Floor Statements

I ask for the yeas and nays.

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 Edd the Florist of Ottumwa, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

After emigrating from Germany, Margaret and Karl Wilz moved from Chicago to Ottumwa to purchase Edd the Florist from Edd Buckley in 1956. Currently owned and operated by their son Hans, Edd the Florist remains strong under its second generation of leadership. Hans works alongside six employees, including Cathryn, who has been with the business since its early days when she was his father's assistant. When extended family comes to town during busy holidays to help at the shop, the operations of Edd the Florist are a true family affair.

Hans expanded his parents' business by incorporating other retail items and gifts, in addition to contemporary and traditional floral arrangements for any occasion. The inclusion of home goods, food, and gifts has made the storefront a one-stop-shop in Ottumwa. The business also supports the community by featuring other Iowa small businesses' products. Additionally, Edd the Florist opens its parking lot and partners with local food trucks to bring new dining options to Ottumwa. Thanks to strong support from the community, Edd the Florist was voted southern Iowa's best florist for 2024 by readers of the Ottumwa Courier.

The Wilz family has made integrating into the community a core priority for the business. Karl served as the president of the Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce and started the first Oktoberfest in the town. Hans also instituted a charity rubber duck race in Ottumwa. The proceeds support local organizations such as the Ottumwa YMCA and First Resources Corp., which offers a variety of services to children, families, and those with disabilities. In addition to owning the business for the last 30 years, Hans currently serves in the Iowa General Assembly as State representative for house district 25. In August, thanks to decades of hard work and community support, Edd the Florist will celebrate its 69th anniversary.

The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence demonstrated by Edd the Florist is clear. I want to congratulate Hans Wilz, his family, and the entire team for their hard work and dedication to their community and providing exceptional products and services to families across Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 2372 and ask that it be reported by number.

Mr. President, too many of the idle rich are living high off the hog, collecting government checks for not working, while at the same time earning a million dollars or more from some other side venture. Thousands of out-of-work millionaires were paid more than $271 million in unemployment assistance during just the first 2 years of the Biden administration.

In 2022, the most recent year data is available, nearly 6,000 millionaires were paid almost $58 million in jobless benefits. That is $10,000 each for each millionaire not work. The question is, Why?

Able-bodied millionaires shouldn't expect handouts made possible by the overtaxed and overworked Americans. My amendment ends freebees for freeloading fat cats by disqualifying anyone making a million dollars or more from being eligible for unemployment income support.

The Senate previously approved a similar proposal by a vote of 100 to 0 that unfortunately never became a law.

We can't afford to miss this opportunity to save as much as $100 million by passing my amendment. So let's show some bipartisan unity for reducing the deficit by getting millionaires back to work.

Mr. President--

Mr. President, I am happy to take a voice vote.

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 Continuum Ag of Washington, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 2015, seventh-generation farmer Mitchell Hora founded Continuum Ag to help fellow farmers better understand and capitalize on their soil health. Mitchell launched Continuum Ag with a mission to empower farmers to improve their land, profitability, and sustainability through data-driven decision-making. What began as a local agricultural consulting company specializing in the Haney Soil Health Test has now evolved into a cutting-edge soil health intelligence business.

Today, Continuum Ag operates a software-as-a-service platform, offering a proprietary tool called TopSoil and supports farmers in 43 U.S. States and over 20 countries. The company's platform helps producers earn the Carbon Intensity--CI--Certification, an innovative credit that rewards the production of low-carbon grain. From low-carbon biofuels to regenerative agricultural practices, Continuum Ag helps farmers navigate emerging markets

while advancing sustainability and profitability. Through TopSoil, farmers are now able to monetize their data, manage soil health, and engage directly with supply chain partners.

Under Mitchell's leadership, Continuum Ag has gained national attention for its innovation. Mitchell was featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30 in 2021 and AgGrad's 30 Under 30 in 2020. He also received the Iowa Department of Agriculture's Environmental Excellence Award in 2023. Mitchell is a member of the Washington County Farm Bureau Board and the Global Farmer Network and was recognized as a Soil Health Champion by the National Association of Conservation Districts. Mitchell is also an active member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and hosts the TopSoil Podcast and CI Chit Chat, where he shares insights on sustainability, carbon intensity scoring, and regenerative agriculture trends. Continuum Ag hosts an annual TopSoil Summit that unites farmers, partners, and industry experts around the future of agriculture.

