Floor Statements

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 Merrill Manufacturing of Storm Lake, IA as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1949, Noel Merrill Anderson invented the Any Flow Yard Hydrant out of his garage in Clive, IA. The Any Flow Yard Hydrant is a freeze resistant water tap, which serves the agriculture needs of farms in colder weather climates. With a revolutionary product in hand, Merrill Manufacturing was established. In 1957, the company moved to Storm Lake and expanded by offering the Merrill Pitless Units and Merrill Tank Floats in the following years. In 1975, Noel's son Stephen joined the company and shortly after became president in 1981, while Noel served as chairman of the board. In 2005, Noel Merrill Anderson passed away, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and dedication to entrepreneurial and manufacturing excellence. The third generation of the Anderson family continued this legacy when Stephen's sons Joel and Matt joined Merrill Manufacturing in 2011 and 2016, respectively.

Today, Merrill Manufacturing sells their yard pumps for rural, farm, and livestock properties all over the world. Since their humble beginnings in a garage outside of Des Moines, they have grown to employ 65 individuals. Merrill Manufacturing's core values include inspiring messages and mission commitment that transcend to all of their employees including: ``Do the right thing,'' ``we before me,'' and ``be part of the solution.'' Merrill Manufacturing is also dedicated to providing wells to communities that need clean drinking water. Stephen Anderson previously served as president and currently serves on the board of the Water Well Trust, a nonprofit that aims to provide water to Americans without water access.

Merrill Manufacturing and the Anderson family have also been recognized for their hard work. Both Stephen and Noel Merrill Anderson are members of the Iowa Inventors Hall of Fame. In 2009, the Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded Merrill Manufacturing the Global Iowa Export Award. In 2024, Merrill Manufacturing was awarded the Excellence Award by the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. Due to their team's hard

work, Merrill Manufacturing celebrated its 75th business anniversary in 2024.

I want to commend the Anderson family for their dedication and incredible commitment to the Storm Lake community and to achieving the American dream. Congratulations to the Anderson family and the entire team at Merrill Manufacturing. I look forward to seeing your 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 Wells Hometown Drug of Bloomfield, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Mylo Wells grew up near Bloomfield, IA, on his family dairy farm in Milton. In high school, Mylo had the opportunity to work with his mother, Jana, who is a pharmacist. This experience inspired him to join the industry, and in 2018, Mylo graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy with a doctorate of pharmacy with the goal to open a pharmacy in his hometown community. When Mylo returned to Bloomfield and learned the local pharmacy had gone out of business, he opened Wells Hometown Drug that same year. Wells Hometown Drug fills a vital role in the area by providing access to critical prescriptions for Bloomfield and surrounding rural residents. In particular, Mylo has worked to develop a relationship with the Amish community and serves them while also respecting their culture. In 2022, Wells Hometown Drug opened a second location in Keosauqua and has grown from a staff of 5 employees to 28 between the two locations.

Wells Hometown Drug also gives back to the community through their Community Rewards Program. The program was established to donate a percentage of Wells Hometown Drug's sales to charities in both the Bloomfield and Keosauqua communities. In the past, they have donated to the Friends of Lake Wapello and Christmas for Kids charity events. In addition to serving his local communities, Mylo Wells served on the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Medical

Assistance Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee.

Mylo Wells and the team at Wells Hometown Drug have also been awarded for their hard work. In 2022, the Iowa Pharmacy Association named Mylo Wells the Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year. Mylo continues to give back to both the pharmacy practitioner-industry and the University of Iowa by hosting University of Iowa College of Pharmacy students for rotations as they pursue their education in the field.

