Floor Statements

Madam President, today I would like to honor the lives of Rob and Pam Stephens who were integral members of the Billings community. Both Rob and Pam had a passion for sharing their love of aviation with others. Tragically, on Sunday, September 26th, the Stephens were involved in a fatal plane crash with their son Riley. Riley was the only survivor.

With over 40 years of flying experience and more than 30 years as a professional airline pilot, Rob loved sharing his knowledge and expertise with others who aspired to become pilots themselves. In 2018, Rob founded Mission Aviation flight school, located at Montana's Laurel Municipal Airport, with the intentions of serving others in Yellowstone County who also wanted to pursue careers in aviation.

Most notably, Rob shared his skills and passion for flying with his two sons, Riley and Steele, both of whom have pursued their own careers in aviation and take pride in teaching the next generation of prospective pilots.

Rob and Pam will be dearly missed by their children Steele, Riley, and Piper, their friends in the aviation community, and so many more in the Billings area whose lives they touched. Piper recently served Montana as an intern in my Washington, DC office. As Riley continues to receive medical care, our prayers are with him and the entire Stephens family during this very difficult time. May God continue to bless and look over them.

Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Dave Hutton of Flathead County as Montanan of the Month for his dedication to serving the Kalispell community as a parking officer.

Dave brings a positive and upbeat attitude to one of the most thankless jobs in the Flathead Valley. Whether it is a sweltering July day or a snowy December morning, Patrolman Dave greets every Montanan he meets with a smile.

It is the simple things that make Dave a model Montanan. Locals have seen him stop in roadways to protect pedestrians from oncoming traffic, and he is often spotted chatting with local shop owners who are always excited to see a friendly face.

One early June morning, Dave was rounding a corner on Main Street and noticed a line of debris littering the street and blocking the sidewalk. Unbeknownst to him, the night before, a reckless drunk driver had driven off the road damaging thousands of dollars in property. Instead of ignoring the mess, Dave took the initiative to stop and clean up the area.

This silent service to the community was just one of many in his tenure. Through his kindness and positivity, Patrolman Dave has made a lasting impression on the citizens who live, work, and shop in Kalispell.

It is my honor to recognize Dave for his dedication to the Kalispell community and for doing the small, silent acts of service that are often forgotten. Keep up the great work, Dave.

Mr. President, I join my colleagues today in speaking out against the Democrats' very reckless $3.5 trillion--that is with a ``t''--tax-and-spending spree that Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi are rushing through Congress. They are going to make history if they get this passed. This will be the largest spending bill in our Nation's history. Let me say that again. This will be the largest spending bill in our Nation's history.

Through this bill, Congressional Democrats are trying to reshape the very foundation of our great Nation. They are trying to pass their far- left policies and push the United States of America down the path of socialism. I don't say that lightly. I don't like to use a lot of hyperbole, but that is what is going on.

This reckless tax-and-spending spree bill is packed full of tax increases and new spending programs that will kill hundreds of thousands of jobs; it will reduce economic growth; and it is throwing more fuel on the inflation fire that we see burning right now across this economy. In fact, according to the Tax Foundation, it would reduce take-home pay for low- and middle-income Americans.

It will expand and insert the Federal Government into every aspect of Montanans' and Americans' lives, and it is going to bankrupt our country. You know, I am not actually sure the congressional Democrats understand the impacts of their efforts and what a burden this tax and spending will put on Montana families, Montana small businesses, Montana farmers and ranchers, and the future generations of Montanans.

In fact, a few weeks ago, I heard one House Democrat actually say:

We can't go bankrupt because we have the power to create as

much money as we need to spend.

These are the actual words of a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives who will soon be voting on this legislation.

It is baffling. Montanans and the American people know that money doesn't grow on trees, and I would hope the congressional Democrats know that as well.

Frankly, this mindset is terrifying as I think about the future of our country. The Democrats' reckless spending bill comes at a time when Montanans are already facing skyrocketing prices on everything from gas to groceries. Montanans are feeling the pain in their pocketbooks every day because of these record-high inflation numbers. That is a direct result of the Democrats' and President Biden's tax-and-spending problem. You see, the Democrats already flooded the economy with nearly $2 trillion in new spending earlier this year on a purely partisan basis, and now we see inflation at a 13-year high.

Think about it. Even if we experience no--in other words, zero additional rise in inflation for the rest of the year, Montanans would still be hit with an almost 5-percent increase in costs for the year.

It is interesting. A few months ago, we heard the words: Well, this is all transitory. It is all transitory. This is going to go away in a few months. Many of us were skeptical and didn't believe it. You are not hearing the word ``transitory'' anymore coming from the Democrats because if we take a look at the position the Federal Reserve has been talking about, they are telling us inflation is here to stay at north of 5 percent, certainly, this year and at numbers certainly greater than that ``2 percent threshold'' that was talked about--probably in the 4 percent to 5 percent in the outyears.

