Floor Statements

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk about the Keystone Pipeline. I also wish to thank the Senator from North Dakota for his tireless efforts and his leadership on behalf of getting the Keystone Pipeline project moving.

For the past 6 years I have urged the administration to approve the project. I voted for legislation to speed up the pipeline construction. This pipeline makes sense for job creation and the future of our Nation's energy supply.

In a recent email survey sent to more than 30,000 Arkansans, I asked what issues the new majority in the Senate should focus on in the 114th Congress. Participants told me that one of their top priorities is an ``all of the above'' energy policy that addresses current and future energy needs.

The Senate has an opportunity to pass legislation that is a commonsense plan to improve our Nation's energy supply by approving the Keystone XL Pipeline. Tapping into these Canadian oil sands will offer us a reliable source of energy from one of our strongest allies and trading partners. This is good news as we work to reduce our dependence on oil from regions of the world that are hostile toward our country, and it is good news for Arkansas. Here is why.

Approval of this infrastructure project will mean jobs. This is one reason it has the support of both parties. Organized labor has been very vocal in support of the pipeline. Unions understand that this infrastructure project will create well-paying jobs for skilled laborers, and it will do so at no expense to the taxpayers. And it is not just unions; certainly businesses are supportive of the pipeline too, as well as an overwhelming majority of Americans.

Last month, as the Senator from North Dakota alluded to, I toured the Welspun Tubular Company, the Little Rock-based company hired to produce hundreds of miles of pipeline for the project. Company officers estimate that 150 jobs will be created just to load the pipe onto the railcars for shipment when the project finally gets the green light.

The economic impact has wide reach to Arkansans. Blytheville's Nucor Corporation was slated to make some of

the steel for the pipeline, and there is a trickle-down impact throughout the State.

A central Arkansas Caterpillar employee wrote to me about the importance of this project to his job because of its impact on his livelihood. ``The Keystone pipeline project would be a huge boost to us,'' he wrote.

Once built, the infrastructure will provide a safe and reliable supply of energy. Currently, this oil is transported from Canada to refiners by rail and truck. A new, modern pipeline poses less risk to the environment than these current modes of transportation. The project will help maintain lower fuel prices, which is good for all Americans.

At every hurdle, using science and common sense, this project gets the green light. Last week Nebraska's Supreme Court upheld the State's law approving a route for the pipeline through the State.

Time and again this project passes the test, but the President has threatened to veto the bill. This isn't surprising considering the administration spent more than 6 years analyzing this and punting a decision down the road until further studies have been conducted. The pipeline is being studied literally to death. It is ready to go. Yet the President is still looking for ways to stop it.

The American people deserve this affordable energy. They deserve well-paying jobs. Both can be accomplished by building the Keystone Pipeline.

Again, I thank the Senator from North Dakota for his tireless efforts in the past 6 years trying to get this project off the ground. The good news is I think we have made real progress.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I rise today to congratulate the Reed family for earning the distinction of 2014's Arkansas Farm Family of the year.

This honor reflects the dedication of Nathan and Kristin Reed to farming and the importance they play in Arkansas's number one industry. Nathan is a fourth-generation farmer. I know that he will pass along his passion for farming to the couple's young children; 2-year-old twins Stanley ``Eldon'' and Jane-Anne and 1-year-old Katherine.

The Reeds farm cotton, corn and soybeans on their Lee County farm where they emphasize conservation and sustainability. Using variable rate technology for applying fertilizer and irrigation wells and center pivot systems run off electric power, they save energy. Nathan is also constantly learning about different crops and crop rotating practices by experimenting on the farm.

The Reeds are not only committed to farming and producing safe supplies of food and fiber to the world, but they are also committed to their community. Nathan serves on numerous boards and committees.

As a long-time friend of the Reed family I understand the importance of farming, agriculture and community involvement that Nathan's father Stanley and his mother Charlene encouraged. Nathan is following in their footsteps. They were named the Lee County Farm Family of the Year in 1984.

The Arkansas Farm Bureau's program honors farm families across the State for their outstanding work both on their farms and in their communities. This recognition is a reflection of the contribution to agriculture at the community and State level and its implications for improved farm practices and management. The Reeds are well-deserving of this honor.

I congratulate Nathan, Kristin, Stanley, Jane-Anne and Katherine on their outstanding achievements in agriculture and ask my fellow colleagues to join me in honoring them for this accomplishment. I wish them continued success in their future endeavors and look forward to the contributions they will continue to will offer Arkansas farming and agriculture.

