Floor Statements

Mr. President, along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch, Representative Mike Simpson, and Representative Russ Fulcher, I rise today to honor the lives and service of CW4 Jesse Anderson, CW3 George ``Geoff'' Laubhan, and CW3 Matthew Peltzer. These three fallen Idaho Army National Guard personnel were participating in a routine training flight when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Boise on February 2, 2021.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Anderson, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Laubhan, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Peltzer answered the call of duty to serve our State and our Nation with honor, distinction, and courage.

CW4 Jesse Anderson, of Boise, was a senior instructor pilot. He had served in the Idaho Army National Guard since 2008, and he first joined the U.S. Army as an aviation warrant officer candidate in 2000. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Anderson is survived by his wife and four children. While in the Idaho Army National Guard, CW4 Anderson served as a UH-60 A/L pilot in command, UH-60 A/L instructor pilot, C-12 fixed wing pilot, C-12 operations officer, company and battalion aviation standardization officer, and medical evacuation pilot. He served in multiple deployments, including two deployments to Afghanistan. He also participated in local search and rescue operations, wildland fire fighting missions in California, and civil support operations in Guatemala. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Anderson earned a long list of awards and decorations for his honorable service that include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the NATO Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, the Master Aviator Badge, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the California Achievement Medal, the Idaho Emergency Duty Ribbon, and the Idaho Service Ribbon.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Laubhan, of Boise, was an instructor pilot, who is survived by his wife and two children. In January 2010, CW3 Laubhan enlisted in the Idaho Army National Guard as an AH-64 attack helicopter repairer with D Company, 1st Battalion of the 183rd Aviation Regiment. He went on to serve as an AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk pilot, a UH-60 instructor pilot, and a medical evacuation pilot while with the battalion. His service included deploying in 2019 as a Black Hawk pilot to Guatemala in support of Operation Beyond the Horizon, and he is credited with flying a lifesaving mission in support of Idaho search and rescue operations. He also flew in support of wildland firefighting operations in California. The awards and decorations he earned for his admirable service include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Aviation Badge, the Army Aviator Badge, the California Achievement Medal, and the Idaho Service Ribbon.

CW3 Matthew Peltzer, a resident of Nampa, was a UH-60 A/L Black Hawk pilot, having served in the Idaho Army National Guard since 2005. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Peltzer is survived by his wife and two children. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Peltzer enlisted into the Idaho

Army National Guard's 1st Battalion of the 183rd Aviation Regiment as an officer candidate in July 2005. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Peltzer served as an AH-64 Apache pilot in command, a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot, an aviation mission survivability officer, an aviation safety officer, and a medical evacuation helicopter pilot all while with the battalion. His service also included serving in Guatemala as a Black Hawk pilot in support of Operation Beyond the Horizon. The many recognitions he earned for his remarkable service include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, the Senior Aviator Badge, the Idaho Adjutant General's Outstanding Unit Award, and the Idaho Service Ribbon.

Our citizen-soldiers embody a spirit of service and the best of American patriotism, and this loss is felt deeply throughout Idaho. All three were soldiers, husbands, and fathers who left an enduring legacy of service and strength. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Anderson's, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Laubhan's, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Peltzer's service and sacrifices will not be forgotten, and their selflessness will continue to serve as an example for all of us. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of these heroic men, including their fellow guardsmen. Our prayers are with their wives and children, friends and loved ones, and fellow soldiers in the Idaho National Guard as they grieve this tragic loss. Each of us owes a deep debt of gratitude to our Idaho Army National Guardsmen. Their service on behalf of Idaho and the Nation is second to none, and we thank them for their countless sacrifices to keep us safe. Our State and our country mourn the passing of three of our heroes.

In closing, the following poem titled ``Above the Purple Sage'' was written by Major Andrew Whipple, retired, an Idaho veteran, to pay tribute to the pilots and help lift the hearts of those mourning their loss:

``From field and farm,

From small town and large;

Their dreams all the same,

To answer the charge.

They dreamed of the feel of wind in their faces,

To roam the places of old story book Aces.

Leaving the ground the Flying Knights rose,

The city lights behind them,

Their nerves so composed.

Above the Purple Sage they soared;

Their friendships and bonds not easily forged.

While many lay dreaming and safe in their beds,

The three Knights rose higher,

From the ground they had shed.

The Purple Sage below them,

They flew higher and higher;

The night sky around them,

There was nothing so finer.