I want to congratulate Mitchell Hora and the entire Continuum Ag team for their entrepreneurial leadership, commitment to innovation, and bold vision for the future of American agriculture. Their work is helping to strengthen the sustainability of farming communities across Iowa and around the world. I look forward to seeing their continued success in the years ahead.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to use a prop during my remarks.

Mr. President, Uncle Sam is the Nation's largest landlord. Yet he will never win a round of Monopoly, the classic board game where players try to make money and avoid going bankrupt by buying, renting, and selling property.

That is because Uncle Sam, who is already $37 trillion in debt, refuses to sell off unused and unneeded properties that are costing tens of millions of dollars a year to maintain.

Many of Uncle Sam's properties are also fixer-uppers, requiring billions of dollars in much needed renovations and overdue upgrades, some of which are listed on this board.

Holding on to unaffordable properties that are nearly vacant while being just a roll or two away from going bankrupt is not only a losing strategy in Monopoly but also a bad game plan in real life.

But Uncle Sam gets away with it because Washington plays by its own set of rules. And no matter how you roll the dice, ``Washington-opoly'' is a losing game for taxpayers.

To demonstrate, why don't we go ahead and play a round.

OK. That was my attempt to roll the dice--so three. We rolled a three. One, two, three.

OK. We landed on the Department of Agriculture, South Building in Washington, DC. And guess what, folks. It is owned by good old Uncle Sam.

Let's look at the stats for the USDA South Building. Seventy-eight percent of this building isn't even being used on a day-to-day basis. Yet we are paying more than $11 million for utilities every single year, and the building requires $1.7 billion for repairs and upgrades.

We could hold on to this property and pay these costs for a nearly empty building or we could sell it and make $261 million or more.

What would you do?

Well, Uncle Sam has decided to keep it and is passing along the costs to taxpayers. So let's roll again. OK. Two. We got two.

Let's see. One, two. Great.

We landed on Community Chest. So let's pick a card. Community Chest. Pay $818 million for unused property. That is right, folks. Every year, Uncle Sam pays out over $81 million maintaining underutilized offices. This includes nearly 7,700 vacant buildings and another 2,265 that are largely empty.

No wonder the nonpartisan Public Buildings Reform Board says Washington's ``wasteful real estate practices would not endure for so long in a private sector company.''

But when playing ``Washington-opoly,'' Uncle Sam doesn't pay the costs for his wasteful decisions; you do.

How about we take one more turn? Six. One, two, three, four, five, and six. This time we landed on Chance. So we get to pick another card. So there we go. There is our Chance card. Pass the For Sale Act and advance to Go.

Folks, that is exactly the type of Chance we need to protect taxpayers. Selling off Uncle Sam's unneeded property has long been tied up by overly restrictive redtape and bureaucratic barriers.

To revamp Washington's real estate rules, I introduced the For Sale Act. Passing this bill will put six pieces of prime property in the Nation's Capital on the auction block immediately. Selling just these spots will bring in at least $400 million, while also canceling costs, including $2.9 billion in overdue maintenance.

This is just the first step in downsizing Uncle Sam's unused, unneeded, and unaffordable real estate holdings. To any interested potential buyers, you can build a house or even a hotel on these properties and earn rent just like Monopoly. But best of all, taxpayers finally get to advance to Go and collect $400 million. That, folks, is how you win the game.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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 Acorn Bluff Farms of Columbus Junction, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 2016, while actively serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Seth Todd teamed up with his younger brother Kenan Todd to launch their own hog farm in southeast Iowa. Both Iowa State University graduates, the brothers researched the complex genetics and breed options for their heritage pork operation. After thoughtful consideration and several taste testings, the two settled on Mangalitsa pigs, a prized breed known for its rich fattiness and complex flavor profile, recognized as the Kobe of pork. The brothers secured a two-acre parcel of organic farmland from a 200-year-old homestead farm in Columbus Junction. Even after the start of their business, Seth continued to serve in the Marines as a heavy equipment mechanic while Kenan continued to practice as a physical therapist. The brothers began selling their products at the Columbus Junction Farmer's Market, where the Mangalitsa pork became an instant hit.

