Floor Statements

Madam President, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Riceland Foods.

Riceland's success story mirrors the growth of rice production in Arkansas. The first rice crop grown in Arkansas was produced in 1904. As more Arkansas farmers embraced this new crop, they found that relying on buyers from Texas or Louisiana, who passed through Arkansas infrequently, made sales difficult. That led farmers to build Arkansas' first rice mill in Stuttgart in 1907.

Stuttgart would soon become the center of Arkansas' burgeoning rice industry. In the years around World War I, rice crop prices fluctuated wildly, leading Arkansas producers to meet in Stuttgart to find a path to ensure continued viability. The Arkansas Rice Growers Cooperative Association was born out of this gathering.

The cooperative began as only a rice sales organization. As rice farming became more popular in Arkansas, the Arkansas Rice Growers Cooperative Association began leasing and eventually purchasing mills to process rice grown by area farmers.

In 1946, the cooperative began marketing its products under the Riceland label. In 1960, it diversified by merging with the Arkansas Grain Cooperative, which shared soybeans with neighboring soybean processing plant in Stuttgart. Shortly thereafter, Riceland Foods became the official name for the cooperative, which would remain headquartered in Stuttgart.

Today, Arkansas is the Nation's leading rice producer, and Riceland has grown into the world's largest miller and marketer of rice, as well as one of the Mid-South's major soybean processors.

Riceland has its own signature brands for home cooking and is also a major industrial supplier for companies such as Anheuser-Busch, General Mills, Gerber, and Kellogg's. They also supply to the food service industry nationwide.

The rice the cooperative's farmers grow is turned into products that reach consumers in more than 75 countries in North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

At a recent celebration to mark Riceland's 100th anniversary, chairman of the board Roger Pohlner spotlighted the cooperative's greatest assets: its members and employees. He told attendees, ``Our founding members knew we were stronger together.'' The cooperative's 100 years of success is evidence of just how true that statement is.

I congratulate Riceland for reaching this historic milestone and wish them many more centuries of success.

Madam President, I rise today, along with my friend and colleague from Arkansas Senator Cotton, to honor Independence County Deputy Sheriff Frank Ramirez, Jr.

Deputy Ramirez called Batesville, AR, home and was proud to help protect his community. Sadly, that service was required, and this requirement was making the ultimate sacrifice when he died in the line of duty on Thursday, November 18, in an early morning crash that occurred while he was responding to a call.

He leaves behind a wife and two children, among many other loving family members, as well as his brothers and his sisters in law enforcement who admired him deeply and felt honored to serve alongside him.

Frank Ramirez, Jr., graduated from Batesville High School and was formerly an officer with the Batesville Police Department before joining the

Independence County Sheriff's Department as a patrol deputy.

He had a passion for serving and protecting, and he followed through on that desire by becoming a law enforcement officer, sworn to uphold the law and safeguard the vulnerable.

Those who knew him, both in uniform and out, consistently described him as a good man. Even for someone so young, there is no better compliment to be paid than that. It is a testament to the way he lived his life--doing the right thing, meeting his obligations, and showing genuine care and compassion for others.

Although his passing did not come at the hands of a suspect, it stings just the same. It should remind us of the harrowing, uncertain fate that awaits every man or woman who wears a badge.

These citizen servants are not guaranteed comfort or safety or the opportunity to see the next day when they clock in, but they choose to shoulder the risk, put on their uniform, and step out the door, reporting for duty to protect and serve and do good in ways that are just as often unseen as seen.

While danger comes in different forms throughout a shift or career, it nevertheless always lurks nearby. No assignment is ever completely without hazards or without jeopardy. Yet our police, sheriffs, and troopers do the job anyway because they have been called to and because they understand the need is great, even if the odds are long or the numbers are too few.

That is what sets Deputy Ramirez and his colleagues apart. They run toward danger and uncertainty when the rest of us flee. We must always remember and honor these fallen heroes and pray the character they embody carries on to new generations.

