Floor Statements

Madam President, today I wish to recognize Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind and the AbilityOne program, two important partners in our efforts to help blind Americans and those with other severe disabilities find meaningful employment.

The AbilityOne Program, formerly Javits-Wagner-O'Day, helps more than 47,000 people who are blind or have other severe disabilities put their skills and talents to work. It is the largest source of employment for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in the country.

There are more than 600 nonprofit agencies throughout the United States, including Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind, who participate in AbilityOne. These agencies produce over $2.3 billion in products and services purchased by the Federal Government.

Before entering public service, I practiced optometry in Rogers, AK. Assisting people with vision problems was more than a career for me, it was, and remains, a commitment. It led me to help establish a low vision program at the Arkansas School for the Blind in Little Rock and to offer my services as a volunteer optometrist at an area clinic that provides medical services to low-income families. I see a tremendous amount of passion and commitment in those who give their time and services to Arkansas Lighthouse to the Blind.

Having visited the Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind, and seeing firsthand the folks who work there and the products they make, I could not be more proud of the work done by these men and women.

I applaud any organization that helps people who are blind or severely disabled find employment. The same job that a colleague or I might take for granted is a lifeline for those living with a disability. The products and services produced through Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind and other organizations across the country also prove that someone with a disability can lead a productive life and make major contributions within their community. They provide a valuable service and I offer my continued support for their efforts.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Ray Reid, a devoted champion of Arkansas and its citizens, affectionately known as Arkansas's `fifth congressman.'

Ray dedicated his life to public service, serving more than 30 years in the Army including three wars--WWII, Korea and Vietnam--before retiring as a colonel and continuing his commitment to this country serving for more than 23 years as chief of staff for three of Arkansas's Third Congressional District Congressmen--John Paul Hammerschmidt, Tim Hutchinson and Asa Hutchinson.

As a loyal staffer, Ray was an ambassador of and to Arkansas, going above and beyond to help resolve issues constituents had with the Federal Government. Under his guidance, Congressman Hammerschmidt laid the groundwork for successful constituent service. Ray recognized that the key to good governing and good public service is that you treat everyone fairly and set political differences aside.

Congressman Hammerschmidt recently said of his former right-hand man that he was the best administrative assistant in the House during his service. Upon his retirement Congressman Asa Hutchinson said Ray was known to be one of the most knowledgeable men in Washington.

When I was elected to Congress in 2001, Ray went out of his way to help us get on the right track. His skills and experiences were vital to helping us build a strong foundation to serve the people of the Third District.

Despite working in the minority for much of his career, Ray managed to accomplish great things for Arkansas because of the long-lasting relationships he built. Certainly Ray saw many changes in the Third Congressional District during his years of service to Arkansas and many can be credited to his efforts. Ray had a hand on many infrastructure projects including Interstate 540 and the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport.

In a recent interview, Congressman Hammerschmidt fondly recalled Ray's passion for the Natural State: ``Ray really loved Arkansas,'' he said. Ray helped change the landscape of Arkansas. His impact is far reaching and his legacy is evident in the Third Congressional District.

The State of Arkansas has lost a true friend who went to great lengths to make it a better place.

Mr. President, our veterans protected our country. They have also helped to spread the ideals for which it stands and have made great sacrifices for our Nation throughout its history. We thank these patriots for the selflessness and courage they have exhibited under the most daunting circumstances.

The heroic tales of survival and commitment to service depicted in the history books are a reality for the men and women who served in our Nation's

uniform while fighting to protect our interests and spread democracy worldwide.

While many of these patriots gave their lives on the battlefield, survivors such as Jose Bunda lived to tell some of the horrific events he endured. His firsthand accounts show the realities of WWII. They are gut-wrenching but show the human will to survive.

Today I wish to recognize the service and sacrifice of one of our veterans from the `Greatest Generation' who stood in the face of danger: Jose Bunda. He is a true American hero who lived through the worst days of war and told his heroic story of survival.

