Floor Statements

Mr. President, today I rise to honor the life of Qubilah Jones who passed away on December 31, 2022, after a long battle with lymphedema.

Raised in Marianna, AR, Qubilah was called to serve others. She lived in Jonesboro, AR, but her heart touched people far beyond the city limits. Qubilah dedicated herself to her family and her community. She was an active member of Mount Zion Baptist, a published poet, and a passionate community service advocate.

Qubilah launched her broadcasting career as a radio host at the nonprofit radio station KLEK in 2016, where she became known as the Voice of Jonesboro. In this role, she worked to inform the community by conducting hundreds of interviews with nonprofit, faith-based, and government leaders in the region.

Even through her battle with lymphedema, those who knew Qubilah best said she never let the disease stop her from making a positive difference. She led by example. In 2017, Qubilah was named Volunteer of the Year for the more than 2,000 hours of community service she provided, as well as encouraging others to get involved.

She was an inspiration to many with an official proclamation of Qubilah Jones Day in Jonesboro and her alma mater, Arkansas State University, having lit its library tower pink in her honor serving as evidence of her impact. Her advocacy for awareness and treatment of lymphedema, helped lead to passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act days before her passing. This law will help support the needs of others living with this condition.

I join Qubilah's family, friends, and countless others in mourning her passing. She has left a tremendous legacy that will last for years to come.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Sebastian County Judge David Hudson who recently retired after nearly five decades of service to the county and its citizens.

Judge Hudson grew up in Fort Smith. I have been blessed to know him since

our days at Darby Junior High School and he has been a dear friend ever since. He earned his bachelor and master's degrees from the University of Arkansas and started working for Sebastian County in 1976 as an administrative assistant. Two decades later, he was elected to his first term as the Sebastian County judge.

Judge Hudson spent his career improving the financial management of the county while continuing to implement critical projects. Without raising taxes, he led the renovation of the county courthouse, an expansion of the county jail, and construction of a new courts building, waterpark, and EMS facility, all of which have greatly served the county and its residents.

He was also a champion for the creation of the State's first crisis stabilization unit, which I had the privilege of visiting with Judge Hudson. He worked closely with law enforcement, prosecutors, and mental health professionals to see the completion of this project to provide an alternative to jail and emergency rooms for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Throughout his career, he has been a champion for law enforcement, the court system, and our first responders, and I appreciate his dedication to solving these important issues.

Judge Hudson distinguished himself as an advocate for the community and a champion of the people who call the region home. Before being elected as county judge, he managed the Sebastian County Emergency Medical Services for 15 years. He also served in a number of roles including as an educator at the former Westark Community College, as well as an active member and leader of numerous civic organizations and State and local boards and commissions.

I congratulate Judge David Hudson for his outstanding work and years of service to Sebastian County. I appreciate his friendship and excellent leadership which has resulted in improvement and growth throughout the county. I wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 1973 Vaster High School basketball team on the 50th anniversary of its overall state championship game performance and the way it continues to inspire many Arkansans to this day.

From the small, rural Jefferson County community of Moscow, and with a first-year head coach, the Vaster basketball team had a remarkable season, earning the Class B title and advancing to the finals in the overall tournament. Vaster defeated bigger and better teams to earn the right to play in the overall championship contest against the powerhouse players of Little Rock Central High School.

The Vaster squad was certainly the underdog, but they played hard and kept the game close through late in the fourth quarter. In the final moments, they came up short, but despite the crushing defeat, the Vaster players held their heads high and fans rallied around these young men who proudly represented their community. They revealed wisdom beyond their years in learning from the loss, taking pride in all they had achieved and still displaying true sportsmanship.

Stories like theirs bring communities together and create memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Their performance at the end of the 1973 season has forged a bond between the players, coaches, and spectators that still sparks passion today.

I applaud the coaches and players for their ability to show such grit and resilience on the court and grace in defeat. By overcoming challenges they faced along their hard-fought journey, the Vaster team demonstrated the power of uniting to achieve a common goal. Even 50 years later, this game represents something bigger than just basketball in the lesson it provides--anyone can face long odds, and even suffer a defeat, but still be considered a winner.

Madam President, I rise today to congratulate the Huneycutt family for earning the distinction of Arkansas Farm Family of the year.

This honor reflects the dedication of brothers Ted and Steve Huneycutt to farming and the important role they play in Arkansas' No. 1 industry. Ted and his wife Cindy have four children: Sara, Trey, Luke, and Greyson. Steve and his wife Leanne also have four children: Josh, Jessica, Ashley, and Logan. The family has been farming in Clark County since 1882.