But today, we are here to reflect on the life and sacrifice of one, Deputy Frank Ramirez, Jr., a noble, brave, public servant, a devoted husband and father, a protector of this community, and as so many have already remembered, a good man.

On behalf of all Arkansans, we are grateful for his dedication and his sacrifice. Our prayers are with his loved ones and the brothers and sisters in blue left to go on without him after his End of Watch.

The thin blue line is without one more courageous officer today, but Deputy Ramirez's legacy will help instill even greater pride and passion among its ranks because of the life he lived and gave for the benefit of so many others.

May he rest in peace, and may God comfort all who mourn him.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I rise today to recognize the 2020-2021 National FFA officer team who recently retired at the 94th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, IN. Team members include president Doster Harper of Georgia, central region vice president Paxton Dahmer of Missouri, eastern region vice president Miriam Hoffman of Illinois, western region vice president David Lopez of California, southern region vice president Artha Jonassaint of Florida, and from my home State of Arkansas, National FFA secretary Anna Mathis.

The Future Farmers of America was founded in 1928 by a group of young farmers with dreams of developing an organization to address the challenges of feeding a growing population. Their leadership was founded on their experience and passion for agricultural pursuits. Now known as the National FFA Organization to represent its diverse membership, FFA grows the next generation of leaders, builds communities, and strengthens agriculture. There are 735,038 middle and high school FFA members in 8,817 chapters in all 50 States and Puerto Rico.

Each year, six student members are elected to represent FFA as a national officer. They serve the organization at the highest level, promoting FFA and inspiring members, advisers, staff, teachers, alumni, and supporters. These individuals pause their educational pursuits and other commitments for an entire year in order to fully dedicate themselves to bettering the organization and the agricultural industry. National FFA officers spend time attending, speaking at, and facilitating FFA camps, conferences, and conventions and often meet with donors, stakeholders, and alumni. Additionally, national officers serve as members of the National FFA board of directors, a testament to FFA being a student-led organization. It is no secret that these young leaders have a profound impact on the future of the organization and agriculture.

The 2020-2021 National FFA officer team led the organization with character, determination, and grit in the midst of a global pandemic. During this year and a half when many schools moved online and extracurricular activities at school, such as FFA, were unable to meet and continue normally, it is remarkable that, under this team's leadership, the number of FFA chapters in the organization increased despite the hardships faced. Their tenure as a national officer concluded after planning and leading the 94th National FFA Convention and Expo. The largest youth convention in the country, this year's convention drew over 60,000 registered attendees.

Behind every great team are hosts of people who support them. I commend the families, staff, advisers, teachers, mentors, students, alumni, and others who supported these leaders and FFA. Their tenacity and leadership is encouraging to those they serve and to myself. I had the opportunity to visit with these national officers during their year of service. It has been an honor to meet and interact with this team. I am ever-increasingly optimistic about the future of agriculture, especially with passionate, dedicated leaders like themselves at the helm. Doster, Anna, Paxton, Miriam, David, and Artha, I wish you the best in your future endeavors and congratulate you for your year of service as the 2020-2021 National FFA officer team.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Carolyn Pollan, who passed away at the age of 84 on Saturday, October 23, 2021.

Carolyn Pollan was a native of Fort Smith, AR, who dedicated her life to serving the Natural State. She was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1975 and was one of only three women serving in the State legislature at the time. She served until 1999, becoming the longest serving woman and Republican in Arkansas House history.

Throughout her career, Carolyn was a champion of Arkansas' families and children. Her leadership in developing policies to help kids and families landed her in more positions to create positive change for future generations.

She created and chaired the children and youth committee--a new committee specifically designed to address problems affecting children--and served on the education committee and legislative council, as well as the joint budget committee. In addition, she formed the first domestic abuse hotline and established the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Abuse. She also crafted legislation that brought about major, positive changes to teaching at- risk youth. Over 250 pieces of legislation she sponsored were passed, many of them positively impacting Arkansas's families and children. Family, friends, and colleagues say no one came close to matching her passion on these issues. Additionally, Carolyn was the first woman appointed as associate speaker pro tempore of the State House.

