Floor Statements

Mr. President, today I have the honor of recognizing the Montana Youth Challenge Academy's--MYCA--25th anniversary.

The Youth Challenge Academy in Dillon, MT, is one of approximately 40 programs of its kind across the country and the only one located on a college campus. Over the past 25 years, MYCA has graduated almost 4,000 successful cadets. These young people are empowered to complete their education and choose a new path in life, whether that be enlisting in military service, becoming skilled in the trades industry, or enrolling in college classes; this program lays the foundation for a successful future through their implementation of a quasi-military training model.

Academy leaders and mentors teach valuable life skills while forging trusted relationships with program participants, their parents and guardians, and a network of supporters. Mentorship continues to be among the most unique and important aspects of this program, as it ensures each cadet is receiving support that best fits their needs and promotes a seamless transition into the next phase of their journey. Upon completion of the program, each graduate is connected with a local community mentor for 1 year to help them see how the skills they have learned in the program translate beyond the academy to benefit not just themselves, but their communities. It is clear that when cadets successfully exit the program, they bring with them a renewed sense of confidence, responsibility, and positivity they are ready to share with others.

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy exemplifies what it means to look out for your neighbor and pour into the next generation of Montanans.

Madam President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Steve Shaver of Flathead County for his courage and swift action that ultimately saved a fellow Montanan's life.

On a routine day working on a project in Hungry Horse, MT, a woman emerged from her home signaling to Steve that she needed help because her husband was in the home unconscious. Steve acted without hesitation and sprang into action as he began facilitating lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation--CPR--until the man regained consciousness and emergency service personnel arrived to the scene. Steve's calm composure and effective responsiveness demonstrated his ability to lead in a stressful emergency situation that many will never face.

Here in the Treasure State, folks hold dear the principles of an honest work ethic and lending a helping hand when someone is in need. Steve's actions exemplify Montanans' commitment to looking out for one another, no matter the time of day or circumstances, and a man's life was saved because of his actions. Our famous Montana skies cannot truly be measured and neither can a man's ability to help out his neighbor when he is needed the most.

Today, as we acknowledge Steve's act of bravery, we also pay homage to the deep-rooted values that Montana is known for, further attributing to our beloved State's title as the Last Best Place. John 13:34 states, ``A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.'' Steve's actions show that Montanans live that verse out every day.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Steve Shaver for his heroic act of selfless service that saved a fellow Montanan's life. May his bravery and compassion serve as inspiration to each of us to stand by our neighbors in times of trouble. You make Montana proud.

Madam President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Gerald ``Jerry'' W. Marks of Missoula County for his service to his community during his tenure as the county's longest serving employee.

Growing up on a farm near Townsend, MT, Jerry went on to lead an accomplished life from his time in the U.S. Army serving overseas in Vietnam, to receiving quality education based in agriculture and public service from Montana State University and the University of Montana. His studies served him well as he began his long career as Missoula County's Agriculture Extension Agent in 1969. To provide some context, Jerry has been serving his community longer than we have had a man on the moon.

Jerry built programs and partnerships centered around agriculture, horticulture, and community development. During his tenure, Jerry increased the enrollment and community participation in 4-H by 30 percent, helped establish the Extension Forestry Program in 1983, and developed the County Weed Control Program in 1985. Jerry's most recent project, which took decades to finish, was the completion of the Gerald W. Marks Exploration Center and Rocky Mountain Gardens located on the Missoula County Fairgrounds, which fittingly bears his name.

Jerry and his wife of 51 years, Sharon, have two children and four grandchildren. Hailing from South Dakota, Sharon also grew up on a farm and had a career as an extension agent. The Markses enjoy sewing arts, growing plants, creative cooking, and supporting Missoula's arts community. After 55 years of service to his community, Jerry is set to retire March 1, 2024, and I have no doubt he will keep busy with his many hobbies and friends throughout Missoula County.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Jerry Marks for his life of service to the Missoula community. His favorite quote epitomizes his life's work. ``Do not fear the head winds, for they will make your program stronger.'' Thanks for your tireless work, Jerry, you make Montana proud and are one of the reasons it remains The Last Best Place.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Madam President, today the Senate passed the bipartisan, bicameral Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act--S. 758, H.R. 1568-- and will send it to the President for his signature. In 2017, a small Montana trucking company came to me with concerns that servicemembers and Americans moving home from abroad were having their identities stolen after cargo manifests were made public by Customs and Border Protection without the removal of their personally identifiable information. So I took action, drafted the Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act, and worked with a bipartisan group of Members in the House and Senate to move forward with a solution.