Mr. Bunda grew up in the Philippines and joined the U.S. Army after graduating from high school when he was 18. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Mr. Bunda was stationed on Corregidor Island.

In 1942, Mr. Bunda was defending the island against the Japanese and although his squad was able to hold its ground, he and his comrades were forced to surrender.

The realities of war Mr. Bunda experienced is something he always remembered. Almost 60 years after he was taken prisoner he recalled it as one of the worst times of his life in a story published in the Times Record.

Mr. Bunda detailed how he was piled into a boxcar for a ride that lasted 18 hours. Once the train stopped at Camp Duo he was forced on the infamous Bataan Death March where he walked day and night with no food.

``Once you fall down, they shoot you or chop off your head,'' Mr. Bunda said in a 1999 interview saying it was a miracle that he survived.

He was a prisoner of war for 2 years, working in a Japanese labor camp but escaped and joined a guerrilla unit until the end of the war.

Mr. Bunda's will to survive triumphed over the atrocities he was put through in WWII. Despite all the hardships, violence and massacres he witnessed, he remained committed to the military and continued his service in the Korean War.

Mr. Bunda and his wife Rosario came to the United States in 1957 when he was stationed at Fort Chaffee. Although his career required him to move to other military bases, the couple moved back to Arkansas in 1962 once he retired from the military after 30 years of service.

In 2000, Mr. Bunda received many of the medals, awards and recognitions he deserved for his heroics and service. Of his 16 medals, he said he was proudest of his Silver Star and the Prisoner of War medals.

A veteran, a POW and a member of Disabled American Veterans, Mr. Bunda lived his life as a loving husband, devoted father and an inspirational grandfather. Today we honor the life and legacy Mr. Bunda leaves behind. His heroic tales of survival and commitment to service have ensured he will be remembered with the highest regard as a great American hero. His sacrifices made to secure victory and peace for all freedom loving people of the world will never be forgotten.

Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the dedication of the ``Major Charles Robert Soltes Jr., O.D. Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center.''

Mr. President, we are constantly reminded of the sacrifices of American troops and their families. These brave Americans fight for our freedoms and our values while putting their own lives at risk. We must always remember their service and thank them for their patriotism, dedication, and commitment, and honor those who have paid the ultimate price.

Today I am here to pay my respects to Arkansas soldier SFC Benjamin Wise, who sacrificed his life for the love of his country while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sergeant 1st Class Wise graduated from West Side Christian School in El Dorado, AR, in 1995, and enlisted in the military in 2000, joining the Army as an infantryman assigned to the 520th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

He discussed his military service with the Hope Star in 2004, saying that he was proud to be a soldier and that he wanted to serve his country.

In 2005, he volunteered for the special forces--something his sister Heather told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette was something he talked about growing up. His new position in the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group suited him well. Sergeant 1st Class Wise's comrades said he was a friend to all of the members of his unit, cracking jokes and offering an ear to listen to all of their concerns.

He was well aware of the dangers he faced, having served four deployments--twice to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. His family says that Ben was proud of the career he built in the Army. He was all too familiar with the sacrifices associated with work in war-torn Afghanistan after his brother, Jeremy Wise, a former Navy SEAL working as a security contractor, was killed in the country in December of 2009.

On Monday, January 9, 2012, Sergeant 1st Class Wise was injured during an attack by insurgents during a small-arms fight. He passed away on January 15, 2012.

SFC Benjamin Wise is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep his family--his wife Traci, sons Luke and Ryan, and daughter Kailen--and his friends in their thoughts and prayers during these very difficult times. I humbly offer my appreciation and gratitude--and I know I speak for the Senate and Congress as a whole--to this patriot and his family for his selfless sacrifice.

I yield the floor.

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

Mr. President, as Arkansans and all Americans do last

minute errands in preparation for Christmas, one stop on the list almost always includes the grocery store.

Like many other families our Christmas traditions include baking cookies. On Christmas Eve we get together with extended family for lunch. Many holiday memories are centered around the time spent sitting at the table with family and friends.

