Floor Statements

Madam President, I want to thank the Senator from West Virginia for arranging today's floor speeches focused on FAFSA.

Today is May 1, and it is national college decision day. Typically, this day is cause for celebration for students and families all across the United States.

Finalizing the next step after high school represents a huge milestone for young men and women and one that is earned by that late- night studying, participating in different extracurricular activities, and meticulously filling out applications, and oftentimes determined by a good old college road trip. Together, families will hop on the highway to find their future college or university, hopefully of that student's choosing.

This year, as folks embarked on this journey, little did they know that the Biden administration would be putting up roadblocks. So, today, instead of celebrating college decision day, there are millions of young people waiting anxiously to hear from the Department of Education on whether they will be able to afford college.

The best way for college hopefuls to know what support they may receive comes from the free application for Federal student aid, which we call the FAFSA.

Due to incomplete planning measures and likely yielding to progressives' priorities, Biden's Department of Education released this year's FAFSA form 3 months late, drastically condensing the timeline for families to submit it. To this day, they still haven't fixed their fiasco, and the negative implications are like a five-car pileup.

Since the delayed January release of the new FAFSA form, I have been driving river to river across Iowa, hearing from students, from their parents, and from aid administrators and counselors on the impact of this disastrous rollout.

I recently met with Jennifer Holliday. Jennifer is a fellow farm kid and the current student body president of Iowa State University.

So go, Jennifer, and ``Go Clones!''

She and her younger sister eagerly submitted their FAFSA forms as early as possible, but as of last week, Jennifer had still not received her estimated aid even though her sister received it months ago. Folks, we are talking about two kids from the same family. It doesn't make any sense.

During our conversation, Jennifer told me that she is scared to see how much her aid offer will decrease due to the Department penalizing farm families. Even though the new FAFSA formula was supposed to improve eligibility for aid, it has instead caused some farm families' expected contributions to skyrocket more than five times.

Sadly, these FAFSA fumbles are far too common under the Biden administration. An exceptionally bright high schooler from Des Moines shared with me that while he hoped to have a traditional college experience living in a dorm at a 4-year university in Iowa, he still wasn't sure what his aid package would look like. Since he wasn't willing to sign up for debt without knowing exactly what he would have to pay--that is a smart kid--he plans to live at home and attend community college for now, hoping the FAFSA fiasco is fixed in time to try again next year.

But this wreck isn't just punishing high school seniors. I recently spoke to a mom of four from Sioux City, and she told me that she went back to school after more than a decade. Again, she was a young mother, a mother of four, and she really wanted to finish her degree, so she went to school after more than a decade to complete her teaching degree. Her goal is to teach high school history and equip our next generation. And like so many other hopefuls, she still has not received a clear estimate of her aid, and it remains to be seen if she will be able to pay for her fall semester classes.

As the Biden administration refuses to provide a clear path for students or school administrators, we continue to see the Department detour its attention to Democrat priorities. After more than 3 months of requests from my office, this administration has failed to provide Congress with a transparent response on how they are adequately making corrections to the FAFSA, even as we are rapidly approaching next year's rollout.

Meanwhile, just 2 weeks ago, right before college decision day, the Biden administration announced an additional $7.4 billion in loan cancellation and $6 billion more today, bringing the grand total to $160 billion.

Biden's Ed Department has also prioritized radical gender ideology over the most fundamental statutory protections of women in schools. It is clear, folks, the left lane to higher learning has been paved with the President's political pet projects, and Iowans are in for a bumpy ride.

When Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act, it was done so with

the understanding that the Department of Education would prioritize a thorough and well-tested model for the student aid form. Well, that clearly has not happened.

While the administration has had FAFSA under construction for 3 years--yes, 3 years to get this rollout right--traffic is still at a screeching halt. But rest assured, folks, I am fighting back--first, to ensure not a cent allocated for the FAFSA simplification was spent on Biden's student loan bailout; second, to allow students like whose stories I have shared, those farm kids from rural Iowa, our non- traditional students, mothers who are looking for a second opportunity, and everyone who is forced to miss out on pursuing the college of their choice this year because of the administration's incompetence to get access to the potentially life-changing aid they deserve.

There is significant roadwork ahead, but I am not pumping the brakes until the Biden administration removes these roadblocks and fixes its FAFSA fiasco.

I yield back.

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

Mr. President, typically, legends emerge long after individuals or events they commemorate have passed into history; however, the legend of COL Ralph Puckett was present among us for decades.

