Floor Statements

Mr. President, while hard-working Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities, there is one class of people who have never had it better: fraudsters. Scammers are stealing more than $1.4 billion from taxpayers every day.

Yesterday, I released a list of con artists who each fraudulently billed government programs for $1 billion or more. These billionaire bandits looted programs for the elderly, poor, disabled, and veterans to lavish themselves with million-dollar mansions, Rolex watches, expensive jewelry, and luxury cars.

One fraudster brags:

I had everything. I had houses, I had cars, I had watches.

He ripped off Medicare for over a decade before getting turned in and said:

It's just so easy. It's unbelievable.

Based upon the numbers, he isn't lying. If grift were a government Agency, the ``Department of Fraud'' would be the fifth largest. The $521 billion going to fraud every year exceeds the individual annual budgets of the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, Homeland Security, State, and Justice.

That is right, folks--fraudsters are being better taken care of than our veterans and farmers.

Fraud is not a victimless crime, either. In fact, it has far-reaching consequences. We have learned that taxpayer dollars stolen from the U.S. Small Business Administration financed the assassination--yes, you heard it right--the assassination of Haiti's President in 2021. A team of Colombian mercenaries and their pistols, rifles, and tactical gear were all paid for with the support of $840,000 fraudulently obtained from the Small Business Administration. The political instability resulting from the assassination forced hundreds of thousands of Haitians to flee their nation, taking refuge in the United States. The Biden administration provided many of these migrants with food stamps and medical care--also paid for by American taxpayers.

The inability to safeguard small business assistance resulted in taxpayers footing the bills for both the crime and its consequences.

Many of these scams also involve identity theft that upends the lives of the unsuspecting Americans who then must suffer the consequences.

For example, the Medicare number of a woman in California was stolen by scammers who used it to fraudulently bill for hospice care. When she sought physical therapy for an injury, Medicare denied her coverage because she was listed as dying in hospice.

Think about that. The same government Agency that wouldn't provide her with the healthcare she was promised approved and paid for bogus medical bills submitted by scammers using her information.

Medicare exists to ensure folks like her receive medically necessary care, not to make billionaires out of fraudsters. Yet the identities and personal information of more than 1 million Americans have been stolen by Medicare mobsters to file phony healthcare claims.

One illegal alien submitted at least $1.3 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health insurers, over just 6 months, using stolen identities. He laundered millions of the stolen tax dollars overseas to the Russian mob before some of his victims alerted Medicare that they were receiving notices for care and items they did not receive prescribed by doctors they had not visited.

Another con artist orchestrated a billion-dollar fraud machine that used foreign call centers to submit bogus bills. He treated programs meant to care for the elderly, veterans, and servicemembers like his own personal cash register.

From fake daycare centers to phony small businesses, the examples are absolutely endless, but the public's patience is not. According to the latest Gallup poll, 9 out of 10 Americans say government corruption is widespread. That is a record high number.

I challenge you to find any other issue where Democrats, Republicans, and Independents agree with each other more strongly.

We owe it to all Americans to stop the government grift. My Protecting American Taxpayers Act would do just that by stopping government Agencies from handing out quick cash with no questions asked, triggering automatic investigations when there are sudden and suspicious spikes in payment claims, banning convicted fraudsters from receiving taxpayer dollars, taking back the money that was already stolen, and sending those darn scammers to the slammer.

If enacted, this bill could save $240 billion. That is billion with a ``b,'' folks.

The choice is quite simple. Give the money to the fraudsters or return it to the taxpayers. What would really be criminal is if the Senate left town today without passing this meaningful legislation to eliminate fraud.

As if in legislative session, and notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 452, S. 4952. I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I am sorely disappointed today that we were not able to pass this commonsense legislation. And we have seen, time and time again, actual examples being put forth in this body to demonstrate the grift of these scammers.

And, unfortunately, we are not able to pass what is bipartisan legislation--a package of bills that has passed through many of the various committees here in the U.S. Senate--again, a bipartisan package that stops the grift and the scamming of the Federal Government.

We held a committee hearing, not too long ago, where I had in front of me, in the Small Business Committee, a woman that came from Minnesota. She started off her testimony by saying: I am a Democrat, but I can't stand by idly and watch as money is flowing out the door to the grifters.

