Tammy Baldwin

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, I rise today to honor the life of former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl. Herb was a successful businessman, a generous philanthropist, a dedicated public servant, and my role model. He was a model boss, public servant, and Senator--always putting people first. But, if you knew Herb, you knew how humble he was. In fact, after he was first sworn in, one of his colleagues whom he respected in this body said to him: You are going to be a model Senator. I have heard him tell this story a number of times. He decided to look up the definition of ``model,'' and he quipped back by saying: ``Model, my friends, is a small replica of the real thing,'' making light of his rather modest stature and deflecting credit for his leadership. That scenario embodies a lot of who Herb was. He was modest, funny, and at his core, an unrelenting advocate for the people of the State of Wisconsin. Senator Kohl served in this body for 24 years, but he served the people of Wisconsin and our country throughout his entire life. In the Senate, he didn't care how long a fight would take, how long the odds were, or who he was up against; if it would help the people of Wisconsin, it was worthy of him to engage in that fight. His mantra throughout his service was ``Nobody's Senator But Yours,'' and his record in Washington reflected that commitment to a tee. In Congress, he worked quietly, diligently, and with focus. Herb fought to get Wisconsin's dairy farmers fair prices for their products, and he worked to invest in and save Wisconsin's family farms. He championed vital food assistance programs that children and working families rely on and worked to expand access to affordable childcare, elder care, and healthcare for millions of Americans. Herb knew that taking care of our great outdoors and our environment was key not only to our Wisconsin way of life but also to our economy. Working with both environmentalists and business interests, Herb secured resources to clean up drinking water sources and combat invasive species and pollution in our Great Lakes. He championed initiatives to help workers get the skills they needed to be competitive in today's economy and keep Wisconsin's manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin. Senator Kohl was never afraid to stand up to special interests on behalf of his constituents. He diligently led the oversight of mergers and acquisitions to protect competition and consumers in everything from agriculture to rail, to telecommunications, to healthcare, working with Democrats and Republicans to lower the everyday cost of essentials like prescription drugs and gasoline. At the end of the day, it was always about the people of Wisconsin. That is why it should come as no surprise that his office was rightly regarded as the best constituent services shop in Congress. As he said in his farewell to the Senate in 2012, every Wisconsinite had an ally and an advocate in his Senate office. Whether it be getting veterans their healthcare benefits, helping a senior navigate Medicare, or getting a family their passports in time for a vacation, the Kohl office was always there. It is not the stuff that makes headlines, but it makes a difference for people, so Herb was invested in it. While Senator Kohl actively avoided taking credit for his work, his colleagues knew that behind his measured and unassuming demeanor was an industrious work ethic, a ready sense of humor, and a fierce commitment to doing what was right for Wisconsin. As my predecessor in the Senate, I could not have asked for a better role model. Coming into this Chamber can be daunting, especially when trying to fill the shoes of someone with such a distinguished record and reputation, but luckily for me, Senator Kohl's steadfast support and mentorship began well before he escorted me into this very Chamber. Throughout the years, Senator Kohl had been a constant source of wisdom and encouragement. He was generous with his resources, his knowledge, his time, and his heart. Any Wisconsinite who had the pleasure of meeting Herb knew this overwhelming spirit of generosity permeated everything that he did. A product of Milwaukee public schools himself, Herb truly believed that investing in the next generation of engaged citizens was the bedrock of our democracy. Since 1990, his foundation has invested millions of dollars in scholarships and fellowships to help Wisconsin's students pursue higher education and allow teachers to better meet the needs of their classrooms. I know Wisconsin's teachers and students will remember Herb as a friend to education. Whether you ran into him at a basketball game, at Ma Fischer's in Milwaukee, or visited his Washington, DC, office, Herb always had the time to say hello and take a picture. No matter his fame or fortune, Herb was truly a man of the people. Of course, it is hard to talk about Herb Kohl without mentioning his beloved Milwaukee Bucks. In fact, it was hard to talk to Senator Kohl without talking about the Milwaukee Bucks. As the long-time owner of