Ralph Puckett, Jr., was a giant of a man in his accomplishments, duties, and passion. He started on his journey into legendary history when he graduated from West Point in 1949, commissioning as an infantry officer.

Following the outbreak of the Korean conflict in 1950, Lieutenant Puckett volunteered to command the newly created Eighth Army Ranger Company. This freshly minted lieutenant was charged with turning noninfantry soldiers into battle-ready Rangers in only 5\1/2\ weeks, and to no one's surprise, he did it.

On November 25, 1950, the Rangers dismounted their vehicles under heavy fire and secured Hill 205 against an onslaught of North Korean fighters, who outnumbered them nearly 10 to 1. Lieutenant Puckett was instrumental in this effort. He called in supporting artillery fires dangerously close to his position. He intentionally exposed himself on six occasions, allowing the enemy force to focus on him while enabling his men to locate and kill the enemy.

Lieutenant Puckett was wounded twice in this battle, but he refused to be evacuated and instead chose to continue to lead his men while they repelled five consecutive counterattacks.

It wasn't until the sixth counterattack, with supporting artillery fires unavailable and in the face of almost certain death, that Lieutenant Puckett ordered his men to leave him behind due to his injuries and the chaos surrounding the close-quarters fighting. Instead of leaving their commander, two rangers fought their way to Lieutenant Puckett, and they dragged him to safety. For his actions, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Following the battle that nearly cost Lieutenant Puckett his life, he was sent to Fort Benning, GA, for recovery. There he met his future bride, Miss Jeannie Martin. They would later be married on November 26, 1952, the second anniversary of the battle.

Instead of retiring from military service, Lieutenant Puckett chose to serve as a combat arms officer at the U.S. Army Ranger School. In 1967, Lieutenant Colonel Puckett volunteered for a tour in Vietnam, where he once again led soldiers in combat, most notably during the Tet Offensive.

In 1971, after 22 years of service, Colonel Puckett retired from Active Duty, but that was not the end of Colonel Puckett's service.

When he and his family moved to Georgia in 1990, he devoted much of his time to speak on base and to teach leadership courses. He also participated in numerous field training exercises and visited soldiers serving all around the world to pass on the leadership and life lessons he learned during his multiple combat tours.

Colonel Puckett's influence extended to virtually every senior infantry officer and noncommissioned officer who served at Fort Benning--now Fort Moore--or within the 75th Ranger Regiment for nearly two decades. However, his mentorship wasn't limited to the men and women at the senior ranks. It resonated across all levels of our military.

Between his leadership while on Active Duty and mentorship after he retired, Colonel Puckett influenced generations of servicemembers, including me. I was fortunate enough to meet Colonel Puckett when I worked on Fort Moore in the 1990s. When I was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, from 2003 to 2004, Colonel Puckett, who had become a mentor, would write to me with words of advice and motivation. For a man of his stature and legacy to spend this time mentoring a young captain on deployment is just one small example of the character and tireless devotion of Colonel Puckett.

Rightly so, Colonel Puckett was an inaugural inductee into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame. He would go on to be the honorary colonel of the 75th Ranger Regiment from 1996 to 2008. On May 21, 2021, Colonel Puckett's Distinguished Service Cross was upgraded to the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony that I was very, very privileged and fortunate to attend.

Colonel Puckett lived a life of devoted service to our Nation. His military awards include the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, three Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars with ``V'' device for valor, and five Purple Hearts. In addition, he has the Combat Infantryman's Badge with star, Special Forces Tab, and Ranger Tab.

Colonel Puckett was a legend--a legend of a man; a legend of a soldier; a legend of a ranger; a legend of a husband, father, and grandfather; and a legend of a citizen who knew no limits to serving his country.

After a literal lifetime of dedication and service to America, it is only fitting that we pay tribute to Colonel Puckett in the Rotunda of the Capitol to honor his sacrifices and the sacrifices of the Silent Generation and the more than 5,700,000 men and women who served in the Armed Forces of the United States during the ``Forgotten War.''

This country is forever in your debt for answering the call to fight against tyranny and oppression in the Korean conflict.

Mr. President, I ask that we take a moment of silence in memory of Colonel Puckett and the contributions he made both in and out of uniform and to acknowledge the sacrifices his family made when Colonel Puckett's duties took him away from home.

(Moment of silence.)