I want to commend Mylo Wells for his hard work and incredible commitment to his local community. Wells Hometown Drug is providing vital pharmacy access for rural Iowans. Congratulations to Mylo Wells and the entire team at Wells Hometown Drug as they continue to achieve the American dream. I look forward to seeing your 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 Fabrication and Hi-Way Products of Ida Grove, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1969, Richard Bogue founded Hi-Way Products in Ida Grove as an aluminum fabricator for bridge handrails. Before starting Hi-Way Products, Richard served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps during World War II. Following the war, he graduated from the University of Iowa in 1950 with a civil engineering degree. Hi-Way Products found a niche in the fabrication industry by producing highway safety products. In 1999, Richard's son Mark, a 1982 graduate of the University of Iowa, founded the aptly named Hawkeye Fabrication with his father's help. Today, Hawkeye Fabrication serves as the fabrication side of the Bogue family business, while Hi-Way Products handles the sales. Mark Bogue serves as the owner leading the companies, and Jaclyn is the controller. Hawkeye Fabrication and Hi-Way Products have remained a family business, with the third generation of the Bogue family currently working there alongside their parents Mark and Jaclyn. Richard Bogue passed away in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and dedication to his family and community.

An essential aspect of the Hawkeye Fabrication and Hi-Way Products story is the relationship between the Bogue family and the University of Iowa. Richard Bogue met his wife Alice at the University of Iowa, and their three children Linda, Suzie, and Mark attended the University of Iowa in the 1970s and 1980s. Mark's sons Jared and Alexander, who currently work at Hi-Way Products and Hawkeye Fabrication, attended the University of Iowa in the 2010s with their sister Taylor. In 2021, the Bogue family won the Iowa Family Spirit Award for their generational dedication to the University of Iowa. In 2013, the University of Iowa profiled Mark Bogue as a Hometown Hawkeye At-A-Glance for his work at Hi-Way Products and Hawkeye Fabrication and in the University of Iowa community. Additionally, Mark serves on the University of Iowa College of Engineering Advisory Board.

In addition to their involvement at the University of Iowa, the Hawkeye Fabrication and Hi-Way Products team is active in the Ida Grove community. Mark Bogue has served on the Ida Grove volunteer fire department and spent 8 years on the community school board. Jared Bogue currently serves on the Ida Grove city council. In 2003, Richard and Alice Bogue created a scholarship that the Bogue family continues to support to help Ida Grove students pursue an education in engineering.

I want to commend the Bogue family for their hard work and incredible commitment to the Ida Grove community, the University of Iowa, and their small business as they continue to achieve the American dream. Congratulations to the Bogue family and the entire team at Hawkeye Fabrication and Hi-Way Products. I look forward to seeing your 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 Monona County Iron of Mapleton, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 2005, Monona County Iron was founded in Mapleton as a single building on Sioux Street. Over the years, the small business has expanded from a handful of employees to multiple buildings with more than 40 employees. Monona County Iron provides tungsten inert gas welding services to the manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries, as well as fabrication and metalworking services for projects in Texas, Washington, and across the Midwest.

Monona County Iron facility is active in the Mapleton and Monona County communities, and the team proudly supports the Maple Valley- Anthon Oto community schools. Recently, they fabricated the ``MVAOCOU'' letters for the school district with students in Mr. Miller's Construction Systems class. In addition to supporting local schools, Monona County Iron contributes to the Monona County Fair. In 2023, they sponsored the Monona County Iron Award trophies. The team has also collaborated with the Monona County Farm Bureau, the Monona County Cattlemen's Association, Monona County 4-H, and the Monona County Demolition Derby. Due to the hard work of leadership and employees, the business celebrated its 19th business anniversary in 2024.

Monona County Iron's commitment to giving back and providing high- quality services is clear. I want to congratulate the entire team for their continued dedication to excellence in their field and for supporting future generations. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Madam President, this weekend, three brave Americans gave their lives in service to our country. My heart goes out to the families of SGT William Jerome Rivers, SPC Kennedy Sanders, and SPC Breonna Moffett, who were serving in the Army Reserves 718th Engineer Company--the same company I served in nearly 30 years ago as a platoon leader. I know the bravery of men and women who put themselves in harm's way, and my prayers are with their colleagues who are suffering from their injuries.

Our servicemembers continue to be on the frontlines of Iran-backed attacks. Earlier this month, two Navy SEALs went missing in action while interdicting lethal aid that Iran was resupplying to the Houthis. Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher Chambers and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Ingram made the ultimate sacrifice working to prevent more Iranian-backed terror.

