Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise to mark an important occasion in my home State of Arkansas and our country.

In September of 1957, nine young African-American teens who were determined to receive the same education that had only been available to their White peers became the focus of an event that had repercussions throughout the Nation.

When the Supreme Court ruled that the racial segregation of public schools was unconstitutional in its 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, it paved the way for integration of public schools across the country.

Although the highest Court in the land had spoken, the process of desegregating the public schools was complex and still faced incredible opposition. Civil rights groups worked with citizens to help them enroll students of color in traditionally all-White schools. The Little Rock Nine were beneficiaries of such assistance from Daisy Bates and the Arkansas NAACP, among others.

On the first day of class in the fall of 1957, Little Rock Central High School became ground zero in the movement for public school integration. Governor Orval Faubus called in the Arkansas National Guard amid threats from pro-segregationists to hold protests at Central High and prevent any African-American students from entering the school. Unfortunately, the Guard was initially deployed in order to help thwart the integration effort, and as a result, Arkansas and Central High became a flashpoint that represented just how difficult integration would be, especially across the South. Despite the hostility, there were forces within Little Rock that were working together to successfully achieve a peaceful public school desegregation, starting with Central High.

Eventually, President Eisenhower sent the 101st Airborne Division of the

U.S. Army to Little Rock and federalized the Arkansas National Guard to protect the students and ensure public safety at a time when tensions were running very high throughout the city. President Eisenhower's actions helped make it possible for the Little Rock Nine to actually enter the school and attend class. Even though they were allowed to attend Central High, the African-American students were still subjected to a daunting amount of abuse and hostility. They told stories of being threatened and intimidated by fellow students and mistreated by the school's administration.

Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Terrence Roberts, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Minnijean Brown, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Thelma Mothershed, and Melba Pattillo Beals each chose to confront injustice and inequality in a very visible and courageous way. These Arkansans are now icons of the civil rights movement. Their actions and willingness to step forward and face what they had to have known would have been an incredibly difficult and emotional experience deserves celebration and recognition. By resolving to carry out these actions at such a young age, the Little Rock Nine set an example for Americans of every age to follow. It takes courage to do the right thing in the face of overwhelming adversity. That lesson has not been forgotten.

Arkansas has come a long way since the integration of Central High. While there is still work left to be done, Arkansans are proud of the progress we have made. Today, leaders and citizens across our State come together to promote equality and celebrate our diversity.

The theme of the 60th anniversary celebration of Central High's integration is ``Reflections of Progress.'' This is so appropriate given that we have indeed made so much progress in the years that have followed the tumultuous start to integration.

In an effort to ensure that the legacy of the Little Rock Nine lives on, exhibits and items recognizing their contributions are on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. The museum itself is a moving experience that I highly recommend for every visitor to our Nation's Capital. For Arkansans, we have an added incentive to visit in order to see the displays that honor the brave actions and determination of these Little Rock teens. We are also grateful that these items are on view for the entire country to observe and reflect upon.

The integration of Central High School serves as a poignant reminder of where we have been as a country but also of where we are headed. I am eager to work with my fellow Arkansans and all Americans as we pursue a better future for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren.

I am proud to support legislation introduced by my fellow Arkansas, Senator Tom Cotton, to extend the boundary of the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site in order to preserve the surrounding buildings. It is inspiring to know that our State is taking the opportunity to appropriately mark this significant occasion.

I commend the city of Little Rock, the Little Rock School District, and the Central High Integration 60th Anniversary Committee for the hard work and preparation to properly honor and celebrate this historic milestone. I thank all who have been involved in the planning of this celebration. I know that it will provide many Arkansans the chance to remember and reflect upon the Central High integration and the Little Rock Nine and also to educate younger generations about the struggle for equal rights. We will certainly build upon the celebration and take another step forward by remembering our history and creating a brighter tomorrow.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in honor of the 70th anniversary of the United States Air Force.

In the seven decades since its inception on September 18, 1947, the U.S. Air Force has bravely fought to protect freedom, liberty, and peace on every continent around the globe. From active participation in major international conflicts to providing humanitarian support throughout the world, the U.S. Air Force has continued to be the Nation's leading edge across every domain and throughout every location by meeting the challenges of an ever-changing world with limitless strength, resolve, and patriotism. Today, more than 100,000 airmen are standing watch at 175 global locations, committed to continuously defending the people and interests of the greatest Nation in the world.