It has been a privilege and an honor to know such a man and to have walked in the footsteps of giants who have come before--giants such as COL Ralph Puckett, Jr.

May he rest in peace.

``Rangers Lead the Way!''

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, as ranking member 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 Cottage of Denison, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In January 2020, mother and daughter duo Cindy and Taylor Borkowski purchased the Your Treasure Chest home decor store from longtime owners Deb and Jeff Frehse. After purchasing Your Treasure Chest, the Borkowski's changed the name to The Cottage and continued selling home decor on Broadway in Denison. When Cindy and Taylor started The Cottage, they went to different craft shows and vendor fairs to get the latest home decor items. While Cindy and Taylor started as the only two employees, their store has since grown to employ two additional part- time employees. On April 1, 2024, The Cottage announced that they would be moving down the street to a new location in Denison, with a ribbon cutting planned in early May 2024.

The Cottage maintains an active Facebook account with videos and pictures of new items in stock, events at the store, and updates on promotions and sales. In addition to selling home decor, Cindy and Taylor Borkowski offer a selection of children and baby, seasonal, and devotional items. Due to their hard work, The Cottage celebrated its fourth business anniversary in 2024.

The Cottage is well recognized for its contributions to the Crawford County economy. In 2022 and 2023, the Bulletin-Review named The Cottage as the Best Boutique in Crawford County. In 2022, The Cottage won the Innovators Award from the Chamber and Development Council of Crawford County. Cindy and Taylor are also involved in the Denison and Crawford County communities. In 2023, Taylor was named the Businesswoman of the Year by the Chamber and Development Council of Crawford County. Taylor also serves as organizer of Hot Summer Nights in Denison, a series of summer events that include live music, food trucks, activities for kids, and a fundraiser. In 2024, proceeds from the Hot Summer Nights fundraiser will go to Washington Park.

The Cottage's commitment to providing quality home decor in Denison is clear. I want to congratulate Cindy and Taylor Borkowski and the entire team at The Cottage for their continued dedication to the Crawford County community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Mr. President, as ranking member 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 Hawkeye Molding of Roland, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week during National Small Business Week.

In 1979, Bob Russell and Mike Lawrence founded Hawkeye Molding in Albia as a plastic injection product manufacturer. Bob later became the sole owner of Hawkeye Molding and was critical to the company's growth and success. In 2007, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication to the community, and manufacturing excellence. In 2008, Hawkeye Molding was purchased by an LED lighting manufacturer, Innovative Lighting, as an addition to their plastics division based in Roland. Innovative Lighting owners Jerry and Janet Handsaker continued to operate the Albia location as Hawkeye Molding, with their Roland plastic manufacturing facility operating under the Innovative Lighting name.

In April 2021, the Handsakers sold Innovative Lighting's plastic division to Ryan Gruhn and Lana Leander, a husband-and-wife team. The Handsakers wanted the new owners of Hawkeye Molding to keep the company's roots in Iowa. Ryan and Lana purchased both plastic facilities from the Handsakers and included the Roland plastic facility under the Hawkeye Molding name.

Today, Hawkeye Molding maintains a 58,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, warehouse, and company headquarters in Roland. It has 38 horizontal injection molding machines and two 20-ton vertical injection molding machines to serve the molding needs of the agriculture, appliance, industrial, and lighting industries. The team also provides molding services for home and office furniture and manufacturing parts. The International Organization for Standardization certified Hawkeye

Molding for quality management systems.

Hawkeye Molding is actively involved in the Story County community. The small business is a proud member of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, and in 2022, the chamber awarded Ryan and Lana with their Economic Impact Award. Hawkeye Molding was named the Iowa Farm Bureau's Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur Award in 2021 for its work in the Roland and Albia economies. Lana has also raised funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In 2024, Hawkeye Molding celebrated its third business anniversary under Ryan and Lana's ownership.

Hawkeye Molding's commitment to providing custom injection molded parts and products while keeping manufacturing jobs in Roland is clear. I want to congratulate Ryan Gruhn, Lana Leander, and the entire Hawkeye Molding team for their continued dedication to the manufacturing industry. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that Sarah Luetz, a fellow from my office, be granted floor privileges for the remainder of the Congress.

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

Mr. President, despite President Biden begging bureaucrats to return to work, government buildings remain largely abandoned, and Washington, DC, is a ghost town. Heads of Agencies have mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Even the White House was left in the dark when the Secretary of Defense vanished for days.