Iran's proxies who continue to attack our troops must know how seriously the United States takes American lives. Every American life is precious. Our adversaries need to understand that a single American loss is one too many and that they will pay dearly for spilling the blood of those who wear the uniform.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: American weakness on the world stage emboldens our adversaries and puts U.S. citizens at risk.

Right now, today, six Americans continue to be held hostage by Iran- backed Hamas. This terrorist organization thinks it can barter with American lives. Instead of fearing us, they seek to manipulate us. Instead of hiding in the shadows, they hold press conferences and entertain foreign officials openly in Doha.

For over 100 days, Hamas has held six of our citizens and has not paid a price. Instead, the opposite has occurred. What is President Biden doing to bring them home? Doubling down on the appeasement strategy.

By refusing to enforce existing sanctions on Iran's illicit oil sales, President Biden has fueled and funded Tehran's terrorist proxies and green-lit terrorism. For years, President Biden lined the coffers of the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism through his appeasement strategy, culminating in the October 7 assault on Israel.

Every day since these Iranian-backed attacks on Israel, we have seen the world erupt into chaos, and American lives have been in constant danger. Still, the Biden administration fears escalation more than anything else. What is the result? They are letting Tehran's terrorists off the hook for their illicit actions and attacks on American lives.

October 7 was not only a physical attack on Israel but also one of the largest losses of American lives from terrorism since 9/11. There were 32 unforgettable deaths.

Make no mistake, this chaos is exactly what Iran wants. It pays for it, and it plans for it.

When I was in the region during the attacks, many leaders shared their concerns with me that Iran would capitalize on the chaos by using proxies to escalate the conflict. I knew that it was essential to stand with Israel not only to protect our partnership with our greatest ally in the region but also to protect American lives.

Unfortunately, we are seeing those fears come to fruition. Since October 7, Iran-backed proxies have ramped up their aggression, with over 160 attacks on our servicemembers. The Houthis are unleashing drone attacks on our troops in the Red Sea, disrupting commerce, and wreaking havoc on innocent civilians.

We struggle to defend our ships from incoming rockets and drones and hesitate to find, fix, and finish the very source of these attacks. We know it is Iranian proxies. Folks, we know that. There is no doubt about it. We know they are trained by the IRGC. It is time to strike the source of the problem. Why? Because American lives continue to be on the line every single day. Self-defense is not escalation; it is the most basic and moral action we can take as a nation. We owe it to our troops. We owe it to our citizens.

For nearly 4 months--4 months, folks--Hamas has held U.S. citizens hostage as political prisoners. Our fellow Americans are being used as human shields, without consistent access to food, to water, to medical treatment, or to sleep. Right now, American hostage families live in agony, uncertain if their loved ones are alive or dead. No parent should ever have to endure this, and terrorists should not be able to hold this power over Americans. We must do everything in our power to stop Hamas from torturing our families.

To end Hamas's reign of terror, we must cut off their IRGC funding. These terrorist groups have one thing in common: As long as they are sponsored by Tehran, they are committed to chaos in the world, and they pose a threat to Americans at home and abroad.

Now is the time for strong U.S. leadership. I have been calling for President Biden to hit Iran where it hurts--the pocketbooks funneling illicit oil funds to its terrorist proxies.

The choice, folks, is clear: To stand with Israel, we must target Iran's terrorist arm and end its ability to target Americans so we can bring American hostages home safely and quickly. Folks, every second counts.

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 Penn Drug of Sidney, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Penn Drug Company was founded by John Newton Penn in 1863 after he moved to Southwest Iowa from Pennsylvania to open a medical practice. He

purchased the medicine he needed from a local doctor and, in 1864, built the drugstore at 714 Illinois Street in downtown Sidney, the same building Penn Drug continues to operate in today.

After years of serving the community, John Newton Penn sold Penn Drug to his son Alphonso Valdeze Penn in 1876. In addition to being one of the first registered pharmacists in the State of Iowa, Alphonso Valdeze Penn served in the Iowa General Assembly from 1909 until 1911. Alphonso Valdeze Penn's son Alphonso ``Val'' Valdeze Penn, Jr., began working at Penn Drug in 1910. Val Penn took over the family business with his wife Christena Penn in 1925. In 1970, William ``Bill'' A. Penn, Val Penn's son, became the owner of Penn Drug after working at the store since 1949. Bill Penn ran the store with his son Jeffrey Penn, the fifth generation of the Penn family in the 1990s.

