Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today to commend Zachary Horton of Warner Robins, GA, for the inspiring success of his pecan business, the Blind Squirrel Nut Company.

Mr. Horton's story demonstrates that optimism and resilience can lead to amazing achievements. The Blind Squirrel Nut Company was born out of Zachary's entrepreneurial spirit after he was diagnosed with a medical condition that caused him to lose his vision. Mr. Horton's self- confidence and determination empowered him to launch a pecan business that has served customers across middle Georgia for over a year. The Blind Squirrel Nut Company also offers a variety of products to customers nationwide, giving Americans across the country a taste of Georgia's unique pecans.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Mr. Zachary Horton as a champion who against all odds has been able to fulfill his greatest dream thanks to his perseverance, passion, and hope.

Mr. President, I rise today to commend Pastor Angel Maestre for his impact on Augusta's Hispanic community.

Pastor Angel Maestre is a beacon of Georgia, serving as the head pastor at Oasis Augusta Iglesia for the last 18 years. Over the course of his tenure, Pastor Maestre has worked to uplift the community through his countless years of mentorship, selfless acts, and service. Pastor Maestre has also founded the first Hispanic radio station in Augusta to better connect the community and inform residents of news impacting their neighborhood. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Maestre helped inform the Hispanic community about vaccinations through his show, ensuring the community was well informed and staying healthy.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and recognize Pastor Angel Maestre for his dedication to Georgia and the Augusta community.

Mr. President, I rise today to commend Ms. Carolyn McKinley for her leadership as executive director of the Meriwether County Chamber of Commerce.

As chamber executive director, Ms. McKinley was instrumental in working with the Flint River Trail, Meriwether County, and representatives from 18 riverfront counties to create more outdoor recreation opportunities, which will lead to economic development opportunities in southwest Georgia. During last year's Georgia Governor's tourism conference in Athens, McKinley accepted the Georgia River Network's 2022 Water Trail Hero Award on behalf of the Flint River Water Trail group. This award honors the partnership between the Flint River Water Trail and Meriwether County leaders to boost tourism and economic development along Georgia's more than 2,500 river miles.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Carolyn McKinley's leadership as executive director of the Meriwether County Chamber of Commerce and for her commitment to economic development in southwest Georgia.

Mr. President, I rise today to commend and celebrate Ser Familia, an organization in Atlanta focused on helping Georgia's Latino families gain the tools and resources to solve challenges and flourish in their communities.

Natives of Puerto Rico, Belisa and Miguel Urbina cofounded Ser Familia in 2001. For more than 20 years, Ser Familia's vision to assist Latino families reach their full potential and become contributing members of their communities has changed the lives of hundreds of families across Georgia. From teaching youth character building and leadership skills to offering counseling services on behavioral and mental health, Ser Familia continues to expand its positive impact on the Latino community by developing programs that are tailored to address the greatest needs of youth, couples, parents, and families.

As I have said before, the State of Georgia is home to a vibrant and diverse Latino community, and I am grateful for the extraordinary contributions of people like Belisa and Miguel Urbina who work tirelessly every single day to guarantee that all members of the Latino community have access to opportunities that help them thrive. I have enjoyed working closely with Belisa and Miguel to deliver the resources to help Ser Familia open a family resource center in Clayton County, helping expand their comprehensive services to the community.

I join with our Latino community to commemorate the remarkable work and contributions of Ser Familia to the Atlanta community, the State of Georgia, and the United States. Their leadership is a reminder of the outstanding contributions of Latino Americans who are committed to moving Georgia and our country forward.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, it is my honor to recognize and commend Belisa and Miguel Urbina for their service on behalf of Georgia's Latino families and congratulate them on Ser Familia's success.

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia's 25th anniversary.

