Floor Statements

Madam President, today I wish to recognize LTC Tim Schepper, who on July 15, 2013, became the first pilot to log 5,000 hours in the B-1 aircraft.

Lieutenant Colonel Schepper is a senior evaluator for the 28th Operations Group and a B-1 pilot at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. His impressive flying record on the B-1 highlights an Air Force career that spans 27 years, including two stints totaling over 14 years at Ellsworth. His record of 5,000 hours is well ahead of any other B-1 pilot in the Air Force. It is nearly 1,800 hours more than any pilot at Ellsworth and nearly 800 hours more than anyone Air Force-wide. Over one-quarter of his flying time, 1,300 hours, are combat hours.

He grew up on a ranch near Vargas, MN and joined the Air Force in 1986. In addition to his various duty assignments at Ellsworth, Lieutenant Colonel Schepper has also been stationed at bases in California, Texas, Mississippi and North Dakota and served 3 years as B-1 Functional Area Manager, B-1 Realistic Training Manager, Deputy Chief Flight Operations and Training Branch at Air Combat Command Headquarters in Langley, VA. From June 2010 to June 2011, he served as Deputy Commander, 379th Expeditionary Operations Group, in Southwest Asia.

His major awards and accomplishments include the Bronze Star Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Air Force Combat Action Medal; Meritorious Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster; Combat Readiness Medal with five oak leaf clusters; National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters; Aerial Achievement Medal; and Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters.

Lt. Col. Schepper's feat underscores the great work of all B-1 personnel in the Air Force as well as civilian personnel from Boeing, who have been working on the B-1 program since it was introduced to the Air Force 30 years ago. According to Boeing's Dan Ruder, who was on hand for Lieutenant Colonel Schepper's record-setting flight arrival back at Ellsworth, the B-1 ``has nearly 10,000 combat missions logged and has been deployed for 8 consecutive years. This day solidifies how the B-1 is still a critical element to our national security.''

Like many Air Force personnel, Lieutenant Colonel Schepper and his wife are quick to credit family as well as the military and civilian communities for their support over the years. ``My family has always supported me significantly,'' said the Ellsworth pilot. ``I've had five deployments over the past 10 years, and obviously as everyone knows, when you're away from home there are a lot of things that still need to be done. My wife and my kids had to endure and do a lot of things to make up for when I wasn't around.''

Added his wife, Tania, ``We have been part of this community for so long. He didn't just accomplish this on his own. It takes maintenance, and it takes the help and support of other pilots, and community members.''

Lieutenant Colonel Schepper will be retiring in August, and I congratulate him on his impressive flying record, as well as his distinguished military service career, both of which serve as great standards of achievement for military personnel and the civilian community. I wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. President, 3 years ago this week, the Senate passed the Wall Street reform act to address the historic instability of our financial system. Turmoil in our financial system had revealed that many Americans were trapped with financial products they did not fully understand, and that no Federal agency was looking out for consumers. This act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau--the first Federal agency tasked with putting consumers first-- and over the past 2 years, the Bureau has taken significant steps to improve the consumer experience in many parts of the financial marketplace.

The Senate has taken a crucial step for consumers in confirming the first Director of the CFPB, Richard Cordray, to a 5-year term. I am glad that the Senate set aside partisan politics and allowed this vote on Mr. Cordray's merits to go forward. Mr. Cordray has done excellent work at the CFPB, first as its first head of enforcement, and as President Obama's first nominee to head the Bureau. I am confident that the CFPB will continue to flourish under Mr. Cordray's leadership.

Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the founding of Claire City, SD. The charming town of Claire City can be found in the northeastern corner of South Dakota, in Roberts County.

In 1913, a group of local farmers donated their land to establish the town site of Claire City. The town was named for one of the early organizer's wives, Edith Claire Feeney.

Before construction of the railroad, farmers in the area had to haul their grain greater distances, to Sisseton or Ligerwood. The railroad in Claire City became essential to the growth of the town. Securing the funding and the labor necessary to complete the railroad was a true collective effort. Much of the money came from local farmers and businessmen who bought stock. Early residents labored tirelessly with

the aid of horses to build the track. During this time, many of the women of Claire City would sell meals from their homes to help feed weary railroad workers.

