Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today to honor and congratulate Joseph W. Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., on his election to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in health, medicine, and public health research. This recognition reflects Dr. Thompson's decades of leadership and his enduring commitment to improving health outcomes for families across Arkansas and the Nation.

Dr. Thompson serves as president emeritus of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement and as a professor in the College of Medicine and Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Throughout his career, he has been a driving force behind innovative, evidence-based improvements to the healthcare system. As Arkansas' former surgeon general, he helped shape our State's public health priorities and strengthened the foundation for statewide, data-driven health reform.

Among his many contributions, Dr. Thompson pioneered the design, implementation, and evaluation of episode-based and primary-care payment models that placed Arkansas at the forefront of value-based care. These efforts not only improved the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery within our State but also served as a model for similar reforms at the Federal level. His work has helped public policy to reflect the realities of patient needs and provider challenges as well as prioritize accountable, high-value care.

Dr. Thompson is also a national leader in health data integration, guiding efforts to connect and analyze information in ways that advance a continuously learning health system. His vision has strengthened Arkansas' capacity to use data to improve population health, respond to emerging challenges, and support better decision-making across sectors. This work continues to serve as a benchmark for other States and organizations seeking to modernize health infrastructure. Additionally, he has been a dedicated mentor and collaborator whose passion for service, integrity, and innovation have earned him deep respect and gratitude.

Dr. Thompson's election to the National Academy of Medicine is a well-deserved honor and positive reflection on UAMS, the Arkansas Center for

Health Improvement, and the people of the Natural State. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating his distinguished service and this recognition of his lifetime contributions to public health and medicine.

Mr. President, had I been present and voting on rollcall No. 628, motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 474, Matthew E. Orso, of North Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina. I would have voted yea.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Young's Grocery and the Young family of Earle, AR, whose remarkable commitment to serving their community has endured for more than 80 years.

Since its founding, Young's Grocery has stood as a local cornerstone, serving as a gathering place and a source of essentials for their neighbors. Generations of the Young family have carried forward this tradition, ensuring that their neighbors could count on their store not only for food, but also for kindness, fellowship and a helping hand.

Today, Charlie and Liz Young continue to uphold this proud legacy. Their dedication to serving others has strengthened the bonds of their community and exemplified what smalltown service looks like at its best. Through their daily interactions with neighbors and their willingness to boost local initiatives, the Young family embodies the spirit of service that underpins communities throughout the Natural State.

I had the privilege of visiting Young's Grocery several years ago and witnessed firsthand the warmth and hospitality that have made this store such a vital part of Earle. That visit reaffirmed what its residents already know: The Young family's work is not simply about running a business but about sustaining a tradition of care and connection.

That proud reputation was rightfully honored last month when mayor Jaylen Smith honored Charlie and Liz Young and their family for their outstanding contributions to the community. This recognition is a fitting tribute that represents countless lives touched while standing as a beacon of continuity and care for more than 80 years.

I am proud to join in celebrating the Young family and Young's Grocery. Their story is a powerful reminder that small, family-owned businesses are vital to the fabric of Arkansas, enriching our communities through service, tradition, and dedication.

Mr. President, I am proud to join my colleagues in emphasizing the importance of whole milk in a healthy school lunch and taking Senate action to ensure a balanced diet for school-age children.

I rise today in support of S. 222, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This legislation, as we discussed, would allow for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to, once again, offer whole and reduced-fat milk while also expanding the options for nutritious nondairy beverages.

The good news is, this legislation has support in the Senate and was unanimously reported out of the Senate Agriculture Committee earlier this year. My main message today is to thank Senators Marshall and Welch along

with Senator McCormick and Fetterman for leading the bipartisan legislation and championing policies that promote a balanced diet and increased dairy consumption for students, something dietary experts who testified before the Ag Committee agree is important to their long-term health.

I also appreciate the interest of my colleagues who want to ensure these changes support their constituents, and I look forward to continuing work to secure that result.

I also want to thank Senator Alsobrooks for engaging in a very constructive way regarding the bill, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to try and figure out how we can go forward and deal with the comments that she has made or concerns that she has made. I was on the school board for 7 years, and these things are important. Labels are very, very important, so we appreciate you.

I am proud to share a commitment also with her in supporting school meals and to lead the committee in making commonsense updates to strengthen children's capabilities in and out of the classroom. I look forward to continuing our work in the Senate to make sure perspectives and concerns of constituents from Maryland are considered.

