Floor Statements

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, I rise today to talk about a bill that would lift a mandate in the law dating back to the Great Depression. This mandate is that drugs have to be tested on animals before clinical trials in humans.

This law was created back in the thirties--but I think makes no sense today--when the only methods we had back then were animal trials or human trials. But as the cofounder of a leading bioconvergence startup wrote in ``Forbes'' last December:

[T]his legislation was passed 20 years before the first

modern blood tests, 40 years before [the] modern computers

and 60 years before the human genome was mapped. Now, we have

all these tools and so many more to evaluate and ensure the

safety of cosmetics and drug candidates before they reach

human trials.

The problem is, the law never caught up to the science. The law perversely requires drug developers to test on animals, which often means killing them after the test is over, even when nonanimal methods would work better. Passing this bill will put a stop to the needless suffering and death of millions of animals in labs across the country.

An emeritus neurology professor at Mayo Clinic, David Wiebers, wrote earlier this month in the Kansas City Star that the--

[D]ifferences in genetics and physiology among species can

change the way a drug is metabolized in the body. As a

result, the predictive value of using animals for toxicity

testing is far from optimal. The intent of the 1938

requirement for animal models was to keep toxic drugs from

harming patients.

A noble quest.

Yet, statistics show that these animal tests are flawed and

misclassify many toxic compounds as safe.

This partly explains why over 90 percent of drugs found to be safe in animal testing end up failing in human clinical trials. But animal tests can be more than twice as expensive--sometimes up to 30 times more expensive--as nonanimal alternatives. This is despite the fact that it takes over a decade to bring a new drug to market and costs about a billion dollars.

You would think that if you are making that kind of investment, you would be getting something for your money. But not when the government gets in the way of progress.

It is often said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. We have mandated animal testing for the last 84 years, and it meant slower approval for promising drugs and cures.

The time has come for the law to finally catch up with the science. I am glad the Senate has acted, and I hope the House of Representatives will now move quickly to pass this measure into law.

This law will allow the option of not doing animal testing. It is not that it will forbid and prevent any animal testing; it simply will allow the option of bringing drugs to market without sacrificing animals if we don't need to.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 5002, which is at the desk.

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, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Todd Case Trucking of Louisa, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Todd Case, owner of Todd Case Trucking, is the classic definition of a self-made man. Though he now owns a fleet of around 30 trucks, in addition to other business ventures, his trucking business bares his own name in reflection of how the company began: a time when Todd Case served as his own boss and was the company's sole employee. He got his start in the trucking business earlier than most when he bought his first truck at 17. That was back in the early 1980s when, like many men in the region, Mr. Case was working for the owner of a coal mine. Mr. Case had already saved up several hundred dollars from his work cutting weeds when he overheard the owner of the mine talk about his plans to sell the truck he had been using to haul coal. When Mr. Case first approached his employer about buying the truck, the owner of the mine said no, insisting that Mr. Case instead attend college. With great ingenuity Mr. Case replied that buying the truck would allow him to attend college, as it would give him a means to not only pay for his tuition but give him some income to subside on while in school. Won over by his entrepreneurial argument, the owner agreed to sell his truck to Mr. Case and accepted his down payment of $1,800.

Shortly thereafter, Mr. Case found himself attending the University of Kentucky, driving the rig on Tuesday and Thursday nights while he pursued his degree in accounting and finance. Throughout his college career, Mr. Case was no spendthrift, saving what money he could from his trucking work while putting himself through college. By his sophomore year, Mr. Case had saved enough money to convince a local bank to lend him the funds he needed to buy a second truck. This acquisition which took place during his sophomore year proved to be the first step on a long and industrious path of growth in his business.

Today, Mr. Case's fleet of trucks services Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia, bringing much-needed goods to the tri-State area. Moreover, Todd Case Trucking plays a vital role in the local economy as Kentucky, once famous for its burgeoning coal industry, now looks towards other economic opportunities to employ the citizens of the Commonwealth. Mr. Case, originally hailing from Pikeville, understands the need to provide Kentuckians with more diverse work opportunities, and that is why his Louisa-based business employs all its drivers exclusively from the Bluegrass State.

Though Mr. Case has since expanded his business portfolio by owning several other businesses in addition to his venture in the trucking industry, he maintains a watchful eye over Todd Case Trucking. Always keeping his community in mind, Todd Case Trucking partners with the local chapter of Masons to host an annual event called ``Fishing For Kids.'' This fishing competition welcomes children of all ages and provides close to 300 toys to all participants, many of those toys being bicycles and fishing rods. As an active member of the local chapter of the Masons, Mr. Case also lends a generous hand to all the local high school football and baseball teams when they are in need of additional funding. Moreover, Mr. Case currently sits on the board of trustees of University of Kentucky, and he works to ensure all students have the same bountiful opportunities that his alma mater provided him.