Over the last 25 years, the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia has strengthened the State's Latin American community by championing efforts that boost economic development, expand access to new business opportunities, and promote civic engagement. Founded as the Mexican American Business Chamber in 1998, the LACC today is one of the largest Latin American organizations in the State of Georgia. The chamber plays an important role in the extraordinary contributions of Georgia's Latino community, and it stands as a pillar of unity and diversity that keeps moving the State forward. Georgia's Latin American diaspora community is diverse and fast-growing, and it is a privilege to represent Georgia's Latin American community in the U.S. Senate.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia on its 25th anniversary and commend them for their dedication to Georgia's Latino community.

Madam President, I rise to honor Ms. Lauren Fins for her compassion and leadership in the Savannah community.

Ms. Lauren Fins has dedicated her time to assisting veterans and other members of her community who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related illnesses through her organization Fins Animal Training, fondly earning her the title of ``hometown heroine'' across coastal Georgia.

Over the last 10 years, Ms. Fins has committed more than 1,000 hours of her personal time to training service dogs that uplift people in need across Savannah, and she was recognized with the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2022 for her commitment to this feat.

In addition to her work with Fins Animal Training, she also trains dogs for SD Gunner Fund, a local nonprofit that provides service dogs to people who need them.

In many cases, Ms. Fins has helped dogs grow from young pups to loyal companions who can help support individuals' everyday quality of life, including by helping a person off the floor, pulling a wheelchair, or by picking up a prosthetic limb.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Lauren Fins for her commitment and dedication to Georgia's veterans.

Madam President, I rise to honor an exemplary member of the Appling community, Ms. Tonya Gambrell.

Ms. Tonya Gambrell serves as the principal of North Columbia Elementary, where she works each day to engage, enrich, and inspire each of her students.

Last year, thanks to Ms. Gambrell's leadership, North Columbia Elementary School was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education for their overall academic excellence and work to reduce learning gaps among their students, a recognition given to less than 300 schools nationwide.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Tonya Gambrell for her profound impact on Georgia's children and congratulate North Columbia Elementary on this excellent honor.

Madam President, I rise to honor Ms. Joy Hendrix, recreational specialist and supervisor of

the Frank Chester Senior Center in Columbus, Georgia.

For more than 45 years, Ms. Hendrix has served her beloved community, working for the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department in different roles since she was a high school student looking for a summer job.

The Frank Chester Recreation Center offers a variety of programs for senior citizens to engage in arts and crafts, fitness and sports, and banquets. The center is also a place for local families and children to enjoy outdoor activities.

Joy Hendrix is passionate about promoting health and wellness for all seniors who take advantage of the services the center offers. She represents Columbus' best values and continues to be a champion for seniors in her community.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Joy Hendrix for her service and dedication to the Columbus community and to the State of Georgia.

Madam President, I rise to honor a great champion for young people across central Georgia.

June O'Neal serves the executive director of the Mentors Project in Macon-Bibb County, which matches mentors with young people across central Georgia.

Founded in 1990 by the Education Committee of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, the Mentors Project aims to help young people who may be struggling.

Mentors work with middle and high school students to help them reach their full potential, providing guidance, support, and encouragement.

Ms. O'Neal leads a team of more than 100 mentors and volunteers who encourage students to work hard and stay in school, and they have dedicated substantial time to give back to others. Today, the program has grown to partner with 14 schools in Macon-Bibb County and has helped hundreds of young people in middle Georgia.

As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend June O'Neal for her tireless work to support Georgia's youth.

Madam President, I rise to honor a leader of Georgia's agricultural community.

Few are known better in the peanut industry than Georgia's own Tyron Spearman, who serves as executive director of the National Peanut Buying Points Association.

In 1978, Spearman helped initiate the American Peanut Council's Export Promotion program. He has visited a dozen countries promoting the U.S. peanut industry and has served as a two-time chair of the board of directors for the American Peanut Council.

Locally, Spearman is well-known as editor of the Peanut Grower Magazine, which is mailed to 8,000 peanut farmers. In 2013, he was awarded the Peanut Hull of Fame Award, the highest honor in the industry.

Last year, the National Peanut Buying Points Association and several other companies and associations announced the creation of the Tyron Spearman CAES Scholarship Fund, providing support to agricultural and environmental science students at the University of Georgia.