If you spend any time at all speaking to leaders in this country, where they are every day looking at the supply chain price of goods, they are telling you there are inflationary pressures in every part of this economy. The absolute last thing we should be doing is spending trillions more taxpayer dollars on top of that $2 trillion partisan spending package the Democrats embarked on just this past March.

We know that doing so will send inflation much, much higher. You see, inflation is a tax on all Montanans, on all Americans because as prices go up, paychecks shrink. And Democrats have many more tax hikes planned as they look to pay for this spending spree by asking Montana families, Montana small businesses, our farmers and ranchers to foot the bill.

Now, I have heard my Democratic colleagues suggest this bill must be ``paid for.'' But what does ``paid for'' mean? What does that mean? It is very simple. It means that Democrats' reckless taxing and spending spree will be paid for by massive tax increases.

Let's go over a few of these tax hikes that Montanans will face if Democrats continue down this reckless path. For starters, this bill is absolutely an assault on small businesses. By the way, small businesses create most of the jobs in this economy. It would gut the 20-percent small business tax deduction, placing small businesses at a disadvantage. This deduction benefited more than 21 million small businesses in 2019, and it generated $66 billion in tax savings that these businesses could then reinvest and grow their business, create more jobs, pay their employees more.

These savings help small businesses expand, allows them to compete in this global market, to offer raises as well as bonuses. Removing this tax benefit would make it harder--make it harder--for them to expand and succeed against larger competitors.

The Democrats' reckless tax-and-spending spree bill would also increase the top income tax rate to nearly 40 percent and drastically lower the income thresholds for the top tax bracket.

Some ask: What is fair? What is fair share? Paying 40 percent of your income to the Federal Government is where the Democrats want to take the top rate. Since most small businesses are structured in what is known as a passthrough, meaning business profits are taxed as income, this tax hike would devastate our small business owners. In fact, these two provisions alone would hurt Montana's small businesses drastically.

Over 99 percent--listen to this again. Over 99 percent of Montana businesses are small businesses. We can't let this happen. This would destroy livelihoods, harm local communities and local economies. In fact, the combined tax rate for passthrough businesses would rise above 50 percent in 40 out of 50 States, including the State of Montana.

This reckless spending bill will also supercharge marriage penalties in the Tax Code. You heard that right. You see, buried in the Democrats' massive tax-and-spending spree is also an attack on marriage. Married couples could be facing higher taxes simply because they are married.

Democrats have also proposed the elimination of what is known as stepped-up basis. This is a backdoor death tax that will hit Montana family farms and ranchers particularly hard. You see, in Montana, agriculture is our way of life. Our farmers and our ranchers work hard to put food on the table for their families, for our great State, for the country, and the entire world. The last thing that Montana farmers and ranchers need are more taxes, and that is what the Democrats are trying to do.

In fact, Senator Thune and I led a letter to President Biden, which was signed by every Member of the Republican conference, urging the President to reconsider this proposal. As of now, this is not currently in the House Democrats' bill. But, unfortunately, the President and many of my colleagues here in this Chamber, on the other side of the aisle, continue to insist that this be included in their bill.

This reckless proposal will also damage our international competitiveness. This is about a global economy. This is about winning the global race because they want to raise the corporate tax rate to 26.5 percent. If you combine

that with State corporate tax rates, the average corporate tax burden would rise to about 31 percent. And there is a startling piece of information here. You take 31 percent and guess what. That rate would be higher than communist China. In fact, it would be one of the highest corporate tax rates in the entire world.

The Democrats don't understand why jobs leave our shores. I will tell you one reason why is because of tax policy. When you raise the rates higher than communist China, it is going to have a direct effect on jobs here in the United States.

Do you know who is cheering about this tax increase in this provision? I will tell you who is cheering about it. China is. They know the Democrats' tax increase will force American businesses to send American jobs overseas. That is the last thing we need because we need to be supporting American businesses, supporting the American worker, the American family, the American farmer, the American rancher and the hard work they do every day.

Sadly, the Democrats' reckless tax-and-spending spree does exactly the opposite. Sadly, it will put China and our global competitors first.

For all these reasons and many more, I am very concerned about what will happen if this dangerous proposal becomes law. I intend to fight vigorously, along with many of my colleagues here, against it every step of the way.

I yield back my time.

Mr. President, I have the honor of recognizing Bill Dutcher, general manager of MetraPark, for his 40 years of service to the Billings community as he prepares to retire at the end of the year.

