Floor Statements

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.

Mr. President, we have all seen the headlines across the Nation about the VA Choice Program and how it has failed our veterans. I wish to share some of those headlines from my home State of Montana.

From Montana Public Radio, the headline was: ``Montana Hospitals: New VA Program Fails To Pay.''

From NBC Montana, the headline was: ``New problems for Veterans Choice in Montana.''

From the Billings Gazette, the headline read: ``Painful truth about Montana VA.''

As I travel around the State, as I hear from veterans who come back to Washington, DC, I personally have heard from them, from countless healthcare professionals, from our hospitals regarding payment delays, long waiting times, and elusive runaround on the most basic services.

Under the Choice Program, our veterans did not receive the healthcare they deserved. However, the bipartisan MISSION Act will follow through on the promises that were made to our veterans. Rural veterans will get greater, easier, quicker access to the care they need. Whether a veteran lives 20, 30, or 40 miles from a VA clinic, they can go elsewhere if the VA does provide them with the services they need. It brings VA care into the 21st century by encouraging telemedicine and strengthens oversight of opioid prescriptions. Veterans will have more access to doctors because there will be measures holding companies accountable--companies like Health Net--for how they manage the new program. It provides scholarships to encourage medical and dental students to serve in the VA, and it creates a new loan repayment program for medical students who are training in specialties that are currently lacking in the VA.

This is one of the big problems we have. We can't fill the slots with medical professionals in the VA. It is about time we take meaningful steps toward fully delivering on the promises we have made to our veterans.

On this Memorial Day week, I wish to share that we have passed my bill to name VA clinics in Missoula and Billings after Montana veterans David Thatcher, Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow, and Benjamin Steele. My bill has been sent to President Trump's desk for his signature. With the passage of the MISSION Act, these three clinics will be delivering new and improved care and will also display the names of three Montana World War II heroes. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join me in supporting the VA MISSION Act.

I yield back my time.

Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Amanda Bedford for her positive impact on the Chouteau County community as the owner of the Wake Cup Cafe.

Amanda grew up on her parent's farm between Fort Benton and Highwood. She always had a passion for the Fort Benton community, knowing 1 day that was where she wanted to open a coffee shop. At 20 years old and with the support of her parents, she made that dream a reality. Fourteen years later, the business has seen tremendous success and growth under Amanda's leadership.

What started as a tiny coffee shop, serving only coffee and a few sandwiches, has since expanded greatly. The current building is the restaurant's third location, with a much larger and more expansive menu. By focusing on fresh, homemade ingredients, Amanda is proud of the delicious food the Wake Cup Cafe brings to Fort Benton.

With the enormous growth the Wake Cup Cafe has seen, Amanda has turned it into a family business. As of 4 years ago, Amanda's sister and brother-in-law have become part owners in the business, allowing them to continue to grow the coffee shop. While the business continues to expand, Amanda remains focused on providing the community with a place to gather with family and friends. As Amanda says, every small town needs a coffee shop. She is proud to be that staple for the Fort Benton community.

I congratulate Amanda Bedford on her wonderful impact to Fort Benton and the greater Chouteau Community. With her passion, dedication, and determination, her community is brought together over their favorite local hangout: the Wake Cup Cafe.

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.

Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Mary Ann and Mark Petree for their contributions to Musselshell County as owners of Roundup's Busy Bee Cafe for almost 50 years.

For folks across Musselshell County, the Busy Bee Cafe is iconic. It is a place for the community to gather, have a great meal, and enjoy the best pie in Montana. The Busy Bee Cafe has grown to be a staple in the community, and that comes as a result of their owners, Mary Ann and Mark Petree.

Mary Ann and Mark bought the Busy Bee Cafe 49 years ago. When they purchased the Busy Bee Cafe, they saw the restaurant's potential. Business quickly grew, and they began expanding the size of the restaurant. Business today remains booming, while still holding onto the personal touches that drew them to the cafe in the first place.

With both of their children now grown, Mary Ann and Mark are able to dedicate their time to keeping the business running smoothly. They pride themselves on the local touch of all their food, with 95 percent of it being homemade. Every morning, Mary Ann and Mark start their day by serving coffee to the Busy Bee Cafe regulars.

I congratulate Mary Ann and Mark Petree on their 49 years of dedication to the Busy Bee Cafe. As a result of their hard work and attention to detail in every aspect of the business, the Busy Bee Cafe is a local favorite that brings together the greater Musselshell County.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the service and achievements of an esteemed and valued member of our Armed Forces, RDML Leonard C. Dollaga, U.S. Navy, on the unanimous confirmation of his promotion on Thursday, April 26, 2018.

Over the past 2 years, I have had the pleasure of working with Admiral Dollaga in his capacity as Director of the Navy's Appropriations Matters Office. As the principal representative of the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, he has provided invaluable support to Members and committee staff in presenting the budgetary needs of the Department of the Navy for our consideration and ensured timely and transparent communication flow to support Congress's enactment of appropriations for fiscal years 2017 and 2018. Throughout that time, Admiral Dollaga has provided superior support to me during a number of engagements with political and military leaders across the Asia-Pacific region. I would like to share with you some highlights of his fine career.