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

Mr. President, I am honored to stand here and recognize my colleague and friend, Arkansas's senior Senator Mark Pryor, for his service to our State, his contributions to our country, and his work across the aisle.

I have worked with Senator Pryor during his entire service in the Senate, both as a Member of the House and as a colleague in the Senate. While we don't always agree on policy, we always agree that we need to do what is best for Arkansas and what is best for our Nation.

Mark is always ready to step forward, find a solution, and resolve an issue. He is always ready to extend a hand to the other side of the aisle to get support, and he always has Arkansas on his mind.

Over the last 4 years, we have introduced several pieces of legislation together, and you will find our names as cosponsors of several other pieces of legislation that all have one goal--helping the people of Arkansas and helping the people of our country.

There is a longstanding tradition of collaboration in the Arkansas delegation. When I was elected to the House in 2001, long-time Arkansas Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt gave me some advice I have tried to live by since coming to Washington. He said: John, always remember that once the election is over, it is time to put away the political differences and focus on helping the people of Arkansas. That is how the delegation worked during John Paul's 26 years of congressional service, which included service with Mark's dad, Senator David Pryor, and that is how Mark and I operated as well.

I appreciate the welcome Mark gave to me and the help his office offered to my staff when I moved over here to the Senate in 2011. I value his friendship, thank him for his service, and appreciate all he has done for the people of Arkansas. I wish him well in the next chapter of his life.

I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

I will.

Madam President, I wish to honor Frank Bigger, who will retire as the Pocahontas Mayor after 4 years of public service to the citizens of Arkansas in this elected position.

Frank was inspired to run for city mayor at 67, the first political office he has held. Frank ran on the platform of economic prosperity and job creation. In that light, he fought hard alongside the Chamber of Commerce and the Intermodal Authority to bring a Poultry, Egg Company, PECO, processing facility to the county. This created more than 1,000 local jobs and led to improved infrastructure to accommodate the business.

Frank helped the community overcome the worst flooding residents remember. Highways, bridges and businesses were closed because of several feet of water from a levee breach of the Black River. Under Frank's leadership, Pocahontas recovered.

Before serving as mayor, Frank graduated from Arkansas State University and served on the Black River Technical College board of trustees. In 1996, he retired as president from what is now Pinnacle Frame and Accent, and has also worked as a part-time bank owner and has owned local cattle farms.

My staff and I have enjoyed working with Mayor Bigger on the projects important to Pocahontas. I am truly grateful for his years of honorable service and dedication to the community.

Mr. President, I wish to honor Don House, who will retire as the Walnut Ridge Mayor after 4 years of public service to the citizens of the community.

Mayor House constantly stressed the spirit of cooperation within and between each city department, and the importance of good work ethic among its employees. That is why when he began his service as mayor he met with all of the community's employees.

Don led a reorganization of the police department in an effort to serve the needs of the community more responsibly, including a crackdown on drug dealers and drug manufacturers within the city. Don also oversaw the completion of the Northeast Arkansas Water Authority project, improving the water quality in Walnut Ridge.

In addition to serving as mayor, Don lived in Lawrence County most of his life, owned House-Gregg Funeral Home--a local funeral home and family business, and held office in the Arkansas State House of Representatives.

I applaud Don for his outstanding achievements and success as city mayor. My staff and I have enjoyed working with Mayor House on the projects important to Walnut Ridge. I am truly appreciative of his dedication, leadership, and eagerness to serve Arkansas.

Mr. President, I wish to honor Charles Nix, who will retire as the Poinsett County judge after three terms of honorable service to the citizens of Arkansas in this elected position.

As Poinsett County judge, Charles faced and overcame several disasters including the 2011 flood and multiple tornadoes. Charles played a pivotal role in leading the county through the storms, repairing the damages and restoring the livelihood of the citizens.

Beyond his county judge duties, Charles served as a member of the County Judges Association of Arkansas, Crowley's Ridge Development Council Board, Eastern Arkansas Planning and Development Council Board, and Northwest Arkansas Workforce Investment. He also presided as president of the Harrisburg Area Chamber of Commerce and served in the Army National Guard for 6 years.

Charles Nix has displayed honor, perseverance, and an eagerness to serve his community that we can all admire. I am truly grateful for his years of dedicated service and commitment to Poinsett County and the State of Arkansas.

Mr. President, I wish to honor Glen Hurt, who will retire as the Mansfield city mayor after more than 25 years of public service to the community as a city council member and mayor.