Carolyn also cared deeply about education. For 25 years, she served on the John Brown University Board of Trustees--the first woman to do so--and became a Trustee Emeritus. She also created the Pygmalion Commission in 1993, which continues to improve educational outcomes for at-risk students in Arkansas. Additionally, she served on numerous educational boards and committees. Carolyn chaired the Southern Regional Legislative Council Education Committee and Southern Legislative Council Education Committee, served in the Office of Technology Assessment of the Congress Advisory Board for the National Study of Computers in Education, and on several educational boards within the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Labor.

Carolyn also worked for Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for 3 years, where she helped enact welfare and workplace reforms and managed the State's multimillion-dollar tobacco settlement. She served on the development committee of the Clinton School of Public Service and was a founder and board president of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement within the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, which has significantly improved the health of Arkansans since its founding.

She has been honored by numerous organizations in recognition of her accomplishments. Carolyn was included in the Top 100 Women in Arkansas by Arkansas Business Magazine and was honored as one of 10 outstanding legislators in the U.S. by the National Assembly of Government. She was also named among the top 100 most influential people in Arkansas according to a statewide poll conducted by the Associated Press. In 2020, she was inducted into the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame.

With such an impressive background and career, Carolyn remained humble and never lost sight of the reason she served: to protect Arkansas's vulnerable families and children and create greater future opportunities that would not only benefit them tremendously but also benefit the state. She was well-respected by colleagues across the aisle who attested to her willingness to work together if it meant improving the lives of Arkansans.

Carolyn Pollan's relentless advocacy and passion created a far better, safer, and healthier Arkansas for families and children that boasts more access to important educational opportunities. I am honored to recognize her incredible life and join with her loved ones, former colleagues, and community in celebrating Carolyn's legacy.

Madam President, I rise today to applaud the CEO of the Arkansas Hospitality Association, Montine McNulty, who will be retiring at the end of this year.

During this very challenging time for the hospitality industry, McNulty persevered through all of the difficulties that transpired amid the COVID-19 pandemic. When small businesses were shutting down and people were taking early retirements, McNulty decided to postpone retirement to help Arkansas' hospitality industry navigate the new economic realities it confronted after COVID-19 appeared and disrupted so much about how and when business operated. Her selflessness and devotion to ensuring that the industry not only stayed alive, but succeeded during those difficult times, was truly inspiring.

McNulty has spent the past 25 years leading the AHA. There are a number of significant changes that have occurred during her tenure as CEO, all of which McNulty adapted to for the benefit of the AHA, the industry, and the Natural State's economy. Technology innovations over the last two-and-a-half decades have allowed for quick and effective communication and relationship building within the hospitality industry. McNulty expertly used these advancements to the advantage of AHA members, and the results have been to position the organization's tools and capabilities to assist businesses in expanding on and delivering better services.

Because of McNulty's excellent leadership skills, the Arkansas hospitality industry has been able to thrive for the past quarter century. She will be sincerely missed when she leaves the AHA.

Of course, McNulty will not completely leave the hospitality industry even after stepping down as CEO of AHA. She is an emeritus member of the Arkansas Parks, Heritage and Tourism Commission, and current president of the Arkansas Tourism Development Foundation--roles that will allow her to continue offering her wisdom and expertise into the future.

Montine McNulty is an excellent example of a true leader and an excellent businesswoman. Arkansas will be forever grateful for the contributions she has made to the hospitality industry and our economy. It is an honor to celebrate her 25 years of leadership and extend our sincere thanks for all her efforts that served to improve and contribute to our great State.

Mr. President, beginning in his first days in office, President Biden paused all oil and gas leasing on Federal lands and then killed the thousands of jobs supported by the Keystone XL Pipeline. Fast forward to today, prices at the pump are more than 40 percent increased from a year ago. Home heating costs have increased by more than 20 percent going into the winter.

Under President Biden's new policies, instead of reducing this burden on hard-working Arkansans, President Biden has made it clear that his agenda trumps the needs of American families and is doubling down with his new reckless, energy-destroying spending bill that will only increase these costs.