Before stepping into the role of general manager, Bill served in a variety of other roles from part time work at the fairgrounds, to maintenance, as well as operations management at MetraPark. Not only has Bill met Presidents and rock stars while on the job, but he has also bedded every horse stall and washed more than 10,000 arena seats. No matter what the job is, Bill always brings the same level of enthusiasm to the task at hand.

Though Bill will be missed by more than 150 MetraPark employees, he will not be a stranger once he retires. There are many upcoming events he looks forward to attending, which will be easily accomplished as the Yellowstone County commissioners presented him with a lifetime pass to every future MetraPark event. Bill has truly created a legacy of customer service within this organization that will be remembered for decades to come.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Bill for his 40 years of service to the people of the Billings community. I have no doubt Bill will find new ways to bring people joy as he enters into this new chapter of life and enjoys time with his wife and two children.

Mr. President, I have the honor of recognizing Hunter Jones of Billings for his many years supporting Montana service members deployed overseas.

Hunter is the grandson of a World War I veteran, and the son of a World War II and Korean War veteran. Though not a veteran himself, Hunter was instilled with a driving passion to honor military servicemembers throughout his life. Hunter made his way to Billings, MT, as an educator in 1995 and quickly began a program with his students at Will James Middle School to recognize and honor Montana servicemembers and veterans.

Following the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, Hunter saw the need to support Montanans deployed overseas in the Global War on Terror. He and his students began sending care packages and letters to the men and women fighting to protect our freedoms. For over 19 years, Hunter has diligently kept this up, and now, close to 30 of his former students have been inspired to military service, including a Navy SEAL and members of all military branches, who have also received care packages from him. Military servicemembers have recognized Hunter's support by sending him American flags flown in countries where they were deployed, along with letters of appreciation. Hunter proudly displays them in his classroom.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Hunter for over 20 years of supporting Montana military servicemembers and for teaching the Treasure State's youth to honor those who have fought for this great Nation. Hunter's patriotism and love for the men and women of our Armed Forces will live on in the generations of Montanans he has taught at Will James Middle School in Billings, MT.

Madam President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 3292 and ask that it be called up by number.

Mr. President, Montana small businesses are critically important for our jobs; for local economies; and, really, to bring our communities together. And through no fault of their own, many were hit very hard by the pandemic.

Unfortunately, some Members on the other side of the aisle have put forth some very misguided efforts to raise taxes on these small businesses, attempting to redefine what constitutes a small business.

Thankfully, we already have an agreed-upon definition that was set by the Small Business Administration, which defines a small business as one with fewer than 500 employees.

Efforts to end tax relief, such as to limit the 20-percent small business tax deduction passed in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act based on arbitrary income thresholds, should be called out for what they are: These are small business tax hikes.

For this reason, I am offering an amendment to create a deficit- neutral reserve against prohibiting tax increases on small businesses, as defined by the Small Business Administration.

I urge my colleagues who believe in the importance of small businesses--

--to join me in voting for this amendment.

Madam President, there is funding in this bill for a complex program that would lead to very few actual forest projects, and I fear it will only function as a shell for programs like the Climate Conservation Corps.

And to be good stewards of our forests, we need to be good stewards of our limited resources. This amendment does that by redirecting these funds to higher priority accounts, like Good Neighbor Authority and post-fire treatment.

Good Neighbor Authority has routinely enjoyed very bipartisan support in this body and has proven to be one of the most effective forestry tools. Given recent past and present wildfire seasons, redirecting funds to post-fire treatment just makes sense.

It is early August, and Montana is on fire. There are nearly 300,000 acres burning across our State. We need to manage our forests before they manage us. And in order to do so, we need to invest in higher priority accounts, and my amendment would do just that.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Bud Olson of Teton County as Montanan of the Month for his service to our country during World War II.

Bud was a member of the 82nd Airborne's 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, which participated in Operation Overlord, better known as D- Day. During that fateful operation, the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment sustained many crash landings, including Bud's glider.

Bud was the sole survivor after his glider crash landed. Following this tragic event, Bud went on to help secure the bridge in Sainte- Mere-Eglise, which was the first village in France to be liberated by the Allies. Bud continued his service in campaigns throughout France, Holland, and Belgium and took part in the liberation of the Wobbelin concentration camp.

Military service has always had an influence on Bud. He is a 60-year member of the Choteau American Legion. For many years, Bud had ``D Day 44'' on the license plate of his car.

After the war, Bud returned to Teton County where he and his wife, Vi, worked the family's ranch outside of Choteau and has been an active member of his community. He served as a Teton County commissioner for 15 years, from 1965 to 1980. Bud has been an avid supporter of Choteau School District's athletics program, attending games in town and even traveling to cheer on his beloved Bulldogs.

