Floor Statements

Mr. President, today, I honor the distinguished service and long career of GEN James J. Mingus, a native of Spencer, IA, who devoted more than four decades to the defense of the United States and to the soldiers he led. His career is defined by unwavering service, decisive leadership, and command at the highest levels of the Army.

Commissioned through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, General Mingus rose from company-level command to the Army's highest echelons, ultimately serving as Vice Chief of Staff during a period of extraordinary global challenge and strategic competition. Throughout his career, General Mingus exemplified the very best of the U.S. Army. He commanded at every level, including some of the Army's most elite and demanding formations, consistently placing readiness, discipline, and warfighting excellence at the center of his leadership. From airborne and expeditionary operations to senior institutional command, his steady judgment, operational credibility, and decisive leadership earned the trust of soldiers, commanders, and civilian leaders alike.

As Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, General Mingus played a central role in sustaining and enhancing soldier performance, readiness, advancing modernization, and ensuring the Army met its global responsibilities while taking care of soldiers and families. Those who served with him often describe him as a leader who spoke plainly, listened carefully, and treated responsibility as something to be borne personally. Generations of the soldiers who watched him lead now carry his habits and example into commands of their own. Jim Mingus exemplifies the very best of the U.S. Army.

On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my deepest thanks to GEN James J. Mingus for his extraordinary service, sacrifice, and leadership. As he concludes this remarkable chapter of service, we wish him, his family, and loved ones continued success and fulfillment in the years ahead. His legacy will endure in the strength, professionalism, and readiness of the U.S. Army.

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 Cobblestone Ballroom & Event Center of Buena Vista County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Originally built in 1929 as part of the historic Cobblestone Inn overlooking Storm Lake, Cobblestone Ballroom & Event Center has long served as a gathering place for celebrations and community events in northwest Iowa. Despite a fire in 1945 that destroyed much of the original building, the ballroom endured and continued to host performances and gatherings for decades. The space remained preserved with original furnishing and memorabilia even after they closed their doors in November 1986. In 2022, Cobblestone entered a new chapter when Natalie and Nathan Schumann, along with Jennifer and Chad Hustedt, purchased the building and began an extensive renovation. After restoring the property, they opened the restaurant in early 2023. That fall, they were able to reopen the ballroom itself, returning a longstanding community landmark to active use. Today, the business is operated by a team of 30 employees, with staffing levels adjusted seasonally to meet demand.

Cobblestone serves as a full-service event venue offering live music, trivia nights, themed events, weddings, and private gatherings. In addition to the main ballroom, the property includes the Mermaid Room, a renovated space frequently rented for business meetings, birthday parties, wedding ceremonies, and receptions. The venue continues to open in stages as renovations progress, with the owners focused on expanding their ability to serve the community. Alongside the ballroom, the owners operate the on-site Cobb Tavern, which serves as the venue's food and beverage space. The tavern's menu features pizza as its primary offering, along with nachos, wings, subs, salads, and a full bar with beer, wine, and liquor. The tavern provides a place for patrons to gather and serves as an integral part of the Cobblestone experience.

Beyond hosting events, Cobblestone is actively engaged in the Storm Lake community. The business is a member of Storm Lake United, the area's chamber of commerce, where Natalie serves on the board of directors. In 2025, Cobblestone proudly hosted Storm Lake United's annual meeting and awards ceremony, where they received both the Storm Lake United Community Attraction and Tourism and New Business Recognition awards. Through the Schumanns and Hustedts' strong leadership and continued investment, Cobblestone has returned an important gathering place to Buena Vista County.

It is my honor to recognize the Schumanns and Hustedts, along with the entire Cobblestone team, for their commitment to restoring and operating this historic venue. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the best of luck in the years to come.

Mr. President, last Friday, thousands of Americans and many Iowans braved nearly freezing temperatures to join this year's March for Life. I stand united with them in a simple truth: Life is a gift worth protecting.

This isn't just a political belief for me; it is deeply personal. When I first became a mother and more recently a grandmother, holding my daughter and my grandson in my arms and watching them grow will always be cherished moments for me.

I want to protect and preserve this same experience for young mothers everywhere, which is why I am thankful for the folks who gather year after year at the March for Life to call for action on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves--the unborn.

