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 Grant Ranch Grub & Pub of Keokuk County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Originally founded in the late 1960s in Marengo by Duane and Mary Grant, the Grant Ranch is known for remaining true to local traditions and as a community gathering spot. After changing locations over the decades, Grant Ranch was revived in Sigourney in 2003 by their daughter Sherry Fisher. Today, the Grant Ranch legacy lives on through the Grant family's first-born grandchild Danette Meyer, who restored and reopened the establishment as Grant Ranch Grub & Pub on Sigourney Square. With its full-service dining experience, the restaurant quickly became a local favorite, carrying forward a family legacy rooted in Iowa hospitality.

Danette Meyer brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience in the hospitality industry after working in nearly every role in the restaurant industry before reopening Grant Ranch Grub & Pub. When she relaunched it during the COVID-19 pandemic while raising five children, Danette demonstrated extraordinary resilience and commitment to her community. With a team of four employees, the business supports local jobs while contributing to the vibrancy of Sigourney and the broader Keokuk County community. Backed by the support of her family and the local community, Danette led an extensive renovation of the property, transforming it into a welcoming space offering full-service dining, catering, and private event rentals. The restaurant hosts themed events throughout each month and offers a popular ``Try It Tuesday,'' showcasing a new sandwich each week. Menu favorites include the haystacks, their signature take on onion rings, the Frisco Melt, and a variety of all-beef hot dogs.

Beyond its role as a local gathering place, Grant Ranch Grub & Pub plays an active role in supporting the Sigourney community. Danette regularly gives back by mentoring youth and individuals with disabilities to help prepare them for future employment, as well as providing meals for local schools and community organizations. Her dedication to service and leadership has earned recognition across Iowa, including being named one of the Iowa Restaurant Association's 2025 ``40 Women to Watch'' in the hospitality industry. Grant Ranch was also awarded Best Pub & Bar on Restaurant Guru in 2025 and is a proud member of the Keokuk County Economic Development Group and the Iowa Restaurant Association. Through its emphasis on family tradition and community involvement, Grant Ranch Grub & Pub exemplifies the spirit of small business in Iowa.

I am pleased to recognize Danette Meyer, along with the entire team at Grant Grub & Pub, for their dedication to Sigourney and Keokuk County. I look forward to their continued 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, as a combat veteran who deployed to the Middle East, I serve to protect America, not just then but always. And I stand strongly with our Commander in Chief as he acts on behalf of the safety and security of Americans.

The Iranian regime has been threatening, targeting, and taking the lives of our citizens for 47 years. Yet President Obama gave the regime billions to enrich uranium and obtain weapons used against our own servicemembers. And President Biden's appeasement strategy continued to fuel and fund Iran's proxy terrorism.

Enough is enough.

This weekend, President Trump took decisive action so neither Iran nor its proxies can ever take another one of our citizen's lives. And the objective is clear: Ensure no American has to live under the threat of Iran-backed terror again.

Like every American, I have no desire to see a long, drawn-out war, but this mission is worthy of being completed.

God bless our servicemembers around the world who are bravely and selflessly carrying out this noble endeavor.

When I served in Iraq and Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, each day I put on my boots, I donned my Kevlar, and I stood shoulder to shoulder with my fellow Iowa National Guardsmen, unsure of what the day ahead would bring. But I knew it was my responsibility, as a company commander, to help my men and women stay focused when we were surrounded by chaos. And that remains my prayer for every single one of our men and women in uniform who are working to end Iran-backed terror.

Our Nation is still grappling with the news that six courageous heroes, including those from Des Moines' 103rd Sustainment Command and young Iowan SGT Declan J. Coady of West Des Moines, were killed in action.

These young men and women gave their lives in support of a noble mission: protecting their fellow Americans and keeping our homeland secure. Our Nation owes them an incredible debt of gratitude. It is one that can never be repaid.

But as their fellow brothers and sisters in uniform carry out the mission to ensure we never lose another American to Iran-backed terror, their sacrifice to protect our Nation is not and will not ever be in vain.

Every American life is precious, and in Iran's decades-long pursuit of creating chaos around the globe, too many of our servicemembers have been killed.