As cochair of the Senate Air Force Caucus and the son of a retired Air Force master sergeant, I have been personally touched by the proud history of this distinguished service. From the earliest days of aviation when the Department of War accepted its first military airplane to the present-day delivery of global airpower, the U.S. Air Force has made tremendous strides in the technological innovation and operationalization of air, space, and cyberspace warfighting capabilities.

The earliest aviation pioneers believed in the notion of airpower and fought for its development into a force so formidable that its responsibilities

and contributions would eventually be recognized as being equal to those of land and sea power. In essence, the birth of the U.S. Air Force began the dawn of a new era, where the skies became the ultimate high ground.

As we celebrate this historic occasion, we must also remember and honor the courageous men and women of the U.S. Air Force, as the service would not be what it is today without these fine airmen.

I had the privilege of speaking at the Department of Defense's National Prisoner of War/Missing In Action Recognition Day last week. It served as a poignant reminder of the many sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.

One such airman, Brig. Gen. Kenneth Newton Walker, played an important role in building the organization that would later become an independent air service. General Walker's direct contributions to crafting doctrine and policy were instrumental to the creation of the modern U.S. Air Force.

General Walker was reported missing in action after his B-17 Flying Fortress went missing over Papua, New Guinea, in 1943, and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Roosevelt. The actions of fearless warriors like General Walker symbolize a continuing commitment to meeting the demands of an increasingly dynamic and dangerous world with limitless strength, resolve, and determination.

These dedicated airmen and their values of integrity, service before self, and excellence that they uphold in all they do embody a proud heritage, a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor. We owe them a tremendous amount of gratitude for the sacrifices they have made defending the greatest country on Earth on this, the 70th anniversary of the United States Air Force.

I am especially proud of my home State of Arkansas and its contribution to our air superiority. The Little Rock Air Force Base and the 188th Wing in Fort Smith play an important role in our national security. I am proud to support these missions and look forward to continuing to support our airmen stationed in Arkansas and throughout the world.

I am pleased to be here speaking on behalf of a grateful nation, remembering, honoring, and commending our airmen and the world's greatest Air Force.

I yield back.

Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, September 18, 2017, was the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. Since its inception, it has repeatedly proven that it is indeed the finest air force in the world.

Among the greatest strengths of the U.S. Air Force is its enlisted corps, which is recognized worldwide as being comprised of the best educated, best trained, best motivated, and most dedicated men and women of any air force anywhere.

The office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force was created in 1967 based in large measure on strong advocacy by the Air Force Association and has been filled by 18 brilliant leaders, including the present Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Kaleth O. Wright.

The U.S. Air Force core values of ``Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do'' are embodied in the office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, in the Air Force enlisted corps, and in all men and women serving in the U.S. Air Force.

The Senate Air Force Caucus joins the Air Force Association and airmen worldwide in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.

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

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the legendary University of Arkansas football coach, Frank Broyles, who passed away August 14 at the age of 92. He spent his life in service to the university, its student athletes, and our great State.

I was fortunate to have been recruited by and played for Coach Broyles as an offensive tackle in the early 1970s. For a kid from Arkansas, this was a dream come true. Outside of family, the people who have had the greatest influences on my life were my coaches, teachers, pastors, friends, and certainly Coach Broyles is right at the top. He was an icon in Arkansas and a legend in collegiate athletics.

As head coach of the Razorback football team from 1958 to 1976, he turned the school's program into a national powerhouse. During his tenure, Coach Broyles led the Razorbacks to seven Southwest Conference titles, and a Football Association of America national championship. Coach Broyles had tremendous charisma and had a remarkable ability to attract and develop talent--both players and coaches. He wasn't afraid to seek out talent to support him, and he had an innate ability to see the strengths in people. He would turn them loose to use those strengths to help the team and those individuals succeed. His recipe was to get great people around him to help the program win while helping those individuals get to where they wanted to be in their own professional careers.

The roster of assistants under Coach Broyles reads like a Who's Who in NFL and college football: great coaches such as Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer, Johnny Majors, Joe Gibbs, Raymond Berry, and Hayden Fry--and the list goes on and on. They were once Coach Broyles' assistants. His legacy of producing great assistant coaches is recognized in an award named in his honor to recognize college football assistant coaches for the work they do. Since 1996, the Broyles Award has been given annually to the top assistant coach in college football.

