Floor Statements

Mr. President, today Senator Merkley and I are introducing the Corps of Engineers Recreation Improvement Act. This legislation enables the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reinvest recreation fees to improve facilities where the funds are collected. Our bill creates an incentive for the Corps to maintain good facilities and provide quality recreational opportunities on our public lands. The Corps currently collects recreation fees at many sites. This legislation would not change the way the Corps determines use fee rates. Existing law provides that users of specialized sites, facilities, equipment, or services provided by Federal expense shall be assessed fair and equitable fees. Section 210 of the Flood Control Act of 1968 also provides that no entrance fees shall be charged by the Corps. Our bill is not intended to and does not make any changes in that regard.

In Arkansas, recreation on our public Corps-operated lands is an important driver of economic activity, job opportunities, and tourism. In fiscal year 2012, over $4.2 million in revenue was collected at Corps recreation sites in Arkansas. When citizens spend money at Corps recreation sites in Arkansas, Oregon, or other States, many of them expect that their money will be invested on-site to improve facilities and create recreation opportunities. Our bill would ensure those expectations are met.

The Corps of Engineers Recreation Improvement Act would also enable the Corps to participate in the interagency America the Beautiful Pass program to allow customers an alternative payment option at sites where entrance or amenity fees are charged. This includes the distribution and sale of the passes and the retention of a portion of the revenue for the sales of those passes. It would also allow the Corps to distribute Military Passes. This will make it easier for our men and women in uniform and their families to acquire passes. The Corps currently honors these passes but the Corps is not allowed to distribute the passes. Providing the ability for the Corps to offer passes to customers is a commonsense solution that will encourage continued use of Federal recreation sites.

Madam President, I thank the Senator from North Dakota for his leadership and for, again, spearheading this effort. I thank all the Senators who are here and are, in a very bipartisan way, trying to move this project forward.

We speak a lot about jobs in regard to this project, but that simply cannot be overemphasized. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, most of the largest labor unions--major labor unions--all agree that if this pipeline were to go forward, which it has to do, it would create 250,000 jobs; 20,000 of those tomorrow, almost immediately. Again, it is so important.

It is important to my home State because many businesses, many hard- working Americans living there would benefit tremendously. We have a large Nucor plant. That Nucor plant in Blytheville, AK, in Mississippi County, would supply a lot of the iron that would be used. We have another facility, Welspun Tubular Company, they make oil pipe. They have 500 miles of this pipe sitting in storage that they have produced to go forward, which should be a great thing. The problem is instead of increasing employment for the future, right now they have had to lay off workers because of the indecision.

So there are all kinds of reasons we need to do this. Others have talked about national security reasons, but the labor--the good-paying jobs that would be created, again, not being dependent on places such as Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, that is a pretty good deal, and we need to move forward immediately.

Mr. President, having served on the Rogers School Board, I understand how important the Wall of Distinction is to the school district and the community. This honor highlights the accomplishments of a wide array of people who have proven their commitment to upholding and sharing the values of Rogers.

I can't think of a better person who fits this description than Aaron Mankin.

I have known the Mankin family for much of my life. I grew up with Aaron's dad. Aaron grew up with my three daughters. Our families have a long history together.

Aaron's love for his country led him to join the Marine Corps in 2003, where he served as a combat correspondent. In 2005 he deployed to Iraq, risking his life to protect the interests of his country. I had the opportunity to visit with him during a trip to Iraq. Just a few weeks later, his life changed forever. He suffered intense burns and major lung damage when the armored vehicle he was riding in ran over a land mine in Northern Iraq. Aaron was sent to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and placed in the ICU. The damage to his lungs was so extensive that he was placed on a ventilator. He had third- degree burns on his arms and had to have his thumb and two-thirds of his index finger on his right hand amputated.

I have visited with Aaron on several occasions since his devastating injuries and heard him share his experiences. He is one of my heroes, and I am always moved personally regarding my own efforts after seeing how he has fought through his adversity.

Aaron has faced many challenges, but his contagious enthusiasm for life has opened many doors, and I am confident those opportunities will continue. Many programs have benefited Aaron along his path to recovery, and he has shown his appreciation by becoming a champion and spokesperson for UCLA's Operation Mend and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

He has a long list of accomplishments and awards, including earning the Purple Heart and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device for Valor. In addition, he was named as one of People Magazine's Heroes of the Year and a 2011 recipient of the Veterans Leadership Award presented by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. The next year, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta invited Aaron to discuss matters affecting wounded veterans.