In 1979, militants backed by Iran's regime seized 66 Americans from the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held them hostage for 444 days. Eight U.S. servicemembers were killed attempting to rescue them.

In 1983, Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists drove a truck bomb into a Marine barracks in Beirut, killing 220 marines, 18 Navy sailors, and 3 Army soldiers.

In January 2024, a drone launched by Iran-backed Hezbollah killed three U.S. soldiers at Tower 22 in Jordan. Those soldiers were engineers from the 718th Engineer Company out of Georgia. It is one of my former companies.

And no one can forget October 7, 2023, when Iran-backed Hamas terrorists massacred more than 1,200 men, women, and children-- including nearly 50 Americans--and they took 12 of our U.S. citizens hostage.

I was in the region that night and immediately went to Israel, where I witnessed the effects of Iran's brutality up close.

Make no mistake, folks, when Iran's leaders chant ``Death to America,'' they mean it.

Our adversaries must 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.

Already, President Trump's ``peace through strength'' efforts are working. Iran's Supreme Leader and over 40 senior Iranian regime leaders have been wiped out. Their weapons systems, their navy, and their nuclear ambitions are being demolished. And our President, Donald J. Trump, is bringing the region together, united against their common enemy, Iran.

Since October 7, I have traveled to the Middle East more than 10 times in pursuit of peace, and I have heard firsthand from leaders across the Middle East for years about their fears of Iran and its proxies.

While a more peaceful world was always the goal, as long as the Iranian regime and its proxies existed, it seemed far from reality.

This week, Iran launched sustained attacks at our partners, thinking they would fracture our relationships in that region. They thought wrong. Instead, our partners have been brought together. They know who the real enemy is, and they have told me they stand with the United States and they support our actions. These are our Arab friends in the region. For too long, they have also lived under the threat of the Iranian regime and are ready for a region where peace and prosperity can finally take hold.

And we know a safer Middle East means a safer world.

Iowans are no strangers to the consequences of the chaos in the Middle East, which is why I want to bring an end to it.

In December, two Iowa National Guardsman--Staff Sergeants Nate Howard and Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar--were killed by terrorists in Syria. Shortly after, in January, I visited the Iowa troops that were stationed in the region, including the unit that our staff sergeants came from, and I had one simple but very important message for them: Their noble mission matters.

The work our men and women are doing overseas is helping keep the American homeland safe, but now is our opportunity to bring an end to the decades of chaos--the sooner the better. While the power to declare war exclusively rests with Congress, the responsibility to defend our Nation and our homeland is in the hands of our Commander in Chief.

And don't forget, Congress holds the power of the purse. Yet, at this very moment, the Department of Homeland Security is shut down by Senate Democrats who are blocking its funding. This is a dangerous time for a political stunt. We don't know if there are terrorist sleeper cells waiting to avenge the death of the Ayatollah, or even lone radicals. Consider, a gunman who killed two in Austin, TX, on Sunday was wearing a T-shirt featuring an Iranian flag, and a Virginia mosque less than an hour's drive away from this very Capitol honored the ``martyrdom'' of the Ayatollah this week.

While I appreciate the gentleman from Virginia's interest in exercising Congress' war powers, I would urge all of my Democrat colleagues to get behind those who are at this moment defending our Nation.

We have already lost too many lives at the hands of Iran, but as long as the Iranian regime chants ``Death to America,'' the lives of our citizens will continue to be threatened.

Mr. President, 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 Sunset Scoops of Shelby County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in April 2025 by Jeremy and Tina Schechinger, Sunset Scoops is a small, family-owned business rooted in a passion for service and its community. Inspired by a desire to create a welcoming and fun environment for their four children and neighbors, the Schechingers opened Sunset Scoops in downtown Harlan as a gathering place where residents could connect and enjoy a fun treat together. Tina, a physician by day and a proud ``scooperista'' by night, drew inspiration from memories of working at a local cookie shop as a teenager and the joy that comes from creating special moments for others. Her vision for Sunset Scoops is a product of that lifelong dream, offering a space where families can make memories just as Tina once did.