As city mayor, Glen is credited with improving the city's fire and police departments, upgrading Mansfield's waste and sewer systems, bringing a new grocery store to the community and helping build a new city senior center in 2004. Glen's commitment to public service led him to serve on the boards of the Solid Waste District and Area Agency on Aging.

I applaud Glen for his outstanding contributions and achievements as city mayor. We are all grateful for his dedication, leadership, and eagerness to serve honorably during his years of service to the city of Mansfield and the State of Arkansas. My staff and I have enjoyed working with Mayor Hurt on the projects important to Mansfield. I am truly grateful for his years of honorable service and dedication to community and wish him continued success in his future endeavors and many years of good health to enjoy with his granddaughters.

Mr. President, I wish to honor Sheriff Randall ``Butch'' Morris who will retire after over three decades of honorable service to the people of Howard County, AR.

A lifelong resident of Howard County, Sheriff Morris was born and raised in Umpire, AR. He began working as a deputy sheriff in Howard County and was later named the office's chief deputy and investigator, a position he held for over 16 years before being elected sheriff.

For over 18 years, Butch Morris served as the Howard County sheriff and collector, winning nine straight elections, including eight of them in which he ran unopposed. During the course of that time, Sheriff Morris also worked to advance law enforcement best practices as a member of Arkansas Sheriffs' Association board of directors and the Commission on Arkansas Law Enforcement Standards and Training.

On a personal note, I am grateful for the professionalism that Sheriff Morris's office always exhibited throughout my tenure in the Senate. My staff and I always had pleasant interactions with the sheriff's office and that is a testament to the exceptional leadership of Butch Morris.

I thank Butch Morris for his dedication, commitment, and eagerness to serve his community. We are all grateful for his years of service and leadership to Howard County and Arkansas. I wish him continued success in his future endeavors and many years of good health to enjoy with his grandchildren, Brooklyn and Brantley.

Mr. President, I wish to honor Don Baker, who will retire as the Pike County Judge after 17 years of honorable service to the citizens of Arkansas in this elected position.

As Pike County Judge, Don can be credited with building 16 steel and concrete bridges in the county, adding to and upgrading the road and landfill equipment, paving and improving many miles of Pike County roads, and organizing the Intermodal Authority for Pike, Montgomery, Clark, and Dallas Counties. In addition to his county judge duties, Don also served as a member of the board of West Central Planning and Development District and president of the Upper Southwest Solid Waste Landfill District.

Public service has always been an important part of Don's life. After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1963 and teaching school in Mt. Ida, Don worked to extend credit to local farmers, owned a Glenwood grocery business, and served as a member on the Glenwood Chamber of Commerce, was a charter member of the Glenwood Lion's Club and served for 9 years on the Glenwood School Board. In addition, he was active in the Glenwood industrial development and taught Sunday school at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

Don Baker has displayed dedication, commitment, and an eagerness to serve his community we can all admire. My staff and I have enjoyed working with Judge Baker on the projects important to Pike County. I am truly grateful for his years of honorable service and dedication to Pike County and the State of Arkansas.

Mr. President, I wish to honor John R. Ballentine, who will retire as the Alma City Mayor after more than two decades of public service to the citizens of Arkansas in this elected position.

As Alma City Mayor, John was a constant advocate for services, programs and improvements for Alma residents. After leading the city out of debt, John oversaw the construction and financing of the city's first waterpark. In 2000, John opened the Alma Aquatic Center, which has become a centerpiece of the city bringing in more than 50,000 people annually. What started as an idea dreamed up while baling hay became a significant contributor to the City of Alma's economy.

John fought hard to enhance existing public facilities and finance the new construction of amenities including area parks, a $4 million water treatment plant, an annual Independence Day fireworks show, and the annual Alma flying disk golf tournament which brings in over 100 participants every November.

John's passion for public service extends beyond his most recent position as Alma's longest standing mayor since 1872. In addition, John served on the Alma City Council for 4 years, as a member of the Crawford County Quorum Court for 10 years, and in the U.S. Army Reserves for 21 years.

I congratulate John for his commitment to public service. We are all grateful for his years of service and leadership to Alma, Crawford County and Arkansas. John is truly a public servant. I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. President, this is what the American people have been waiting to see. They want Washington to work together to grow our Nation's economy. Sometimes that takes debating what some consider a tough vote.

I personally don't see the authorization before us as a difficult vote, by any stretch of the imagination. To me, this is a no-brainer. Here is why. Keystone is a job creator. This project will bolster the American economy and Arkansas's once we move forward.

