd concepts, including the 173 House Democrats who refused to overturn the DC Council and stand up on the side of common sense.

Let's not forget the ultimate irony in all of this, which is the fact that for the last 2 years, Democrats were demanding the Senate abolish the legislative filibuster in order to ram through party-line votes on incredibly bad policies, including DC statehood.

It seems that, for Democrats, giving the District complete autonomy over its affairs is a useful political talking point, until it isn't. If that doesn't undermine just how bad faith the push to wreck the Senate was, I really don't know what will; and I am so grateful a few of our colleagues on the other side had the courage to reject it.

So, Mr. President, I am pleased to hear that my colleagues and the President--and apparently even the DC City Council--seem willing to draw the line here. Thank goodness.

The question of how long it will last or if they have really learned a time-tested lesson is still quite open. For the Nation's Capital and our entire country, I hope this outbreak of sanity and appreciation of law and order is long lasting.

I thank Senator Hagerty for leading the charge. He has done a tremendous job, and I think it made a real difference.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I rise today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ``Arkansas Week,'' the flagship public affairs program of Arkansas PBS.

Since its first broadcast in 1983, ``Arkansas Week'' has delivered consistent and reliable in-depth news and analysis of events in Little Rock and throughout our State to the Nation's Capital and beyond, as well as robust coverage of policies that impact all Arkansans.

In a recent column recognizing this milestone, long-time host Steve Barnes explained the focus of the program has always been the matters that matter. There is no doubt the discussions featured on this program have encouraged Arkansans to advocate for change, influenced policies and procedures at all levels of government and brought attention to undercovered issues.

Arkansans have had a front-row seat to the evolving political climate of the last four decades as a result of ``Arkansas Week.'' We have seen a lot of changes and the voices on this show have provided valuable insight. The ``Arkansas Week'' roundtable panel is a signature segment of the show that has brought together the best and brightest journalists and experts in the State to deliver unique perspectives in a manner that expands on the stories covered in print and allows for a broader discussion beyond the headlines. I have been honored to join this mainstay numerous times and talk with Steve as well as other hosts and guests to contribute to Arkansans' awareness of the issues and events that directly affect them.

Throughout the years, ``Arkansas Week'' has brought together people from across the political spectrum to share their thoughts. The program has always fostered an atmosphere where its acceptable to disagree without being disagreeable, a feature truly appreciated by the viewers and guests alike. It is even more important at a time when polarization is too common.

As we celebrate its storied history of delivering information to citizens in all corners of our State, I applaud the dedication of Steve Barnes and the men and women who work tirelessly each week to create ``Arkansas Week.'' Our State is grateful to all those who have been part of this program over the past four decades on being a reliable, informative source for news.

Mr. President, today I rise to recognize and congratulate the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission's 30th anniversary.

For three decades, the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission has worked to promote and preserve the life and legacy of Dr. King in The Natural State and advocate the principles of nonviolence and equality among all citizens.

Dr. King devoted his life to pursuing equality and fighting injustice. His leadership of the civil rights movement ushered in a turning point in our country's history. His vision and influence will forever be part of America's identity.

Arkansas's MLK Jr. Commission works year-round teaching about the life of Dr. King and encouraging us all to take action to improve the lives of others. Through programs devoted to empowering individuals and communities, it has made a positive difference and inspired the next generation of leaders.

The commission organizes a number of community outreach projects that help further education, foster appreciation of history, and encourage youth to engage in positive leadership development right in their own neighborhoods and beyond. Notably, it hosts one of the largest national celebrations and day of service events in recognition of Dr. King.

It has been praised by Dr. Bernice King, daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as one of the most active commissions in the country. In 2017, the group hosted what was coined a MegaKing Fest that emphasized a theme of ``Passing the Torch'' of the civil rights icon's legacy to future generations.

I am pleased to congratulate the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission on this milestone of 30 years of service to our State. Dr. King's legacy and mission live on through its efforts and we are proud of what it represents and the impact is continues to make.

Mr. President, today I rise to highlight the need to strengthen our alliances as bad actors around the world continue to threaten peace and global stability.

In August, my Senate colleagues and I took a critical step to bolster our defense by ratifying Finland and Sweden as NATO members. This was the right action to take. It is time for all remaining NATO member countries to follow this example and approve expanding our Transatlantic Alliance by adding two very valuable and reliable partners.

In just a few short weeks, we will be marking a grim milestone of the 1-year anniversary of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Russia's brutal actions in Ukraine, coupled with its increasingly escalatory rhetoric and continued aggression, have shown us and our allies that we must strengthen our collective ability to maintain global stability. Given their proximity to Russia, Finland and Sweden are investing in their capabilities to prevent a similar attack.

The Finns have demonstrated their willingness to enhance NATO's military strength by significantly increasing military spending above NATO's requirements, participating in joint military training exercises, and strengthening its air power with upgrades to an F-35 fleet under the Foreign Military Sales program.

Finland has been one of NATO's most active partners and a strong contributor to NATO-led operations and missions in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The Finns have also delivered crucial support to Ukraine by providing hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid in addition to providing critical humanitarian assistance.

Finland's large, well-trained ground force and increasingly capable air force are interoperable with NATO. The Finns also have extensive experience in monitoring Russian activities along their 833-mile shared border, and its addition would make defending the Baltic States so much easier.

Earlier this month, I visited Finland and met with defense leaders who reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation and the value they would bring to NATO. As a member of NATO, I have no doubt Finland would be a net contributor of security, not a taker.

I strongly urge remaining members to join the U.S. and approve Finland's and Sweden's accessions to NATO to confront evolving security challenges and the ongoing threat posed by Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

I yield the floor.