I am hearing from folks in Iowa who tried calling Federal Agencies for help but didn't hear boo. A nonprofit serving vulnerable, disabled, elderly, and other Iowans in need contacted my office, frustrated by the growing delays that organization is experiencing dealing with the Social Security Administration. The executive director tells me that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the response time from the local Social Security office was just a few days at most but that now it takes weeks and even months to get a call back. Some of the folks the nonprofit serves have gone without benefits as a result of unreturned phone calls. Approvals to provide support to others seeking assistance are also being delayed.

The agency's executive director says the lack of communication ``is having an impact on the clients we serve and our ability to provide quality service'' and that ``they are running us out of business.''

While the Social Security Administration's headquarters is nearly empty, with just 7 percent of its office space being used, these folks serving Iowans in need are showing up. Because the support they provide is being threatened by the Social Security Administration's unresponsiveness, I called on the Agency's inspector general to investigate.

And folks, well, that seemed to do the trick. Almost immediately, the phone finally started ringing, and the Social Security Administration is once again working with this agency to make sure my Iowans are being taken care of.

Another Iowan who worked for the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Services tells me his former colleagues describe working from home as ``like being on vacation. Very little work was assigned and all they had to do was be available by phone.''

But according to another whistleblower within the Department who contacted me, it is even difficult to get in touch with coworkers. Here is some direct quotes from this particular whistleblower:

On occasions I have gone to USDA headquarters in

Washington, D.C. . . . it resembles a ghost town.

As a supervisor, I can tell you that full-time remote work

and extensive telework are negatively affecting productivity,

efficiency, and cooperation.

And yet another:

Remote work and telework employees are often unreachable

and do not respond to simple email questions for hours.

When I questioned the USDA Secretary recently about these claims, he

pushed back, insisting his staff are required to be in the office a majority of the week. Yet, according to the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office, nearly 90 percent of the office space in USDA's headquarters is sitting idle and unused.

Folks, if USDA staff aren't showing up for work in Washington, we should put them out to pasture by relocating the Department to Iowa.

With the spring planting season upon us, I know farmers and ranchers would appreciate some helping hands from USDA's experts in the field-- literally, in the field, tilling the dirt and pulling the weeds.

Growing up on a farm, I can tell you that is what we in Iowa call ``working from home.'' But in Washington, working from home apparently means having a field day. That is why I have asked the USDA's inspector general to investigate and track down the location of these ghost employees.

I have also heard similar stories from folks who work for other Federal Agencies--like the employee who hasn't even seen their manager in weeks--as well as other Iowans experiencing the same frustrating lack of responsiveness.

Folks, enough is enough. It is time for Washington to get back to work, and I need your help to make that happen. The bureaucrats may not be showing up or interested in answering your call, but I am. So if you are trying to get in touch with a government Agency and keep getting ghosted, ``Who you gonna call?'' Right there, folks, right there--202- 224-3254--or if you are working in a government building all alone, pick up the phone and call. I want to hear from you and other government whistleblowers. Together, we can be ghost busters and make Washington work again by getting the bureaucrats back to their old haunts ``cuz I ain't afraid of no ghosts.''

I yield the floor.

Madam President, as ranking member 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 Brownells of Grinnell, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1938, Frank ``Bob'' Brownell II founded Brownells in Montezuma, IA. He owned and operated a gas station and sandwich shop in Montezuma in addition to being an avid gunsmithing hobbyist. Bob combined his business experience with his passion and founded Brownells to fill a niche in the gunsmithing industry: selling hard-to-find gunsmithing tools to other gunsmiths. In 1947, Brownells began printing their catalog, and by 1951, he had shifted the business from a gunsmith store to a gunsmith product supplier. In 1973, Brownells moved their headquarters to a larger location in Montezuma until 2014 and have since moved to nearby Grinnell. Brownells current location in Grinnell includes a 200,000-square-foot warehouse, corporate offices, and a retail store that opened in 2016. Today, Brownells maintains a supply of over 50,000 gun parts. They supply and ship their products across the world.

Three generations of the Brownell family have worked at the company. Bob's son Frank joined Brownells in 1964 and became president in 1983 after Bob became chairman of the board. Before working at Brownells, Frank Brownell served in the U.S. Navy. Frank's son Pete joined the family business in 1997 and became vice president in 2000. In 2008, Pete became president, with his father serving as the chief executive officer. Bob Brownell passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, community involvement, and dedication to the firearm industry.