For years, I worked alongside their mission and called on the Supreme Court to protect the constitutional right to life. On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court answered, returning these decisions to voters on a State-by-State basis.

Several States, including my home State of Iowa, led by Governor Reynolds, took a strong stance and protected babies from the moment doctors detect a fetal heartbeat.

Unfortunately, the number of abortions across the country has generally increased since 2022. Another sad truth is that I must use the word ``generally.'' There is not a single, complete set of abortion data publicly reported for all 50 States. No one is keeping count. The sanctity of life in our Nation deserves better. My Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act will require all 50 States to be transparent about the number of abortions. This way, we can ensure no life is ever ignored, hidden, or forgotten.

On this solemn note, one thing is clear: Our work on behalf of the unborn is far from over. As I continue to protect and preserve the life-changing experience of becoming a mother, I want mothers and families to know they are supported in pregnancy and beyond, no matter their situation. For these families and the folks who help them grow, I am doing my part in the Senate by increasing access to affordable, high-quality childcare so working parents can rest assured their little ones are well cared for.

As I continue to fight for the most vulnerable, I am proud to support the Life at Conception Act to explicitly recognize and protect an unborn child's right to life. Each and every one of us was given this incredible gift. When we honor the dignity of every human being, we give them the chance to become loving sons and daughters, neighbors and leaders.

As we work toward a nation where every life is protected, every family is supported, and we can all say with confidence that life is a gift worth protecting, I hope that every American will join me in the fight for the inalienable right to life.

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 The Coffee Grounds of Monroe County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in October 2023, The Coffee Grounds is a family-owned, veteran-owned small business created to serve the Albia community. For years, residents shared that they wanted a convenient place to grab a quality cup of coffee early in the morning on their way to work. That message was echoed through Main Street Albia and within the Chamber of Commerce, where community members consistently expressed hope for a drive-through coffee option. Listening closely to their neighbors, two local couples, Tyler and Jenny Boley and Wes and Randell Aeschliman, came together to turn that dream into a reality for Monroe County.

Today, The Coffee Grounds operates as both a drive-through and walk- in coffee shop, opening early every day of the week to serve customers before the workday begins. The business offers a wide variety of beverages and treats, including coffee, espresso drinks, teas, energy drinks, smoothies, lemonades, and sweet breakfast items. The Coffee Grounds proudly sources its espresso and coffee beans from producers in Iowa and features baked goods prepared fresh by local Iowa bakers. With a team of seven employees, The Coffee Grounds has quickly become a daily stop for commuters, families, and neighbors, while contributing to the local economy of Monroe County.

The owners of The Coffee Grounds are deeply invested in their community and exemplify the spirit of local leadership. Tyler Boley is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and serves as president of Welcome Home Soldier, an organization dedicated to honoring veterans and supporting military families. All four owners are actively involved in volunteering with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Albia, youth sports programs, the volunteer fire department, and the Rotary Club, where Wes serves as president. Beyond the coffee shop, the owners also operate additional local businesses, including insurance and real estate enterprises. Through these efforts, they continue to invest in the long-term vitality of Main Street Albia while preserving the character of their community and creating new opportunities for residents.

In just a short time, The Coffee Grounds has become more than a place to grab a cup of coffee, it has become a gathering point that reflects the values of service and community connection. By listening to their neighbors and investing back into Albia, the owners have strengthened Main Street and demonstrated the lasting impact small businesses can have in rural communities.

I am pleased to recognize the Boleys, the Aeschlimans, and the entire team at The Coffee Grounds for their dedication to Monroe County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor LeRette Funeral Chapel of Montgomery County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in 1914, LeRette Funeral Chapel began with a mission rooted in service, compassion, and community care. Established originally as the Perryman Funeral Chapel in downtown Red Oak by Raymond and Gertrude Perryman, the business was created to provide families with dignified, respectful support during life's most difficult moments. With a dedicated team of two full-time and three part-time employees, the chapel has become a place where families turn for guidance and comfort. Over the decades, the funeral chapel transitioned through family ownership, reflecting the evolving needs of the community it served. In

1951, Ted and Ann Nelson assumed ownership and constructed a new chapel, expanding its capacity while preserving its personal, family- focused approach. In 1971, Mike and Erin Boylan continued that tradition, strengthening the chapel's role as a dependable presence for generations of Montgomery County families.