He has taken his pain and suffering and turned it into a model of perseverance that is helping other soldiers and veterans heal from the pain of battle.

Aaron, we are proud of your visionary leadership and all of your accomplishments. You have always maintained an optimistic attitude and a determination that can be an example to us all. We are excited to see what your future holds, and we are proud to call you a son of Rogers, Arkansas.

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

Mr. President, every time I travel the great State of Arkansas, I meet farmers and ranchers who help feed America and the world. That is just how prevalent agriculture is in my home State. It is our No. 1 industry and accounts for $16 billion annually to the State's economy. That is the reason I asked for a seat on the Agriculture Committee. I wanted to help Arkansas's food producers, our farmers who are working to develop and implement policies to increase production, and provide them with the tools and resources they need to continue their important work.

There are two immediate concerns I hear as I travel the State: No. 1, they want us to wrap up the work on a new farm bill. They want to know what the rules are going to be for the next 5 years as they go and visit with their bankers; and No. 2, they do not want us to go over the fiscal cliff.

Arkansas farmers are concerned about what inaction on tax reform will mean to their livelihood. In particular, one of the areas they fear is a rise in the already high and unnecessary tax burden they face when inheriting a loved one's farm or ranch. The death tax makes planning and passing on farms and businesses to the next generation even more difficult. Oftentimes, the cost is too much to absorb, and families end up spending their hard-earned money on attorney's fees, selling their land or part of the business or assets or laying off workers just to pay Uncle Sam.

If the President and the Senate majority refuse to compromise on the tax portion of the fiscal cliff agreement, the death tax will rise dramatically. Arkansas farmers will be forced to hand over to Uncle Sam up to 55 percent of the value of family farm estates that are worth more than $1 million beginning in 2013. This would have a truly devastating impact on nearly a quarter of Arkansas family farms and ranches.

With 97 percent of Arkansas farms being family owned, there is great concern among these agricultural producers, among our farmers and timberland owners about the current inaction on the fiscal cliff or fiscal crisis. A good example is Allen Nipper. He operates a tree farm in Magnolia, AR. He wrote to me about what he rightfully calls ``multiple taxation.'' He says:

We know our lands provide clean water and wildlife habitat

that benefits society in general without us expecting a

handout or a

payment for providing those services. But then at my death,

the Government wants to take up to 55 percent of the value

after I have invested my efforts into providing those

benefits. That is not right, nor is it fair.

I agree with Allen. Part of the American dream is creating an inheritance we can pass on to our future generations. Our farmers and small businesses deserve to pass along their investment to their heirs without having to worry about a tax. That is why I introduced legislation to actually eliminate the death tax. While this idea will not be included in the final tax deal, these hard-working families cannot afford Congress to allow the death tax to return to 55 percent. It is simply unacceptable. At the very least, we need to maintain current policy for another year, until we are able to implement and provide a more permanent solution. We owe it to these hard-working families to work together to solve this issue.

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

Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate the DeSalvo family for earning the distinction of 2012's Arkansas Farm Family of the Year.

This honor reflects the dedication of Tony DeSalvo, his son Phillip, daughter-in-law Beth, and grandchildren Benjamin and Isabelle to ranching and the importance of agriculture as Arkansas's No. 1 industry.

As owners of Big D Ranch, the DeSalvos oversee a 350-head commercial cow-calf operation. It is one of the largest herd of registered Ultrablack cattle in the State, and includes a 150-head of registered Ultrablack cattle 30 to 40 of which are registered bulls. The DeSalvos also grow around 900 acres of wheat and sorghum-sudan silage and Bermuda hay on the ranch. The DeSalvo family settled near Center Ridge in the late 1800s, and the family continues to work on that same land today. Phillip is passing along his passion for ranching with Benjamin and Isabella, and now they are learning the rewards of farm work.

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 DeSalvos are well-deserving of this honor.

I congratulate Tony, Phillip, Beth, Benjamin, and Isabelle on their outstanding achievements in ranching and 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 offer Arkansas ranching and agriculture.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor Boone County Sheriff Danny Hickman for his commitment to safety and law enforcement during 14 years at the helm of the sheriff's department.

