Floor Statements

Mr. President, I want to thank my colleagues in this body for their hard work and their true bipartisan efforts to address the opioid and drug crisis in the United States. The legislation before us will help to combat an epidemic that touches the lives of almost every person in our country.

In Montana opioid overdoses have claimed the lives of 700 people since 2000. From 2013 to 2014, 42 percent of all drug-related deaths were caused by opioids. With easier access and a larger supply on the street, we are finding opioids in the hands of more and more people. It is tearing families apart. It is devastating our communities.

While we must focus on combating the opioid crisis, we must also continue to address a related but separate epidemic that is wreaking havoc in Montana and in many other States; that is, the methamphetamine epidemic.

In Montana, meth is destroying families and communities and disproportionately impacting our Tribes. In fact, we have seen a 415- percent increase in meth cases from 2011 to 2017, and a 375-percent increase in meth-related deaths in that same timeframe.

To put this in perspective, in 2013, law enforcement seized 40 pounds of meth. In 2017, that number more than quadrupled to 188 pounds.

Almost all meth in Montana is smuggled across the southern border. We have seen a dramatic increase of that drug flowing from Mexico into our communities.

Meth is linked to more violent crimes and robberies than any other drug. Meth is highly addictive. It is destructive; it destroys the body both inside and out.

We are seeing sad story after story on the effects and impacts of meth and drug use in Montana making headlines. In fact, just last week, a man was charged with leaving a baby in the woods near Lolo Hot Springs. He admitted he was high on meth and bath

salts. According to reports, he left a 5-month-old in the woods because ``he grew tired of carrying it.''

While this is a despicable and horrible story, this is just one of many we are seeing across Montana. I am thankful--I am thankful for those on the ground in Montana for diligently working to combat this crisis, including our very own attorney general, Tim Fox, as well as our local law enforcement.

At the Federal level, our goal must be to partner with States and communities to overcome this devastating reality, and that is why I fought for specific provisions to be included in this opioid bill we are going to pass this week.

My bipartisan legislation, the Mitigating METH Act, expands the State-targeted response to the opioid crisis grants to include Indian Tribes as eligible recipients and is included in this broader legislation that we have before us. This initiative is extremely important to curbing substance abuse on Indian reservations.

The STOP Act, another bipartisan bill that I have cosponsored, is included in this package before this body. This bill helps stop illegal drugs from crossing the border or being shipped through the Postal Service.

Additionally, programs like the high intensity drug trafficking areas, drug courts, and the COPS Anti-Meth Program are all reauthorized in this package, and I can tell you something: These are vital resources in combating meth use in Montana. Without these tools, we will continue down a dark path, but I believe, with these programs and by passing this bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate, we can begin to finally curb this problem.

I truly want to thank my colleagues, and I look forward to passing this legislation and sending this to the President's desk.

Mr. President, the conference report that we are considering today is good news for our country. Along with providing funding for our veterans and supporting critical energy and infrastructure projects, it also includes $4.8 billion for the agencies in the legislative branch.

The legislative branch portion of the conference report allocates funding in an appropriate manner. It promotes government transparency, as well as increasing security here at the Capitol Complex. This is very important.

In support of good government, this agreement includes a provision known as e-file, requiring U.S. Senate candidates to file campaign finance reports electronically, directly with the Federal Election Commission, as every other Federal candidate must do. Not

only does this provision increase transparency, it will reduce bureaucratic inefficiency and will save about $1 million in taxpayer dollars.

This agreement also provides $589.7 million for the Government Accountability Office to hire additional staff to bolster oversight of government programs and spending. Having spent most of my career in the private sector, accountability is a good thing. There is not enough of it here in Washington, DC. In fact, according to a report issued by the GAO, the GAO returns $128 for every dollar invested in its budget. That is a good example of accountability and getting results for the American taxpayer. In fact, the resulting benefit of this oversight by GAO was approximately $74 billion in documented savings for the taxpayers in 2017. That is where you get the $128 return for every dollar invested in the agency.