After the railroad was completed in the fall of 1913, the town flourished, and many small businesses opened. By the 1930s, Claire City had a grocery store, meat market, drug and general store, a live stable, barbershop, bank, pool hall, and a hardware store. On weekend nights in the summers of the 1930s and 1940s, residents could catch a free movie and businesses stayed open until midnight. When the weather started to get colder, residents could watch a movie at the town hall for only ten cents.

Residents of Claire City plan to celebrate their centennial this weekend with a full schedule of fun activities that engage the community. Friday night there will be a large supper at the community center, accompanied by dancing and live music. Saturday there will a number of outdoor activities, including a tractor pull, parade, and rides for children and adults alike. Sunday finishes up the celebration with a church service and brunch served at Deano's.

Claire City embodies the values that make South Dakota a great State. The hard work and determination of its residents, past and present, have made it possible for Claire City to reach its centennial anniversary. I congratulate Claire City on reaching this milestone, and I wish the residents the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of the founding of Whitewood, SD. Located in Lawrence County, Whitewood is a tightly knit community, known for its rich history and hardworking people.

In 1877, the Pioneer Townsite Company bought an orchard from William Selbie, one of the early settlers of the Black Hills. This land would become the town of Whitewood, and was incorporated in 1888. The new town enjoyed trade from settlers to the north, as it was one of the few towns in existence at the time. Settlers came into town for machinery, feed, food, mail, as well as to ship their wool and livestock. In the early years, Whitewood was a hub of agricultural trade, particularly for wheat.

A railroad terminal opened in 1905 to accommodate the increase in commercial activity. Along with the railroad terminal, a water tank, coal chute, roundhouse, and a section house offered many jobs to town residents.

Whitewood is looking forward to celebrating its quasquicentennial anniversary. The last weekend of June will be packed with many activities that will bring the community together as they celebrate their humble beginnings. Festivities include children's games at Memorial Park, a 5 kilometer run, a roast pig barbeque, and a historically themed parade though the town.

Whitewood was founded by a group of pioneers with an enterprising spirit. One hundred and twenty-five years after its founding, Whitewood continues to be a vibrant community and a great asset to the State of South Dakota. I am proud to honor the achievements of Whitewood on this memorable occasion.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor KELO-TV, a South Dakota institution, for 60 years of excellence in broadcasting. Since 1953, South Dakotans have turned to KELO for reliable news and information about their local communities.

Theater promoter Joe L. Floyd had a vision of providing all South Dakotans, even those in the most isolated parts of our State, with access to television programming. Volatile weather and vast distances made this no easy feat. Tornadoes caused towers to collapse in the early years, but the dedicated KELO team always restored service promptly.

On May 19, 1953, KELO-TV made its inaugural broadcast and South Dakota's first television station was born. Dave Dedrick signed KELO on the air for the first time. ``Serving the mighty Sioux Empire, this is KELO-TV Channel 11 Sioux Falls,'' he boomed. Dedrick became the face of the network, not only as the station's longtime weatherman but as Captain 11, a fictional character in KELO's hugely popular afterschool children's program. Captain 11 ran for nearly 42 years, making it America's longest running children's program.

KELO has always grown with the times and strived to bring the latest technological innovations to their viewers. In 1955, KELO began to broadcast the news live from the second floor of the Hollywood Theater building. KELO aired the first live telecast of a sporting event in South Dakota in 1957. In 1968, KELO pushed the envelope yet again by becoming the first station in the area to broadcast live and in color. Every step of the way, KELO has gone to great lengths to provide the best programming for all South Dakotans. In 1991, as soon as the technology became available, KELO began to closed-caption of many of their programs to better serve deaf and hearing-

impaired viewers. In 1997, KELO installed the first live Doppler radar network in South Dakota. This innovation was crucial in providing South Dakotans with the most accurate storm forecasts so they could protect themselves and their families. In 2003, HDTV came to KELOLAND and in 2009, KELO made the transition to a digital-only signal.

KELO has garnered national recognition for superior news coverage and their commitment to the community. The National Association of Broadcasters, NAB, honored KELO with the ``Friend in Need'' Service to America Award in 1999 for exceptional coverage of the devastating tornado that ripped through Spencer, SD. Not only did KELO's advance coverage save lives, but money raised from their telethon helped victims to rebuild the town. In 2000, KELO received a national Emmy Award for its ``Tradition of Caring'' public service campaign. Employees at the station starred in public service announcements to raise awareness for local organizations in need. The program continues to highlight organizations across South Dakota to this day. In 2004, KELO was honored with the Edward R. Murrow Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, for coverage of the 2003 tornado outbreak known as ``Tornado Tuesday.''