In 2001, Brian LeRette, who had worked at the funeral chapel for years, and his wife Dawn became the fourth family to own the business, renaming it LeRette Funeral Chapel. Under their leadership, the chapel has continued to provide personalized and affordable services, including burial and cremation options, meaningful memorial keepsakes, and dedicated support for veterans and their families. For many in southwest Iowa, LeRette Funeral Chapel is not simply a service provider, but a trusted partner during times of loss, known for treating every family with kindness, patience, dignity, and respect. Though tested by hardship in 2023, when a fire destroyed the chapel's facility, the LeRette family remained steadfast in their mission to serve. With resilience and determination, they rebuilt and reopened a new location in 2025, ensuring Montgomery County families continued to have access to compassionate, professional care.

Beyond their professional service, Brian and Dawn LeRette are deeply invested in the civic life of southwest Iowa and are involved in local organizations, including the Montgomery County Fair, Red Oak Chamber of Commerce, school booster programs, and faith-based initiatives. Brian has served in leadership roles with the Montgomery County Fair Board, City of Red Oak Low Rent Housing, and the Heritage Foundation, while also supporting local arts, youth athletics, and healthcare initiatives. Dawn has spent decades supporting youth and community development through her leadership with 4-H, the Montgomery County Fair, and local service organizations, earning recognition for her long-standing commitment to mentoring the next generation. Together, the LeRettes are known for their generosity and hands-on support of community and school projects across southwest Iowa, reflecting their belief that small businesses succeed best when communities are strong.

It is my honor to recognize Brian and Dawn LeRette and the entire LeRette Funeral Chapel team for their dedication to Montgomery County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Z's Pizza & Diner of Bremer County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in early 1972, Z's Pizza & Diner of Waverly, IA, which was formerly named Z's Restaurant & Lounge, is a family-owned and family- style restaurant built on hard work and commitment to quality. For more than five decades, Z's Pizza has served as a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors, earning a reputation for outstanding hospitality and made-from-scratch food. Z's is especially known for its handcrafted pizzas, featuring dough and sauce recipes passed down through generations, including an Iowa staple: taco pizza. With a dedicated team of 23 employees, the restaurant continues to play an important role in Waverly's local economy.

Christopher and Joy Carney, the current owners of Z's Pizza & Diner, purchased the restaurant from Christopher's uncle Dean Carney in 2018. Since then, they have worked diligently to preserve the restaurant's long-standing traditions while thoughtfully guiding it through new challenges and opportunities. During the pandemic, the Carneys made the difficult decision to relocate from its longtime Waterloo location to its current home in downtown Waverly. After 47 years in Waterloo, Z's proudly reopened in Waverly in 2022, marking a new chapter in its history. Their leadership, resilience, and commitment to customer service ensured that Z's remains a trusted and cherished cornerstone of the community.

Since opening at its current location, Z's has continued to grow. In 2025, the business was awarded Main Street Iowa's Open 4 Business Grant, which supports small businesses investing in new equipment, technology, and expanded services to better meet customers' needs. In addition to its restaurant operations, Z's also offers catering services for family gatherings, corporate events, and community celebrations, further extending its impact throughout Bremer County.

Z's Pizza is a proud member of the Waverly Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Iowa Program and remains deeply committed to giving back. In addition to launching a charitable initiative offering free meal coupons for individuals experiencing food insecurity, the restaurant regularly hosts and supports community events and gatherings to bring neighbors together. Through accessible online ordering and catering services, Z's Pizza continues to serve local families and organizations, reflecting the Carney family's belief that small businesses have a responsibility to care for their neighbors and strengthen the community they call home.

It is my honor to recognize Christopher and Joy Carney and the entire Z's Pizza & Diner 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 Kinetic Technologies of Kossuth County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in 2021 by Mark and Betsy Barglof, Kinetic Technologies began as a small custom manufacturing and fabrication shop in Algona, IA. Initially focused on machining, custom tooling, and prototype development, the company quickly earned a reputation for practical, reliable solutions to everyday production challenges. Their early commitment to craftsmanship and problem solving laid the foundation for its evolution into a trusted manufacturing partner.

