Floor Statements

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 24; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of the House message to accompany H.R. 2266; further, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that all time during morning business, recess, adjournment, and leader remarks count postcloture.

Madam President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Todd Dunlap from East Helena, MT. Todd served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years as an electronic warfare and cryptology specialist, ultimately attaining the rank of master chief petty officer, the highest enlisted rank in the Navy. Todd's service included seven deployments overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and other efforts. His work supported Special Operations Forces on the ground.

Todd's service did not end when he left Active Duty. He now works for the Montana Department of Veterans Affairs and continues to support those who have also served our country. His peers view him as a highly skilled professional and subject matter expert, and he has earned a reputation for selfless outreach across the State to assist veterans and their family members navigate the VA.

As someone who continues to serve members of the Armed Forces community, Todd is receiving a gift from a Montana organization that donates a fully outfitted trip to military servicemembers who have provided extraordinary service to our country and to those facing life- threatening illness. I sincerely thank Todd for his continued service to our great Nation. He is well-deserving of this recognition. As an avid outdoorsman myself, I hope he tags a wonderful elk during his time away with family.

Mr. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing an exceptional volunteer named Chris Hindoien. Chris has helped inform and educate Montanans serving in the National Guard or Reserve component, as well as their employers, about the rights and responsibilities associated with a military mobilization.

In August, Chris was recognized by the Office of the Secretary of Defense for nearly 4 years of service as the State chairman of the Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, ESGR. For his efforts, Chris received the Exceptional Public Service Award. During his stretch as chairman, he worked tirelessly to make sure that the relationship between military servicemembers and their employers remained strong across Big Sky Country. Chris is the son of the late Brig. Gen. Gary Hindoien, a former commander of the Montana Air National Guard, so his demonstrated commitment to our State and our Nation comes as no surprise.

Montana has a longstanding tradition of public service. Whether it be working on an agriculture project as a Peace Corps volunteer or as an Army Ranger at the tip of the military spear, the Montana attitude towards service to others continues to endure and Chris's work has enabled others to serve. Thank you, Chris, for committing your time and talent to enable the success of others.

Mr. President, I wish to honor the lives of Lt. Col. Frederick Hollister Campbell and Amy S. Campbell.

Lt. Col Frederick Hollister Campbell served in the U.S. Marine Corps for more than 25 years, serving in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He earned

a Navy Commendation Medal for saving the lives of 250 fellow marines at the Battle of Iwo Jima. After his military career, Fred opened his own private law practice and taught college-level classes at Colorado College and the University of Colorado.

During a time when women rarely attended college, Amy received her B.A. in elementary education from National University and went on to receive her M.A. in reading education from Northwestern University. Prior to her marriage to Fred, Amy taught first and second grade. A two-time military widow, Amy lost her first husband, Bob Noran, as a result of injuries sustained during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII.

Amy and Fred were married on April 14, 1951. A proud supporter of her husband's career, Amy put aside her teaching career to be a full-time officer's wife and mother to their daughter.

Amy and Fred went on to live an incredible life together, traveling, raising their daughter, Susan, and volunteering with many organizations. Fred passed away on December 27, 2011, and Amy went on to live near Susan in Missoula, MT, before passing away on November 29, 2016. I send my condolences to the friends and family of Fred and Amy, as they are both greatly missed. They will be laid to rest together in Arlington National Cemetery.

Mr. President, this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing a young Montanan named Braden Matzinger for his compassionate heart and entrepreneurial spirit in helping our State recover from a devastating wildfire season.

The 2017 wildfire season has impacted many communities in Montana. The fires consumed nearly 1.3 million acres of land. Over the summer, two firefighters lost their lives while protecting the people of the Treasure State. The bravery and commitment demonstrated by all the folks involved with the firefighting effort has generated a sense of unity and support from Troy to Alzada. That sense of unity can be found in the actions of 9-year-old Braden Matzinger of Bozeman. Braden has raised donations for the Montana Wildfire Relief Fund at the last two Montana State University home football games. He sweetened his approach to charitable fundraising with a cup of free lemonade for all those making a donation. At the two football games, he raised over $600 in donations.

Sometimes life throws us lemons. How we respond is a reflection of our character. The Montana values of charity, compassion, and entrepreneurship are alive and well in the character of our next generation of youngsters, and Braden is a prime example. Thank you, Braden, for seeing an opportunity to help, making a plan, and following through with your plan. To Braden's parents, Jeff and Katie, thank you as well for raising such a high-quality young man.

Mr. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing a multigeneration cornerstone of the community in Fallon County. Baker Furniture has served the people of eastern Montana for over eight decades. Through the years, the team at Baker Furniture has skillfully navigated changes in consumer tastes and a shifting business climate in order to provide quality furniture and appliances for the folks in Baker.