On their 4,000-acre farm, the Huneycutts raise cattle and grow cotton, wheat, corn, soybeans, and hay. They also operate the Barn at Richwoods and Benchmark Ag, a risk management service providing producers with cash sale recommendations along with commodity futures, options and crop insurance. The Huneycutts are in the process of launching Ouachita Valley Meat Company, which will provide producers the products and processing capabilities to sell their own products.

The family is committed not only to farming and producing safe supplies of food and fiber to the world, but also to serving their community by lending their time and skills to numerous boards and committees.

The Arkansas Farm Bureau's program honors farm families across the State for their outstanding work on their farms and their positive impact and work on behalf of their neighbors. This recognition is a reflection of their contributions to agriculture at the local and State level and its implications for improved farm practices and management. The Huneycutts are well-deserving of this honor, and I wish them luck as they compete in the Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year program next year.

I congratulate Ted, Steve, Cindy, Leanne, and their children on their exceptional achievements in agriculture and ask my colleagues to join me in honoring them for this accomplishment. I wish them continued success in their future endeavors and look forward to the contributions they will continue to offer Arkansas farming and agriculture.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize CMSgt Lebaron M. King for his dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force and the Senate as a legislative defense fellow. Lebaron has served as a vital part of my team since January 2022. He has been a trusted adviser on issues relating to the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security.

Lebaron enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in May 2001. His continued service is a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of every servicemember to protect our Nation and defend our freedoms.

His effort and passion distinguished him as a valuable member of my legislative team. His determination helped lead to passage of a resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Air Force as an independent military branch. As the son of a retired USAF master sergeant, I am proud to have someone like Lebaron on my staff who understands the significance of maintaining America's air superiority.

He also spearheaded an initiative to better support military spouses through the introduction of the Military Spouse Hiring Act. This important legislation would address underemployment for military spouses by amending the Tax Code to incentivize businesses to hire military spouses.

When he was promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant in September of 2022, Lebaron's character and consistent display of the knowledge, leadership, and devotion were recognized and rewarded. I am confident he will continue to serve our country honorably.

I am especially grateful for his support 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' veterans and their families, then worked tirelessly to ensure their concerns were heard and issues were resolved.

We have been very fortunate to have Lebaron join our office this past year. I also want to thank his mother, Mrs. Maxine King-Green, and his beloved family, Mrs. Rosemary, Gloria, Cynthia, and Davetta for their support of Lebaron's time in uniform. Having grown up in a military family, I understand service in the Armed Forces is a family affair and is impossible without their sacrifice and unconditional support.

Lebaron, thank you for your continued service to the U.S. Air Force and for all your heartfelt, committed work as a member of my staff. It was our privilege to have you as a part of our team, and our office will always welcome you. I know that you will remain an asset to our military and veterans

in addition to any other endeavors you pursue, and I wish you and your family the best.

Madam President, I rise today to recognize Pea Ridge Mayor Jackie Crabtree who is retiring after 27 years of leading his community.

When Crabtree was elected mayor of Pea Ridge in 1994, it was a part- time position that oversaw a population of 1,300 people. He helped usher in growth and development that, today, underpins a flourishing community that now boasts nearly 6,600 residents.

In his decades of service and commitment, Mayor Crabtree successfully met the moment to change the community including providing the services and needs citizens rely on such as a full-time fire department and paramedics and an expanded police department.

His leadership was crucial to improving the infrastructure in the city with an upgraded wastewater treatment plant, new water lines, and additional sidewalks.

The list of accomplishments he has directed is lengthy, but he is quick to credit his dedicated team. Mayor Crabtree's humility reflects his success as a leader and public servant.

The mayor considers it an honor and privilege to serve the people of Pea Ridge. They will surely miss his vision and dedication, but I am confident he will continue to be involved and engaged.

From a career at Walmart, to the Pea Ridge School Board and president of the Arkansas Municipal League, Mayor Crabtree has spent countless hours giving back to his community and beyond. I applaud him for his commitment to helping others and enacting positive change. I appreciate his example and many years of friendship.

I wish him the best of luck in his retirement where he will be able to spend more time with his wife and high school sweetheart Freida Sue Booth and their son Eric, daughter-in-law Shelly, and granddaughters Mahala and Kaylea.