The Capitol Police is fully funded at the requested level of $456.3 million, allowing for the continued protection of visitors coming to the Capitol campus every year, as well as the Members and their staff.

These are just a few highlights of the bill, which allocates resources in a responsible way to maintain existing services, as well as providing critical investments across the U.S. Capitol campus.

Lastly, and importantly, I want to thank Senator Chris Murphy, my ranking member, for working with me in a bipartisan manner throughout this process. This is my first year as chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee. I would also like to thank Chairman Shelby and Vice Chairman Leahy for their leadership and efforts to return to regular order on a Senate appropriations bill. This is quite remarkable, but it shouldn't be. The bar has been set so low in Washington, DC, that Congress can't get their appropriations bills or spending bills passed before the end of the current fiscal year going into next year. Well, guess what. The fiscal year ends on September 30, and here we are on September 12, moving forward now on appropriations. That is a good thing for our country.

I urge my colleagues to support this conference report as we continue to move these bills forward to fund the government on time and in the right way.

I see my distinguished colleague, Senator Murphy from Connecticut, is here as well, and it has truly been an honor to serve with Senator Murphy to move this forward on behalf of the American people.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. President, I have a request for one committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders.

Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committee is authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate:

Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at 2:30 p.m., to conduct a hearing entitled, ``Countering Russia: Assessing New Tools.''

Mr. President, I have the honor of recognizing Charles Garland Schwab, a World War II Veteran, and a man who is ever grateful to celebrate his 100th birthday on October 6, 2018. Charles Garland Schwab was born to homesteaders in the Big Snowy Mountains, southeast of Lewistown, MT. He grew up on that homestead, and in 1940, he married his wife Thelma.

Charles was drafted into the U.S. Army in January of 1944. After basic training and a bout with pneumonia, he joined his fellow soldiers in France on the front lines during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Medal, the American Theater Service Medal, the European, Africa, Middle East Theater Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, as well as several ribbons, including the Army Occupation Ribbon.

Upon returning to the United States, Charles was honorably discharged from the Army on May 2, 1946. Following his discharge from the Army, Charles and his wife purchased and operated the Lake View Cabins near St. Mary. During the off season, Schwab practiced his trade as an oil field pipefitter throughout Montana. He and his wife moved to Missoula in 1950, where they raised two daughters. He continued his pipefitter career and was instrumental in the process of bringing natural gas to the homes of the citizens of Missoula.

Charles' wife Thelma passed away after 55 years of marriage in 1995. Although Charles sold the Lake View Cabins after 20 years and is now a retired pipefitter, he continues to enjoy the company of his daughters, children, grandchildren, and friends and remains active in the community.

One of Charles's most treasured memories is that of the honor flight he took to Washington, DC, during the government shutdown in 2013. He will forever treasure the memories of that trip, his time as a private first class in the U.S. Army, and the opportunity to defend our great Nation during World War II.

Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing the Winnett Lion's Club for their impact on Petroleum County and surrounding communities.

Over the past 3 years, the Winnett Lion's Club has serviced rural communities through free visionary health screenings. This preventative care aids in catching Ambylopia, an easily treatable disease during childhood.

I just 3 years, the Winnett Lion's Club has served over 3,000 children and has traveled over 2,500 miles to help rural communities. The Winnett Lion's Club has served children from Headstart, Child Find programs, local public schools, colony-based schools, and business fairs. They have gone above and beyond to support the children in their surrounding communities.

I congratulate the Winnett Lion's Club for their dedication in serving their community and for leaving a positive impact on Petroleum County.

Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Edgar E. Lewis of Golden Valley County for his contributions and impact to the Golden Valley community.

Edgar is a lifelong Montanan. Born on his family ranch in Lavina, he is the youngest of seven kids. Edgar began running the ranch at a young age after his older brothers went off to fight in World War II. It would take Edgar and his father 5 days to move their cattle to the summer grazing range. These trips made Edgar fall in love with ranching and are what made him become a lifelong rancher.

