Floor Statements

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the following Members be permitted to speak prior to the scheduled vote: Budd and Markey for up to 10 minutes total; Sullivan and Heinrich for up to 20 minutes total.

Mr. President, the most basic responsibility of Congress is to identify problems and deliver policy solutions that better serve the American people. That means cutting unnecessary redtape, eliminating confusion, and fixing gaps in the Federal Government that prevent it from doing its job effectively.

And that responsibility is often put to the test when disaster strikes. In Western North Carolina, Hurricane Helene did more than devastate our communities--it exposed weaknesses in our Federal disaster response that we, here in Congress, have a responsibility to fix.

Any Senator who has served their State in the wake of a natural disaster knows that bureaucratic failures are not just problems on paper--they have real consequences for real people. Every unnecessary delay, outdated process, or a gap in our response can stand between a devastated community and the Federal assistance that it needs to recover and to rebuild.

I understand that reality all too well, having walked the road to recovery with the people of Western North Carolina who lost everything in a once-in-a-century--hopefully, more than a century--storm.

In this rural part of our State, small businesses drive local economies, and many were destroyed and shuttered after Helene. For many, their only hope of getting back on their feet was by accessing disaster loan assistance through the SBA, or the Small Business Administration.

But in 2024, when these small businesses were trying to secure a fighting chance, the Biden administration--they dropped the ball by gravely mismanaging the SBA's Disaster Loan Program.

By issuing irresponsible rules, drastically increasing the costs of making and administering these disaster loans, and failing to notify Congress that funding to administer these loans was running low, the Biden administration allowed for a 66-day shortfall that impacted 97 percent of North Carolina residents. We can't allow this to happen again.

So I am bringing a commonsense solution to the table that has received bipartisan support in the Small Business Committee. My Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act will create more safeguards against a future shortfall by requiring annual appropriations to the SBA's Disaster Loan Program and informing Congress when these funds are running low.

The bill has one clear goal, and that is to make sure our Nation's small businesses are never left without the disaster assistance that they were promised.

The next major disaster should not expose the same failures as the last. It is our responsibility to mend broken systems and to coordinate the Federal Government and its agencies so that we are ready to manage the aftermath of the next major disaster.

So I ask my colleagues to join me in taking a necessary step forward in improving our Federal disaster response by voting to pass this bill.

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 448, H.R. 4238; further, I ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I understand my colleague is having an issue with disaster relief reaching his State. On that, I can certainly relate.

And by the way, this is a colleague who has worked to pass this unanimously, I believe, out of committee--so much appreciated there-- but now seeks to block the bill.

But I worked with the Trump administration to cut through the bureaucratic hurdles that had slowed down aid. I held a number of the administration's nominees to put a stop to them, put a pause on them, to ensure that my message was heard.

But what I did not do was hold my fellow Senator's legislation from potential passage or hinder efforts to make our disaster program run more smoothly.

I hope my colleague can now see how this bill would positively impact both my State and his State and do what is right for the American people by passing this bill in which he voted for, again, out of committee.

Mr. President, some storms pass. Others permanently change the communities they pass through. For the North Carolinians who lived through Hurricane Helene, September 27, 2024, is not simply a date in the past. It is a dividing line between life before the storm and everything that has come after.

This week marks the second anniversary of Hurricane Helene.

Only 2 years ago, this Category 4 storm grew to insurmountable levels in a matter of hours, dumping up to 30 inches of rain with winds up to 106 miles per hour. The result: Family homes that stood for generations were washed away, small businesses that had long served as pillars of their communities were shuttered, and roadways connecting towns and neighbors were torn apart. But most devastating of all was the loss of 108 lives across Western North Carolina.

Like many North Carolinians across our State and many Americans across the country, I remember watching the storm carve its path through the Blue Ridge Mountains on the news that fateful Friday morning. As the storm picked up pace, I did everything I could to stay in constant contact with local municipal leaders on the ground to gather intel on the storm's growing severity and better gauge the damage it would inevitably leave behind. But when phone lines suddenly dropped, we lost all communication with one-third of the State. And nothing could have prepared us for what would come after.