Mr. President, I rise to honor the life of Stacey Allen Jones, who passed away October 8, 2022. Stacey was a native of Fort Smith, a leader, an educator, and a family man whose advocacy for the performing arts enriched the lives of people in western Arkansas.

Long-time residents of Fort Smith knew Stacey as a champion for the arts in the region. I knew Stacey as a fellow Northside Grizzly and a dear friend.

Before his recent retirement, he served as the associate vice chancellor of campus and community events at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith and led the Season of Entertainment on campus and at its predecessor Westark College for more than 39 years.

Through these programs, he brought nationally touring musicians and Broadway shows to the area and supported student productions to improve the quality of life in the community, provide opportunities for young people, and enhance the mission of the university. Along the way, he was also a mentor and advocate for thousands of students who participated in these programs.

Stacey was also well-known throughout the State for his dedication to the Miss UAFS and Miss Arkansas Programs. Because of his leadership, Westark College's local pageant became a qualifying event for the Miss Arkansas pageant. Among the many successful competitors who started at the Miss Westark pageant was Shawntel Smith, who went on to be crowned Miss America while representing Oklahoma in 1996.

Outside of the university, Stacey was a critical part of many community projects. As part of a coalition of local leaders, he regularly lent his voice and experience to help others in their efforts to enhance the arts, history, and culture of the region.

I extend my sincere condolences to Stacey's wife of 46 years, Sheila Jones; his daughters Stacie Kohles and Amanda Echols; his loving family; and many friends. Western Arkansas is richer because of his hard work, dedication, and genuine care for the university and the community. He will be missed.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Washington County

Sheriff Tim Helder who is retiring after 43 years of law enforcement service in northwest Arkansas.

Sheriff Helder is a dedicated public servant who followed and built on his family's century-long legacy in public safety.

He began his career in 1979 as a dispatcher with the Washington County Sheriff's Office. He continued his service for 21 years at the Fayetteville Police Department before returning to the sheriff's office as chief deputy.

In 2004, Helder was elected Washington County Sheriff and has admirably served his neighbors and fellow citizens, who elected him to eight terms leading the department. During his time as sheriff, he has instilled a sense of duty, pride, and professionalism within the department and its officers.

Sheriff Helder also made efforts to ensure his own knowledge and leadership benefited from world-class training, including at the FBI National Academy, and partnerships with premiere task forces and other law enforcement agencies.

Engaging directly and frequently with the people of Washington County has long been a priority for the sheriff, including staying connected with community partners and elected leaders by hosting a monthly breakfast to keep everyone updated on county law enforcement issues and the importance of working together.

We can be proud of Sheriff Helder's lifelong service both in and out of uniform. He has embodied what it means to serve and protect and deserves our thanks for bettering communities in our State.

I applaud Sheriff Helder for his accomplished career and the leadership and perseverance he has demonstrated.

I wish him the best in his retirement, where I know he will be happy to spend more time with his wife Holly, their three children, and grandchildren. I know he will continue working in different but meaningful ways to build a better Arkansas.

Mr. President, I rise today to mark 132 years of Kappa Sigma fraternity on the campus of the University of Arkansas and 100 years calling 711 W. Dickson Street its home. I join with so many other former and current members of the storied Xi Chapter in celebrating its tremendous legacy of brotherhood, academic achievement, and service.

The Kappa Sigma Xi Chapter was established in 1890 and is the largest fraternity on campus. The chapter is also the largest in the country, with over 4,000 initiates all-time and 335 undergraduates currently. It features prominent alumni, including notable figures such as Jerry Jones and former public servants who have served their communities, the State of Arkansas, and our country.

I am fortunate to be among several Kappa Sigma brothers to represent the people of Arkansas in the U.S. Congress. It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of William S. Goodwin of Warren, John McClellan from Sheridan, William Alexander from Osceola, and Ed Bethune of Little Rock, as well as Samuel B. Hill from Franklin who went on to serve the people of Washington State. Our time in the Xi Chapter undoubtedly shaped our desire to serve as leaders and give back through public service.

Being part of this organization is also a family affair, as my great uncle and cousin were members of Kappa Sigma's Xi Chapter. I know families throughout Arkansas have similar stories, which speaks to the broad and generational impact it continues to have in the natural State.

As former Senator and Republican Presidential nominee Bob Dole once expressed, being involved with Kappa Sigma offers a great deal of learning experience and the opportunity to make lifelong friends.

I am pleased and honored to help celebrate this milestone with other Kappa Sigma brothers and the city of Fayetteville. Reflecting on the history and tradition of this special brotherhood is just one way to carry on its mission.

