Floor Statements

Mr. President, last week, hundreds of farmers and ranchers, from all regions of our country, representing operations of all sizes and all the major crops, traveled to the Capitol to encourage us to pass a strong, farm-focused farm bill before the end of this year.

I met with many of these individuals, and I am grateful they took the time away from their families and their farms and ranches to tell us what is at stake if Congress fails to pass a farm bill this year.

For these farmers, this trip came with the additional stress of being away from the farm at the height of harvest season. Their visits clearly articulated the anxiety gripping farm country at this crucial moment.

For the past few months, farmers, ranchers, the organizations that represent them, and the agricultural banking sector have all warned of an impending crisis in farm country.

Producers are struggling to make ends meet in an environment where costs for farm inputs have ballooned from inflation; interest rates have doubled; and market prices are far below the cost production.

Coupled with consecutive years of losses, the financial stress borne--particularly by our row crop farmers--is now being revealed. The reality is, there will be fewer farmers in 2025 if Congress does not respond.

We have been warned that many farmers will struggle to secure operating loans for next year. This is a devastating realization. The outdated farm safety net they are operating under is doing nothing to address these realities. That is why the Senate needs to take two immediate actions.

First, we need to provide emergency assistance to address the economic losses that farmers are facing associated with the 2024 crop. Even with record yields, farmers are still not breaking even. This is not a crisis that they can handle, in any way insure themselves, or conserve their way out of it. Farmers across the country need a bridge to help their family farmers survive in the next year.

We have seen previous ad hoc assistance programs established in a period of weeks, as demonstrated by then-Secretary Perdue when the COVID-19 pandemic created disruptions for producers. That level of timely and urgent response by Congress and the administration is once again warranted.

In Southern States like Arkansas, in Mississippi, and Texas, many producers have harvested their 2024 crop, and many are losing hundreds of dollars per acre of ground they farm. That same experience is beginning to creep into the Midwest and Northern States as harvest begins in these regions.

What do losses of this magnitude actually translate to? Not only are producers not able to pay their bills, but they won't be able to secure an operating loan for next year's crop, let alone have any income at all to survive on. This has a devastating ripple effect on rural businesses and communities.

Now, let me be clear, emergency assistance does not reduce the need to make meaningful investments to the commodity and crop insurance titles of the next farm bill. In fact, the clear necessity of providing ad hoc assistance for economic losses demonstrates how inadequate the 2018 farm bill has become.

The next farm bill is the appropriate place to make the necessary long-term corrections to our farm safety net, but farmers need timely support addressing the 2024 losses as they enter the winter months when they make planting decisions and secure financing for the upcoming crop year, which leads me to this second action Congress must take.

We must redouble our efforts and pass a farm bill before the end of the calendar year--one that meets this moment, one that provides the support our farmers desperately need to stay in business.

I am committed to sitting down with my counterparts for as long as it takes to hash out a deal that our Members can support. I was encouraged to see House Ag Committee Ranking Member David Scott make a similar appeal last week. I know our respective chairs are eager to pass a bill this session of Congress, but the window to make this happen is closing quickly. Our family farmers are staring down a crisis that is growing more dire by the day, and many fear that the Senate simply doesn't care about their plight.

The Presiding Officer and I both know, as the Presiding Officer is one of our stellar members on the Ag Committee, that that is far from the truth. I know that our colleagues--all of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle--want to make sure our farmers can continue to produce the safest, most affordable, and most abundant supply of food, fuel, and fiber in the world, but without action, it is an understandable sentiment. We have been sounding the alarm on this brewing crisis for months. It is the very reason we have been adamant about the need for more farm in the farm bill.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate U.S. Army LTG Jonathan Stubbs on his promotion to director of the Army National Guard.

General Stubbs was appointed by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to serve as adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard in January 2023 after a long and distinguished career in the National Guard.

He first enlisted in the Army National Guard in Tennessee, but very quickly made his home in the Natural State and spent nearly three decades serving and leading citizen soldiers in Arkansas. In fact, he held every leadership position within the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and deployed to Iraq twice during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

As an Active-Guard Reserve officer from 1997-2021, Stubbs completed numerous trainings and assignments, which culminated in his promotion as chief of staff for the Arkansas Army National Guard.