She gave very powerful testimony. She worked for the State government, and she saw the rampant fraud that was happening in Minnesota. She raised it to her supervisor. She raised the issue to those in charge, and she was told to be quiet and not question what was going on. It eventually led to her firing. But the problem was--and she brought it forward.

She said: Every dollar that was being scammed that I identified, it was important to me that it get to the families that need it. Why? Because at one time, I had been part of one of those families.

She grew up in a family that was poverty-stricken and filled with abuse. Their family relied on those dollars for their support and yet, as a grown adult, she saw scammers taking advantage of those programs that are meant for the elderly, for the veterans, for those that are struggling to break free from poverty. And what happened to her? She was fired.

So this is commonsense legislation, checks and balances put on those programs. For everyone enrolling in those programs, we should check to make sure that they do qualify and meet Federal law and regulations.

So, again, I am very disappointed that the Democrats have rejected this, again, a bipartisan package of bills meant to save our taxpayer dollars for people that are truly vulnerable. I am sorely disappointed.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Doe a Deer of Guthrie County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Doe a Deer initially started off as a side hustle in 2016, when the owner, Regan Doely, began creating designs while she worked a full-time job. Ever since she was young, Regan found a deep appreciation for patterns and designs on products such as linens, cookbooks, and packaging. As an adult, she carried that love into her full-time job as a graphic designer. As Regan continued to take on more freelance projects, she found herself wanting to expand her business offerings. Regan created a couple of greeting cards, notepads, and flour sack towels to showcase at a local Small Business Saturday craft show. Her products received numerous positive responses from shoppers, which motivated her to continue designing. Regan's designs even attracted local stores who were willing to sell her products. With enough support from her retailer partners, Regan quit her full-time job and began searching for a place to set up her own store. In 2018, Regan secured a storefront in downtown Stuart, IA, officially marking the start of Doe a Deer.

Today, Doe a Deer has moved into a larger storefront, just a short distance from their previous space. In the store, Regan and her team of 11 employees work diligently on creating unique designs for their products, including kitchenware, blankets, gifts, spices, books, and self-care products. The store's wide variety of offerings allows the business to reach a variety of audiences.

Doe a Deer strives to serve its local community. Throughout the years, this woman-owned business has supported several local organizations including the Adair Boys & Girls Club, Stuart Revitalization Group, and Adair County Youth Action Committee. Regan and the team also help manage local events, such as high school proms and the Guthrie County Fair. The company continues to make impacts on a national scale, donating to organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association and Operation Christmas Child. In 2024, Regan was recognized for her service, earning the Ten Under Ten Award that is granted to Grand View University alumni who make a significant impact in their community.

I want to thank Regan and the entire Doe a Deer team for their dedication to their customers and commitment to serving Iowa communities. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the

American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Sorensen Studios of Adair County, IA, as Senate Small Business of the Week.

The initial idea for Sorensen Studios was born when Maria Galanakis realized she needed a helping hand to complete her journalism projects at Iowa State. Luckily for Maria, her future husband Ray ``Bubba'' Sorenson was an artist himself, with a particular talent for painting murals. During college, Bubba was inspired by the movie ``Saving Private Ryan'' and came up with the idea to honor veterans by painting a mural on a 12-foot-tall boulder. This was dubbed ``The Freedom Rock,'' with the first rock mural completed in 1999. Every Memorial Day, Bubba repaints the rock to update the design and highlight stories of Iowa veterans.

As the couple continued to work together, they soon realized that Bubba's talent for painting and Maria's knack for photography and logistics was the perfect combination. In 2008, Maria and Bubba opened their own small business. Through the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Sorensens were able to get the capital they needed from local banks and build their business. As the business gained traction, the market for murals grew, inspiring Maria and Bubba to reconfigure Sorensen Studios to focus more on painting projects.

In 2013, Bubba and Maria started the Freedom Rock Tour, with the goal of painting one rock mural in each of Iowa's 99 counties. Over the next 10 years, Bubba traveled across the State, creating a Freedom Rock tailored to the history and veterans of each county. Today, all 99 Iowa counties have a Freedom Rock, and the 100th Freedom Rock was completed in Altoona, IA.

Nearly two decades later, Sorensen Studios is still solely owned and operated by Maria and Bubba. After years of success, the pair started the Freedom Rock Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to maintaining Freedom Rocks and governed by a board of veterans.