Bud celebrated his 100th birthday on July 29, 2021. In celebration, Choteau Mayor Chris Hindoein declared it ``Bud Olson Day.'' Residents were encouraged to fly flags in honor of Bud and to wear maroon and gold acknowledging his support of the Bulldogs.

Bud epitomizes the heart of a veteran--a Montana hero--whose selfless service will not be forgotten. On behalf of a grateful nation, I want to thank Bud for his service to our country, and I wish him a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Darrell Hueth of Valley County as Montanan of the Month for his devotion to the Glasgow community and passion for Montana agriculture and education.

Darrell has been a staple in Glasgow since his high school football and basketball days. He went on to become a star athlete for the Montana State University Bobcats from 1956-1959--``Go Cats!'' During his time at MSU, Darrell studied agriculture economics.

Darrell brought his athletic experience and agriculture knowledge back to Glasgow a a teacher and coach. Under his leadership, the Scotties' football team went undefeated for 2 years and won three State championships. Darrell also led the Scotties' wrestling team to three state championships. When he wasn't on the field or in the gym, Darrell taught consumer economic accounting and bookkeeping, a course that is crucial for the next generation of Montana ag leaders.

Teachers serve an important role as they shape the minds of young Montanans and have the opportunity to influence the next generation and help prepare them for future careers. Montana has a rich legacy of agriculture, and it is our No. 1 economic driver. There is no doubt that Darrell's passion for teaching about agriculture helped encourage young Montanans to pursue careers in this important field.

His educational impact extends beyond the great State of Montana. As professor emeritus at the University of Maryland's Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Darrell has had many academic articles, working papers and books published throughout his professional career.

It is my honor to recognize Darrell for dedicating his life to education and making a positive impact on young Montanans through athletics and agricultural studies. Keep up the great work, Darrell.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to use a prop for my remarks.

Mr. President, President Biden's nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management, Tracy

Stone-Manning, may not have personally spiked trees--that is what the facts have shown as we have investigated--but she covered up a terrifying tree-spiking crime until she faced possible prosecution.

For many who are watching, what is tree spiking? I think it is very important to know that these are these large spikes that ecoterrorists put into trees for the purposes of injuring loggers or sawmill operators. When the blade goes through it, when the blade strikes these large spikes, the blade explodes like a grenade, causing serious injury to sawmill operators or loggers.

For 4 years, she refused to tell Federal investigators who the perpetrators were--the time from 1989 to 1993--even though she knew and had every opportunity to tell it. This happened in my home State. The actual spiking was in Idaho, but when the Feds were doing the investigation, this was in Missoula, MT. She was covering this up until she faced probable prosecution. She has never apologized for this crime, for covering it up. I think the coverup is as serious, in many ways, as anything else. For this reason and some others, I oppose her confirmation and believe that Montana and our Nation deserve better.

One week ago today, I stood here and laid out the new and very damning information we had learned just over the last 47 days about Ms. Stone-Manning and her obstruction of a Federal investigation into an ecoterrorist tree-spiking crime. In fact, just last week, in a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee meeting on Ms. Stone- Manning, my Republican colleagues and I urged committee Democrats to listen to the new information, to listen to the alarming new facts that we have learned about her knowledge of the crime and the relationship she had with the perpetrators.

In coming from Montana and having spoken with several Montana State legislators, I want to make sure my colleagues understand that the story that was told for years is much different than what we now know to be true. Up until 47 days ago, Montanans, the Montana State Legislature, the Montana media, and I were led to believe that, in the tree-spiking crime that happened in 1989, Ms. Stone-Manning was a hero, that she helped put bad people in jail. As I shared last week, that is unequivocally false.

Here is the truth: Ms. Stone-Manning obstructed the Federal investigation for 4 years. Rather than bring criminals to justice--we are talking about very bad people who went on to commit even more violence--Ms. Stone-Manning assisted and helped them evade justice for years--for years. Now, last week, during the committee meeting and the debate we had over Ms. Stone-Manning's nomination, there was discussion, discussion as to whether or not she was part of the investigation at all or whether she was a target of the investigation.

What we know now is that Ms. Stone-Manning only came forward after she was caught. What happened is, 4 years later, suddenly, an insider to the crime came forward with new information to the FBI. So she came forward after she was caught. She knew she was likely headed to prison. She didn't come forward because she wanted to help put bad people in jail, primarily. She didn't come on her own volition. She knew she had to get some kind of a deal or she was on her way to prison. She didn't come forward when she was subpoenaed, when she was questioned about the crime, when she was asked by the FBI for her hair, handwriting, and fingerprint samples. In fact, she was described by the investigator as the ``nastiest of the suspects.'' She was described as being vulgar, antagonistic, and extremely anti-government.