For the past 28 years, Admiral Dollaga excelled in leading our Navy's sailors aboard fast-attack and fleet ballistic missile submarines. He served sea tours on the USS Los Angeles, SSN 688; USS Rhode Island, SSBN 740 (Blue); and USS Cheyenne, SSN 773. He commanded USS Charlotte, SSN 766, followed by a command tour as commodore of Submarine Development Squadron Twelve, where he was in charge of nine fast-attack submarines and led the tactical development of the U.S. Submarine Force.

Ashore, his assignments enabled him to positively impact the submarine

force and Navy. He served as an admissions officer at the U.S. Naval Academy; the technical assistant to the director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion; the nuclear officer program manager and submarine officer community manager on the staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education; the prospective commanding officer instructor for the Pacific submarine force; and the chief of the program and budget branch on the Joint Staff, Program and Budget Analysis Division. His current assignment as director of the Navy's Appropriations Matters Office, FMBE, exposed him to the widest possible view of the Department of the Navy's budgetary requirements within the broader context of the national defense arena, preparing him well for future leadership at the highest levels of our Navy.

As Admiral Dollaga departs the Pentagon for his next assignment, I want to take this opportunity to urge my colleagues to join me in extending our congratulations to him on his promotion; to thank him, his wife, Lani, and his family for their years of service; and to wish him ``fair winds and following seas'' as he continues to lead our Navy in the years ahead.

Thank you.

Madam President, this week, I have the honor of recognizing Andy Anderson for his over 60 years of commitment to being the go-to barber in Judith Basin County.

Andy grew up in Harlowton but spent a few years in Two Dot, where his parents worked as ranchers. After turning 17, Andy went to barber school in Washington but swiftly moved back to Montana following the training. He opened his first barber shop in Stanford and shortly thereafter opened a second in Denton. In December of 2017, Andy celebrated his 60th year as a barber.

Andy believes strongly in giving back to his community. He spent 4 years serving as State barber inspector on the State barber board. This involved visiting barber shops around the State, inspecting their shops, but also offering any assistance he could to local barbers. Additionally, he spent a term serving as a member of the city council. Andy and has wife, Alverta, have been married for 58 years. They have three kids and eight grandchildren. Andy's son Scott has followed in his father's footsteps and works in the Denton shop on Thursdays.

I congratulate Andy Anderson on his tremendous career. He has improved the lives of many around him and will continue to leave a lasting impact on the people of his community and the greater State of Montana.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that following my remarks, the Senator from Ohio, Mr. Brown, be allowed to make remarks for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Madam President, I stand here today to urge the very swift confirmation of my good friend, my former colleague, the current Director of the CIA, Mike Pompeo, to serve as America's next Secretary of State.

Mike's resume would put him at the top of any pile. Speaking as someone who has hired a lot of folks over 28 years in the private sector and now spending time in public service, his resume shines, but let's talk about his record of results.

I just returned from a trip to China. I was with four other U.S. Senators. We visited China, South Korea. In fact, while in South Korea, we went to the DMZ. I met the Premier of China while I was in Beijing. In fact, the same week that I met the Premier of China, Kim Jong Un met with President Xi in Beijing. We spent time with the Prime Minister of South Korea, as well as time with many other leaders. Their feedback was very clear. Perhaps this is the untold story we are not hearing in the United States, in the media, and it is this: The administration's resolve and their diplomacy is what has brought Kim Jong Un to the negotiating table.

The administration is moving forward toward a denuclearized North Korea, and Mike Pompeo has played a critical role in those efforts. As Secretary of State, Mike would continue to defend and represent American interests abroad, protecting our national security and making the world a safer place.

Mike has not just excelled, he has been the best at everything he has put his mind to over the course of his life. He was first in his class at West Point, a graduate of Harvard Law School, editor of the Harvard Law Review. He served our country in the military. He ran businesses before serving in the U.S. Congress, which is where my path crossed Mike Pompeo's, as we served as colleagues in the U.S. Congress. Mike has the resume, the character, and the record of results to make him an exceptionally qualified leader for this job.

As we wait here in limbo without a Secretary of State, lives are on the line, our national security is on the line, and our freedom is on the line. I urge my colleagues across the aisle, please stop putting politics before America's national interests. For heaven's sake, this body passed Hillary Clinton through as Secretary of State with 94 votes. I urge them to make the best decision for our country and their constituents back home and join me in confirming Mike Pompeo as our next Secretary of State.

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

Mr. President, today marks the start of National Park Week.

As a fifth-generation Montanan and as someone who grew up in Bozeman--in fact, Mom and Dad moved there in 1964, just a short drive from America's first national park, Yellowstone--I am very excited to take this opportunity to celebrate the parks that are so very special to so many because, in Montana, hiking, backpacking, fishing, and white water rafting are a way of life.