The Sorensens have taken their mission to honor veterans through art nationwide, starting the 50 State Freedom Rock Tour, with Bubba painting messages of gratitude for American veterans across the country. In addition to Sorensen Studios, Bubba serves his community as a State representative for the 23rd district in the Iowa House of Representatives. The couple has worked hard over the past 18 years and acknowledge they could not have done it without the support of their family.

I am pleased to recognize Bubba and Maria of Sorensen Studios for their creative entrepreneurship and longstanding commitment to our Nation's veterans. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Madam President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Ludlow's Steakhouse of Wayne County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

For more than two decades, Ludlow's Steakhouse has been a staple of the Wayne County community. Ron and Maureta Redmon first opened the restaurant in 2004 and in 2013, they sold the business to Craig and Brenda Onstot. In 2017, Truett and Sheena Pershy took ownership. Under their leadership, Ludlow's has expanded its menu and launched a catering business. From custom-cut aged steaks, seafood, pasta, sandwiches, and more, Ludlow's offers something for everyone to enjoy. In 2022, Ludlow's was named runner-up in the Iowa Pork Producer's Association's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, earning statewide recognition for its food.

In 2024, the Pershys relocated the restaurant to an 18,000-square- foot former

American Legion building. Following major renovations, they transformed the building into a destination for dining, lodging, and community gatherings. Today, the property brings Ludlow's Steakhouse, the Brick Tavern, the Brick Event Center, and the Brick Suites together under one roof.

Truett credits Sheena's continued support as instrumental to the growth of the business, and together, they are proud of the team they have built. Ludlow's currently employs 22 people, including Iowans who work at the restaurant while attending high school. Truett and Sheena take pride in giving their employees an opportunity to develop valuable skills and work experience before they graduate.

That commitment to people extends throughout Wayne County. As members of the City of Corydon Chamber of Commerce, Ludlow's supports local schools and regularly donates to community fundraisers and benefits. Whether providing a young person with their first job, supporting a local cause, or creating a place where neighbors can gather, Truett, Sheena, and their employees continue to give back to the community that has supported Ludlow's over the past two decades.

I am pleased to recognize Truett and Sheena Pershy and the entire Ludlow's Steakhouse team for their dedication to Corydon and Wayne County. I look forward to seeing their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Madam President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize and outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize North Lumber & Home Center of Decatur County, IA, as Senate Small Business of the Week.

For more than four decades, North Lumber & Home Center has helped provide the materials and supplies that keep homes, farms, and businesses across southern Iowa running. Sally Dykes and her family purchased North Lumber from its previous owners in 1980. The family has since grown North Lumber into North Lumber & Home Center, expanding its inventory and operations to better serve customers throughout Decatur County and the surrounding communities.

Today, Sally runs the business alongside her son Tony Dykes. The mother and son duo and their five North Lumber employees have continued to find ways to expand the business under Sally's ownership. North Lumber moved into a larger building 5 years ago, remodeling the space while keeping the original building for additional storage. In 2025, the business expanded again with the construction of 60-by-104 storage building to accommodate its growing inventory. In 2002, the family opened Southern Iowa Building Center in Lamoni, which also employs five people. In recognition of their contribution to the area, the two businesses were jointly named the Decatur County Business of the Year in 2023.

For Sally and Tony, serving southern Iowa extends well beyond the lumberyard. North Lumber & Home Center supports local school basketball, football, and baseball programs, as well as Central Trail Future Farmers of America, the Boy Scouts, performing arts boosters, after-prom events, Little League, and career and technology education at Central Decatur Schools. The business has also supported the Decatur County Sheriff's National Night Out, the Leon and Grand River rodeos, the Leon Queen Contest, local cancer fundraising efforts, and Friends of Decatur County Hospital. Their generosity has even reached beyond Iowa, including a donation supporting a Lamoni livestock relief effort bound for Oklahoma in March 2026.

I am pleased to recognize Sally, Tony, and the teams at North Lumber & Home Center and Southern Iowa Building Center for their generosity and commitment to helping Decatur County grow. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize the Bread Board of Marion County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Heidi Rozenboom grew up baking fresh bread with her grandmother, always using the same bread board that would eventually inspire her business' name. Years later, Heidi turned her passion for baking into a business, selling fresh bread to local coffee shops and cafes. Demand quickly grew beyond what Heidi could handle on her own, leading her to hire additional help. In 2021, she took the next step and opened her own storefront in downtown Pella. Heidi named the business the Bread Board in honor of the cherished memories she made baking with her grandmother and set out to create a welcoming space where customers could experience that same sense of warmth and comfort. Today, the bakery serves fresh sourdough bread, pastries, homemade meals, and other baked goods.