This far-left Democrat wish list makes the undeliverable promises, proposes to dramatically drive up costs for every American, would eliminate thousands of jobs in the energy sector, and would accelerate our already rapid inflation.

This is not a realistic approach to address our country's environmental energy needs. Heavyhanded rules that reduced energy supplies are likewise counterproductive.

We should not turn our back on the existing energy sources that we have in North America that lower gas prices and reduce our dependence on oil from unstable regions. American manufacturers need long-term access to affordable energy so our country can compete globally against nations with much lower environmental standards. Also, in the event of a national security or energy crisis, for example, access to our resources will be essential.

Bureaucratic overreach and unwarranted spending will not only drive up energy costs on consumers but will also do the most harm to low- and middle-income families. Think of the impact this would have on single moms and seniors on fixed incomes. These families are most affected by burdensome regulations and can least afford a costly, unworkable energy policy.

We must continue to use an all-of-the-above approach to diversify our Nation's energy portfolio. Working to increase exploration and production of natural gas and oil, continuing the development and use of coal, along with support for renewable and nuclear energy, should all play a role in our national energy strategy. America's energy supply should be diverse, stable, and affordable.

President Biden is pushing hard to get Congress to agree to his plans in time for this week's climate summit. It is fitting that the summit is in Scotland, as European nations have shown us the dangers in addressing climate change the wrong way.

Poorly conceived mandates to eliminate fossil fuels have resulted in a cavalcade of problems for agriculture across the continent.

Surging natural gas prices have resulted in fertilizer plants closing, created a food-grade CO2 shortage crisis that is hurting pork and poultry processing. Beverage producers are also facing the same challenge getting CO2, leading to the likely scenario of widespread disruption across the food and beverage sector.

Our friends in the UK went heavy on wind power only to have the wind stop blowing, forcing energy companies to scramble for gas reserves, and consumers to face much higher bills.

As ranking member on the Agriculture Committee, I take these warnings very, very seriously. The President's plan would be an absolute gut punch to our Nation's family farmers and rural America as a whole, especially as inflation continues to skyrocket under this administration's watch.

The cost of farming is on the rise. Land, fuel, seed, fertilizer, and livestock feed prices are all increasing. Soaring costs of inputs come at a time when the farm economy had only recently begun to turn a corner. Now with further increases, farmers, once again, face the possibility of a downturn in the farm economy as profits dwindle.

Propane--heavily relied upon in rural America for agricultural production and home heating--has seen prices almost double this year. In fact, market experts are predicting an ``Armageddon'' as we head toward the winter. Now President Biden and his allies in Congress would enact policies that double down on economic hardship by eliminating affordable sources of energy, particularly those relied upon in rural America.

Much of the President's agenda comes directly from the Green New Deal, a far-left agenda that most Americans have roundly rejected. Working with President Trump, we successfully fought off the Green New Deal. Now President Biden wants to resurrect it and rebrand it as ``Build Back Better.''

Given the troubles Democrats have had writing their bill, it seems that America doesn't want it either.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to outstanding educator Jessica Saum, who was named 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.

As a special education teacher at Stagecoach Elementary in Cabot, AR, Jessica has demonstrated her excellence in the classroom time and time again by helping each student reach their full potential.

She has provided unique opportunities for her students and engaged with the community to bring learning to life in her classroom. The creativity she brings to each lesson allows her students to learn and grow in exciting and distinct ways.

Just as impressive is the commitment that Jessica exudes beyond the

classroom. She was recognized as the 2020 314th Airlift Wing Key Spouse of the Year at the Little Rock Air Force Base for her volunteer work. Mrs. Saum is a remarkable military spouse, teacher, and advocate for children with special needs.

Her passion for and commitment to education can be seen by Jessica's own pursuit of learning. She obtained a bachelor of science in early childhood and special education, a master of science in special education educational specialist (4-12), and a graduate certificate as a special education director from Arkansas State University.