I recognize and commend Tyron Spearman for his lifetime of service and work advancing Georgia's and the United States' peanut industry.

Madam President, today it is with great pleasure that I honor a superb Army noncommissioned officer and legislative liaison. After 2 years of exemplary service with the Army Office of the Chief, Legislative Liaison, SGM Nicholas J. Stokely was selected to serve as the next battalion command sergeant major for the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, Special Operations (Airborne), at Fort Bragg, NC. He is no stranger to positions of trust and authority as he currently serves as the legislative assistant to the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army. He will assume responsibility for this new position in June.

On this occasion, I believe it is appropriate to recognize Sergeant Major Stokely's distinguished 25-year career spent serving the interests of the American people, whether here in the halls of Congress or out in the field with his boots on the ground. He is a native of Fountain Inn, SC. It is there that he first began his military service as an infantryman in the South Carolina National Guard in 1997. Sergeant Major Stokely enlisted in the Active-Duty Army in February 2002 and served in numerous leadership positions while stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State.

In 2006, he donned the iconic hat of the U.S. Army drill sergeant, helping train young men and women in preparation for the rigors of serving in the Army. Sergeant Major Stokely has excelled in every job the Army has asked him to take on, and true to form, he was selected as the 2007 Infantry Training Brigade Drill Sergeant of the Year at Fort Benning, GA. This is indicative of how he approaches his job.

In 2009, Sergeant Major Stokely began a new chapter in his career by completing the Civil Affairs Specialist Course at Fort Bragg and joining the ranks of Special Forces operators. He subsequently served in every leadership position possible while assigned to the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade. He then went on to serve as an instructor and course manager at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.

It is clear the Army has consistently relied upon Sergeant Major Stokely for his exceptional leadership. He has deployed on numerous occasions in support of America's national defense. Sergeant Major Stokely has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, the European Reassurance Initiative, and European Deterrence Initiative with multiple tough assignments within Special Operations units across the Asian and European continents.

In 2019, Sergeant Major Stokely arrived on Capitol Hill, serving as the defense fellow for Representative Jason Crow of Colorado's Sixth District. From there, he did exceptional work liaising on the Army's Senate Liaison Division staff before his selection as a legislative assistant. In each of these positions, his primary responsibility was to help continue and strengthen Army relationships across Congress.

Over the past 2 years, Sergeant Major Stokely has traveled all over the world leading congressional and staff delegations doing just that.

Now, he will continue his distinguished Army career, returning to lead men and women. I am thankful for his service and sacrifice. On behalf of Congress, I wish him, his wonderful wife Kritina, and three beautiful children Cody, Cailynn, and Kinslee all the best.

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

Mr. President, I rise this afternoon in pursuit of justice for the Black men and Black women abducted, beaten, and killed during the segregation era in the American South and in retaliation for their participation in the civil rights movement.

I rise today to ask that the Senate pass the Civil Rights Cold Case Investigations Support Act to secure justice and pursue truth for the victims of those atrocities, for the victims of civil rights cold cases, and for their families--justice for folks like Alphonso Harris, a member of the SCLC who was murdered in Albany, GA, in 1966; justice for Ernest Hunter, who was killed in a physical altercation at the Camden County jail in St. Marys, GA, in 1958; justice for Caleb Hill, Jr., who was dragged at night from a Wilkinson County jail in Middle, GA, in 1949 and shot to death by a lynch mob.

Decades may have passed, but the pursuit of justice cannot and will not end. I sat down in Wilkinson County a few months ago with Caleb Hill, Jr.'s descendants, and in his name, they demand justice. By passing the Civil Rights Cold Case Investigations Support Act and by doing it with the support of Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Senate, we will demonstrate that the United States will never rest in the pursuit of truth and justice for those who were lynched, abducted, beaten, killed, and assaulted in the segregation-era South and during the civil rights movement.

I thank Senator Cruz for his original cosponsorship of this bipartisan legislation, and all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, for bringing us now to a point where, after much work, I hope that we can pass this legislation with bipartisan support.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 451, S. 3655.