Heidi now leads a team of about 15 employees serving customers throughout Marion County. While the Bread

Board operates from its Pella location, Heidi continues to find new ways to extend the bakery's reach throughout the community. The business is a member of the Pella Area Community and Economic Alliance and regularly brings residents together through events such as its recent sourdough baking competition.

Even after opening her own storefront, Heidi has continued collaborating with other local businesses and organizations. Bread Board products can be found at local cafes and the nearby produce stand, and Heidi also supplies products to the local school and band. For 4 consecutive years, the Bread Board has been named Best Lunch in Marion County, in the Marion County Development Commission's Best of Red Rock competition, reflecting the business' continued commitment to quality and service.

For Heidi, the Bread Board remains deeply rooted in family. Growing up next door to her grandparents, some of her fondest childhood memories came from baking alongside her grandmother. The original bread board Heidi used with her grandmother remains in the shop today. Heidi's own family has also become an important part of Bread Board. Her mother is always willing to lend a hand, her husband has been by her side since the bakery's earliest days, and now her son and daughter are pitching in too, making the Bread Board a true family affair.

The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community demonstrated by the Bread Board embody the very best of Iowa small businesses. I want to congratulate Heidi Rozenboom, her family, and her entire team for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional service to Marion County. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize The Farmer's Daughters of Fremont County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Stacy Burgoin-Burge's vision for The Farmer's Daughters began in 2014 with small antique pop-up shops at events including Vintage & Made Fair and Junkstock. Offering vintage finds and home decor, the business quickly became too popular to operate out of Stacy's home, prompting her to purchase a storefront in Sidney. Soon after, Stacy recognized the community's need for a local florist and expanded the business to offer floral arrangements in 2017. As the business continued to grow, Stacy's husband Ron Burge joined her full-time, and the couple eventually expanded with additional locations in Glenwood and Shenandoah. Along with vintage items, home decor, and floral arrangements, the new locations began offering locally made candles, Iowa wines, and other unique products.

Today, Stacy and Ron lead a team of 10 employees serving communities throughout southwest Iowa. Under their leadership, The Farmer's Daughters has become known for its carefully curated home decor and gifts, as well as its floral artistry and personalized arrangements. Since adding floral services in 2017, the business has expanded its delivery capabilities and now offers 6- and 12-month ``Bloom of the Month'' subscriptions featuring fresh seasonal flowers and custom floral designs. For more than a decade, Stacy and Ron have continued to find new ways to provide unique products and personalized service to their customers.

The Farmer's Daughters is also deeply committed to giving back to communities it serves. Across its locations, the business is involved with organizations including Shop Sidney, United Faith Church, the Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association, and the Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association. The Glenwood location regularly cohosts ``Coffee and Connections'' with the Mills County Chamber of Commerce, helping foster relationships among local businesses and residents. The Farmer's Daughters also supports Fremont County 4-H participants and local fairs and events, while its locations partner with area churches, schools, and community organizations on fundraisers, workshops, and celebrations.

The Iowa Small Business Development Center has also played an important role in The Farmer's Daughters growth, aiding with the company's website and helping Stacy and Ron use social media to reach more customers. In turn, Stacy and Ron remain committed to strengthening communities that have supported their business, generously contributing their time, resources, and floral arrangements to local fairs, youth programs, and educational initiatives.

The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community demonstrated by The Farmer's Daughters embody the very best of Iowa small businesses. I want to congratulate Stacy Burgoin-Burge, Ron Burge, and their entire team for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional service to southwest Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Five Sons Landscape & Design of Madison County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

The idea for Five Sons began with a shared dream between Eric Pugh and his oldest son Brady to start their own landscaping company. Eric earned a forestry degree from Iowa State University and had long considered starting a business, while Brady gained several years of landscaping experience as a teenager. Their plans were put on hold when their military commitments sent both Eric and Brady to Afghanistan in 2010. After returning home, Brady went back to college and began taking landscaping jobs on the side, purchasing a wheelbarrow and gathering tools from family garages to get started. What began as a summer hobby quickly grew into a passion and, ultimately, a lifelong career. After completing that first season on his own, Brady officially formed the business in April 2013. The company's name pays tribute to founder Brady and his four brothers--the five sons of Eric and Monica--who have all supported the family business throughout its growth.