Baker Furniture initially began operations on Main Street in 1936, by the original proprietor, Leif Holmlund. Leif's understudy in the furniture industry, Army veteran Orville Stevens, would eventually take the reins of the enterprise in the 1960s. Under Orville's guidance, the business flourished. Orville's sons, Tom and Dave, also pitched in to help make the business a success.

Tom and Dave went on to assume the primary duties for the business in the late 1990s. After a life that included service to his Nation, raising a family, and operating a successful business, Orville passed away in 2009. Since his passing, the business that Orville developed has continued to thrive and meet the needs of the community.

Small businesses, operated by hardworking family members, are an engine of commerce for many rural communities across Montana. Baker Furniture is a shining example of this business model, and many shoppers in Baker and the surrounding area are grateful. Thank you to the team at Baker Furniture for the many years of excellent service to your neighbors, and I wish you continued success in the future.

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, Livingston, MT, lost an incredible member of the community on August 30 when Harold Dean Wilcoxson, son of Carl and Harriett Esther (Swingley) Wilcoxson, passed away at age 94. Harold spent much of his life operating the family-owned business and Montana institution, Wilcoxson's Ice Cream shop. Wilcoxson's Ice Cream has provided delicious ice cream and fond memories for Montanans for over 100 years.

Harold was born on April 15, 1923, and graduated from Park County High School in 1941. He pursued a certificate in electronics repair at Kinmen Business University in Spokane, WA, and used his electronics expertise for the rest of his life.

On September 15, 1942, Harold joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the

U.S.S. Quincey as an electronics chief during World War II. His ship was located off of the French coast during the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944 and was anchored in Sagami Wan during the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender in 1945.

Following his service, Harold returned to Montana to continue building Wilcoxson's Ice Cream. Amidst long hours of building the family business, Harold also enjoyed racecars. His love and passion for fast cars lasted a lifetime.

From cleaning cream cans as a boy to fixing electrical issues and managing new plant projects, Harold ensured Wilcoxson's Ice Cream shop would continue in its legacy of gourmet ice cream and service to Montanans for generations. Harold Dean Wilcoxson, beloved businessowner and mentor, brought much to the Livingston community through his quiet leadership and commitment to service and will be missed by many.

Mr. President, today I have the honor of recognizing the administrators and volunteers of the Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging Foster Grandparent Program. Based in the small town of Polson, MT, the program covers six mainly rural western Montana counties and the area's lone Indian reservation. Every year, the lives of dozens of children across Montana are changed for the better by the Foster Grandparent program, and dozens of senior citizens are able to use their time and skills to make a difference in the life of a child.

Foster grandparents are able to volunteer in many different settings, including schools, afterschool programs, Head Start programs, teen mentorship programs, and correctional facilities. With many communities in western Montana facing high unemployment, as well as meth and opioid drug crises, the Foster Grandparent program has a particular focus on at-risk children. Foster grandparents support children who have been abused or neglected, provide mentorship to teens, and help children with disabilities.

This week, community members and the Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging are gathering to honor foster grandparents. Included in that group is Navy veteran Karl Paddock, who is receiving a special award for his service to the program. Our communities need more people like Karl and all of the foster grandparents who are willing to step up and make a difference in the lives of our most precious resource: our children.

It is my hope that the Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging Foster Grandparent Program will continue to grow in the years to come. I congratulate everyone involved in its success and the difference it is making for the communities of western Montana.

Mr. President, the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, is tasked with keeping the American public safe in the homeland. Its mission ranges from thwarting terrorist attacks to responding to natural and manmade disasters, from interdicting the movement of illicit drugs at the border to combating human trafficking and protecting its victims. Nearly one-quarter of the population within our borders are children They have unique needs, and we must ensure those needs are met in the face of threat and in recovery.

For example, when children are stranded at school because of a terrorist attack or a natural disaster, they need a planned route and means to get home safely. A child is caught up in a drug cartel and used as a trafficking mule--the child is a victim, not a criminal. He needs help breaking the addiction. An adolescent, promised a better life, has her passport stolen and forced to sell herself. She needs help escaping her captors and healing.

The recent tragedies of wildfires in Montana and across the Northwest and Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are all too recent reminders that we need to plan for the needs of children in both building resiliency and responding to disasters. That is why I am introducing the-Homeland Security for Children Act. This legislation would simply ensure DHS's Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans includes input from organizations representing the needs of children when soliciting stakeholder feedback and developing policies. Further, a technical expert at the Federal Emergency Management Agency would be authorized to lead its external collaboration and policy developments to integrate the needs of children into its activities to prepare for and respond to, disasters.