Frank Broyles' impact on the University of Arkansas went well beyond the football field. He implemented his vision for Arkansas athletics as the athletic director for more than three decades, helping the university's men's program win 43 national championships during his tenure. When he retired from the position in 2007, he continued his devotion to the University of Arkansas working as a fundraiser at the Razorback Foundation.

Coach Broyles used his notoriety for his most important mission, which he undertook in his later years. He became a passionate advocate for finding a cure for Alzheimer's and educating Americans on caring for loved ones suffering from this disease when his wife Barbara lost her battle with Alzheimer's in 2004. He shared the experience of his family as caregivers to his beloved Barbara across Arkansas and brought his story to Capitol Hill, where he encouraged lawmakers to be passionate about Alzheimer's so we can find a cure. He told Members they need to turn that compassion into passion to make a difference.

Coach Broyles spent his final years showing his passion for fighting Alzheimer's and helping other families touched by the disease. When his family was learning the best way to care for Barbara, they found there were limited resources available to caregivers looking for assistance. That is one of the reasons they created the Broyles Foundation and were inspired to share what they had learned in caring for Barbara to help other caregivers. The culmination of that effort was a book, ``Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers,'' which has been translated into 11 languages and distributed across the country.

After years of advocacy on behalf of those suffering from Alzheimer's and their families, the disease he fought so passionately to find a cure for ultimately took his life as well. One of the best ways we can honor Coach Broyles' legacy is by continuing to fund research in search of a cure for this devastating disease.

Coach Broyles brought the same energy to fighting Alzheimer's that he brought to college football and his work on behalf of the University of Arkansas on and off the field. He made a tremendous mark on the lives of so many student athletes during his years as a coach, athletic director, and all-around ambassador for the University of Arkansas and for our State.

I was one of the many who learned from the example Coach Broyles set. His leadership, faith, and ability to attract talent and utilize it to make our State a better place has been a tremendous influence on me through the years. I will be forever proud to be a Razorback and to have had the opportunity to play for Coach Broyles.

Coach Broyles was fond of saying there are two types of people in the world: givers and takers. Live your life as a giver, not a taker. We lost a giver, but we are so much better for what he gave us.

Honoring Deputy Timothy Braden

Mr. President, I would also like to pay respect to a law enforcement officer in my home State of Arkansas who lost his life in the line of duty, Thursday, August 24, 2017.

Drew County Sheriff's Deputy Timothy Braden gave his life while serving and protecting the citizens of Arkansas. Deputy Braden was a selfless servant who made a career out of helping others. He joined the Drew County sheriff's office in February after serving 3 years at the McGehee Police Department.

He is remembered as a kind and hard-working officer who performed his job with a positive attitude. He had an appreciation for law enforcement and had aspirations of serving as an Arkansas State Police trooper. I am grateful for Deputy Braden's commitment to the community. He represents the selfless service of our men and women who turn toward danger to protect communities and bring criminals to justice.

He showed his dedication to the community in many ways, including being a former member of the Arkansas National Guard and a former Eagle Scout of the Year in his hometown, Star City. Deputy Braden's ultimate sacrifice reminds us all of the risks members of the law enforcement community face on a daily basis.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Braden's family, including his wife and four young children, his friends, and the law enforcement community. I pray they will find comfort during such a difficult time as this.

I join all Arkansans as we express our gratitude for Deputy Braden's service and sacrifice.

With that, I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and congratulate a tremendous airman, CMSgt Robert ``Trey'' Walker, on his recent promotion to the highest enlisted rank within the U.S. Air Force, effective August 1, 2017. Selection for chief master sergeant is extremely competitive, as only 1 percent of the Air Force's entire enlisted population may hold the pay grade of E-9 at any time. Chief Walker clearly epitomizes the finest qualities of a military leader, as evidenced by his distinguished career and elevation to the highest enlisted level of leadership within the Air Force.

Chief Master Sergeant Walker entered the U.S. Air Force on September 11, 1996, as a voice network systems specialist and was later selected for retraining into the field of imagery intelligence. Chief Walker's honorable service has spanned numerous overseas and stateside assignments including four European countries, two States, and the Nation's Capital. He has also completed several deployments in support of Operations Desert Fox, Northern Watch, and Enduring Freedom. Chief Walker currently serves as the deputy chief of strategic basing and force structure in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force's legislative liaison directorate.