Today, Five Sons is proudly based in Winterset and remains a true family operation. Brady, Logan, and Eric own the company, while Monica manages the office and other family members continue to lend a hand when needed. Each brings unique skills to the business. Brady specializes in hardscape design and construction; Eric contributes his extensive knowledge of trees, shrubs, perennial plants, and land management; and Logan helps bring customers' visions to life through construction and maintenance. Together, their talents have helped transform a small landscaping operation into a full-service family business.

Five Sons offers a variety of landscaping services, including paver patios and sidewalks, retaining walls, boulder walls, plantings, and property maintenance. The family also incorporates its commitment to conservation into its work by using environmentally friendly products whenever possible and prioritizing native plants and shrubs that attract beneficial insects. Eric works with urban and rural landowners on prairie restoration and conservation, while the entire team continues to research landscaping best practices. Through this work, Five Sons strives to provide customers with the two standards it values most: high-quality service and long-lasting outdoor spaces.

Five Sons is also a veteran-operated business. Eric served in the military for 28 years, while Brady has served 25 years and continues his service in the Army National Guard. The family's commitment to service extends beyond military duties into the greater community, where Five Sons is actively involved with local schools and veterans' organizations, including the American Legion. Through this involvement, the business continues to demonstrate its commitment to serving fellow Iowans and setting an example for other small businesses.

More than a decade after Brady started with a wheelbarrow, borrowed tools, and a determination to build something of his own, Five Sons continues to demonstrate the hard work, perseverance, and family values that define Iowa small businesses. I want to congratulate the Pugh family and their entire team for their dedication to their customers and commitment to serving Iowa communities. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Henningsen's Meat Processing of Cass County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

After years of working in construction, Randy Henningsen decided to return home to Atlantic to be closer to his father and brother. Randy's father had previously owned a meat locker that tragically burned down in 1972. In 1978, Randy, his father, and his brother decided to carry on the family tradition and opened Henningsen's Meat Processing. Together, the Henningsens set out to provide Atlantic and the surrounding communities with high-quality, locally sourced meat.

Henningsen's Meat Processing specializes in custom pork and beef processing for farmers and operates a full-service meat counter for customers throughout southwest Iowa. In addition to its meat selection, customers can find products ranging from fish and frog legs to locally made cheeses. Randy later purchased his father's and brother's shares of the business. Henningsen's remains committed to the same quality and service it was founded on.

Today, Randy leads a team of 14 full- and part-time employees serving Iowans across the State. Henningsen's is also an active member of the Atlantic community and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Randy and his team regularly support local fairs, churches, museums, fundraisers, and other community events through donations. In 2022, Henningsen's donated 200 pounds of meat, about 800 servings, to the New Opportunities food pantry in Audubon County and contributed an additional $100 toward the processing fee. It is one of many ways Randy and his team have given back to the communities that have supported the business over the years.

Nearly five decades after Henningsen's Meat Processing first opened, Randy continues his family's legacy of providing quality meat and dependable service to southwest Iowa. For Randy, the people he serves are what make the business special and continue to bring energy and purpose to his work after all these years.

The entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to quality, and dedication to community demonstrated by Henningsen's Meat Processing embodies the very best of Iowa small businesses. I want to congratulate Randy Henningsen and the entire Henningsen's Meat Processing team for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional service to Cass County and southwest Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued success.

Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Lone Arranger of Adams County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

For over 28 years, Lone Arranger has served the community as a florist and gift shop, offering products for every occasion and providing customized decorating services. The business began as ``Flower and Garden Center'' in the home of Dale and Caroline Jackson. It was later sold to Larry and Sherry Archer and then Ros and Darlene Peterson, who renamed it Peterson Floral Gifts & Antiques. In 1999, Jessica Wilson purchased the business after working for the Peterson couple in high school and completing two internships at the shop while earning her degree in floriculture from Kirkwood Community College. Jessica passed all required testing and became an Iowa Master Florist, IMF, in November 2009. As part of the celebration marking Jessica Wilson's 10-year anniversary as the shop's owner, she rebranded to Lone Arranger in 2009.

Today, Lone Arranger has built a stellar reputation and contributes to many high-profile floral projects in Iowa. These include inaugural flowers for Governors Culver and Branstad and holiday decorations for the Iowa Governor's Mansion. Furthermore, Jessica Wilson contributed to the award-winning Rain Bird float for the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade. Lone Arranger has also been a recurring vendor at the Adams County Fair.