Tina chose the name Sunset Scoops because she wanted to provide Harlan with a place open past sunset, giving people the opportunity to enjoy themselves after work or a movie, something rare in a small town. Since opening its doors, the business has embraced its role as a community gathering space by hosting seasonal celebrations and participating in local events that bring families and neighbors together. Recently, the shop offered a ``12 Days of Ice Cream'' box set for Christmas and hosted a New Year's party for Harlan to celebrate as a community. The shop also provides a variety of board games, giving families and friends another way to enjoy time together.

Today, Sunset Scoops operates as a local ice cream shop offering a wide variety of sweet treats, including banana splits, sundaes, root beer floats, donuts, milkshakes, and their best-selling specialty, ice cream nachos. The shop strives to be a nut-free facility, accommodating patrons with food allergies and providing options for folks with dietary restrictions. With a team of 10 employees, the business contributes to the vibrancy of Harlan's downtown and the broader Shelby County community. Through regular promotions and community-focused initiatives, Sunset Scoops demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the families and residents who support local small businesses. The business offers birthday parties, curbside pickup for a cozy night in, and discounted specials throughout the week.

Beyond providing scoops for the Shelby County community, Sunset Scoops is a club- level member of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Tina and Jeremy are also board members of the Harlan community athletic booster club. In its first year, Sunset Scoops has become more than a place to enjoy desserts; it has become a space where memories are made and community bonds are strengthened. Its story is a reminder that small businesses play an essential role in enriching local communities and sustaining rural economies.

I am pleased to recognize Jeremy and Tina Schechinger, along with the entire team at Sunset Scoops, for their dedication to Harlan and Shelby County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Mr. President, I rise today as the Senate puts small business first in America's innovation program and gives them the certainty they need to build and grow.

For too long, our Nation's seed fund programs, SBIR and STTR, have been allowed to prioritize a few large companies over truly small businesses. Until now, these programs received blank checks to squander tax dollars meant to advance innovation in our national interest and have not protected taxpayer-funded technologies from foreign influence.

When confronted with this unacceptable status quo, I knew Congress could work together to find a solution for our truly small businesses. After working across the aisle and with our small businesses, we now have the necessary reforms to strengthen America's seed fund while unleashing small businesses to deliver for taxpayers and our warfighters.

Together, our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will ensure awardees safeguard tech against Chinese espionage, hold recipients accountable to actually producing cutting-edge technologies and capabilities--no more blank checks--require for the first time an annual limit on applications to prioritize truly small businesses over large companies who know how to game the system, establish the first of its kind strategic breakthrough awards, and, finally, provide taxpayers with transparency into who receives these awards.

These changes were necessary, and we are taking the time to absolutely get it right. And, tonight, I am proud the Senate is unanimously passing these long-overdue updates for innovators.

And at this time I would like to yield the floor to my ranking member on the Small Business Committee Senator Markey.

Mr. President, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 3971, which is at the desk.

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time.

I know of no further debate on the bill.

I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

I understand there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

I now ask for a second reading, and in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 3377, which was received from the House.

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 7194 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

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, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 7211 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

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, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 6644, postcloture, and at 11 a.m., all time be expired and the Senate vote on the motion to proceed; further, that if Senator Kaine makes a motion to discharge S.J. Res. 104, the Senate vote on the motion at 4 p.m.

Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order following the remarks of Senator Klobuchar.

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 Dayton Meat Products of Poweshiek County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Established in 1959 by Lawrence Dayton, Dayton Meat Products, originally known as the Malcom Locker, is one of the most respected and well-known meat processors in Iowa. From the beginning, the business embodied the values of a true family operation. Over the past 67 years, Lawrence's wife Edith and their five children all contributed to the success of the business. In 1994, the family moved to South Malcolm and built their current facility, which includes a slaughterhouse, garage, smokehouse, cutting rooms, and retail store. This custom meat- processing business now includes jerky, deer, sandwiches, homemade pies, and catering services. Today, they process more than 700 hogs and 45,000 pounds of game meat each year. Customers are welcome to bring in their own cattle, hogs, or deer and purchase through Dayton, working closely with the team to create custom cuts and smoked products.

In 1999, Lawrence retired and passed the business on to his sons Bill and David and son-in-law Mark Lang. Today, Bill Dayton and his two sons Josh and Jake continue to own and operate the business, proudly upholding Lawrence's legacy. Under their leadership and with a dedicated team of 15 employees, including two American Association of Meat Processors master meat crafters, Dayton Meat Products has earned widespread recognition for its award-winning dried beef, bacon, ham, and jerky.