These three Knights of the Air,

Together they flew;

But alas all was quiet,

Except the coming of the dawning dew.

Their journey to soar,

To protect those behind;

It came to an end,

But forever entwined.

Their journey continues,

Their flight it goes on;

With Aces and others dreamers,

Fly on--Fly on!''

Mr. President, I call up my amendment, No. 55, and ask that it be reported by number.

Mr. President, this amendment simply makes permanent the individual and small business tax rate reductions and reforms from the

Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, along with my colleagues Senator James Risch, Representative Mike Simpson, and Representative Russ Fulcher, I congratulate Trent Clark on his upcoming retirement from the Bayer Corporation after 26 years of service. We have greatly enjoyed working with Trent over the course of his career and thank him for the service he has provided to the people of Idaho in both his official and individual capacities.

On behalf of Bayer, Trent has provided steadfast dedication to his responsibilities inherent as public and government affairs director. In that role, he has provided invaluable assistance to Bayer's operations in Soda Springs, which are an integral part of the southeastern Idaho economy. Most notably, Trent has played a critical role in the effort to permit Bayer's next phosphate mine, Caldwell Canyon, which has 40 years of estimated reserves and will be one of the world's most environmentally sustainable mining operations, particularly in its approach to sage grouse habitat. Trent has also helped to further important company efforts to support our local communities, particularly their school systems, and to protect our environment. Additionally, for many years, Trent has worked in a collaborative manner with key stakeholders with a genuine humility and desire to achieve a positive outcome.

As an individual citizen, Trent has also provided excellent service to the people of Idaho in his capacity as chairman of the Idaho Workforce Development Council and as a member of the boards of the Idaho Humanities Council, Idaho Community Foundation, and the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry. Trent's prior public service includes 2 years as the State executive director of the Farm Services Administration, 3 years as chairman of the Idaho Republican Party, a year as staff to the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, and 8 years as staff to former U.S. Senator Steve D. Symms.

Prior to joining Bayer, Trent graduated with honors from Brigham Young University, where he majored in political science and botany. He also earned an associate of arts degree from Ricks College in Rexburg, ID. After college, Trent worked as a botany instructor for the Yellowstone Institute, as well an executive vice president for the Fox Creek Pack Station.

In addition to Trent's strong record of leadership and service to the community, Trent has served his family and church well. Trent has been married to the former Rebecca Lee since May 23, 1986, and together, they have four children: Brittany (deceased), Kathleen, Christin, and Alexander. Trent and his family enjoy horseback riding and backcountry hiking and camping. It is our sincere wish that Trent be blessed with many years of retirement with his family.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the cloture votes on the Reed, Bachus, and Pryor nominations occur at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7; further, that if cloture is invoked on the nominations on Wednesday, May 8, at 10 a.m., the Senate vote on the confirmations of the following persons and nominations in the order listed: Bianco, Reed, Bachus, and Pryor; that if confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's actions and the Senate resume consideration of the Dhillon nomination.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of several of the nominations to the Export-Import Bank: Ms. Kimberly Reed, to be President of the Export-Import Bank; the Honorable Spencer Bachus, to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank; and Ms. Judith Pryor, to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank.

These three highly qualified nominees, if confirmed, will be in a position to ensure that the Export-Import Bank has the ability to provide finance in response to governments, like China, that provide aggressive subsidies and place U.S. exporters at a disadvantage.

The President and his team have recently reinforced their commitment to restoring the ability of the Bank to support American economic interests in global marketplaces.

The Director of the National Economic Council, Larry Kudlow, recently noted that the Ex-Im Bank is needed in the current trade environment, particularly with respect to China, in order for the United States to compete and succeed in international markets, calling it a ``financial tool and a national security weapon.''

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has called the lack of a functioning Ex-Im Bank a serious blow to the economy.

Peter Navarro, Director of the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, has said: ``The costs of keeping the Ex-Im Bank on the sidelines can be measured in the tens of billions of dollars of products we fail to export--and in the thousands of jobs we fail to create when this country does not have a fully functioning export credit agency to compete with its counterparts around the world.''

It is clear that in our current trade environment, a fully functioning bank could help the United States better succeed in international markets.

President Trump's recent budget submission to Congress notes that the President ``supports a fully functioning Ex-Im Bank to implement reforms and help American exporters compete in an increasingly unfair global marketplace.''

As President of the Export-Import Bank, Kimberly Reed will be able to draw from an already distinguished career in public service, having previously served as a senior adviser to former Treasury Secretaries Paulson and Snow, as well as on several congressional committees.