As the brand continued to grow, especially after the Associated Press published a report highlighting the young farm, Acorn Bluff Farms expanded their sales into the online marketplace. Seth and Kenan's brother Jared leads the digital operation and serves as a co-owner of the family business. Acorn Bluff Farms sells their specialty products direct-to-consumer. The farm boasts locally and nationally famous boar sausage, chorizo, bacon, and pork chops, in addition to variety boxes and sampler packs. The Todd brothers perfected a strict breeding standard and

slower life cycle for the animals, which ultimately leads to a higher quality and richer flavored product.

The Todd family remains deeply involved in their community. Seth serves as a volunteer firefighter and member of the Iowa Farm Bureau, advocating on behalf of farm families in Louisa County. Kenan is an active member of the Columbus Junction City Council, a practicing physical therapist, and co-owner--alongside his wife Allison--of a local coffee shop in Columbus Junction. In 2024, Acorn Bluff Farms received a $15,000 Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant, which allowed them to add USDA-certified cold storage and the capacity to ship premium pork products nationwide.

I want to congratulate the Todd brothers for their entrepreneurial drive, commitment to sustainable agriculture, and passion for producing high-quality, heritage pork. Through Acorn Bluff Farms, the team has built a standout Iowa business that reflects the values of hard work, innovation, and integrity. 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 PowerTech of Council Bluffs, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In April 2016, longtime friends Josh Kallsen and Cody Forristall combined their interests in entrepreneurship to purchase PowerTech, a southwest Iowa-based electrical services company located only miles away from where the two grew up together. Although the business primarily operates out of Council Bluffs, the PowerTech team provides high-quality commercial, industrial, and residential electrical services throughout the Midwest. PowerTech works with residential clients across Iowa and its neighboring communities to design electrical remodels and repairs, install generators, provide emergency services, and fulfill everyday electrical needs. PowerTech also provides similar services for their commercial and industrial partners, in addition to around-the-clock facility maintenance.

Since the duo purchased the company, Cody supports the venture as a co-owner, while Josh handles the day-to-day operations, business development, and overall strategy. Under Josh's leadership, the PowerTech brand grew from an initial team of about 50 employees into a thriving 90-person operation. In lieu of a traditional storefront, the group operates the venture out of several state-of-the-art warehouses, including a flagship 8,000-square-foot warehouse in southwest Iowa. As PowerTech continues to build strong relationships and a reputation of high-quality service, the company solidified its role as a leader in the Council Bluffs community.

Cody and Josh took their enthusiasm for community service to a new level when they created their very own in-house philanthropy arm of PowerTech. In 2020, they launched the Power to Give Program, which organizes employees to volunteer their time and contribute to southwest Iowa charities, especially organizations involved with children and mental health. In a separate initiative, the PowerTech Cares Program provides free electrical services to a family in need each month. Beyond these programs, Josh serves on the board of the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, Council Bluffs Industrial Foundation, and the local chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association. Recently, in recognition of all their hard work and service, PowerTech won the 2024 Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce award for Business of the Year.

I want to congratulate Josh Kallsen and Cody Forristall for their entrepreneurial spirit, impressive growth, and philanthropic mindset that they pour into PowerTech and their Iowa community. 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 Northwood Foods as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1998, Brian Burkard founded Northwood Foods in Northwood, IA, with a vision to provide high-quality, custom pork processing services. The company began with a focus on boning and fabrication, quickly gaining traction in the industry. Within just 2 years, it expanded to serve clients not only across the United States but internationally. The rapid growth prompted major facility expansions in 2001 and 2006 to support increased demand for its products and services.

Today, Northwood Foods operates a 40,000-square-foot facility and employs more than 180 community employees. Renowned for its quality products and reliable service, the company now processes more than 600,000 pounds of fresh pork daily. Northwood Foods then ships the pork products directly to many of the Nation's premier pork processors for further production and distribution. Northwood Foods offers a wide range of pork processing services, including both standardized and custom-cut products tailored to client needs. Its versatile capabilities allow for pork ham boning, loin boning, rib cutting, and specialty fabrication. The company produces a broad selection of cuts, from semi-boneless and skinless shanks to various bone-in and boneless options. With a strong emphasis on food safety, consistency, and customer service, Northwood Foods upholds rigorous quality control standards and operates a production schedule 5 days a week to meet domestic and international demand.

