Floor Statements

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.

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 Winn Nguyen and his family's restaurants Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara's Kitchen of Warren County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Winn Nguyen spent more than 13 years at Best Steakhouse, mastering every aspect of the restaurant business. Inspired by the American dream and driven by a desire to build a strong legacy, he opened Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse in Indianola in 2003. He grew the restaurant from a team of 7 employees to approximately 20 today, including several members of his own family. In 2015, as the Indianola location flourished, Winn opened a second restaurant in Norwalk, now managed by his son Andrew Sayasane. This expansion enabled the family business to serve a rapidly growing community while creating an opportunity for future generations to carry on the family's legacy.

In 2024, Winn and his wife Sara opened Winn & Sara's Kitchen. Operating primarily from a booth at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, the business quickly became a crowd favorite. The family hand-wraps more than 3,000 egg rolls each day during the fair--a remarkable testament to their craftsmanship, work ethic, and commitment to quality. Outside of the Iowa State Fair, Winn & Sara's Kitchen regularly hosts popular pop-up events at both Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse locations. Today, the Nguyen family operates a thriving, family-owned network of businesses across Indianola, Norwalk, and Des Moines. Their continued growth demonstrates the power of entrepreneurship rooted in family values.

Beyond their commercial success, the Nguyen family and their businesses remain deeply engaged in Warren County. They are members of the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, which has been a strong supporter of Winn & Sara's Kitchen at the Iowa State Fair. The businesses regularly participate in community events, providing catering for school functions, public graduation celebrations, and fundraising events benefiting Indianola High School. In 2017, the Des Moines Register named Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse best family-owned restaurant and best pizza restaurant. At the 2024 and 2025 Iowa State Fairs, Winn & Sara's Kitchen earned the People's Choice Award for Best New Fair Food and was named a top three finalist again in 2026, with a chance to claim the title for a third time this August. From a single restaurant in 2003 to multiple successful ventures today, the Nguyens credit the Indianola community for supporting their family over the past 23 years. Their entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to excellence, and dedication to serving others embody the qualities that make Iowa's small businesses exceptional.

It is my honor to recognize the Nguyen family and the entire team behind Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara's Kitchen. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the best in the years ahead.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, we have all received that email from a wealthy Nigerian ``Prince,'' asking us to wire him some money with promises that he will return the favor with a huge reward as soon as he can access his fortune, or we have gotten that phone call from an unknown number claiming to be the IRS, warning that an arrest warrant will be issued if we don't immediately pay off our outstanding tax debt, and, of course, everyone has been told that our extended vehicle warranty is about to expire unless we renew immediately.

Folks, we all know these are scams, and we aren't being fooled. Yet, somehow, government bureaucrats are being bamboozled by even less sophisticated schemes, except they are not giving out access to their own bank accounts but, rather, to taxpayer dollars and the U.S. Treasury.

Folks, I am not making this up. A Nigerian socialite actually submitted more than 100 fraudulent applications for unemployment and disability assistance that were approved. He finagled more than $1.3 million of U.S. taxpayer money in this scheme. Some of the funds were intended to provide daycare services for disabled children, but he, instead, spent the money on constructing a luxury resort and nightclub in Nigeria.

This Nigerian ``Prince of Fraud'' was outdone by California prison inmates, who collected about $1 billion in unemployment benefits by using names like ``John Doe,'' ``John Adams,'' and ``Poopy Britches'' while serving time behind bars.

Other con artists successfully applied for COVID cash during the pandemic by using the names of well-known celebrities and fictional characters, like ``Charlie Brown'' and ``Nancy Drew.''

Taxpayer dollars have even been handed out to phony businesses with such obviously made-up names that are so outrageous that no one could possibly believe they were real, such as ``Satanic Lives Matter'' and others that are so tasteless I can't even say them.

Others uploaded pictures of doll faces to ``verify'' their identities on applications for government assistance and were still approved. Too often, the bilking is being done by the very bureaucrats who are overseeing the benefits. Over the years, I have documented countless examples of government employees who have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar--embezzling millions of dollars and abusing their positions for personal gain.