Just days after the storm broke, I surveyed the wreckage from the air with North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. From above, the damage done was horrifying: Rivers rushed where roads once were, trees were collapsed onto buildings, cars were overturned, and homes were caught in mudslides.

When it was finally safe to reach the ground, the destruction Helene left behind was overwhelming. I will never forget touring an elementary school classroom in Watauga County that has been flooded by several feet of water during the storm. Walking over the debris and remnants of what once was a place of learning, growth, and opportunity for young children was chilling. That visit made one thing abundantly clear: The road to recovery was about more than rebuilding what Helene destroyed. It was about restoring our communities.

Overnight, Hurricane Helene left North Carolina with nearly $60 billion in damage and recovery costs, a price tag so large that it is hard to conceptualize. Now imagine that scale of destruction falling onto counties, small towns, and entities whose entire budgets are not measured in billions, but in millions, or less.

In the immediate aftermath of Helene, local governments had no choice but to completely drain their cash reserves to clear debris, restore roads, repair water systems, and provide the basic infrastructure that their communities needed to survive.

But Helene's severe economic impact extends far beyond the communities directly hit by the storm because the 39 disaster- designated counties account for 45 percent of North Carolina's GDP. That means western North Carolina's recovery is not just a regional priority; it is essential to our State's overall economic strength.

That is why my No. 1 priority in Washington over the past 2 years has been unlocking Federal aid for western North Carolina's recovery.

Over the past 2 years, I have made nearly 50 visits to Helene- impacted communities, and my staff has made many more. My casework team has worked on over 500 cases related to Hurricane Helene recovery, with positive outcomes leading to over $66 million in awards. My policy team has worked diligently to ensure western North Carolina receives the Federal disaster funding it needs by securing its inclusion in Federal disaster re supplemental legislation and ensuring the Disaster Relief Fund has the resources needed to support a full recovery.

I have also worked closely with Federal Agencies to clear backlogs and get recovery funds flowing so projects can get off the ground and outstanding bills can be paid. In the past 2 years, Federal Agencies have identified over $13 billion in Hurricane Helene-related awards, grants, infrastructure commitments, and Federal loan assistance for North Carolina, significantly advancing recovery efforts.

Since September of 2024, FEMA has assisted over 161,000 households with nearly $567 million in direct assistance. North Carolina was also awarded a $1.4 billion Community Development Block Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support recovery efforts and address housing needs.

Additionally, FEMA has removed roughly 15 million cubic yards of debris from rights-of-way and waterways, restoring access and helping communities move forward with rebuilding.

In a region where tourism drives local economies, fully reopening the Blue Ridge Parkway by the end of the year is a major milestone on the road to recovery. By the end of 2026, the National Park Service will have repaired more than 55 landslides along the parkway's 200-mile stretch through North Carolina. Although work will continue to repair visitor centers and historic and cultural landmarks in the coming years, the parkway's complete reopening will undoubtedly allow western North Carolina to enter a new stage of much-needed economic recovery by welcoming tourists back to the mountains.

When I think back to those first few days after Hurricane Helene, the devastation will forever be scared into my memory. But what stands out most is what emerged from that destruction: an extraordinary sense of unity. In every one of western North Carolina's 39 impacted counties, neighbors were helping neighbors. And that level of unity, in the face of severe adversity, is something I am enormously proud of.

I want to recognize and sincerely thank the faith-based and nonprofit organizations that were among the first to respond after Helene--and for their continued efforts in helping families across western North Carolina rebuild.

To every family still grieving the loss of a loved one, know that you are not alone. We will never forget the lives Helene stole from us on September 27, 2024.

Helene may have changed western North Carolina forever, but it will not define our future. That belongs to the resilient people who call the Blue Ridge Mountains home. As communities continue to rebuild, businesses reopen, and visitors return, western North Carolina will continue moving forward with the same strength and resilience that carried us through the storm--because, if the last 2 years have taught us anything, it is this: No storm is stronger than a community determined to rebuild together.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Col. Robert Sucher of the U.S. Marine Corps for his exemplary 30 years of faithful service to our Nation.

Many of my colleagues in the Chamber, including myself, have had the distinct privilege of working closely with Colonel Sucher over the past 2 years, during his tenure as the Director of the Marine Corps Senate Liaison Office.