Todd Case Trucking bares a similar history to many other businesses in Kentucky and the Appalachia region; when the bounty provided by coal came and went, this business grew out of the remains and blossomed into a successful venture and fountain of opportunity for the local community. Mr. Case has long had a determined nature and knack for ingenuity, which is why he first became an entrepreneur as a high school student. In the decades since, Mr. Case has grown into a successful businessman and a great steward of his community. Congratulations to Todd Case and the entire team at Todd Case Trucking. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Kentucky.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the following interns in my office be granted floor privileges until December 16, 2022: Austin Gatesman, E.J. Monohan, Heather Maounis, Johnathon McCartney, Nika Gogishvili-Matthews, and Spencer Woodall.

Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an

outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Mylke Coffee Company of Island, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Shane Case had a vision for his home in Western Kentucky. Seeing that there was no source of freshly roasted coffee beans anywhere near his region of the State, he decided to fulfill this need, and thus in 2017, Mylke opened its doors. Shane's innovative vision led Mylke to become the first and only craft commercial coffee-roaster located within 100 miles of his hometown, and their popularity has continued to grow since its founding. Many people ask about the unique nature of the company's name. The name boils down to a sort of fusion between old and new: old in the way of Old English, a nod to Shane's Scottish heritage, and new, in the newfound rise and popularity of mylk, which typically refers to milk derived from beans, nuts, or plants rather than from an animal. Mylk has undoubtedly been on the rise in recent years as consumers have increasingly turned to dairy-free options as they search for quality coffee. Shane understood this shift in consumer demand and has responded accordingly with his forward-thinking business.

When Shane first opened his business, his intention was to provide the western half of the Bluegrass State with high-quality coffee beans and other coffee products from a source more local than the distant Louisville or Nashville, TN. However, as his company and customer base grew, he set his sights on entering into new markets beyond those of his native Western Kentucky. Since its founding in 2017, Mylke has consistently managed to break into new markets as far away as Atlanta and Indianapolis. Mylke now provides freshly roasted coffee to more than 20 independently owned coffee shops and restaurants. Not only has Shane kept an eye on the potential of emerging markets, he readily adapted to a newfound customer landscape when the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the coffee shop and restaurant industries. Faced with government mandates forcing him to close his doors, Shane pivoted and started offering alternative products to the typical coffee that is brewed onsite, instead providing ready-to-drink options, including the very popular Sweet Mylke Cold Brew or Mylke Kups that customers can use at home in their Keurig Coffee Machine.

Throughout his venture into founding his own enterprise, Shane has maintained a keen eye for business and an awareness of the needs of his larger community. As the company has grown, Mylke has partnered with several community organizations and charities that give back to the community. The company has helped facilitate numerous fundraisers for the McLean County High School Moot Court, an organization that exposes students to constitutional law and the work of advocates in the U.S. Supreme Court. Shane understands the importance of investing in the young minds of his community and that such investments, especially when pared with a focus on civic duty, are to the wide benefit not only for the youth involved but for the community at large. Moreover, Mylke has assisted in fundraising efforts for the Green River Area Down Syndrome Association--GRADSA--and continues to partner with them whenever possible.

Shane's charitable nature extends far beyond than what Mylke is able to do at a local level. He also pays mind to source his coffee beans from suppliers that share in his desire to give back to the community. Mylke has partnered with Legacy Farms Coffee since its founding, a coffee bean supplier working out of Honduras. Using proceeds earned through their coffee crops, Legacy Farms Coffee provides numerous services to the surrounding community, including livestock donations to hungry families, donations of books and supplies to local schools, and providing microloans to growing small businesses. This partnership, as well as those in his native Kentucky, have ensured that every pound of Mylke coffee sold benefits both the local and global community.

Mylke has seen unprecedented growth in 2022, with the christening of the Mylke Coffee Shop food truck, an asset that allows the company to grow their customer base and reach newfound customers. Moreover, the company has acquired a new commercial coffee roaster which will increase production capacity by 2,000 percent, to satisfy all those craving the high-quality coffee Mylke is known for. Given his track record for entrepreneurial wisdom it is not hard to believe that Mr. Shane Case will continue to grow Mylke at the rate he has already seen. I want to wish congratulations to Mr. Case and the entire team at Mylke Coffee Company. I look forward to watching their continued growth and success in Kentucky.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the Kentucky Chapter of the National Waste and Recycling Association, NWRA.

For 60 years, NWRA has been the Nation's leading voice for the private sector waste and recycling industries, which are essential to maintaining the quality of American life. The daily delivery of waste and recycling services impacts all residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

The NWRA's mission has been to promote the waste and recycling industry

through the strategic application of a results-driven advocacy and vision. The NWRA has created a favorable business climate where members prosper and provide safe, economically sustainable services and jobs that benefit communities throughout America.

