Floor Statements

Madam President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Matt Lloyd for his decades of devotion to Montana and the Nation as he retires from 25 years of public service.

After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Matt began his journey in Washington, DC, as press secretary for U.S. Congressman Rick Hill and U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady. During the George W. Bush administration, Matt answered the call to serve and worked at the Department of Agriculture under Secretary Ann Veneman before returning to the U.S. House as communications director for Congressman Mike Pence, guiding the Congressman throughout his tenure in Congress and his campaign for Governor of Indiana.

During the first Trump administration, Matt once again served in the executive branch, first as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, then as Senior Advisor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, and finally as Principal Deputy Director for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice.

His last role before coming to my office was deputy chief of staff and communications director for U.S. Senator Rob Portman.

Matt started on Team Daines in January 2023. As my deputy chief of staff and communications director, he has provided principled and thoughtful counsel during a pivotal timespan in our Nation's history. He has a sharp eye, a keen sense of the political current, and has been an integral member of my staff.

Throughout it all, Matt has never lost sight of what matters most: being

a loyal husband to his wife Amy and a great father to his two children Emmett and Charlotte.

As Matt ends his time with Team Daines and his tenure in public service, I would like to congratulate him on his outstanding record and his devotion to both Montana and this Nation. Thank you for your service, Matt. ``Montana proud!''

Madam President, today I have the honor to recognize SSgt Brianna D. St. Lawrence-Brody as Montanan of the Month.

Brianna serves with the Montana Air National Guard in the 120th Airlift Wing in Great Falls and last week was awarded the Air Force's 2026 Total Force Outstanding Airmen of the Year, earning one of the Air Force's highest honors. As command post controller, she assists in helping share information and coordinate communication during emergencies and major events.

The award recognizes enlisted airmen who exemplify exceptional leadership, stellar job performance, self-improvement, and a sustained commitment to their communities.

Brianna not only serves as a part-time member of the Montana Air National Guard but is also a full-time school nurse in Great Falls, where she continues to serve others in her civilian career. She is a mom of four.

Brianna is a selfless, hard-working, and selfless-serving member, representing the best of Montana and the values of our great Nation.

I am thrilled to recognize Brianna for her selfless actions as part of the Montana Air National Guard, her extraordinary performance in her civilian career, and her dedication to caring for our communities. It is my distinct honor to recognize Brianna D. St. Lawrence-Brody as Montanan of the Month.

Madam President, today I have the honor to recognize Bruce Vincent.

Bruce Vincent is from Libby, MT, and a third-generation logger. After completing college, Bruce moved back home and joined his father's family business Vincent Logging as a business manager.

In 1988, Bruce helped form the Communities For A Great Northwest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating groups about the use of natural resources. He also founded the community outreach firm Environomics, focusing on issues for resource-dependent rural communities and responsible environmental stewardship.

His dedication to the great outdoors speaks volumes as he has received various recognitions for his hard work over the years. Bruce has been awarded the National Timberman Industry Activist of the Year, Montana Timberman of the Year, and several other accolades that speak to his passion for protecting the Montana that we love.

Bruce Vincent has dedicated his life to finding ways to protect the Last Best Place. It is my honor to recognize Bruce for his contributions to environmentalism, the logging industry, and his passion for the great outdoors.

Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Jay Contway and David Graham.

Jay is a native Montanan, born and raised in Malta, MT.

After settling near Great Falls in 1968, Jay built his foundry and became a renowned Western sculptor. Jay's work captured international recognition and has been displayed for audiences throughout North America for years, capturing the people, history, and traditions of the American West. Through Jay's work, he has preserved and illustrated the essence of the cowboy way of life, earning the title ``Montana's Own Story Teller in Bronze.''

David Graham also has contributed to the rich artistry of Montana. Born in Miles City, David was raised on a ranch in the Powder River area and his family's Western way of life deeply influenced his artistic career.

David gathers his inspiration by experiencing the Western way of life. whether he is riding horseback in the Badlands or hiking on a mountain trail. He is deeply inspired by the natural beauty he sees around him. David's paintings are shown throughout the country, including in many galleries and shows throughout the American West.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Jay Contway and David Graham for their tremendous contributions to the arts community and their dedication to celebrating the people, art, and history of our great State.

Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Jory Thomas as Montanan of the Month.

Earlier this year, Jory was camping with his family when he heard cries for help coming from the water. The 14-year-old acted swiftly when he saw a man floating down the river, battling the strong currents.