During her nomination hearing, she committed to focusing on strong standards of conduct, increased transparency, sound risk management practices, and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.

I can testify that she has gone out of her way to make herself available to all Senators on both sides of the aisle to introduce herself and to answer any questions the Senators have and to discuss any reforms and improvements

she may be able to make to the Bank when she is confirmed.

Former Representative Bachus and I were elected to the House of Representatives in the same term and worked closely together in the House for a number of years. He served the Sixth District of Alabama from 1993 to 2015. During that time, he served as both chairman and ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee. He is a pragmatic conservative and has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to promoting economic opportunity.

Finally, a native of Cleveland, OH, Ms. Pryor has spent the majority of her career in the private sector, working with international businesses, many in the high-tech industry. More recently, she has served as the Vice President of External Affairs at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation under President Obama. During her confirmation hearing, Ms. Pryor expressed a commitment to particularly help raise awareness of the Export-Import Bank's financing products for small businesses and community banks.

While it is not really being included in the coverage of these nomination votes as being one of the consequences of there being a lack of a quorum on the Board, it is important to understand another important reason to confirm not one but all three of these nominees.

When the Export-Import Bank was last reauthorized in 2015, Congress implemented a number of reforms to the Bank. However, by not confirming a quorum of at least three Board members for the last several years, Congress has actually impeded implementation of a number of its own reforms, which require a vote of a quorum of the Board for approval.

These reforms include appointing a chief ethics officer, appointing a chief risk officer, forming a risk management committee, implementing new guidelines to expedite small business loans under $25 million, and developing an expanded medium-term program to finance and ensure transactions up to $25 million.

We have many colleagues who have said there need to be reforms implemented in order for them to further support operation of the Bank, and they would like to work with us on the Banking Committee to pursue those reforms. I support reforms, too, and look forward to working with interested colleagues, but we need to understand that we will need a quorum on the Ex-Im Bank to finalize them.

For any previous or future congressionally directed reforms to be implemented, Senators need to support all three nominations before the Senate this week in order to restore the quorum necessary to implement those reforms.

The Banking Committee approved each of these nominees with broad bipartisan support earlier this year. Each will be an asset to the Bank's Board, and I urge my colleagues to support these nominations.

Mr. President, I have 5 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders.

Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate:

Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Privacy rights and data collection in a digital economy.''

Committee Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

The Committee Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Making electronic health information available to patients and providers.''

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at 2:30 p.m., to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Dale Cabaniss, of Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and Michael Eric Wooten, of Virginia, to be Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy.

Committee on the Judiciary

The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at 10 a.m., to conduct a business meeting and hearing entitled ``Intellectual property and the price of prescription drugs.''

Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management

The Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I rise to speak in support of the nomination of Mark Calabria to be Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, FHFA, for a 5-year term.

For over a decade, the FHFA has served as the regulator and watchdog of the government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 2008, when Fannie and Freddie were placed in conservatorship during the financial crisis, the FHFA has also served as conservator of these mortgage giants, charged with preserving and conserving their assets and helping to return them to stable financial footing.

As long as Fannie and Freddie remain in conservatorship, the FHFA Director will play an integral role in setting the strategic direction, the guardrails, and the day-to-day management of these companies, which have a combined $5 trillion in assets.

It is critically important for the Senate to quickly confirm a qualified, experienced individual to this important post. Fortunately, Mark Calabria meets these requirements.

Dr. Calabria is a leading expert on housing and mortgage finance and a respected Ph.D. economist. He has almost 30 years of experience interacting with the housing market from nearly every perspective-- academia, industry, trade associations, think tanks, as a congressional staffer, and as a regulator.

He has dedicated the majority of his career to public service, including as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, nearly a decade as a senior professional staff member on the Senate Banking Committee, and now as Chief Economist to Vice President Mike Pence. He has also worked for the National Association of Realtors, the National Association of Home Builders, the Farm Credit Council, the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies, and recently at the CATO Institute as director of financial regulation studies.

Over the course of his public service career, Dr. Calabria has worked to champion market reforms that benefit consumers and enhance the safety and soundness of our housing finance system. He also has a long history of working across the aisle to deliver meaningful and lasting reforms.

As an official at HUD, Dr. Calabria oversaw HUD's regulation of the mortgage market, primarily under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or RESPA.

During his time as a Senate staffer, he worked on over 20 pieces of legislation that became law, mostly in the areas of housing and mortgage finance.