His entire service in uniform has been characterized by bravery and skill, earning him decorations to include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Valorous Unit Award, three Legion of Merit citations, two Bronze Star Medals, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among many others.

His leadership potential and experience led to his appointment as vice director for operations for the National Guard Bureau in 2021, and the next year, he was assigned as the deputy director of Operations, Readiness, and Mobilization at Department of the Army Headquarters, based at the Pentagon.

As head of the Arkansas National Guard, General Stubbs was a driving force of remarkable progress and growth. He connected communities to the Guard and enhanced relationships between servicemembers, families, veterans, businesses, and local leaders;

elevated recruiting and retention efforts that had struggled amid the pandemic through innovative approaches, including partnership with skills and vocational initiatives; ensured guardsmen's preparedness to not only deploy in defense of our country to Europe and the Middle East, but also around the State of Arkansas and to the U.S. southern border; built and expanded partnerships, particularly with National Guard State Partnership Program counterpart Guatemala; and helped inspire confidence in the Arkansas Guard's capabilities and personnel through excellent communication, professionalism, and unmistakable passion.

It was a special pleasure and honor to work alongside General Stubbs to secure a new flying mission at Ebbing Air National Guard Base and help guide necessary preparations for the Active Duty-Air Force bed down in advance of the formal arrival of the Foreign Military Sales Program in Fort Smith. His expertise and diligence were indispensable to the success of this incredibly consequential opportunity for the State of Arkansas that will also greatly benefit U.S. national security.

As he begins this new chapter leading our Army National Guard, we are tremendously grateful for all his contributions to our State and stewardship of the Arkansas Guard for so many years. General Stubbs will undoubtedly continue to make the Natural State proud through his exceptional leadership, steadfast commitment to the guardsmen under his command, and dedication to the defense of the United States, its allies, and interests. We wish him well in this new role.

Madam President, today I rise to recognize the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board of Directors and welcome its members to Washington, DC.

This group, composed of individuals from around the world, is visiting our Nation's Capital for its national board retreat and meeting. The Arkansas Alumni Association serves as the front door of the University of Arkansas and its more than 180,000 living alumni, fostering a spirit of community, pride, and lifelong connection.

The University of Arkansas, through its alumni, has made significant contributions to the State of Arkansas, the Nation, and beyond. It embodies the values of leadership, service, and excellence. As a fellow Razorback, I can attest that the time students spend at the University of Arkansas is an enriching, impactful experience they will carry with them the rest of their lives.

The Arkansas Alumni Association advances the mission of university alumni through its unwavering commitment to education, scholarship, research, and providing critical support to students, faculty, and staff, as well as the broader U of A community.

I am pleased to welcome the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board to Washington, DC, and it is an honor to recognize its service, dedication, and ongoing commitment to the University of Arkansas. I am confident members will make the most of their experience with successful and productive meetings during their visit as ambassadors of Razorbacks past, present, and future.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to speak for up to 5 minutes and Senator Hoeven be permitted to speak up to 5 minutes.

Mr. President, I rise today to applaud the American women competing for the Solheim Cup at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, VA, this week. The Solheim Cup is the world's leading match play competition for women professional golfers and pits Team U.S.A. against Team Europe.

Today, here in the Senate, we are excited to display the coveted prize these teams are playing for as we gear up to cheer on America's premier female golfers.

This tradition is held every 2 years and features some of the best athletes among the Ladies Professional Golf Association and the Ladies European Tour. It serves as a platform to highlight women's golf and helps inspire future generations to take up the sport.

As a golf fan, I appreciate the immense talent and skill that it showcases. I am looking forward to supporting Team U.S.A. in its pursuit of another Solheim Cup victory.

As an Arkansan, I am proud to recognize Team U.S.A.'s captain, Stacy Lewis, a former four-time All-American at the University of Arkansas and four-time Solheim Cup player. She is serving as the captain for the second time and will bring the knowledge and experience she gained helming that team to help Americans come out on top this year.

