Floor Statements

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member Capito, for your leadership in that this area.

As has been said and should be said many times more, we appreciate the great work of our staffs in getting this done.

The other thing that is so important is the answers to our problems need to come from the ground up. Through the Recycling Caucus and hearings, and the list goes on and on, this is where those answers were generated--from the people who are out fighting the battles.

We talk a lot about the lack of bipartisanship and things. This is a great example of people working together for the common good up here.

It is great for the environment in the sense that recycling is not just gathering. We don't want to have a situation continuing, like we do now, where so much of that that is gathered actually winds up in the landfill eventually.

Conservation is the low-hanging fruit. You know, it makes all the sense in the world to reuse things. It creates a situation where we lessen the dependence on landfills, things like that. And then, again, in this age of globalization and things, we really do need to use the resources that we have and then continue to use the resources as we go forward.

So we are talking about jobs. We are talking about the environment. And, for that reason, I very much support and appreciate, as I said, the leadership of the chairman and the ranking member for their great effort in pushing this forward.

And, with that, I yield the floor to Senator Cardin--Mr. Chairman.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise to recognize and congratulate the Van Buren Lions Club as it celebrates 100 years of service to western Arkansas.

The Van Buren Lions Club was chartered on October 10, 1922, only 5 years after the creation of Lions Club International. Since its founding, its members have committed themselves to making a difference in the lives of people in the community and around the world.

While it began as a club to support local causes and provide networking for businessmen, a larger mission came into focus after Helen Keller spoke at the Lions Club International convention in 1925. She challenged all Lions to be ``Knights of the Blind'' and her eloquent plea transformed the organization, making support of sight- related programs the group's primary mission.

Throughout its 100-year history, the Van Buren Lions Club has worked tirelessly to make a difference for this cause. It hosts annual fundraisers and works with area eye doctors to recycle glasses, donating them to people who cannot afford them. In addition, members support local eye examination programs as well as the Arkansas Eye Bank and Laboratory, Lions World Services for the Blind, Mid-South Sight and Hearing Service, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Lions Clubs International Foundation, Diabetes Education and Prevention, Sight First, and the Lions of Arkansas Foundation.

As an optometrist, I am proud of the great work done by this club and Lions chapters around the world. I congratulate the Van Buren Lions Club on its 100th anniversary and hope these Knights for the Blind continue to prosper in their mission for years to come.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of R.D. Kinsey who passed away on July 11, 2022, at the age of 69. Mr. Kinsey was a husband, father, veteran, civil servant and beloved leader in the State of Arkansas with a reputation for wisdom and compassion.

A native of South Florida, Kinsey moved to Arkansas after his service in the U.S. Air Force. After he was honorably discharged in 1972, he realized his passion and desire to uplift and advocate for his fellow veterans.

Stepping into a new platform of service with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Kinsey spent much of his time counseling combat veterans even

before post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries were formal diagnoses.

Kinsey's friends recognized him as a man who actively worked to make positive changes for veterans throughout his career. Upon his retirement from civil service in 2000, he continued to blaze trails within the American Legion, serving in local, State, and national capacities. He was instrumental in founding American Legion Post 74 in North Little Rock, where he served as founding commander and commander for 14 years.

He made an annual trip to Washington, DC, during the American Legion's testimony to Congress about its legislative priorities and advocated on behalf of Arkansas veterans.

In 2018, he became the first African-American State commander of the American Legion of Arkansas. Kinsey was not focused on the tag-line and pressures that may arise from being the first minority to sit in the State commander seat because, in his words, ``All our blood runs the same.'' This was one of many examples of how he led his life with humility and selflessness.

During his time in the Air Force, Kinsey specialized in security, where he fought to protect his fellow airmen in combat. During his time serving veterans, he fought to strengthen the benefits they earned. Service, advocacy, and security were his life's tenets.

At the celebration of the American Legion's 100th anniversary, Kinsey said his time as commander was his way of giving back blessings to help others and what could be a more rewarding experience than to be able and help a veteran in need.

He served in the greatest capacity alongside his wife, Dianna and their two daughters, Meredith and Allison and their grandsons. He was a loving father, caring coworker, servant leader, gracious husband, and friend to all. His wife recently said that his motto was ``For God and country.'' I hope we can learn from his example to remember the American blood flowing through all of us and work together to make this country better than we found it.