The unfortunate reality for more and more people, is that those memories are becoming more distant as more Americans than ever are having difficulty putting food on the table. In fact, recent studies show one in six Americans are food deprived.

Despite Arkansas's reputation as a leader in agriculture production, Arkansans are struggling to provide nutritious, healthy meals for their families.

What is most concerning is that nearly 25 percent of Arkansas kids go to bed hungry. That gives Arkansas the unfortunate distinction of having the worst rate of childhood hunger in the country.

While I believe Congress should be working identifying a range of legislative improvements or reforms that can be made in Federal policy to help fight hunger, Washington can't help solve this problem alone.

This requires community involvement. Fortunately, we are blessed to have help at the local level from a wide variety of organizations in Arkansas, and nationwide, that make it their mission to fight hunger.

As a co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, Senators Durbin, Lugar, Casey, Moran, Brown of Ohio, and myself put politics aside to raise awareness and recognize the great work underway in our states addressing food insecurity.

We call this effort the Hour for Hunger. Our initiative encourages all Members of Congress to dedicate one hour during this holiday season to highlight the commitments of national, state and local organizations to fight hunger.

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to visit the Samaritan Community Center in Rogers, Arkansas. For more than 20 years, this organization has lent a helping hand to the hungry through soup kitchens, food pantries, ``Snackpacks for Kids'' and a variety of other initiatives.

This help is needed now more than ever. The economy is forcing more people to rely on the services of Samaritan Community Center. In just three years, there has been more than a 50 percent increase in clients.

This is the story with similar organizations throughout Arkansas. In a segment that aired last month, CNN focused on the extent of the hunger problem in Arkansas's second largest city, Fort Smith. Ken Kupchick, marketing director for the River Valley Regional Food Bank in Fort Smith, told CNN some heart-wrenching stories encountered while helping those in need.

Ken spoke of a mother who used to volunteer at a food pantry and is now in need of the organization's services due to mounting medical bills for her children. He recounted a story of an elderly lady who went from financial security to sorting through the dumpster garbage at the local grocery store after her husband passed away and her monthly income disappeared.

Unfortunately, similar stories can be heard throughout our State. Community-based efforts like those in Fort Smith are making a difference to address hunger and malnourishment.

We are seeing it across the state of Arkansas. Last week, the NBC affiliate KARK in Little Rock spent the week urging viewers to donate to the Arkansas Food Bank. The Greater Good Week of Giving donation drive will undoubtedly provide many blessings to many families this holiday season.

It's painfully clear that our current economic environment is intensifying our hunger issues in Arkansas and across the country. The fact is, we don't have to look far to see how hunger hurts.

I believe hunger is a solvable problem but it requires us all working together. Please consider what you can do to help neighbors in need, not just during this holiday season, but all year long.

I yield the floor.

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

Mr. President, when President Obama was sworn into office, the Nation's average price for a gallon of gasoline was under $2. We all know that is not the case today. In most parts of the country, gas remains well over $3 a gallon. In my home State of

Arkansas, the price of gas ranges anywhere from just under $3 to $3.50 a gallon. The reason it stayed at a steady price is because there is a decreased demand because of the poor economy.

Business owners will tell you that when the price of gas hits $3.50 a gallon, it truly does affect how decisions are made. When it hits the $4 mark, things start to shut down in terms of the economy because the average person's disposable income is going to the gas pump instead of local businesses.

Our country at this time lacks an energy policy. We are also facing a jobs crisis of enormous magnitude. And our President is standing in the way of one project that can help address both of these problems: the Keystone XL Pipeline.

The proposed 1,700-mile pipeline would transport 700,000 barrels of oil per day from Canada to U.S. refineries in the gulf coast. Canada's oil sands are among the largest oil reserves in the world. As global demand for oil surges and Canada increases production, the addition of the Keystone Pipeline will ensure that Americans benefit from reliable and secure oil from our largest trading partner and trusted ally.