In addition to being a community pharmacy, Penn Drug also offers delicious drinks from a soda fountain. Initially installed in the store in 1898, the soda fountain was expanded in 1946 to serve customers lunch in addition to ice cream and sundaes while they wait for their prescriptions.

Today, Penn Drug is owned by Angie and Leo Ettleman and Mark Vogt, who purchased the store in 2015. Angie Ettleman is no stranger to Penn Drug. She started working at the drugstore in 1990 at the store's soda fountain. Penn Drug has the distinction of being the oldest pharmacy in Iowa, which is largely due to the dedication of each new owner to maintain a piece of Iowa history and honor the Penn family legacy.

Penn Drug is active in the Sidney community. Over the years, the team has hosted events, including Christmas open houses and customer appreciation days. Penn Drug also provides delivery options for prescriptions from the pharmacy throughout Southwest Iowa. In 2024, Penn Drug celebrated its 161st business anniversary.

Penn Drug's commitment to providing rural healthcare services while preserving a historic Iowa business is clear. I want to congratulate Angie and Leo Ettleman, Mark Vogt, the Penn family, and the entire team at Penn Drug for their continued dedication to the Sidney 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, I am privileged to recognize Lola's Fine Hot Sauce of West Des Moines, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Lola's Fine Hot Sauce was founded by Taufeek Shah in West Des Moines, in 2017. The original hot sauce recipe is courtesy of Taufeek's mother Carmelita ``Lola'' Shah, who grew up in the Philippines before immigrating to the United States for medical school in the early 1970s. Lola spent over 35 years at Winthrop Medical Clinic in Winthrop, IA, where she practiced family health. Lola's hot sauce is a family recipe, entrusted to Taufeek in 2015. After receiving the recipe, Taufeek shared the homemade hot sauce with his coworkers and friends. Their positive reviews encouraged Taufeek and Lola to embark on their entrepreneurial journey by renting out a commercial kitchen and selling the hot sauce at farmers markets in central Iowa.

Lola's Fine Hot Sauce quickly grew from its beginnings as a popular stand at local markets. Today, the business offers a variety of hot sauces and salsas, merchandise, a Southern Jalapeno Bloody Mary mix, honey jalapeno beef jerky, and Lola's Original Seasoning. They also post videos of recipes on their YouTube channel that folks can make at home using their favorite Lola's Fine Hot Sauce products as ingredients. In addition to being sold on their website, Lola's Fine Hot Sauce can be purchased across the United States, Canada, the Virgin Islands, and the Philippines at over 14,000 retailers. In 2022, Casey's announced a partnership with Lola's Fine Hot Sauce with their new Casey's Zesty Jalapeno Peanuts, Casey's Zesty Jalapeno Cashews, and Casey's Zesty Jalapeno Pretzels. All products are seasoned with Lola's Fine Hot Sauce and are available in-store and online for delivery.

Lola's Fine Hot Sauce is actively involved in the Des Moines community. Taufeek currently serves on the board of directors for the Iowa Center for Economic Success and the board of directors for the Des Moines Area Community College Foundation. In 2023, Taufeek won the American Dream Award from the Iowa Restaurant Association. In addition to these awards, the Des Moines Register named Taufeek Shah as one of their ``15 People to Watch'' in 2023. Lola's Fine Hot Sauce is a proud member of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and celebrated its seventh business anniversary in 2024.

Lola's Fine Hot Sauce's commitment to providing quality hot sauces and products across the globe while maintaining its Iowa roots is clear. I want to congratulate Taufeek and Lola Shah and the entire team at Lola's Fine Hot Sauces for their hard work and success. I look forward to seeing their continued growth in Iowa.

Madam President, these are the faces of the six Americans who have been at the mercy of Iran-backed Hamas for over 100 days. They are brothers, sons, husbands, fathers, and grandfathers. They range in age from 18 to 62.