Finally, I want to recognize Paul Bleiberg, whose tireless advocacy on behalf of the American dairy farmers helped to ensure this important legislation progressed through the U.S. Senate. I look forward to moving this bill across the finish line in the Senate, and I am hopeful our colleagues in the House can build on this momentum.

Again, thank you, guys, so much for all of your work, your collaboration. This is how this place ought to work, and you are a great example of that.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of an extraordinary Arkansan--William ``Popeye'' Wright of Paris--who will be posthumously inducted into the Arkansas National Guard Hall of Fame this October.

Known to many simply as ``Popeye,'' Wright was the epitome of American service and sacrifice. His military career spanned nearly five decades and three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean war and Operation Desert Storm. His determination and bravery were evident from the moment he left school in 1944 to enlist in the Army. Serving in the European theater he was captured behind enemy lines during what is believed to be the Battle of the Bulge. In a remarkable act of courage, he escaped under gunfire despite sustaining shrapnel wounds--a testament to his grit and resilience.

For his valor, Wright received three Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, and France's Croix de Guerre. After the war, he returned to Arkansas and completed his education at Arkansas Tech University and continued his service as commander of the Paris National Guard Armory. His unit was activated for Korea in 1951, and decades later, he returned to Active Duty, deploying to the Persian Gulf in 1992.

Beyond uniform, Mr. Wright remained deeply devoted to his community. He served with Paris's fire department, mentored generations of young Arkansans, and was a familiar face at local football games. His quiet leadership and steadfast character left a lasting imprint on the lives he touched and the community he served.

In recognition of his service, the street outside the Paris National

Guard Armory will bear his name as a lasting tribute to a man whose legacy will be a tremendous source of pride for his hometown, State, and country for generations to come.

Arkansas is proud to call Popeye Wright one of our own. His story is a reminder of the values we hold dear: duty, honor and service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a life well lived and celebrating his well-deserved place in the Arkansas National Guard Hall of Fame.

Mr. President, I rise to honor 100 years of one Arkansan's life and service as a living testament of the sacrifice and character embodied by our ``Greatest Generation.'' Floyd Brantley is a beloved resident of Conway, AR, and I am honored to extend a birthday greeting that celebrates this milestone.

Mr. Brantley's military career spans decades and three wars. He first answered the call to serve in the Navy as a highschooler. His brother, while serving on the U.S.S. Atlanta, made the ultimate sacrifice at the Battle of Guadalcanal, the first major Allied attack against Japan in World War II. Leaving high school to enlist, Brantley first served as a medic at a fleet hospital in the Pacific Theater. My office was honored to interview him for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project in 2016. During that visit, he recounted the horrors of war he saw every day in that hospital, but also his lifelong devotion to our Nation and the cause of freedom.

When WWII ended, Brantley returned to the United States determined to finish his education. He re-enrolled in high school at the age of 20 and went on to study at Baylor University. Still driven by an unwavering patriotism, he found himself called back to the service during his time at Baylor and worked with Air Force officials on campus until he enlisted with the Air Force after graduation. As an airman, he fought in the Korean war and eventually earned the rank of captain.

Even after two Active-Duty wartime experiences, Brantley never lost his devotion to our Nation and passion to serve. At the age of 50, he joined the Air National Guard as a cook. When the Vietnam war started, he attempted to serve overseas again but the service would not allow him due to his age.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to visit with Mr. Brantley, most recently on his visit to Washington for Memorial Day. It is an honor to watch him continue to thrive and inspire others, including bright young students at the University of Central Arkansas where he regularly visits campus to encourage our next generation of leaders to understand and appreciate the Pledge of Allegiance. He was also appointed to a 3-year term on the Arkansas Veterans' Commission by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. That term expires October 2026, when he will be 101 years old.

Floyd Brantley is a true American hero. His life is a powerful example of service, resilience, and love of country. As the city of Conway and the State of Arkansas celebrate his 100th birthday, I want to share my sincere congratulations and gratitude for his tremendous spirit, resilience, and patriotism.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary Arkansan whose steadfast commitment to children and families has made a profound impact across The Natural State, my 2025 Angels in Adoption Honoree Lisa Stockdale of Bentonville. I am proud to celebrate her selfless service, enduring compassion, and tireless advocacy.