In 2009, he worked on the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act, or the HEARTH Act, which strengthened our Nation's homelessness assistance programs.

Perhaps most notably, he played a key role in drafting the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, or HERA, which established the FHFA and created the position to which he is now nominated. From his work on HERA, Dr. Calabria has a keen understanding of the congressional intent behind the law and therefore also a respect for FHFA's responsibilities and boundaries as a regulator.

During his hearing a few weeks ago, Dr. Calabria made a commitment to carrying out the clear intent of Congress in protecting taxpayers while also underscoring the importance of maintaining access to affordable housing. Before considering any action, Dr. Calabria has said he will first ask: What does the statute say?

He is also committed to working with me and other Members of this body to reach a comprehensive solution on ending the conservatorship of Fannie and Freddie once and for all. He agrees with me and many others that the action on housing finance reform that is needed today is the prerogative of Congress and that after over a decade of conservatorship, it is long overdue.

As Fannie and Freddie continue to dwell in government control, it appears that the old, failed status quo is slowly beginning to take hold again, with the government in some ways expanding its reach even further, entering new markets where it has never been before.

This status quo is not a viable option, and finding a comprehensive solution remains a top priority for me and the Banking Committee. The FHFA can also play an important role in helping us to move toward a more sustainable housing finance system, facilitated by an engaged and strongly capitalized private sector.

If confirmed, I look forward to working with Dr. Calabria on these and other efforts. Dr. Calabria's nomination has been met with substantial support from the housing industry. Many key stakeholders have written to the Banking Committee to emphasize the experience and trusted perspective that Dr. Calabria will bring to the Agency.

The National Association of Home Builders wrote:

Throughout his long career, Mark has proven himself to be a

keen expert in housing finance policy, adding significant

value to key policy discussions both on and off Capitol Hill.

NAHB has full confidence that Mark is an excellent choice to

be Director of the FHFA. We believe he will bring his usual

high-level policy experience, outstanding communication

skills, and consummate professionalism to this important

regulatory Agency at a critical time for the housing finance

industry.

The National Association of Realtors added:

Dr. Calabria's decades of experience in housing and finance

policy have prepared him to implement the FHFA's mission. It

has also helped him to understand the need for enhanced

transparency at the FHFA and a methodical approach in the

development and enforcement of its policies.

The Mortgage Bankers Association noted:

Dr. Calabria will utilize his significant experience in

government and knowledge of both the single and multifamily

business lines within the secondary mortgage market to

protect taxpayers through an appropriate mix of risk-sharing

and private capital, work

to maintain deep, stable, and liquid mortgage markets, and

ensure sustainable access to affordable housing for all

Americans.

The Manufactured Housing Institute added:

Without question, Dr. Calabria is well-qualified to lead

the effort to strengthen the Nation's housing finance system

and ensure access to safe, affordable homeownership

alternatives.

It is important to have a Senate-confirmed leader at the FHFA, overseeing our mortgage markets and making sure taxpayers are well protected from another financial crisis.

Dr. Calabria is highly qualified, highly experienced, and well prepared for this new role. I support Dr. Calabria and urge my colleagues to join me in voting yes on his nomination.

Thank you.

Mr. President, I congratulate the American Legion on its 100-year anniversary.

On March 15, 1919, the first American Legion caucus was held. Later that year, Congress established the American Legion as a federally chartered corporation with purposes that include ``to cement the ties and comradeship born of service; and to consecrate the efforts of its members to mutual helpfulness and service to their country.'' The original membership to the American Legion was extended to those who served in the Armed Forces during World War I, which had ended a few months before the organization was started. Over the past 100 years, its membership has grown to nearly 2 million, with more than 12,000 posts.

I recently joined fellow Senators in cosponsoring S. 504, the Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service, or LEGION, Act, which would enable the American Legion to establish its own membership criteria instead of requiring an act of Congress to change eligibility requirements. In this legislation, we recognize the American Legion ``provides invaluable services to its members and supports the community of veterans who sacrificed in service of the United States,'' and it ``has aided, assisted, and comforted the families of the men and women who were called to serve or volunteered to serve . . .''

I join many others across our country, including local posts, in recognizing the American Legion's century of representation of American veterans. In Idaho alone, there are approximately 9,750 Idaho members of the American Legion as of 2018.