Sheriff Hickman made a career of helping others, serving in the fire department, medical, and law enforcement fields, as well as the Boone County Quorum Court before being elected sheriff in 1998.

His dedication to safety and law enforcement has been instrumental in the improvements within the department and the services available to the citizens of Boone Country. Sheriff Hickman made 21st century improvements to office computers, patrol cars, and provided resources for additional training for officers and staff.

In addition, he continuously strived for opportunities to learn the newest methods available to law enforcement officers in programs offered by the University of Arkansas division of Criminal Justice Institute and to help meet the needs of rural communities during the Rural Executive Management Institute.

His efforts helped bring nearly $\1/2\ million in Federal grants for school resource officers, a domestic violence officer, radio and camera equipment for area schools, and law enforcement services in Boone County. Sheriff Hickman made safety improvements a priority.

He has a true passion to making sure the people of Arkansas. Sheriff Hickman is the past president of the Arkansas Sheriff's Association and currently

serves on the Arkansas Association of Counties Risk Management Trustees Board.

I congratulate Sheriff Danny Hickman for his successes in law enforcement and keeping Arkansas citizens safe. I wish him continued success in the future. We are all grateful for his years of service and leadership in Boone County.

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

Mr. President, the men and women who wear our Nation's uniform are selfless heroes who embody the American spirit, courage, honor, and patriotism. We must always remember to honor those who risk their lives to protect our country because our troops have given the greatest sacrifice in defense of our freedoms.

Today I am here to pay my respects to Army SGT Joseph A. Richardson, an Arkansas soldier who sacrificed his life for his country while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

As a student at Booneville High School in Booneville, AR, Sergeant Richardson took an interest in the military. His guidance counselor told Arkansas media outlets that during his sophomore year he became interested in military service and was anxious to take the necessary entrance exams even before he could qualify. His counselor said, ``He felt like it was going to be an honor to serve his country.'' In 2008, he joined the Army.

His passion for his service to his country remained constant. Sergeant Richardson's family said he loved his job, he loved fighting for his country and our freedom. He liked it so much he recently reenlisted for 6 more years of service in the Army.

While Sergeant Richardson's desire to serve his country was well known, so was his enthusiasm for life. His family and friends describe Sergeant Richardson as a kind-hearted man who always put others first and made those around him laugh.

As a member of A Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, First Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, 23-year-old Sergeant Richardson gave his life for his country on November 16, 2012, while on patrol in Afghanistan.

SGT Joseph Richardson is a true American hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I ask my colleagues to keep his wife Ashley and the rest of his family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. On behalf of a grateful nation, I humbly offer my sincerest gratitude for his patriotism and selfless service.

With that, I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, at a time when we are seeing reports of violence in areas all around the world, we must never forget that the men and women of the U.S. military are out there fighting on our behalf day in and day out so we can live in a safe environment here at home. Our servicemembers are well aware of the risks they face as they serve this Nation, and it is our duty to do all we can to honor those who fight and pay the ultimate price for our freedoms.

Today I am here to pay my respects to SGT Jason M. Swindle, an Arkansan who, at 24 years of age, laid down his life for our country while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant Swindle attended Cabot High School in Cabot, AR, and joined the Army in 2005. He was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, GA. He was serving his third combat deployment. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

His family and friends describe him as being a fun-loving guy who was very patriotic and very proud of the work he was doing in the Army.

In addition to being a soldier, Sergeant Swindle was also a husband and a father. He leaves behind his wife Chelsey, who is currently expecting their second child, and a 1-year-old son, Paxton.

Mr. President, it is people such as Jason Swindle who are the true American heroes. I ask my colleagues to keep his wife, children, and the rest of his family in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. I humbly offer my sincerest gratitude to Jason for his selfless sacrifice in the service and defense of this great Nation.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the heroic University of Arkansas alumni whose actions earned them the Nation's highest distinction for valor in military action, the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Throughout the storied history of the University of Arkansas, many men and women have served their Nation with honor and valor, and five of these selfless heroes have earned our Nation's highest military honor.

On Monday, November 12, 2012, we recognized these valiant heroes who put their lives on the line. We honored their service and accomplishments with the dedication of a memorial flag pole on the University of Arkansas campus.