With nearly 700 members, no chapter has showcased this shining standard more than Kentucky's NWRA chapter. For example, solid waste in Louisville has a diversion rate that is twice as efficient as comparable sized cities.

Solid waste and recycling collection in Louisville is no easy task. Metro Louisville consists of 83 incorporated cities, numerous homeowners' associations, and the Urban Services District collected by Metro Public Works. Despite these challenges, Kentucky's NWRA chapter continues to meet and exceed all expectations.

I am proud to salute the Kentucky NWRA chapter for their continued service and accomplishments, and I have no doubt they will continue to play an integral role in bettering the Commonwealth.

Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Heartland Chia of Franklin, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Chris Kummer's small business was founded on an idea that virtually no one thought possible: successful chia crops planted and harvested in the United States. But as a fifth-generation farmer, Mr. Kummer is no stranger to the challenges posed by mother nature. Thus, with decades of farming experience under his belt and a tireless dedication to his crops, Mr. Kummer has turned this once crazy idea into a thriving business. Founded in 2012, Heartland Chia develops and markets locally grown chia to buyers across the country. Chris's wife, Jill Kummer, joins her husband at the helm of their business, handling most of the marketing and administrative duties while her husband works with the crop directly in the field. Together, the Kummers are proud to be the only chia seed growers in the U.S.A., a tremendous feat that adds to the biodiversity of Kentucky's burgeoning agricultural industry.

Mr. Kummer will be the first to tell you that his business would not be possible had it not been for the visionary researchers at the University of Kentucky College of Food, Agriculture, and Environment. Since his great-grandfather planted his first crop on their family farm in 1889, the Kummers have grown crops traditional to the Midwestern U.S., such as soy, wheat, and corn. It never occurred to them to plant chia as the plant requires a very

long summer in order to grow and produce seed, meaning that most of the world's chia plants are grown in regions near the equator, such as Central America. Farmers everywhere took it for granted that this plant could not be grown north of the U.S.-Mexico border, but the breeding program over at the University Kentucky sought to change that. Over a period spanning 6 to 8 years, researchers Dr. David Hildebrand and Dr. Tim Phillips, both plant and soil scientists, used decades old breeding methods to create a new strain of chia that would flower earlier in the year, allowing the crop to survive in less temperate climates than those near the equator. Once the scientists created a product they were confident in, they were careful in selecting a steward for their new ``Early Flowering'' chia seed. Dr. Hildebrand knew Chris Kummer from his days as a student at UK and knew of his farming background; therefore he immediately came to mind.

In 2011, Dr. Phillips and Dr. Hildebrand gave Mr. Kummer half the world's seed supply of this new strain of chia. In the first year of planting, the Kummers lost most of their chia crops, as they and the researchers over at University of Kentucky were still learning best practices for growing this new crop. But through the persistence instilled in him from his farmer forebears, Chris and his wife absorbed as much knowledge as they could from this first planting season and put it to the test the next year. By the end of their second planting season, the Kummers had already entered into commercial production. The success of this second season led UK to purchase a patent for the seed, ensuring that it only be used for benefit of American farmers, domestic food manufacturers, and domestic consumers.

Today, Heartland Chia works with several farmers across four different States that all use the Kummer's chia for manufacturing processes. By producing this previously ungrowable plant in the U.S., the Kummers have not only added to the biodiversity of the State, they have created a reliable source of what is now widely considered ``a superfood.'' In a recent publication, the Mayo Clinic listed chia as one of the few foods truly deserving the distinction of ``superfood'' due its long list of health and nutritional benefits. Given this growth in consumer demand, it was only natural that Mr. Kummer would embark on this experimental journey with the support of his family, University of Kentucky scientists, as well as food manufacturers seeking top-quality chia.

Chris has been celebrated for his innovative spirit as several food companies encouraged him to pursue this unlikely feat of growing chia on American soil. Chris has fulfilled a need within the U.S. market as many food suppliers lacked a reliable source for top quality chia seeds. After overcoming the odds, the Kummers continue to grow and produce their own chia and market their products direct to consumers and to food suppliers alike. Not only are they doing a great service to the economy and ecology of Kentucky, they are spreading the good word about an unlikely food that greatly bolsters our body's health. Through persistence and dedication, the Kummers have made their dream a reality, to the great benefit of Kentucky and beyond. Congratulations to Chris and Jill Kummer, along with the entire team at Heartland Chia. I thank you for your innovative outlook and entrepreneurial spirit, and I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Kentucky.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the Al J. Schneider Company for 75 years of service and contribution to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

On September 30th, 1947, the Al J. Schneider Company began its service by building barracks and other military facilities on Fort Knox. The company has since built and owned four of the largest hotels in Louisville, including the Galt House Hotel, the Executive Inn and Executive West--now known as the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport--the Waterfront Office Tower, and One Riverfront Plaza, as well as many other commercial properties throughout Louisville.