You see, Ms. Stone-Manning only came forward after she received a target letter from the grand jury, meaning that she was going to be indicted on criminal charges. She struck an immunity deal several years later for her involvement. I am not sure how one can argue that she was not part of an investigation. That is how she answered, by the way, when she was questioned by the committee if she were part of an investigation. She said no. Now, you tell me how you are not part of an investigation when I have laid out these facts.

Ms. Stone-Manning bad-mouthed law enforcement for investigating her involvement despite the fact that she knew all of the details of the crime--all of them. She stonewalled the Federal investigation. For 4 years, from 1989 to 1993, she remained silent, but she had all of the information. While she was withholding this information, tragically, one of the perpetrators went on to commit a terrible act of domestic violence

I want to talk for a moment about that letter that Ms. Stone-Manning typed and mailed. Remember, this was not available to us until just 47 days ago. Ms. Stone-Manning stated that she simply mailed this anonymous letter and that she got it from a rather ``frightening man''--her words. Well, we have learned since that, based on new information, that the frightening man was her roommate. We also learned that this letter had not only been collaboratively composed but that, after waiting for a few days, she went and typed it and sent it. She went and rented a typewriter to type this letter up when she sent it, which, according to her own testimony, was because she wanted to avoid having it on her own computer and avoid having any fingerprints that could be traced back to her.

The words that Ms. Stone-Manning typed and mailed are explicit and not what you send and what you type when you want to protect people. They are what you say when you want to frighten people. That is the whole idea of terrorism.

Ms. Stone-Manning typed: ``You bastards go in there anyway, and a lot of people could get hurt.''

She also typed on this rented typewriter: ``I would be more than willing to pay you a dollar for the sale, but you would have to find me first, and that could be your WORST''--that was all typed in caps; it is publicly available--``nightmare.''

The text of this letter was made public for the first time just 47 days ago. You see, Montana has never had the opportunity to read what Stone-Manning retyped on a rented typewriter and mailed until 47 days ago.

I find the most disturbing piece of this story to be that Stone- Manning has never shown contrition or remorse for her handling of the situation. She has never apologized for her role or for misleading Montanans. We have yet to see a public statement from her in response to this new information.

I believe healthy debate is important in this institution, and I believe it is important at the committee level when discussing and advancing nominees who will potentially lead a major Agency, including Stone-Manning and the Bureau of Land Management's--critical to the West--10,000 employees who are overseeing 245 million acres of land.

In fact, last week, one of my colleagues across the aisle explained how it was a shame that Ms. Stone-Manning was not there to defend herself from this new information we have learned over the last few weeks. I agree with that. I agreed with her comment then, and I agree with it now, because in light of this new information and the fact we have yet to see a statement in response from the nominee, I think Ms. Stone-Manning should come before the committee before we move forward, further explain her involvement, and have the opportunity to speak to the new information we have learned about her involvement in a tree- spiking crime. That is why I am urging my colleagues to take this step here to not discharge her nomination from the committee today.

Now, by the way, for those who are watching, why is it we are going to discharge a nominee from the committee? What does that mean? Well, that means there was no bipartisan support for the nominee because we are in a 50-50 Senate. So it takes a special action here to bring a purely partisan kind of vote out of a committee for floor action. In fact, the only bipartisanship we have seen is her opposition, those who are opposed to her leading the Bureau of Land Management.

In fact, we now have two Obama officials who have raised concerns about Ms. Stone-Manning and what her confirmation would mean for the Agency. In fact, President Obama's former Director of the Bureau of Land Management, Bob Abbey, said that her involvement in the tree- spiking crime would cause needless controversy and that it ``should disqualify'' her. We just

learned yesterday that a second Obama official, Steve Ellis, who was the Deputy Director for the Agency under President Obama, said that this isn't a Republican or Democratic issue; it is about the letter she sent.

He went on to say:

The administration's got some great initiatives and their

agenda for public lands is good, but you need the career

employees to implement your agenda successfully across the

West. Your leader has got to be respected by career employees

and across the landscape, in both blue and red states.''

We know, sadly, this isn't the case.

I am here today to urge my colleagues to wait to move forward with this nomination of Ms. Stone-Manning and allow debate to continue at the committee level. We had very spirited debate last week.

One important note that I want to make here before wrapping is that this is not just an issue for the West. Ms. Stone-Manning's conduct should cause alarm to not only Senators who represent Bureau of Land Management States but every State with a logging industry.