Thank you to the American Legion and its membership for your outstanding service to our country and America's veterans. Congratulations on 100 years of achievements on their behalf. I look forward to our continued work ahead to ensure veterans have access to the highest quality services worthy of their remarkable dedication to our Nation.

Madam President, I congratulate Steve Cannon, who is retiring after a 42-year career in Idaho television.

Steve Cannon translated his deep interest in weather as a youth into a longtime career. He retired this month from his position as weatherman for KIDK Eyewitness News 3, which has coverage in my hometown of Idaho Falls and the Pocatello area. He got his start in front of the camera in 1977, when he went to work for the former KID TV 3, but he began his broadcasting career in radio, working for a radio station in Rexburg. Leading up to his career in weather reporting, Steve graduated from Idaho Falls High School, studied journalism at Brigham Young University, served a mission in Great Britain, and finished his degree at Idaho State University.

Steve's love for his profession and deep understanding and appreciation for the people of eastern Idaho show in his thoughtful reporting. He is known for his humor, relatability, dependability, and strong work ethic. Steve has reported with agility and skill, as he has navigated significant advancements in weather reporting over the past four decades. Steve's weather reporting has shaped how countless Idahoans have planned their days, and his attentive reporting has been instrumental as he has reported on the major weather events that have had considerable impacts on lives.

In addition to his career, Steve has given his time and talent in support of service projects in the community. This includes his assistance with the creation of the Idaho Falls Citizen's Watch Patrol for the Idaho Falls Police Department.

I understand that Steve has looked forward to being able to dedicate all his time to his family and loved ones during retirement that begins as his wife also retires from teaching. I wish you both well, and thank you for your outstanding work in our community.

Madam President, I honor my communications director Lindsay Nothern for his dedication of more than 20 years to Senate service.

Lindsay has been a valued member of my staff since we both started Senate service in 1999. When I was sworn in as a U.S. Senator, my communications director refused to hire a press secretary immediately because she wanted to bring Lindsay onto the staff, and he was not available for a few months, so she did double duty until he was able to join my staff, and I have always been grateful for her insistence that we wait for him. His instincts and media savvy have been spot-on so many times over the two decades he has been with me.

Lindsay's strategic view of how activities and policy initiatives are presented has been instrumental. From press secretary, he moved to serving as communications director in 2011. While Lindsay may not be an Idahoan by birth, he has certainly earned his Gem State stripes through his depth and breadth of knowledge about the State. His experience as a journalist has served him well, first in reporting and managing the news from the journalist side and then from the other side as a press secretary and media representative. His prior work includes serving as press secretary for former Idaho Governor Phil Batt, who initially dubbed Lindsay as ``Scoop,'' and campaign press secretary for Congressman Mike Simpson in Congressman Simpson's first House campaign.

Lindsay is unfailingly one of the most pleasant people I have ever encountered. He can be counted on to be a great sounding board and listener, regardless of his personal opinions. I trust him to represent me to Idahoans throughout the State and know that he will always leave a meeting with a handful of new friends. That includes those who show up angry and unannounced in my office, demanding a meeting. Lindsay has demonstrated patience, commitment, and empathy in meeting for hundreds of hours with those who have taken issue with some aspect of government, the administration, or me. He is also a great encourager among staff, helping them to know their good work is valued and appreciated.

Several issues have become close to Lindsay's heart--among them, domestic violence prevention and awareness. Somewhere in my office archives, there is a photo of Lindsay in women's heels as he took part in a ``walk a mile in her shoes'' event, representing the office. That was not a comfortable experience for his feet, but he has been a strong advocate in helping me find ways to illuminate and bring awareness to domestic violence matters.

Thank you, Lindsay, for your 20 years of dedicated service to our Nation and the people of Idaho, and thank you for your continual assistance and friendship over the years. Congratulations on this milestone of public service for the betterment of Idaho and our Nation.

Mr. President, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs has adopted rules governing its procedures for the 116th Congress. Pursuant to rules XXVI, paragraph 2, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, on behalf of myself and Senator Brown, I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the committee rules be printed in the Record.

Madam President, along with my colleague Senator James E. Risch, I congratulate Seth Beal, who is

retiring after more than 30 years of serving as a commissioner for Butte County, ID.

Seth Beal has dedicated so much of his time and talents to serving others throughout his communities. He was appointed to the Butte County Commission on June 6, 1988. Seth has said that efforts that established far-reaching benefits for his communities have been the most satisfying parts about his job. This includes the establishment of the rural addressing of Butte and South Custer Counties. He also assisted with Federal legislation providing for small community and arid landfill design. He was involved with ensuring that local counties could access Payment in Lieu of Taxes, PILT, payments because of the local presence of U.S. Department of Energy facilities. Another highlight of his work on the Butte County Commission is the commission's establishment of the Butte County Elected Scholarship, which awards three scholarships per year to Butte County High School seniors.