While the United States leads Europe in the overall Solheim Cup matchups, Lewis is hopeful this team will ``settle the score'' after the last competition ended in a tie that allowed the Europeans to retain the title and the trophy.

I know I join so many of my colleagues in congratulating Team U.S.A.'s members for representing our country, and we wish them the best of luck as they seek a dominant performance this week to reclaim the cup and the bragging rights for America.

I yield to my colleague, Senator Hoeven.

Most of the time.

I think with that, I yield the floor.

Madam President, I rise today to applaud the efforts of the young people who supported the State of Arkansas as summer interns in my Washington, DC, and State offices.

I appreciate their commitment and dedication to serving Arkansans and being an ambassador for our office. These talented students and recent graduates have grown professionally and personally through this unique experience. On a daily basis, they provided essential support to my staff including giving tours of the U.S. Capitol, as well as drafting communications materials and researching policy issues. They played a vital role in helping my team offer the best possible constituent service and meet needs throughout the place they call home.

I am proud to provide this opportunity to help instill a passion for public service and inspire future generations of Arkansas leaders. I am confident our congressional interns found this internship valuable and rewarding.

I would like to recognize the following interns for their hard work and service to Arkansans:

Kate Edelen, Buddy Gaston, Hunter Ross, Alex Holder, Sydney

Roulhac, Camryn Hughes, Anna Kate Davis, Katie Gage, Hadley

Burke, Zach Ingle, Meredith Pinkston, Ella Brewer, Luisa

Lawson, Henry Oltman, Hank Herzfeld, Elaine Shue and Joseph

Osborne all served in the Washington, DC, office.

Reese Mitchell, Taylor Hoover, Ella Hommel, Lexi Dilbeck,

McCully Allen, Lauren Berry, Jacob Major, Kyla Clouthier and

Josie Kelly served as interns for the Senate Committee on

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Michelle Sutton served

as legal clerk.

Connor Ragan and Masheyat Rahman served in the Northwest

Arkansas office.

I extend my deepest gratitude to each of them for their service and wish them the best in school and beyond, knowing their time spent representing the Natural State will serve them well in the future.

Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Command, LTG Jody J. Daniels on her retirement from the U.S. Army Reserve. Lieutenant General Daniels' 41-year career has been characterized by exceptionally meritorious service while serving in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating as the Chief of Army Reserve. A native of Rolla, MO, Lieutenant General Daniels' leadership positively impacted the lives of countless servicemembers. Her career of service and achievements will have a lasting impact on the Army's future ability to support our Nation's defense. Lieutenant General Daniels' distinguished performance represents exemplary achievement in the finest traditions of the United States of America, clearly observed through her becoming the first woman to serve in the role of Chief of Army Reserve.

Lieutenant General Daniels served with honor and distinction across command assignments to include commanding general of the 88th Readiness Division; commander of the 87th Army Reserve Support Command (East) where she also served as the deputy commanding general, First Army Division (East); commander of the Theater Support Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia; commander of the 2200th Military Intelligence Group; commander of 1st Battalion, 417th Regiment, 1st Brigade (Basic Combat Training), 98th Division (Institutional Training); and

commander, Headquarters and Service Company, 524th Military Intelligence Battalion.

Lieutenant General Daniels' professionalism advanced national security initiatives around the globe as she served in key staff assignments to include chief of staff, U.S. Army Forces Command; assistant deputy chief of staff G-2, office of the deputy chief of staff, G-2; deputy director and director, Intelligence and Knowledge Development Directorate (J2) for U.S. Africa Command; and assistant chief of staff for U.S. Africa Command. I, along with countless others, applaud her highly effective leadership and appreciate her ability to connect with servicemembers within her ranks.

I thank Lieutenant General Daniels for her dedicated service to the U.S. Army and our Nation. Part of what makes the U.S. military the greatest in the world is that servicemembers like Jody voluntarily dedicate their lives to serve and sacrifice for this country. Military service is a family affair so I also express our gratitude for the support of her husband, Col. (Ret.) John McCarthy and stepdaughter Shannon. I wish them all the best in what I hope to be a restful and enjoyable future.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Dr. Laurence B. Alexander for his exceptional and transformative leadership as his tenure as the ninth chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff comes to a close.