The $7 billion pipeline cost will be paid by the Keystone consortium and will fund nearly $\1/2\ billion in salaries. It will result in the purchase of $6.5 billion worth of materials, services, and other local economic activity. None of this will be funded with any Federal money. It is a no-brainer.

Some of these jobs are in my home State of Arkansas. Welspun Tubular Company, which makes pipes for the oil industry, has been producing pipe for the Keystone project. Unfortunately, due to the administration's delay on Keystone, the company has already begun to lay off workers in Little Rock. They have 500 miles of pipe that was produced for the project, ready to go, that is just sitting in the facility.

By delaying the start of the project, it is putting Americans out of work instead of putting Americans to work. Delaying this project costs thousands of well-paying jobs when Americans need reliable employment, and it hurts Arkansas businesses that have invested millions of dollars to help produce the pipeline. It is also a major step backward for energy policy goals of reducing our dependence on oil from unstable regimes.

When it comes to energy policy, I am kind of a T. Boone Pickens guy. I firmly believe that if it is American, we need to be using it. This goes for not only renewable forms of energy but the vast amount of fossil fuels we have been blessed with throughout the United States and directly off our shores. If we use what we have here in a responsible manner, we can be better positioned to pick and choose from whom we import our remaining oil.

Importing oil from Canada would accelerate America's independence from overseas oil by increasing the petroleum trade with one of our most reliable allies, one of our most reliable friends, instead of depending on the likes of Saudi Arabia and hostile regimes such as Venezuela for much of our oil. The amount of oil provided through this project is equal to half the amount we import from the Middle East. I doubt that anyone in this body would argue that any of the countries we import oil from in that region are more stable than Canada.

President Obama needs to quit pandering to the radical environmentalists. He needs to do what is best for the country, not what he perceives is best for his reelection. The Keystone Pipeline is what is best for America. Let's move forward.

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

Mr. President, I wish to congratulate the Long family for earning the distinction of 2011's Arkansas Farm Family of the Year.

This honor reflects Heath and Betsy Long's dedication to farming and the importance of agriculture as Arkansas's No. 1 industry. As owners of Long Planting Company, a rice, soybean, and wheat operation of more than 2,200 acres of land, the couple has taken advantage of technology and improved farming efficiency while expanding their farm.

Heath has devoted his life to farming, spending his childhood on the farm and earning a degree in agriculture from Arkansas State University. As a fourth-generation farmer, his commitment to the agriculture industry has helped his farm as well as other farms within the State, as he serves as the vice president of the Arkansas County Farm Bureau board of directors and a member of the Arkansas and USA rice councils.

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 Longs are well deserving of this honor.

I congratulate Heath and Betsy and their daughters, Shelby and Sydney, for 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 offer in the future to Arkansas agriculture.

Mr. President, today I honor the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, CAVHS, of Little Rock, AR. This health care provider is the recipient of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs' Robert W. Carey Performance Excellence Award, recognizing VA organizations for the implementation of management practices that produce the highest levels of performance and service to our Nation's veterans.

This well-deserved honor recognizes the outstanding service this facility provides to Arkansas veterans. CAVHS has an outstanding record of success throughout its rich 90-year history. In recent years, CAVHS has earned Robert W. Casey Awards in 2009 and 2010 in addition to 2011.

This health care delivery system includes a 2-campus medical center with 280 operating hospital beds, a 152-bed nursing home care unit, and a 119-bed domiciliary. CAVHS offers a variety of inpatient and outpatient health care amenities, spanning from disease prevention, primary care, extended rehabilitative care, and complex surgical procedures. It serves as an educational facility for more than 1,500 students and residents enrolled in more than 65 educational programs.

I am proud of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System for its dedication to providing quality care to Arkansas veterans and encourage continued efforts and services to these brave men and women. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating this facility for the outstanding work it does and will continue to do to ensure the well- being of our veteran community.