I came to appreciate his steadfast leadership firsthand while he served as the commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington, where I was deeply honored to be a guest of honor at one of their historic Tuesday sunset parades.

Throughout his time on Capitol Hill, Colonel Sucher and his dedicated team have consistently prioritized the relationship between the Marine Corps and the U.S. Senate. In this liaison role, Colonel Sucher enabled the successful execution of more than 50 international congressional delegations.

My team and I have had the privilege of traveling with him on several of these official trips, including most recently to Central and Eastern Europe. On these demanding missions, his foresight and leadership were constantly on display.

In addition to leading congressional delegations, Colonel Sucher distinguished himself through exceptional support to every Member of this body. He expertly managed inquiries and requests for information from nearly all 100 Senate offices, always providing timely and precise answers grounded in truth.

He has proven an indispensable asset to this body, consistently demonstrating exceptional problem-solving under pressure, outstanding communication skills, and a wealth of operational knowledge, representing both the Marine Corps and the Department of War.

He exemplifies the absolute professionalism we have come to expect from the U.S. Marines. Through his three decades of service, Colonel Sucher has proven to be an officer of the absolute highest caliber, and he is leaving the Marine Corps well positioned to continue its vital contributions to our national security.

My colleagues and I bid a fond farewell to Colonel Sucher. We extend our deepest gratitude to his wife Caroline and their sons Will--who, by the way, is a proud North Carolinian--and Drew for the immense sacrifices they have made in supporting their husband and father as he guarded our freedom.

To my friend Robb, we wish you fair winds and following seas in all of your future endeavors.

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

Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 6747 and ask that it be reported by number.

Mr. President, 9 months ago, both Republicans and Democrats overwhelmingly voted to close the hemp loophole. It happened right here. They wanted to stop intoxicating hemp products being sold and marketed to kids. It is no accident that these products are made to look exactly like something that a kid would want.

Emergency departments have seen a 461-percent increase in cases of pediatric cannabis poisoning, and most of those were children 4 years old or younger.

This body agreed right here 9 months ago that we wouldn't compromise the health and safety of the American people--especially our kids--so today, I am simply asking my colleagues just to reaffirm a decision we made 9 months ago right here.

My opponents have asked: What is the harm in a monthlong delay? I am going to tell you. The goal is not an extra month to work on policy, as many have said. The well-oiled hemp lobbying machine has already had 9 months to do that. The real goal is to jam us in December on a must- pass package and to permanently entrench their intoxicating products into the machinery of government.

Opponents say that this would stop research into hemp-derived products for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who rely on Medicare, but what does allowing unregulated, intoxicating edibles on gas station shelves have to do with CMS' ability to study hemp- derived products for pain relief? Not a thing. Not a thing at all.

So once again, I ask my colleagues to join me in doing what we have already done 9 months ago. Support my amendment. Just vote no to table this and close this dangerous loophole, just as 76 of us, Republicans and Democrats, did just 9 months ago.

Mr. President, I ask for remaining time.

Mr. President, every parent in America, they want the same thing. They want to know that their kids are safe. As U.S. Senators, each of us has a responsibility to the millions of parents we represent for the safety and welfare of American kids first.

And that is exactly why--just 9 months ago on this very floor--76 Members of this body voted to close the hemp loophole that allowed these dangerous substances to be sold in unregulated retail stores.

But since last November, the intoxicating hemp industry has attempted to delay our effort to close this dangerous loophole.

May I show you some of the products that you can find in some of these stores?

It looks like a familiar brand, but if you look closely--well, sometimes they use the brand name. But how about something like Slizzles? Pretty deceptive.

You know, these companies want to continue selling these intoxicating THC substances loosely labeled as hemp products. They want to put them on the shelves of local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores nationwide.

And the problem doesn't stop there. The packaging is unmistakably designed to appeal to kids. Using these bright colors, they intentionally mimic popular snack food and candy brands like this.

But what is most concerning is how easy it is for a child to walk into a convenience store and pick up what looks like their favorite snack or their favorite candy without realizing that they are actually buying an intoxicating substance.

See a familiar--what might be a familiar brand here, but it is Stoneo. How about that?

