Floor Statements

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, for the information of our colleagues, we are now on the bill, S. 2155. We have offered a bipartisan substitute that reflects the priorities from Members on both sides of the aisle. We are ready to begin the process of voting on further amendments.

I have discussed the path forward with the majority leader, and we would like to begin alternating amendments and setting votes on them with limited time agreements. The first two amendments on the Republican side are a Paul amendment to audit the Federal Reserve and a Moran amendment to restructure the management and funding of the CFPB. I understand there are several amendments on the Democratic side, as well, and we are willing to start setting those votes in an alternating fashion. It is my understanding, however, that there are objections on the Democratic side to setting votes at this time, but I hope we can convene tomorrow and start the process of voting on amendments and work together in cooperation to finalize the amendment process.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 8; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed. Finally, I ask that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of S. 2155.

Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. President, I rise today to discuss S. 2155, the Economic

Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, and to urge my colleagues to support its passage.

In just a few minutes, we will have the first vote to vote on cloture to bring this bill to the floor, cloture on the motion to proceed--a very critical vote. Again, I encourage all of my colleagues to support bringing this bill forward to the floor for a full debate and vote.

First, let me thank each of the cosponsors of this bill, including the many members of the Banking Committee, for their interest and involvement in the many discussions, hearings, personal negotiations, and conversations we have had to get to this point. Originally introduced by 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats, this package of commonsense reforms now has 26 Senate cosponsors, including 16 members of the Banking Committee.

Community banks and credit unions across the country have long struggled to keep up with ever-increasing regulatory compliance and examiner demands coming out of Washington. In local economies, this places a strain on small businesses looking to open or to grow.

In fact, when the Dodd-Frank legislation was initially proposed and we were debating it on the floor of this Senate, I held a news conference in Idaho, on Main Street in one of our cities. I said that this bill was not targeted at Wall Street, as it was being marketed; instead, it was being targeted at Main Street--our small financial institutions and communities. That has turned out to be exactly the case. Since the passage of Dodd-Frank, our big banks have profited wonderfully, but our small banks, our small financial institutions-- credit unions and community banks--have suffered terribly.

S. 2155 is aimed at right-sizing the regulation for financial institutions, primarily community banks and credit unions, which makes it easier for consumers to get mortgages or obtain credit. It also increases important consumer protections for veterans, senior citizens, victims of fraud, and those who fall on tough financial times.

Congress has held numerous hearings in prior years exploring many of these issues, and the product before us today is the result of a years- long process and careful vetting.

This bill has received widespread support from commentators, regulators, businesses, and institutions representing millions of hard- working Americans and consumers, including over 10,000 community bankers, more than 100 million credit union consumer members, and thousands of small business owners and entrepreneurs, among others.

The reforms in this bipartisan bill help tailor the current regulatory landscape, while ensuring safety and soundness and relieving the burden on American businesses that are unfairly being treated like the largest companies in our economy.

The passage of this legislation holds real promise for local economies across America, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I am going to be joined today by some of my colleagues from the Banking Committee who are also supporters of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. We rise today to speak about this bipartisan legislation, which advanced out of the committee last year by a vote of 16 to 7, a bipartisan vote. The primary purpose of this legislation is to make targeted changes to simplify and improve the regulatory regime for community banks, credit unions, midsized banks, and regional banks to promote economic growth.

Many of us represent rural States where community banks and credit unions are the primary providers of credit and financial services. These institutions hold a competitive advantage over their larger counterparts, operating with a relationship-based knowledge of their customers and an understanding of their unique needs. They are decidedly disadvantaged when it comes to keeping up with the ever- increasing compliance and examiner demands coming out of Washington.

Our bill offers much needed reforms that will reduce unnecessary burdens on smaller financial institutions so that they can use more of their capital serving customers rather than complying with Federal regulations that were never intended for them. It also adds protections against fraud and identity theft for consumers, veterans, senior citizens, and others, as well as for those falling on hard financial times.

This bill is the product of robust, bipartisan negotiation. It was years in the making. It is the outgrowth of feedback and input garnered from a process we initiated in the Banking Committee across all stakeholders in America, as well as from previous meetings, briefings, and many conversations and negotiations among the members.

I see Senator Heitkamp is here, and I am going to ask her to talk about this process, how we reached this point today, and what it means for North Dakotans.

Senator Heitkamp.

Before the Senator yields to the Senator from Georgia, may I make one comment?

I just want to express appreciation for the Senator's chart.

