Floor Statements

Mr. President, I am here to address the resolution put forward by Senator Van Hollen. This is a misguided resolution. The Democrats are trying to distort reality for political gain.

Make no mistake, the sole objective here is not justice or accountability for Americans, it is to cut off security aid to our ally Israel in its time of need.

Of course, any loss, all loss of American life is a tragedy, and Ambassador Huckabee has called for an investigation into these deaths, and I am very confident this administration will get to the bottom of this issue. But this one-sided resolution shames one of our strongest allies and minimizes the Palestinian Authority's role in inciting terrorist violence, including against Americans, through their horrific ``pay for slay'' program, which unbelievably rewards terrorists with up to $200 million a year.

Rather than any serious attempt at accountability or justice, this is sadly another cynical ploy by Democrats to isolate our closest ally in the region and to turn Israel's righteous war of self-defense into a domestic political issue as we are now just a little over 30 days from election.

For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote no on this resolution so we can stand with our ally Israel as they beat back the scourge of Iranian-backed terrorism.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, today I have the honor to recognize Burl Bowler and the Daniels County Leader staff as Montanans of the Month.

Burl was born and raised into a generational newspaper family from Scobey, MT. The Bowler family has owned and operated the Daniels County Leader in the northeast corner of Montana for over 100 years. Bowler's tenure with ``The Leader'' started as a kindergartner with his father, where he would sweep the floors. He eventually made his way up to editor and owner.

Burl is dedicated to his passion as a newspaperman. Every Wednesday, Burl would make the 55-mile drive from Scobey to Wolf Point to pick up the newspaper from the Northern Plains Independent. Due to the changing media landscape, the Daniels County Leader had to shut its doors. After 104 years of publication, the final copy of the Daniels County Leader ran in July.

The Leader helped bring communities of Montana together, from business postings on the front page, to senior spotlight announcements celebrating soon-to-be graduates, to chronicled excerpts of meetings and gatherings in town. Burl focused on events happening right at home, bringing the community together through his stories.

I am thrilled to recognize Burl, his family, and all those who worked for the Leader throughout its rich history, for their tremendous contributions in leading the Daniels County newspaper for the past 100 years. It is my distinct honor to recognize Burl Bowler and the Daniels County Leader staff as Montanans of the Month.

Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Jon Axline as Montanan of the Month.

Born and raised in Billings, MT, Jon is a fourth-generation Montanan. As a youth, he watched John F. Kennedy's Presidential motorcade from his grandparent's front yard in Billings, which was a profound moment that inspired his interest in history. Jon attended Montana State University where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in American history.

His passion for history extended to several experiences such as working for the Museum of the Rockies, the Montana State Prison Museum, the Bear Paw Development Corporation, and the Powell County Museum and Arts Foundation. Jon finally settled into a historian position for the Montana Department of Transportation in 1990.

Jon is one of the superstars of the Montana history profession. Jon's work covers hundreds of years of Montana's legacy, from the history of unions in Butte, to the Smith Mine disaster. Now retired after a 35- year long career, Jon is also remembered for his excellent writing on transportation history in the State.

I am thrilled to recognize Jon for his outstanding work in portraying Montana history for the past three decades. Jon's storytelling will continue to help educate people about our great State and bring communities together. It is my distinct honor to recognize Jon Axline as Montanan of the Month.

Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Josh Smith.

Born and raised in Lincoln, MT, Josh is the president, founder, and master bladesmith for the Montana Knife Company. Starting at the age of 11 years old, Josh learned the art of his craft from Rick Dunkerly, his baseball coach, where he learned how to make knives and remove stock blades in Rick's shop.

Over the next few years, Josh began forging and honing his craft. At the age of 19, he earned his master smith rating from the American Bladesmith Society, becoming one of the youngest bladesmiths to ever pass the test.

Years later, Josh moved to Frenchtown, MT, where he lives today with his wife and kids. Over the past 5 years, Josh grew his business from his garage to a new 50,000-square-foot facility where he now employs 130 people. He has dedicated his life to delivering the highest quality of knives, with the kind of value to his customers know and trust that stands the test of time to be passed down for generations. Josh has done immense work creating opportunities for Montanans, giving back to veterans and outdoorsman alike.

It is my honor to recognize Josh Smith for his outstanding contributions to the knife industry and the manufacturing craft in Montana. The legacy of your craftmanship and contributions to American manufacturing will not be forgotten.

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.