We are fortunate to have Jessica representing the many great teachers in Arkansas, as well as serving as a role model to future generations of Natural State educators.

I congratulate Jessica for this achievement and all of her contributions to her community and our State. Her determination, devotion, and commitment to her students and the field of education, in addition to her support for our military members and their families, is exemplary. I am encouraged by her efforts to inspire our future generations and her passion to help them to succeed.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of KHOZ.

When KHOZ was established in 1946, its founders were dedicated to the task of bringing the people of Boone County a quality radio program for the whole family. That became a reality on September 28, 1946, when the station aired its first broadcast.

These hard-working Arkansans connected Boone County, as the county's first radio station began sharing news, sports programming, and music with citizens in the region.

Today, the staff at KHOZ continues this task, having successfully earned the admiration and trust of the Harrison community. This radio station has been a staple in the area, from providing jobs to keeping its listeners informed and bringing good times and good music over the airwaves. KHOZ has remained a source of comfort and joy for so many Harrison residents, and I am confident it will continue to do so for many years.

To recognize this milestone, the KHOZ team has thoughtfully put together a video documentary commemorating its staff's many years of dedication to bettering the station and the community. The documentary showcases the familiar hosts and the stories they have shared with family, friends and coworkers. It also highlights the rich history of the station and follows its growth over the years. I am honored to have been able to contribute to this celebration.

KHOZ's commitment to the community and its listeners is a testament to this station's values and dedication to the vision of its founders. By instilling a sense of familiarity over the years, listeners have connected with the station and developed special relationships with their favorite hosts. This public service has become a cherished piece of the region's history and daily life.

Congratulations to KHOZ on its 75th anniversary and for the countless memories it has created for its listeners. I look forward to its continued success for years to come.

Madam President, I rise today to offer my sincere congratulations to DaySpring on 50 years of sharing God's love through creativity and expression.

DaySpring, a Christian cards and e-cards, boxed cards, inspirational gifts, home decor, and art company, calls Siloam Springs, AR, home to its world headquarters. We are tremendously proud to host this faith- based industry in the Natural State and benefit from all the stirring and encouraging work it does.

The commitment and continued dedication DaySpring and its employees display in sharing their Christian faith through uplifting, inspirational, and prayerful formats is a testament to the role faith plays in their mission. In a time where deep divisions exist within our country, its hopeful messages are a powerful and effective reminder to choose kindness. The work it does brings Americans together and prompts us to recall that we are all created in God's image and loved by our Creator. I am so appreciative for its passion to spread God's love as well as the beauty and sincerity that characterizes the products it so thoughtfully creates to deliver that message.

We are very pleased to have witnessed what DaySpring has accomplished over the last five decades. Because of its hard, intentional work to reach people with God's word, I am certain more people are leading a life devoted to Christ. With a vision to ``see every person experience and express the life-changing message of God's love,'' the company has charted a path that has kept it focused, relevant, and undeniably impactful.

As Colossians 3:23 says, ``Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.'' DaySpring's staff has certainly followed that admonition each and every day for 50 years. In the years ahead, I encourage them to continue inspiring us to look to our Heavenly Father, and to love and help one another along the way.

Americans, now more than ever, are in need of this hopeful and sincere message. I am confident the guidance and direction consistently provided by DaySpring will be instrumental as we continue teaching and sharing God's word in the years to come.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Dave and Jenny Marrs of Bentonville, AR, on being named National Angels in Adoption honorees by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute,

Mr. President, I rise to honor the service of Colonel (retired) Anita Deason as she retires from her work on behalf of the people of Arkansas, and especially the military and veterans community, as a member of my staff in the U.S. Senate.

Colonel Deason started her lifetime of service at 19 years old when she joined the Arkansas Army National Guard. She retired from that career in 2013 with 33 years of service and soon after joined my staff as our military and veterans liaison. Throughout her tenure with my office, she has used her knowledge and experience to improve programs and services for countless veterans and their families.