I grew up spending as much time outdoors as possible, and I continue that tradition with my children today. In fact, my idea of a great time in August is to take our dogs, as many of our kids as we can get together--according to their schedules anymore--and take our backpacks and spend several days together in enjoying Montana's outdoors. As a father, I am grateful to share these experiences with our four children and instill in them a love for the outdoors. Frankly, what better place to do that and enjoy the outdoors than in our national parks.

While Montana is privileged to have two world-famous national parks in Glacier and Yellowstone, national parks are the pride of so many States from Florida to Colorado, to Maine.

Speaking of Maine, I am very glad to have partnered with my colleague from Maine in leading this week, as well as with an additional 26 of our colleagues around the country, supporting this resolution. I am pleased we will have the opportunity to recognize the tremendous value our national parks bring to so many.

As this week begins, I have one challenge for everyone. I challenge you to find time in your schedules and visit a national park. Our national parks are what make us distinctly American. In fact, you can go to findyourpark.com and find the closest park to you. I hope to see all of you out there sometime this year.

With that, I would like to turn it over to my colleague and my friend, the former Governor of Maine and now the Senator of Maine, Angus King, who joins me in leading National Park Week.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 100th birthday of Mary Kay Forsyth, originally of Bozeman, MT. She was born in the middle of Main Street under a firetruck on April 24, 1918, and she has been setting off alarms ever since.

Mary Kay spent her formative years in Missoula where her father, Clyde P. Fickes, was the head the U.S. Forest Service Region 1 office. Soon after graduating from the University of Montana in 1941 with a double major in journalism and pre-medicine, Mary Kay married professional hockey player, Albert J.C. Forsyth of Wainwright, Alberta. They soon moved to Seattle to help the war effort. At the conclusion of the war, Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth and their growing family settled in Coronado, CA.

Mary Kay spent her life dedicated to the improvement of her community. Her public service and spirit is an example to others and is admired by all who know her.

Mary Kay has a loving family of four children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. I, along with her family and friends, wish Mary Kay a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. President, this week, I have the honor of recognizing

the Museum of the Beartooths director, Penny Redli, for receiving the Museums Association of Montana President's Award.

Penny Redli lives in Columbus where she serves as the director of the Museum of the Beartooths. She has worked at the Museum of the Beartooths for just over 10 years, and under her leadership, the museum community in Montana has grown tremendously. Before her time at the Museum of the Beartooths, she spent 9 years working at the Carbon County Historical Society and Museum.

While her extensive time spent working at museums in Montana is notable, it is her passion and dedication to the community that makes her stand out. Her willingness to provide leadership and engage with other organizations around the State has given other museums the opportunity to thrive. Her passion for history and the community has made her a leader among her peers.

I congratulate Penny Redli on her success with the Museum of the Beartooths and thank her for her contributions to Montana and the greater Stillwater community.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the Senate Resolution, ``Designating the week of April 21, 2018, through April 29, 2018, as ``National Park Week'' introduced for myself, Senator King, and others be printed in the Record.

S. Res. 478

Whereas, on March 1, 1872, Congress established Yellowstone

National Park as the first national park for the enjoyment of

the people of the United States;

Whereas, on August 25, 1916, Congress established the

National Park Service with the mission to preserve unimpaired

the natural and cultural resources and values of the National

Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of

current and future generations;

Whereas the National Park Service continues to protect and

manage the majestic landscapes, hallowed battlefields, and

iconic cultural and historical sites of the United States;

Whereas the units of the National Park System can be found

in every State and many territories of the United States and

many of the units embody the rich natural and cultural

heritage of the United States, reflect a unique national

story through people and places, and offer countless

opportunities for recreation, volunteerism, cultural

exchange, education, civic engagement, and exploration;

Whereas the national parks of the United States attracted

record-breaking visitation during the National Park Service

Centennial, with over 330,000,000 recreational visits to

these incredible places both in 2016 and 2017;

Whereas visits and visitors to our national parks are

important economic drivers for the economy responsible for

$18,400,000,000 in spending in 2016;

Whereas the dedicated employees of the National Park

Service carry out their mission to protect the national parks

of the United States so that the vibrant culture, diverse

wildlife, and priceless resources of the parks will endure

for perpetuity; and

Whereas the people of the United States have inherited the

remarkable legacy of the National Park System and are

entrusted with the preservation of the National Park System

throughout its second century: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That Congress--

(1) designates the week of April 21, 2018, through April

29, 2018, as ``National Park Week''; and

(2) encourages the people of the United States and the

world to visit and experience the treasured national parks of

the United States.

Mr. President, as a fifth generation Montanan who grew up just a short drive from our Nation's first National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and as Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, I am excited to introduce this resolution to reassure the public that Congress recognizes the remarkable value that our National Parks bring to our national heritage. I am happy to be joined by Ranking Member Angus King and Senator Hirono and nearly 30 of our bipartisan colleagues in introducing this resolution. The support of this resolution is a reflection that our National Parks bridge political divides and make our Nation uniquely American. I am hopeful that Congress, the Trump Administration and future Administrations will continue to invest in our National Parks to ensure their legacy endures for our children and generations to come.