Along with the University of Arkansas Greek Life community, and specifically to the Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma, we applaud the longevity and life-changing work the fraternity continues to demonstrate.

Congratulations, again, to all those associated with this institution and who are connected through the bond it has established for well over a century.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Hiller and Marilyn Suber of Monticello, AR, for their tremendous work as foster parents, opening their home to more than 350 foster care placements over the last 20 years.

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute--CCAI--recently recognized the Subers as 2022 Angels in Adoption honorees.

Since 2001, the CCAI has played a vital role in eliminating barriers standing between orphaned and foster children becoming part of a loving family. As the CCAI's signature public awareness program, Angels in Adoption annually recognizes outstanding individuals, families and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to adoption and child welfare.

The Subers are well-deserving of this honor for their work with children in need and the amazing example they set for families across Arkansas and the Nation.

When Hiller and Marilyn married in 1999, they decided to foster instead of trying to have children of their own. Although they cared for children of many ages at first, they found their niche with teenagers and are now one of the few homes in Arkansas that only fosters teens.

The Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services recognized the Subers as the Arkansas Foster Parents of the Year in 2021. As DCFS Director Mischa Martin attested, many families are hesitant to open their homes to teenagers, but the State knows it ``can always count on the Subers to take in teens and provide them with the love and support they need to really thrive,'' adding, ``they care deeply about our kids, and the kids love them right back.''

As a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I am inspired by the love and dedication families like the Subers share every day to improve the lives of young people. It is my honor to congratulate them as 2022 Angels in Adoption and wish them many more years of happiness and fulfillment in their mission.

On behalf of the people of Arkansas, I extend my gratitude and congratulations to Hiller and Marilyn Suber on earning this tremendous honor and applaud their humility and compassion.

Madam President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sevier County Judge Greg Ray, who passed away on August 30, 2022, at the age of 61.

Judge Ray was a beloved member of his community and a fearless advocate for his constituents about whom he cared deeply. Those who had the chance to work with him remember his sense of humor, determination, and kindness.

Since 2010, Judge Ray served as a county leader and was intimately involved in a number of county and State organizations, including the County Judges Association of Arkansas--CJAA--where he served as first vice president and developed close relationships with county judges across the State. CJAA Chief Legal Counsel Mark Whitmore reflected that Judge Ray ``was a dear friend, full of life and always had a big smile and happy disposition. He was a pillar of the CJAA and a leader in his community.''

Judge Ray was an instrumental figure in establishing the new Sevier County Medical Center, which is set to open at the end of this year. At the ground-breaking ceremony, he praised the residents of Sevier County for the high voter turnout in support of the new medical facility. ``The citizens didn't just show up. They showed out,'' he said.

Thanks to his leadership and advocacy, the new hospital will bring much needed assistance to the people of rural southwest Arkansas, a legacy his loved ones and the citizens he served will be proud to reflect and carry on for years to come.

Outside of his role as county judge, he enjoyed fishing and served as a key organizer for the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce's annual Tri- Lakes Big Bass Festival. He also hosted the annual Senior Citizens Day celebration on the Sevier County Courthouse Square.

I join Judge Greg Ray's family, friends, and all Arkansans in mourning his passing. He set a worthy example for his hard-working staff and county judges across the State to emulate, and the people of Arkansas are grateful for his dedication to better our lives and communities.

Madam President, as cochair of the Senate Recycling Caucus, I am all for efforts to reuse material in a manner that gives it a second life unless we are talking about recycling bad ideas. The reckless tax-and-spend plan the White House and the majority are threatening to bring forth once again is a terrible idea to revive.

The Senate wasted almost all of 2021 chasing this apparition. Now here we are, over a year later, and our economic situation is much more dire. Inflation is over 9 percent--the highest in more than four decades. Many economists predict we are headed for a recession by next year. There are indications that we are already there. Americans feel this daily as prices at the pump and the grocery store eat away at disposable income and as home price affordability becomes a thing of the past.

According to a CNN poll last month, 64 percent of Americans feel the economy is currently in a recession, but President Biden and allies of his think that raising taxes, eliminating jobs, and spending billions more will somehow help. Their wild claim that all of this spending will reduce inflation was almost immediately debunked by the Penn Wharton Budget Model, which found that, if enacted, the bill will have no measurable impact on inflation.

Americans are struggling with high prices at every turn. Yet the majority wants them to pay billions for Green New Deal programs that could exacerbate energy security and food security concerns while using fuzzy math to sell it as fighting inflation.