I further ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I rise today to celebrate the duel between two titans and legends of Mexican soccer at el Super Clasico, the Club Deportivo de Guadalajara ``Chivas'' and Club America--a duel that will be celebrated in my home city of Atlanta, GA, on September 25, 2022.

The city of Atlanta and the State of Georgia are home to rich, vibrant, and celebrated Latino communities. I am thrilled to honor the contributions of the Hispanic community in Georgia during Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting these soccer legends in what will go down in history as one of the greatest games our continent has ever seen.

This world-renowned match has brought thousands of soccer fans in Mexico and the United States together for almost 80 years to celebrate the history and unmatched rivalry of these soccer titans, a passion that unites us.

Founded 103 years ago, Club America has won a total of 35 official national and international titles. Club Deportivo Chivas de Guadalajara has obtained a total of 26 national and international championships. In the last 5 years, the Chivas and America have played for sold-out crowds in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas. And this year in Atlanta will not be different.

I join with our community to witness the legacy of this beautiful game that reminds us of the unbreakable bond we share.

May tradition, history, and legacy guide our continued commitment to celebrate what unites us.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a giant of the great State of Georgia--which the Presiding Officer and I both have the distinct honor of serving--to recognize a true legend of the U.S. Senate, an extraordinary father, husband, and representative of our State, the late Senator Johnny Isakson.

Senator Isakson served Georgia all his life. Born in Atlanta, Senator Isakson attended the University of Georgia, then enlisted in the Georgia Air National Guard. He was a successful private businessman, growing his real estate enterprise to one of the largest in the State.

He served in both the Georgia House of Representatives and the State senate, and Governor Zell Miller, a Democrat, appointed him, a Republican, to chair the State Board of Education.

In 1999, Senator Isakson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he worked to improve American K-12 education.

And in 2004, he was elected to this body, where he would serve for almost 15 years with courtesy, dignity, and kindness, supporting and championing bipartisan efforts to better serve our Nation's veterans. And his service culminated in his chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and of the Senate Ethics Committee.

As we will hear from our distinguished colleagues who served alongside Senator Isakson--like Senator Blunt--Senator Isakson, through his uncommon decency, his generosity of spirit, his commitment to integrity and service of others over service of self, won universal respect in this body; won respect in the State of Georgia that crossed party lines and earned the reputation not just nationally but around the world for statesmanship, effectiveness, and hard work.

Even more than his work as a statesman, Senator Isakson was a father and a husband. And I want to recognize Senator Isakson's extraordinary family, including his wife of more than 50 years, Dianne; his sons, John and Kevin; his daughter Julie--all of whom I have had the pleasure of speaking or corresponding with in recent months and all of whom, in their lives, carry on the Senator's legacy.

Senator Isakson had a saying that there are just two kinds of people in this world: friends and future friends. I hope we can all be inspired by that aspiration and that outlook, by his resilient desire to see the good in everyone; to see the opportunity to work with anyone; to try to find where our interests align, where we can meet eye to eye, where we can get things done together.

Senator Isakson's courtesy, collegiality, and integrity will forever serve as an example to all of us who serve in this body today and in the future. And that is why, in recognition of Senator Isakson's tremendous contributions to American veterans, to the State of Georgia, and to the United States, it has been my privilege to introduce-- alongside my distinguished Republican colleague from Missouri, Senator Blunt, and the Presiding Officer, Senator Warnock--the Senator Johnny Isakson VA Regional Office Act to rename the VA's Atlanta Regional Office after Senator Isakson as part of our Nation's ongoing recognition of his service and as an example to those who follow in his footsteps of the virtues that his representation embodied.

I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support of this legislation. We will hear from Senator Blunt and Senator Warnock, to share their experiences working alongside and knowing Senator Isakson, in just a moment.

But now, let's get this done and take this action to demonstrate our enduring respect and admiration for this extraordinary American statesman, Johnny Isakson. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs be discharged from further consideration of S. 4359 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. President, I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.