Floor Statements

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.

Mr. President, we want to thank Senator Blumenthal and Senator Moran for their hard work on the Veterans' Affairs Committee. We all support the mission at the Veterans Crisis Line. Preventing veteran suicide is a common goal shared by everyone in this Chamber. The VCL has taken more than 7.16 million calls since it was established. The VA reports that veterans who contact VCL are 10 times more likely to receive mental health care than those who do not.

I support this amendment and urge its adoption and would be glad to scream out ``yes'' with a voice vote.

Vote on Amendment No. 3432

Mr. President, veterans who are found by competent judicial authority to be a danger to themselves or others are reported to NICS under current law. There is no evidence to suggest that individuals who require a fiduciary are inherently more prone to violence.

Under the terms of current law with this amendment in place, veterans who are found to be a danger to themselves or others by a judge, magistrate, or other judicial authority are reported to the NICS system, as is entirely appropriate.

Needing help with your finances doesn't make you mentally incapacitated or mentally incompetent.

For this reason, I urge a ``no'' vote.

Vote on Amendment No. 3447

Mr. President, I understand Senator Duckworth's concern. However, Secretary Collins publicly announced that, through normal attrition, early retirements, and deferred resignations, the VA staff would be properly sized by the end of fiscal year 2025. The rumored large-scale reduction in force is not necessary, and the VA has no plans to seek any further staffing reductions. Mission-critical positions at the VA are exempt from a hiring freeze and are not eligible for early retirement or deferred resignations.

To quote Secretary Collins:

A department-wide RIF is off the table.

Senator Tuberville has an amendment that does not focus on rumored RIFs that will not take place but instead focuses on VA staffing reviews, the new staffing models it is pursuing, and the methodology underpinning these efforts.

For that reason, I ask for a ``no'' vote on this amendment.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor and remember an inspiring, beloved former member of the Senate community Timothy Strachan.

Tim, who served as a counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2005 to 2008, lived an incredible life that was characterized by an unbreakable spirit and the ability not just to overcome adversity, but thrive amid it. He tragically passed away last month after a courageous battle with cancer.

His story was anything but ordinary. As a standout quarterback at nearby DeMatha Catholic High School, Tim was a top college prospect when his life changed in an instant. On a beach vacation ahead of his senior year, he became paralyzed from the neck down after a swimming accident.

Such an earth-shaking disruption to a person's health and dreams for the future would shatter many of us, but Tim was undaunted and set about to reinvent his life's purpose.

He finished high school on time, attended the University of Maryland to study communications, and then earned a law degree from Georgetown University. After his time in the Senate concluded, he joined the Federal Communications Commission as an attorney advisor for its legislative affairs team as well as its lead attorney on wireless communications policy.

After the accident, the remarkable grit, perseverance, and hopeful outlook he characterized were striking, and he quickly became a dynamic motivational speaker whose trademark positivity and ability to connect with people were constantly in demand.

Tim's passion for football never waned. He served as a student assistant coach at the University of Maryland and went on to become the color commentator for its radio broadcasts for over 20 years.

He was also a devoted husband to his dear wife Leslie and cherished father to Olivia, Sophie, and Luke, as well as a fixture in his community who radiated joy and warmth. They, along with legions of admirers across the country, will deeply miss his larger-than-life presence.

I join so many others in extending sincere condolences to all of Tim Strachan's loved ones and friends who

celebrate his life, courageous example, and relentless gratitude. His legacy will be felt for many years to come.

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate an exceptional achievement of the 184th Attack Squadron, based out of Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, AR, which was honored with the 2024 General Atomics Remotely Piloted Aircraft, RPA, Trophy.

Known as the ``Flying Razorbacks,'' the 184th is part of the 188th Wing and merited recognition for its outstanding performance contributing to our national defense and providing cutting-edge, resilient air capabilities.