As the sole employee of Lone Arranger, Jessica has demonstrated her unceasing commitment to the Adams County community. In 2003, Jessica received the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for Dedication & Commitment to the community at the Adams Community Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. Jessica was the coordinator for the Adams County 4-H/ FFA & Youth Fair Queen from 2004-2009. Jessica has further demonstrated her community involvement through her service as president of the Adams Community Chamber of Commerce, to which she was elected in 2008, serving two 3-year terms, and her role as an Adams County Chamber of Commerce ambassador beginning in 2009. To this day, Jessica makes sure the chamber windows are pristinely decorated. Jessica was also elected to the Iowa Florist Association, IFA, Board in 2007. Jessica currently serves as the president for Feed the Pack, a local backpack program ensuring children do not go hungry, coordinating food orders and menus for students. Jessica contributes to the annual 4th of July flight breakfast, banquet decorations, roadside cleanup, and children's treasure hunt at Lake Icaria. These accolades and involvement are a testament to how Jessica has touched the lives of many Iowans.

It is with profound gratitude that I recognize Jessica Wilson of Lone Arranger for her longstanding dedication to Adams County. I look forward to all she will achieve and wish her success and happiness in her future ventures.

Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Piper's Grocery and Homemade Candies of Lucas County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Piper's has been a fixture of downtown Chariton for more than a century. Joe L. Piper opened Piper's Grocery in 1905 on the northeast corner of the square, where the business remains today. Piper's quickly became a trusted local grocery store, serving the community with fresh meats, bread, and other everyday essentials. When Joe retired, his son Bob took over the business with his wife Ruth. The couple continued providing quality goods but added a new specialty: homemade candy. Bob learned candy-making techniques from his brother John and began selling the treats at the store. Piper's continues to use those trusted recipes today.

In the 1980s, Anne and Jim Kerns, longtime employees at Piper's, purchased the business and continued Bob's legacy. The couple operated the business with the same high standards and commitment to quality that Bob had established. Their daughter Jill Kerns returned to Chariton in 1997 and purchased the store from her parents the following year. Today, Jill and her team continue making Piper's candies in small batches using the same recipes and techniques passed down through generations. The store has also maintained its old-fashioned grocery roots, offering deli meats and cheeses, fresh sandwiches, groceries, and a variety of Iowa-made foods and locally crafted products.

While Piper's has preserved its historic character, Jill has also found new ways to share a taste of Chariton far

beyond Lucas County. Customers can now order Piper's handmade candies online and have them shipped across the country and around the world. Piper's has also earned statewide recognition for preserving a piece of Iowa history, including features from Iowa PBS and Travel Iowa highlighting the store as a destination for visitors looking to experience an old-fashioned Iowa main street business.

Even as its reach has grown, Piper's remains deeply connected to the Chariton community. Jill credits generations of loyal customers with helping the business thrive and takes pride in carrying locally made products and providing jobs for area residents. In 2023, Chariton Chamber/Main Street recognized Piper's in its Small Business Spotlight, highlighting the store's contributions to the local community. Piper's also supports local nonprofits, participates in community auctions, and remains involved in events throughout the area.

More than 120 years after Joe Piper first opened his grocery store, Piper's continues to bring together history, entrepreneurship, and community. Jill and her team have preserved the traditions that made Piper's a Chariton institution while adapting the business to serve a new generation of customers. The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community demonstrated by Piper's Grocery and Homemade Candies embody the very best of Iowa small businesses. I want to congratulate Jill Kerns and the entire Piper's team for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional service to Lucas County. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Mr. President, I want to thank my colleague from Delaware for bringing up our Iowa State Cyclones and our University of Iowa Hawkeyes. We had the Cy-Hawk game just 2 weekends ago. Unfortunately, my Cyclones fell to the Iowa Hawkeyes. But God bless Coach Kirk Ferentz and his Iowa Hawkeyes. It was another great game for all of Iowa.

Mr. President, I am here today to talk a little bit more about our national and economic security of the United States. This has really been the focus of my career--protecting that national and economic security.

In 1940, the United States became the ``Arsenal of Democracy,'' and our country came together to quickly accelerate production of weapons, vehicles, food, and supplies that enabled the allies to defeat the axis powers.