For those who cannot see the chart, this is a chart that the Senator from North Dakota has put up that shows the intersection of Main Street and relief for Main Street. The reason I mention this is that back when we were debating this regulatory system that was put into place that we are now trying to rightsize and correct, I had held a news conference on Main Street in Boise, ID. I had said: This legislation is being promoted as targeting Wall Street excesses, but the bulls-eye is on Main Street across this country, which is what we are trying to fix today.

So I just wanted to tell the Senator how much I love her chart.

I will take the Senator up on that.

I yield to the Senator from Georgia.

I thank very much the Senator from Georgia.

I next ask Senator Corker if he would like to weigh in and let us know his thoughts on this.

I thank Senator Corker. I appreciate that.

Next, I would like to turn to my colleague from the other side of the aisle--another colleague from the other side of the aisle, just showing the bipartisanship we have here on this bill--Senator Tester from Montana.

Mr. President, I thank my colleague from Montana, Senator Tester. Earlier in my remarks, I said that this bill had been years in the making, and Senator Tester is one of those who have been involved the entire time, helping us to get here, as are Senator Donnelly from Indiana and Senator Warner, who is here--he had to step out for just a second--and Senator Heitkamp, who was here earlier.

I now want to turn to one of our colleagues on the Republican side, Senator Moran from Kansas, who also is one of those who have been with us for years, working to make sure we get this critically needed legislation to the floor.

Senator Moran.

Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Kansas, Mr. Moran, for his kind comments and especially for so clearly explaining the true beneficiaries of this legislation.

There is a lot of talk about financial institutions and even small banks and credit unions, but the real beneficiaries are the borrowers. They are the small businesses and the individuals who live in small and rural communities across this country and, frankly, even in some of our larger communities across this country. I thank you for explaining that so well.

The first words in the name of this bill are the ``Economic Growth,'' then ``Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Bill.''

I would like to turn to Senator Donnelly from Indiana--another one of the giants in terms of sticking to it and helping us get this important legislation drafted and moved to the floor.

Mr. President, I very much thank Senator Donnelly. I truly appreciate the Senator's solid, strong, and continued commitment to making this bill work, come to be a reality, and now helping to get it across the floor of the Senate. The Senator truly is appreciated.

Next, I turn to my good friend and another great colleague on the Democratic side of the aisle, Senator Warner from Virginia, another one of those who has consistently been there for years working to help us get to these solutions and to get them right.

Senator Warner.

Mr. President, I thank Senator Warner, my good friend and colleague from Virginia. I see that Senator Sanders from Vermont is here and the time has arrived for his time on the floor.

I will just conclude by saying that I agree with Senator Warner. We both support strong capital standards for our banks. I have a pretty solid, long speech on that that I was going to give if there was time. I will give it later.

I agree with Senator Warner that one thing we need to make clear is that the foreign banks with $250 billion in global consolidated assets will continue and still be subject to enhanced standards. Our bill does nothing to change that.

I thank the Senator from Virginia.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor the Uni- Capitol Washington Internship Programme, UCWIP. Our Nation has benefited from the service of outstanding Australian college students who participate in internships throughout the U.S. Congress through this program.

The program provides students with the opportunity to obtain considerable experience through their congressional internships, while also making available other educational experiences throughout their time in the U.S. Uni-Capitol Washington Programme interns have helped me serve Idaho constituents, and I am grateful for their efforts and dedication.

Caitlin ``Katie'' Brand, a UCWIP participant, joined my staff as an intern this semester. Katie is studying a double bachelor of commerce, accounting, and law with a diploma of languages, Mandarin, at Monash University. Upon completion of her degree, Katie intends to pursue a career in either the international relations, finance, or banking fields. Katie has been a pleasure to have on my staff and quickly adapted to her role and responsibilities in the office. Her eager and intelligent demeanor have allowed Katie to put forth her best work in helping to advance crucial work for Idahoans. I commend the level of professionalism Katie exhibits in every office interaction. She has shared with us some of the political and cultural differences between the U.S. and Australia, and it has been a great learning experience for both Katie and the staff.

``Being part of the UCWIP program and working in Senator Mike Crapo's office was an invaluable experience,'' Katie has said about her experiences in Washington. ``The opportunity has afforded me unparalleled insight into the world's foremost legislative body and enriched my professional development, including opportunities beyond what I imagined, such as attending the State of the Union as the Senator's guest. I want to wholeheartedly thank Senator Crapo and the staff in Senator Crapo's office who have made my internship so enjoyable and educational.''

Eric Federing, UCWIP's director and founder, has successfully focused his Capitol Hill and Australia experiences to provide this valuable educational exchange opportunity that benefits Australian students and congressional offices. His dedication to advancing this learning experience is remarkable.