The Al J. Schneider Company was founded with the belief that great things in great cities are done by the people in the city, including the $80 million reinvestment of the Galt House Hotel and the employees who serve our community.

The Al J. Schneider Company has also taken great pride in supporting the local community with devout support of the Catholic Church, investment in the University of Louisville, Simmons College of Kentucky, Louisville Metro Police Foundation, King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church, and many other nonprofits throughout the Commonwealth.

I am proud to salute the Al J. Schneider Company for their 75 years of service and accomplishments and have no doubt they will continue to play an integral role in bettering the Commonwealth.

Madam President, after more than 25 years of service--first as an officer, then as executive director of the Louisville Metro Police Foundation, LMPF--Tracie Shifflett has announced that she will retire from the foundation in September.

The LMPF is an independent, private nonprofit organization, the only organization authorized to raise funds on behalf of the Louisville Metro Police Department. LMPF supports special community programs to strengthen relationships between police and the communities they serve, purchase equipment and training programs, and grants for the Officers in Distress Program.

Shifflett took on leadership of the LMPF in 2016 after retiring from the Louisville Metro Police Department as a lieutenant over the training academy. The rank of lieutenant is the highest achievable rank on your merit within the department.

``I always felt our officers were like my kids,'' Shifflett said. ``I felt like my work with the Foundation was a way I could truly help them.''

During her tenure as its leader, the foundation has grown from less than $700,000 in total assets to $2.4 million. Tracie dealt with many challenges and faced all of them with grace, love, and a great sense of humor. She has put her own life on hold many times to be there for ``her'' officers, the board, and the Louisville community. She has repeatedly set new records for fundraising at the LMPF's annual event by sharing the unvarnished truth of what officers face every day while serving. Her passion both while serving on LMPD and for the LMPF was to make sure ``her babies'' were taken care of, that they felt loved, and had the support needed to continue to make a difference every day.

``I'm especially proud that we have been able to positively impact at least 50 officer families each year that have faced injury, medical diagnosis, or other critical needs,'' Shifflett said. ``Since 2016, we have granted $1.7 million to officer families who are facing life- altering difficulty.''

Some of the foundation's key accomplishments under Shifflett's leadership include training programs, purchasing equipment, and the Officers in Distress Program.

Tracie has partnered with many officers and helped to strengthen their bonds in the community with programs like Shop with a Cop, Gang Resistance, and Education Training. The department has also helped build and provide bedding to 100 kids in the community, purchased new bleachers for the California Community Center, and launched the Help Us Give fund. She also secured funding for seven mounted patrol horses, purchased nine K-9s for patrol work and narcotics detection, some of which went on to win the National K-9 Olympics Competition, and obtained K-9 trauma kits and K-9 protective vests for all LMPD K-9s. In her last few weeks with the foundation, she secured two Kid ID Kits for LMPD to use in the community.

Jim Ellis, chairman of the Louisville Metro Police Foundation, said the following about Tracie in her evaluation:

``Tracie has become the go-to person for many members of LMPD when they have a gripe, concern, or problem. I believe that is a great demonstration of the trust the officers have in our Foundation and our Executive Director. Tracie receives inquiries from other Foundations around the county on how we implement and apply checks and balances to each of our grants. Tracie maintains confidentiality with sensitive and life-altering data and information that comes into the Foundation. This confidentiality helps protect the safety of the LMPD and the Foundation's board members. Tracie is unique in that she is a former police officer and understands what the men and women of the LMPD want and need to make Louisville safer. She lets them know what is possible to achieve and what may be beyond the Board's ability to obtain or provide. She hates to deny any request, but if it is denied, she works to solve the problem. Tracie has become somewhat of a parental figure for many members of LMPD.''

Almost every targeted foundation project was obtained under her leadership. One of the things that Tracie was proud to have accomplished during her tenure at the foundation is securing funding for high-velocity bulletproof vests for every LMPD officer, which recently saved the life of an officer. Another highlight of her career was receiving her master's degree in education.

She is incredibly proud of her close family: her mother, Judy, her late father, Benjamin, her son, Ben, her daughter, Alex, and her husband, John, a retired police officer.

I am proud to salute Tracie for her dedicated career in making our community a safer place to live.