In addition to its industry leadership, Northwood Foods is deeply committed to giving back to the Northwood community and the surrounding area. As a proud Purple Ribbon Partner of the Worth County Fair, the company plays a vital role in supporting this annual event. Their sponsorship helps ensure the fair remains a vibrant celebration of the area's farming heritage and community spirit. Northwood Foods is also a member of the Northwood Chamber of Commerce and supports national industry organizations, including the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the American Association of Meat Processors. In February, Northwood Foods celebrated its 27th anniversary.

I want to congratulate Brian Burkard and the entire team at Northwood Foods for their dedication and continued leadership in the pork processing industry, alongside their long-standing commitment to quality, innovation, and community support. 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 B&B Gates & Supply of Doon, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1996, Barry and Patty Pollema, hog and cattle farmers, started B&B Gates & Supply in an unheated shop on their family farm in Doon, IA. From the start, the couple had a vision for growing the business and providing jobs that support families across the community. B&B Gates & Supply began as a farm-side operation, providing community members with gates to protect all types of livestock, ranging from chickens to cattle.

Today, B&B Gates & Supply is a full-service United States manufacturer of livestock gates, specializing in custom hog and cattle gates and a wide range of agricultural necessities. Due to its growth, in 2021, B&B Gates & Supply moved its operation into a 50,000-square- foot facility along highway 75 with more enclosed space and greater room to scale. That same year, the Pollemas added a retail supply store. The store offers various items such as hoses, batteries, and other farming necessities--helping customers save time by finding what they need all in one place. In addition, B&B Gates & Supply added a servicing arm to the business, enabling service technicians to visit farms and resolve a wide range of issues found by their clients. The family business now employs over 34 community members. Several of Barry and Patty's children have also taken on key roles. Their sons Jesse, Jacob, and Jason Pollema all work in the family business. Jesse serves as the cattle gates and equipment manager and is now a co-owner. Jacob and Jason work in sales. Their daughter Abby handles social media and marketing.

B&B Gates & Supply plays an active role in its local community, often stepping in to provide critical support when it is needed most. During last year's flood in Rock Valley, the team spent days helping with cleanup and support. In 2021, Lyon County named B&B Gates & Supply an Iowa Master Pork Partner for its service to the hog industry in Lyon and across Iowa. Additionally, in 2023, VAL-CO awarded B&B Gates & Supply with the Gold Dealer Award for sales. That same year, VAL-CO initiated a partnership with B&B Gates & Supply to provide a range of equipment suitable for use in hog or cattle houses. In 2024, VAL-CO opened a warehouse, which is managed by B&B Gates & Supply, to make hog equipment, feed storage and transport systems, and more for customers and dealerships throughout the Midwest. This year, B&B Gates & Supply will celebrate its 29th anniversary in Iowa.

I want to congratulate the Pollema family and the entire team at B&B Gates & Supply for their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to providing high-quality American-manufactured products and agricultural services to workers and families across northwest 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 Huffman's Farm & Home of Fort Madison, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 2002, Bob Huffman and his brothers Mike and Hank founded Huffman's Farm & Home after gaining experience at their father's successful business

Huffman's Welding & Machine, which the Huffman family has kept running for more than 50 years. While working there, the brothers saw an opportunity to expand into the retail industry when clients and contractors not only picked up their finished products but also purchased tools and other small offerings. The business was built and centered around providing families and farmers with great products and customer service. Designed as a one-stop shop, Huffman's Farm & Home offers an extensive selection of brand-name items, from mowers and toys to feeders and electrical repair tools. The business is also pet friendly and even serves Iowa popcorn to its customers while they shop.