I have been honored to have worked with the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme for several years. The program is shaping young leaders who are helping to deepen understanding between our two nations while providing outstanding constituent support. I commend Katie Brand, Eric Federing, and the other Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme participants and interns for their achievements and wish them continued success.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the remaining votes in this series be 10 minutes in length.

Mr. President, I have 11 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 Armed Services

The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Lieutenant General Paul M. Nakasone, USA, to be general and Director, National Security Agency/ Chief, Central Security Service/Commander, United States Cyber Command, Department of Defense, and Brent K. Park, of Tennessee, to be Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, National Nuclear Security Administration, and Anne Marie White, of Michigan, to be an Assistant Secretary (Environmental Management), both of the Department of Energy.

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 Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``The Semiannual monetary policy report to the Congress.''

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10:15 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Implementation of Positive Train Control.''

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing.

Committee on Environment and Public Works

The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``The Administration's Framework for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America.''

Committee on Foreign Relations

The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Robert Frank Pence, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Finland, and Trevor D. Traina, of California, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Austria, both of the Department of State, and Judy Lynn Shelton, of Virginia, to be United States Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on the following nomination: John F. Ring, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board.

Committee on the Judiciary

The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Joel M. Carson III, of New Mexico, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit, Colm F. Connolly, and Maryellen Noreika, both to be a United States District Judge for the District of Delaware, William F. Jung, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida, Ryan T. Holte, of Ohio, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims, Jonathan F. Mitchell, of Washington, to be Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States, and Billy J. Williams, to be United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, Mark S. James, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Missouri, Daniel C. Mosteller, to be United States Marshal for the District of South Dakota, and Jesse Seroyer, Jr., to be United States Marshal for the Middle District of Alabama, all of the Department of Justice.

Select Committee on Intelligence

The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 2 p.m., to conduct a closed business meeting followed by a closed briefing.

Select Committee on Intelligence

The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 2 p.m., to conduct a closed briefing.

Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management

The Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management of the Committee Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Examining Federal Managers' Roles in Hiring.''

Mr. President, today I wish to say a few words about Janet Yellen, an outstanding public servant, who recently completed her term as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and stepped down from the Board. At different times, over 42 years, she served the Fed as staff economist, member of the Board, president of the San Francisco Fed, Vice Chair, and then Chair. Under her leadership, the Fed began the process of normalizing monetary policy by winding down its balance sheet and raising interest rates after years at the zero lower bound.

Twice yearly, Ms. Yellen reported to the Banking Committee on monetary policy, conscientiously answering questions from members and was helpful in enlisting Federal Reserve staff to respond to inquiries from committee members and staff. I have appreciated her willingness to engage constructively with me and members of the committee as we have worked on legislation to tailor regulations and promote a healthy economy.

Over the years, I found Ms. Yellen to be serious, engaging, and generous with her time, a sentiment that is widely shared in this body. I thank her for her service.

Mr. President, my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins me today in honoring the extraordinary life of Sheila Ann Olsen, of Idaho Falls, ID, a dear friend and leader.

Sheila cared deeply for others as was clear from her community involvement. She devoted countless hours to assisting fellow Idahoans and bettering our communities. Some of the organizations and efforts she led and served in include the Idaho Commission on Human Rights, the Development Workshop Foundation, the Mayor's Committee on Race Relations, the Mayor's Cultural Awareness and Human Relations Committee, the Idaho Falls ADA Accessibility Commission, the ``Unity in the Community'' Prayer-a-Thon, the Governor's Workforce Development Council, Brigham Young University Alumni Board member, Idaho Department of Labor Employment Security Advisory Council, and the Electoral College. She was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a leader in the local and State Republican Party. Sheila is broadly admired for her giving spirit, and many credit Sheila with her help in advancing them on their career paths.

While she was deeply principled and committed to her religious faith, she worked extensively with and greatly valued working with others of differing faiths and backgrounds. She sought common ground and held high regard for bridging faiths, races, and backgrounds. We echo the descriptions of Sheila esteemed by her family and many friends: joyful, positive, engaged, compassionate, kind, fair, good, patriotic, and well-respected. Her attributes and hard work have received many recognitions including ``National MS Mother of the Year'' by President George H.W. Bush, Brigham Young University's ``Service to Family Award,'' ``Exemplary Citizen'' by the Rotary Club, and many more.