Under the leadership of founder and president Mark Barglof, an experienced engineer and Small Business Administration-certified veteran business owner, Kinetic accelerated its growth and sharpened its focus. Mark's technical expertise, hands-on industry experience, and the discipline and integrity shaped by his military background helped define the company's culture. His vision guided Kinetic's transition from a traditional fabrication shop to an advanced automation firm built for modern manufacturing needs, supporting greater efficiency. Working alongside him, business manager Betsy Barglof strengthened the company's operational backbone with a people- centered approach that positioned Kinetic for sustainable growth. Her leadership in business operations, customer relationships, and internal processes has ensured that the company's drive for innovation is matched by stability, reliability, and exemplary service.

Today, Kinetic Technologies is recognized for innovative robotic welding systems and custom automation solutions and is proud to serve as a FANUC Authorized System Integrator. Backed by a dedicated team of 15 employees, the company provides end-to-end services, including design consultation, simulation, custom fixtures and tooling, system installation, and on-site employee training. Whether manufacturers need complete robotic work cells, automated welding solutions, or specialized equipment integration, Kinetic delivers systems engineered to address real production challenges and bring measurable improvement.

Kinetic Technologies also remains deeply committed to its community as a member of the Algona Chamber of Commerce, by supporting a robotics class at the local high school, and through providing job shadowing and internship opportunities for students interested in engineering. The company also partners with the local Future Farmers of America chapter, helping inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.

From its origins as a small fabrication shop to its role as a modern automation integrator, Kinetic Technologies demonstrates how innovation, adaptability, and strong leadership can propel a small business into a nationally respected industry player, shaping a lasting impact on the manufacturing landscape.

It is my honor to recognize Mark and Betsy Barglof and the entire Kinetic Technologies 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 Centerville Produce of Appanoose County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in 1951 and purchased by the Stober family in 1954, Centerville Produce began as a small, family-run operation selling cream, eggs, and livestock feed. Located in Centerville, IA, the business quickly became a trusted spot for local farmers and residents. In 1995, Ryan Stober, a veteran deeply committed to his community, purchased the business from his grandfather, carrying on the family legacy while expanding the company's reach and offerings. Earlier this year, the business transitioned to longtime employee Mike Spurgeon through a thoughtful succession plan that ensures the Centerville Produce's core mission will continue. Ryan remains actively involved, providing guidance as the business enters its next chapter.

Over the years, Centerville Produce grew from a modest feed store into one of Iowa's premier agricultural retail outlets. Today, the store offers a wide variety of livestock feed, animal nutrition products, pet food, and specialty items like Yeti coolers and Traeger wood pellet grills. With a knowledgeable team of 13 employees, the business has become a go-to destination for farmers, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, blending tradition with modern products and services. The company has continually adapted to changing customer needs by expanding inventory, introducing new product lines, and maintaining the personal service customers have relied on for generations.

Under Ryan Stober's leadership, Centerville Produce became deeply woven into the fabric of the local community. The business is an active member of the chamber of commerce and proudly supports local county fairs, 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and high schools. Centerville Produce also sponsors Little League baseball, softball teams, and numerous youth programs. Ryan himself has served as president of the Appanoose Economic Development Corp., vice president of the Appanoose Community Railroad, and held board positions with the Rathbun Area Chamber of Commerce, Centerville Main Street, and the Centerville Municipal Waterworks Board. His longstanding commitment to civic involvement earned him the 2017 Daily Iowegian Citizen of the Year Award.

From its humble beginnings selling cream and eggs to becoming a comprehensive agriculture retail and pet supply hub, Centerville Produce exemplifies growth rooted in family values, community commitment, and a passion for serving customers. Its story is one of resilience, innovation, and dedication, showing how a locally owned business can make a lasting impact while honoring its heritage. Today, Centerville Produce stands as a model of how tradition, community engagement, and thoughtful growth can create a thriving, enduring business.

It is my honor to recognize Ryan Stober, Mike Spurgeon, and the entire Centerville Produce 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, this past weekend marked the 389th birthday of the National Guard. The Guard was on the front lines in our fight for freedom even before the birth of our Nation and played a critical role in securing our independence.

Today, the men and women who put on the uniform continue to live out that legacy by serving our communities, responding to disasters and emergencies, and protecting our Nation's defense in overseas combat, security, and reconstruction missions.