Stone-Manning's refusal to come forward for 4 years placed the safety of loggers in jeopardy, which is offensive to loggers across our country, from the loggers in Maine, which is the most forested State in the Nation; to loggers in State likes New Hampshire, Georgia; to the forestry, wildlife, and logging groups like Meadow River Hardwood Lumber Company, the Houston Safari Club, the Idaho Logging Council, who withdrew their support or have come out in opposition.

Ms. Stone-Manning's actions matter and should not be accepted by any Senator. Montanans and all Americans deserve to hear directly from her, from Ms. Stone-Manning, about why she obstructed a Federal investigation for 4 years and why she has yet to show any remorse.

I think it is also important for my colleagues across the aisle who admitted they don't know anything about the nominee--we heard that in the committee hearing last week--or haven't spoken with her to have the opportunity to learn more as well.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, today, I rise to bring attention to new revelations about President Biden's nominee to head the Bureau of Land Management, Tracy Stone-Manning's involvement in a tree-spiking incident in Idaho, and to share why I oppose her confirmation.

I would have welcomed having a nominee with such strong ties to Montana to be the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, and, until recently, I believed, as did most Montanans, based on her testimony before the Montana State Legislature, back in 2013, that her role in the tree-spiking crime was minimal, her actions were helpful, and she helped bring criminals to justice.

Unfortunately, new information has revealed that this simply was not the case. In fact, rather than bringing criminals to justice, Ms. Stone-Manning assisted in helping them evade justice for years--for years.

I am going to lay this out because I think it is important that the facts are shared before this body. First, it reveals that she withheld the truth from investigators for several years. Second, it reveals that she harshly criticized Federal law enforcement at the very same time she was refusing to tell them the truth. And, third, it reveals that she has not taken responsibility or expressed remorse for not speaking the truth much, much sooner.

I know many of my colleagues are probably just tuning into Ms. Stone- Manning's involvement in a tree-spiking crime committed in 1989 while she was a member of an ecoterrorist group called Earth First!

The picture that she and her advocates have painted about her involvement in this crime is that she was the innocent hero who helped put bad people in jail. Well, in recent weeks, we have learned there is a lot more to this story. It is very alarming. It is very disturbing on many levels.

Ms. Stone-Manning stated to the Montana State Legislature that a rather frightening man approached her with a letter while she was on campus. Come to find out, that man wasn't a stranger. It was her roommate and someone whom she described to the court during the 1993 trial as someone who was in her main circle of friends.

Ms. Stone-Manning stated that she simply mailed the anonymous letter--that she simply mailed it. But in reality, and as we have since found out and as we have explored court records in Idaho, this information had not come out, except in the last 45 days.

The investigation later revealed that this letter had not only been collaboratively composed, but after waiting for a few days, it was typed by Ms. Stone-Manning on a rented typewriter, which, according to her very own testimony, was because she wanted to avoid having it on her own computer and avoid having any fingerprints that could be traced back to her.

The words that Ms. Stone-Manning typed and mailed are explicit. It is not what you type and send to protect people. They are what you say to frighten people.

I am going to read this letter--it is not very long--that Ms. Stone- Manning typed on a rented typewriter and personally mailed. It says:

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is being sent to notify you that the Post

Office Sale--

If I can add, the Post Office Sale was a timber sale. They labeled it the ``Post Office Sale.''--

in Idaho has been spiked heavily.

The reasoning for this action is that this piece of land is

very special to the earth. It is home to the Elk, Deer,

Mountain Lions, Birds, and especially the Trees.

The project required that eleven of us spend nine days in

God awful weather conditions spiking trees. We unloaded a

total of five hundred pounds of spikes measuring 8 to 10

inches in length. The sales were marked so that no workers

will be injured and so that you assholes know that they are

spiked. The majority of trees were spiked within the first

ten feet, but many, many others were spiked as high as a

hundred and fifty feet.

I would be more than willing to pay you a dollar for the

sale, but you would have to find me first and that could be

your WORST nightmare.

Sincerely, George Hayduke

P.S. You bastards go in there anyway and a lot of people

could get hurt.

The text of that letter was never made public until very recently, just in the last 45 days. Montanans never had the opportunity to read what Ms. Stone-Manning typed on the rented typewriter and sent until just a few weeks ago.

The letter is chilling and it makes you think that, if Ms. Stone- Manning was really concerned about the tree spiking, she could have gone to the authorities immediately in 1989, when this occurred.

We also now know she had firsthand knowledge about the perpetrators. She knew who did it. She knew all of the details about the crime. She knew who spiked the trees.

By the way, why do you spike trees? Why do you put these great big spikes in the trees? That is because, if a logger comes in with a saw and their blade hits it, they could be severely injured. If one of these logs comes through a sawmill, the sawmill operator can be severely injured, as has actually happened. We have had some severely injured individuals because of the tree spiking. This was the ecoterrorism going on several years ago.