Dr. Alexander set ambitious goals for UAPB when he arrived on campus, and as a result of his steadfast and unwavering pursuit of excellence, the school has met or exceeded many of those aspirations. Over the past 11 years with Dr. Alexander at the helm, UAPB experienced its largest increase in graduation rates in over a decade. From 2016 to today, UAPB's 6-year graduation rate has increased from 23 percent to 40 percent, an increase of almost 75 percent. UAPB also experienced its highest retention rates in the school's history at 77 percent. Under his leadership, UAPB achieved recognition as a Top-25 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S. News and World Report and rose to the 15th ranked institution in the Washington Monthly ranking of Bachelor's Colleges. Dr. Alexander's hand in that success has been very clear to the surrounding community. He was recognized in 2017 by the Arkansas Business Journal Influencer in Education, featured as one of the Arkansas Business 200 Most Influential Leaders by Arkansas Business Publishing Group in 2018, and recognized nationally as one of the HBCU Campaign Fund's 10 Most Dominant HBCU Leaders in 2019.

His strategic vision has brought millions in additional grant funding and research dollars to the university and attracted world-class scientists and researchers, paving the way for UAPB to be recognized as a national leader in nanotechnology, biomedicine, agriculture, aquaculture, biotechnology, nutrition, water, and farm management.

As an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, UAPB has continued to fulfill its mission to promote education in agriculture, Arkansas' largest industry. With the average age of today's farmer being over 57 years old, it is schools like UAPB, with leaders like Dr. Alexander, that are helping develop the next generation of agriculturalists who will make critical advancements to meet the needs of today's producers.

Along with advancing UAPB's high-quality teaching and nursing programs and promoting the stellar Reserve Officers Training Corps program, Dr. Alexander has been instrumental in establishing new agricultural engineering, hospitality management, and master of business administration programs. UAPB is empowering students with real skills they can use to serve their communities and address some of Arkansas' greatest needs.

Dr. Alexander's impact reaches well beyond the city of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, and even Arkansas State lines. He became the first leader of an 1890 Land-Grant Institution to be appointed to serve as chair of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development, which advises the U.S. Agency for International Development on how to leverage the expertise and assets of American universities to support food security and development efforts abroad.

I congratulate Dr. Alexander on his exceptional and impactful tenure at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and thank him for all he has done.

While Dr. Alexander's time in the Natural State has come to close, he has certainly left it better than he found it. Thanks to his efforts, UAPB has plenty to look forward to on the horizon. For that, all Arkansans are grateful.

I wish him the very best as he moves on to his next endeavor and hope he knows he will always have a home in Arkansas.

Madam President, it is with a heavy heart that I come to the floor to pay tribute to former Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, a dear friend who honorably served the people of the Sooner State.

Senator Inhofe led a life of public service, first as a soldier in the U.S. Army and then in several other roles in elected office at all levels of government. It was evident how much he truly loved leading and representing his community, the people of Oklahoma, and our country.

I had the honor and privilege of serving with Senator Inhofe and developing a relationship based not just on our shared responsibilities and interest but also on our faith and our values. We originally met when I was a Member of the House of Representatives and had the opportunity to join one of his congressional delegation trips.

As someone I grew to deeply respect and admire, his encouragement for me to run for the Senate was a very important part of why I chose to launch the campaign, and I consider it a blessing that I got to work alongside Senator Inhofe for 12 years together in this Chamber.

He was a leader on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee when I was a junior member, and I learned so much from simply observing him. But he was also gracious enough to view me as a partner.

A decade ago, I invited the Senator to Fort Smith, AR, my home town, a community bordering Oklahoma, and he took me up on the offer. Our States are neighbors.

So, naturally, we worked together on a number of initiatives. Those included advocating for infrastructure improvements, such as the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System and a future interstate designation from U.S. Route 412 in Arkansas to I-35 in Oklahoma, and the list goes on and on and on.