The bill is simple and straightforward. It requires Customs and Border Protection to remove all personally identifiable information, including Social Security Numbers and passport numbers, from manifest sheets before making them public. This is an easy solution to a longstanding problem, and I am glad Congress is finally acting to get this bill to the President's desk and signed into law.

In 1984, Customs and Border Protection were required to publicly disclose certain manifest information. Since then, we have seen the inadvertent disclosure of Americans' personal data with little to no recourse. In today's digital world, once a person's information is put online, it is nearly impossible to remove it. And while the CBP does offer a process for consumers of shipping services to make their information confidential, these forms can take months to process and are often processed after the individual's data has already been released to the public.

I believe the priority should be to protect Americans' privacy and automatically remove this personal information, rather than requiring citizens to make a request and hope the paperwork is processed in time. This bill will ensure that happens.

I want to thank Senator Peters for helping lead this bill with me in the Senate, as well as Senator Marshall and Senator Stabenow. I also want to thank Representative Waltz and Representative Pascrell for leading the House companion bill that we passed in the Senate today. I also want to thank all our staff and the staff on the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee for their work over the years to get this bill signed into law. Finally, I want to thank all the Montanans and Americans, including the large group of trucking, moving, and servicemember organizations, who have championed this bill for so long.

I look forward to our bill getting signed into law and ensuring Americans' and servicemembers' privacy is finally protected.

Madam President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Mary Erickson, forest supervisor for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, for her years of service.

Mary has been active in the stewardship of natural resources for nearly 40 years, the last 15 as forest supervisor in Montana. During her tenure, she worked to consolidate the Custer and Gallatin National Forests into one National Forest that Montanans enjoy today. The Custer Gallatin National Forest stretches over 3.1 million acres and covers portions of southern Montana and western South Dakota. It is known for its wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and opportunities for industry and recreation.

Mary graduated from Oregon State University's College of Forestry with a bachelor of science in forest management in 1982 and received a master of science in forest economics in 1986. In her time with the Forest Service, Mary has supported numerous collaborative efforts to better the connection between communities, organizations and the Forest Service and led the Custer and Gallatin Forest through a forest

plan revision process that engaged public users and local communities.

Mary's support of the communities who enjoy and rely on their public lands is exemplary and personifies what it means to be a public servant. With her retirement at the end of December, Montana recognizes her distinguished career and thanks her for her contributions and dedication to our wonderful State, the natural resources we enjoy, and the people who call it home.

Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Sherm Anderson of Powell County for his long-standing dedication to Montana's timber industry, carrying out his family's entrepreneurial spirit in his hometown of Deer Lodge and for selflessly serving the greater Powell County community. His perseverance in his personal and professional life helps the State of Montana maintain its vital wood products industry.

Sherm's dedication to healthy Montana forests first began when he was a teenager driving a logging truck. Years later, he and his wife Bonnie went on to form the Sun Mountain Lumber forest products company, which employs hundreds of people and serves as the Treasure State's largest lumber mill and North America's largest finger joint plant. Sun Mountain Lumber plays a vital role in the Deer Lodge Valley economy and continues to have an impact across the State. Earlier this year, Sherm purchased R-Y Timber, a Livingston, MT, sawmill, that was shuttered following a devastating fire--and saved even more logging jobs. Montanans are lucky to have this forest products powerhouse right in our backyard.

When it comes to Sherm's accomplished work history, he served in the Montana State Legislature, branched out into real estate and construction, operates a fitness center, contributes to a local auto museum, maintains his own 1,200-acre ranch, and most recently invested in the town's old hospital complex in order to renovate it into workforce housing. As Sherm continues to weather the volatility of the timber industry, he understands that collaboration is critical to keeping important wood product jobs viable and also ensuring our forest lands remain healthy for generations to come. It is clear Sherm understands the importance in working with folks from all backgrounds to make southwestern Montana a better place to live and work.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Sherm Anderson for his passion to preserve our shared Montana way of life. The Anderson family has created a multigenerational legacy that promotes fruitful forest stewardship.``Montana Proud!''

Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Chad Bauer of Missoula County for his commitment to stewarding safe and ethical practices among the next generation of Montana sportsmen and women.