But she withheld this information from law enforcement in 1989, even after she was subpoenaed by a grand jury for her hair, her handwriting, and fingerprint samples. She didn't report it to law enforcement in 1990, not in 1991, not in 1992. In fact, she condemned the FBI for investigating her in the first place, despite the fact that she knew all the details of the crime. In fact, she claimed being investigated by the FBI was ``degrading'' and that the ``government does do bad things.'' She compared her treatment to how the Government of Panama would treat someone.

Ms. Stone-Manning said all of these things and played the victim, despite knowing all the details and players of the crime, despite having had the opportunity for 4 years to put bad people behind bars. What Ms. Stone-Manning did was actively obstruct an investigation.

At no time, by the way, did Ms. Stone-Manning ever come forward from her own volition. Now, she only came forward after there was a break in the investigation. This is now in 1993, after another suspect identified her involvement and after her attorney struck an immunity deal, not before she was caught.

In fact, one of the men she had the opportunity to put behind bars during the time she remained silent went on to commit an act of--this man that she remained silent on went on to commit an act of domestic violence. Her cooperation with law enforcement could have prevented this.

None of her actions show any kind of remorse. They didn't then and they still don't now. Ms. Stone-Manning has not expressed regret for her false and disparaging characterization of Federal investigators.

This deception and misrepresentation of her involvement, coupled with her clear violation of Senate Ethics rules while she served as a U.S. Senate staffer, leave the public with no reason to trust her judgment, her leadership capabilities, or her ability to remain pragmatic when making decisions on behalf of the Bureau of Land Management.

Ms. Stone-Manning has lost her credibility, and to move forward with her nomination would cause more controversy and distrust for the leadership at the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Senate, and the Biden administration.

You see, there are 10,000 employees at the Bureau of Land Management who report to the Director and they need to have that trust, as well.

President Obama's former Director of the Bureau of Land Management, Bob Abbey, has concluded that Stone-Manning's ``questionable past'' brings what he said ``needless controversy'' to the Agency. Obama's very own Director of the Bureau of Land Management said that her involvement in the tree-spiking crime should disqualify Stone-Manning and the Biden administration needs a new nominee.

I agree with Mr. Abbey because, in Montana and the West and all America, we need a Director of the Bureau of Land Management who can garner public trust, bring folks together, and lead with integrity.

Throughout the confirmation process, I have given Ms. Stone-Manning a fair shake, an opportunity to answer questions about important policies that impact our Montana way of life. However, over the course of the last few weeks, this new information has come to light and has led me to now actively and publicly oppose her nomination.

The controversy surrounding this nomination is not and should not be about party-line politics. Montanans care about trusting those in public service, about integrity. The public trust surrounding Ms. Stone-Manning has been wrecked. Her ability to be the Director that the Bureau of Land Management needs has been compromised beyond repair.

As this nomination draws more attention and some continue to contend that her actions were commendable, I hope all my colleagues will give full consideration to the facts laid out here today. I urge my colleagues, especially those who represent western States, to join me opposing this nomination. I would urge the Biden administration to pull Ms. Stone-Manning's nomination. Nominate someone to lead the Agency who can garner the public trust and one who can lead the Agency without the significant controversy

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I want to thank my friend and colleague Senator Braun for leading this important discussion on protecting Second Amendment rights for Montanans and for all Americans.

Today, President Biden and Chuck Schumer are propping up yet another very controversial nominee, one who far from unites us as Americans-- rather, another nominee who divides us further. Sadly, we are witnessing a complete disregard for our Constitution.

The Constitution could not be clearer. Now, I know my Democratic colleagues may want to say it otherwise, but it is clear--it is very clear when it says--and I have my pocket Constitution here. It says, ``the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.'' It is very strong and very clear language. Montanans and the American people are guaranteed this right, as protected in our Constitution.

Despite this, we have seen President Biden and far-left Democrats abandon

this right to fit their own gun-grabbing agenda. Their latest attack on the Second Amendment is the nomination of a registered anti-gun lobbyist, who has called for the ban of certain firearms, to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. This is the very agency that oversees firearms.

It is unbelievable. Putting David Chipman in charge of the ATF is like putting an arsonist in charge of the fire department. He has a very hostile record toward the Second Amendment, and this hostile record against law-abiding gun owners speaks loud and clear.

It is interesting to look at the 2020 data that is coming in. Forty percent of the firearms sold in our country last year were to first- time buyers of a firearm--40 percent. Why? The American people want to be able to defend themselves.