Chief Master Sergeant Walker has chosen to repeatedly lead his airmen by example. Despite years of challenging work schedules and countless military obligations, Chief Walker elected to make his education a priority. Since 2005, he has earned two associate degrees, a bachelor's degree, two master's degrees, and a graduate-level certificate. Furthermore, Chief Walker's outstanding performance has garnered numerous accolades, including the 548th ISR Group's Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, the Noncommissioned Officer Academy's Distinguished Graduate Award, the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy's Distinguished Graduate Award and Academic Achievement Award.

As a true testament to Chief Master Sergeant Walker's exceptional career, he was selected to represent the U.S. Air Force on Capitol Hill as its sole enlisted legislative fellow in 2016. I was fortunate to have Chief Walker spend the year in my office as an integral part of Team Boozman and was pleased with his professionalism, character, and devotion to duty. His tireless efforts were critical to the passage and implementation of Public Law 144-292, the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016. Moreover, Chief Walker led a bipartisan effort to protect the Defense Department's basic allowance for housing by educating 18 Senators on the impact for military members. Finally, he played a key role in the successful execution of the Senate Air Force Caucus agenda by increasing service engagement opportunities with Members of Congress.

Chief Walker, congratulations on your well-deserved promotion and successful career thus far. I am so proud of your many accomplishments and wish the very best for you and your family in the future.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the life and legacy of Arkansas World War II veteran and civic activist Richard ``Dick'' Gordon, Jr., who recently passed away.

Dick dedicated his life to regional conservation and civic issues. He encouraged involvement in local government and leaves behind a legacy as a respected community leader.

His father, Colonel Richard Gordon, Sr., a decorated WWI and WWII veteran, set an example that his son followed. During World War II, the younger Gordon served as second lieutenant in the Army's 13th Field artillery unit, 24th Infantry Division, and earned recognition for his service to our country.

As a community leader in the Fort Smith area, Dick made a big impact on numerous agencies and projects. He championed veterans' issues and helped address public school issues with the help of the parent teacher association. He formed the public awareness committee in Fort Smith, which allowed residents to interact more with government officials.

Dick helped develop a bird sanctuary in conjunction with the Audubon Society earning him the nickname ``The Bird Man.''

Additionally, Dick was active in the Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Department and the U.S. Forest Service. He used these platforms to help bring environmental consciousness to Arkansas.

His civic involvement and willingness to help the community made Dick a well-respected community leader, even though he never held elected office. Then-Fort Smith Mayor Bill Vines made Dick an honorary city director.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they mourn his loss, but I know that they are also incredibly proud of the legacy that Dick leaves behind.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Bill Reed, an Arkansan who is retiring after more than 34 years of dedicated service at Riceland Foods, the world's largest miller and marketer of rice.

Bill is a member of the company's senior management team whose responsibilities include government affairs, public relations, and the Riceland Sustainability Initiative. His interest in agriculture at a young age led him to pursue degrees in this field. Bill earned a bachelor's degree with honors in plant and soil science from the University of Tennessee and a master's degree in agricultural journalism from the University of Wisconsin.

In 1976, he moved to the Natural State to work as a State specialist with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. He has continued his commitment not only to Arkansas but to Arkansas agriculture for more than 40 years.

Bill is recognized as one of the most passionate advocates on behalf of the Arkansas rice industry. Bill is constantly looking out for the rice farmers and businesses by promoting policies to grow the industry and pushing for expanding markets. His advocacy extended beyond the boundaries of agriculture. He was always ready to lend a hand to me or to my staff on any issue important to Arkansas.

He shares his passion for agriculture throughout the State, country, and the world as a representative of Riceland on numerous boards and trade associations, including the USA Rice Federation and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. In addition, Bill serves as chairman of the Associated Industries of Arkansas, vice president for agriculture of the Arkansas State Council on Economic Education, and vice chairman of the board of visitors of Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas.

He is a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and is leading his life as Christ calls us to do. In recent years, Bill began seminary school, and his retirement from Riceland will allow him to pursue the ministry full time and help people in need.

I appreciate Bill's friendship, and I am confident that he will excel in this role, just as he had done as an advocate for Arkansas rice. I wish him well in all of his future endeavors and look forward to the great work he will continue to do in helping the great State of Arkansas.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the distinguished public service career of Cynthia K. Dohner. Cindy served the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with distinction and honor for more than 24 years and will leave the Service on August 30, 2017.