In my home State of Arkansas, Nucor Steel in Blytheville and Welspun Tubular in Little Rock are two companies that should be employing people to work on the pipeline for the project right now. These are two communities in my home State that would have already benefited from the project if the President had not been stalling the approval of the Keystone Pipeline.

In fact, Welspun had been producing pipe for the Keystone XL project. Hundreds of miles of pipe, produced for the project, are just sitting at their facility. Unfortunately, due to the administration's delay the company was forced to lay off employees.

The Keystone Pipeline proposal has been studied to death. Every box has been checked. Our friends to the north are moving ahead with or without us. Canada will develop their oil resources whether or not we approve the pipeline. Where the refining is done depends on the President's decision on Keystone. Right now, Canada is currently using other methods of transportation such as railroads to ship their oil.

Without Keystone, they most likely will build their own pipelines to ship their crude oil to Asian markets and refineries in China. They have lax environmental standards.

Instead of working with us to avoid that scenario, the President has unnecessarily prolonged the process, giving Canadian officials more reason to seek opportunities in China.

The Senate majority provided cover for the President's delay tactics for 6 years, simultaneously putting the brakes on thousands of employment opportunities for Americans.

During that time the project has received approval in every study the State Department has conducted. The review process has been exhaustive.

There is no reason for additional delays. The pipeline is ready to go and my colleagues have tried to move it forward. But until now, the Senate majority prevented us from having an up-or-down vote on authorization. Meanwhile, the House voted nine times to approve the Keystone Pipeline. The most recent of these votes came last week.

Now we finally have a chance to send something to the White House that forces the President to make a choice once and for all.

Without congressional activity, the President sees no reason to make a decision. The American people delivered a reason on election day. They want to see Washington work. We can start by passing the Keystone Pipeline. The President claims he heard that message. Let's pass this authorization and give him a chance to approve that.

Yes.

Mr. President, I wish to honor Mike Jacobs, who will retire as the Johnson County judge after more than two decades of public service to the citizens of Arkansas in this elected position.

As Johnson County judge, Mike was a constant advocate for services, programs, and improvements for Johnson County residents. He worked to secure funding to provide a safe source of drinking water for citizens in county, preserving funding for rural schools and protect rural firefighters. After a tornado devastated Johnson County in 2011, Mike fought to ensure FEMA would allow citizens to receive Federal disaster assistance.

Mikes passion for public service extends beyond the borders of Johnson County. As the president of board of directors for the Association of Arkansas Counties for more than 15 years, Mike has shared his efforts, experiences, and examples of success with others. He is a visionary for the State and the Nation as he also serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Counties.

I congratulate Mike for his commitment to public service. We are all grateful for his years of service and leadership to Arkansas. I am grateful to be able to call Mike a friend. While he is stepping down as county judge, Mike will continue public service in another capacity. We will be able to rely on his advice and his experience as he serves as justice of the peace.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Johnson County judge Mike Jacobs on his retirement. I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. President, last month we marked the 24th anniversary of the beginning of the gulf war. In August 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait. Shortly after this development the United States launched Operation Desert Shield, which led to Operation Desert Storm to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.

Arkansas made a huge sacrifice during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The Arkansas Army National Guard had 13 units called to serve during these operations, and 10 units of the Arkansas Air National Guard were called up. More than 3,400 Arkansas Guard soldiers were called up altogether--the second highest percentage of any State. Of those Arkansans called to serve, nine of the Army Guard units served in combat, including the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade--the only National Guard artillery brigade called to Active Duty during the gulf war.

I thank all of the men and women--more than 600,000 Americans from across the United States--who served and sacrificed in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

These servicemembers deserve a place of honor and recognition in our Nation's Capital. My friend and colleague Senator Donnelly and I have been working toward that goal. I am proud of my colleagues in the House who unanimously passed H.R. 503, the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act in May. I ask that we bring this bill up for final passage here in the Senate.

In a time where we are facing budget constraints, this bill is budget neutral. Private funds for construction of the memorial will be raised by the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association. This bill simply authorizes the establishment of a monument on Federal lands here in our Nation's Capital, which is what Congress needs to act on to honor all of those men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. Passing this bill will be a great step in honoring our gulf war veterans. I am grateful to have the support of the full Senate and look forward to a swift ultimate passage.

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 403, H.R. 503. I further ask that the bill be read a third time and passed, and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, the sad thing is the people who were involved in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield are in the middle of this. We have this other bill that there are some concerns about. That is fine. That is what this place is all about. But the idea of holding the Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield bill hostage in this situation is not good. We live in an era of gridlock, and we have problems getting things done.