Brownells is actively involved in both the Poweshiek County community and the national firearm industry. Pete Brownell previously served on the board of the National Rifle Association--NRA--and served as president of the NRA from 2017 until 2018. In 2014, Frank Brownell received the NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award for his continued dedication to the firearm industry. Pete Brownell has also been involved in the Grinnell College Ignite Program, a yearly program that brings students from prekindergarten to eighth grade experience workshops at the college. Brownells celebrated its 85th business anniversary in 2024.

Brownells' commitment to providing high-quality gunsmithing tools while maintaining its Poweshiek County roots is clear. I want to congratulate the Brownell family and the entire team at Brownells for their continued dedication to the firearm industry. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Madam President, as ranking member 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 Canteen Lunch in the Alley of Ottumwa, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

After finding success selling loose meat sandwiches to farmers, Dusty Rhoades opened Canteen Lunch in the Alley in 1927 with just five stools and a single steamer to cook sandwiches. The business's name was inspired by its signature dish: delicious loose meat sandwiches often called canteens. Today, in addition to their signature sandwiches, Canteen Lunch in the Alley serves homemade pies, ice cream, hot dogs, and egg sandwiches. Their current location has 17 seats and uses around 800 pounds of ground beef weekly to keep up with demand.

From 1929 to 1936, Bill and Ruth Carter were the proud owners of Canteen Lunch in the Alley. Following their passing, their daughter Bernita Carter Popchuck became the sole owner. In 1936, the business was moved to its current location on 2nd Street in Ottumwa. Husband and wife Earnest and Shirley McBeth purchased the restaurant in 1976 with the help of Shirley's sister Lauralee Staley and operated Canteen Lunch in the Alley until 2015, when Scott and Janice Pierce purchased it. Scott, an Ottumwa native, has been eating at the restaurant since his childhood and understands the significant role the business plays in the community.

The mom-and-pop shop is well-recognized for great food, hard work, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Owners Scott and Janice Pierce have brought the community together by hosting the World Championship Canteen Eating Contest thrice since 2018. In 2019, professional competitive eater Joey Chestnut won the competition by eating 28 and a half canteens in 10 minutes. Notably, the award-winning television show Roseanne used Canteen Lunch in the Alley as inspiration for the show's fictional restaurant ``Lanford Lunch Box.'' In 2019, Canteen Lunch in the Alley won the People Choice Award from the Iowa Tourism Office, and in 2017, the business was named the best loose meat sandwich in Iowa by USA Today. Due to their hard work, the Canteen Lunch in the Alley team celebrated its 97th business anniversary in 2024.

For nearly 100 years, Canteen Lunch in the Alley has preserved the essence of tradition in Ottumwa by providing a sprinkle of love with their well-loved canteen sandwiches and desserts. I want to congratulate the Pierce family and the entire Canteen Lunch in the Alley team for their continued dedication to serving Iowans while maintaining an important piece of Ottumwa history. I look forward to seeing their continued success in Iowa.

Madam President, as ranking member of the U.S. 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 Keg Creek Brewing Company of Glenwood, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 2011, Randy Romens, John Bueltel, Art Renze, and Grant Hebel founded Keg Creek Brewing in Glenwood, IA. Randy, John, Art, and Grant started in the beer industry as homebrewers in their garages and basements, brewing 10 gallons of beer at a time. After their beer became a hit with friends and family, they decided to start Keg Creek Brewing Company, named after Keg Creek in Glenwood. What began as one location with three barrels quickly expanded. In 2016, the team expanded their production facility and, 2 years later, moved into their current location, where they now have 15 barrels. In 2015, Keg Creek Brewing added a new owner, Matt Kirsch, who has remained instrumental in their continued success.

Keg Creek Brewing offers 18 beers on tap while distributing bottles and kegs of beer throughout the Midwest. The Brewery has a lively taproom and a patio for customers and regularly hosts trivia nights, live music, and karaoke. During the spring and summer, they hold sand volleyball and cornhole leagues. In addition to beer, they also support other local small businesses by hosting food trucks, pizzas from Roberto's Pizzas of Dunlap, and MinDee's Nuts of Malvern.