Over the years, Huffman's Farm & Home has steadily expanded its customer base, store locations, and physical footprint. In 2004, the business renovated and expanded the store from its original 10,000 square feet to more than 20,000 square feet. Today, the operation spans more than 30,000 square feet. In 2008, the Huffman family opened a second location in West Burlington, IA, and in 2016, they opened a third location in Aledo, IL. In addition to its wide selection of in- store products, Huffman's Farm & Home offers personalized customization options by allowing customers to place special orders. The team works closely with vendors to provide custom items tailored to each client's specific needs. Huffman's Farm & Home has grown to over 60 employees across its three locations. Additionally, Bob's nephew Jason Huffman joined the business after graduating with his degree in engineering. Today, he serves as vice president and manages many aspects of the manufacturing division, as well as project management and assessment.

Huffman's Farm & Home and the entire Huffman family are actively involved with the Fort Madison community. The Huffmans have generously supported the revitalization of Southeast Iowa's vocational school programs. The business is a member of the Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce where both Jason and Bob served on the board of directors, and Bob also served a term as president. Additionally, Bob is the president of the Fort Madison Economic Development Board. He is also on the Fort Madison Football Board of Directors and served as the chairman of the Tri-State Rodeo Committee. Jason is a member of the Southeast Iowa Community College Machining Advisory Committee and the Fort Madison Airport Commission. In 2010, Huffman's Farm & Home received the Distinction Award from the Greater Burlington Partnership for their involvement in community events and initiatives. In 2019, the Fort Madison Chamber nominated Bob for the Chamber of Commerce's Ambassador of the Year. Later this year, Huffman's Farm & Home will celebrate its 23rd anniversary.

I want to congratulate the Huffman family and the entire team for their dedication and support towards their community and for providing vital products and tools to families and farmers across Iowa and the Midwest. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Mr. President, I want to thank my colleague and great friend, as we work on this together.

I really appreciate your leadership. Thank you for allowing me to join you on the floor today as we show our support for your bill, Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025. Thank you, Senator Graham.

Folks, last week, President Trump showed the world that American leadership is back. He brought home the last living American hostage, delivering Edan Alexander from Iran-backed Hamas and reuniting him to his family after nearly 600 days. He stood with our partners in the Middle East to strength the historic Abraham Accords. And he delivered a strong message to Vladimir Putin: End the war.

Today, I stand in support of a sovereign Ukraine and echo the President's call to Putin to stop this bloodbath that never should have happened.

This is an issue that not only affects a close partner under siege but also the strength of the United States of America and the security of the free world.

Let's be clear here, folks: China is watching; so are Iran and North Korea. And, of course, Vladimir Putin is watching too. They call it the ``new axis of evil'' for a reason.

I personally witnessed and experienced the growth of the U.S.- Ukrainian relationship when I visited Ukraine, in its waning days of Soviet control, as part of an agricultural student exchange program. This was in 1989.

I had the privilege of living with a Ukrainian family on a very small collective farm. As we got together, there were a number of us Iowa students on that exchange. Again, it was an agricultural exchange. We came together, each of us with our families, in a group setting, one of the very first nights that we were on that collective. Again, with the premise of an agricultural exchange--we were farming tomatoes, working with the cattle and the hogs--a very small, small collective. We came together, and the Ukrainians wanted to ask us questions. So all of us American students, all of us from Iowa, we sat down with our Ukrainian families. We expected to talk about agriculture--Iowan agriculture versus Ukrainian agriculture. Much to my surprise, the first question that came from our Ukrainian counterparts was not about how we raise corn or soybeans in Iowa. It was not about the types of machinery that we use on our farm. But the first question the Ukrainians asked us was, What is it like to be free? What is it like to be an American? Because in 1989, those Ukrainians were living under Soviet socialist rule. They could not travel without having the permission of their government.

My family did not have a telephone, and if they wanted to use the collective manager's telephone, they would have somebody listening in on the conversation. They would have to know the purpose of the telephone call, whom they were calling, why they needed to make a telephone call.

This was 1989, and I learned a lot from that exchange. I saw a Ukrainian people who were desperate to break free of socialist economic structures and authoritarian restrictions on freedom of movement, the ability to have your own employment, and on freedom of speech.

Two years later, Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union and broke free.

Later--many years later--in 2003, the United States is involved in the war in Iraq. I was a soldier in 2003 during Iraqi Freedom. I was a transportation company commander, permanently stationed in Kuwait.