Over the past 7 years, Colonel Deason has traveled all across the Natural State to meet with veterans' organizations; visit local, State, and Federal facilities, as well as nonprofits; and resolve countless problems for her fellow veterans. Whether bringing groups together to tackle difficult issues or lending her support to promising new programs, she used every skill and connection she had to improve the lives of the men and women who serve our State and our Nation.

Of all her accomplishments during her time in the Senate, Anita is probably best known as a champion of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. She spearheaded my office's involvement in this program to ensure that stories of America's veterans are recorded for generations to come. At that time, Arkansas veterans were underrepresented in this national collection, so she set out to conduct interviews and train other Arkansans to do the same. She ensured that veterans from all eras are included and that previously overlooked stories were recorded from veterans of color, women veterans, and others who served our country with honor and helped shape our modern military. She taught workshops, gave media interviews and trained other congressional staff, all in an effort to make the project even more robust and successful because of her passion for helping to learn about and preserve our former servicemembers' stories and experiences.

Her tenure in the Senate is only a small portion of Colonel Deason's public service. During her career in the Arkansas Army National Guard, she served as a platoon leader, detachment commander, company executive officer, and company commander. She was eventually promoted to colonel while serving as the human resources officer.

She received a number of awards and decorations during her military career including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Arkansas Commendation Medal. In 2018, she was inducted into the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame. It was a well-deserved honor for her tremendous military service and her dedication to fighting for the needs of servicemembers and veterans throughout her years with the U.S. Senate.

It has been a blessing and true honor to have Anita Deason as a member of my team. Her unique perspective, dedication, and caring nature have been invaluable in our work to meet the needs of Arkansas' veterans. She truly made a difference. We will all miss working with her and wish her the best of luck in retirement.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Dr. Mark J. Cochran, who after almost 40 years of service with the University of Arkansas System, is retiring today.

In Dr. Cochran's last role with the university he led the division of agriculture's research and extension work as its vice president. The University of Arkansas System division of agriculture's mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices.

Dr. Cochran embodies that mission. So much so, that when it was announced that he would be stepping down, University of Arkansas System president Dr. Donald Bobbitt called Dr. Cochran ``an unabashed cheerleader for Arkansas agriculture.''

I would echo that descriptor and add that he has been an incredible partner in our efforts at the Federal level to ensure Arkansas producers remain on the leading edge; our rural communities remain strong; and the families that comprise them have opportunities to prosper.

Agriculture is Arkansas' largest industry, adding around $21 billion to our economy every year and accounting for approximately one in every six jobs. In order to reach and build upon that level of economic production, our producers need to maintain a competitive advantage. Research provides that building block, and Dr. Cochran ensured the university is on the cutting-edge of it. Under Dr. Cochran's leadership, the University of Arkansas System division of agriculture helped guide this vital industry by providing science-based best practices and new technologies that led to advancements that benefit both producers and the environment.

While remaining dedicated to our current agriculture community's needs, Dr. Cochran also focused with equal intensity on cultivating and preparing the next generation of Arkansas farmers and ranchers. In announcing his retirement, Dr. Cochran noted he is particularly proud of the impact the university has made on youth through its 4-H program and how that impact will carry into the future.

During his tenure, Dr. Cochran developed a reputation as a well- respected advocate for Arkansas agriculture, our rural communities, and the families that call the Natural State home. His leadership at University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will be missed, but he left a legacy that will benefit Arkansas agriculture for years to come. It has been an honor to work with him during his tenure, and I wish him all the best in retirement.

Madam President, I rise today to recognize Bentonville Police Chief Jon Simpson whose dedication to law enforcement and community service will be deeply missed following his retirement as chief of the Bentonville Police Department.

Chief Simpson's dedication is grounded in his strong roots to northwest Arkansas as a Bentonville native and graduate of the University of Arkansas. He established a career in public safety, first in the security division of Walmart Stores, Inc., before transitioning to work for the city as a patrol officer in 1994, where his service quickly stood out. After only 2 years with the Bentonville Police Department, Jon was named officer of the year.