Beyond their traditional services, Dayton Meat Products is known for its creativity and innovation. They are particularly recognized for their cheddar and cranberry summer sausage and their gummy bear bratwurst, which all quickly became best sellers. The business has received numerous awards at the American Association of Meat Processors--AAMP--convention, the Poweshiek County Fair, and the Iowa State Fair. Most recently, they were named the Grand Champion for semi- boneless ham at the AAMP Convention's American Cured Meat Championship. Bill Dayton is also well known throughout Malcolm for sharing his knowledge with new entrepreneurs. To recognize his contributions, Bill was honored in 2012 with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Iowa Meat Processors Association. In 2015, he was inducted into the Cured Meats Hall of Fame under the American Association of Meat Processors.

Dayton Meat Products values the importance of giving back to the community. They regularly donate to the local food bank, recognizing their products as an important commodity for those in need. They also support the local fire department and were recognized by the Grinnell Lions Club with the Ag Appreciation Day Agri-Business of the Year Award.

It is my honor to recognize Dayton Meat Products for their outstanding contributions and presence in the Malcolm community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years to come.

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 Heart `n Home of Pocahontas County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in 1992, Heart `n Home began with Julie Wurr's simple desire to create something beautiful that brought joy, comfort, and inspiration to others. After participating in 4 years of craft shows, this hobby soon grew into something much larger. Thanks to the enthusiastic encouragement of customers and family, Julie and her husband Bill transformed their garage into a small storefront, marking the official start of Heart `n Home's journey as a local floral and gift destination.

In the early 2000s, Heart `n Home made a pivotal move to downtown Laurens, IA, where the shop continues to thrive today. The small business has evolved over the years and grown to include entertaining and home decor, silk and dried arrangements, gourmet foods, and an ever-changing selection of unique gifts. Heart `n Home's reputation bloomed as both a floral studio and a welcoming boutique filled with creativity and warmth.

Most recently, Heart `n Home brought fresh floral arrangements into its lineup, further elevating the services offered. Julie specializes in couture arrangements, which are carefully crafted pieces that reflect the individual personality and story of the person receiving them.

Over 33 years, Heart `n Home has expanded from a garage-based floral shop into a distinctive retail experience defined by artistic expression, innovation, and personal service. With a dedicated team of five employees, the store continues to adapt to changing trends and customer needs while remaining deeply rooted in the values on which it was built.

Heart `n Home is also an active part of the local community, participating in organizations such as Pocahontas County Economic Development and Iowa State University Extension. In 2018, Heart `n Home was named the Pocahontas County Business of the Year. Julie is also the president of the Laurens Public Library Foundation and is a part of the Laurens Chamber of Commerce.

Julie Wurr's vision has shaped Heart `n Home into a thriving small business that not only delivers flowers and gifts, but has created meaningful, memorable experiences. Today, Heart `n Home stands as a shining example of how creativity, dedication, and heartfelt service can transform a small, homegrown idea into a longstanding community treasure.

It is my honor to recognize Julie Wurr and the entire Heart `n Home team for their outstanding work and dedication to their 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 the Mescher family's collection of retail clothing businesses in Plymouth County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

This successful group of clothing shops got its start in 2013 when Jill Mescher founded Sugar N Spice in downtown Le Mars. As a mother of three with a passion for fashion, she set out to create a children's boutique that reflected the individual styles of her own children. What began as a trunk show turned into a small retail shop before transforming into a trusted destination for families in search of clothes to mark life's important moments.

As the business grew, Jill encountered a challenge unique to children's stores: Her customers were growing up. Rather than letting those relationships fade, she expanded to continue growing alongside her clients. In 2021, Jill launched Lily Zita as a teen boutique designed to serve young customers transitioning out of Sugar N Spice.

Then, in 2024, Jill and her husband Chad added menswear to their portfolio when they reopened the former Claussen's store as Mescher's Clothing. The newest addition to the business provides services including men's apparel, tuxedo rentals, and dry cleaning, all of which are often difficult to find in rural areas.