My transporters ran convoys from the ports in Kuwait up to Iraq, delivering goods for our warfighters. So I got a little subcamp in Kuwait, outside of Camp Arifjan. Half of that subcamp, called Camden Yards, was occupied by American forces. My soldiers and I lived on that subcamp. The other half of the camp was occupied by other forces. Those other forces were Ukrainian soldiers.

Ukraine is not part of NATO. They were not required to support the United States of America in Iraq. But Ukraine, of its own volition, sent their soldiers--and not just as support elements. They were there as combat forces.

Again, I was a transporter. We ran convoys in Iraq. The other half of that camp that I lived on, they were Ukrainian engineer forces. They did road clearing.

I think back: How many American lives did those engineers save from their road-clearing efforts, clearing bombs so they wouldn't be detonated by my drivers--Ukrainian forces, combat forces?

Today, Ukraine is fighting its own war. And I will remind everyone, the United States does not have forces involved in the Russia-Ukraine war--none, zero, none.

Today, Ukraine fights not only for its own survival but for the very principles the United States was founded on. When America leads, the world is safer. When we disengage and when we retreat, like we saw for the last 4 years under the Biden administration, chaos fills the void.

Russia's aggression has already cost too many innocent lives, about 5,000 lives every single week. Those are too many innocent lives, folks, which is why I support President Trump's efforts to get a peace deal done now. Vladimir Putin cannot keep tapping the United States of America along.

I vow to keep working with my colleagues to equip the President with all the tools necessary to hold Russia accountable, including sanctioning Russia and its supporters if they continue to drag out these peace talks and carry on with the needless bloodshed so this war that never should have started can come to an end.

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 The Quilted Forest of Forest City, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in 1998, Shelley and Dan Robson opened The Quilted Forest in Forest City, IA, to create a one-stop shop for quilting kits, fabrics, and original pattern designs. In 2004, Shelley launched Pieced Tree Patterns, a pattern design company that now sells custom quilt patterns nationwide. By 2009, the Robsons expanded into an 8,000-square-foot store on Forest City's Main Street. The Quilted Forest has a variety of products online and in store, with thousands of different fabric and pattern designs, as well as gifts and quilt kits. A dedicated team of four community-based employees supports the shop's daily operations, website design, and inventory management.

As the business grew on Main Street, so did its digital presence. In 2012, Quilt Sampler magazine named The Quilted Forest as one of the top 10 quilt shops in the United States. Furthermore, on July 4, 2021, Shelley had the idea to start a YouTube channel to share her passion with more people while connecting with other small businesses. In less than 2 years, a project gained viral attention, propelling the channel's rapid growth. Today, The Quilted Forest YouTube channel has over 120,000 subscribers from around the world. Shelley's videos feature tutorials, museum tours, and project ideas for new and experienced quilters. One project Shelley has worked on is a State quilt block of the month to celebrate the United States' 250th birthday in 2026.

The Quilted Forest is very active in the Forest City community. The business is a member of the Forest City Chamber of Commerce, and Shelley formerly served a term as president on the chamber board. Through the chamber, the company participates in the community's Holiday Sip and Shop, a night to explore and shop Forest City's Main Street businesses. The Quilted Forest also participates in the All Iowa Shop Hop, a statewide event where participants collect passport stamps by visiting different stores across the State to win prizes, discover new items, and purchase unique fabrics. Beyond its retail presence, The Quilted Forest gives back by donating quilts to new mothers at the Mason City Hospital, as well as supporting fundraisers and local organizations across northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. In March, The Quilted Forest celebrated its 28th anniversary.

I want to congratulate the Robsons and the entire team at The Quilted Forest for their dedication to creativity to share their love of quilting with the Forest City community and beyond. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Mr. President, today, I stand here to recognize small business. Actually, today, I rise to recognize Kelsi Daniell.

Kelsi began working in my office 7 years ago, as a press secretary, and quickly proved herself, moving up to communications director and now deputy chief of staff for communications and policy. In an era of title inflation, that title doesn't encompass nearly all that Kelsi does. She truly is the glue that holds my operation together.

We all come to Washington focused on the things we really want to tackle but quickly realize that even the best planned day can quickly take unexpected twists and turns.