The members of the National Guard are hard-working folks who live and work in our communities and made a commitment to our country to be ready whenever and wherever duty calls.

As a proud veteran of the Iowa Army National Guard, I raised my right hand and also took the oath to serve, and that service was shaped by the folks in uniform who were standing shoulder to shoulder with me.

From those who served alongside of me to those who came before me and after me, we all promised to be ``Always Ready, Always There.'' But instead of celebrating that legacy last Saturday, our Nation was rocked with the news that we had lost some of our own. And nowhere felt this tragic loss more than Iowa, as we learned two brave Iowan National Guardsmen gave their lives in service to our country.

While supporting counterterrorism operations in Syria, SGT Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and SGT William Nathan Howard, members of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, came under fire and were killed by a lone ISIS gunman near Palmyra.

This senseless attack also took the life of a U.S. civilian interpreter Ayad Sakat and wounded three more members of the Iowa National Guard. Two of the injured servicemembers were evacuated for surgery. They were taken from Syria to Jordan and from Jordan on to Germany.

And in keeping with ``Always Ready, Always There,'' it was actually an Iowa unit--the 185th Air Wing, the 185th Medical Group--that evacuated our Iowa Army National Guardsmen from Jordan to Germany. They surrounded the wounded and reassured them that they were all from Iowa, and they were there to care for their Iowa brothers.

But our Iowa National Guard family is hurting. As we mourn the loss of two of our own and pray for the continued recovery of our wounded, my heart goes out to their families, their loved ones, and, of course, the folks they served with. This loss is immeasurable. So please join me in honoring the lives of these heroes today.

Friends describe 25-year-old Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, from Des Moines, as selfless, goofy, and kindhearted, an amazing soldier and an even better friend. He was the first in his family to serve in the military. He joined the Iowa Army National Guard before his high school graduation ceremony in 2019, which speaks to his character in wanting to serve at such a young age.

Sergeant Torres-Tovar, your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. My heart breaks for your friends, your family, and your community.

And as I was able to speak with his family, yesterday, they were torn apart and still in shock at the loss of their son. I was able to hug his mother and hold her hands and express my sorrow that she would not see her son again.

Mr. President, 29-year-old SGT William Nathaniel Howard, known as ``Nate,'' from Marshalltown, IA, was a loving husband and described as an amazing man of faith. He joined the Iowa National Guard soon after graduating from Marshalltown High School and has been enlisted ever since. His stepfather Jeffrey Bunn, who serves as the Meskwaki Nation Police Department chief, shared that Nate wanted to be a soldier from a very young boy, all the way to his adulthood.

To his family, especially his wife Arianna and their son, my prayers are with you.

These men are two of our Nation's finest, a true testament to the selfless bravery it takes to put on the uniform and keep our homeland safe from the threat of radical Islamic terror. They are also a reminder that our freedom is not free, and every American owes an enormous debt of gratitude to our servicemembers who put their lives on the line.

I know firsthand the sacrifice of men and women who put themselves in harm's way. In 2003, I had the privilege of leading 150 Iowa Army National Guardsmen as a company commander in Iraq and Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Together, we drove supply convoys, conducting transportation and security missions in a combat zone. My soldiers, those incredible men and women, were critical to the mission, and our shared trust and commitment to each other was a very special bond.

To those who have served alongside Sergeants Torres-Tovar and Howard and to the 1,800 Iowans currently deployed throughout the Middle East, I feel your loss and your hurt. I have been in those boots. And rest assured, America has your back.

When I heard the tragic news, I rushed to comfort the families and traveled to visit the wounded and escort the fallen back to our homeland.

Sergeant Howard's brother, SSG James Roelsgard, who was serving in Kuwait at the time, is also a National Guardsman. He and I accompanied the bodies to Dover Air Force Base. Before we left Germany, we had a moment alone with the other escorts in the hulk of that C-17, which, ironically, was piloted and flown by the West Virginia Air Guard--West Virginia having lost a soldier here, locally, only a few weeks ago. But in that C-17, Sergeant Roelsgard knelt down beside his brother's case, draped in the flag, and he wept.

We all feel that loss.

I was able to accompany our fallen back to Dover Air Force Base, and there we were joined by our Iowa delegation and led by our Commander in Chief, and, all together, we comforted the families, and we mourned together.