Mr. President, as a ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize The Hitching Post and Old Country Store of Aurora, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

For generations, Land Between the Lakes has been one of the premier travel destinations in Western Kentucky. The gorgeous strip of land nestled between lakes Barkley and Kentucky contains breathtaking nature scenes, a plethora of outdoor activities, and numerous local businesses that visitors travel from far and wide to enjoy. A local favorite among those many businesses is The Hitching Post and Old Country Store. Located on 4 and a half acre property on the western side of Kentucky Lake, The Hitching Post and Old Country Store first opened their doors to customers in 1941. The structures themselves are over 200 years old, but starting with the Perryman family in 1941, three families of stewards have maintained these stores in all their historic glory. Today, the stores are owned by Su Festen and her husband Tom Trenkle, who ventured south from Illinois to buy the property in 2008. In the years since, Su will tell you that she has grown a Southern heart, which is more than evident in the warm hospitality she shows to all who dawn her doors.

Though The Hitching Post and the Old Country Store needed some notable maintenance when it came into Tom and Su's hands, they both decided to maintain the old-fashioned nature to the interior of the stores. Su was inspired to perpetuate the historic feeling of the of the property on her first day on the job as one of the very first patrons to come in was a fourth-generation customer with an abundance of love for these two stores. From then on, Su and her husband ensured that The Hitching Post and Old Country Store would be a place where everyone from out of town travelers to generational customers and locals could come to reminisce, remember, and enjoy the simpler things that only a small-town small business could provide.

When travelers traverse the beautiful land between lakes Barkley and Kentucky, they are confronted with the abounding beauty of the landscape surrounding them. Given this gorgeous scenery, it would be easy to overlook the charming shops around them. This is not the case for patrons of The Hitching Post and its neighboring Old Country Store. Customers are struck by the old-fashioned interior which harkens back to memories from a simpler time. From the stacks of local fruit preserves and canned country favorites, to spiced apple cider, customers are reminded of a time when local produce was the all that was available before the days of instant gratification fostered by online shopping and rapid delivery.

Not only are the two stores brimming over with charm, the two provide a wide variety of products to satisfy every traveler. If you are looking for something sweet to snack on for the trip home, you will find a delightful selection of homemade fudge and crates filled to the brim with saltwater taffy and old-fashioned candy. However, there is one offering that sticks out above all the others. As soon as you enter the Old Country Store, your eyes are immediately drawn to the towering wall of old-fashioned glass bottled sodas that line the back wall of the store. With over 200 different flavors offered, ranging from classic root beers to seasonal soda recipes, it is nearly impossible to choose what unique sodas to try, which is one of the many reasons why customers often return to The Hitching Post and Old Country Store year after year. To brighten up the weekends of their customers, Su and Tom created their weekly All-American Soda Showdown. From May to September, the most indecisive or adventurous customer can come in Sunday afternoons to sample both new and old flavors of soda the Old Country Store has to offer.

However, both The Hitching Post and Old Country Stores have more than just sweet treats for the car ride home. Customers can also find a collection of retro toys and trinkets that introduce new generations to the beloved pastimes of their parents and grandparents. Family of some of the previous owners of the stores were avid collectors of unique items and oddities. Customers are encouraged to peruse their treasure trove of antiques and vintage novelties great for giving as gifts or keeping for home decor. One notable item on display is a moonshine still designed by Casey Jones, a famous Prohibition-era moonshiner whose brew was enjoyed by notable mob-boss Al Capone. Even upon exiting the stores visitors will encounter an array of impressive chainsaw carvings of forest creatures and mythical characters hand-crafted by talented local artisans.

There is something about family vacations that is uniquely American. The places that families travel for both relaxation and recreation hold a special place in the hearts of those who visit them. All across the country are areas like Land Between the Lakes whose beauty is enjoyed by generations of families who bring their children and grandchildren to relish in the wonder they themselves appreciated as children. Part of this landscape are small businesses like The Hitching Post and Old Country Store that bravely confront the onward march of time. Though their original customers have aged over the 81 years that they have been open, the stores themselves remain ageless, as they look just like they did since that first year of operation in 1941. For decades, these stores have been serving local Kentuckians and travelers alike, and it is clear that they will be cherished for generations to come. Congratulations to Tom Trenkle and Su Festen, along with the entire team at The Hitching Post and Old Country Store. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Kentucky.

Mr. President, when police officers raise their hands and take an oath to serve and protect, they understand the risks that come with that promise. Floyd County Sheriff's Deputy William Petry, Prestonsburg Police Department Captain Ralph Frasure, Prestonsburg Police Patrolman Jacob Chaffins, and Floyd County Canine Unit Drago gave the ultimate sacrifice for their communities and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Floyd County Sheriff's Deputy Darrin Lawson, Constable Gary Wolfe, and Floyd County Emergency Management Director Joe Reynolds were also wounded during the incident.