So it is difficult enough for an adult to distinguish the minor difference on these name-brand products and intoxicating substances on the shelves. I mean, just look at the examples. So are you telling me that this is not intentional?

You know, the four basic principles of marketing are product, price, place, and promotion. And what we are looking at right here, it is a crash course in all four: how to package a product; how to make it appealing; how to put it in front of consumers; and how to promote it, while attempting to evade Federal law.

You know, this is not some innocent coincidence. You don't accidentally create packaging for an intoxicating substance that bears a strange resemblance to a recognizable brand. You don't accidentally make an intoxicating product look something like a child would recognize from a grocery store shelf without reasonable intent.

Now this is marketing by design, and it is designed--it is designed-- to evade the law. The resemblance here is absolutely outrageous, and it is putting our kids at risk each and every day.

And over the past few years, we have already seen the horrifying consequences play out in emergency rooms across the country.

From 2018 to 2023, emergency departments in the United States that responded to pediatric cannabis poisoning increased by 461 percent; 91 percent of those patients were 4 years or younger--91 percent. And 45 percent of those kids--ages zero to 11--45 percent of them required hospitalization.

These numbers, they are not just statistics. They represent children ending up in emergency rooms--45 percent of them. And why? Because the intoxicating hemp industry wants to make a cheap dollar.

Now, in my home State of North Carolina, cannabis consumption-coded emergency department visits among minors, they increased by 969 percent between 2017 and 2025. That is almost 1,000 percent increase, and that is nothing short of alarming.

THC can have very serious consequences for adults. It can trigger psychosis, addiction, manic episodes, bipolar relapse, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. And having assessed those risks, it makes it utterly irresponsible to turn around and put those same THC substances within reach of our kids.

It is also impacting our workforce. Able-bodied adults, they are unable to hold jobs that require them to take a drug test. Stores near military bases sell these products to men and women in the armed services, making them ineligible for military service. And that is also no accident.

I can't tell you how many times that I have sat down with a family in my office that has tragically lost a son or a daughter because they became addicted to these disguised substances, and it is just heartbreaking to witness. It is heartbreaking to have those conversations, and, yet, they keep coming to my office. We keep hearing their stories.

There are young people who no longer walk this Earth. They will never graduate. They will never go to college. They will never start a career. They will never get married. They will never have children. And they will never get the chance to experience the life that was ahead of them because these dangerous substances robbed them of their future.

And I am appalled at the well-oiled, slick lobbying machine--which is very well connected in this town, by the way--that has chosen to wage this surreptitious war against our efforts to protect American children.

So let me be clear to my colleagues. I am not going to back down on this. I am not going to waver. I am not going to stop until this life- threatening loophole is closed permanently.

And we are going to have this fight before the end of this Congress, and I can assure you that I am not going to stop fighting to protect American children.

And I have already had numerous conversations with the White House about this issue, and I am willing to have a larger conversation about marijuana. We may not agree, but I will have the conversation.

But I want to make one thing really, really clear: Making THC intoxicating substances readily accessible to our kids is an entirely different issue from the medical marijuana movement.

Today, we are talking about unregulated hemp products being sold on the shelves of nearly every corner store in America. These intoxicating substances--they are hiding in plain sight, and they are putting our kids at risk.

Parents should never have to face the fear that sending their child into a convenience store for a snack or a treat could mean that that child walks out with a product that can get them high.

And that is not too much to ask. It is just common sense. And it is our responsibility to make sure that the millions of parents that we represent--that they can trust the product sitting on store shelves, that they are safe for their kids.

I am not here to obstruct the Senate for the sake of obstruction. I am here because I have a duty to the millions of parents in North Carolina who have sent me to Washington to be their voice and, above all, to protect their children.

To every parent in North Carolina: I hear you. I stand with you. You have my word I am not going to back down, and I am not going to stop fighting until we get this right.

This is a public health crisis that deserves this Senate's immediate attention. Our children should never be the testing ground for an industry willing to exploit a loophole in Federal law for profit.

We need to strip this amendment from the continuing resolution and regulate these harmful substances for exactly what they are, not what the industry wants to call it.

So if substances cause intoxication--like marijuana--then it should be regulated as such, not given a free pass as hemp. There is no loophole worth putting a child's well-being at risk.