Their message to Americans is, We are sorry you are paying so much for

every necessity you need, but we really have to plant some trees in Brooklyn.

That is right. Tree equity--a Green New Deal program resurrected for this bill--is the majority's secret weapon to fight inflation.

As the lead Republican on the Senate Ag Committee, I can attest to how our section of the bill is chock-full of misplaced priorities like this, but worse than that, when it comes to agriculture policy, this bill sets a particularly bad precedent for farm bill programs. If they go down this road, we very well might be looking at reconciliation as the only way future farm bills are actually written. Whoever holds the pen wields the fate for vital programs that farmers, ranchers, and foresters depend on, not to mention nutrition programs that help low- income families and policies that allow conservationists to achieve our shared goals.

We haven't had a single hearing on this bill. Yet its agriculture title spends $40 billion--a huge amount allocated, with no input from stakeholders, Republicans, and, quite frankly, most Democrats.

The majority is extending conservation programs until 2031--well beyond the life of the next two farm bills, deliberately taking away Congress's ability to change the focus of these programs or how they operate.

The bill unilaterally creates a multibillion-dollar slush fund for farm bill priorities shared by the President and his allies. That is a terrible idea for any legislation, much less a bill that is historically written in a very bipartisan fashion.

The current farm bill passed this Chamber with a record number of ``yes'' votes on the floor. My goal, as current ranking member, is to top that. To say this reckless bill jeopardizes the chances of that would be an understatement. We have never written a farm bill in this manner. It is antithetical to how the Senate--and the Ag Committee, in particular--should operate. We have a storied history of working together on the Agriculture Committee. Our stakeholders value the fact that we approach the issues they face together rather than as Republicans and Democrats. They appreciate that their voices are heard.

Unfortunately, with this decision, the majority has changed that dynamic. In their zeal to pass their reckless tax-and-spend agenda, they have undermined one of the last successful bipartisan processes remaining in the Senate.

With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the following letter from the Government Accountability Office, GAO, be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, today I rise to recognize and congratulate the El Dorado Historic District Commission on being named the 2022 Commission of the Year by the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions.

Described as an oil ``boom-town'' of the 1920s, the city of El Dorado is a community transformed by historic preservation. The El Dorado Historic District Commission, established in 1984, works to protect, enhance and improve districts of distinctive character, historic interest, and value to promote the health, prosperity, safety, and welfare of the city.

In 2020, the city of El Dorado and its Historic District Commission released a citywide historic preservation plan drafted by the Lakota Group, an Illinois-based urban planning and design

firm. Upon working with the community of El Dorado and seeing the commission's efforts to preserve the city's history and heritage, the Lakota Group nominated the city's commission for the Commission of the Year award.

The commission received the award in July 2022, recognizing its outstanding achievement, hard work, and diligence in preserving this historic city in south Arkansas.

I congratulate the El Dorado Historic District Commission on this notable award, and I am excited to see how it continues working to preserve the neighborhoods, businesses, landmarks, and other establishments that embody the rich history of the community.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize U.S. Marshal Greg Tabor whose dedication to law enforcement and community service will be deeply missed following his retirement.

Marshal Tabor's devotion to public safety is grounded in his years of serving and protecting the people of Arkansas.

Greg Tabor earned his police officer certificate from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. He began his career as a firefighter and emergency medical technician in Eureka Springs. He worked for a local company before launching his law enforcement career with the Washington County Sheriff's Office. He joined the Fayetteville Police Department in 1985 and honorably served for 34 years, with 13 years as chief of police. In addition, he served as chairman of the board for the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force.

He continued his public service as chief of police at the Northwest Arkansas National Airport. In 2020, I was honored to support his confirmation to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas.

Given his long and distinguished career in law enforcement, it is no surprise he excelled in the position.

As U.S. Marshal, Tabor helped direct law enforcement responses to local, regional, and Federal investigations and preserve public safety. His career prepared and served him well during his tenure leading the service's Western District of Arkansas branch and carrying on its storied legacy in The Natural State.

His dedication serves as an inspiration for all Arkansans. I applaud his leadership, perseverance and commitment to serving our State and upholding law and order. His guidance and experience have helped us build a better Arkansas.

We can be proud of Marshal Greg Tabor's lifelong service. He has embodied what it means to serve and protect and deserves our thanks for bettering communities in our State.

He is a true public servant whose impact will be felt for years to come. It has been an honor to work with him during his service, and I wish him all the best in his next endeavor.