Floor Statements

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.

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 Gronen of Dubuque County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in 1999 by John and Mary Gronen, Gronen began as a small, family-owned construction company focused on masonry work and historic rehabilitation projects in Dubuque's Washington Neighborhood. As Dubuque natives, John and Mary shared a vision of restoring neglected properties, strengthening neighborhoods, and preserving the city's historic character. What started with a small construction crew and commitment to community-driven revitalization has grown into successful redevelopment and property development firms. Over the past 25 years, Gronen has expanded beyond historic rehabilitation into commercial and residential development, property management, development consulting, and real estate services. Today, the company operates through Gronen Restoration, Gronen Properties, Gronen Development, and DBQ Property Group, employing 70 individuals and serving clients throughout Iowa and the broader Midwest.

For years, Gronen has continued transforming underutilized properties into productive community assets. The company has contributed to numerous redevelopment efforts across Dubuque, including work associated with the Field of Dreams project and the award-winning Steeple Square redevelopment. Through these and other projects, Gronen has helped create housing opportunities and spurred economic growth while preserving Iowa's rich architectural heritage.

Beyond its business operations, Gronen remains deeply engaged in the Dubuque community. The company supports and partners with organizations, including the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dubuque Development, Dubuque Forward, Heritage Works, Smart Growth Development, and the HEART housing program. Through these efforts, Gronen continues to invest in the long-term success of the communities it serves. Gronen's commitment to excellence has earned national and industry recognition, including the Tony Goldman Award, the J. Timothy Anderson Award, and recognition from the International Federation for the Roofing Trade. These honors reflect the company's leadership in historic preservation, community revitalization, and innovative redevelopment.

I am pleased to recognize John and Mary Gronen, along with the entire Gronen team, for their dedication to Dubuque and Iowa. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, the postcloture time with respect to the Holding nomination be expired and the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the Democratic leader no earlier than tomorrow; further, if the nomination is confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Mr. President, finally, I ask that the Senate proceed to legislative session and be in a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.