I often cited Senator Inhofe's leadership on the EPW Committee as a great example of bipartisanship. He and his counterpart, former California Senator Barbara Boxer, came from very, very different backgrounds and had different beliefs but found common ground and accomplished truly remarkable feats, like rewriting a chemical safety law and crafting the first long-term highway bill in a decade. That simply was not moving. Both of them had a tremendous sense of responsibility regarding infrastructure and believed very strongly. So they were able to overcome their differences and do what many felt like couldn't be done.

Another thing I learned about him while traveling together was that he maintained a very, very rigorous schedule while on congressional delegation trips--in fact, in every facet of his life. And they were usually whirlwinds. And there was more than one occasion when he set out on a morning power walk and only find his way back to the group--he is like me; he had no sense of direction at all--with the help of landmarks and locals who probably had no idea he was an influential statesman and dignitary.

I truly enjoyed traveling with him on multiple codels as we met so many American troops serving abroad, while learning more how to better support their needs and missions defending the interests of our country.

Knowing Senator Inhofe at all meant you understood that he and his wife Kay had a very special marriage, a very special relationship. They filled their home with love and family, and those priorities informed everything he stood for.

My wife Cathy and I will be forever grateful for Jim and Kay's friendship. Our prayers are with Kay and the entire Inhofe family as they honor the life and legacy of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

Senator Inhofe was someone that my former coach at the University of Arkansas Frank Broyles would describe as a giver, not a taker. There is no better compliment that we can pay him than that.

May he rest in eternal peace with our Lord and Savior.

And with that, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, prior to breaking for the Memorial Day recess, the House Agriculture Committee did something few beltway pundits thought was possible. The committee approved, in a bipartisan manner, a farm bill that meets the needs of farmers, ranchers, foresters, rural communities, and consumers across America.

I commend Chairman GT Thompson for his stewardship of this bill through an open process that let every committee member have a say in the bill.

Likewise, I wanted to express my appreciation for each of the Members that voted to advance this legislation out of committee. Chairwoman Stabenow also recently released her farm bill framework, putting the Senate majority's priorities on paper and advancing the discussion forward.

Cumulatively, these efforts exhibit the first real progress toward passage of a new farm bill since the process began 2 years ago. This week, Republicans on the Agriculture Committee are building on that momentum by releasing our farm bill framework.

We believe that our framework reflects the Chamber's shared commitments across all 12 titles while putting more farm in the farm bill, something we have been calling for since the onset.

Let's talk about what that means. It means we direct additional resources to the tools that farmers rely on and they are calling for us to invest in, while ensuring we do no harm to our

nutrition programs which account for over 80 percent of the bill's baseline spending.

For example, we have doubled the funding for the farm bill's premier trade programs to help increase our competitiveness overseas. This is desperately needed considering we are projected to see a record $32 billion agricultural trade deficit this year. U.S. farmers have been able to point to their positive trade balance in agriculture as a source of pride for the better part of the last 50 years as they worked to feed, clothe, and fuel the world.

Unfortunately, this administration's refusal to engage on the issue has created an agricultural trade imbalance that is projected to reach record heights and is showing no signs of slowing. Our framework can help reverse this unsustainable trend.

Another area where we double funding is agricultural research. Our public sector investment in agricultural research lags other developed economies and has fallen by more than a third over the past two decades. This is another concerning trend that our framework can help reverse.

Agricultural research programs spur innovation and productivity, allowing farmers to produce more while using less and in an environmentally friendly manner, even as threats from pests and diseases and unpredictable weather become more common.

Not only do our farmers gain in the long term, but our land-grant institutions and colleges of agriculture that conduct groundbreaking research see immediate benefits. This truly is a win-win investment.

We also make a historic investment in the conservation title while ensuring programs remain locally led and flexible.

Farmers, ranchers, and foresters have diverse conservation needs, and our framework reflects that, providing equity across practices to address drought, water quality, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, soil erosion, and climate resiliency, while continuing to provide for carbon sequestrating and greenhouse gas reducing practices.

Our framework increases funding in the conservation title by more than 25 percent every single year moving forward, while making sure its programs continue to empower producers to make their best decisions to meet the resource concerns of their operation.

Our farmers, ranchers, and foresters also need investments in the communities they call home, and our framework makes those too. It is no secret that rural America has seen more than its share of difficulties over the last several years.