This bill passed the House unanimously and would pass the Senate unanimously. So I would hope that we can again get together and get things worked out. The reality is and the problem is that there is no reason to couple these two together. If the other bill has problems, it needs to be worked out. That is what it is all about. Let's have that discussion.

But the Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield bill has nothing to do with that. So I would hope that in the near future we can move forward and honor these 600,000 people who participated, so that one day their children can come and visit Washington and be able to look at the monument about which the committee will decide as to what is appropriate so that we can honor these individuals.

I yield the floor.

I wish to celebrate 70 years of down-home cooking at Neal's CAFE in Springdale, AR.

Opened in 1944 by Toy and Bertha Neal, the restaurant is currently run by the family's fourth generation. Over the last 70 years, Neal's Cafe has been one of the most popular dining spots in northwest Arkansas.

Neal's is not just known for its menu of delicious comfort food. It is also a popular gathering spot for locals to catch-up and discuss family life, politics and the Razorbacks chances on the football field this week.

It is hard to miss the pink exterior of Neal's Cafe as you drive down N. Thompson Street. When you park your vehicle and step inside Neal's, the unique decor of the restaurant and the aroma of fried chicken immediately hit you. While fried chicken is among the most popular dishes at Neal's Cafe, visitors come from far and wide for the homemade pies as well.

Neal's Cafe is so much more than a restaurant. It is an integral part of the Springdale community. The Neal family has worked relentlessly to make it that way.

As someone who has experience starting a family business, I know how challenging of an endeavor it is to get off the ground, much less be successful to the level that the Neal family has been for the past 70 years. It is a testament to the family's commitment to quality, service and dedication to the community.

As the Neal family celebrates 70 years of operating Neal's Cafe, I would like to extend my wishes for many more years of serving food and fellowship at their Springdale institution.

I look forward to stopping by for some fried chicken and a slice of coconut cream pie very soon.

Mr. President, there is a long list of items on the Senate agenda that are important to our country, including reforming the VA health system, addressing the crisis at our border, and ensuring funding is available for improvements to our roads and bridges.

While it may seem as though other issues are on the back burner, they are not. I want Arkansans to know I hear you loudly and clearly about your dislike for ObamaCare. Recent court rulings confirm ObamaCare is unworkable. Americans understand how the law infringes on our rights. The Supreme Court reserved the right for business owners to object to overbearing government mandates that would violate our religious beliefs.

The promises that were made were not true--like the law will lower our premiums. The reality is ObamaCare drives up health insurance premiums and copays, and that is what hurts our wallets.

Sean from Hackett, AR, wrote to me about a blood test his fiancee needed to help diagnose her illness. In the past, she had a copayment and the rest of the bill was paid by her insurance. But Sean wrote:

Normally it would only cost $25 for a co-payment. Now she

received a $200 bill.

You remember the other promises, such as you can keep your doctors and Medicare will not be cut.

Cyndi, who lives in rural Arkansas, detailed the problem she is having with Medicare because of ObamaCare. The changes made through ObamaCare have cost her both time and money. ``Not everyone lives in the big city where clinics, doctors and hospitals are easily available,'' she wrote. ``Many of these facilities have closed their doors or the doctors are not accepting Medicare patients.''

Connie, a registered nurse in Arkansas, told me that she is sick of ObamaCare and sees the problems her patients and family have to deal with under the law, which includes losing their doctors and the use of the local hospital. She wrote that the cost of the insurance payments increased and customers have to pay such high deductibles that they cannot afford to go to the doctor.

These failed promises are negatively impacting Arkansans. The ugly reality is people are struggling under this law. Amanda's story is what so many middle-class families are experiencing. Her family is already trying to make ends meet, but she says ObamaCare is not affordable. ``There is no way humanly possible that my family can afford a monthly fee of $654,'' she wrote.

ObamaCare costs American taxpayers more than $2 trillion, but like in the case with Amanda's family, health care is more unaffordable.

I believe we need to start over by creating real reforms that lower costs, increase choice, and eliminate Washington's control of our health care. We need health care reform, but ObamaCare is not the answer. We need to transition the employer-based private insurance market toward one that allows for flexibility, choice, portability, and fairness.

Let's allow small business owners to pool together to purchase group insurance. Let's allow individuals to purchase insurance across State lines to increase competition. Let's expand health savings accounts and flexible savings accounts. Let's address medical malpractice reform and prevent lawsuit abuse.

I want you to know that unraveling ObamaCare and starting over is at the top of my agenda because health care needs to be much more affordable than it currently is under ObamaCare.

I yield the floor.