As we are seeing the far left push to defund law enforcement, defund the police, and we see the anarchy going on across the cities of America, the lawlessness, the high murder rates, the violence, it is no wonder that more Americans now say: I want to own a firearm myself to protect myself.

If confirmed, Mr. Chipman would help the Democrats push their gun- grabbing agenda. We can't allow the left to continue this attack on our precious constitutional rights. David Chipman would be a disaster to the Second Amendment rights of Montanans and all Americans. The Senate must oppose Mr. Chipman's nomination for the sake of protecting our Second Amendment rights.

We must also pass some commonsense legislation that protects the Second Amendment, like what Senator Braun of Indiana is trying to do with his ATF Accountability Act. I support him in his efforts to pass this commonsense legislation.

I urge all my colleagues to join me in opposing Mr. Chipman's nomination to lead the ATF and encourage my colleagues to pass and support Senator Braun's ATF Accountability Act.

I yield back my time to the Senator from Indiana.

Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Undersheriff George Skuletich of Butte-Silver Bow County as Montanan of the Month for his steadfast service to the Butte community for more than 40 years.

George started as a detention officer at the Butte jail on June 5, 1981, and later was appointed as a Butte police officer in June of 1985. Since that time, he has served as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant, DARE officer, school resource officer, SWAT officer, and patrol captain. He was instrumental in the design and building of the Law Enforcement Center as well as the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center. George has served as Butte-Silver undersheriff since January of 2013.

George embodies the heart of a Montanan and the public service and dedication of a Montana law enforcement officer. Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff Ed Lester has said if he had to go through a door, not knowing what was on the other side, he would take George with him because he would never leave a fellow officer behind, no matter how bad things got. There is no higher compliment.

George has responded to nearly any type of incident you can think of, from aircraft crashes to bomb threats, and his calm and respectful demeanor has proven him to be a valuable leader. George truly cares about the Montanans he has served. On behalf of a grateful Butte community, I want to thank George for his service to the great State of Montana, and I wish him a peaceful and relaxing retirement.

Madam President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Kathie Bailey. Kathie passed away on May 14, 2021, in Lewistown, MT. Kathie was an amazing woman. She and her husband, Rod, were married for 43 years and had two sons, C.J. and Justin. She was active in supporting them in rodeo, 4-H, and FFA events. Kathie was a caring wife, mother, and grandmother.

Kathie also was active in public service. She served on many State boards, as well as the administrator of the City of Colstrip for 7 years and a Fergus County commissioner for 5 years. She served as a 4-H Extension staff member for several years and was on the national board for 6 years.

Kathie was the driving force for the creation and development of the Snowy Mountain Development Center, SMDC. This organization has been the impetus for business development, homeownership, and health services in the area. Her staff lovingly called her ``Barracuda Bailey'' and the ``Tasmanian Devil'' when describing her intensity and dedication to projects that were important to her and her community. Kathie left an endowment to ensure the long-term viability of SMDC, which she founded in 2001 and initially operated from the trunk of her car. As a result of her efforts, she built SMDC into a multimillion-dollar organization, recently recognized as an EnVision Center, a State-sanctioned Certified Regional Development Corporation, and helped establish a federally designated Economic Development District. She had a highly proficient team of professional women that she hand-picked, trained, coached, mentored, and trusted to carry forth her legacy. Central Montana's community and economic landscape reflects the thousands of hours and dollars she invested passionately, selflessly, and honorably in her community and with the people she loved so deeply.

But most importantly, Kathie's life was shaped by God. She knew that God was guiding her to something new and even more rewarding and was eagerly awaiting God's calling. She was secure in knowing where she would spend eternity.

We lost an accomplished person when Kathie passed. Her life was indicative of the true Montana spirit of selfless giving and dedication to making the world a better place. She will be missed.

Madam President, today I have the honor of recognizing ``Piano Pat'' Sponheim, an iconic entertainer and a Montana treasure. Pat passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on May 4, 2021.

Piano Pat was a Great Falls staple. She had been singing, playing the piano, and lighting up the room at the world-renowned Sip 'N Dip Lounge since 1963. Montanans and tourists from every corner of the world would swarm the Great Falls Tiki Bar to hear Pat belt out her rendition of some of the greatest classics. Her vast repertoire of songs would always amaze people as they made requests that soon became her next tune. Her performances brought joy to everyone who listened. For over five decades, Piano Pat entertained folks of all ages and backgrounds.

Pat was not only a Montana celebrity; she was also a strong follower of Christ. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she was known for her love and compassion for others. As a single mom, Pat worked hard to raise her three children. She continued her dedication to her family by caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her passion for music and her love of life was infectious. Pat was a Montana legend who will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and fans from Montana and around the world. She has joined her heavenly choir now.