Cindy's passion for the outdoors began at an early age while fishing and hunting with her father. These experiences encouraged her to pursue an education to ensure the outdoor way of life she enjoyed would continue to be available for future generations.

She earned a bachelor's degree in marine biology, a master's degree in fisheries and aquaculture, and led a long career protecting fish and wildlife and their habitats.

Cindy worked for a private environmental consulting firm and held positions in several State and Federal agencies before joining the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1993. Prior to her time in the Southeast Region, Cindy worked with the Service's Division of Fish Hatcheries and as the branch chief for Recovery and Consultation in Washington, DC. She moved to Atlanta in 1999 to serve as the assistant regional director for Ecological Services and later served as deputy regional director.

For the the last 7 years, Cindy led the Southeast Region in its mission to make a difference for fish, wildlife, plants, and the people who live and work in communities across the region. As regional director, she has provided vision and leadership to more than 1,300 employees in 10 southeastern States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and has positively influenced conservation successes and solutions nationally.

In Arkansas and throughout the Southeast, Cindy is recognized as an honest partner and innovative leader. She has worked alongside Arkansas' fish farmers, cattemen, and local elected officials, including the Association of Arkansas Counties, to solve complex conservation challenges in a way that keeps working lands working, reduces regulatory burden, and helps local economies to thrive. Her responsiveness to private-sector concerns and willingness to find creative ways to conserve fish and wildlife resources has made a difference to wildlife and people alike.

Under her leadership, the Southeast Region has joined forces with States, private landowners, the Department of Defense and other Federal agencies, and several sectors of industry and business including energy, timber and finance among others to find creative ways to conserve fish and wildlife resources. This collaboration resulted in notable conservation successes including removing Arkansas Magazine Mountain shagreen snail and the Louisiana black bear from the endangered species list and precluding the need to list more than 100 fish, wildlife, and plants petitioned for Federal protection in the past several years. She and her team worked closely with many partners to restore more than 1 million acres of bottomland hardwood habitat in the South that is critical for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife in decline. Cindy was remarkably effective in large part because she recognized and emphasized the little things while building relationships that often had big implications and made conservation successes possible on larger scales.

I applaud Cindy for her dedication to public service and the lasting difference that she has made at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. I am hopeful FWS will continue to build on her cooperative conservation legacy. I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing our sincere appreciation and gratitude for her public service and wishing Cindy success and happiness in her future endeavors.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and congratulate the Little Rock Air Force Base, LRAFB, Community Council team on their recognition as the 2017 Association of Defense Communities Member of the Year. This prestigious honor is indicative of the community council's exceptional and unwavering commitment for the past 62 years to the Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Air Force Reserve, and Arkansas National Guard. These organizations, along with the LRAFB surrounding communities, form the celebrated Team Little Rock.

Since its founding in 1955, Little Rock Air Force Base has enjoyed a tremendous amount of support, respect, and appreciation from within the local community. The LRAFB Community Council, comprised of dedicated local civic leaders, has passionately championed the base's mission, while fostering partnership efforts between the military and civilian communities. Furthermore, as the Department of Defense and U.S. Air Force have faced an unprecedented 8 years of fiscal uncertainty, the community council has remained a steadfast leader and staunch advocate for the Team Little Rock mission, its airmen, and their families.

The LRAFB Community Council long ago established an enduring relationship with its Arkansas congressional delegation to ensure a sustained awareness of base needs, successes, and challenges. This outstanding example of leadership demonstrates the community council's commitment to building a dedicated and resilient community network around Little Rock's sole Air Force installation.

The level of collaboration between the community council and Team Little Rock is simply unprecedented. For example, Jacksonville and Little Rock have adopted ordinances and regulations preventing civilian encroachment that would impede aircraft operations, while many military-civilian initiatives have been formulated to offer mutual services, thus improving quality of life on both sides of the fence. Moreover, the Jacksonville fire department and emergency services team regularly participate in both exercises and real-world scenarios with their military counterparts. Finally, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson appointed past community council president Brad Hegeman to chair the Governor's military affairs committee in order to address the assets, economic impact, benefits, and needs of military installations and military-related businesses throughout Arkansas.

Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently witnessed the extraordinary and tireless support received by Team Little Rock on behalf of the Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council. The entire community council team is very deserving of this incredible honor, and I am thrilled to officially recognize them as the 2017 Association of Defense Communities Member of the Year. Congratulations, Team Little Rock.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to speak as in morning business for up to 10 minutes.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay respect to a law enforcement officer in my home State of Arkansas who lost his life in the line of duty yesterday, Monday, June 12, 2017.

Lieutenant Patrick Weatherford of the Newport Police Department joined other officers in responding to the call of a vehicle break-in when he was shot. Sadly, Lieutenant Weatherford passed away later that evening.

Lieutenant Weatherford served on the Newport police force for 15 years and recently graduated from the FBI Academy. He was also a graduate of ASU-Newport and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Lieutenant Weatherford was recognized as the 2016 Jackson County Officer of the Year by Arkansas attorney general Leslie Rutledge.

His colleagues had great respect and admiration for him, and he was known as an officer who performed his duties with professionalism and skill.

This is the second Arkansas law enforcement officer we have lost in 2017. Any occasion when someone who is sworn to protect and serve their community does not return home to the loved ones waiting for them is incredibly sad and heartbreaking. Arkansans value the men and women who volunteer to help ensure and enhance public safety knowing the risks involved.

We are devastated by the loss of another law enforcement officer in our State, and we thank all of those who sacrifice so much to protect us.

I want to encourage my colleagues to pass the Honoring Hometown Heroes Act to allow Governors to order the American flag to fly at half-staff in recognition of the sacrifice of first responders like Lieutenant Weatherford who make the ultimate sacrifice.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Lieutenant Weatherford's family and friends, as well as the community he served, which will no doubt miss him dearly. I pray they will all find comfort during such a difficult time as this.

I also stand with all Arkansans in expressing our gratitude for Lieutenant Weatherford's service and commit to honoring the sacrifice he and others have made to protect us.

With that, I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and congratulate a tremendous Marine officer, Col. Daniel Q. Greenwood, for his distinguished service as the commanding officer, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division

and commanding officer, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, SPMAGTF--Crisis Response--Africa. Colonel Greenwood's dynamic leadership and operational expertise brought about historic success for his unit and was instrumental to the accomplishment of priority U.S. national security objectives throughout Europe and Africa.

After taking command in April 2016, Colonel Greenwood aptly led a fine team of marines during their predeployment training, ensuring a cohesive and highly effective regiment that was able to singularly focus on mission requirements. His clear and concise guidance set the tone for the entire command, successfully focused the regimental headquarters, and enabled a positive command climate with open lines of communication and a constructive learning environment.

Upon deploying in October 2016, Colonel Greenwood's excellent leadership and operational prowess brought about continued organizational and operational achievements, to include his team's successful participation in multiple operations and 15 theater security cooperation engagements across the continent of Africa. Further, his vibrant personality and intuitive understanding of cultural complexities fostered alliances with key partner nations, building valuable partner capability and enduring relationships. One of the most significant accomplishments of the SPMAGTF was the assessment of ``high risk, high threat'' U.S. embassies in West and North Africa. To prepare for crisis response actions, Colonel Greenwood personally interacted with multiple ambassadors and regional security officers to form essential relationships and facilitate necessary information sharing. His tireless efforts allowed current and future SPMAGTF rotations to develop feasible, supportable, and comprehensive contingency plans for these strategic posts.

I would also like to honor and thank the Greenwood family for their tremendous service and sacrifice during the past year. Colonel Greenwood's operational success was only possible because of the tireless support he received at home from his wife, Kim, and son, Charlie. We often forget the hardship and extra load our military spouses and children take on during work-ups and deployments, and I thank Kim and Charlie for sharing their husband and father with our Nation. Military service is a family commitment, and I thank the Greenwoods for their many years of public service.

Colonel Greenwood, congratulations on a successful command and deployment. I am so proud of your many accomplishments and wish you and your family the very best in your next assignment.

Mr. President, I rise to recognize National Drug Court Month and show my support for the positive impact drug courts have on cutting crime, saving money, and restoring lives.

I have seen firsthand the impact of drug courts in Arkansas. This proven

approach has helped many Arkansans suffering from drug and alcohol abuse who have received the treatment and services they need to turn their lives around. For more than two decades, these courts have offered Arkansas' drug-addicted, nonviolent offenders an alternative to jail while rehabilitating them through a strenuous treatment program.