I join R.D Kinsey's family, friends, and all Arkansans in mourning his passing. His fingerprint will forever mark Arkansas. From Florida, North Little Rock, Washington, and everywhere in between, his legacy will carry on with current and future generations. In his spirit we will continue to advance the benefits for and meet the needs of American veterans.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Kirkley Thomas who is retiring as vice president of governmental affairs for Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation.

Kirkley is a devoted Arkansan who has proudly served the State for more than 30 years. As a graduate of Arkansas State University, he earned a bachelor of science in journalism and public relations, and he continued his education at the Economic Development Institute of the University of Oklahoma.

He began his career working as a professional staff member in the U.S. Senate for former Arkansas Senator David Pryor in 1991. He continued his service to Arkansas in positions at the University of Arkansas System and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Kirkley has been a reliable leader at the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation since 1998 and assumed the role of vice president of governmental affairs in 2014.

My team and I have worked closely with Kirkley during his tenure on a number of initiatives to help support policies to make energy more affordable and broadband more accessible. He

is a champion for rural Arkansas, and it has been rewarding to partner with him to strengthen infrastructure in these communities.

Kirkley's commitment to the State of Arkansas is an example others should aspire to emulate. Throughout his career, he has earned many well deserved accolades for his professional and civic involvement. I applaud Kirkley for his accomplished career and the leadership and perseverance he has demonstrated. I know that in whatever he does, he will always continue working to build a better Arkansas.

Our State will be forever appreciative of the contributions made by Kirkley Thomas. He deserves our thanks for dedicating his career to bettering so many communities and our entire State. It is an honor to call him a friend, and I wish him the best in his retirement, where I know he will be happy to spend more time with his son Jack and daughter-in-law Hailey.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and thank the creators and staff at Entertainment Fort Smith magazine for 22 years of championing arts, entertainment, and the people of western Arkansas.

Lynn Wasson and Linda Seubold launched Entertainment Fort Smith, more commonly referred to as E-Fort Smith, in 2000 to showcase the area's vibrant arts and entertainment scene and keep local residents informed about upcoming events. Within its pages, they covered everything from international mural art found through the Unexpected Project and the annual Peacemaker Music Festival, to the Fort Smith Little Theatre's latest productions and story-time schedules for the local library.

The magazine printed 30,000 issues every month that were distributed at over 200 locations in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Greenwood, Alma, Barling, Charleston, and throughout the region.

Not only was E-Fort Smith a calendar of events, but the magazine's features also spotlighted the lives of local people that make western Arkansas unique. In addition, Wasson and Seubold used their platform to show their great love for the State of Arkansas.

Brandon Chase Goldsmith, executive director of the Fort Smith International Film Festival, praised E-Fort Smith for its support and for being a driving force behind the region's creative economy over the years. Likewise, the magazine has been recognized as a critical partner in helping secure Fort Smith as the site for the U.S. Marshals Museum, which will honor the over 230-year history of the Marshals Service and is expected to open in 2023.

E-Fort Smith published its final edition in July 2022 after more than two decades of promoting local businesses and artists.

I would like to thank the founders and all the staff of E-Fort Smith who inspired the community and highlighted Arkansas's rich culture. Their efforts made a difference and the magazine's legacy will live beyond its final printing.

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

Madam President, I rise today with my fellow Senator from Arkansas, Mr. Cotton, to honor Jeremiah James Story, a Perry County Detention Center officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty last month.

Born in Conway, AR, Jeremiah was a 2020 graduate of Bigelow High School. Even as a young person, he was a dedicated public servant who loved his community and his country. In addition to working as a detention officer, he also served in the Army National Guard and aspired to become a State trooper. He wore his uniforms with pride and was passionate about giving back to others in a variety of ways. There was no gesture too small or unimportant for him to offer.

Jeremiah was also a man of deep faith, who never let pass an opportunity to share it with others. He devoted his life to following his Lord and Savior and was a longtime member of Riverview Baptist Church, where he routinely encouraged people he met to attend services with him.

With his Christian belief as his hope and guide, he demonstrated kindness and compassion for others and relied on the power of prayer to support and uplift others facing difficult situations.