Sheila Olsen will be remembered as someone who set an enduring example of service to others. She was a mother of 10 children and a wife to the late Dennis Olsen. She was a grandmother to 39 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 23 great-grandchildren. She overcame the complications of multiple sclerosis to give extensively. Her legacy of devotion to her family, her religion, and serving will carry on in the many lives positively influenced by this great leader. We express our deep condolences to her family and friends and thank Sheila for her friendship and lasting service.

Mr. President, my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins me today in honoring LTC Albert J. Gomez on his outstanding career as he retires from serving as the West Point field force State coordinator.

Lieutenant Colonel Gomez--Al--has set a standard of excellence in Idaho leaving a lasting, positive impression in the lives of many. For nearly 20 years, he has been an invaluable asset to our offices. In 2000, the Idaho congressional delegation began to hold annual service academy days. Service academy days are an opportunity to provide information to Idaho's best and brightest young men and women who are interested in attending our Nation's service academies. Al has been instrumental in setting up service academy days from the beginning while juggling deployment and other commitments. He has assisted numerous Idaho students with obtaining an exceptional educational and service opportunities available at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He is responsible for incorporating the principle method into the delegation's nomination process, which has made a significant difference in the number of Idaho appointees to West Point. In fact, he is considered the ``secret weapon'' in our delegation responsible for the high success rate of Idaho students receiving appointments to West Point. For Lieutenant Colonel Gomez, his remarkable work has always been about his love for West Point and our country. He is known for his extraordinary mentorship of youth, and candidates are frequently told to listen to Al if they want to be successful.

As a West Point alumni, Al has clear insight into what it takes to succeed at a service academy and what it means to serve our Nation. He earned his regular Army commission in 1979 and started his career in 1980 as a lance missile platoon leader serving in Germany. His assignments took him and his family to Fort Sill, OK, and Neckarsulm, Germany, which included command of a Pershing II missile nuclear capable firing battery. He served in deployments in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was selected to represent the U.S. Army and provide testimony to the Presidential Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces in November 1992. Al continued his military education with a 1994 graduation from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. He served as a State Inspector General for both the Idaho and Guam National Guard for nearly a decade before his retirement from the U.S. Army in 2006. As a civilian, he worked for the Idaho National Guard as a special security officer for the Supervisor Human Resource Office before his current position, as the State equal employment manager.

His strong work ethic and dedication have not only given him a reputation among the delegation of being a go-to-guy when something needs to be done right and quickly, but also have contributed to him being recognized with many honors for his service to our country. These include the Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal, 4th Award; Army Commendation Medal, 3rd Award; Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal, 2nd Award; and many other recognitions.

Lieutenant Colonel Gomez has set an honorable example in how he cares for Idaho service academy candidates and how he has served our Nation. He has created a strong team of West Point liaison officers who will continue his mission of providing Idaho students a chance to obtain a world-class education. We congratulate LTC Albert Gomez on his exemplary career.

Your leadership and friendship will be greatly missed. Thank you for setting such a high standard of outstanding service to our Nation and Idahoans.

Mr. President, I, too, rise in support of the nomination of the

Honorable Jerome, or ``Jay,'' Powell to be the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

I appreciate this opportunity to immediately follow my colleague Senator Brown, as he and I serve together in leading the Banking Committee on critical issues like this. Senator Brown has very well described a number of the critical aspects of what this nomination means to America. I don't think there is any overstating the importance of this nomination--one of the very few most important nominations any President gets to make.

The Federal Reserve Chairman plays a critical role in shaping the U.S. and global economic landscape as well as the regulations affecting financial institutions and markets.

If confirmed to this position, Governor Powell would be central to ensuring a safe and sound financial system while also supporting a vibrant, growing economy. He will play a key role in right-sizing Federal regulations and alleviating unnecessary burdens, a stated goal of the Federal Reserve. He would also Chair the Federal Open Market Committee, the body charged with making key decisions for the Nation's monetary policy.

Governor Powell has a unique background, which will help him lead the Federal Reserve. He has demonstrated his understanding of the markets and regulations during his tenure over the past 5 years at the Federal Reserve.

Most recently, he has served as Chairman of the Fed's Committee on Supervision and Regulation, a highly important and impactful position.

Governor Powell previously served as Assistant Secretary and Under Secretary of the Treasury under President George H.W. Bush, where he was responsible for policy affecting financial institutions, the Treasury market, and other critical areas of our economy. He also has firsthand experience in investment banking and was a partner in the Carlyle Group before being appointed to the Board of Governors.

Governor Powell was reported out of the Banking Committee with overwhelming bipartisan support last year and was recently approved again this year with near-unanimous support. If confirmed to this new role, I look forward to continuing our work together with Governor Powell on a host of important issues before the Banking Committee.