I thank Senator Hassan for being an original cosponsor of this bill, as well as Representative Donald Payne of New Jersey for leading in the House of Representatives. I ask my Senate colleagues to join us in support of this important legislation.

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

Mr. President, the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, is tasked with keeping the American public safe in the homeland. Its mission ranges from thwarting terrorist attacks to responding to natural and manmade disasters, from interdicting the movement of illicit drugs at the border to combating human trafficking and protecting its victims. Nearly one-quarter of the population within our borders are children They have unique needs, and we must ensure those needs are met in the face of threat and in recovery.

For example, when children are stranded at school because of a terrorist attack or a natural disaster, they need a planned route and means to get home safely. A child is caught up in a drug cartel and used as a trafficking mule--the child is a victim, not a criminal. He needs help breaking the addiction. An adolescent, promised a better life, has her passport stolen and forced to sell herself. She needs help escaping her captors and healing.

The recent tragedies of wildfires in Montana and across the Northwest and Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are all too recent reminders that we need to plan for the needs of children in both building resiliency and responding to disasters. That is why I am introducing the-Homeland Security for Children Act. This legislation would simply ensure DHS's Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans includes input from organizations representing the needs of children when soliciting stakeholder feedback and developing policies. Further, a technical expert at the Federal Emergency Management Agency would be authorized to lead its external collaboration and policy developments to integrate the needs of children into its activities to prepare for and respond to, disasters.

I thank Senator Hassan for being an original cosponsor of this bill, as well as Representative Donald Payne of New Jersey for leading in the House of Representatives. I ask my Senate colleagues to join us in support of this important legislation.

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

Mr. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Albert ``Al'' Lee of Forsyth. Al has made a lifetime of contributions to our State and our Nation. Al's experiences as a veteran, rancher, long-serving volunteer, and renowned shooting sports enthusiast have made him a highly respected member of his community in Rosebud County.

After finishing his military service with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean war, Al returned to Montana State University and married Sharon, a fellow Bobcat. Al and Sharon soon settled near the Yellowstone River and began operating the family ranch. Over the years, the Lee family has opened large sections of their ranch to the Boy Scouts, hunters, and to the participants of the Matthew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match. The Matthew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match recently completed its 26th annual competition in June. This prestigious shooting match has grown from a few dozen shooters the first year, to well over 600 shooters this year, including international competitors from six nations.

Al's love for shooting sports and his passion for sharing our Montana cultural traditions has been highly valued

at both the State and national levels. The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has honored Al for over five decades of volunteering to teach firearms safety to rising generations of future hunters. In 2001, The National Rifle Association recognized Al with their highly esteemed public service award.

Montana cowboys like Al Lee give a unique character to the Treasure State. Thank you, Al, for the many years of service and for strengthening our Montana traditions.

Mr. President, Connor Westlake of Bozeman, MT, is a driven, determined and diligent 19-year-old who has proven to be a leader among his peers and in his community. As an athlete, Connor has had a distinguished career and was awarded the Christian Character Award by the Montana Christian Athletic Association These experiences have led him to apply his leadership in the service of our Nation's defense, continuing the legacy of military service of his grandfathers, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy; and uncles, U.S. Navy.

Connor has spent the past year preparing to enter the U.S. Army, where he plans to serve his country in Special Forces with the Green Berets. He will war the uniform for the first time later this month upon arrival at Fort Benning, GA, where he will be among a group of highly qualified recruits who will proceed directly from initial entry training to Special Forces training. Upon completion of the rigorous and challenging 2-year training, Connor will become a member of one of the best and most highly skilled combat forces in the world.

I join the Westlake family in praying for his success and safety and thank Connor as he pursues this noble calling of service.

Mr. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka, MT. The Carter County Museum is a treasure to our State and well worth the time to stop in and visit if you are traveling through eastern Montana.

The Carter County Museum has helped preserve the history of eastern Montana for over 80 years and was the first county museum in the State. This region of our State is known for plentiful dinosaur discoveries, and one of the exhibits at the Carter County Museum includes a complete skull of a Triceratops. Recent regional history is also on display at the museum. Artifacts from American Indian Tribes and late 19th century homesteaders help visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the history of the 41st State to join the Union.

Over the past two summers, members of the museum's staff have used their expertise to help recover the remains of a Columbian mammoth along the Powder River. Just last month, the staff unearthed a mostly intact skull, including both tusks. It is uncommon to find a museum that offers such a unique collection of rare exhibits outside of a major population center, but that is precisely what you will find at the Carter County Museum.

Eastern Montana, widely recognized for its contributions to our Nation in the areas of agriculture and energy, is also home to many items of cultural significance. Local gems like the Carter County Museum and all of the folks that make its day-to-day operations possible help make Montana an exceptional place.