Our Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at halfstaff, out of respect and remembrance, until the bodies of our Iowa National Guardsmen have returned home and are laid to rest.

But that does not mark the end of their stories. We will continue to stand with their families and communities in mourning. We will make sure the world knows the legacy of Iowa's heroes and that every American life is precious.

Sergeant Torres-Tovar and Sergeant Howard, we remember you, we honor you, and we are proud of you. Your Nation is indebted to you.

The legacy of these heroes will never, ever be forgotten. Godspeed to our heroes, and God bless these great United States of America.

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 Latimer Grocery of Franklin County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in 2008, Latimer Grocery began with a straightforward mission to ensure that communities have access to a dependable, local grocery store. At a time when rural areas increasingly faced the risk of becoming food deserts, founder Landon Plagge, along with a committed group of community members, stepped in to fill a critical need. Their efforts created more than a business; they created a place where neighbors could reliably find the essentials that supported their daily lives.

In 2020, ownership transitioned to a group of eight families, which includes Karla and Doug Peter, Mark and LuAnn Johansen, Roy Plagge, Delray and Barb Farrer, Tyler and Sarah DeBour, Randy and Sue Debour, Kent and Chris Morton, and Scott and Jennifer Borcherding. The families embraced the store's community-centered foundation while guiding its continued growth. Under their leadership, Latimer Grocery has strengthened its role as a hometown hub, offering the trusted service customers have come to expect. They also expanded partnerships with local producers to provide groceries, baked goods, and a full deli. Today, customers can purchase locally raised meats, area-grown grains, and locally produced bakery goods from Sheffield, IA, or products from The Olde Creamery in Garner, IA. The deli remains at the heart of Latimer Grocery. Known for hot and cold sandwiches, it also serves seasonal dinner deliveries during harvest, ensuring farmers working long hours have access to fresh and warm meals. Weekend pizzas have become a favorite among families, and the store's delivery service, which is especially valuable for elderly and disabled residents, helps ensure that everyone in the area maintains access to quality food. These services highlight Latimer Grocery's dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the community.

Latimer Grocery is equally invested in supporting local families and children. The store partners with local schools through a reading rewards program, giving students coupons for treats based on the number of books they read. Each fall, the annual Halloween Spooktacular draws families from across the region for a festive evening of costumes, games, and free food, showcasing the store's commitment to creating positive, memorable experiences for its customers. With a team of seven employees and nearly two decades of service, Latimer Grocery stands as a testament to resilience, local collaboration, and heartfelt service. Under its united leadership, Latimer Grocery remains a cherished gathering place and an essential resource, demonstrating how a smalltown business can strengthen an entire community through dedication and care.

It is my honor to recognize the entire Latimer Grocery 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 Sister's Home Style Entrees of Humboldt County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 2011, Sister's Home Style Entrees began as a simple passion project in the kitchen of founder Deb Davis. What started as Deb preparing home-cooked meals for family and friends quickly evolved into a service rooted in compassion, quality, and community. Her dedication and the growing demand for dependable, nutritious, ready-made meals transformed a small hobby into a thriving commercial kitchen operation serving customers across Iowa and neighboring States.

As the company grew, Deb was joined by co-owner Mary Catherine Ferry, whose leadership and partnership helped guide Sister's Home Style Entrees through major expansions and increased production. Together with a dedicated team of 48, they built an operation that now prepares over 75,000 meals every month. Their focus on supporting the elderly and homebound population has made the small business not just a meal provider, but a support system for individuals striving to maintain independence. Families, too, have embraced the convenience and flexibility of reliable, high-quality frozen meals when they need them.

Under Deb's vision and Mary's continued leadership, Sister's Home Style Entrees has grown into an industrial-scale commercial kitchen without ever losing sight of its founding values: service, heart, and consistency. The company remains proudly women-owned in Humboldt, IA, and embodies the spirit of a close-knit, mission-driven enterprise. As Deb transitioned into retirement and ownership passed fully to Mary Catherine this past June, the business represents a model of thoughtful, well-planned succession, ensuring stability for employees, customers, and community partners for years to come.