I support this nomination today and urge all of my colleagues to do the same.

Thank you.

Madam President, today I wish to honor a longtime and vital member of my staff, John E. Hoehne, Jr., for serving the people of Idaho and our Nation for 25 years, both as my chief of staff during my service in the U.S. House of Representatives and as my chief of staff during my service in the U.S. Senate.

John has been with me since before the beginning of my congressional service, leading my first congressional campaign. He officially became my chief of staff when I was sworn into office in the U.S. House of Representatives in January of 1993. His encouragement, wise counsel, and friendship have been invaluable in decisionmaking and advancing policy and legislative objectives. I cannot thank him enough for his dedication and ongoing assistance.

John has contributed greatly to all aspects of my work, and he has helped advance countless legislative and policy efforts of importance for Idaho. He is instrumental in his work on first protecting Idaho's water sovereignty and economy while trying to find a consensus solution to anadromous fish recovery. He works to preserve Idaho's natural resources and quality of life. His passion for collaborative problem- solving in addressing natural resources challenges has helped give collaborative efforts every opportunity to succeed. John has been a driving force in bringing stakeholders with often diverging viewpoints to the table to build common ground and has helped provide room for stakeholders to talk and resolve concerns rather than resort to litigation. His involvement was essential in the enactment and implementation of the Owyhee Initiative and has been of great assistance with other collaborative efforts, such as the Clearwater Basin Collaborative.

John has also been at the forefront of helping Idahoans who have had challenges with Federal agencies. Earlier in his tenure, he helped get reason to prevail to the benefit of an Idaho community in a dispute with a Federal agency over how to best address mining cleanup. He was also heavily involved in addressing problems a timber company in southeast Idaho was having with another Federal agency. John intervened on the company's behalf and helped resolve the issues. These are just a few of the many achievements John has assisted with for Idahoans.

Every step of the way, John has been there with reasoned counsel and a great sense of the bigger picture. I serve the people of Idaho in Washington, DC, and I believe in strong ties to the State. Although it seems to be a less common arrangement to have a chief of staff based in the State, I have been fortunate to have a principal member of my staff based in Boise fulltime and centrally involved in Idaho issues. His deep knowledge, understanding of Idaho, and ability to effectively represent me have been beneficial. John is well respected in all corners of our great State. In an era and political environment where turnover is common, John's 25 years of committed service is a testament to his deep dedication to Idahoans.

Thank you, John, for your extraordinary counsel and friendship all these years.

Madam President, today I wish to honor Susan Hawkes Wheeler, chief of staff for my Washington, DC, office, for her 25 years of congressional service. Susan's trusted, dedicated, and perceptive counsel have been of great value throughout my congressional service.

Susan is a native of Idaho and has always had the Gem State's interests in the forefront of her mind. I am fortunate that she chose to serve Idaho through my office. I first met Susan when she worked as a television reporter and news manager in Boise and Idaho Falls. She covered me when I first ran for public office. Later, after a job interview on a twin-engine plane flying between Boise and Twin Falls, I hired her to help me get elected to Congress. Her sharp wit and directness was and is refreshing and effective.

After my election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Susan joined my congressional staff as press secretary and moved from Idaho to Washington, DC. This was back at a time when faxes still came on thermal curly paper and speed dials were limited to 10 numbers per machine. Radio actualities were done by actually splicing audiotape and calling each radio station separately to play the soundbite for them over the phone line, which was a landline. As technologies advanced, she met those changes with imaginative approaches and implemented innovative ways to improve communications and outreach with Idahoans. Her responsibilities also increased in my office.

Susan served as my acting administrative assistant during my last year in the House. Then, in the Senate, she served as my communications director until June 2011, when she earned the job of chief of staff-DC. She proved herself someone who can always be counted on for a straightforward and reasoned approach, no matter the situation or the audience. She helped make the office more effective and has been integral to improving the way our office communicates with Idahoans.

She improved the quality of the communication in my office, both externally and within the office. Her extensive work making the website a better resource for Idahoans has also resulted in it being recognized through multiple awards. Another of her achievements is the focus she has given to establishing office procedures and working with Senate administrative offices to fine-tune policies that enable smooth office operations. She also serves as a great example of leadership, communicating well with staff, and empowering them to share insight. While helping me become more effective, Susan has also taken the time to mentor countless staff and help young people start their careers.

From day one, no matter the job title, Susan has always been a senior counselor with trusted insight given her deep familiarity with Idaho, experience, and sound judgement.

Thank you, Susan, for dedicating so much of your time and talent to serving the people of Idaho in Congress and for your strong support and steady friendship.