Jeremiah's friends and family knew he was special and strived to live by the example that he set.

During a military training exercise last year, fellow troops recalled how Jeremiah suffered from trench foot, and while he was ordered to stay off his feet, he couldn't resist the urge to serve others. So in spite of instructions and consequences to his own recovery, he jumped up and filled water bottles for his fellow troops. That was the kind of person he was--a giver.

Those who served alongside him recalled the tough situations they experienced together. While it was taxing to be away from family and living in challenging conditions, Jeremiah did it with a smile on his face.

He served his community with tremendous care and devotion. We are so grateful for his example and willingness to do the tough and dangerous job of ensuring public safety.

At the young age of 21, he was taken far too soon. While his life on Earth was short, he left a lasting legacy through the way he treated, cared for, and loved others.

Even the inmates he was responsible for guarding appreciated his care and empathy. Several of them attended a memorial service for him to show their gratitude and their respect.

He will be dearly missed by many, including his closest loved ones, but his memory will live on as a hero who made a positive impact on all those whose lives he touched.

His death is a tragic reminder of the risk law enforcement officers face each day that they put on their uniform and leave the comforts of their homes and their loved ones to serve and to protect.

Senator Cotton and I are honored to pay this tribute to him to bring attention to his short but meaningful life and remember the noble calling he was willing to risk his life to answer.

I pray for his family, friends, and colleagues, as they mourn the fallen guardian who served others to the very end. May he rest in peace, and may God bless him and keep him and all those that he leaves behind.

I yield to Senator Cotton.

Mr. President, I rise today for just a moment to discuss the Keep Kids Fed Act, which will help schools and summer providers operate as they return to normal, while facing supply chain problems and fighting food costs.

This bill is a result of a bicameral, bipartisan agreement that assists schools and students as they resume regular operations of the meal programs.

The waivers to provide higher reimbursement rates and universal free meals under these programs during COVID are no longer necessary.

However, schools still face unusual times with a 35 to 40 percent increase in food prices due to inflation and supply chain difficulties. This bill provides targeted and temporary relief for the 2022-2023 school year to help schools with higher food costs and is fully offset.

We all want to ensure that children in this country receive healthful and affordable meals to help them focus on their education.

This bill will help schools provide those meals as they return to normal, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. And, again, thank you so much, Senator Stabenow, to you and your staff, and to my staff and everyone that has worked so hard to come to an agreement.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Etana Morse from West Fork, AR, for earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal.

Created by Congress in 1979, the Congressional Award recognizes initiative, service, and achievement in young people. Participants earn bronze, silver, and gold certificates and medals by setting specific goals in different program areas. Gold medal awardees must complete at least 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development activities, 200 hours of physical fitness activities, and one 5-day/4-night expedition to a destination to experience a new environment or culture.

This program brings together some of our Nation's most dedicated and ambitious youth leaders, like Etana, who show a commitment to public service. An outstanding student at Haas Hall Academy, Etana excels both in and out of the classroom.

She serves as member of the Washington County 4-H Youth Development Club and vice president of the teen advisory board. Etana is also the founder of the Washington County Youth Advocates for a Drug-Free Tomorrow Club. She volunteers in her community with multiple organizations including the M&N Augustine Foundation, NWA Food Bank, and the Salvation Army. Along with her sister, she launched the ``Taste to Serve'' fundraiser campaign to raise money for a nonprofit organization for human development and is eager to continue her academic pursuits by studying statistics and data science when she starts college.

Etana has accomplished a lot to earn this award. I congratulate her for her determination, dedication, and service and applaud her growth as a leader. I am confident her exemplary work ethic and desire to make her community a better place will serve her well in her future endeavors.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Pulp and Paperworkers' Resource Council--PPRC--for more than three decades of advocacy for forest products.

The PPRC is a grassroots organization made up of hourly employees of the U.S. forest products industry. PPRC members work in mills and converting plants where they manufacture sustainable paper and wood products that are among the most used, necessary and recycled items Americans rely on every day.

The U.S. forest products industry is vitally important to our Nation's economy, employing approximately 950,000 people. The industry is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 States, supporting family-wage jobs and manufacturing nearly $300 billion in products annually. In my home State of Arkansas, we have more than 24,000 people directly employed in the industry.