Americans in factories, farms, small businesses, and across the country did what was necessary to make what was needed.

Instead of internalizing the lesson that our ability to make these critical items in the United States led to great success, we spent much of the last 50 years off-shoring our jobs and our manufacturing capabilities. This is something China, Russia, and other nefarious actors around the world have been all too happy to accommodate and to take on themselves.

Today, we have only one active facility producing cannon barrels. Today, we rely 100 percent on foreign sources for 12 critical minerals essential to our military and our economy.

During COVID, we saw what happened when supply chains are strained. There was a global shortage of microchips, which upended manufacturers' ability to make everything from cars to computers. At the same time, moms in the Midwest had to worry about finding baby formula due to supply chain issues at both the production and shipping levels.

Put simply: We have lost the ability to make what we need right here at home.

In the event of a conflict with one of our near-peer adversaries, supply chains will be challenged, and the United States will have to make what it needs.

Thank goodness President Trump, his administration, and Congress have been taking steps to put us on the right track and bring back the manufacturing capabilities we need here at home.

My bipartisan Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act builds on these efforts. My bill, which has already passed the Senate unanimously, directs the Secretary of Commerce to identify critical goods that are currently being imported and find ways to help domestic producers manufacture them in the rural areas and shovel-ready industrial sites.

Rural Iowans are ready to roll up their sleeves and build the factories and processing facilities we need to secure our supply chains.

We can and need to make things here. But you can't fix vulnerabilities you can't see, which is why my bill gives Congress and the executive branch the visibility necessary to identify gaps and then close them.

I am grateful to Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks for introducing the House version of this bill, and for the House of Representatives passing the bill unanimously.

Now it is time for the Senate to act and send this bill to the President's desk.

Mr. President, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1721 and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, taxpayers deserve to know how the money they send to Washington is being spent. For 20 years now, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act has required unclassified government spending to be put online in a searchable public website, USAspending.gov. This allows taxpayers to review the receipts for themselves. Bureaucrats, however, have been hiding tens of billions of dollars distributed through secret spending arrangements known as other transaction agreements, or OTAs, by not publicly disclosing these expenditures on USAspending.gov.

With fraudsters stealing $1.4 billion every single day, we need this information now so we can account for who is taking tax dollars and why.

In June, the Senate unanimously passed my bipartisan Stop Secret Spending Act to require OTAs to be publicly disclosed on USAspending.gov, just like all other government spending. Last month, the House approved the bipartisan companion bill introduced by Representatives Moore and Panetta. Democrats and Republicans in both the House and Senate agree that Washington needs to finally end the secrecy about how tens of billions of dollars are being spent every year. That is a win for everyone, especially our taxpayers.

Let's send this bill to the President today so it becomes law.

Mr. President, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 2069, which was received from the House.

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, during my 12 years in the Senate, I have exposed many outlandish examples of government waste.

For example, I uncovered that Washington sent nearly $500 million to China to pay for everything from poetry projects to dangerous research on bats.

Another $870 million of U.S. taxpayer money went to Russia. This includes more than $770,000 from the National Institutes of Health sent to a state-run lab in Russia to put cats on treadmills.

How did I uncover these crazy trails of money to our foreign adversary? It is quite simple. For 20 years now, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act has required unclassified government spending to be put online in a searchable public website, usspending.gov. This allows taxpayers to see for themselves how the money they are sending to Washington is spent.

Bureaucrats, however, have been hiding tens of billions of dollars distributed through secret spending arrangements known as other transaction agreements, or OTAs, by not publicly disclosing these expenditures on USAspending.gov. The Pentagon alone has obligated $77.7 billion for thousands of OTAs over just the past 5 years through over 30,000 hard-to-track contracts.

The lack of transparency with OTAs is having a real impact. According to the Government Accountability Office, the Pentagon ``cannot assess the extent to which OTAs are delivering capabilities to the warfighter.'' The Office of the Inspector General also found the Pentagon doesn't even have an accurate count of OTAs or their dollar values.

OTAs are also being used by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Transportation, Energy, as well as NASA.

We recently learned that NIH's new ARPA-H biomedical research contracts are being processed as OTAs through the Interior Department. This means if you want to know the details behind NIH's biomedical research contracts, you practically have to be a data wizard and know where to look deep in the Department of--where did I say?--Department of the Interior's databases. I know, it makes no sense. As we witnessed last week, we can't get answers from Dr. Fauci about what NIH has been funding because he is hiding behind the Fifth Amendment.