Over 60 years of broadcasting KELO has earned the public's trust through a dedication to journalistic excellence. South Dakotans rely on KELO to stay connected to their communities. Whether it be news, sports, or weather, KELO delivers the information that South Dakotans need most. It is a great honor to recognize KELO-TV for 60 years of community partnership, and I wish them many years of continued success.

Madam President, I rise to honor a man who dedicated his life to his family and community, Douglas ``Doug'' Carpenter. On April 17, 2013, Mr. Carpenter passed away in his Watertown, SD, home at the age of 87.

Born in the small South Dakota town of Fedora, Mr. Carpenter was raised with his nine brothers and sisters. After graduating from Fedora High School, he enlisted with the U.S. Army and served as a bandsman for 2 years during World War II. Mr. Carpenter's musical aptitude was recognized on numerous occasions. He served over 20 years as first chair trombone and trombone soloist with the South Dakota Army National Guard.

Music became a focus of study for Mr. Carpenter. He graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University in 1950 and, later, received his masters of music from the University of South Dakota. After meeting his loving wife, Donna, he taught courses including band and singing in Geddes, Tripp, and eventually Watertown. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter raised a beautiful family and shared their love of music with students and the community.

Mr. Carpenter was the director of the Watertown Municipal Band for more than 45 years, and was recognized for his musical achievements and outstanding dedication to his students. In 1975, he was elected Teacher of the Year. The same year he retired from teaching, 1987, the American Bandmasters Association honored him and, in 1992, the South Dakota Bandmasters Association inducted him into their Hall of Fame. The Watertown community acknowledged his expertise by granting him the privilege of serving as the adjudicator for many parades, marching contests, and music competitions.

The countless contributions and selfless dedication of Mr. Carpenter will not be forgotten. I extend my deepest condolences to the Carpenter family; his children Barry Carpenter, Kay Prchal, Lee Ann McCallum, and David Carpenter; his nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews. South Dakota lost a truly talented and giving friend.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the military service of Loren Duke Abdalla, the great grandson of Yankton Sioux Tribe Chief Running Bull. Loren Duke Abdalla, a native South Dakotan, fought valiantly as part of the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II.

Loren Duke Abdalla, or ``Duke'' as he was known by his fellow Marines, began his service to this Nation when he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 at the age of 18. He completed his basic training at Camp Elliot in San Diego, CA, where he was trained as a rifleman and machine gunner.

On September 15, 1944, Duke displayed his bravery at the Battle of Peleliu in the Pacific. In the struggle, three of his comrades were struck down next to him, but Duke still carried on, despite injuries, through the 6-day battle. At the end, Duke survived as one of only 29 Marines left standing in his Battalion. Shrapnel left holes in both of his legs, yet instead of returning home, he recovered in only a few months on the Island of Guadalcanal and returned to Pavuvu Island. He received a Purple Heart and was promoted to Corporal, and became squad leader of the 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, A Company.

Duke returned to combat and quickly became a hero once again in the Battle of Okinawa. On May 5, 1945, he rescued 2nd squadron leader, Cpl John Brady, throwing him over his shoulder and carrying him to safety under heavy fire. Duke immediately returned to the battle where he began neutralizing machine gun nests leading up a ridge along with his 12-person squadron. When he reached the fourth nest, he realized he was alone. With his comrades killed or wounded, he forged on to take out the last two nests by himself and reached the top of the ridge. In taking the ridge, he allowed the First Marine Division to advance. Although many of his comrades were honored for their bravery on that day, Duke was not recognized for his action.

Duke ended his service with an honorable discharge on February 28, 1947, ending 4 years of selfless sacrifice for our nation that will not soon be forgotten. At the battles of Okinawa and Peleliu, some of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific Theater, Loren Duke Abdalla proved time and again his courage, perseverance and ability to sacrifice, preventing many potential casualties. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Corporal Loren Duke Abdalla for his exemplary service and dedication to our Nation.

Madam President, today I offer my heartfelt thanks to an educator who has been committed to the wellbeing of the children of my State.