Through his work and public service, Seth has helped improve his local communities and supported area youth. In addition to his service on the county commission, Seth has served as an assistant football coach for 8 years at Butte County High School. He has served as bishop and stake president in the Idaho Falls Temple Presidency. He has also been involved with the purchase and renovation of buildings that provide improved facilities for the county.

In addition to his extensive service on the Butte County Commission, he has served in numerous other leadership positions that include service on several boards, including the Idaho County Risk Management Program for 20 years; GEM PLAN, the county's insurance plan, for 14 years; East Central Idaho Development Association for 12 years; founding member of the Regional Development Alliance and 21 years of service; 7th Judicial District Commissioner for 24 years; District 6 elected officials chairman for 5 years; Idaho National Lab Citizens Advisory Board member for 7 years; founding member of the 3-B Juvenile Detention Center; and founding member of the Energy Communities Alliance.

Seth Beal, congratulations on your retirement after more than three decades of serving on the Butte County Commission and in many other leadership positions. Your thoughtful and committed leadership all these years is a prime example of what makes our communities so great. Thank you for your dedication and extensive service on behalf of our fellow Idahoans.

Mr. President, along with my colleagues Senator James E. Risch, Representative Mike Simpson, and Representative Russ Fulcher, I pay tribute to former Idaho Governor Phil Batt for his immense service to our State.

As his last official act in the Governor's Ceremonial Office in the Idaho State Capitol, outgoing Idaho Governor C.L. Butch Otter co- presented, with current Idaho Governor Brad Little, the 2019 Idaho Medal of Achievement to Governor Phil Batt for his many accomplishments and years of service to the State of Idaho. The award is considered the highest civilian honor bestowed by the State. Phil Batt is the third recipient of this great honor, for which many nominations from across our State have been made by the public.

Governor Batt has an extensive career of service to our State and Nation. He served as our State's 29th Governor from 1995 to 1999. Prior to his service as Governor, he served as Idaho Republican Party Chairman, Lieutenant Governor of Idaho, and president pro tempore of the Idaho Senate. He served in the Idaho Senate for approximately 15 years after serving in the Idaho House of Representatives from 1965 to 1967. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1946 after growing up on a farm in Wilder, ID.

Idaho has benefited greatly from Governor Phil Batt's sensible voice, commitment to service, and outstanding leadership. Governor Batt's principal role in advancing human rights in Idaho is among his many achievements on behalf of Idahoans. He led efforts to establish a Commission on Human Rights and pushed for benefits for Idaho farmworkers.

Governor Batt, you have much to be proud of and reflect on for your outstanding service over your exemplary life. You have stood against inequities and, in so doing, helped make others' paths better. Your mentorship, encouragement, and guidance have been instrumental in helping current and future leaders in our great State get a start. Thank you for you your leadership, friendship, humor, and extraordinary service to our State and Nation.

Mr. President, along with my colleagues Senator James E. Risch, Representative Mike Simpson, and Representative Russ Fulcher, I congratulate Edmund O. Schweitzer III, Ph.D., on his induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

The National Inventors Hall of Fame selected Dr. Schweitzer for this honor in recognition of him bringing ``the first microprocessor-based digital protective relay to market, revolutionizing the performance of electric power systems with computer-based protection and control equipment, and making a major impact in the electric power utility industry.'' Dr. Schweitzer has received many recognitions for his contributions to the development of digital protection and electric power systems worldwide. He is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEE, Fellow, who was honored with IEEE's Medal in Power Engineering in 2012. In 1982, he founded Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc., SEL, to develop and manufacture digital protective relays and related products and services.

Characterizing Dr. Schweitzer as creative and inventive is an understatement. This month, he will receive his 200th patent pertaining to electric power system protection, metering, monitoring, and control. He turns his ideas into practical tools that meet the demands of our ever-changing and modernizing society. By protecting power grids, the technology he has developed and disseminated is helping to ensure that Americans and people around the world can access needed safe, more reliable, and more economical electric power to live and fuel growth.

Congratulations, Dr. Schweitzer, on this recognition, and thank you for lending your talents, ideas and know-how to furthering our communities and Nation.