Jory didn't hesitate and sprinted down the riverbank to catch up with the man. He had grown up on a ranch and brought his lariat on the camping trip and was able to rope the man on his first throw. He pulled the man through chest-deep, swift-moving water, all the way to shore and safety.

Jory demonstrated quick thinking and coolness under pressure, with bravery far beyond his years. His friends and family say that he has always been kind and helpful, and he is a true example of the Montana spirit.

I am thrilled to commend Jory Thomas for his heroic actions. It is my distinct honor to recognize Jory Thomas as Montanan of the Month.

Mr. President, I want to thank Senator Lankford for organizing this time today because tomorrow, June 24, marks a pivotal anniversary in our Nation's history. In fact, it was 4 years ago that the Supreme Court ruled that there is no Federal constitutional right to abortion and overturned Roe v. Wade in a landmark 6-3 decision that altered the landscape of the pro-life movement forever.

Reflect for a moment on how things would be different today if the Court had decided otherwise. If the Court decided there was a national right to abortion, society's culture of death would be more prevalent; States would be prevented from enacting pro-life laws, and as a result, millions of unborn children would have been killed and countless more women would have experienced the trauma of losing their child.

I remember back in 2018 when I founded the U.S. Senate Pro-Life Caucus. I had no idea how important our work would become. I had no idea that we would get the opportunity to confirm pro-life Justices to the Supreme Court, including Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who became part of the majority on the Supreme Court to overturn Roe.

The pro-life movement was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help promote a culture of life. And thanks to an incredible nationwide movement of grassroots activists, countless hearts and countless minds have been changed.

We cannot understate the importance of that day 4 years ago.

I remember I was struck by a profound truth that is found in the Book of Jeremiah 1:5. It says:

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you

were born, I set you apart.

That is why there is dignity and value in every single life, including the unborn, the disabled, and the aging. Unfortunately, these beliefs are under attack by pro-abortion advocates who use a disability diagnosis to justify abortion.

Between 60 to 80 percent of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted in America. In fact, it is even higher in other countries. Nearly 100 percent in Denmark and Iceland.

Let that sink in for a moment.

Why would we ever think that is OK? To use a prenatal diagnosis as a case for abortion is discrimination at best and eugenics at worst. It also spurs the belief that having Down syndrome makes your life less valuable or not worth living.

Individuals with Down syndrome make meaningful contributions to society and are loved by their families and friends. It is ironic that we celebrate Special Olympics here in the Washington. And yet we promote a prenatal diagnosis as a case to abort those athletes when they are in the womb.

That is why I introduced the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act, which will ban doctors from performing abortions because the child received a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis.

Our Constitution says that all individuals are endowed by our Creator--that is with capital C--with the unalienable right to life.

There is no clause that I can find that says ``except for individuals with Down syndrome.'' There is no clause that says ``except for anyone with a disability.'' It is very clear: Every person has a right to life. It is our duty to protect that life and be a voice for the voiceless.

So I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill and for all the other pro-life legislation that my colleagues are speaking on today and tomorrow. I am confident that one day, by the grace and the hand of God, abortion will be unthinkable, and every preborn child will be protected by the law.

So this week as we celebrate this anniversary of the historic Dobbs decision, let's reflect with grateful hearts on the progress we have made, and let's look forward with hope to a future where every life, born and unborn, is valued.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of S. 205 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration; further, 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, today I have the honor to recognize Michelle Johnson as Montanan of the Month.

Michelle Johnson is a resident of Great Falls, MT, and has made tremendous impacts to the community over the years. Michelle serves as a counselor and PCMHI specialist in Great Falls. Prior to her career as a mental health specialist, Michelle served as a medical logistician helping veterans at the VA beginning in 2006 and rose to the role of noncommissioned officer-in-charge of medical contracting. While advancing her roles with the VA, Michelle simultaneously completed a master's degree in clinical health counseling.

Michelle has dedicated selfless hours of work to the veterans community in Montana. She has assisted hundreds of veterans with mental health recovery. She also established the VA's only Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) Clinic, that has significantly contributed to improving PTSD and mental health recovery for veterans seeking treatment.

Michelle Johnson's service, innovation, compassion, and unwavering support to the veterans community is outstanding, and I commend her for her selfless contributions. Michelle embodies the meaning of service and the very best of Montana. It is my distinct honor to recognize Michelle Johnson as Montanan of the Month.

Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Francies Poulos as Montanan of the Month.

Francies Poulos is a veteran from Billings who exemplifies the spirit of America through service and sacrifice.