Lisa was recently named the 2024 Arkansas Foster Parent of the Year, a well-deserved recognition following 9 years of dedication as a wonderful foster parent. Since beginning her journey with The CALL, a faith-based organization that recruits and supports foster families, Lisa has welcomed 37 children into her home. Her care has spanned the broadest range of needs, from medically fragile infants to teenagers navigating difficult transitions, with each child benefiting from the safe, loving, and stable environment she cultivated.

Lisa combines her professional expertise as a nurse with extraordinary empathy to safeguard kids in need. She has served as a nursing instructor and worked in a juvenile detention facility, experiences that have shaped her unique, holistic approach to caregiving. Her ability and willingness to foster children with significant medical needs is especially appreciated by those who know her work. At home, she is a single mother to sons Ethan and Isaac who share in her mission of opening their hearts and home to others. She and her family approach foster care with humility and purpose, saying, ``Without my kiddos and without foster care, I would still be wandering around aimlessly looking for God's purpose for me.'' Her faith and resilience are evident in every aspect of her life.

Lisa's record of service to others is extensive. She is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve and deployed to Afghanistan in 2004-2005 with the 325th Field Hospital out of Independence, MO. It was through the Army that she earned her nursing license, a credential she has used to heal, teach, and uplift others ever since.

Lisa Stockdale embodies the spirit of Arkansas through faithful, generous, and deep investment in her community. Her conviction reminds us that one person can transform lives, strengthen families, and inspire hope. I am honored to recognize her as an Angel in Adoption and thank her for the light she brings to our State and to the foster care system.

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate 40 years of educational excellence at Trinity Catholic School in Fort Smith. For four decades, Trinity has provided an exceptional education to students while fostering a community that upholds high standards of learning and nurtures the hearts and minds of every student.

Founded in 1986 by Father Jack Harris, the Sisters of Mercy, and the Benedictine Sisters in Fort Smith, the school began as an extension of Immaculate Conception Church and quickly grew into a vibrant center for youth education and spiritual enrichment. In 1996, the school transitioned to the grounds of St. Scholastica Monastery where it has maintained its emphasis on community and character development. With the support of the Trinity Trust, a modern activities center was added in 2005 to accommodate its expanding athletic and extracurricular programs.

Trinity's success is rooted in the dedication of its teachers, clergy, administrators, and staff, all working tirelessly to cultivate an environment where each student is known, supported, and challenged. That unwavering commitment to meeting students where they are--in their studies, personal growth, and faith--has made a lasting impact on countless lives.

Its powerful motto, ``Be something. Do something. Leave Something. All for the Glory of God,'' is a lived mission. The passionate pursuit of academic excellence, faith-centered guidance, and a robust activities program at Trinity undeniably prepares students for lives of purpose and service.

On this 40th anniversary, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Trinity community and thank them for decades of faithful devotion to Fort Smith and the River Valley as we anticipate many more years blessed with continued growth and success in the classroom and beyond.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville as it celebrates 75 years of dedicated service to the people of northwest Arkansas. Since its founding in 1950, this institution has grown from a small county hospital into the region's largest health system, anchored by a state- of-the-art medical center, as well as a robust network of clinics, specialty services, and outreach programs.

Washington Regional has long been a trusted care leader, committed to improving the health and well-being of families across the rapidly growing region it serves. From earning national recognition for stroke and spine care to receiving the Lantern Award for outstanding emergency services, it continues to deliver high-quality medical attention close by for our family members, loved ones, and neighbors.

Its dedicated providers and support staff have been strong partners in promoting community health beyond just the hospital walls. Through wellness initiatives, health education, and outreach alongside local organizations, it has advanced preventative care and addressed pressing health challenges, working to ensure that even the most vulnerable Arkansans have access to the support they need.

As WRMC marks this milestone, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the physicians, nurses, staff, and volunteers who work very hard contributing to its mission. For 75 years, this institution has been a cornerstone of care and compassion in northwest Arkansas. I am confident that its legacy of service, innovation, and excellence will continue to strengthen the health and well-being of Arkansans for generations to come.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor a century of leadership, service and sisterhood embodied by the bright young women and alumni of the University of Arkansas's Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter, Gamma Nu. This year marks Gamma Nu's 100th anniversary of proudly encouraging and sustaining a culture of excellence and service that has enriched the campus and greater Fayetteville community.