At the close of this school year, Darrell Mueller will retire as superintendent of the Andes Central School District, concluding a career in education of over 30 years. After earning his bachelor's degree in elementary school education in 1979, Darrell began teaching elementary school in Nebraska in 1980. In 1982 he moved to Yankton, SD where he served as a teacher and principal at Sacred Heart School. While serving as a principal and teacher, he completed a master's degree in elementary administration at the University of South Dakota in 1984. From 1988 to 2006, Darrell was the principal of Platte Elementary School. He was chosen as a 2004 Milken Educator for his dedication to teaching and his leadership in the field. In 2006, Darrell accepted the position of superintendent of the Andes Central School District.

As superintendent of the Andes Central School District, Darrell has been a strong advocate for the integration of technology in the classroom. The use of technology has enriched and broadened the educational opportunities for students within the school district. Under Darrell's leadership, the district now enjoys a child to laptop ratio of 2 to 1 in grades kindergarten through 6 and 1 to 1 in grades 7 to 12. Darrell has also sought to expand access to quality early childhood education during his tenure as superintendent. Through working with the local Head Start, Andes Central was able to combine services to create a more comprehensive preschool program for its students.

While serving as superintendent of Andes Central, Darrell implemented a system to monitor student progress using curriculum-based measurement. When the South Dakota Department of Education began developing a new statewide accountability model for measuring student achievement, it sought Darrell's expertise. He has made valuable contributions to this effort as a member of the Next Generation Accountability Council.

Darrell is currently serving as the president of the Impacted Schools of South Dakota. As a leader within our State's Impact Aid community, Darrell and I have met on many occasions, and I have appreciated his insights related to public policy and funding for the Impact Aid program.

Darrell's passion for his community extends far beyond the classroom. He serves as the vice president of the Charles Mix County Lake Restoration Organization, a nonprofit group formed to restore the condition of Lake Andes. Through the work of concerned local citizens like Darrell, they hope to improve and preserve the beauty of Lake Andes for many generations to come. The local economy, the area's environment and wildlife, and the recreational opportunities for the surrounding community have been improved by these efforts.

Darrell is regularly known to say, ``It's all about what's right for the kids.'' This motto represents one of Darrell's guiding principles and has served as words of advice for the many educators, administrators, and school personnel who Darrell has mentored over the years. Darrell will leave a lasting legacy within the Andes Central School District and in the lives of countless young people. On the occasion of his retirement, I congratulate and thank Darrell for his service to his community and selfless dedication to students in South Dakota. I wish him, his wife Diane, and their family a happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. President, today I am introducing the Mni Wiconi Project Act Amendments of 2013 to facilitate completion of a rural water supply system that was first authorized in the 100th Congress. As a freshman Member of the House of Representatives, I introduced legislation authorizing construction of the Mni Wiconi Project to bring quality, treated Missouri River water to several Indian reservations and a large, rural area of my State. Prior to Mni Wiconi, these areas faced insufficient and, too often, unsafe drinking water.

In the authorizing statute, Congress found that the United States has a trust responsibility to ensure that adequate and safe water supplies are available to meet the economic, environmental, water supply, and public health needs of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Rosebud Indian Reservation, and Lower Brule Indian Reservation. Treated drinking water from the Missouri River now reaches most areas on these three reservations, as well as the 7 county area of the West River/ Lyman-Jones Rural Water System.

Nearly 25 years after it was first authorized, this critically important project is very close to completion. Because appropriations failed to keep pace with projected timelines, however, additional administrative costs have cut into construction funding. As a result, the project needs an increase in the cost ceiling and extension of its authorization in order to be completed. Without these adjustments, some portions of the Oglala Sioux Rural Water Supply System and Rosebud Sioux Rural Water System will remain incomplete. The legislation I have introduced today addresses this shortfall and also directs other Federal agencies that support rural water development to assist the Bureau of Reclamation in improving and repairing existing community water systems that are important components of the project.

Our Federal responsibility to address the need for adequate and safe drinking water supplies on the Pine Ridge, Rosebud and Lower Brule Indian Reservations remains as important as ever. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation.

Mr. President, today I am introducing the Mni Wiconi Project Act Amendments of 2013 to facilitate completion of a rural water supply system that was first authorized in the 100th Congress. As a freshman Member of the House of Representatives, I introduced legislation authorizing construction of the Mni Wiconi Project to bring quality, treated Missouri River water to several Indian reservations and a large, rural area of my State. Prior to Mni Wiconi, these areas faced insufficient and, too often, unsafe drinking water.