Founded in 1991, the PPRC works to ensure that real-world perspectives are considered in all policy and regulatory decisions that impact their jobs and communities. As cochair of the Senate Paper and Packaging Caucus, I work to inform members of Congress about the value of the paper and packaging industry in their States and districts. This bipartisan, bicameral caucus highlights the importance and economic significance of the paper and packaging industry and focuses on the policy solutions needed to sustain and promote this important sector. I am honored to meet with PPRC representatives every year when they come to Washington to advocate for their priorities.

I am pleased to congratulate the PPRC today for more than 30 years of hard work on behalf of such an essential U.S. industry.

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

Mr. President, I rise to recognize Colonel Leland ``Tony'' Shepherd on his selection as Arkansas Army National Guard's 6th Land Component commander and his promotion to the rank of brigadier general on June 5, 2022.

On June 12, 2022, General Shepherd will assume command of Arkansas Army's eight land power units with a force size of 6,700 personnel tasked with operational readiness, training, mobilization, and deployments supporting my great State and in defense of an even greater Nation. This historical selection makes him the first African-American man to hold such a prestigious position and only the second African- American man to be promoted as a general officer in the history of the Arkansas National Guard.

General Shepherd began his military career in the U.S. Army Reserve in Philadelphia, PA, on July 23, 1992. He then transitioned to the Arkansas Army National Guard as an enlisted soldier in October 1995 and was commissioned to second lieutenant in August 1998. General Shepherd has served in several positions over the past 27 years, including assignments as a signal officer in the 212th Signal Battalion in Little Rock and as part of the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Malvern, AR. General Shepherd also deployed twice to Iraq where he oversaw Camp Victory's post signal capabilities. Prior to this selection for the 6th Land Component Command, he served as the State's deputy chief of staff G-6 overseeing the planning, strategy, network architecture, and implementation of command, control, communications, and networks for Army operations.

General Shepherd received the Order of Mercury, Bronze for the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and selflessness for those who have made significant contributions to the U.S. Army Signal Corps. This award reflects his superior performance and devotion to duty throughout his entire professional career.

I would like to recognize General Shephard's wife Zandral and children Anthony, Ryan Wells, Logan, and Lukas for their sacrifice and service. It is their steadfast support of their husband and dad that enabled his continued service, ultimately leading to this historic promotion. As the son of George and Gwendoline Shepherd of Guyana, South America, General Shepherd is the epitome of the American dream which is founded on the belief that we all can attain our own version of success and achieve prosperity through hard work.

General Shepherd, congratulations on this new chapter in your career. I join my colleagues in the Senate and all Arkansans as we express our appreciation for you and your family's continued service to our country.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the American Ambulance Association's ``Stars of Life'' recipients from Arkansas. I am proud to recognize these noble Americans who are always there to help those in need.

The emergency medical technicians, paramedics, dispatchers, and other ambulance service providers deserve applause and appreciation for their commitment and selflessness. The ``Stars of Life'' program celebrates the dedication, service, and heroism of ambulance professionals who have gone beyond the call of duty on behalf of their communities and the emergency medical services profession. This initiative honors them and their significant contributions, while also raising awareness of the vital role EMS personnel play in our society and healthcare infrastructure.

I am especially proud of the six ``Stars of Life'' from Arkansas: Devin Holland, Kenneth Jenkins, Randy Murry, Amanda Nesbitt, Alvin Short, and Benny Ford.

Each of these individuals has devoted themselves to serving others by providing vital 9-1-1 emergency care in their communities. These dedicated public servants have used their skills and training for the good of others, both on duty and off duty. They exemplify the mission of their profession and consistently promote public health and safety.

Our State's recipients, like those throughout the country, were nominated for this honor by their peers and administrators because of their selflessness, commitment to the job, positive influence, and ``service before self'' philosophy. Their work ethic and service are described as contagious and commendable. Thousands of lives have been touched and even saved by these Stars of Life. Their work continues to better communities nationwide and impact emergency medical services positively.

I am so grateful for these Arkansans, whose dedication to their communities is admirable as they make an unquestionable difference in the lives of those around them. They are an amazing example of heroism and service in action, and Natural State residents are blessed to have their help in a time of need.