Keg Creek Brewing is actively involved in the Glenwood community and has been recognized for its rapid climb in the brewery industry and craft beers. In 2020, they were awarded a bronze medal by the U.S. Open Beer Championship for their ``Deviant of the Depths'' beer in the Rum Barrel Aged Beer category and another bronze medal for their ``Old Marathon'' barley wine in the Barrel-Aged Barley Wine category. In 2017, the Brewers Association's list of 50 Fastest-Growing Small and Independent Craft Breweries in the United States recognized the Keg Creek Brewery. Their beers have also won awards at the Iowa State Fair and are a staple at the craft beer tent. Keg Creek Brewery has also hosted fundraising events for Relay for Life, the Mills County K9 Unit, and the local libraries. In 2024, Keg Creek Brewing celebrated its 13th business anniversary.

Keg Creek Brewing Company's commitment to Glenwood and the craft beer industry is clear. I want to congratulate Matt Kirsch, Randy Romens, John Bueltel, Art Renze, Grant Hebel, and the entire Keg Creek Brewing Company team for their continued dedication to the Glenwood community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Mr. President, as ranking member 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 Browns Century Theater of Le Mars, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 2000, siblings Adam, Michaela, and Andrew partnered with their mother Shelly to start a music group called The Browns. The Brown family is originally from Le Mars but took their music talents around the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2015, after touring for 15 years, the Browns returned home to Iowa and purchased the historic German-American Savings Bank building in downtown Le Mars. The theater seats 150 people and now includes the Central Event Center for dining, the Inn on Central for visiting guests, and the Gift Shoppe. The Browns Century Theater seasonally employs between 9 to 12 employees and has hosted 100 shows every year since its opening, featuring the family's music and other artists from across the country.

In addition to owning a small business, The Browns host a reality TV show called ``Hometown with The Browns'' on their YouTube channel. The first episode of their show details the renovations they did to the German-American Savings Bank to convert it into the Browns Century Theater. Their daughter Michaela creates cooking videos for the family channel and is also the author of three cookbooks. The Browns have recorded 2 dozen albums and often perform special shows in addition to their hits, including songs like ``Oh, My Iowa!''

The Brown family has deep roots in Le Mars and proudly owns a more than a century-old farm. Michaela Brown served as the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce president in 2022, and Adam Brown served on the Plymouth County Fair board in 2023. The Browns have performed at the Christmas in Hometown event since its inception in 2020, the Plymouth County Fair, and Ice Cream Days. In addition to performing for and supporting their community, Adam Brown played as a linebacker and defensive end for the Sioux Empire Crusaders of the Southern Plains Football League.

The Browns are well recognized for their hard work. Shelly Brown was awarded the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award in 2019. The Browns Century Theater was awarded the Community Impact Award in 2023 and the Business of the Year Award in 2017 by the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce. Their music has earned them Dove Award nominations and a place in the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. Due to their incredible efforts, The Browns celebrated their 24th anniversary of performing together and their ninth anniversary of owning the Browns Century Theater in 2024.

The Brown family's commitment to Le Mars, the gospel music industry, and their family business is clear. I want to congratulate the Brown family and the entire team at Browns Century Theater for their continued dedication to the Le Mars community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Madam President, as ranking member 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, I am privileged to recognize Martin Hildreth Company of Rockwell City, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Martin Hildreth founded the Martin Hildreth Company in 1954 to provide excavation contracting services in Rockwell City and the surrounding counties. Martin started the company after serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean war. He began his civilian career working with his father Ben in the petroleum industry at Hildreth Mobile Oil and Hildreth Super Service before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. In 1990, Martin's son Tom joined the company full-time and currently serves as the president. Martin Hildreth Company has remained in the same location on High Street in Rockwell City since its inception, offering excavation services to the telecommunication and utility industries and gravedigging for cemeteries throughout Calhoun and the surrounding counties. In 2009, Tom's wife Theresa joined Martin Hildreth Company as their chief financial officer. In 2023, Martin Hildreth passed away, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and service to the Rockwell City community.

Martin Hildreth Company is truly a family-owned and operated business. Tom and Theresa's son David serves as vice president, marking the third generation of the Hildreth family legacy. David Hildreth started at the company part-time at the age of 14 and plans to lead it following Tom's retirement. In the near future, David's son Collin will be the fourth generation to join the family company.

The Hildreth family is actively involved in both the Rockwell City and Calhoun County communities. Tom Hildreth is a legend in the sport of wrestling. After a decorated college career at Westmar College, Tom coached wrestling at the high school and middle school levels and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Iowa High School Athletic Association Wrestling Hall of Fame. In addition to serving as chief financial officer for the Martin Hildreth Company, Theresa also serves as executive director of the Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation. Service to the

country is also integral to the Hildreth family. Three of Tom and Theresa's children have served in the armed services. Martin Hildreth Company was awarded the ESGR Patriot Award for their dedication to supporting employees who are serving in the military. Due to their hard work, the Martin Hildreth Company celebrated their 70th business anniversary in 2024.