In the authorizing statute, Congress found that the United States has a trust responsibility to ensure that adequate and safe water supplies are available to meet the economic, environmental, water supply, and public health needs of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Rosebud Indian Reservation, and Lower Brule Indian Reservation. Treated drinking water from the Missouri River now reaches most areas on these three reservations, as well as the 7 county area of the West River/ Lyman-Jones Rural Water System.

Nearly 25 years after it was first authorized, this critically important project is very close to completion. Because appropriations failed to keep pace with projected timelines, however, additional administrative costs have cut into construction funding. As a result, the project needs an increase in the cost ceiling and extension of its authorization in order to be completed. Without these adjustments, some portions of the Oglala Sioux Rural Water Supply System and Rosebud Sioux Rural Water System will remain incomplete. The legislation I have introduced today addresses this shortfall and also directs other Federal agencies that support rural water development to assist the Bureau of Reclamation in improving and repairing existing community water systems that are important components of the project.

Our Federal responsibility to address the need for adequate and safe drinking water supplies on the Pine Ridge, Rosebud and Lower Brule Indian Reservations remains as important as ever. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation.

Mr. President, I rise in strong opposition to amendment No. 340. The amendment is another attempt to block Wall Street reform. This amendment would slow down rulemaking and invite Wall Street to bring lawsuits against their financial regulators.

GAO recently found that the recent financial crisis may have cost us over $13 trillion. We should not hamstring the cops on the beat as they try to prevent another crisis. Efforts to undermine sensible regulations are opposed by many organizations, including AARP, CFA, and the AFL-CIO. I oppose this amendment and I urge my colleagues to do so as well.

Madam President, today I wish to honor a leader who has tirelessly fought to educate young people in my State. After 9 years of dedicated service as superintendent of the Wagner Community School District, Susan Smit will retire at the end of the school year.

Susan Smit's career in education has spanned a period of over 30 years. She embarked on this path in 1970, first as a vocational home economics teacher. Throughout her time in the field of education, she has held many positions: teacher, counselor, principal and superintendent. Most recently, Susan has spent the last 16 years serving in public schools in Indian Country, working to close the achievement gap between Native and non-Native students. Students in the Wagner Community School District face a unique set of challenges, and Susan Smit's approach to addressing them has been nothing short of visionary. The nature of the district is rural and low income, with over 70 percent of students qualifying for free and reduced meals.

As a founder and cochair of the Senate Impact Aid Coalition, I have enjoyed working with Susan over the years. In November 2012, Susan was invited to speak to congressional offices about the importance of continued Federal investments in education. Susan provided testimony to more than 80 congressional staff members and dozens of education leaders on the negative effect of education funding cuts and the need to maintain funding for critical education programs. During the 2013 annual conference for the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, NAFIS, Susan was awarded the Friends of NAFIS award, one of the highest honors the organization bestows upon an educator. The honor recognized Susan for her aptitude for problem-solving and her ability to integrate the needs of the Wagner community into school initiatives.

As a superintendent, Susan has strived to broaden access to academic opportunities for youth by maximizing the use of technology in the classroom. The school district's one-to-one laptop initiative provides students with a laptop for their 4 years of high school. This program has increased retention and gives students the opportunity to hone computer skills that will serve them well beyond graduation. Students apply these skills to further their education through online classes. Although the school district does not have the resources to offer traditional advanced placement classes, this does not prevent students from enrolling in these advanced and rigorous courses. Advanced placement classes are offered online though the distance education lab.

One of the crowning achievements of Susan's tenure as superintendent is the implementation of Jobs for America's Graduates, JAG, Program in South Dakota. Through leadership development and mentorship, the program prepares at-risk students for success in college and future careers. Due in part to the program, the school district's graduation rate is above the state average, and the high school has been recognized as a distinguished school under the title I program.

Susan has been a tireless champion for expanding access to quality and affordable early education. As superintendent, Susan spearheaded the creation of a preschool program that is in

its sixth year and serves over 100 3- and 4-year-old children each year. Of the children enrolled in the program, 75 percent of the children are Native American. I am a strong supporter of early education and appreciate Susan's commitment to helping young people get the right start by nurturing their development and providing for their well-being.