Chad served as a volunteer with the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Missoula branch for 20 years where he instructed over 1,000 Montanans in hunter and bowhunter education classes. We know that Montana's public lands and wildlife deserve the utmost respect, so ensuring future sportsmen and women commit themselves to safety and conservation is key. From proper firearm handling, administering bear spray, crossing fences, responsible land use and fair-chase practices, Chad wants to ensure that Montanans' ethics translate beyond their time spent in hunter orange.

September in Montana means the official start of archery season. As Montanans in every corner of the State are putting in long days in the backcountry to fill their respective tags, Chad understands the importance of being bear-aware when it comes to grizzlies. When Chad served on the State of Montana's Grizzly Bear Advisory Council, he applied his knowledge as a lifelong outdoorsmen to help make recommendations that would allow for commonsense management of these apex predators. I am glad to see Chad not only share his insight with the council, but also with his students in hunter and bowhunter education classes to ensure they could enjoy the great outdoors while upholding best safety practices.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Chad Bauer for his enthusiasm and dedication to equipping future Montana hunters with the skills and knowledge needed to create treasured hunting memories of their own. I am confident his 20 years as a volunteer instructor helped strengthen the integrity of Montana's hunting heritage, and the skills and lessons he has shared will not be forgotten. Thank you for encouraging our youth to get out and experience all that Montana has to offer, Chad-- you make Montana proud.

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

Mr. President, I would like to use my time today to raise awareness about an important issue. Actually, it is about an important person, and his name is Marc Fogel.

Marc is a beloved father and husband. He is also a son, a brother, and an uncle. Over the course of his life, he has been a formative mentor to many young minds. You see, Marc Fogel spent 35 years teaching American history at American international schools around the world and most recently in Moscow. But after dedicating so much of his life to the service of others, he is currently detained in a Russian labor camp.

On August 14, 2021, as Marc returned to Russia for 1 final year of teaching before a much-deserved retirement, he was arrested in a Moscow airport for carrying about half an ounce of medical marijuana in his luggage. Marc had been prescribed the medical marijuana as an alternative to opioids to manage his chronic pain after undergoing multiple back surgeries, including a spinal fusion and various other challenging and painful procedures. Marc did not think that this healthcare decision would cost him his freedom and maybe even his life, but following his arrest, a Russian court convicted Marc of ``large- scale drug smuggling'' and sentenced him to 14 years in a maximum security penal colony. He has been there ever since.

In 2021, the same year as Marc's arrest, the U.S. State Department described the conditions in Russian prisons and detention centers as ``often harsh and life threatening.'' They reported overcrowding, abuse by guards and inmates, limited access to healthcare, food shortages, and inadequate sanitation as common occurrences--many practices that most Americans can't even imagine.

Considering the inhumane and harsh treatment reported in these centers and especially given the health challenges that Marc was already facing upon his arrest, Marc's family now fears he is not going to survive his sentence.

This is an injustice at the highest level, and it must not be tolerated by our government.

It is important to recognize that Marc is not the only American illegally detained abroad. U.S. Marine Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich are both still trapped in Russian prisons as well.

But while all three of these men are wrongfully detained in Russia, only Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich have been recognized as wrongfully detained by the State Department. The State Department considers a formal

wrongful detention status as being one of the first steps to getting an American who is detained abroad back home. This determination mobilizes multiple U.S. Agencies to work with the State Department and the family of the detained to secure the prisoner's release.

There are currently over 50 American citizens the State Department lists as wrongfully detained in Russia, China, Iran, and Venezuela. However, despite being unjustly detained for the last nearly 2 years-- with no end in sight--Marc is still not designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. State Department.

You may recall the Biden administration's high-profile negotiation to bring WNBA star Brittney Griner home after she was detained in Russia, just after Fogel, over a similar drug-related offense. Ms. Griner is, thankfully, home. One of the key differences between Brittney Griner's and Marc Fogel's cases is that, less than 3 months after Griner's arrest, the State Department classified her as wrongfully detained. Fogel deserves the same justice, and we should be using every tool at our disposal to bring him home.

I have had the privilege of getting to know some of Marc's family, some of whom are Montanans. They have been fierce advocates here stateside, but they fear they will never see their brother's face again or hear their father's voice. We can't let that happen.

In working alongside the Fogel family, I have also teamed up with President Obama's U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Mike McFaul. Mike McFaul was my former Bozeman High School debate partner, whose son was actually a student of Marc Fogel when Ambassador McFaul was serving in Moscow. Mike McFaul and I are working together to implore the State Department to finally declare Marc as wrongfully detained.