I yield the floor.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a multigenerational American small business that has proudly served the community of Ronda, NC, for 150 years: H.G. Greene's General Store. Founded in 1876 by James Clignman ``J.C.'' Greene, H.G. Greene's General Store is Wilkes County's oldest retail business.

Born in 1856, J.C. Greene was orphaned after the passing of his parents William and Frances Canady Greene in 1863. As a young man, J.C. Greene opened the doors to his first general store at the same four-way intersection in Wilkes County where it remains operational today.

The store is named after Harry ``H.G.'' Greene, who started working in the store at the age of 12 after his father J.C. was injured in a fall. He operated the store until about a year before he died at the age of 89 in 1993.

Harry's son Bob and his wife Darlene Greene now continue the family legacy, constructing a new storefront in 1973 near the original store site in the Yadkin Valley. Later, the Greene family expanded the general store's footprint to incorporate a second location in Jonesville.

Generations of North Carolinians have relied on this historic retailer as a one-stop shop for everything from produce and baked goods to artisanal goods, apparel, and outdoor gear. And the general store's front porch has long been a consistent community hub for North Carolinians to gather.

I firmly believe that what makes America's family-owned and operated small businesses endure across generations is not simply their longevity, but their unwavering commitment to the communities they serve. These businesses become more than places of commerce; they become gathering places, trusted neighbors, and cornerstones of local life. Through changing times and economic challenges, they continue to show up for their communities with the same dedication that first earned them the trust of their customers.

Without a shadow of doubt, H.G. Greene's General Store has lived up to that standard.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 150th anniversary of H.G. Greene's General Store with a round of applause for this great American small business.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the Clayton nomination.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a patriot and veteran, retired U.S. Navy Commander John ``Jack'' Holland.

Mr. Holland's passion for flying came from joining the naval aviation program following his last semester of college. He received his Navy wings a year and a half later and began an illustrious career as a pilot at Naval Air Station Miramar just outside of San Diego. His first orders were to join an attack squadron flying a Douglas AD Skyraider.

Over the next 23 years, Mr. Holland transitioned to jets and completed eight aircraft carrier deployments to the Western Pacific, including five deployments to Vietnam. A notable position of honor was serving as the Navy Seventh Fleet Liaison Officer with the U.S. Air Force at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon. Mr. Holland last served as the commanding officer of a Navy Fighter Aggressor Squadron at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach.

After retirement from the U.S. Navy in 1978, Mr. Holland's contributions and passion for flying continued with his service as an engineering consultant for a Navy contractor at the Naval Weapons Center in China Lake, CA. During his service, he was responsible for developing the software management plan for the Navy's F/A-18 Hornet aircraft and other strategic missile programs.

On July 8, 2026, at 91, Mr. Holland is returning to First Flight Airport and the Wright Brothers National Memorial to commemorate his years of service as a Navy pilot. He will arrive as a passenger, scale Big Kill Devil Hill, walk to the First Flight Boulder, and recall the views from the aircraft that flew over the same ground revered by this great Nation. Join me in saluting Mr. Holland, not only for his faithful service to this country, but for his return visit to First Flight.

Mr. President, if you open a history book in any middle school classroom in America, you are going to find a very familiar pattern. Throughout history, societies have repeatedly decided that certain groups of people were exceptions to the promise of human dignity.

When we look back on those injustices, it seems almost impossible to understand how people could have accepted such profound disregard for human life. Yet history shows that these tragedies rarely begin with hatred alone; they begin with a more subtle idea that some human beings somehow fall outside the circle of protection owed to everyone else.

Every generation faces its own unique question about human dignity, which brings me to a question, and I would like my colleagues and the American people and especially the next generation of leaders--some of them in this room today--the question is, Who deserves human dignity?

In the land of freedom and opportunity, we are constantly talking about equality, inclusion, and defending the most vulnerable, and we should ask those questions. I mean, those are fundamentally American values. But those ideas only mean something if they are applied consistently.

For 250 years, Americans have prided ourselves on being the voice of the voiceless, but for some reason, far too many fall silent when the dignity of the smallest and the most vulnerable members of our human race is questioned, and that is the unborn.