As a veteran, one particular example that really makes my blood boil involves a service representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs who was shaking down disabled veterans for bribes to ``grease the wheels'' to speed up the approval of backlogged claims. A $3,385 kickback paid to him via Venmo was listed on the memo line as ``crooked shit.'' I apologize for my language, but that is what the Venmo actually said. We had to modify our chart today. So a VA representative was shaking down disabled veterans. This actually happened. That representative was caught and is being held responsible for shaking down our disabled veterans.

The problem in most of these cases is the money is going out the door before verifying if the recipient is legitimate. If fraud is later detected, then the government has to decide if it is worth trying to recover the stolen money. This pay-and-chase system makes it way too easy for scammers to take the money and run. It is like giving the cash advance and your bank routing number to the Nigerian ``Prince'' who promised you a financial reward for your help only for you to realize, later, you have been ripped off. Good luck getting any of your money back. It is the grift that keeps giving.

As a result, fraudsters are getting away with stealing more than $1.4 billion in taxpayer money every single day. Every single day, folks, $1.4 billion fraudsters are making off with. 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 our farmers.

While hard-working Americans are struggling to make ends meet, fraudsters are living large on the loot that they are taking from the Treasury. Government grift and graft are endless, and so are the excuses for not stopping it, but the public's patience isn't.

So who is responsible for allowing fraud to continue?

Folks, the buck stops right here with Congress. Congress decides how much of your paycheck must be sent to Washington, and it writes the laws determining exactly how every one of those dollars is spent. But the haste to spend trillions of tax dollars as quickly as possible is resulting in outrageous amounts of waste, fraud, and abuse. From fake childcare centers in Minnesota to convicts collecting unemployment checks, fraudsters are blatantly getting away with treating the National Treasury like their own personal piggy bank.

At the request of Majority Leader Thune, I have compiled a comprehensive package of proposals put forth by our Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to end fraud once and for all.

Specifically, my Protecting American Taxpayers Act will stop handing out quick cash with no questions asked, trigger automatic investigations when there are sudden and suspicious spikes in payment claims, ban convicted fraudsters from receiving taxpayer dollars, take back the money that was already stolen, and send scammers to the slammer. If enacted, this bill would save $240 billion.

The choice is quite simple: Give this money to fraudsters or return it to the taxpayers.

The bill is now before the Senate, and every day we delay in passing it, grifters are getting away with stealing another $1.4 billion. Allowing that to continue is the greatest fraud of all.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I have 11 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders.

Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate:

committee on armed services

The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet in executive session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 2 p.m.

committee on commerce, science, and transportation

The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet in executive session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

committee on energy and natural resources

The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing.

committee on environment and public works

The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 2 p.m., to conduct a business meeting.

committee on finance

The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing.

committee on foreign relations

The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 9 a.m., to conduct a business meeting.

committee on health, education, labor, and pensions

The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet in executive session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10 a.m.

committee on homeland security and governmental affairs

The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a business meeting.

committee on indian affairs

The Committee on Indian Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 2 p.m., to conduct a business meeting.

committee on veterans' affairs

The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 4 p.m., to conduct a hearing.

select committee on intelligence

The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 3 p.m., to conduct a closed briefing.

Ms. ERNST. 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 Taylor's Maid-Rite of Marshalltown, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1926, Fred Angell created the Maid-Rite sandwich in Muscatine, IA, out of the need for a convenient, affordable meal that could be assembled quickly, customized with a variety of toppings, and still deliver great taste. Following its immediate success, Angell began franchising the concept, expanding first to Newton in 1927 and then to Marshalltown in 1928. Soon after, Cliff and Emma Taylor purchased the Marshalltown franchise, establishing what would become Taylor's Maid- Rite. Alongside the signature sandwiches, the couple introduced homemade pies and cinnamon rolls while sourcing ingredients such as pickles and buns from other local businesses.

Nearly a century later, Taylor's Maid-Rite remains in the Taylor family, now entering its fourth generation. In 1944, Cliff and Emma's son Don Taylor and his wife Polly assumed ownership and continued expanding the business. They built a cooler beneath their home to keep ingredients fresh. In 1958, they opened a new building across the street from the original location, outfitted with modern stainless- steel equipment and two cash registers. After Don's passing in 1973, Polly continued operating the restaurant until her grandson Don Short became the owner in 1985. When Don Short later pursued a different career, his mother Sandy Taylor Short assumed leadership of the family business, where she continues to serve today alongside her children-- Don, David, and Sarah--who are all part owners.