Their families have been sick with worry. They have been sick with fear day after day, not knowing whether their loved ones are even alive. As they cry out for answers and action, the families have yet once again returned to Congress, looking for hope and looking for leadership. These requests should not go unanswered.

During Hamas's October 7 terrorist assault on Israel, I was in the Middle East leading a bicameral, bipartisan delegation to bring a message of peace and optimism for further normalization in the region. But Hamas shattered this dream for millions in the region and beyond.

We woke up to the terrible news on October 7, knowing that the world was altered and plans had changed. The delegation unanimously agreed that we needed to go into Israel immediately, as the first group on the ground to stand with our ally in the face of this devastation.

In Israel, we met with families in anguish after Hamas had taken our citizens--American citizens--hostage and had killed over 30 Americans in the initial assault.

Since then, I have remained in constant contact with these hostage families. I heard their calls on behalf of their loved ones: Bring them home. Bring them home now.

The response has only been words. Where is the action from this administration, and where is the outrage from our fellow Americans?

Still, over 100 days later, many do not know the status of their loved ones. That is why I returned with the same delegation from October, plus one, to the region at the beginning of this year--to build upon our work and press for the release of our American hostages; to tell the families and the heads of state in the region that the safe return of hostages is our No. 1 priority.

Back in Israel, we saw firsthand the impact of Hamas's brutality at kibbutz Nir Oz, a place that, pre-October 7, could have been described as an oasis in the desert, a gentle farming community of peace-loving people. We were guided through the wreckage by a gentleman who called this kibbutz home and whose own son is an American being held hostage. In this community of peace lovers, Hamas burned homes, they terrorized children, they killed the innocent, put bullets into bedrooms, and violated the very foundation of peace that the kibbutz stood for.

Armed with heart-wrenching stories from each of the hostage families, our delegation traveled to Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain. Our message was clear: Bring Americans home. This was the message I delivered to the senior leaders and hostage negotiators in each of those countries. It is a message backed by the entire bicameral, bipartisan delegation. We pressed our partners in the region to bring Hamas back to the negotiating table and release our citizens immediately.

Still, we must do more. These hostage families deserve answers immediately, and it is clear they are desperately looking for action from President Biden and his team.

Shockingly, we are witnessing the absolute wrong action from the Biden administration staff. As American hostages sit in Gaza in tunnels, captives of Hamas, some of the Biden administration staff are staging walkouts and demanding a ceasefire with Hamas. It is unbelievable that they are standing up for terrorists torturing our American brothers and sisters. Without a doubt, these staff members should be fired. Where is their outrage against Hamas? Where is the protest demanding that Hamas release their fellow citizens?

In the face of the vacuum created by this administration, Congress has a role to play in bringing Americans home, and that is a role I have stepped into. And congressional pressure is working. Already, the world is witnessing some of the effects of this call to action. After meeting with leaders in Qatar, Qatari negotiators reportedly paved the way for Israel to send medicine to the hostages in Gaza for the first time since October 7.

I am glad to see Qatar has responded to our calls to action; however, this is only a first and a very modest step. More action is required, and I will continue to fight to get Americans home immediately. After all, every day that Hamas holds Americans captive is a win for evil. That is why I will continue to hold our partners' feet to the fire to reunite these families.

I encourage every Member in this body and every American to join me in pressuring Hamas to free our citizens. American lives are on the line. Folks, now is a time for choosing.

As these hostage families call out for the strength of America to reunite them with their loved ones, there should be only one response: Bring our hostages home now.

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 Welter Storage Equipment Co., Inc., of Monticello, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Welter Storage Equipment was founded by Lloyd and Joyce Welter in 1982 on their family farm in Monticello during the farm crisis of the 1980s. The farm crisis affected thousands of farmers and farming communities in Iowa, and many farmers had to find alternate forms of income to support themselves. Before launching Welter Storage

Equipment, Lloyd served in the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1958. Following his service, Lloyd saw a need in the Monticello community for shelving, pallet racks, and storage equipment. What began as an idea around the kitchen table grew, and in 1987, Welter Storage Equipment moved off the Welter family farm to its current headquarters location on South Main Street in Monticello.