Sister's Home Style Entrees has been widely recognized for its impact, receiving honors such as the 2015 SBA Iowa Top Small Business Award and the 2021 Iowa Venture Award Honoree. The company is also known for its generosity, regularly donating meals to food pantries, nonprofit organizations, and surrounding communities. Their contributions have strengthened local support networks and provided vital resources to families facing food insecurity. Sister's Home Style Entrees' story reflects the power of community-minded entrepreneurship and the lasting difference a mission-driven small business can make in the lives of the people it serves.

It is my honor to recognize Mary Catherine Ferry, Deb Davis, and the entire Sister's 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, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to Executive Calendar No. 4, S. Res. 532.

Mr. President, the COVID pandemic is over, and the emergency spending spree should be over too. The COVID-era ObamaCare boosts were temporary, and now those temporary benefits are set to return to pre-COVID levels--exactly as the law intended. These emergency measures were for an actual emergency, not a forever program and definitely not a backdoor expansion of ObamaCare.

Healthcare costs increased for everyone during the Biden years, not just those with ObamaCare. We need a plan that brings down healthcare costs for everyone.

In addition to ending the emergency spending spree, as the law says, we need to claw back every last COVID slush fund dollar before Washington finds a new way to waste it. There are billions of dollars still sitting in the U.S. Treasury with ``for COVID'' written on them.

This summer, the GAO, the Government Accountability Office, identified $65 billion--that is billion with a ``b''--still in COVID slush funds. Let's close the book, return to reality, and give taxpayers the accountability they have long demanded--because, yes, their hard-earned money ended up paying for binge-drinking monkeys in Oregon. What? Let's hear you all say: What? It is unbelievable, but it is true. The Oregon Health and Science University raked in more than $1.8 million for this. In one study, monkeys were fed 8 to 16 alcoholic drinks a day to see how their chronic boozing affects COVID-19. Taxpayers didn't sign up for that, and it is long past time we put a stop to it.

Let me also give you some examples of unspent COVID funds.

Three million dollars is sitting in an account for museum and library services for COVID.

There is $390 million for USAID's Emergency Connectivity Fund for educational connections and devices. USAID is no more, so these millions should have been returned to taxpayers yesterday.

Four million dollars for international broadcasting operations at the Millennium Challenge Corporation. I challenge you to find any American on the street who would want their tax dollars going toward COVID funds for international broadcasting 6 years after the COVID pandemic.

Mr. President, $389 million in COVID funds sits unspent for HHS program management. I think they have managed COVID enough.

One million dollars for USDA's marketing services. USDA. I can tell you that Iowa farmers would much prefer these funds be put toward a better use.

One million dollars for an account that just simply says ``science'' at the State Department, OK? So let me tell you, my friend Secretary Rubio is holding down a lot of different jobs--but ``science''? Let's give that COVID ``science'' money back to taxpayers.

Those are just a few examples. I have tracked 82 program accounts--82 program accounts--with remaining COVID funding.

My Returning Unspent COVID Funds Act is very simple. The COVID pandemic was 6 years ago. It is past time for the unspent COVID funds to be clawed back. Let's pass my bill and send these funds back to the treasury.

So, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 266, S. 3166. I further ask 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, 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 Holstein Manufacturing of Ida County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in 1976 on a family farm outside Holstein, IA, Holstein Manufacturing began when the town needed a dependable way to cook a whole hog for a fundraiser to save Turner Hall. When the available equipment failed, Bruce Schmidt and a few neighbors built a better solution, unknowingly launching a business that would someday send products across all 50 States and around the world. What began as a local fix quickly became a thriving manufacturing operation. By 1978, a dedicated building went up on the Schmidt farm, where the company still operates today. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Holstein Manufacturing grew alongside Iowa's agricultural community, partnering with groups like the Iowa Pork Producers and Iowa Cattlemen's Association to showcase their equipment at fairs and national conventions. Those early relationships cemented the company's deep ties to agriculture, a connection that continues to guide its mission and product development.

Under the leadership of president and CEO Darrin Schmidt, Bruce's son, Holstein Manufacturing remains committed to the values that shaped its beginnings: craftsmanship, innovation, and solving real-world needs. While still known for the high-quality grills that first put them on the map, the company and its team of ten now produce a wide range of equipment, including chicken and rib cookers, deep fat fryers, corn roasters, animal feeding and handling equipment, wood stoves, stock trailers, and more. Each addition to their product line has been driven by customer needs, whether local farmers, food vendors, or national businesses seeking durable, dependable solutions. With advanced laser-cutting capabilities, Holstein Manufacturing can design and fabricate precision parts for both its own equipment and for other manufacturers. Their stainless steel products, engineered to withstand heavy use in the food industry, have earned National Sanitation Foundation, NSF, approval, underscoring their commitment to safety and quality.