This week, I also worked with colleagues across the aisle to introduce a resolution highlighting the unjust and disproportionate criminal sentence by Russia and calling for the immediate release of Mr. Fogel.

Time is of the essence. Tomorrow is Marc's 62nd birthday, but instead of celebrating with his friends and family, he will be spending it illegally detained in a Russian labor camp.

No American should ever have to endure this type of injustice. It is time the country and the world know about Mr. Fogel's case, and I urge the administration to help bring this American back home once again.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I would like to thank my colleague from Montana, Senator Tester, and all of those who have worked so hard to get this home today.

This settles a 100-plus-year battle in Montana. This is the last Indian water rights settlement for the State of Montana--the Fort Belknap water rights settlement. It codifies existing water rights, prevents costly litigation, provides clean drinking water, and invests in irrigation for farmers and ranchers to provide food for our country.

This bill passed out of committee by a voice vote. It is supported by the Governor of Montana, by the entire Montana congressional delegation, the Fort Belknap community, all of the locally affected counties, including the county commissioners, and our farmers and our ranchers.

This is truly a win for our State and the country. I ask my colleagues to support this amendment, and I am going to ask for a voice vote.

Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing David Stamey, chief of emergency services for Stillwater County, MT, for his dedication to keeping his community safe, no matter what disaster may ensue.

David has served Stillwater County as the chief of emergency services for nearly a year and a half, and since assuming his position in April of 2022, he has managed several disasters that few county DES coordinators would see in a lifetime.

Just 2 months after stepping into his role, David was tasked with responding to historic 500-year flooding throughout the region. When the substantial amount of snow and heavy rainfall from earlier that spring met the rapidly rising temperatures in June, the snowmelt and water runoff sparked immediate flooding throughout the Yellowstone Valley. Agricultural land, homes, roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure took a significant hit. The Sibanye-Stillwater Mine in Nye, the world's only viable platinum and palladium mining operation outside South Africa and Russia, was forced to suspend operations for roughly 6 weeks due to a road that provided entry to the mine being washed out. David continued to work tirelessly with local, State, and Federal partners to ensure the road would be restored in a timely manner and that his community at large remained on a swift path to recovery.

Most recently, a portion of a train headed westbound near Reed Point derailed while crossing a bridge over the Yellowstone River. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, but there were multiple railcars submerged in the river releasing asphalt downstream. About a week later, all of the railcars involved in the derailment were removed from the scene, and after just 28 days post outage, the bridge was newly constructed, allowing the first train to cross over safely as crews continue to work diligently to remove remaining asphalt from the river. Thanks to David's effective leadership and coordination within the Unified Command structure, train service was restored while never compromising anyone's health or safety.

It is my distinct honor to recognize David Stamey for his unwavering commitment to keeping residents of Stillwater County safe. He has selflessly dedicated 30 years of his life to disaster and emergency services, and I am confident his passion and expertise in this field will benefit folks in Stillwater County and across the State of Montana for years to come. Thank you for your continued efforts to keep Montanans safe, David. You make Montana proud.

Mr. President, today I have the honor of congratulating the Billings High School class of 1973. These graduates grew up in the shadow of the Cold War, they all remember the

day that President Kennedy was shot, and they came of age during a turbulent and restless period of our country. They saw protests over Vietnam, civil rights, and social unrest. They lived through the space race, listening on transistor radios as rockets launched into space. They memorized the names of all the Mercury astronauts, saw men land and walk on the moon. Some veterans in the class served through four wars, countless interventions, and many shows of force. They saw phones go from rotary dials with party lines, to cell phones and smart watches that can access almost any piece of information with the touch of a button. They saw television go from black and white boxes to 85-inch flat screen TVs streaming color events live via satellite around the world. They saw the dawn of computers, survived Y2K, and lived to see the birth of artificial intelligence. They have lived through two different centuries, and they saw and embraced more new technology than any previous generation. Now in their late 60s, they have children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will lead the country into the next millennia.

It is my distinct honor to recognize the Billings High School class of 1973 for their incredible legacy. They have etched their name on those majestic sandstone rim rocks that grace their town.

Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing U.S. Army MAJ Robert Bourgeau of Missoula County for his heroism on and off the battlefield.

Since graduating high school, Robert committed his life to military service. Growing up in Missoula, the uniform and the duty that came with wearing it inspired him. We all know being a member of the U.S. Armed Forces is more than a job; it is a noble calling to serve that translates beyond one's time spent in uniform.