Floyd County law enforcement officials were serving an emergency protective order to Lance Storz, of Allen, KY, when they were attacked. The standoff began as officers approached Mr. Storz's home using a one lane road. Mr. Storz then opened fire on the officers from an elevated position. Despite their vulnerable position, the officers valiantly engaged Mr. Storz for well over 3 hours. Finally, at 10 p.m., Mr. Storz surrendered to officers and was taken into custody.

We honor these officers, who sacrificed to keep our communities safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our three fallen officers, the families of the wounded officers, and the Allen, Prestonsburg, and Floyd County residents affected by this tragedy.

I salute Deputy Petry, Captain Frasure, Patrolman Chaffins, Drago, and the great law enforcement men and women of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Mr. President, gas prices are 64 percent higher in my home State of Kentucky than they were in January of 2021. This means Kentuckians are paying $1.43 more for gas than they were at the beginning of last year.

For average Americans already struggling to put food on the table, sky-high gas prices are a daily punishment.

Every additional dollar an American spends on a gallon of gas is a dollar not going towards their mortgage, their retirement, or their children's college fund.

Rising prices are robbing Americans of the chance to plan for the future, as

they struggle to make ends meet in the present.

In an attempt to address rising gas prices, President Biden announced on April 12 that he would allow the sale of E15 gasoline this summer. Then-White House press secretary Jen Psaki had this to say about this decision:

[This] waiver [that President Biden passed to allow E15] is

a critical step to address the fuel supply crisis and . . .

build real U.S. energy independence, support American

agriculture and manufacturing, and save Americans money at

the pump. At current prices, E15 can save a family 10 cents

per gallon of gas on average and many stores sell E15 at even

greater discount and today's waiver will allow families to

pay that lower price for months to come.

So this is a policy supported by President Biden, and it is currently the law since he is waiving the regulation.

E15 is a gasoline blend containing up to 15 percent ethanol. It is a renewable fuel typically made from corn. A 2008 study published in Atmospheric Environment found that ethanol-based fuels like E15 emit up to 16 percent less carbon dioxide than traditional gasoline.

A more recent study published by the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory found that these fuels emit up to 23 percent less carbon dioxide and provide a cheaper alternative to typical gasoline, and yet the Clean Air Act currently prohibits the sale of E15 during the summer. So we sell it for 9 months of the year; we forbid it for 3 months of the year. But companies can't get used to either selling it or making it or distributing it because of the disruption during the summer.

Under the current law, gas with up to 10 percent ethanol, commonly known as E10, can be sold during the summer. But, inexplicably, the law treats E15 differently, even though the higher ethanol blend is better for the environment.

American drivers ought to be able to access E15 year-round. Prohibiting its sale in the summer months artificially restricts the supply, especially when Americans are paying historically high prices for a gallon of gasoline.

What we are asking to do today through this legislation is not to subsidize ethanol, not to force people to use ethanol, but to allow people to use ethanol at an E15 basis, a little bit higher than we are allowed to use already.

Republican and Democratic Presidents have both waived this rule. This is essentially what the law of the land is other than we are having to suspend the law to get what we have. The last President and this President have both waived the rule that we are trying to repeal today.

Both Presidents Trump and Biden approved the removal of barriers to the sale of E15 during the summer months; but in Congress, we have it in our power to permanently allow the sale of E15.

If we only do it by Presidential waiver, there is never enough certainty for people in the marketplace to decide to sell it year-round because they are worried that at any one moment a President will flip a switch, and then we will go back to banning it again.

The EASE Act, which is what we will be asking to pass today, is a bill that will allow the sale of E15 year-round and will provide relief for Americans on the road--not only this year, but every year. This change is long overdue. I have advocated this policy for 7 years. I first introduced this legislation in 2015.

Passing the EASE Act would benefit consumers, farmers, and the environment by increasing access.

So as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 4774, which is at the desk; further, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and that the motion to reconsider be consider made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Larry's Mini Mart of Whitley City, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

When Larry Sumner founded Larry's Somerset Oil in 1973, he had no idea it would grow into the family business that it is today. Larry got his start in business when he opened his service station in Whitley City. It was there in McCreary County that Larry's children watched their father run a business that bolstered their home-town community. As the Sumner children grew older, they learned firstshand what it meant to devote one's energy to their customers, so it was only natural that they inherited their father's entrepreneurial nature. Thus, Larry Sumner's business continues operating today in the exact location he moved to in 1976, with the Sumner children at the helm of operations.

Today Larry's Mini Mart, as it is now called, is Whitley City's one stop shop for full-service gas, kerosene, and diesel. Unlike the days of old, most people nowadays pump their own gas and rarely interact with the folks working at their local gas stations. That is not the case for Larry's Mini Mart, as they carry on the tradition of pumping gas for their customers, always doing it with a smile. Larry's is also the local stop where folks can drop in to pick up cold drinks, snacks, ice, and anything else they might need whether in a hurry or just for an afternoon excursion. Larry's Mini Mart even goes beyond what a typical service station offers by renting out their extra storage space to their loyal customers .