Recent census data shows that over half the Nation's rural counties have lost population in the last census. These communities must have the modern infrastructure necessary to attract and retain talent.

Our framework offers help by making significant investments in small business development, broadband expansion, water and energy infrastructure programs, as well as funds to increase access to rural healthcare, childcare, and public safety.

Most importantly, putting more farm in the farm bill requires a modernized farm safety net. We accomplish this by giving producers access to risk management tools that reflect the nature of the challenges under which they operate.

As I have stressed before, this isn't an either-or decision, meaning farmers won't be forced to choose between crop insurance and vital title I programs. Our framework makes crop insurance more accessible and affordable and makes meaningful increases to statutory reference prices for all producers of all commodities in all regions.

The safety net programs our farmers operate under right now are outdated. We cannot consider a farm bill that fails to recognize and protect farmers from the historic inflation and input costs they now face on the farm.

The world, and agriculture in particular, are in a much different place today than they were during the last farm bill. Farmers are already experiencing unprecedented challenges and economic uncertainty for the crops they are sowing into the ground right now as we speak.

This follows historic inflation, a record trade deficit, rising interest rates, devastating natural disasters, and geopolitical unrest that have shrunk the bottom line for farmers.

Under this President, U.S. farmers have seen the largest decline in farm income of all time. And like I said, that is only expected to get worse if we fail to put more farm in the farm bill.

In my home State of Arkansas, where agriculture accounts for about a quarter of the State's GDP, inflation-adjusted net farm income is expected to decline by more than 40 percent compared to 2 years ago.

This trend is playing out across the Nation, which is why reference prices have been the top ask from farmers at the over 20 farm bill roundtables that my colleagues and I have held around the country.

While each of these States have diverse agriculture economies, their refrain has been consistent. In fact, it was one of my earliest roundtables in North Dakota where the mantra of ``more farm in the farm bill'' was born. It wasn't a Republican Senator who first said that, it was a plea from a farmer. And that is what this is truly all about.

Our farmers, ranchers, foresters, consumers, lenders, and other stakeholders helped us fashion a farm bill that meets their varying needs.

It is a delicate balance made even more difficult this time around by the way actions taken outside of the farm bill have impacted our baseline. But on the Agriculture Committee, we have shown that we can come together to carry these heavy lifts across the finish line.

I have been proud to partner with Chairwoman Stabenow to shepherd significant reforms into law on priority issues, particularly in the climate and nutrition spaces.

Together, we worked to enact the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which makes it easier for producers to participate in emerging voluntary carbon credit markets. And we passed that bill with the support of over 90 of our colleagues.

In the nutrition space, we worked to pass the Keep Kids Fed Act, which extended needed flexibilities to schools and meal providers for an additional year at a time when supply chain breakdowns persisted and food costs soared because of inflation.

Perhaps the thing that I am most proud of was our successful effort, working with Senator Stabenow under her leadership, to modernize the outdated summer meals program to reach more food-insecure children in both rural and urban communities, filling the gap children faced during the months when classes are out of session.

Marking the first substantial reform to the summer meals program in over 60 years, this investment of over $20 billion ensures that children will never again face hunger in the summer months.

That is what our work here is all about, identifying a problem and coming together to solve it. We have proven we can do that in the past. I believe with all of my heart that we can do it again by passing a bipartisan farm bill.

I look forward to taking our two frameworks, forging a bipartisan farm bill, and passing it into law before the 118th session of Congress comes to a close.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I rise today to offer my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Jeff Andrieu, a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard for his exemplary service and unwavering commitment. From his beginning as a civil engineer in the Louisiana Air Guard, to his current role as an Air National Guard military construction liaison, he has attained a mastery of the military construction process benefitting Congress, the Department of Defense, and the National Guard.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrieu has been a trusted adviser and source of knowledge bridging the conversation between the National Guard and Congress. During his time as a congressional liaison, he consistently demonstrated unparalleled commitment and his expert level knowledge was instrumental in advancing congressional objectives and intent regarding our military facilities. His commitment to excellence and his support of staff and the mission should be a model for all.