Awarded to the top RPA squadron across all U.S. Air Force Active- Duty, Reserve, and Guard units, the servicemembers of the 184th Attack Squadron consistently demonstrate their critical skills and effectiveness. The squadron completed 314 combat sorties, providing nearly 6,000 hours of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance-- ISR--missions. This footage is extremely important for monitoring and identifying threats, protecting civilians and ground forces, and can provide real-time updates that enable immediate response. These efforts are crucial to achieve mission success and protect our Nation and interests.

The squadron has fostered a reputation for excellence. In 2024, it became the first Presidentially selected unit to ensure the security of humanitarian airdrops by protecting cargo and units delivering aid, as well as ensuring safe and precise delivery. This distinction represented confidence in the 184th as a hallmark of mission readiness and professionalism.

Additionally, the Flying Razorbacks led the U.S. Air Force in conducting MQ-9 Reaper operations, utilizing the remotely piloted aircraft to complete 66 percent of all nontraditional defense counter- air and counter-small unmanned aerial system engagements.

I am proud to recognize the men and women of the 184th Attack Squadron for earning this prestigious award and the trust of our national security leaders. Arkansas is proud to commend their dedication and hard work and congratulate them on their world-class commitment to bolstering our national defense.

Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senators Collins and Murray, as well as my Democratic counterpart on the MILCON-VA Subcommittee Senator Ossoff in presenting the fiscal year 2026 and 2027 for the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Department of Military Construction.

It is important to remember that we followed tradition in crafting the bill in a very open and a very bipartisan way. So it is built on a strong foundation and deserves the support of our colleagues.

This bill takes into consideration the needs of our veterans, their families, and our servicemembers. And within that framework, we have created a thoughtful path--a path forward for both Departments and their related Agencies.

This bill provides $153.5 billion of discretionary spending. Of that amount, the Department of Veterans Affairs has provided $133.3 billion in discretionary funding. When combined with the $49.8 billion from the Toxic Exposures Fund, veterans' medical care will be funded at a total of $163.6 billion in fiscal year 2026.

Our bill funds priority accounts to prevent veteran suicide as well as increase rural access to healthcare through significant investments for the Office of Rural Health.

Additionally, we allocated approximately $23 billion to support critical mental health issues and programs to prevent veterans' homelessness and provide funding for innovative medical research.

The bill also funds mandatory veterans' benefits, which are earned benefits that include disability pensions, employment training programs, and educational benefits.

We also make advanced appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for certain accounts, including $122.3 billion for veterans' medical care and $262.1 billion for mandatory veterans' benefits.

In addition, we are delivering $19.8 billion to support military construction and family housing units, which are important to both readiness and morale. Our bill will give the Department of Defense the resources it needs to project power globally, enhance our warfighting capabilities, and train our forces.

Importantly, we provide $1.9 billion to improve housing and quality of life for servicemembers and their families.

I also want to note that the bill includes robust funding for related Agencies, which include the American Battle Monuments Commission, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

Funding at these priorities at these levels represents solid bipartisan work to provide the resources necessary for our veterans, their families, and the servicemembers defending our Nation, which was evident with the passage of the measure in the Appropriations Committee by a vote of 26 to 3.

I want to again thank Senator Ossoff as well as Chair Collins and Vice Chair Murray for their hard work and collaboration. And also a special thanks to our staff who worked so, so very hard to put the bill together.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise to waive the point order raised by my colleague from Minnesota. I urge my colleagues to vote to waive the point of order.

In 2023, the SNAP payment error exceeded 11 percent--11 percent-- amounting to more than $10 million in misspent taxpayer dollars. This underscores the need for stronger State accountability in administering this program.

This title incentivizes States to be a better steward of taxpayer dollars to use resources that are prioritized for those most in need. If a State's payment error is below 6 percent, that State is exempt from any share of the cost of SNAP benefits. This is a reasonable approach that will help preserve the integrity and long-term sustainability of the program.

There is ample time for the States to adjust, plan, and budget for this to take effect in 2028. States can also work to lower their payment error rate over the next couple of years so that they would be exempt from the match altogether.