I want to commend the Hildreth family for achieving their American dream and operating a fantastic small business. Congratulations to the Hildreth family and the entire Martin Hildreth Company team on their incredible commitment to our communities. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Iowa.

Madam President, today I rise to tell a preventable, horrific story: 22-year-old Laken Riley, a nursing student, was killed by an illegal immigrant. This bright, young woman had her whole life ahead of her. She represented what our country needs more of, a life dedicated to caring for others.

Like all Iowans, my heart goes out to her family and her friends who continue to grieve this tragic loss.

The reality is, Laken's heartbreaking story did not have to happen. In 2022, Jose Antonio Ibarra illegally crossed over the border into El Paso and claimed asylum. Instead of being detained while he was processed, he was released into our country, never to be heard from again; that is, folks, until he was arrested in New York City for endangering a child. Was he held to face trial for this crime in New York City? Nope. Nope.

Was he deported for this crime or even for coming here illegally? Nope.

New York officials released him so quickly that ICE couldn't even try to lodge a detainer, even if they wanted to. Meanwhile, Ibarra made his way to Georgia, where he disfigured and killed an innocent young girl who was simply out for a jog.

This could have been avoided, but Biden's failure to enforce the laws at our border allowed it to happen. How many young Americans must die? How many families must be ripped apart for this administration to wake up and take border security seriously?

For more than 8 years, I have warned against the dangers of letting illegal immigrants, who have already broken our laws--again, those who have broken our laws--roam the country and continue their lawlessness. I have repeatedly called on this body to step up and protect innocent Americans from criminals who are here in our country illegally and pass my bill, Sarah's Law.

Eight years ago, Iowans Michelle and Scott Root woke up to every parent's worst nightmare, their daughter Sarah--right here, beautiful Sarah Root--was killed by a drunk driver. Sarah, a 21-year-old from Council Bluffs, had just graduated from Bellevue University in Nebraska with a 4.0 GPA and a bachelor's degree in criminal investigations. She was headed home after celebrating her important life milestone with family and friends. She had her entire life ahead of her. But while she was stopped at a traffic light, Sarah was struck and killed by Edwin Mejia, an illegal immigrant.

His blood alcohol level was three times over the legal limit. One would think her killer would clearly meet Immigration and Customs Enforcement's ``enforcement priorities.'' But no--nope. Citing the Obama administration's November 2014 memo on immigration enforcement priorities, ICE declined--declined--to take custody of Mejia, despite his repeated driving offenses and history of skipping court dates.

Before the Root family could even lay their daughter to rest, Mejia posted a $5,000 bond--5,000 bucks. He was released, and, just like in the past, folks, he disappeared never to be seen again.

Now, here we are, folks. We are over 8 years later. Sarah's killer is still at large, after that 5,000 bucks, and able to carelessly harm others. To rub salt in the wound, the Biden administration has removed Mejia from ICE's Most Wanted list.

No big deal, right?

No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child, like the Root family did--and I know them personally--but, unfortunately, the Riley family is experiencing this same heartbreak. A loophole in our law means Sarah's killer escaped justice, but, today, we can do something to ensure no other family has to go through the pain Sarah's parents have felt every day for 8 long years.

My bill, named in Sarah's honor, would close the alarming loophole that let Sarah's killer go free. It would just require ICE to detain-- just to detain--otherwise deportable illegal immigrants charged with killing or seriously injuring another person.

Is that too much to ask? To detain someone who has killed another American?

It also requires ICE to inform victims and family members of critical information pertaining to the investigation. Right now, family members are left in the dark. Had Sarah's Law been enacted at the time of her death, law enforcement would have detained her killer instead of allowing him to flee from justice. The Root family would have been kept up-to-date on his status and Federal immigration authorities' efforts to remove him from the country.

Simply put, this should be an easy one, folks. Sarah and Laken's deaths are both tragic and, unfortunately, are doomed to be repeated, thanks to this administration's broken and ill-informed policies.

Those who come here illegally and harm our citizens should, without question, be a priority for removal. It is just common sense, folks.