From there, the chief held numerous supervisory positions and led by example, inspiring officers in both the patrol and criminal divisions. He was promoted to a command staff member in 2006 and, in 2011, was appointed chief of the Bentonville Police Department. In these leadership roles, Chief Simpson reorganized the rank structure of the department, added personnel with further opportunities for advisory positions, and upgraded the department's vehicles and equipment. Additionally, he led an extensive renovation to the police department building that added a bomb squad facility, emergency communication center, criminal investigations building, and emergency operations center.

The Bentonville community's rapid growth and unique challenges certainly shaped Chief Simpson's tenure. He recognized the high expectations of Bentonville citizens and was encouraged to do more to ensure his officers lived up to those standards. That approach led to the incredible level of safety and security within the Bentonville community today. Chief Simpson's impact has also been recognized beyond his own department. Recently, the Arkansas Fraternal Order of Police in Little Rock recognized him with its Outstanding Police Chief Award.

Chief Simpson has demonstrated a relentless pursuit to improve himself, his team, and the community he served throughout his career. I applaud his dedicated, decades-long commitment to law enforcement and the safety of his fellow Arkansans. He is a true public servant who has strengthened law and order in Bentonville. It has been an honor to work with him during his tenure, and I wish him all the best in his next endeavor.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize SMSGT Jeremy Mayo who has earned the Military Times 2021 Airman of the Year award after a remarkable 19 years of military service.

Jeremy Mayo is a proud Arkansan who has dedicated his life to protecting and defending his country. Mayo grew up hearing stories about his grandfather's 20 years in the military and says it had a big influence in his life and served as his inspiration to join the Armed Forces.

In his 10 deployments, he has handled a variety of crucial operations from dropping personnel to refilling helicopters, as well as resupply, infiltration, and exfiltration missions. He was initially drawn to the position for its unpredictability and the opportunity to work with some of the top military groups from a variety of branches. Mayo has demonstrated, time and time again, the grit and work ethic so crucial to the success of members of our military. To Mayo, the most important part of his job was simply to get the crew and the team he was supporting in and out and to get them home safely.

Mayo praised the U.S. Air Force for instilling in him important traits such as leadership, saying the roles he has taken on forced him to really step up. As a Special Operations Command loadmaster, Mayo had been trained to roll with the punches, so when the coronavirus pandemic hit, he did just that.

Mayo recognized the significance of the chemical aircrew survivability barrier, a tent-like, air-filtering structure for C-130 airframes. He then helped develop plans to utilize this tool during the pandemic, making special operations crews increasingly self-sufficient and mobile in dangerous medical evacuations.

His quick thinking and creativity in repurposing this chemical and biological contamination tent to protect troops from the coronavirus earned him this prestigious award and, more importantly, has helped protect countless servicemembers.

While the pandemic presented a variety of challenges, Senior Master Sergeant Mayo clearly demonstrated his perseverance in the face of adversity. He deployed to three different regions of the world and served as the senior enlisted leader in an exercise that trained French special operations helicopter crews on refueling and seizure skills to prepare for combat in Africa.

I applaud SMSGT Jeremy Mayo for his outstanding commitment and dedication to our Nation. He richly deserves this recognition for his ingenuity and determination, and we are proud of this Arkansan's distinguished record of service on behalf of our country. I commend him for all his efforts that have culminated in this honor and express my gratitude for his leadership and example.

Madam President, I call up my amendment No. 3103 and ask that it be reported by number.

Madam President, my amendment will establish a deficit- neutral reserve fund to ensure rural electric cooperatives remain eligible for USDA financing for the construction, maintenance, or improvement of fossil fuel burning plants.

I ask my colleagues to support this commonsense approach to ensure that the electricity needs of rural America continue to be met and, in the future, are affordable and reliable.

The amendment ensures that rural Americans continue to have accessible, affordable, reliable energy to power their farms, their businesses, and broadband networks in the 21st-century economy.

In order to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the Department of Agriculture has proposed the retirement of fossil fuel-burning powerplants in rural America.

So this amendment would protect rural America and make sure they have reliable and affordable energy.

I ask my colleagues for a ``yea'' vote.