As Jeff transitions from the National Guard Bureau legislative liaison to his next assignment, I want to recognize him for over 26 years of distinguished service and wish him the best in his next chapter of service to our Nation. His presence here will be missed.

Madam President, I rise today to recognize Danielle Alford, the 2024 Armed Forces Insurance Air Force Spouse of the Year.

From an early age, Danielle was shown an example of helping others as she watched her mother care for her ailing grandmother and her involvement in the court appointed special advocates.

She brings this spirit of volunteerism into service alongside her husband Maj. Lionel Alford.

While stationed at Yakota Air Base, Japan she joined the Red Cross as a hospital chairman and logged nearly 900 hours placing other volunteers in positions within the hospital. She also served as an English teacher to the local Japanese community and helped military families adjust to their life in Japan as a member of the welcome committee. As a Key Spouse, Danielle developed a community by creating events that fostered unity and supportive relationships among the spouses and children.

This is a role she continued at Little Rock Air Force Base--LRAFB-- supporting communication between unit leadership and families on base. She was quick to get involved in Arkansas. Danielle organized meal trains for military families who recently welcomed new babies and led efforts to collect items for Afghan evacuees during relocation efforts at the 41st Airlift Squadron.

Danielle exemplifies what it means to serve. She is a remarkable military spouse, mother, and advocate for military families, as evidenced in her selection as a voice for military spouses in discussions with high-ranking administration officials, and continues to use her expertise and enthusiasm to support all who serve.

Her efforts have been recognized by her peers, and she has a long list of accolades for her public service including the President's Volunteer Service Award, the Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award, in addition to honors from the Red Cross.

Danielle has been an Air Force spouse for more than 11 years, and she continues to pursue new opportunities and programs to assist fellow military families. I applaud her dedication to our country and willingness to go above and beyond to help other spouses navigate the life of service.

She is a role model for her daughters whom she aims to instill a passion for volunteering. Her husband is assuming a new role in Germany, and, while we will miss her leadership at LRAFB, I am confident military spouses will continue to be benefit from her wisdom and guidance no matter where her family is stationed.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Dr. Matthew Jones, the 2024 American Optometric Association Optometrist of the Year.

Dr. Jones is an optometrist in northeast Arkansas who delivers excellent, high-quality care to his patients in Blytheville and Osceola. Through his personal approach to patient eye care, Dr. Jones has exemplified what a successful practice can achieve for his neighbors' health and sense of community. While he enjoys serving his patients, he has also been involved in shaping policies to strengthen the eye care profession at the Federal and State levels. He helped advocate passage of legislation expanding the scope of practice for Arkansas optometrists to perform new procedures.

Dr. Jones also served as a board member for Arkansans for Healthy Eyes, president of the Arkansas Optometric Association, Federal Advocacy Representative, and on Optometry's Meeting Committee. Currently, he is the legislative chair for the Arkansas Optometric Association and a member of the American Optometric Association's government relations committee. Dr. Jones was also recently named by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to the State Board of Optometry.

Throughout his career, Dr. Jones has been dedicated to his patients, the field of optometry and promoting policies that make the eye care industry better. His advocacy and leadership have earned him the respect of his peers and colleagues. He has continuously been recognized for his contributions. In addition to earning the distinction as Optometrist of the Year, his accolades include the 2012 Arkansas Young O.D. of the Year, the American Optometric Association 2018 Young Optometrist of the Year, and the 2023 Arkansas Optometrist of the Year. Dr. Jones received his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of Evansville and attended my alma mater, the Southern College of Optometry, where he graduated with honors in 2009.

Arkansas is fortunate to have a dedicated and hardworking optometrist like Dr. Jones representing excellent eye care professionals across our State. His commitment to his practice and profession and his leadership to strengthen the industry all serve as an excellent example.

I am pleased to congratulate Dr. Jones for this achievement and wish him continued success in his practice. I join many others in sharing my hope that he also continues his advocacy that has served our patients, eye doctors, and all those supporting them so well.

Mr. President, I am here today to honor Senator David Pryor, a lifelong advocate for Arkansas, who passed away on April 20 at the age of 89.