As a young woman, Francies joined the Women's Army Corps during World War II, demonstrating an extraordinary love of country and commitment to duty as part of the generation that trailblazed new roles for women in the armed forces. During her time in service, she met the love of her life Nick, whom she married in 1945.

Later on, Francies earned college degrees in accounting and in law. After moving back to Montana in the 1990s, she and her husband dedicated their time to helping turn neglected Billings homes into spaces that renters could afford. Outside of her work life, Francies is an artist, poet, photographer, and author.

This June, Francies celebrated her 107th birthday, an incredible milestone achievement. I commend her for her service, her civic-minded attitude, and selfless contributions to Montana. It is my distinct honor to recognize Francies Poulos as Montanan of the Month.

Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize American supercentenarian Walter Breuning.

Walter Breuning was a long-time Montanan and has dedicated tremendous work during the development of American history. In 1913, Walter joined the Great Northern Railway, a transcontinental railroad that profoundly shaped Montana's history by establishing towns, fueling agriculture, and driving tourism. Walter continued to work there after moving to Montana until he was 66 years old. Additionally, Walter enlisted to the U.S. military during World War I and was a Freemason and a member of Great Falls Lodge No. 118 for over 85 years.

Outside of his professional career, many other parts of his life touched back to Montana. After moving to Montana in 1918 to continue work with the Great Northern Railway, Walter met Agnes Twokey, a telegraph operator from Butte. Walter was married to Agnes from 1922 until her death in 1957.

In his later years, Walter lived at the Rainbow Retirement and Assisted Living Center in Great Falls. Walter lived for 114 years and 205 days and was, up to the time of his death, the oldest living man in the world.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Walter Bruening for his outstanding milestone achievement, his loyalty to Montana, and life- long contributions to critical transportation infrastructure in Montana and throughout our Nation.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 5 minutes before the scheduled rollcall vote.

Mr. President, today, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of confirming Katie Lane to serve as the next judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana.

I have known Katie a long time. In fact, she attended kindergarten through 12th grade in my hometown of Bozeman. In fact, we went to the same high school. I was a little ahead of her. We are both Bozeman High Hawks.

She spent her childhood summers skiing, camping, and hiking, which instilled in her a deep and profound love of the Treasure State and the values that truly make it the ``Last Best Place.''

But then she went on to do even bigger things. She went on to attend George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School, where she graduated with highest honors. She then clerked at both the trial and appellate levels of the Federal judiciary for two Federal judges.

She returned to Montana to serve as the deputy solicitor general under Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, from 2021 to 2023. During her time in Helena, Katie worked zealously to defend Montana's laws and challenge Federal overreach. She litigated cases in both State and Federal courts on issues important to Montanans, including defending the Second Amendment, multiple land use and grazing rights cases, as well as defending Montana's coal industry.

As Montanans know well, Federal judges play a critical role in our daily lives. For many years, we have dealt with an activist judiciary that repeatedly rules against the interests of Montanans. That is why it is essential we pick principled, thoughtful jurists who are committed to upholding the Constitution and making decisions based on the rule of law, not on personal politics or viewpoints.

With this in mind, Senator Sheehy and I are confident that Katie is the right choice to serve Montana as our next Federal judge. Her values are rooted in Montana and grounded in the Constitution. Katie's distinguished record of public service and experience in both the Federal and State judiciaries makes her well-qualified to serve on the Federal bench. I am confident she will be fairminded; she will be principled; and she will bring honor, decency, integrity and--let's face it--a lot of smarts to the bench.

I cannot recommend Katie highly enough, and I urge my colleagues to vote today to confirm her without delay.

Vote on Lane Nomination

Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Lewis Johnson.

Montana's law enforcement officers and personnel exemplify some of the best qualities a person can demonstrate: service, courage, and resilience. Every day when our officers put on their uniforms, they put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.

Trooper Johnson sets the highest example of this. In February of 2023, Trooper Johnson was tragically struck by a fleeing vehicle near Eureka while in pursuit. He suffered critical injuries and nearly lost his life. After spending several days on life support in intensive care, Johnson defied all odds and miraculously recovered.

In January of 2025, Colonel Kurt Sager returned Trooper Johnson's

badge to him after it had been held for evidence in the case. His badge demonstrates not only his bravery, but his selflessness and his steadfast commitment to protecting his community.

Today, we recognize Trooper Johnson for his perseverance and dedication. I am immensely proud of him, and on behalf of Montana, it is my honor to thank him for his service to our great State.

Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Donald Wayne Engel as Montanan of the Month.

Donald Wayne Engel is a resident of Libby, MT. Engel was born on May 2, 1922, and joined the Air Force after high school. Early in his military career, Don was sent to Europe to fight against Germany in World War II and served as a member of a U.S. bomber team stationed near England.

Don was a fearless fighter and experienced times where his fighter plane was hit, but was never struck down. In 1945, Don was appointed to the rank of second lieutenant. Following his service, Don attended college to earn his degree to become an electrical engineer. The Air Force then assigned him to work with air ballistics and missile bases throughout the United States. He retired in August of 1969 with the rank of major.

Outside of Don's military career, he was married to Mervyn Engel and raised two children Patricia and James Engel. When Don wasn't on duty or with his family, he enjoyed hiking, fishing, and camping in the Rocky Mountains. Don was an avid lover of the outdoors and the mountains, so much that once he retired, he moved onto a piece of land outside of Noxon, MT, where he would juice his own apples and chop his own firewood.

Don now lives in Libby, MT, and will celebrate his 104th birthday on May 2.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Donald Wayne Engel as Montanan of the Month. Not only is Don an incredible example of a true military patriot, but a true Montanan at heart, and we commend him for his hard work and dedication to service to his country that will be remembered and inspire many.

Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Steve and Gayle Mason as Montanans of the Month.

Steve and Gayle Mason are residents of Somers, MT. Steve is a U.S. military veteran, and his dedication to country and community has continued long after the end of his military service.

Northwest Montana is home to a large, active veteran community, and nearly 6,000 veterans live in Kalispell alone. The Masons have dedicated a tremendous amount of their time and resources to give back to veterans in need by gathering donations and distributing food, clothing, and medical supplies.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Steve and Gayle Mason as Montanans of the Month. Their hard work, dedication to the veteran community, and their selfless service to Montanans will be remembered and inspire many.

Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Norma Ashby, a Montana broadcasting legend.

Ashby is one of Montana's most iconic broadcasters and a community champion. A fourth-generation Montanan raised on a ranch near Winston, Norma began her journalism career in high school and obtained her journalism degree from the University of Montana.

Following her graduation, Norma Ashby was a broadcaster at KRTV in Great Falls from 1962-1988. She was a hostess and producer of the award-winning ``Today in Montana'' show, interviewing more than 26,000 guests. Ashby also produced 21 television documentaries and co-produced ``The Great Falls Story: A Tribute to 125 Years'' in 2009. She received a multitude of awards and honors, including TV Broadcaster of the Year in 1985, the Most Influential Woman in Great Falls, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Montana. She was also recognized as an honorary member of the Blackfeet Tribe. In 2010, Ashby was inducted into the Montana Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Norma Ashby has served as a primary voice and leader in communities across Montana, and her legacy will continue for generations to come.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Norma Ashby for her lifelong dedication to her decades of work in journalism, history, and the arts, and for helping preserve our State's heritage for future generations.

Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Fred Wacker of Miles City, MT.

Agriculture is Montana's No. 1 economic driver, and the hard work of farmers and ranchers in the Treasure State puts food on table for families across Montana and the Nation. Fred Wacker, a third generation Montana rancher, has dedicated his life to this cause.

For 30 years, Fred has operated Cross Four Ranch in Custer and Rosebud Counties as a cow, yearling, and finished cattle operation. His family helps support the ranch and specializes in all natural cattle. Fred's steak also helped lift China's 14-year ban on American beef. I hand-delivered several steaks made from Cross Four Ranch beef to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on a trip to China in 2017, and shortly after, the ban was lifted. Several years later, Fred and I stood side by side at the White House as President Trump signed a historic deal with Japan to decrease tariffs on U.S. beef, thanks to Fred's advocacy on the issue. Not only has Fred's operation made a difference in Montana, it has made an international impact by helping expand market access for American farmers across the globe.

In addition to managing his ranch, Fred advocated on behalf of Montana ranchers through the Montana Stockgrowers Association and served his community on the Custer County Water and Sewer District Board, the Custer County Planning Board, and as president of the Miles City Kiwanis.

Fred Wacker has devoted his life to helping Montana agriculture thrive, and the country is better thanks to Fred's hard work. It is my distinct honor to recognize Fred Wacker as this month's awardee for America's 250 Montana Innovators Series for his dedication to his community and Montana. Folks like Fred Wacker help make Montana the Last Best Place.