Today, Taylor's Maid-Rite continues to grind 100 percent choice beef daily to ensure freshness and quality and serves homemade ice cream made from its original recipe. Nearly a century later, the restaurant remains a family-owned Iowa tradition supported by dedicated employees and loyal customers throughout Marshall County.

Sandy Taylor Short and Taylor's Maid-Rite are active members of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce. In recognition of her commitment to the community, Sandy received the Chamber's Women in Business Award in 2023. Taylor's Maid-Rite has also earned numerous accolades, including MSN.com's 2017 ``Best Sandwich in Iowa,'' Midwest Living magazine's 1997 recognition as the ``King of Loose Meat Burgers,'' Business Insider's 2026 designation as Iowa's ``Most Iconic Sandwich Shop,'' and the 2023 Marshalltown Small Business of the Year Award. The restaurant was also featured in Travel + Leisure magazine in 2006, and its signature sandwiches were served at George Motz's Hamburger America during April and May 2025.

Beyond these honors, Taylor's Maid-Rite remains deeply committed to its community. The restaurant famously celebrates Marshalltown High School football victories by providing free malts after every home win. If the team captures a State championship, players are rewarded with free Maid-Rite sandwiches and malts. Taylor's Maid-Rite's continued investment in Marshalltown reflects the same entrepreneurial spirit that inspired Cliff and Emma Taylor nearly 100 years ago.

I am pleased to recognize the Taylor family and the employees of Taylor's Maid-Rite for their dedication to Marshalltown and Marshall County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor my dear friend and colleague Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Before he ever set foot on this floor, he wore the uniform of the U.S. Air Force, serving 33 years between the Air Force, the South Carolina Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve. That service and his upbringing in the back of his parents' South Carolina bar shaped everything about how he approached his work here in the Senate. He understood, in a way too few in Washington, DC, do, what it costs to defend freedom. He was one of the loudest, most persistent voices this institution has seen on the importance of American leadership in this world.

And before I joined the Senate, Lindsey was one of my earliest supporters. I am so grateful for his mentorship and his friendship throughout the years. Lindsey was really dear to my family. My mother's birthday was just a few days before Lindsey's, and through the years, he would call her on her birthday and wish her the happiest of birthdays. As my daughter entered the U.S. Army, he would call her and just give her words of encouragement--in the hilarious way that only Lindsey Graham could.

He was such a good and decent man.

One thing we all knew about Lindsey was his great sense of humor. I will never forget the gift he gave me after I won Iowa's Senate seat. In fact, I may be the only Senator in history to be handed a mounted castration clamp with a plaque engraved ``Make `Em Squeal, Joni!'' just off the floor of this Chamber, courtesy of Lindsey Graham. And I think he is probably still laughing about that one.

Earlier this year, we were talking about Lindsey, doing dinner with Lindsey, as many of us did, and we were talking about this year's race because he was running for another term in the Senate. And my mother, again, being very close to Lindsey and his No. 1 fan in Iowa--in fact, she had a screen saver on her computer. It was her and Lindsey Graham. If you asked my mother who her favorite Senator was, it wouldn't be Senator Chuck Grassley or even her own daughter; it would be Senator Lindsey Graham.

She was agonizing: Should I send Lindsey a donation for his campaign? And I was laughing about this with Lindsey.

So he was like: Give me your phone.

He said: Let's shoot a video for your mom.

And so he took my phone, and he made this cute little 10-second video. And it went something like this: Marilyn, we love you. We love Joni. I know times are hard, but send money anyway. Lindseygraham.com.

He did that all the time, and he was always so funny. And I can't tell you how many times I have watched that video, over and over again, and just laughed.

He was certainly a very funny man, even when times were difficult, but behind the jokes was one of the most serious and effective legislators this body has ever known. He didn't care whose name was on a bill if the policy was right. He brokered friendships and alliances that many in this town said were no longer possible. He fought hard, and then he would sit down and crack a joke with the people that he had just been arguing with.