Edgar's heart for his country and community is clear in the ways he has served. Edgar served his country during the Korean war. After the war, he settled down and bought his current ranch, just north of the Snowy Mountains. He served on the board of directors on the Montana Livestock Ag Credit from 1986-1998. Edgar also served as the Golden Valley commissioner from 1989-2002.

At 86, Edgar encapsulates the Montana cowboy spirit that brings so much character to our great State. I thank Edgar for giving back to his community and for continuing the tradition of the Montana cowboy.

Mr. President, I rise in support of the Defense appropriations bill being considered by the Senate. With this important measure, we are greatly enhancing our national defense by providing the actual funds our warfighters need to maintain a decisive advantage over our adversaries.

As home to one-third of our strategic ground-based nuclear arsenal, Montana plays a critical role in deterring aggression, enabling diplomacy, and maintaining a posture of peace through strength.

While serving in the U.S. Senate, I have visited Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, MT, several times. I have toured the missile fields and the silos. I have had the honor of sitting down and speaking with the men and women who maintain this important nuclear deterrent. Their hard work and their professionalism are unmatched. We owe it to them to support their work and give them the tools they need to be successful.

It is so important that we advance the deployment and the development of the next ground-based strategic deterrent. This bill achieves that goal by replacing Montana's current Minuteman Missile, as well as the UH-1N replacement helicopter that services our missile fields. It also recognizes the important work Montana's university researchers and small businesses do in support of our Nation's military readiness.

Montanans are quite proud of the critical role our State plays in defending this great Nation. This bill strengthens and enhances that role.

As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I am pleased to note that it makes substantial investments in emerging technologies, such as hypersonics, directed energy, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. In particular, we are providing additional funding for new cyber units within the National Guard that will be available to the States under title 32 authority.

I worked with my colleagues here in the Senate to secure these additional funds because I believe the National Guard will play an increasingly important role in defending our Nation against government- backed cyber attacks from nations like China, Russia,

North Korea, and Iran. These nations target critical civilian networks like schools, hospitals, or private businesses, where the military's authority is limited. Only the National Guard has the unique ability to provide assistance on request by a State's Governor.

These new units will fill a critical need and increase the effectiveness of our military's existing cyber defense forces. They will also bring in new skill sets and new perspectives from citizen soldiers who work in cyber-related professions.

In closing, I wish to urge my colleagues to support the measure before us today to empower our servicemen and our servicewomen and ensure that our Nation's military capabilities are unmatched by our adversaries.

With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Charles Dowd of Deer Lodge County, MT for his honorable service in uniform at a pivotal time in our Nation's history and as a leader in his community.

In January of 1941, at the age of 17, Charles volunteered for service at sea in the U.S. Navy. He completed boot camp in Newport, RI, and later communications school in San Diego. In September, as a basically trained radio operator, he was transferred to his first permanent duty station: Pearl Harbor, HI. Three months later, he would take his place in history.

On Sunday morning, December 7, just after completing a night shift, he and his fellow shipmates came under attack by more than 300 enemy aircraft. The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service conducted a successful military strike on the heart of the U.S. Pacific Fleet--destroying or severely damaging 21 ships and claiming the lives of 2,400 Americans. In only a t-shirt and trousers, he sprinted from the barracks to the armory, where he climbed to the roof with a .30-06 Springfield rifle and began firing at the pilots of low-flying torpedo bombers. He suffered burns on his arms and neck from the nearby USS California, which was engulfed in flames.

Following the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Charles volunteered for duty in Solomon Islands during the bloody Guadalcanal campaign, where he earned the nickname ``Devil Dog Dowd,'' harkening to the marines of Belleau Wood in World War One. Once U.S. forces secured the islands, Dowd would climb a signal tower on the island of Tulagi and message a nearby destroyer that he was willing to exchange duties with any willing radioman. The ship's commodore, CAPT Arleigh Burke, accepted his request. Burke would later reach the rank of four-star admiral and serve as Chief of Naval Operations. In Burke's stateroom, Dowd shared his experiences at Pearl Harbor and Tulagi. Burke was so impressed by Dowd's fighting spirit, that he assigned Dowd as his flag radioman.