But human dignity is not conditional. It does not depend on age or size or ability or circumstance. Human dignity is inherent. It can't be earned. It can't be granted. It can't be taken away. And the most fundamental dignity we all possess is the right to life.

So if we aspire to be a nation that defends the equal dignity of every person, then our actions both at home and abroad must reflect the values we profess. The United States cannot credibly champion human rights while pursuing policies that deny the unborn the most basic right of all, and that is the right to life.

So as we approach the fourth anniversary of the ruling in Dobbs, there is more that we must do to defend the right to life. So I applaud the Trump administration for uncovering loopholes that previous administrations exploited to use U.S. foreign aid programs to fund and promote abortion abroad.

One of the greatest measures of American leadership is not merely the power that we profess, but it is the principles that we project. And it is the values we champion abroad that should reflect the values we share at home.

If human dignity is truly universal, then the foreign aid funded by American taxpayers must be consistent with our Nation's most fundamental truth, and that is that every human life possesses inherent dignity and that the first human right is the right to life.

That is why I have introduced the Protecting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance Act, so that we don't repeat history.

My bill would codify the Trump administration's efforts to once again put American values first in U.S. foreign assistance programs, preventing any future administration from using such programs as loopholes to deny life to the unborn.

One day, history will render its verdict on whether we choose to defend human dignity. It is my hope that future generations find that we remain faithful to America's first principle: that we are all created equal.

I ask unanimous consent that the Foreign Relations Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. 4873 and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. I further ask that the bill be considered read a

third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, my colleague, whom I very much respect, has chosen to support the loophole through this objection. It allows taxpayer dollars to be used in a manner contrary to the values we cherish at home, allowing no voice to the voiceless.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor a significant milestone in Marine Corps aviation history. Earlier this month, on June 3, the AV-8B Harrier aircraft retired from combat after four decades in service.

Since the aircraft's introduction in 1985, the Harrier has symbolized the Marine Corps' elite operational mobility. Its vertical and short takeoff, combined with its landing capabilities, have enabled marines to operate from remote locations and ships around the world. From supporting missions in diverse environments, including Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf, the jump jet has proven itself to be a reliable aircraft time and time again.

The Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, NC, is home to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and it has served as the center of the Harrier community for over 40 years. Under the command of Lt. Col. John Cumbie at VMA-223--the final Harrier squadron--all pilot training and daily operations have taken place in Havelock, making the Harrier a familiar presence.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to fly over Eastern North Carolina in a Harrier jet with Maj. Lucas Pumphrey, Maj. Eric Scheibe, and Brig. Gen. Shannon Brown. Experiencing the aircraft's capabilities firsthand offered a powerful reminder that behind every mission are exceptional marines whose skill, discipline, and dedication to duty make these operations possible and help preserve the security of the United States and our allies.

The AV-8B Harrier has retired from service, but it will be preserved at STARBASE STEM education center at Cherry Point, where it will be on display for the public. This transition from a warfighting aircraft to a prominent piece of military history will continue to inspire generations to come.

Mr. President, please join me in honoring the Harrier, its storied history at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, and the brave marines that flew the AV-8B.

Mr. President, today, I rise in honor of National Small Business Month to recognize North Carolina's 1.1 million small businesses that drive our State's growing workforce and thriving economy across all 100 counties. There is no doubt that our State's small businesses are the reason for North Carolina's ranking as the No. 1 state in the country for doing business. Making up a significant percentage of all businesses across our great State, North Carolina's small businesses represent the very best of American ingenuity, resilience, and determination.

As a small business owner myself, I understand the daily challenges and sacrifices that come with keeping a business on its feet. This National Small Business Month, I want to recognize one of North Carolina's leading small businesses, Mother Murphy's Flavors, a three- generation-owned-and-operated business based in Greensboro, NC. This year, Mother Murphy's Flavors celebrates its 80th year in business, crafting high-quality flavors for food and beverages. The company currently employs over 150 North Carolinians and, over the years, has grown its international footprint, now shipping products to over 30 countries worldwide.

What started as a side business venture for founder Kermit Murphy, Sr., and Dr. Richard Stelling in 1946 has become an internationally recognized company with a steadfast commitment to enhancing the food and beverage industry by creating flavor solutions with quality ingredients that customers can rely on.