We have nearly 90 specialty courts in Arkansas that are providing lifesaving treatment to more than 3,000 individuals with substance use disorders, and the results are impressive. Our State saves $45 million each year by diverting these offenders from prison to drug courts. Ninety percent of Arkansas drug court participants' drug tests come back negative for illegal substances, compared to 64 percent of those on probation and parole.

Drug courts are a critical component of today's criminal justice system. They have proven to be an effective alternative to jail for individuals convicted of nonviolent drug charges. Holding offenders with substance use and mental health disorders accountable through strict supervision and treatment, drug courts and veterans treatment courts have saved taxpayer dollars and the lives of more than 1.5 million people, including a remarkable man I recently met who shared his story.

Blayne was facing 20 years in prison because of crimes he had committed to support a 10-year addiction to prescription opioids. This epidemic currently takes 94 American lives every single day, but Blayne is one of the lucky ones. His community had a drug court. The drug court program gave him the tools he needed to stop using drugs and helped him reconnect with his family, find employment, and get his life back on track.

Instead of sitting in a jail cell on the taxpayers' dime, he is working as a teacher. Instead of breaking into homes, he owns one. Today, Blayne is a dedicated family man. He told me: ``Drug court was a chance to become the father and husband that I wanted to be.''

His story is similar to hundreds of Arkansans who have drug courts to thank for turning their lives around. An Arkansas drug court gave a woman named Sammy a second chance. She became addicted to painkillers at the age of 22 when she suffered a back injury. Her addiction led her down a very dangerous path, where she also started using meth every day. It also led her into the criminal justice system, and she was facing 20 years in prison. Drug court helped Sammy change her lifestyle. Now she is a positive role model for her children, holding down a full-time job and giving back to her community.

This is the power drug courts and other treatment courts have that change lives, heal families, and save money. The success of drug treatment courts has become a model tailored to the needs of different groups from veterans to juveniles. The willingness of the judicial system to adopt alternative methods to jail time is a cost-effective approach to changing the habits of drug addicts and saving the lives of people like Blayne and Sammy.

As Washington pursues options for criminal justice reform, drug courts are a great example of a program that works. More than 25 years of research has proven they reduce crime and substance abuse, break the vicious cycle of recidivism, and keep families together.

In Arkansas and every other State in the country, drug courts are making a real difference. I want to recognize and thank the more than 30,000 drug court judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment providers, probation officers, court administrators, and other professionals who are on the frontlines of providing a path to recovery. As we recognize National Drug Court Month, this is a great opportunity to show our commitment for the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program and the Veterans Treatment Court Initiative at the Department of Justice. While there are 150,000 Americans being served by drug courts and veterans treatment courts today, there are more than 1 million individuals in our justice system who do not yet have access to these lifesaving programs.

I ask you to join me in supporting resources for these programs to improve public safety, save taxpayer dollars, and, most importantly, save lives.

With that, I yield back.

Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to law enforcement officers from Arkansas and all across the country who are called to serve and to protect. I am grateful for their dedication and commitment because it takes a very special person to put his life on the line every day to protect our communities.

Arkansans are proud of the law enforcement history in our State. In my hometown of Fort Smith, AR, the U.S. Marshals Service has a deep- rooted history that has helped shape our Nation's westward expansion. Today, many people in the area find their family roots traced back to a U.S. Marshal. As home to the future U.S. Marshals Museum, the community and the State have rallied around this proud heritage. The tradition of courageous public service is carried on today by the men and women who keep communities across the country safe 24 hours a day.

This week, members from law enforcement agencies from around the Nation will join together in Washington to honor their fallen brothers and sisters who have died in the line of duty. May 15 marks Peace Officers Memorial Day, and this week is recognized as National Police Week. We take this opportunity to honor the men and women who have died in the line of duty by adding their names to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

This year, nearly 400 names will be added to the memorial, including these Arkansans: Robert Barker, a patrolman for the McCrory Police Department, who died while serving the people of Woodruff County on September 15, 2016; Corporal Bill Cooper, of the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, who gave his life in the line of duty on August 10, 2016; and Corrections Officer Lisa Mauldin, who died in service to the community on December 18, 2016.

These Arkansans represent the selfless sacrifice that our law enforcement personnel embody. It is the truest testament to the life that they chose--to serve their communities.