All of us here on this floor know that Lindsey was always moving. The man never stood still. He was always working the phones--phone call after phone call--whether it was President Trump or my mom back in Iowa. He was always certain that presence was power.

I had the privilege of traveling many times over with Lindsey. The very first codel, which is a congressional delegation trip, that I took in the U.S. Senate was with Lindsey. It was to the Munich Security Conference in Germany. The other Senators on that trip were former Senator Joe Lieberman, a dear friend of his; Senator John McCain, who was his deepest and truest friend; and Senator Kelly Ayotte. We had a wonderful trip together. And it was such a great experience for me to see him on the world stage, easily moving from conversation to conversation with some of the world's most important and powerful leaders, and to see how much they deeply respected Senator Graham.

His contributions to conflict resolution went well beyond the United States. Just days ago, Lindsey was in Ukraine meeting with President Zelenskyy and standing with a nation fighting for its survival because he believed at his core that American leadership was the difference between peace and oppression.

Lindsey Graham was tough, he was funny, and he loved this country.

To the people of South Carolina and to Lindsey's family and, most especially, to his sister Darline and all who loved him, we are all mourning together. As a Christian like Lindsey, I know God will bring comfort where there is fear, strength where there is shock, and hope where there is loss.

Lindsey, we miss you, and this Chamber will never be the same without you. Godspeed, my dear friend, and thank you for your service.

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 honor Mid- States Companies of Story County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in 2001 by Kevin and Shelley Vier, Mid-States Companies is a group of businesses that provides premier grain handling, engineering, fabrication, crane, and trucking services. The Viers seized the opportunity to serve the agricultural market in the heart of the Grain Belt and have embodied their firm motto: ``Delivering Results. Together.''

The Vier family has been involved in the grain-handling industry in Nevada, IA, for three generations and has over 48 notable years in the agri-business industry. What started in a 7,000-square-foot millwright fabrication ``mom-and-pop'' shop, with only five employees, now operates in several States, with a more than 100,000-square-foot facility, and over 100 employees.

Kevin believes this success would not have been possible without the help of his brother Randy and two sons Austin and Riley. Now, Mid- States' Material Handling and Fabrication Company has become the first ranked brock grain bin dealer in Iowa and third ranked worldwide.

Mid-States has continued to embrace innovation. By investing in robotic welding systems, the company is equipping its workforce--not replacing employees--so they can focus on the skilled craftsmanship and complex problem-solving that machines cannot replicate.

Kevin and Shelley have built a business rooted in excellence, earning the trust of their customers while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to strengthening their community. The business has made large donations to the Nevada area, supporting charitable organizations such as The Salt Company college ministry, Nevada Iowa Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club of Story County. The company also provides resources for local vocational training programs.

The business is proud to be members of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, the American Institute of Steel Construction, the Nevada Economic Development Council, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society, and the Associated General Contractors of America. Through their local engagement and contributions, Mid-States is a remarkable example for small businesses across the country.

It is with great enthusiasm that I recognize Kevin, Shelley, Randy, Austin, Riley, and the team at Mid-States Companies for their continuous dedication to Story County. I am excited to see everything they will accomplish and wish them success 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 honor ShinyTop Brewing of Webster County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

With a vision of building a local craft brewing scene in north central Iowa, brothers Nate and Todd McCubbin founded ShinyTop Brewing in 2016 after Nate, a military veteran, discovered a passion for homebrewing. The brothers' venture was born from a desire to create something their hometown could take pride in. What started with sharing their craft beer among friends and family soon revealed a deeper purpose: building community through brewing. A simple hobby quickly grew into a meaningful opportunity to bring people together, foster connections, and create a gathering place centered around great craft beer.

Over the years, ShinyTop experienced significant growth, expanding both its physical space and its menu offerings. More than a decade later, the brewery has become a fixture in Fort Dodge. The brewery has remained a beacon of opportunity for the city. Fostering a welcoming environment, the McCubbins have sought to build relationships and connect their visitors to the city's vast art, music, and philanthropic spheres. Yet for Nate and Todd, the true measure of success is not the brewery's growth, but the positive impact it has had on the area and the relationships it has helped foster along the way.