On October 3, 2022, at Torii Station in Okinawa, Japan, Robert demonstrated his steadfast commitment to putting others before himself. Around 2 p.m. that day, Robert and some of the students he instructed in scuba diving were at Mermaid's Grotto, a diving spot in Okinawa, when they noticed a Japanese woman calling for help with her 11-year- old daughter and a U.S. soldier who were trapped in a rip current 100 yards off shore. As 6-foot waves came crashing in on the endangered snorkelers, Robert made his way to the young girl as well as her mother who became engulfed in the waves in the process. He grabbed them both and swam as hard as he could until he reached the shore and brought them both to safety. His strength and energy were depleting, yet he made his way back out to the dangerous waves for the soldier and was able to direct him safely to shore.

Robert's commitment to his oath to protect and serve sets him apart from his peers. Being willing to lay down his life for others is more than a choice; it is his duty. Robert is a proud husband, father, and grandfather, and I know his leadership and bravery are inspiring not only to his family, but people around the world.

It is my distinct honor to recognize U.S. Army MAJ Robert Bourgeau for his commitment to putting service over self. The Treasure State's rich legacy of military service is carried on for generations because of brave men like Robert. Thank you for your service. You make Montana proud.

Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Lori Hoppe of Park County for her dedication to fostering excellence in agricultural education and across Park County.

In 2013, Lori saw an opportunity to bring agricultural education to her hometown of Gardiner; a quaint gateway community to Yellowstone National Park with a population of 800 people. She established Gardiner High School's first agriculture program and FFA chapter, which today proudly boasts a near 50-percent student body participation rate. The Gardiner FFA Chapter has consistently built a name for themselves as being fierce competitors; they are the first agricultural sales career development event team to not only champion the district contest, but also to qualify for the national convention.

As Gardiner FFA prepared for the national competition, their means of getting there was threatened when historic flooding impacted Park County. With a state of emergency declared and access to Yellowstone National Park halted, the lack of tourists required the cancellation of the local rodeo, with sales from the concession stand being the primary means of funding for Gardiner FFA's trip to the National FFA Convention and Expo.

Lori knew they needed to come up with a new fundraising idea if they wanted to compete at nationals. During the school year, the students built a utility trailer that they decided to try and sell at the Park County Fair. The community rallied behind the students and helped them raise more than five times their goal. The Gardiner FFA Chapter went on to make their community proud, earning a seventh place team finish, and one student placing third individually.

Now reaching her 10th year as an educator, Lori is receiving statewide recognition from the Montana Association of Agricultural Educators--MAAE--for being among the best ag instructors in the Treasure State. Her application will be forwarded on to the regional level where she will be evaluated alongside winners from other States. I am confident Lori will represent Montana well.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Lori Hoppe for her commitment to promoting agricultural education in Park County and throughout the Treasure State. The future of Montana agriculture is better off because of her tireless work.

Thank you, Lori. You make Montana proud.

Madam President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Keith Bicsak of Cascade County for his longstanding commitment to providing medical response and transport for countless sick and injured Montanans through his role as a critical care flight paramedic.

For 52 years, Keith has diligently provided emergency medical services--EMS--to folks throughout the Treasure State. His time-honored career is a testament to his passion and expertise in providing emergent lifesaving care. Keith's calling to selfless service began with his family's own ambulance service, Bicsak Emergency Air Transport--BEAT--which later became Mercy Flight, its esteemed crew proudly serving Montanans today.

EMS providers like Keith and the lifesaving care they deliver remain a vital component to the overall health and wellness of the State of Montana and the United States of America. These men and women choose to put their lives on the line as they stand ready to respond to any disaster or crisis they may encounter. Professionalism, expertise, and grace under fire enable these heroes to deliver swift and efficient lifesaving care to families in need.

Keith's passion for helping Montanans is evident through his distinguished career, as he now steps into a new season of life and enjoys a well-deserved retirement. As Keith reflects back on his time as an EMS provider, he is quick to point out the great experience it has been and the ``work families'' he has made along the way. He continues to encourage younger generations to pursue careers in emergency services to help build up Montana's EMS workforce in order to ensure needs are being met in every corner of the State.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Keith Bicsak for his revered 52 years of frontline service in helping Montanans reach health and safety. I am confident that Keith's work as an EMS provider will long be remembered and appreciated by families throughout the Treasure State. Thank you for your selfless service, Keith. You make Montana proud.