Senator Pryor was a tremendous public servant who dedicated his life to making Arkansas better. His trademark motto, ``Arkansas comes first,'' wasn't only a sign on his desk; it was a mission he pursued relentlessly with passion and a formidable intellect.

Senator Pryor represented Arkansas in this Chamber for three terms, but public service at any level was something he learned from the example of his family. His father and grandfather were both sheriffs, and his mother was the first Arkansas woman to run for elected office. That was a good foundation to start from, and the unique skills he possessed to persuade and lead were tools he effectively used throughout his career.

Those who worked with him described him as genuine and fair and were in awe of his ability to make real, meaningful connections, whether on the floor of the Senate with colleagues from across the aisle or the folks in small Arkansas towns. Every interaction with David Pryor conveyed that he cared and that he wanted to help.

That posture certainly worked to his advantage over decades in public life. Voters elected Pryor to the State legislature in 1960, and in subsequent years, they trusted him to be their U.S. Congressman, Governor, and U.S. Senator.

It wasn't holding elected office that made him remarkable; it was his honesty and hard work that demonstrated to Arkansans that he was trustworthy.

In the Senate, he was a well-respected legislator who advocated for seniors as chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, where he focused on prescription drug pricing and the prevention of nursing home abuse. He championed the Taxpayer Bill of Rights to protect the hard- earned money of Arkansans and all Americans. He also served as a Senate liaison between the Senate and the White House when another former Arkansas Governor, Bill Clinton, was President.

When Senator Pryor left elected office in 1997, he didn't slow down. His commitment to civic engagement and the well-being of Arkansas never faded as he took on a number of roles, including as the Fulbright Distinguished Fellow of Law and Public Affairs at the University of Arkansas and then also as the University of Arkansas System trustee and founding dean of the Clinton School of Public Service.

David Pryor was an avid storyteller who relished any occasion to teach a memorable lesson or simply reminisce. It is fitting that he is still helping tell that story, the story of Arkansas and its citizens, by establishing the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History.

I will always appreciate the example he set. Even from afar, he was a great role model for me and so many other Arkansans as we were growing up.

I first met David Pryor after I was elected to serve the people of the Third District of Arkansas. He was a true southern gentleman who reached across the aisle and offered his assistance to help me navigate Washington. He understood the importance of working together and was willing to share his wisdom with anybody because it was another opportunity to support our State.

He also passed the drive to public service down to his children. I was honored to serve along with his son Mark and know that we are immensely proud of the Pryor family.

Senator Pryor leaves behind a legacy of public service rich with accomplishments that made a difference in the lives of Arkansans and people all across our country. He modeled statesmanship and stewardship so incredibly. We celebrate everything he represented in serving the people of Arkansas.

I yield to my friend from Arkansas and colleague, Senator Cotton.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Beau McCastlain, the 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.

As a television production teacher at De Queen High School for the past 3 years, Beau has become known for his innovative and engaging teaching practices. He puts students above all else, encourages outside-the-box thinking, and prepares them for future careers through connections with real world opportunities in and around their community.

Beau's love for education is evident in his involvement. He has gone the extra mile by establishing partnerships with a local radio station and the Arkansas Broadcasters Association to give students hands-on work that introduces them to the field and different possibilities it offers. This has led many of his students to paid internships, freelance opportunities, and State and national recognition for their work.

His contributions extend beyond the classroom. Beau has also served as a head baseball coach, assistant football coach, and photojournalist at television stations around the State. He also is certified to teach social studies for grades 7 through 12 and holds a technical permit for television broadcasting.

In addition to receiving a bachelor's degree in communications from the

University of Central Arkansas, Beau has a master's degree in educational leadership and administration from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia.

Arkansas is fortunate to have an exceptional, selfless leader like Beau representing the best of many great teachers in our State and serving as a role model to new educators. His passion and commitment are an excellent example for others to follow.

Beau demonstrates what it means to truly go above and beyond for his students. I congratulate him for this achievement and am excited to see the positive impact he will continue making throughout his time as Arkansas Teacher of the Year. I am confident his efforts will be an inspiration in the classroom and beyond for generations to come.