Today, the Mescher family retail businesses collectively serve children, teens, and adults, operating as a family-owned small business ecosystem. Thanks to a team of dedicated employees, the storefronts are active contributors to downtown Le Mars. The Meschers represent a unique example of how small businesses can grow while maintaining personalized service and strong community ties.

Beyond their retail success, the Meschers are deeply engaged in the Plymouth County community. They are active members of the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce, where Jill serves on the board. Their businesses regularly participate in community events, including collaborative fashion shows organized with other downtown small businesses and the Le Mars Bridal Show, where Mescher's Clothing showcases formalwear and tuxedo options for men. The Meschers' leadership and service have earned them well-deserved recognition. In 2024, Jill was named the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce's Boss of the Quarter. In the same year, Jill and Chad were also honored as KLEM Radio's Citizens of the Day.

From a single children's boutique to a family of downtown storefronts serving multiple generations, the Meschers exemplify the ingenuity and dedication to community that define Iowa's small businesses.

It is my honor to recognize Jill and Chad Mescher and the entire team behind Sugar N Spice, Lily Zita, and Mescher's Clothing for their dedication to their community and continued contributions to Main Street Iowa. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor a fellow Iowan and an exemplary leader, GEN James J. Mingus, upon his retirement from the U.S. Army after more than four decades of distinguished service to our Nation.

Born in Spencer, IA, General Mingus was instilled with strong midwestern values of hard work, service, grit, and teamwork.

Long before he wore four stars on his shoulders, General Mingus took up the call to service, in 1981, in the same way that so many of us did. He enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard. It was there that he learned the mundane tasks of a young soldier, at that time--shining black leather boots, making sure your uniform was ready for those weekend drills in a blustery cold Iowa. But he also learned the more impactful lessons in the National Guard, such as leadership and teamwork and caring for the brother to the left and right of you. His focus, even as a young soldier, was always on people.

In 1985, he earned his commission in Field Artillery at the Winona State University Reserve Officers' Training Corps. When he entered Active Duty, 2 years later, he transitioned to the Infantry.

From the outset, General Mingus' trajectory took him through some of the Army's most demanding assignments. He commanded and served in positions that required courage, initiative, and an unwavering sense of duty. Those early assignments prepared him for service in the 75th Ranger Regiment, where he served as an operations officer and later commanded the 4th Ranger Training Battalion, helping to shape the Army's toughest trainees into elite warriors.

Throughout his career, General Mingus was repeatedly entrusted with greater responsibility. This was a reflection of the confidence placed in him by soldiers and senior leaders alike. Over the course of his career, General Mingus deployed not once, not twice--nope--not 5 times, not even 10. General Mingus deployed 12 times to Iraq and Afghanistan, repeatedly placing himself along soldiers in harm's way and earning the enduring respect of those whom he led.

He went on to serve in key staff roles at U.S. Central Command and the Joint Special Operations Command, where his strategic insight helped to guide complex and high-risk missions.

In August 2018, General Mingus assumed command of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg--one of the Army's most storied divisions. Through these experiences and as a testament to his dedication and leadership, he was selected to serve as the 39th Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and was promoted to the rank of four-star general. In that role, he has served as the Army's second highest ranking officer, helping to oversee the readiness, modernization, and the strategic direction of our Nation's land forces.

But beyond rank and assignments, those who have served under him will tell you that General Mingus' greatest legacy is his focus on people-- on soldiers and their families, on mentorship--and on ensuring that the Army remains lethal, ready, and grounded in its core values. His journey from an enlisted Iowa Army National Guardsman to Vice Chief of Staff of the Army is a powerful example for every young man or woman of how great our American opportunity is.

On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my deepest thanks to GEN James J. Mingus for his extraordinary service and sacrifice.

I also have a profound appreciation for Amy, his wife, who has such a tremendous and beautiful spirit, and for their family, whose support made this remarkable career possible.

As he moves into his next chapter, his legacy will endure in the strength of the U.S. Army and in the countless soldiers who are better leaders and better Americans because they served alongside him and under him.

God bless you, GEN Jay Mingus, and thank you for your service and sacrifice to our great U.S. Army and to our great United States of America.

I yield the floor.