Despite their international reach, Holstein Manufacturing's commitment to its hometown has never faded. As active members of Ida County Economic Development and the Holstein Chamber of Commerce, the company continues to support local growth and remains a pillar of the community. Additionally, they support numerous local organizations such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and churches. From a homemade hog cooker built for a community fundraiser to a respected lineup of custom-built equipment used worldwide, Holstein Manufacturing proves that success flourishes when craftsmanship meets creativity and when a business never forgets the community that sparked its beginning.

It is my honor to recognize Bruce and Darrin Schmidt, along with the entire Holstein Manufacturing 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, Iowa State University President Dr. Wendy Wintersteen is an exemplary leader whose decades of service have left an enduring mark on generations of Iowa students, families, and communities.

Dr. Wintersteen's Iowa State journey began more than 40 years ago as a graduate student studying fly populations around poultry facilities. From those early days in research, she quickly earned her doctoral degree, accepted an assistant professorship, and took on leadership roles in pesticide management programs. Her dedication and vision propelled her to serve as the inaugural endowed dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, CALS, and director of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station.

Beyond the university, Dr. Wintersteen's impact has extended across the agricultural and academic communities. She has served with distinction on the boards of the U.S.-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund, the Farm Foundation, the Charles Valentine Riley Memorial Foundation, and the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, as well as the administrative heads section of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities' Board on Agriculture Assembly.

As president of Iowa State University, Dr. Wintersteen has championed entrepreneurship, innovation, and a strong return on investment for students. Her leadership has strengthened Iowa State's national and global reputation for excellence in agricultural research and innovation, placing the university in the top 3 percent for research among nearly 500 universities without a human medical school.

Dr. Wintersteen's commitment to Iowa's students and families has never wavered. Congratulations, Dr. Wintersteen, on an extraordinary career and a lasting legacy of leadership.

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 3C Roofing & Construction of Crawford County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In just a little over a year since opening their doors, Brendan and Amanda Allard, owners of 3C Roofing & Construction, have demonstrated how a young business can strengthen a community when it is built on compassion, integrity, and service. Named after their three sons, Caius, Callum, and Coe, the company carries the Allards' family values into every project. Though newly established, Brendan brings more than a decade of residential and commercial contracting experience, giving the company a solid foundation from the start. Today, 3C Roofing & Construction and their team of three provide roofing, coatings, repairs, siding, interior and exterior work, seamless gutters, and handyman services. The team has quickly earned a reputation for reliability across Crawford County.

What truly sets the company apart is the Allards' belief that their work extends beyond construction; they see their business as a way to support neighbors when they need it most, a belief that has shaped their actions from day one. When Crossroads of Crawford County began preparing for a fundraiser, the Allards immediately offered a substantial discount to ensure more resources went directly to families in need. Their commitment to the community was further demonstrated when a devastating house fire in Denison displaced a local family. Folks

from 3C Roofing & Construction were first on site to help and later worked to raise funds to support the family's recovery.

They have continued this spirit of generosity by donating goody bags to Kiron Speech Path, providing playground equipment to Immanuel Lutheran Church, and supporting the Cortez family after their home was lost in a late-September fire. In another heartwarming project, the Allards teamed up with Arrick Clausen to help the preschool students at Immanuel Lutheran Preschool in Schleswig create Mother's Day planter boxes. The children used power tools and wood glue to assemble and paint the boxes, which were later engraved with their handwriting, giving them a chance to contribute to something lasting while enjoying hands-on learning.

While many contractors focus solely on the job, Brendan and Amanda have built 3C Roofing & Construction around empathy and service. They regularly use their platform to share local fundraisers and highlight community needs, reflecting their belief that small businesses play a vital role in sustaining rural life. As they continue to grow, the Allards remain committed to pairing high-quality craftsmanship with meaningful contributions to their community, proving that strong businesses don't just build structures, they help build hope.

It is my honor to recognize the Allard family and the entire 3C Roofing & Construction 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.