Maurice L. Britt was born in Carlisle, AR, in 1919. On November 10, 1943, north of Mignano, Italy, Army Lieutenant Britt was wounded in battle, but he refused medical attention and proceeded to lead a handful of men in a counterattack against the Germans. Lieutenant Britt and his men ultimately captured four Germans and enabled captured Americans to escape.

Nathan Green Gordon was born in Morrilton, AR, in 1916. On February 15, 1944, in the Bismarck Sea, Navy Lieutenant Gordon was the commander of a Catalina patrol plane. Braving close-range fire from the enemy, Lieutenant Gordon rescued U.S. airmen of the U.S. Army 5th Air Force in full view of the Japanese. He made a daring escape under direct fire to fly them to safety.

Edgar H. Lloyd was born in Blytheville, AR. On September 14, 1944, near Pompey, France, Army First Lieutenant Lloyd was serving as a rifle platoon leader in Company E of the 319th Infantry. Assigned task of removing 200 enemy forces from their position, Lieutenant Lloyd's company was within 50 yards of the enemy position and suffered many casualties. Despite the enemy threat, First Lieutenant Lloyd encouraged his fellow soldiers by attacking enemy machine gun positions, personally destroying five machine guns. His valor inspired the men to overrun the enemy position.

Seymour W. Terry was born in Little Rock, AR. On May 11, 1945, on Zebra Hill, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, Army First Lieutenant Terry led his company on an attack when his men came under heavy enemy fire. He singlehandedly began securing the hill, running directly towards the enemy and destroying the strongholds. He sealed 4 pillboxes with explosives, killed 20 Japanese and destroyed 3 machine guns. He continued his assault on the hill to allow his troops to advance. As First Lieutenant Terry was reorganizing the company, he was mortally wounded. His heroism inspired the platoon to continue the mission.

James L. Stone was born in Pine Bluff, AR. On November 21 and 22, 1951, near Sokkogae, Korea, First Lieutenant Stone's platoon was attacked by Chinese forces. Courageously, he stood and directed his men while repairing a faulty flamethrower. He was wounded but continued to fire on the enemy during a second attack and encouraged the platoon members' efforts to protect their position.

It is people like Maurice Britt, Nathan Gordon, Edgar Lloyd, Seymour Terry, and James Stone whose resilience, bravery, and courage exemplify the American spirit. Their legacies will live on as we remember all of our brave service members who selflessly serve our Nation to protect its ideals and interests.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor Benton County sheriff Keith Ferguson, who is retiring after more than four decades of dedication to safety and law enforcement.

Serving for 32 years with the Arkansas State Police, with more than half of those years as supervisor of Carroll and Benton Counties, Keith made a career out of helping the people of Arkansas.

In 2003 he became the sheriff of Benton County, a position he still holds today. In the past 10 years he has proven his commitment to keeping Arkansans safe. I have worked with Sheriff Ferguson and other community leaders during the institution of the 287(g) Program with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE. This local, State, and Federal cooperation has played a key role in combating illegal immigration in Northwest Arkansas.

Keith also helped create a child internet pornography investigation unit to help keep our children safe and has championed the use of inmate labor to help the county through programs such as Habitat for Humanity and the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.

As sheriff of Benton County, he has improved outreach to children and the elderly and efficiency in the office with upgraded technology and improved equipment and employee training.

Keith's commitment to safety has been recognized at the State level, earning the Arkansas State Police Commendation Award for his heroics in apprehending a suspect and the Northwest Community Valor Award for his role in capturing three prison escapees.

I congratulate Sheriff Keith Ferguson for his outstanding achievements and success in law enforcement, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring him on his retirement. I wish him continued success in his future endeavors. Benton County is a better place to live thanks to his years of service and leadership to Arkansas.

Mr. President, if you look at any objective measure, whether it is unemployment numbers, gas prices, middle-class income, college tuition, manufacturing production, home values, and the list goes on and on, we are clearly not headed in the right direction. So what is the cause of this? The primary cause is lack of leadership coming from the administration and from the leadership in the Senate. The administration's policies have led to the worst recovery since World War II.