Welter Storage Equipment sells both new and reconditioned warehouse equipment and office furniture acquired through auctions, liquidations, bankruptcies, closeouts, and more. They also provide storage equipment and forklifts. Over the years, Welter Storage Equipment has become a trusted local resource for office furniture and warehouse racks. The business is not only a community staple, but now sells products to customers across the United States.

Currently, the Welter Storage Equipment team operates in Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and Monticello, with their Monticello location serving as the company's headquarters. Lloyd and Joyce's sons Ron, Dave, Dean, and Bob serve as the current owners and have seen three generations of the Welter family work at the family business. Lloyd Welter passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and dedication to entrepreneurial excellence.

Welter Storage Equipment is actively involved in the Monticello, Dubuque, and Cedar Rapids communities. In addition to employing more than 60 people, they have sponsored the Great Jones County Fair and have served as a business partner to the Dubuque Senior High School Drama Department. They were named a 2023 Business Hero by Animal Welfare Friends, a nonprofit that aims for the adoption and fostering of dogs and cats in the Monticello area. Due to the team's hard work, Welter Storage Equipment Company celebrated its 41st business anniversary in 2023.

Welter Storage Equipment's commitment to providing quality office, storage equipment, and furniture in Eastern Iowa is clear. I want to congratulate the Welter family and the entire team at Welter Storage Equipment for their dedication to the Monticello, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque communities. 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 Granny's Iowa Market of Clarion, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Dawn and Tim Hamilton founded Granny's Iowa Market in Clarion, IA, in 2018 to provide fresh foods, produce, and locally sourced products to the community. Granny's Iowa Market carries meat, cheese, baked goods, and wines from Iowa. Most of the foods at Granny's Iowa Market are from local producers, with a handful of products coming from Wisconsin and South Dakota. In addition to food, they offer soaps, lotions, candles, and greeting cards from other small businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Granny's Iowa Market served an important role as a main grocer in the Clarion community. Dawn and Tim are no strangers to running their own small business. They opened Granny's Mixing Bowl, a bakery in Clarion, out of their home in 2007. They continue to operate both Granny's Iowa Market and Granny's Mixing Bowl.

In addition to owning Granny's Iowa Market, Dawn and Tim Hamilton are actively involved in the Clarion community. They are engaged in Clarion Cub Scout Pack 4112 and Clarion Boy Scout Troop 1047, with Dawn and Tim serving on committees for both units. Tim currently serves as Cubmaster for Pack 4112, after he previously served as the Scoutmaster for Troop 1047. Being a member of the Scouts is integral to the Hamilton family. Their son Bryce earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and four grandchildren have entered the Scouts, with their fifth grandson planning to join. In addition to serving the community, Tim served our country in the Iowa Air National Guard. Granny's Iowa Market is a proud member of the Clarion Development Alliance, and in 2024, they celebrated their sixth business anniversary.

Granny's Iowa Market's commitment to providing the Clarion community with quality groceries and local products is clear. I want to congratulate Dawn and Tim Hamilton for their dedication to giving back and serving the Clarion 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 AERO Race Wheels of Estherville, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

AERO Race Wheels was founded by racing wheel manufacturing legend F.L. ``Skip'' Miller. Since 1995, AERO Race Wheels of Estherville, IA, has been a premier dirt and asphalt track wheel manufacturer. Skip took ownership of the company in 1998 with his wife Diane and moved their facilities to the current Estherville location in the same year. AERO Race Wheels offers a variety of racing wheels at an affordable price that are distributed throughout the United States and raced across the world. The steel wheels they manufacture are available in a variety of finishes and can be driven on asphalt, dirt, or both types of tracks.

AERO Race Wheels has played a key part in the history of NASCAR. From 1997 until 2021, AERO Race Wheels provided the steel racing wheels for the premier NASCAR Cup Series. Their 59 Series Wheel continues to be the wheel of choice for NASCAR's Grand National, Truck Series, and ARCA Series. NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty, Jimmie Johnson, and the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr., have all raced with AERO Race Wheels during their respective careers.