Mr. President, today I honor the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks, VHSO, in Fayetteville, AR. This health care provider is the recipient of the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs Robert W. Carey Trophy Award, the highest recognition for quality achievement and service to our Nation's veterans. Each year, this award is presented to no more than two of the VA's highest performing organizations for quality achievement.

This well-deserved honor recognizes the exemplary quality of service it is providing to Arkansas veterans. The VHSO has an outstanding track record, winning Robert W. Carey Awards in 2010, 2009, and 2008.

Founded in 1935, the VHSO serves veterans in 23 counties in northwest Arkansas, southwest Missouri, and eastern Oklahoma. In addition to the Fayetteville location, six communities in the region have community based outpatient clinics.

Services at the VHSO include primary care, mental health care, specialty care, women's clinic, pharmacy, social work, surgery, and nutrition services. They are a 72-bed level 2 facility and have a large team of caregivers who can assist veterans whether they are hospitalized, living at home, or transitioning between the two. To accomplish the Veterans Affairs goals of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence, the VHSO works to honor veterans with high-quality health care.

I am proud of the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks and its commitment to providing exceptional care to our veterans and encourage continued efforts to improve the health and services offered to these brave men and women. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating this facility for the outstanding work it does to care for our veterans who have sacrificed so much for this Nation.

Mr. President, today I am introducing a piece of legislation that will save taxpayers an estimated $50 million. This bill will change the ownership of two properties in D.C. and provide a space for the National Women's History museum. Under my legislation, the current headquarters of the Federal Trade Commission, the Apex Building, would be transferred to the National Gallery of Art. Current Federal Trade Commission employees would be relocated to office space already leased to the federal government. The Apex building, under my legislation, would be used more efficiently and opened up for maximum public use.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, today I am introducing a piece of legislation that will save taxpayers an estimated $50 million. This bill will change the ownership of two properties in D.C. and provide a space for the National Women's History museum. Under my legislation, the current headquarters of the Federal Trade Commission, the Apex Building, would be transferred to the National Gallery of Art. Current Federal Trade Commission employees would be relocated to office space already leased to the federal government. The Apex building, under my legislation, would be used more efficiently and opened up for maximum public use.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

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

Mr. President, I rise in support of S.J. Res. 6, which seeks to put an end to the FCC's misguided net neutrality rules. The FCC's rules regulating the Internet are yet another in a series of unnecessary and economically harmful regulations from President Obama's administration. These rules will stifle innovation, investment, and ultimately jobs, and they are a continuation of this administration's obsession with picking winners and losers in almost every marketplace.

We live in a world where we no longer have to wait for the morning edition of the paper to read the latest news. We don't have to wait for a delivery from the postman to get a message from a loved one. We do not have to get in our car and head to the store to watch a movie or to shop for clothes, books, and groceries. We have the ability to do these from the comfort of our homes, thanks to the Internet. It is clear the Internet has changed the way we live. This helps promote and encourage economic growth, facilitates innovation, and reshapes the way we do business, all the while creating millions of jobs. This was able to happen because of the government's hands-off policy.

The Federal Communications Commission admits the ``Internet has thrived because of its freedom and openness.'' Then why is this agency taking steps to limit the openness and freedom of the Internet?

Last December, the FCC voted to impose net neutrality rules to regulate the Internet. This is nothing more than the government interfering and threatening small providers and forcing networks to operate services in ways determined by unelected bureaucrats.

What is worse is the FCC is working to fix a problem it acknowledges does not exist. The agency is relying on speculation of future harm. This attack on the Internet is irresponsible and is irresponsible governing. While our economy struggles, the Internet remains a beacon of light that continues to grow, but this rule risks stifling innovation and investment in jobs.

A study by a telecom economist with the Brattle Group found that the net neutrality rules could lead to a job loss of 340,000 in the broadband industry within the next 10 years. This is not the type of policy we need to adopt, especially as our country stares at 9 percent unemployment. That is why I am supporting S.J. Res. 6, which will put a stop to the FCC's misguided net neutrality rules.

I yield the floor.