The brothers successfully turned a dilapidated building into what ShinyTop is today. Although the business physically resembles a brewery, the brothers say that it is representative of much more than that, ShinyTop is an instrument to cultivating community growth, while sharing family values. As a member of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance and the chamber of commerce, ShinyTop prioritizes economic and social development in the city. In addition to ShinyTop's engagement, the McCubbin brothers are also heavily involved in the community; Nate is on the board of the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association, and Todd is a member of the city council. Through individual and group efforts, these entrepreneurs are looking to positively impact their community.

By partnering with local organizations, the brewery has fostered meaningful engagement while supporting local initiatives, strengthening neighborhood connections, and contributing to the overall growth and well-being of Fort Dodge. In the spirit of supporting the area, ShinyTop has partnered with the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association, Serving our Servants, Fort Dodge Firefighter's Association, and has collaborated with other local organizations. More recently, the brewery has introduced its Giving Tuesday initiative in which 10 percent of its sales are donated to a partnering charity or organization. ShinyTop and the McCubbins continue to prove their generosity and enthusiasm to give back to the area.

I am pleased to recognize Nate and Todd McCubbin along with the entire team at ShinyTop Brewing for their dedication to the Fort Dodge community. 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 honor Corner Market & Greenhouse of Fayette County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in 1994 by Paul and Linda Manske, Corner Market & Greenhouse was established to provide families in Oelwein with a community-focused store to meet every gardening need. Carrying seasonal flowers, plants, and decor, Paul and Linda aspire to bring life to every Iowan's backyard.

The Manske family relocated to Oelwein in 1989 when Paul's job transferred him there. The family began the venture by waking up early in the morning and selling goods at farmers' markets. After countless early mornings bringing their products to people across the State, the Manske family decided to open their own storefront, drawing people to them. The family grew the business from a modest farm stand into the beloved local institution it is today.

For over 32 years, Paul and Linda have shown up, demonstrating the entrepreneurial drive rooted in Iowa values. Corner Market & Greenhouse is one of Paul and Linda's greatest passions, prompting the family to joke, it

is like one of their children. Since its establishment, the whole Manske family has contributed to the business, including their sons Byron and Travis, and now their grandchildren. The couple hopes their business will be passed down through their family for generations to come.

The family has demonstrated true grit and resilience during their time as small business owners, exemplified by their family motto ``work smarter, not harder.'' A devastating fire in April of 2004 destroyed Corner Market & Greenhouse, but the family persevered. They rebuilt the business from the ground up and continue modernizing greenhouses by staying ahead of agricultural technology, allowing 55,000 plants to be transplanted daily. Unlike most establishments, Corner Market & Greenhouse's modernized facility is fully open to the public. Paul and Linda have grown their business through a successful collaboration with other Iowa businesses, while continuing to think of ways to expand their own.

Corner Market & Greenhouse is renowned for ``small town hospitality and big city variety,'' with many customers praising the establishment for its fair prices, agricultural expertise, and welcoming customer service. The business strives to curate unique items for customers and has emerged as a must-visit destination, drawing in travelers from across the Midwest.

The Manskes have built a business that generously serves the community by hosting student groups for greenhouse tours. Moreover, the establishment donated flowers for storefronts in downtown Oelwein when the local municipality discontinued supplying decorative plants for the town. The establishment is also a longstanding member of the Oelwein Chamber and Area Development, OCAD. Over the past three decades, the Manske family has continued to better Oelwein and Iowa through their innovative approach to their business.

It is my pleasure to recognize Paul, Linda, Byron, and Travis Manske at Corner Market & Greenhouse for their enduring commitment to Fayette County. I look forward to their ongoing success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

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

Mr. President, today, I join millions of Americans commemorating the Dobbs Supreme Court decision anniversary. We are united in two simple truths: Abortion is not a constitutional right, but life is. And life is a gift worth protecting. Each and every one of us was given this gift.

When we honor the dignity of every human being, we give them a chance to become loving sons and daughters, neighbors, and leaders.

This is not a political issue for me; it is deeply personal. Few things have brought me greater joy than when I first became a mother and, more recently, a grandmother. Holding my daughter and my grandson and watching them grow are memories I will always cherish. I want to protect and preserve this same experience for young mothers everywhere.