There are also fires to put out, and I have been fortunate to have Kelsi's steady hand and solid counsel to count on. No matter the assignment or situation, just like her favorite meme, ``This is fine''--``This is fine''--she always responds this way and calmly goes about her work.

However, most days, she is anticipating what could go wrong and getting ahead of it. She is able to put out fires, sometimes even before they start. She has already figured out how to handle the hot topics of the day, while preparing for tomorrow. We all know, if there is a problem, we can turn to Kelsi and say, ``Please, fix,'' and the job gets done.

She is as precise as a fine-tooth comb, from pulling off press conferences abroad to wacky floor speeches, and, of course, my day-to- day operations. Kelsi is relentless in ensuring perfection in execution.

In fact, Kelsi, my staff was very nervous about surprising you today with this speech--because she hadn't edited it. That is because she always puts the finishing touches on every project that makes it better.

She has the same impact on all of us around her. She always brings up everyone by making each of us stronger, myself included.

Whether driving river to river, across Iowa, or navigating the Halls of Congress, she never, ever slows down, including when she brought one of those walking treadmills for her desk in DC. She has even led our staff in Tabata training.

Mr. President, if you have been through that, it is hellacious.

And, of course, watch out for Kelsi if you are facing off against her in pickleball.

Even while keeping us all on track, somehow, she has always found the time to pour into the people around her as a mentor and as a friend.

She is actively involved in her church, and she became a mother during the Iowa caucus.

Her commitment to excellence and drive to always push harder is a true testament to her leadership--characteristics that she has infused into my office and will take with her in whatever she sets her sights on. It is a mindset for us all to aspire to as we prepare for whatever the day brings us.

And as she likes to say before any meeting ends, ``one more thing": Kelsi, I will miss your wise counsel, and I am so thankful for your friendship. I know you will continue excelling at everything you do, and I am grateful beyond words for everything you have done for me and on behalf of my Iowans.

So God bless you, Kelsi, in your journeys.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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 Timber City Chiropractic of Maquoketa, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In December 2003, Dr. Don Schwenker and his wife Colleen opened Timber City Chiropractic. Don, a Maquoketa native, served Active Duty in the Air Force for 8 years. He then joined the Iowa Air National Guard and studied at Palmer College of Chiropractic. After graduating with a concentration in family chiropractic and acupuncture, Don and his wife moved back to Maquoketa. The couple recognized the need for a holistic family chiropractor in their hometown and opened their family practice. Timber City Chiropractic is committed to serving families and blue-collar workers across the community, calling itself the mechanic of the human body. The couple rented a local building for 5 years, and in 2008, they purchased a building on S. Main Street that allowed them to expand both its services and role in the community.

Timber City Chiropractic offers a full range of chiropractic and acupuncture services tailored to each client's individual needs. The business works with its clients to set up programs to deliver the best possible results when dealing with both acute and chronic discomfort. Additionally, the small business has a broad selection of holistic services, including cellular body detoxification, hydrotherapy, and massage therapy, all performed by a licensed massage therapist. Don works as the clinic's president, primary chiropractor, and acupuncturist, while Colleen manages the front office, billing, and social media. Timber City Chiropractic is also an associated provider for Veterans Affairs (VA) and provides our veterans across eastern Iowa with critical care.

Timber City Chiropractic participates as a member of the Maquoketa Area Chamber of Commerce and is a proud supporter of veterans in the community. Over the years, Don and Colleen both served on the chamber board, and each served a term as president. In 2024, the chamber honored Don and Colleen with the Volunteers of the Year award. Previously, the chamber awarded Don the Executive Director's Award, as well as the President's Award. In 2013, Don and two other community members cofounded the Jackson County Economic Alliance. Additionally, Don served on the Maquoketa City Council. He later became the mayor of Maquoketa for 10 years, and today, he is a Jackson County supervisor. Colleen is actively involved with the Maquoketa Athletic Boosters, and in 2014, the Maquoketa Chamber of Commerce awarded her the Volunteer of the Year. The couple also teamed up with the chamber to revive the Timber City Adventure Race, a signature triathlon fundraiser for Maquoketa. This December, Timber City Chiropractic will celebrate its 22nd business anniversary in Iowa.

I want to congratulate the Schwenkers for their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to providing meaningful chiropractic and acupuncture services to workers and families across eastern Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.