AERO Race Wheels is actively involved in the Estherville community. They are a member of the Estherville Chamber of Commerce and have been involved in the Avera Holy Family Hospital for several years. They have also been recognized for their contributions to the Iowa economy. In 2003, they received the Iowa Area Development Group's--IADG--Venture Award and were named a member of the IADG hall of fame. In 2023, AERO Race Wheels celebrated its 28th business anniversary.

AERO Race Wheel's commitment to providing high-quality racing wheels for the love of the sport is clear. I want to congratulate Skip and Diane Miller and the entire team at AERO Race Wheels for their amazing dedication to the racing industry. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

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 Family Foods of Tipton, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Family Foods was founded by Don Goetz in 1964 under the name Don's Big Value after purchasing the building location from his then- employer, the Benner Tea Company grocery store. Don started working at Benner Tea Company at the age of 14 and became the store's manager at the age of 18. From 1952 until 1954, Don served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean war. In its early history, the store's name was changed from Don's Big Value to Giant Foods until 1976, when the business adopted the Family Foods name. In 1985, Family Foods moved from its original location to 610 Cedar Street in Tipton. The store has seen two major renovation projects over the years, one in 1990 and the other in 2015.

Family Foods is an exemplary family business. In 2010, Don's son Mike Goetz purchased the store. Three generations of the Goetz family have worked at the Family Foods in Tipton, with Mike's son Brad now serving as co-owner. Many associates at the store have been part of the team for decades. Don Goetz passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of service, hard work, and dedication to his community.

The Family Foods team is actively involved in the Tipton community and have been recognized for their service. Brad previously served on the Tipton Community School District Board, and Mike served as the Tipton Chamber of Commerce president. Brad currently serves on the Tipton School Foundation Board.

In 2017, Brad was nationally recognized for his community service as the Eastern Iowa representative at the Jefferson Awards in Washington, DC. The Jefferson Awards are a national awards ceremony held annually celebrating community service and the people

helping their communities. While they were in Washington, Senator Grassley and I had the opportunity to meet Brad and the Goetz family. Family Foods is also actively involved in the Tipton Rotary Club and has supported both the fine arts and athletics programs in Tipton. Family Foods celebrated its 59th business anniversary in 2023.

Family Foods' commitment to providing quality groceries is clear. I want to congratulate Mike Goetz, Brad Goetz, and the entire team at Family Foods for their dedication to providing groceries and serving the Tipton 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 Tillies Quilts of Fort Dodge, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Driven by her dream of owning her own quilt shop, Jo Seltz founded Tillies Quilts in 2011 to serve both expert and novice quilters in Fort Dodge and the surrounding communities. Jo and her husband Rich are staples of the Fort Dodge community, with the couple also owning the Dariette ice cream shop since 2008 and Ardys Mae Coffee and Dessert since 2022.

Prior to opening Tillies Quilts, Jo spent over a decade as the youth director at St. Paul Lutheran Church from 1999 until 2010. Jo left her position at St. Paul Lutheran Church to focus on Tillies Quilts, aptly named after her Great Aunt Matilda ``Tillie'' Jacobs, who gifted Jo her first quilt. Tillies Quilts is a one-stop-shop for all of your quilting needs. They offer designer fabrics and patterns, quilt kits, quilt supplies, and quilting classes. Tillies Quilts also offers a block of the month club and hosts various social events. In February 2024, Tillies Quilts will host their Super Bowl Sunday quilting class where participants will make a 16-inch by 16-inch quilt block.

In addition to owning Tillies Quilts, Jo and Rich Seltz are actively involved in the Fort Dodge community. Jo currently serves as the president of the Blanden Charitable Foundation board of trustees, an organization promoting the Blanden Art Museum in Fort Dodge. Jo also serves as a trustee on the Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust, which promotes community involvement in the arts and preserves Fort Dodge's historic Ringland-Smeltzer home. Despite no longer serving as youth director, Jo has remained involved in the St. Paul Lutheran Church over the years. Tillies Quilts is a proud member of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, and in 2023, the team celebrated their 12th business anniversary. Great Aunt Matilda ``Tillie'' Jacobs passed away in 1994, but her legacy of hard work, kindness, and passion for quilting is honored at Tillies Quilts.