Mr. President, I move to waive the point of order for the consideration of the pending legislation, and I ask for the yeas and nays.

Vote on Motion

Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the motion raised by my colleague from New Mexico.

The agriculture title of this bill takes a practical approach to improve SNAP by reducing waste, enhancing accountability, and encouraging recipients to move toward self-reliance through work and training.

SNAP spending has nearly doubled since 2018, putting this vital program on an unsustainable path, wrought with mismanagement and waste. This program has devolved into viewing ``success'' as enrolling more individuals to be dependent on government assistance. SNAP is long overdue for change.

This motion would jeopardize the ability for the Senate to meet its reconciliation instructions and deliver the President's agenda to the American people.

I urge my colleagues to vote no.

Vote on Motion

Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the motion raised by my colleague from Illinois.

The Agriculture title of the bill empowers individuals to pursue work, education, training, and volunteer opportunities, equipping SNAP recipients to eventually transition off the program through real growth in their income.

It is reasonable to expect SNAP recipients who can work to do so, including parents of school-age children who can work while their children are in school. Any individual who is physically or mentally unfit for employment continues to be exempt from the work requirement.

This motion would jeopardize the ability of the Senate to meet its reconciliation instructions and deliver the President's agenda to the American people.

I urge my colleagues to vote no.

Vote on Motion

Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the motion raised by my colleague from California. The agricultural title of this bill takes a practical approach to improve SNAP by reducing waste, enhancing accountability, and encouraging recipients to move toward self-reliance through work and training.

SNAP spending has nearly doubled since 2018, putting this vital program on an unsustainable path, wrought with mismanagement and waste. SNAP is long overdue for change. This program has devolved into viewing success as enrolling more individuals to be dependent on government assistance.

This motion would jeopardize the ability of the Senate to meet its reconciliation instructions and deliver the President's agenda to the American people.

I urge my colleagues to vote no.

Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the amendment offered by my colleague from Minnesota.

We have amended the State matching funds requirement for SNAP to provide a delay implementation date for States that have extremely high payment error rates. These States will have additional time to plan, to budget, and to adjust. This will help all States be ready for the change. By 2030, all States will have phased in and be subject to the matching funds requirement.

The States involved, if we did fiscal year 2024--again, the key to this is doing it in a fair way. Alaska is one of the States. Maryland is one of the States. Oregon is one of the States. New York is one of the States, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Alaska, and DC--hardly Republican priorities.

As Amy said, I would vote what is important to your State. If you have got a high error rate, this allows you additional time in order to get your house in order so that you will not be penalized.

Vote on Amendment No. 2849

With that, I ask for the yeas and nays and encourage a positive vote--no vote. A positive vote, meaning a no vote.

Mr. President, I rise today in support of Judge Stephen Vaden's nomination to be the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.

Judge Vaden is no stranger to public service. He served as USDA general

counsel during President Trump's administration and now sits on the U.S. Court of International Trade, both roles confirmed by this body.

He brings a deep understanding of rural America because he has lived it. His family has farmed in Tennessee and Kentucky for generations. That firsthand knowledge, combined with his experience in ag policy, makes him uniquely qualified to serve.

USDA needs proven leaders to support Secretary Rollins to carry out the administration's mission in rural communities. Judge Vaden is ready to serve again, and I urge my colleagues to confirm him.

I yield the floor.

Vote on Fotouhi Nomination

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

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize three exceptional students from Bentonville West High School: Ronak Pai, LalitAditya Kameshwaran, and Veera Sai Joshik Unnam for winning the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national competition.

The students, identifying a lack of affordable, nonintensive oral cancer screenings across the Natural State, dedicated their time and efforts to crafting a solution. Inspired by the direct experiences of their close family, friends, and loved ones who struggled to receive oral health care in both Arkansas and around the world, the trio conducted research and met with local dentists, as well as health providers, computer scientists, and cancer experts in hopes of making a difference.

