Floor Statements

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.

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.