Founded in 1925 by 15 students, Gamma Nu has grown into the largest chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma nationwide, supporting 650 active members and more than 4,000 alumnae. For a century, its members have embodied the values of scholarship, philanthropy, and character development-- setting a powerful example of what it means to lead with integrity and purpose.

Collegiate organizations like Gamma Nu play a vital role in shaping the next generation of leaders, offering young women opportunities to build confidence, develop skills, and form lifelong bonds rooted in shared values and experiences. I have seen this impact firsthand as a proud dad of three Gamma Nu alumnae. It is evident that their time in the chapter helped prepare them to pursue service and leadership, and I know that is the case for countless of their peers.

From organizing defense stamp drives during World War II to supporting literacy and mental health initiatives today, the women of Gamma Nu have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to uplifting and giving back to the community. Their efforts have supported causes ranging from Arkansas Children's Hospital to the National Eating Disorders Association, and their volunteer work continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Gamma Nu women have long been leaders on campus--serving in student government, excelling in academics and athletics, and representing the university with distinction. Their chapter house, a landmark on West Maple Street, stands as a symbol of tradition and transformation, having evolved to meet the needs of a growing and dynamic membership.

The chapter's centennial celebration will bring together hundreds of alumnae and current members to reflect on their shared legacy and look ahead to the future. I am pleased to join them in the celebration of a new Panhellenic scholarship--the Kappa Kappa Gamma Centennial Leadership Award--designed to honor an outstanding Panhellenic leader outside of the Gamma Nu chapter, and the unveiling of a commemorative fountain to encourage thoughtful gathering and reflection.

As Gamma Nu embarks on its second century, I commend its members, past and present, for their contributions to the University of Arkansas, the region and beyond. May their legacy continue to inspire generations of women to lead with courage, serve with compassion, and uphold the values that have defined a remarkable first 100 years.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions of five distinguished Arkansans who have been selected for induction into the Arkansas Broadcasters Association-- ABA--Hall of Fame. These individuals exemplify the highest standards of commitment and leadership across their industry, and their trusted voices have shaped the media landscape within the Natural State.

This year's inductees have made tremendous contributions to broadcasting that enriched countless communities. Former chief meteorologist at KTHV in Little Rock Ed Buckner's reliable forecasts and calming presence guided Arkansans through severe weather and everyday conditions alike. The owner of Bunyard Media Group and KDQN in DeQueen, Jay Bunyard's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for local radio have engaged communities across southwest Arkansas. A veteran broadcaster from Clinton, Sid King's decades-long career has informed, entertained and served generations of Arkansans. Bob Knight, former ABA president and KTLO Radio station head, pioneered local radio and news coverage in Mountain Home while also leading advocacy efforts that strengthened the industry statewide. Tom Nichols, the owner and operator of KVRE Radio in Hot Springs Village, dedicated his professional life to community-focused programming beginning in 1959 and continuing to serve listeners today.

These inductees reflect the diversity and excellence of Arkansas broadcasting, from television to radio and large markets to smalltown audiences. Their careers are defined not only by professional achievement but by a deep commitment to public service and community engagement.

I extend my sincere congratulations to each inductee and share our gratitude to their families, friends, and colleagues who help them tell the stories that have informed, educated, and connected with viewers and listeners over decades. Arkansans have been well served by their professionalism and skill.

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate 75 years of dedicated service to the people of northwest Arkansas by Mercy Hospital in my hometown of Rogers. For three-quarters of a century, Mercy Hospital has been a community pillar while providing high-quality care, compassion, and hope to countless families throughout the region.

Founded in 1950 as Rogers Memorial Hospital, this institution quickly grew from a small local facility into a regional leader in healthcare. Since then, it has remained committed to meeting the evolving needs of residents amid the area's drastic transformation, from joining the Sisters of Mercy Health System in 1995, to opening a modern facility in 2008 and now completing a $247 million expansion featuring a seven- story medical tower. Mercy Hospital has consistently advanced the standard of care and strengthened access for individuals and families.

At the heart of Mercy Hospital's success are the physicians, nurses, staff, and volunteers whose dedication and compassion truly make a difference every day. Their work has touched countless lives, including my own when I experienced a medical emergency that required immediate, complex surgery. I am forever grateful for the exceptional and empathetic care I received and that I know numerous other families, neighbors, and loved ones also depend on.