When the late Larry Sumner first opened his business back in the 1970's, he wanted to create a place that was more than the average filling station. He understood that offering quality service and a wide variety of conveniences would make his store a success, but his dream went beyond those of profits. Larry Sumner's goal was to create a place that would foster community within the town of Whitley City.

When Larry Sumner's son Mark and daughter Marlo took over the business in 1998 following their father's death, they stayed true to his mission. Today, as it has always been, Larry's Mini Mart is a place where locals can come to catch up on the latest news in the county, whether that news travels through the local paper cir word-of-mouth. As is often the case with small towns, sometimes it takes a trip down to Larry's just to hear about the goings-on about town, and the late Larry Sumner would not have it any other way.

Larry's has often been recognized for the quality service they provide to their community. Most recently in 2020, Larry's Mini Mart received McCreary County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month. They have also won McCreary County Business of the Year numerous times due to the charitable spirit of the owners and staff. Throughout their years of operation, Larry's Mini Mart has supported local school systems and all their various sporting activities. Larry's has become a well-known for hosting car wash fundraisers for various causes within their community. Larry's Mini Mart has also contributed to the Banquet of Blessings, a McCreary County tradition that provides a free Christmas meal to anyone in need. Larry's has also contributed to the local chapter of Relay for Life, a cancer awareness nonprofit. Moreover, the public library, the local chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the McCreary County Chamber of Commerce, right down to the McCreary County Little League baseball team, have all seen support from the fine folks at Larry's Mini Mart.

Larry's Mini Mart is known not only for their quality service and charitable spirit, but they also maintain their reputation for being a fantastic place to work. Currently, Mark Sumner and his wife Stephanie operate Larry's with the help of their daughter Taylor and their son Tyler. This family affair fosters a friendly environment, so much so that two of Larry's Mini Mart employees have worked for the business for over 40 years. That type of longevity clearly shows that Larry's is not your average service station. Larry's Mini Mart is a community institution that goes above and beyond to support their friends and neighbors, whether it be during or outside of their regular business hours. Congratulations to the Sumner family and entire team at Larry's Mini Mart. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Kentucky.

Mr. President, today, the Senate will vote to expand the NATO alliance to include Sweden and Finland. A crucial question that should be answered is whether Sweden and Finland's accession to NATO is in America's best interests and whether their joining will cause more or less war.

Well, for every action, there is a reaction. What do our adversaries say? Putin's immediate response to it was that Russia ``does not have a problem'' with Sweden or Finland applying for NATO but that ``the expansion of military infrastructure into this territory will of course give rise to reaction and response.'' So from Russia's perspective, they likely will tolerate Sweden and Finland in NATO but likely will not tolerate certain weapons systems in Finland or Sweden.

Advocates of NATO expansion said we can't be held hostage to Russia's threats. Perhaps. But if a country announces they will do X if you do Y, shouldn't someone at least contemplate the potential scenarios? The Russians have already announced that placing certain weapons systems in Finland is a redline. Whether the redline is justified is not the issue. The issue is, knowing your adversary's position, is it worth the risk of pushing missiles into Finland?

The world has changed since Putin invaded Ukraine. Arguments that admitting Sweden and Finland to NATO could provoke Russia are less potent now since Putin's war shows he can be provoked by actions short of Ukraine's actual admission to NATO.

Diplomats, though, should try to envision how the Ukraine war might end. One possible end would be, as Zelenskyy has stated, a neutral Ukraine not militarily aligned with either the West or the East. Neutrality doesn't have to always be a weakness. Neutral nations can serve as intermediaries in conflict resolution. Often, our discussions with Iran use neutral Sweden as a conduit. When all nations are aligned, who will be the mediators? The world will soon lose the important roles played by a neutral Finland and Sweden.

But Putin's invasion in Ukraine has changed the world. In this new world, I am less adamant about preventing NATO's expansion with Sweden and Finland, but I am still adamant about the reality that NATO's expansion will come at a cost.

I am here today to propose a reservation to ensure that this expansion will not come at the expense of losing our ability to determine where and when the United States goes to war. My reservation merely reasserts that article 5 of the NATO treaty does not supersede Congress's constitutional responsibility to declare war before the United States commits troops to war.

The Founders designed the separation of war powers to ensure that the decision to engage in hostilities would be made only after serious deliberation. According to our Constitution, the United States would resort to war only after the collective wisdom of the people's elected representatives determine war is in the best interest. We know this because our Founders told us so.

At the Pennsylvania ratifying convention, James Wilson stated that the proposed Constitution would not allow one man or even one body of men to declare war.