Madam President, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jose Romero for his service as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health. He has led the ADH with a strong resolve and determination throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and his medical expertise has helped Arkansans navigate and establish commonsense health solutions during this unprecedented time.

Dr. Romero launched his career at the Arkansas Department of Health when he served as chief medical officer, and he was later appointed interim Secretary of Health in May of 2020 by Governor Asa Hutchinson. Dr. Romero proved he was more than up to the task; he excelled in this position and was quickly elevated to Secretary in August of the same year. The governor has said of his time working with Dr. Romero, ``He's supported me. He's supported our state. He's understood the political dynamics as well as the epidemiology of dealing with this pandemic, and while it's a great loss to Arkansas, he's developed a very, very strong team at the Department of Health that I know will be able to continue with great vigor and continued leadership.''

Dr. Romero has years of experience and an impressive educational background that prepared him to serve the people of Arkansas in the critical role he has filled over the last several years. He served as the chairman of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which provided national guidance on the prioritization and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. He has also recently been appointed to the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Infectious Diseases and has consistently showed his ability to expertly inform and protect public health for the entire country.

Dr. Romero has a passion for not only serving others but teaching as well. He is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and has board certification in pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases. He was also the section chief of pediatric infectious diseases at the Arkansas Children's Hospital from 2008 through 2020, where he was involved with numerous studies across his field that have contributed immensely to medical sciences. I am so grateful Arkansans have had such a dedicated civil servant looking out for us for so long.

Dr. Romero has continuously shown his incredible commitment to the betterment of our Nation through his work improving the health of Americans and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. Throughout his time as Secretary of Health, Dr. Romero has bravely navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and helped the Natural State stay safe and healthy while continuing to thrive.

He has become a familiar face across Arkansas standing beside Governor Hutchinson during daily press conferences regarding the virus, making him a trusted source for many Arkansans with questions and concerns about the pandemic and medicine generally. As a member of the Governor's cabinet, Dr. Romero worked diligently alongside the Governor's team to provide senior scientific and executive leadership for the agency, and his commitment to the health and well-being of Arkansans has been clear throughout his career. Dr. Romero has shown his dedication for providing quality information to all Arkansans during his tenure, and we have benefited from his expertise.

It is evident Dr. Romero's passion for service and selfless dedication to public health has made an incredibly positive impact in every project he has been a part of and helped our State and all its citizens throughout the pandemic. Dr. Romero has devoted his life to protecting the public and educating others. I appreciate the opportunity to work with Dr. Romero and thank him for his commitment to improving the health and wellness of Arkansans. As he transitions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arkansas is full of gratitude for Dr. Romero and his dedication to our State.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Arkansas State Trooper Spencer Morris who has been

named the National State Trooper of the Year by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, State, and Provincial Division. Morris has demonstrated his dedication to serving his community, and this high honor is certainly hard earned and well deserved.

Hailing from Crittenden County, Trooper Morris graduated from the Arkansas State Police Training Academy in 2018 and began his career serving and protecting his neighbors and fellow Arkansans. As with all law enforcement positions, this role comes with considerable risk and uncertainty, which he understood and agreed to step into for the sake of public service.

Morris has shown his commitment to the people of Arkansas each day he puts on his badge and uniform, but exhibited incredible bravery on December 16, 2021, during an attempted traffic stop. While on patrol, Morris answered the radio call from the U.S. Marshals Service requesting assistance in the apprehension of a wanted fugitive believed to be armed and dangerous. Morris sprang into action and attempted to pull the suspect's vehicle over when he sustained a shot in the chest. After returning fire and calling for backup, the suspect was successfully apprehended.

Colonel Bill Bryant, director of the Arkansas State Police, said of Morris' heroism, ``Trooper Spencer Morris is just one example of more than 500 other Arkansas state troopers, just like him, who set aside awesome risks to themselves each day to make their state a safer and better place to call home.''

I am extremely thankful for Trooper Morris and his colleagues who patrol our State highways and serve Natural State citizens each and every day. It is because of their dedication and bravery we are able to travel across our beautiful State and feel safe on our roads, highways, and beyond.

Congratulations to Trooper Spencer Morris on this distinguished and prestigious honor. He represents the best of his community, his brothers and sisters in law enforcement, and our wonderful State. We are tremendously proud of him and celebrate this milestone in his career and protecting the Natural State.