As superintendent of the Wagner Community School District, Susan Smit has successfully overcome many of the challenges associated with operating a rural school district. It is my pleasure to thank her for many years of dedicated service to the youth of South Dakota. I wish Susan, her husband Roland, and their family all the best in retirement.

Mr. President, I come to the floor today in strong opposition to Amendment No. 115, offered by the junior Senator from Pennsylvania, to strike funding for the Department of Defense's, DoD, Advanced Drop-In Biofuel Production.

The intent of this amendment is to further limit the Department of Defense's ability to use alternative fuels to enhance our country's national security. Under the authorities of the Defense Production Act, DPA, the Department of Defense has created the Advanced Drop-In Biofuels Production Project. This initiative is focused on creating a public-private partnership that will provide incentives for private- sector investment in cost competitive, advanced biofuels production capability. It also requires at least a one-to-one cost share with private stakeholders. During consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013, the Senate demonstrated bipartisan support for DoD's alternative energy initiatives. This amendment would prevent DoD from taking the necessary steps to diversify its energy supply.

As chairman of the Banking Committee, which has jurisdiction over the DPA, I believe it is misguided to limit the authority of the Defense Department to continue with this project. As one of the largest consumers of oil in the world, the Department of Defense spent $17 billion in fiscal year 2011 on petroleum-based fuels. When oil prices spike, this dependency forces the Department of Defense to reallocate funding from other critical needs. Last year alone, spikes in oil prices required the Navy to pay an additional $500 million on higher fuel costs. Amendment No. 115 will further increase DoD's vulnerability to fluctuations in the price of oil.

This amendment should also be opposed because if it were adopted it would not have the effect intended. Due to a technical drafting error this amendment would not strip money from the account that funds biofuel production, but rather other unrelated programs at the DoD. The amendment still scores in outlays per the Congressional Budget Office and is subject to a budget point of order. This technical drafting error is another reason for Members to oppose this amendment.

The renewable fuels industry has played an important role in addressing our energy needs. Unfortunately, this amendment would hinder our Nation's ability to promote renewable domestic energy sources. We should allow the Defense Department to retain its authority to take steps to diversify the energy sources available to our military. Our national security relies on energy security, and this amendment would weaken both.

I urge all my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

I yield the floor and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and congratulate the service of Col. Mark E. Weatherington, who will be ending his command at Ellsworth Air Force Base in early April.

An Air Force Academy graduate, Colonel Weatherington has served in many leadership and flying positions over his impressive 23-year career. He is a B-1 pilot with 2,400 flight hours. Among his many assignments, Colonel Weatherington has served as commander of the 28th Bomb Wing at both Ellsworth AFB and Dyess AFB; served as chief of staff of the Air Force Fellow; was a National Defense Fellow with the Brookings Institution; and previously served at Ellsworth AFB as chief of weapons and tactics and then assistant operations officer of the 77th Bomb Squadron and wing weapons officer of the 28th Operations Support Squadron.

Colonel Weatherington has served as commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, the largest B-1 combat wing in the U.S. Air Force, since May 2011. He has distinguished himself during his 2-year stint at the South Dakota installation. He has provided expert guidance during the process to bring the first MQ-9 Reaper squadron, the 432nd Attack Squadron, to Ellsworth Air Force Base, while maintaining the great legacy of the B-1 aircraft and the personnel of the 28th Bomb Wing. Last year, Colonel Weatherington presided over Ellsworth Air Force Base's 70th Anniversary festivities.

Colonel Weatherington's current stint at Ellsworth Air Force Base has lasted just shy of 2 years, but he has provided a lasting impact, overseeing 4,300 military and civilian personnel in the day-to-day operations of the base, as well as the ongoing rotation of airmen to overseas action in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He has maintained a strong relationship between the Base and Black Hills communities, namely Rapid City and Box Elder. For decades there has been a very warm and cordial relationship between Black Hills residents, businesses, and charitable organizations and the personnel and leadership command of Ellsworth Air Force Base. Colonel Weatherington has been committed to maintaining this bond. The relationship between the civilian and military communities remains very strong, and this relationship continues to make the Black Hills a great retirement option for military retirees who once served at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Colonel Weatherington will now move to the Pentagon where he will serve as Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Dr. Ashton Carter. This role will bring new challenges and responsibilities, but I know the leadership, professionalism, and stewardship Colonel Weatherington showed during his time at Ellsworth Air Force Base will serve him well at the Pentagon and throughout his career. I commend Colonel Weatherington for his service to Ellsworth Air Force Base and his continued service to the U.S. Air Force. I wish him, Stephanie, and their family all the best in future endeavors.