During the course of his service, Dowd was awarded seven Bronze Star medals. After the war, Charles and his wife returned stateside, where he worked in masonry and carpentry construction, before completing his degree at the University of Florida. After graduation, he spent the next 18 years passing on his knowledge of industrial arts and drafting to high school students. An avid sportsman with a passion for the outdoors, Dowd later relocated to Anaconda, MT. He has been an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, dedicated to preserving the memory of the events of World War II and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Charles continues to speak for civic groups and museums around the State.

It is my privilege to honor the life of this esteemed Montanan, who contributed so much to the preservation of freedom and improving the lives of others. On behalf of a grateful nation, I want to thank Charles, whose courage and selfless dedication to others are a hallmark for generations to come.

Madam President, I come to the floor to discuss one of the most significant responsibilities I have as a U.S. Senator; that is, providing advice and consent to the President's nominee to the Supreme Court.

I just had the privilege of hearing from my distinguished colleague Senator Hatch, Chairman and President Pro Tempore Hatch. I have heard about the scandals: He drives a minivan. He goes to church on Sunday. For heaven's sake, he is a Redskins fan?

I applaud the chairman for frankly sharing perspective around some of the ludicrous arguments being made by the other side about moving forward with an outstanding nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Kavanaugh.

Confirming a Supreme Court Justice is a lifetime appointment. Laws come and go, but judges stay on the bench for a lifetime. So it is critical that we confirm the right person to serve on our Nation's highest Court.

The American people want a Supreme Court Justice with impeccable academic credentials--someone who does not legislate from the bench but upholds the rule of law and follows the Constitution.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Judge Kavanaugh in my office. I can say, without a doubt, Judge Kavanaugh should be and is ready to be our next Supreme Court Justice. Judge Kavanaugh is one of the most qualified people to ever be nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court. You may hear from the other side that he is out of the mainstream. That is simply not true. In fact, the Supreme Court has adopted Judge Kavanaugh's reasoning more than a dozen times. This gives him one of the most impressive records of any Federal appellate judge and hardly places him outside of the mainstream.

During my meeting with Judge Kavanaugh, we had a very thoughtful discussion about the Founders' vision and intent when they crafted the Constitution. We discussed the separation of powers. We discussed the importance of the Second Amendment. Just as he does with his rulings on the court, Judge Kavanaugh did not focus on his personal opinions but rather he brought it back to the text of the Constitution and the historical understanding required. That is exactly what we need on the Bench from our highest Court.

I want to thank President Trump for nominating such an outstanding and well-qualified jurist. I would also like to thank Chairman Grassley for committing to a fair and transparent process for moving Judge Kavanaugh through this process so that he can be confirmed prior to the Supreme Court's October term.

I am most confident that Judge Kavanaugh will serve well. I look forward to casting my vote to confirm him.

I yield back my time.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Olivia Mitchell of Wheatland County.

At just 11 years old, Olivia took third place on her Americanism essay at the Montana Department of the American Legion Auxiliary convention. She wrote on a topic that is far beyond her years, serving as a testament to her exemplary work. Olivia said she loves to write and even finds it relaxing.

Olivia lives in Judith Gap and will soon be a sixth grader at Judith Gap School. She is able to balance her school work and extracurricular activities, including hunting, fishing, and sports with ease. Olivia loves to hunt. She already has a mule deer under her belt and has a goal to bag an elk and antelope next. She loves being outdoors and hopes to visit Yellowstone National Park soon. Her values and work ethic can be attributed to her loving parents, Lane and Christie Mitchell, and her two younger sisters. Olivia is a compassionate leader and loves to help her community.

I congratulate Olivia on her accomplishments. I look forward to seeing her succeed as she continues to grow.

Mr. President, the Vietnam War spanned twenty years with nearly 60,000 American soldiers' lives lost. Many others served in this war and either came back wounded or were changed forever. Simply put, this war shaped an entire generation. It is imperative that we honor and commemorate this generation of American service members who sacrificed their livelihood, and in some cases their lives, for the sake of their Nation.