Taxpayers deserve to know how their dollars are being spent in Washington, and we have an obligation here to show them.

In June, the Senate unanimously passed my bipartisan Stop Secret Spending Act to require OTAs to be publicly disclosed on USAspending.gov just like all other government spending.

I very much appreciate Senators Peters and Hassan, whose support was critical for making this happen. I was also delighted last month when the House approved the bipartisan companion bill introduced by Representatives Moore and Panetta, which is now at the desk here in the Senate. We all know Congress can't agree on very much these days, so it makes a very powerful statement when folks on both sides of the aisle and from both Chambers come together by passing this transparency bill to hold Washington accountable for how Americans' tax dollars are being spent. With fraudsters stealing $1.4 billion every single day, we need this information now so we can account for who is taking tax dollars and why they are taking them.

Earlier today, I attended the meeting of the Vice President's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud at the White House, and the success of this effort depends on being able to track how dollars are being spent. Unfortunately, some Governors are impeding anti-fraud efforts by blocking access to spending information about how tax dollars from Washington are being spent in their own States.

We can't stop what we can't see, but we can do our part by passing the Stop Secret Spending Act today. This bill will end the secrecy about how tens of billions of dollars are being spent every single year. There are no excuses for delaying sending this bill to the President today to become law. In fact, the only reason to oppose the Stop Secret Spending Act is if you have something to hide.

As if in legislative session and notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 2069, which was received from the House. I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

I can appreciate the dilemma that many of us are in as we debate these very important bills, and they are very important bills. So what I have in front of me here at my desk is a list of 59 House bills that have been passed this Congress. They are H.R. bills. They are H.J. Res. 140; H.R. 7147--59 House bills that have already passed through the Senate in this Congress.

Now, I understand that we all have ways that we have to use leverage. I completely understand that. As a matter of fact, the bill that I had passed through this Chamber, you know, I would love to have it as an S. bill, a Senate bill, and I would love to see my name at the top of the bill rather than a House bill.

The companion bill was passed by the House. So, again, I would love to see my name at the top of the bill and it listed as a Senate bill.

I discussed it with my staff. I am in the last 6 months of my final term in the U.S. Senate. I would love to have more of my legacy items with my name on them, but I told my staff that it is more important that we get these bills done. I don't care if it is a House bill. I don't care if this has my name all over it. The important thing is that when we have good pieces of legislation put in front of us and that we worked hard in a bipartisan manner, in a bicameral manner, and it is good for the American people, that we move forward with those bills.

So I am disappointed today that my piece of legislation under the title of a House bill will not be moving, and I know that many of our constituencies will be greatly disappointed.

I do hope in the future that, between the Senate Republican leadership and the House Republican leadership, we can come together on these issues because it is not good for the American people when we have this infighting on good, solid pieces of legislation. We can do better.

Madam President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Present Company of Audubon County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1990, Present Company opened its doors as a home decor boutique. The business quickly became a destination for quality home furnishings and unique gifts for the Audubon community. After more than three decades serving southwest Iowa under three different owners, Present Company transitioned into the hands of Telia Carter in 2022. Telia spent 16 years working at a local bank and embraced the opportunity to head up the beloved boutique. Under her leadership, Present Company has remained true to its original mission while evolving alongside changing customer preferences to meet the needs and interests of Audubon and the surrounding communities.

Today, Present Company continues to offer carefully selected home decor along with a variety of gifts, apparel, jewelry, and specialty items. They also provide a tuxedo rental service for local school dances making the store a staple of Audubon's downtown business district. With a small but dedicated team of three employees, the boutique has earned a reputation as a place where customers can find unique items and personalized service that reflects the character of smalltown Iowa.

In hopes of expanding the offerings on Main Street, the business began to house The Nail Room by Lisset, a local nail salon founded by former National Guard Lisset Huerta. Beyond its retail offerings, the Present Company regularly donates to organizations that assist children in buying animals to show

at the county fair. They also donate to local golf tournaments and the Audubon T-Bone days to promote the beef industry. During the holidays, the business will organize community events including a Thanksgiving Shopping Extravaganza and a Christmas tour of homes. Present Company's ongoing investment in their community demonstrates the important role locally owned small businesses play in strengthening Iowa's rural communities.

I am pleased to recognize Telia Carter and the team at Present Company for their dedication to Audubon County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.