Otherwise deportable illegal immigrants who commit violent crimes-- they commit them here. They should face justice. We can no longer prioritize illegal immigrants over public safety. We must pass Sarah's Law to send this message loud and clear--for Sarah's family, for Laken's family, and for the countless American families that Sarah's Law would protect.

Madam President, as if in legislative session and not withstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. 160 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration; further, that the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Madam President, I am very sad that we are on the floor today and that Sarah's Law has been objected to. We have been down this road before, many times over, through the years since Sarah Root's death.

Now, I do understand that ICE has discretion, and that is what we are discussing today. It is the fact that ICE had discretion and chose to allow Edwin Mejia to post bond of $5,000 to disappear into the night. Before Sarah was even laid to rest, Edwin Mejia was long gone, and he has yet to face justice for Sarah's family.

In July 2020, a Mexican national was drunk-driving in Texas and struck and killed a Chicago resident and two retired U.S. Army officers. All were part of a pro-law enforcement motorcycle club. The Mexican national was out on bond and awaiting trial for allegedly striking a man with his truck in 2018, biting the victim's back, and biting off a portion of his ear. If Sarah's Law had been on the books, he would have been detained in 2018 to await trial.

In June 2011, a Chicago resident was killed in a drunk-driving accident. The driver, a Mexican national, was driving with a blood alcohol level four times over the legal limit. He struck and killed a Chicago resident, dragged the victim's body 300 feet, and then attempted to run away on foot. He was bailed out--again, bailed out, not held. He bailed out and fled to Mexico. He was extradited back to the United States in 2022.

If Sarah's Law had been on the books, he would have been detained and not been able to flee to Mexico.

In March 2021, a Mexican national shot and killed his next-door neighbor in Chicago. He then injured the three officers attempting to arrest him. The Mexican national was arrested in 2011 for driving with an open container. In 2015, he was arrested again for aggravated assault. In 2012, he attempted to lie his way into a visa reserved for victims of criminal activity. And he also twice unsuccessfully applied for the DACA Program in 2014 and 2015.

If Sarah's Law had been on the books, he would likely have been detained after the aggravated assault in 2015, and, again, we would have another innocent who was killed still alive today.

So these are just a handful of examples of where Sarah's Law would have made a difference.

I do understand that there is an objection to the discretionary part of this bill, and the example that was given is of those who are being trafficked for sex-type operations. Sex trafficking is very real. Because I have worked in this space of domestic violence and violence against women, I do and have heard from those who have been sex- trafficked that sometimes the only way to break away from those who are trafficking them is actually to be arrested and pulled away from those johns or those sex traffickers. So maybe to put them in an area of safety would be the right thing to do.

So I appreciate having been heard. I will continue to work on behalf of the Root family, on behalf of the Riley family, and others who have lost loved ones to those who should not be here in our country.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, as ranking member 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 Dungey's Furniture & Floors of New Hampton, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Dungey's Furniture & Floors was founded by Everett Dungey in 1963 on East Main Street in New Hampton. Dungey's Furniture & Floors offers high-quality furniture, flooring, bedding, and window treatments to customers throughout Northeast Iowa. In 1983, Everett Dungey's sons Mark and Trace took over the business and have been running it ever since. In 1987, Mark and Trace expanded to a second location in Osage, IA. In 2014, 1 year after they celebrated their 50th business anniversary, their New Hampton location was tragically destroyed by a fire. Dungey's Furniture & Floors moved to a temporary location on Industrial Avenue in New Hampton and broke ground on a new permanent New Hampton location in 2016. In October 2017, their new location opened on Canty Avenue in New Hampton, thanks to the perseverance of the Dungey family, their employees, and their community.

Today, the 25,000-square-foot New Hampton store is open and proudly serving the Iowa community. Dungey's Furniture & Floors are members of the Horizons Chamber of Commerce and the New Hampton Economic Development. They are also members of the Furniture First Buying Group, a national cooperative of independently owned retail furniture dealers.

The Dungey's Furniture & Floors team is actively involved in the New Hampton community. They have participated in the New Hampton Light Project, a New Hampton community project that decorates the town around the holiday season. In 2023, Dungey's Furniture & Floors were named the marshals for the New Hampton Heartland Days. Due to their hard work, Dungey's Furniture & Floors celebrated its 61st business anniversary in 2024.

I want to commend the Dungey family for achieving their American dream and operating a fantastic small business. Congratulations to the Dungey family and the entire Dungey's Furniture & Floors team on their incredible commitment to our communities. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Iowa.