Mr. President, I rise today to reintroduce the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act with my friend, Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho. This bipartisan bill would exempt Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, VMLRP, awards from federal income taxation in order to increase veterinary services in areas around the country that lack adequate veterinary expertise.

Authorized in 2003 by the National Veterinary Medical Services Act, NVMSA, the United States Department of Agriculture's, USDA, Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program serves a dual purpose in assisting qualified veterinarians in reducing their student debt while also alleviating veterinarian shortages in rural areas. Specifically, the program authorizes the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, NIFA, to repay up to $25,000 of a veterinarian's debt per year if they agree to serve in high-priority veterinary shortage areas for at least 3 years. However, awards under the program continue to be taxed at a rate of 39 percent, effectively limiting the number of awards that can be provided and delaying veterinary services to areas in desperate need. The awards are taxed with the tax payments paid under the program by the federal government, and the tax payments themselves are also taxed.

The Department of Agriculture determines whether an area is eligible for assistance under the VMLRP through a ``shortage situation'' declaration process. Currently, two circumstances lead to such a designation. A geographic designation is made when a given geographic area suffers from a shortage of veterinarians overall and an area can also be designated as a shortage area when it suffers from a shortage of veterinarians who practice in a particular field of veterinary specialty. Currently, my home state of South Dakota has 6 designated shortage situations; three of them are statewide designations noting a shortage of practitioners in veterinary specialties. Moreover, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of veterinarians will grow by 36 percent by 2020, creating a need for 22,000 additional veterinarians. The future growth and increased demand for veterinarians becomes even more pressing when considered in combination with national statistics that show

dozens of counties across the country that have more than 25,000 food animals but zero veterinarians.

Attaining a professional degree in a specialized and advanced field like veterinary medicine takes more than academic fortitude and personal dedication. According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, the average VMLRP award recipient in Fiscal Year 2011 had an average eligible debt of over $100,000. Given the financial resources necessary to pursue a degree in higher education, I have long fought for this legislation to make it easier for students to pay off their loans. While South Dakota is truly a wonderful place to call home, it is a difficult place for a young veterinarian to earn a living when saddled with 6 figures of school debt. My legislation will help by enhancing the assistance veterinary graduates receive in exchange for meaningful public service while also providing important services to underserved rural areas.

With an economic impact of $21.4 billion each year, according to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, the importance of agriculture to the South Dakota economy cannot be understated. Our ranchers, many of whom operate in very rural areas, rely on the access they have to qualified veterinarians to care for their livestock and many of them must drive long distances to access the nearest veterinarian that works with their specific type of livestock. This lack of adequate access to veterinary services could have ramifications for both human and animal health, as well as animal welfare, disease surveillance, public safety and economic development. Farmers and ranchers make their living in agriculture but food security is fundamentally in all of our interests. Everyone in America benefits from the veterinary services provided in even the most remote areas of the country. As such, I am committed to doing all I can to help bring veterinarians to underserved parts of our state.

I am proud to have fought for the establishment of the VMLRP program and for securing funding for the program through my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Unfortunately, the 39 percent tax that is assessed on these benefits continues diminish the full benefits of the program. With enactment of this legislation, for every three veterinarians selected for the loan repayment awards, an additional veterinarian could also be selected to serve in an underserved shortage area. Moreover, such an exemption is not without precedent. In 2004, Congress exempted from taxation the assistance received by participants in the National Health Services Corps, NHSC.

It should be noted that nearly 140 organizations from across the nation have announced their support for a tax exemption for VMLRP, including the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association, South Dakota Farmers Union, South Dakota Farm Bureau, South Dakota Cattlemen's Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, South Dakota Cattlemen's Association, South Dakota Pork Producers Council, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Sheep Industry Association, the National Farmers Union, and many, many others.

The VMLRP has had proven success in providing our agricultural producers with access to the veterinary services that they need to be effective. In fiscal year 2011, the program filled at least one shortage area in 35 States. Through the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, we can ensure that the program, and the awards offered through it, is continued and strengthened for the benefit of our students, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a letter of support be printed in the Record.