From taking orders with pen and paper to becoming a trusted partner for global food corporations and specialty beverage manufacturers, Mother Murphy's Flavors is a testament to what vision, grit, and craftsmanship can build. Over eight decades, this small business with humble beginnings has grown into a multigenerational success, proving that small business excellence, when passed down with care, becomes a legacy that endures.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life, service, and legacy of Representative James Michael ``Mike'' Clampitt of Bryson City, NC--a devoted public servant, firefighter, and advocate for the people of western North Carolina.

Representative Clampitt passed away on March 18, 2026, at the age of 71, following a long and courageous battle with bone marrow cancer. Throughout his illness, he carried himself with strength, resilience, and an unwavering faith that defined his life.

Mike Clampitt dedicated his life to service. Prior to his election to public office, he served as a fire captain, and that frontline experience shaped his perspective and guided his work in government, particularly his commitment to supporting first responders across North Carolina.

First elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2016 and taking office in 2017, Representative Clampitt served the 119th District, representing the mountain communities of Swain, Jackson, and Transylvania Counties. He quickly became known as a strong and consistent advocate for rural western North Carolina.

During his time in the general assembly, Representative Clampitt worked to advance policies that supported public safety, strengthened local infrastructure, and ensured that rural communities of western North Carolina were not overlooked. He was heavily engaged in efforts to increase resources for first responders and to secure meaningful support for communities in western North Carolina recovering from Hurricane Helene.

Those who served alongside him knew him as a man of conviction and individuality. Those who met Mike would never forget him. He brought a distinct personality to the legislature, often recognized for his colorful wardrobe, silvery beard and mustache, and the wooden coins he would distribute as his ``business card.'' Representative Clampitt will be most remembered for his willingness to stand firmly for the people and principles he believed in.

North Carolina Speaker of the House Destin Hall described him as ``a true patriot'' who viewed public service as both a calling and a duty. That sense of purpose was evident in the way Representative Clampitt approached his work and in the relationships he built with constituents.

He remained committed to his district until the very end, having recently secured victory in his party's primary election, a reflection of the

trust and confidence placed in him by the people he served. His strength while battling his illness resonated deeply with his colleagues and his constituents.

Beyond his legislative accomplishments, Mike Clampitt will be remembered as a man deeply connected to his community: a neighbor, a friend, and a public servant who cared deeply about western North Carolina.

To his family, friends, colleagues, constituents, and his legislative assistant Young Bae, we extend our deepest condolences. His life of service leaves a lasting legacy in the mountains of North Carolina.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor a significant milestone in Raeford, NC's history. This year, the city celebrates its 125th anniversary.

Raeford's history began long before its municipal incorporation in 1901. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Gaelic-speaking Highland Scots settled in the region, and their heritage is still proudly celebrated today at historic sites like the Mill Prong House. The city's namesake is tied to its early pioneer spirit. In 1885, two influential residents, John McRae, a turpentine distillery operator, and A.A. Williford, a general store owner, established the name for the local post office by combining their names, ``Rae'' and ``ford.''

In 1899, the community's population grew as the Aberdeen and Rockfish Railroad was extended. This growth paved the way for Raeford's official municipal incorporation 125 years ago. Then, in 1911, the city of Raeford was rightfully designated as the county seat of the newly formed Hoke County.

In 1918, Camp Bragg was established in Raeford during World War I. Today, Fort Bragg serves as America's 9-1-1 military force and is home to the elite 82nd Airborne Division and our Nation's Special Operations Forces. The military installation now occupies one-third of the land in Hoke County, and the city of Raeford remains a steadfast support system for our men and women in uniform and their families.

Over the past 125 years, Raeford has built a storied history as a metropolitan hub with a smalltown feel and a tight-knit community. Residents of Raeford have gone on to proudly represent their city, their State, and their country as world-class athletes, Olympians, and, of course, military heroes. There is no doubt that the city of Raeford represents the best of North Carolina's spirit, driven by hard work and united by a deep sense of community.

Please join me in celebrating 125 years of Raeford, NC's rich heritage and patriotic service.