I firmly believe that history is our greatest teacher. In an attempt to venerate and educate the American public of the sacrifices American soldiers made in Vietnam, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund was founded. Dedicated in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial spans over 493 feet with the names of fallen servicemen and women inscribed into the black granite. Each year millions come to pay their respects at The Wall.

To further commemorate the sacrifices made by American soldiers, the Education Center at The Wall will be added as an addition to the Memorial. It will aid in the continual education of the sacrifices made in the Vietnam War, so that all who visit may learn from this period of history and pass it on to the generations to come.

The Education Center at The Wall will be an underground center, located near The Wall. The proposed center will show the faces of each soldier whose name is on the wall, showcase some of the artifacts left behind at The Wall, and highlight the inspiration of the monument designer Maya Lin.

In 2003, Congress authorized the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) to raise funds to construct a visitor and education center. The funds needed to complete this project must be completely raised by private donations. The project is estimated to cost approximately $130 million and after fifteen years of fundraising, the VVMF still needs a few extra years to raise the needed capital.

I am proud to introduce the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Extension Act along with my colleague, Senator Duckworth. This bill will extend the authorization for an additional four years until 2022, to allow VVMF the time they need to complete this important project to honor those who served and died in Vietnam.

It is imperative that we continually educate the American public and all who visit about those who served and sacrificed for their country during the Vietnam War. The Education Center at The Wall will allow for this unique educational opportunity. I ask my colleagues to join Senator Duckworth and me in supporting this bipartisan effort.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, the Vietnam War spanned twenty years with nearly 60,000 American soldiers' lives lost. Many others served in this war and either came back wounded or were changed forever. Simply put, this war shaped an entire generation. It is imperative that we honor and commemorate this generation of American service members who sacrificed their livelihood, and in some cases their lives, for the sake of their Nation.

I firmly believe that history is our greatest teacher. In an attempt to venerate and educate the American public of the sacrifices American soldiers made in Vietnam, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund was founded. Dedicated in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial spans over 493 feet with the names of fallen servicemen and women inscribed into the black granite. Each year millions come to pay their respects at The Wall.

To further commemorate the sacrifices made by American soldiers, the Education Center at The Wall will be added as an addition to the Memorial. It will aid in the continual education of the sacrifices made in the Vietnam War, so that all who visit may learn from this period of history and pass it on to the generations to come.

The Education Center at The Wall will be an underground center, located near The Wall. The proposed center will show the faces of each soldier whose name is on the wall, showcase some of the artifacts left behind at The Wall, and highlight the inspiration of the monument designer Maya Lin.

In 2003, Congress authorized the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) to raise funds to construct a visitor and education center. The funds needed to complete this project must be completely raised by private donations. The project is estimated to cost approximately $130 million and after fifteen years of fundraising, the VVMF still needs a few extra years to raise the needed capital.

I am proud to introduce the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Extension Act along with my colleague, Senator Duckworth. This bill will extend the authorization for an additional four years until 2022, to allow VVMF the time they need to complete this important project to honor those who served and died in Vietnam.

It is imperative that we continually educate the American public and all who visit about those who served and sacrificed for their country during the Vietnam War. The Education Center at The Wall will allow for this unique educational opportunity. I ask my colleagues to join Senator Duckworth and me in supporting this bipartisan effort.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Sherry Fugere of Daniels County for her contribution to the Scobey community through her work at the Daniels County Fair.

Raised in Scobey, Sherry graduated from Scobey High School. After graduation, she attended Miles Community College and finished her degree at Northern Montana College in Havre. Following college, Sherry moved back home to Scobey where she has dedicated her time to the community serving as the Secretary of the Daniels County Fair Association, where her contributions have made the event a huge success.

Over the past 15 years, Sherry has gone above and beyond to ensure the success of the Daniels County Fair which has brought families and community together, and will be cherished for generations to come.

I congratulate Sherry on her significant role to Daniels County and the Daniels County Fair. I look forward to seeing that success continue to grow.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.