In Federalist No. 69, Alexander Hamilton explained that the President would be restricted to conducting the armies and navies, which Congress alone would raise and fund.

The Father of our Constitution, James Madison, argued:

In no part of the Constitution is more wisdom to be found

than in the clause which confides the question of war or

peace to the legislature.

Some have argued that a vote for my amendment is to go wobbly on NATO's article 5 commitment. I would argue that the Gold Star parents and our men and women in the field don't want Congress to go wobbly on the Constitution.

There is no more serious question that we are entrusted to answer than whether to commit the men and women of the armed services to war. We cannot delegate that responsibility to the President, to the courts, to an international body, or to our allies. This is our constitutional responsibility, one that we have freely taken and one that our constituents expect us to uphold.

I also want to assure my colleagues here that adoption of my reservation will not jeopardize the NATO treaty. Some will argue that while the substance of my reservation is unobjectionable, the process of adopting the reservation threatens the expansion of NATO. Nothing could be further from the truth.

It is true that reservations must be accepted by the other parties, but the other parties are NATO allies. The other parties are NATO allies who are all dependent on us to come to their rescue. Do you think they are going to lecture us on obeying our own Constitution? We should expect those allies to respect article 11 of the NATO treaty, which states that the provisions of the treaty are to be carried out in accordance with each country's respective constitutional process.

Additionally, my reservation does not require any other country to take action or renegotiate the treaty. The reservation will be deemed accepted if our allies do not object after a period of 12 months.

I call on my colleagues to support my proposal to reaffirm that our Constitution and the NATO treaty are abundantly clear: Our international obligations do not supersede Congress's responsibility to declare war. It is in our Constitution. It is the supreme law of the land, and we should today reassert that we will obey the Constitution above all else.

I call up my amendment No. 5191 and ask that it be reported by number.

Mr. President, we absolutely must take care of those who were harmed in service to our country. I have supported several bills to take care of our veterans. In February of this year, I supported a bill that passed the Senate called the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act, which extends the eligibility period for combat veterans who served after 9/11 and were exposed to toxic substances so they are able to receive care at the VA. I have also supported the VA MISSION Act, the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act, the TEAM Caregivers Act, and the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act, all of which expand care for veterans. When the war in Afghanistan came to a close, I proposed using those funds saved by ending the war to give a $2,500 bonus to all members of the military who served in the Global War on Terrorism.

We must take care of our veterans and keep our country strong. This bill puts our economy, though, at risk by creating presumptions of service connection for the most common of ailments. For example, this legislation creates a presumption of service connection for Vietnam veterans for hypertension, but according to the CDC, 50 percent of men and 44 percent of women in the United States have hypertension. More than 60 percent of people over the age of 60 have hypertension. In total, the CDC estimates that 116 million Americans have hypertension. The legislation also creates a presumption of service connection for Global War on Terror veterans for asthma. The CDC estimates that 1 in 12 people has asthma, which is approximately 25 million Americans.

This bill would cost hundreds of billions of dollars at a time when the national debt is climbing over $30 trillion and inflation is at a 40-year high. But the Federal debt was created by Congress and not our vets, and those who serve in the armed services should not be the ones to pay the cost for government mismanagement. That is why I propose that we pay for this bill by establishing a 10-year moratorium on foreign aid disbursed by USAID, except for Israel. USAID is riddled with waste, and those dollars could be better put to use to help to take care of our veterans' healthcare.

Just this year, USAID unveiled a $50 million Visit Tunisia program to encourage more tourism in Tunisia although Tunisia is already one of the most visited countries in Africa.

In 2016, USAID started a program to help the Afghan Government help farmers as it cut checks to NGOs to fund Afghan farmers.

The program paid for 72 farmers to receive drip irrigation, pipes, wheelbarrow, 2,000-liter water tank, and a 5-kilowatt generator for a cost of $87.9 million. Whether the systems are still in function or were actually built is another question.

USAID spent over $37 million to assist the Filipino Government to get roughly 3 million Filipinos back to school. Maybe we ought to do the same in America.

USAID devoted 20 million to teach the Laotians the Laotian language.

In another instance, USAID allocated up to $150,000 to send 10 Koreans to Washington, DC, for 2 weeks to learn about climate change activism. That is a great use of our money.

Wouldn't Congress rather spend the money on our veterans? Wouldn't it make more sense to spend taxpayer dollars on veterans who have risked it all for their country than on encouraging travel to Tunisia?

That is why I seek my colleagues' support for my amendment that would help pay for the hundreds of billions of dollars in this bill. Our veterans should come first.

I ask your support for my amendment on this pay-for amendment.

Mr. President, I move to concur in the House message to accompany S. 3373 with amendment No. 5184.

Mr. President, I ask that the reading be dispensed with.