Last month, Stephanie, a constituent in Iowa, entrusted me with her story about the lasting effects of her abortion experience. With her permission, I am sharing her account, including the loss of her unborn child.

My daughter Lily died during an abortion procedure at 21

weeks. At the time, I was a young girl in crisis, frightened

and unequipped to understand the full consequences of what I

would experience afterwards. The effects did not end with the

procedure itself. They affected me psychologically,

emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

At 17, I had very little language or support to help me

understand those effects. I believe many women face similar

trauma without diagnoses, treatment, or meaningful follow-up

care. In the years since, I have experienced PTSD symptoms,

grief, and significant emotional and hormonal changes after

losing my child.

My concern extends beyond my own experience. There appears to be too little long-term follow-up care, too little research into women's post- abortion outcomes, and too little screening for trauma before and after abortion procedures, especially later term abortions.

Women should be better informed about possible mental, physical, and emotional effects and should have access to appropriate care when those effects arise.

On this solemn note, there is no doubt we can do better by women and mothers-to-be, and that is what my Protect Funding for Women's Healthcare Act is all about. My Protect Funding for Women's Healthcare Act prohibits taxpayer dollars from going to Planned Parenthood. Instead, the bill redirects those funds to women's healthcare providers and ensures no reduction in Federal funding for women's health services.

As I continue to protect the life-changing experience of becoming a mother, I want mothers and families to know that they are supported in pregnancy and beyond no matter their situation.

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 177. Further, 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, reserving the right to object, claiming Republicans pose a threat to contraception is absurd. Despite fearmongering and election-year stunts from the left, over-the-counter daily oral contraceptive pills are available everywhere and have been for years.

Democrats have repeatedly made it clear that they want to control every aspect of your life--your healthcare, your job, your finances, and, yes, even your children.

To be clear, I support access to safe and effective contraception options for women. But that is not what Senator Markey's bill does. Instead, it attempts to provide drugs and sterilization procedures to minor children without parental consent. You do not need to be a parent or a grandparent to know this is profoundly wrong. It is dangerous, it is immoral, and it must be stopped.

Out of concern for every single child in this country, I cannot support this. Therefore, I object.

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 Kendrick Forest Products of Delaware County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in 1983 by Tim and Rhonda Kendrick, Kendrick Forest Products is a family-owned forestry business that has grown from a small logging operation to become Iowa's largest sawmill. What began as a modest venture has expanded into a fully integrated operation supporting the entire forestry process, from harvesting and milling to kiln drying and exporting products worldwide. Today, their products reach over 18 countries.

Building on that success, the Kendrick family has continued to grow their business from the ground up, expanding into cabinetry, mulch production, and local retail stores showcasing products crafted from their own materials. These endeavors encompass the family's brands, proving that America's ambitious entrepreneurial spirit can flourish from a small shop to an astounding, diversified enterprise. Together, these ventures reflect a strong foundation of hard work and entrepreneurial vision.

Today, Kendrick Forest Products operates as a full-service forestry business, offering a wide range of wood products sourced primarily within a 150-mile radius of their facility in northeast Iowa. Using walnut and red oak to maple, hickory, and basswood, their work highlights the natural resources and craftsmanship rooted in Iowa's landscape.

Beyond its forestry operations and diversified business portfolio, Kendrick Forest Products is deeply woven into the fabric of the Edgewood community. The Kendrick family has remained actively engaged in local leadership and service, including involvement with the local chambers of commerce and the Edgewood Historical Society, where they have helped support local economic growth and strengthen the small business community. Their leadership extends beyond the local level through participation in national industry organizations, including the Hardwood Manufacturers Association, American Hardwood Export Council, and the American Walnut Manufacturers Association, further underscoring their commitment to excellence and deep engagement in the forestry business.

For over 40 years, the Kendrick family has remained a steadfast presence in the forestry industry, building a business rooted in hard work, integrity, and community. Supported by a team of 150 employees-- many of whom have dedicated more than three decades to the company-- Kendrick Forest Products has created local jobs and strengthened the surrounding community.

I am pleased to recognize Tim and Rhonda Kendrick, along with the entire team at Kendrick Forest Products, for their dedication to Edgewood and Delaware County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.