I am sad to say that the name of another Arkansas law enforcement officer will be carved into the memorial. Yell County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Mainhart was killed in the line of duty last week. He was a veteran officer with more than 20 years of serving and protecting Arkansas communities. I offer my condolences and my gratitude to his family and friends and the law enforcement community as they cope with this unspeakable tragedy.

Our law enforcement officers are true heroes. We recognize, not only during this week but all year long, the devotion of the 900,000 law enforcement officers whose service each and every day makes our communities safer.

I was proud to recognize the service and sacrifice of these first responders and show my support for their commitment to our safety during a tour of Arkansas last year that we called Every Second Counts. First responders invest so much of their lives in public service that one must take the opportunity to commend them for their tireless efforts and willingness to serve in a crisis at a moment's notice.

The role of law enforcement is changing. These men and women perform a variety of roles from responding to emergencies to maintaining public safety and promoting safety services and programs. In Arkansas, we are blessed to have the Criminal Justice Institute, which is a part of the University of Arkansas System. It is a resource to police departments and sheriffs' offices that provides them with updated training and information as they adapt to provide more services to their communities.

As a member of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, I am deeply committed to supporting the Criminal Justice Institute and advocating for the policies and resources that law enforcement agencies need to successfully carry out their missions, as well as honoring those lives that are tragically cut short while in the line of duty.

That is why I am proud to cosponsor the Honoring Hometown Heroes Act, which allows Governors to order the American flag to fly at half-staff in recognition of the sacrifice of the first responders who make the ultimate sacrifice. The House of Representatives passed similar legislation earlier this month, and I am hopeful that it will also have the support of this Chamber.

I thank the law enforcement officers in Arkansas and across the country who dedicate their lives to protecting our children and communities and seek to bring criminals to justice. These heroes come to our rescue when we need help, and I am committed to continuing to advocate for these officers.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the invaluable work of nurses. With 3 million nurses nationwide, these men and women make up the largest providers of healthcare in the country. I am proud to acknowledge the talents and successes of these caregivers as we recognize National Nurses Week.

These dedicated health professionals provide quality care to patients every

single day. Their dedication and passion to caregiving is constantly on display, often during critical and stressful situations. The work they do helps save lives and gives reassurance to patients facing questions about their health. While on the front lines of healthcare delivery they are also frequently the first line of communication when health problems arise. These healthcare heroes wear many hats.

Providing nurses with the resources they need to deliver quality care needs to be a priority. Last week, members of the Emergency Nurses Association from Arkansas shared with me one legislative fix to improve patient care. Amending the Controlled Substance Act to allow paramedics and other emergency medical services professionals to continue to administer controlled substances like pain narcotics when allowed by State law would improve emergency outcomes, particularly in rural areas where a medical facility may be miles away. That is why I cosponsored legislation to amend the Controlled Substance Act.

Nurses are taking on more responsibilities in our evolving healthcare system in order to meet the needs of our aging population. They are being asked to do more with less and still provide the quality patient care they are known for.

If you are like me and have been cared for by a nurse, you understand the important work they do. I am grateful for the care they provide and proudly support nurses as a cosponsor of the Senate resolution recognizing National Nurses Week.

Mr. President, I would like to thank Pastor Marty Sloan for delivering the opening prayer in the Senate today.

Pastor Sloan is the lead pastor of Harvest Time, one of the most active and well-attended houses of worship in Arkansas's second largest city of Fort Smith, which is the city in which I grew up.

Pastor Sloan is also a proud husband and father and plays an important role in the life of the Fort Smith community. As the lead pastor of Harvest Time, he has a passion for caring for his congregation and those in the larger community through preaching, teaching, and counseling in order to encourage and build up their faith and develop meaningful relationships with Christ and one another.

For 22 years, Pastor Sloan has been in ministry and has focused on both national and international missions. He has also been involved with the Live Nativity on Capitol Hill and the National Day of Prayer and has conducted pastoral conferences in America, Peru, and Armenia. Pastor Sloan says that one of his greatest joys is to ``pastor from the center of the room'' because his desire is to lead his congregation by walking through life together with them.

Serving as the guest Chaplain is an incredible honor. I am thankful for Pastor Sloan's ministry, and I am so pleased he could be here to offer an invocation of asking God to guide and bless the efforts of Congress and America's leaders.

I yield the floor.