Mercy Hospital has long extended its mission beyond clinical care, championing community health across northwest Arkansas. Through outreach programs, health education efforts, and strategic partnerships with local organizations, Mercy has worked tirelessly to ensure Arkansans have access to the tools and support they need to lead healthier lives. Its commitment to serving vulnerable populations and extending the reach of vital health information and support helps underpin the fabric of the region.

On this 75th anniversary, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Mercy team. Thank you for your decades of service, and may the next 75 years be marked by continued growth, innovation, and fidelity that saves lives and improves health outcomes.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor an exceptional Arkansas educator, Mr. Brandon Bagwell of Harmony Grove Middle School in Benton, and to recognize the extraordinary efforts of his students commemorating the legacy of our Nation's military veterans. Their commitment to honoring service and preserving history reflects the very best of our State and values.

Through the National History Day program, Mr. Bagwell and his students received a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This distinguished recognition provides educators and their students with the opportunity to research and enshrine the memories of those who have served our Nation. By providing learning institutions with funding, the National History Day organization serves to encourage historical understanding and engagement among young people.

Over the course of the 2024-2025 school year, Mr. Bagwell and his students undertook a meaningful effort to honor two Korean war-era veterans, U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Myrtis Lee ``Linda'' Baxter Baker and U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Leroy Mazel Smith, both of whom are what the program calls ``Silent Heroes.'' These two veterans served honorably, and their sacrifices and contributions remain woven into the fabric of American strength and freedom.

With his guidance, Mr. Bagwell's students conducted extensive research analyzing primary and secondary sources, engaged in community conversations, and conducted interviews with family members to apply historical context to the two veterans they selected. Through their work, the teacher-student team explored the veterans' lives before the war, their home communities during the 1950s, their military service, and their experience as veterans, often uncovering details previously untold. At the culmination of their research, the team filmed eulogies at their local veteran cemeteries to ensure these veterans received the honor they deserve.

In a time when fewer Americans have personal connections to those who served in uniform, efforts like this bridge the gap between past and present. Mr. Bagwell's classroom is not only a space for academic growth, but also a place where service and citizenship are actively cultivated. His leadership along with his students' dedicated efforts ensures that our veterans' sacrifices are remembered with dignity and passed down to future generations.

Among 71 educators from across the country, Mr. Bagwell was named a National History Day Teacher of the Year nominee--a testament to his dedication to, and impact on, the students in his classroom. Arkansas is fortunate to have educators like Mr. Bagwell who go above and beyond to inspire curiosity, empathy, and civic responsibility. The commitment and diligent efforts demonstrated by his students have not only honored these veterans but have also set a powerful example for their peers across the State and country. I congratulate Mr. Bagwell and his students for their remarkable work.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize an outstanding Arkansas educator, Mrs. Jessica Vick of Bay High School, for her exceptional work in preserving the legacy of our Nation's fallen servicemembers. Her dedication to historical education and civic engagement exemplifies the values we hold dear in Arkansas and across the Nation.

Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, Mrs. Vick participated in a distinguished program sponsored by the American Battle Monuments Commission--ABMC--and facilitated through the National History Day program. This initiative empowers educators to research and commemorate ``Silent Heroes,'' American servicemembers who gave the ultimate sacrifice and are memorialized at ABMC cemeteries or memorials.

Mrs. Vick undertook a profound journey to honor one such hero, U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class James Rickey Maxwell, detailing his life before the war as well as his military service. Her research incorporated primary and secondary sources, and whenever possible, she connected with family members and local residents to add

personal insights to her project. Through this work, Mrs. Vick brought to light the story of an individual whose service and sacrifice might otherwise have gone untold.

At the conclusion of her research, she compiled her findings into an online tribute, allowing others to learn about and reflect on the life of the servicemember she honored. Her work was featured on the Silent Heroes page of the National History Day's website and on the National Cemetery Administration's Veterans Legacy Memorial website.

Mrs. Vick's commitment to honoring our Nation's fallen through education is a testament to the power of teaching and the importance of historical remembrance. Her classroom is not only a place of learning but also a space where service, sacrifice, and citizenship are actively explored and celebrated.

I commend Mrs. Vick for her dedication to professional development and for her efforts to ensure that the stories of Silent Heroes are never forgotten. Arkansas is fortunate to have educators like her who go above and beyond to inspire students and strengthen the bonds between past and present. I applaud Mrs. Vick for her remarkable work and for helping preserve the legacy of those who served our Nation with honor.