They quickly discovered that oral cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, as it can be difficult to diagnose and treat. That led them to compile thousands of images of mouth cancers and subsequently train an artificial intelligence model to develop an application that can detect and classify stages of oral cancer.

In February, their Oral Care app secured a statewide win, delivering a $12,000 technology prize package that included new computers for their school community, as well as the opportunity to showcase their work and compete on the national stage.

Ronak, LalitAditya, and Veera presented Oral Care to a panel of judges in Washington, DC, in April and earned the Community Choice Award against nine other teams.

As national winners, the students secured another prize package of $100,000 for Bentonville West, including more technology and classroom resources.

I am proud to celebrate these three exceptional students whose efforts have benefited their communities and have the potential to better the lives of people around the world. It is exciting to see young Arkansans recognized on the national stage. Ronak, LalitAditya, and Veera have showed not only their unique entrepreneurial and technological skills but a desire to create a brighter, healthier future.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Kimberly Stinson of Bismarck on being named Arkansas's 2025 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

As the owner of Lil Lions Daycare, Stinson has distinguished herself as a dedicated, active community leader and businesswoman.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stinson recognized that her community in Hot Spring County was in need of a licensed childcare center when she herself struggled to provide care for her young grandchildren. Realizing that other families were facing a similar situation, she took action, working with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center to craft a business plan and secure financing that included an SBA-backed loan.

By October of 2021, Stinson opened Lil Lions Daycare's doors after creating an exciting, safe environment for children to learn and play. Her husband Brian helped with building and construction--both pushing ahead in the face of adversity.

But the work did not end with the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Stinson continued to pursue and secure grants that helped her operation care for even more children, including those in foster care and low-income households during a time when local families needed this critical assistance the most.

Having no prior professional childcare experience, Stinson took it upon herself to complete over 400 hours of childcare courses and trainings through Arkansas State University. She then applied her new knowledge to develop a social-emotional learning curriculum that prioritizes mental, social, and physical growth.

Stinson has proved herself to be a passionate, empathetic entrepreneur with an eye for business and heart for community. Lil Lions has received recognition not only for its positive reputation, but for the unwavering care and personal investment Stinson and her team pour into the well-being of children.

Congratulations again to Kimberly Stinson and her team at Lil Lions Daycare, as this exceptional distinction is a result of their outstanding efforts. We are proud to celebrate her and the successes that have made Lil Lions a cornerstone of her community.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Arkansas Medical Society's 150th anniversary.

Founded in October 1875 by 225 physicians, the Arkansas Medical Society has become a champion for medical, social, and scientific advocacy. Throughout decades of invaluable service, its members have remained steadfast in their mission to advance medicine and improve the well-being of Natural State residents.

Since its founding, the Arkansas Medical Society's efforts have had a tremendous impact on our State. To advance the heath needs of Arkansans and support physicians, the organization has had a hand in the planning, creation, and implementation of our State's first State board of health in response to the yellow fever epidemic; developed Arkansas's first medical licensing laws to ensure uniformity of care for citizens; and supported the establishment of what would eventually become the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine.

Other distinct contributions include the creation of the Arkansas Tuberculosis Sanitarium in 1909, educational efforts to combat malaria and typhoid fever, and later, the creation of Arkansas Blue Cross in 1948, as well as sponsoring a statewide polio vaccination program several years later.

More recently, its members helped successfully push for the development of a statewide trauma system in 2009, enact reforms to ease administrative burdens that delay care, and organize a distribution system to provide personal protective equipment to Natural State healthcare providers and clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has continuously demonstrated the ability to positively impact our State. Through unwavering dedication to the organization's founding principles, the physicians it mobilizes have furthered public health and wellness for their patients, communities, and beyond.

For more than a century, the Arkansas Medical Society has continued to thrive due to its reputation and effectiveness. I applaud the hard work of its members, past and present, whose innovative work has spurred positive change and bettered the lives of men, women, and children across the Natural State. Congratulations on this significant milestone of 150 years.

Mr. President, I understand there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

I now ask for a second reading, and in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request.