Over 23 million people are unemployed or underemployed. One of the main reasons they cannot find work is the economic uncertainty Washington has created, stopping the hiring process. Our businesses are frozen. As a former small business owner, I understand firsthand how economic uncertainty hampers business growth. If you do not know what your taxes are going to be, if you do not know what your energy costs are going to be, if you do not know what your health costs are going to be, the last thing in the world you are going to do is hire a bunch of people.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. President, I rise today to highlight the following letter written by over 60 genocide scholars, including Dr. Samuel Totten of the University of Arkansas. Their letter urges the Obama administration to do more to end the humanitarian catastrophe occurring in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States of Sudan.

Last summer I joined a group of bipartisan Senators in making a similar request of the administration. Unfortunately, humanitarian aid to South Kordofan and Blue Nile continues to be severely limited and the violence has not ceased.

I applaud the authors of this letter for their continued advocacy to ensure that another genocide does not occur in Sudan, and I ask unanimous consent that it be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the career of Joye Kelley who is retiring as the president of the Rogers Board of Education after a lifetime of service and dedication to education.

Joye Kelley has been a fixture of the Rogers School Board for more than 29 years serving 20 of those years as president. During her decades of service, Joye has been a visionary for expansion and growth of a school system challenged to meet the needs of the growing population. During her years on the board, Joye ushered in many improvements to schools including the construction of 14 new schools to accommodate the tremendous growth.

Joye has led the Rogers School District to be one of the best districts in Arkansas establishing the mission that welcomes all students and works to help each student succeed. The result of her vision and leadership is the creation of an award-winning education system that is recognized nationally. Both Rogers High School and Heritage

High School have been named among the top 1,000 high schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Both are ranked in the top five schools in Arkansas, and the school district is home to a National Blue Ribbon School.

Joye sets a great example of being a hands-on leader, insisting that the board members tour all 23 school campuses at the beginning of the school year to make sure students are provided with a quality learning environment. Joye's husband, Gene, estimates that she spends up to 1,000 hours each year in service to schools.

Perhaps one of Joye's greatest achievements was her influence on education funding in Arkansas and encouraging the State to make it a priority. Her courage to lead the Rogers School Board to challenge education funding helped pave the path for a better education system in Arkansas for students no matter what school district they are enrolled in or where they live.

I had the privilege of serving with Joye as a member of the school board. Her expertise and vision made a lasting mark that will be enjoyed by the community and students for generations after she no longer presides over school board meetings.

Joye has displayed dedication, perseverance and commitment to education. I appreciate her friendship and am grateful for her years of service and efforts devoted to improving the education of Arkansas students.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor the longest serving judge in the history of the U.S. Tax Court--Judge Howard A. Dawson, Jr.--who will mark his 50th year as a Federal judge on August 21, 2012.

Judge Dawson, a native of Okolona, AR, comes from a family of Arkansas educators. Because of his groundbreaking work to unify many rural schools in Arkansas, Judge Dawson's father was dubbed ``Dr. Rural Education.'' That reputation earned Judge Dawson's father a position within the Department of Interior and the family relocated to Washington, DC.

Judge Dawson started his Federal service right here at the U.S. Capitol complex. A fellow Arkansan, Hattie Caraway--the first woman to win election to the U.S. Senate--helped Judge Dawson get a job as an elevator operator in what is now the Russell Senate Office Building

During World War II, Judge Dawson served as a captain in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in France and Germany. After the war, he earned his law degree at George Washington University School of Law. Judge Dawson eventually joined the Internal Revenue Service Office as chief of counsel after a brief time working in private practice. In 1962, Judge Dawson was appointed to the Tax Court bench by President John F. Kennedy.

Well respected among his peers, Judge Dawson was chosen to be chief judge three times during his five-decade tenure. He has authored over 1,200 opinions, but he is also known for contributions that extend beyond his legal writings.

As a judge, Dawson worked with fellow Arkansan, Wilbur Mills, to help shape the legislation that created today's U.S. Tax Court as an independent judicial body under article I of the Constitution.

In order to help self-represented taxpayers, Judge Dawson worked to establish the small tax case procedure to simplify and allow tax litigation to be more accessible. He became the first judge in charge of the small tax case division.

I would like to recognize Judge Howard A. Dawson, Jr., for his commendable service as a Federal judge. I am proud of his contribution to our Nation and to the Natural State.