I want to congratulate Jo and Rich Seltz and the entire team at Tillies Quilts for their entrepreneurial spirit and diligent efforts to build a community for quilters in central Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Mr. President, Leader Schumer is blocking us from having an important and timely debate on Biden's unlawful, immoral policy to use tax dollars intended for our national defense to pay for abortions.

The world is imploding because of Biden's failed leadership and weakness, and our country is under greater threat than it has been in years. Meanwhile, the Biden Department of Defense is waging a war on the unborn.

I never back down from a fight, and Democrats' tactics will not deter my work to stop Biden from forcing the Pentagon to provide transportation tourism for abortion with taxpayers' hard-earned money.

As a mom, soon-to-be grandma, and 23-year combat veteran and retired lieutenant colonel of our great U.S. Army, I firmly believe the Pentagon should be focusing on protecting innocent life, not destroying it. That is why I have led the legislation to overturn this abhorrent policy and why I am here today to continue my fight for life.

Congress has been clear for nearly half a century: The Hyde amendment protects taxpayers from being forced to fund abortions, and that includes the Department of Defense.

Senator Schumer should stop obstructing the world's greatest deliberative body from debating this important, longstanding issue.

A ``yes'' vote on this motion would allow me to offer the House- passed, pro-life provisions similar to my own bill. Including these protections in the Defense bill would restore the DoD's mission integrity by preventing any taxpayer funding for Biden's radical abortion tourism, including travel costs.

America is being threatened by adversaries at home and abroad. Why are President Biden and Leader Schumer dividing us with their radical abortion agenda?

This is a moment where we should all stand united in the defense of our Nation. Let's do so today.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote yes to defeat Schumer's gross attempt to silence our voices and those of the unborn.

Motion to Table Amendment No. 1373

Mr. President, I move to table the Schumer amendment No. 1373 for the purposes of offering my amendment numbered 1376, and I ask for the yeas and nays.

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 Muddy Dog Market and Grill of Unionville, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded by husband and wife duo Regina and Darrell Sarmento in 2023, Muddy Dog Market and Grill offers dine-in and takeout food options, groceries, and entertainment in Unionville. The Sarmentos opened Muddy Dog Market and Grill to provide quality dining and groceries to residents of Appanoose, Monroe, Davis, and Wapello Counties. For dine- in food options, Muddy Dog Market and Grill offers artisanal pizzas, smash burgers, soups, salads, appetizers, and weekly specials. The drink menu at Muddy Dog Market and Grill is unique, with drinks named after the family's ``muddy dogs.'' In addition to the market and grill, they also provide live music events and offer party rental services.

Muddy Dog Market and Grill is actively involved in the Unionville community. Regina grew up in Iowa but met Darrell in Sacramento, CA, where they both were living at the time. They moved to Iowa in 2009, with Darrell working as executive director of the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce from 2010 until 2014 and the Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce from 2017 until 2021. In addition to running Muddy Dog Market and Grill with his wife, Darrell serves as a small business counselor at the Indian Hills Community College Small Business Development Center. In this position, he helps other small businesses grow and develop. Prior to owning and running Muddy Dog Market and Grill, Regina spent years working in restaurants and as a behavioral health professional. The Sarmentos are actively involved in their church, using the proceeds from their recycled bottles to benefit youth services. Muddy Dog Market and Grill actively employs high school students in the Moravia and Moulton-Udell School Districts. The Sarmentos serve as mentors to the students, helping the next generation gain practical skills in the workplace. This Veterans Day, Muddy Dog Market and Grill offered a Vets Dine Free Day, with live music and free meals for local veterans.

Muddy Dog Market and Grill's commitment to providing quality food and groceries at great prices in Unionville, IA, is clear. I want to congratulate Regina and Darrell Sarmento and the entire team at Muddy Dog Market and Grill for their continued dedication to south central Iowans. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.