the team, Senator Kohl fought on more than one occasion to keep the Bucks in Milwaukee, recognizing the immense value of the franchise to the State of Wisconsin and to the city he loved. In large part, because of his determination and generosity, Herb was able to watch Milwaukee bring home a national championship in 2021 for the first time in 50 years. While Herb is no longer with us, I know his legacy will live on for years to come in every young fan who attends a Bucks game and every student who jumps around at the Kohl Center while cheering on Badgers basketball in Madison. His impact will be felt by the thousands of students who will continue to benefit from his philanthropic efforts and the Wisconsin families who have food on the table and access to affordable healthcare, thanks to his tireless advocacy. I hope his legacy of service lives on in me and in all those called to serve the communities they love. Though Herb Kohl may have had a reputation as a ``common man,'' his legacy is anything but ordinary. From humble roots as the son of immigrants in Milwaukee, Herb's immense success in business, in public life, and philanthropy personified the American dream made reality through a Wisconsin work ethic and unwavering commitment to doing right by his neighbors. There is truly no one like Senator Herb Kohl, and Wisconsin is so lucky to have had him fighting in our corner. Herb's record of achievement and commitment to Wisconsin is undeniable. While he may not like to be called it, it is the truth: Herb was a model Senator, and my role model. Thank you, Herb, for your service to Wisconsin. You will be dearly, dearly missed.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, I rise today to speak on the resolution submitted by Senator Rubio of Florida. I wanted to also start with sort of an explanation of where we find ourselves. You hear the expression ``Made in America'' and ``Buy America'' policies. What are those? That is the simple proposition that when we are spending Federal tax dollars, your tax dollars, we want to see those ultimately benefit U.S. workers and U.S. small businesses and medium-size businesses. That is what ``Make it in America'' or ``Buy America'' policies accomplish. But I want to start also with what this Congressional Review Act resolution would do. This resolution would prohibit the Federal Highway Administration's February 2023 rule, which, as you heard from Senator Stabenow, removes electric vehicle chargers from the Agency's blanket ``Buy America'' waiver from taking effect. The Federal Highway Administration's rule implements what we would call a phase-in policy or an onramp policy that increases ``Buy America'' requirements for electric vehicle chargers. By July 2024, all EV chargers purchased with Federal Highway Administration dollars, your taxpayer dollars, must be in full compliance with the ``Build America,'' ``Buy America'' rules. If you eliminate this rule, as the Rubio resolution would do, it would remove all ``Buy America'' restrictions for EV charger purchases, allowing Federal taxpayer dollars, your dollars, to buy chargers from China, which is rapidly scaling up their charger manufacturing in order to offer the lowest cost product. Because of this FHA rule, manufacturers are locating their facilities in the United States. For example, Ingeteam, the European market leader, has built a facility in Milwaukee, WI, where hundreds of union workers will make half a million EV chargers. This is because this rule requires EV chargers to be assembled in the United States when they are funded with Federal taxpayer dollars. Under the Rubio resolution, those requirements go away. They vanish. The requirements go away because chargers will once again become subject to the Federal Highway Administration's blanket waiver for manufactured products, which has been in place since 1983. I am no fan of this blanket waiver. Since I got to the Senate, I have been pushing to get rid of it. Frustration with this waiver is one of the reasons I worked with my colleagues--Senators Brown, Portman, Stabenow, Braun, and Peters--to get ``Buy America'' requirements into the infrastructure law. Because of our work, that law requires the Federal Highway Administration to request public notice and comment on its blanket waiver--something it did in May of this year. If you are a Senator who opposes the Federal Highway Administration's blanket waiver, like me, you might, say, submit a comment during the open comment period--something I did--or ask the Secretary of Transportation to commit to rescinding the blanket waiver in a committee hearing--something I did--or maybe even vote for the legislation that requires the Agency to review the waiver--something I did, along with 19 of my Republican colleagues. But the sponsor of this resolution, Senator Rubio, did not do any of the things I just mentioned. It makes me think and the resolution itself suggests that he is more interested in scoring political points rather than doing the hard work of increasing the number of products and the number of programs that are subject to ``Buy America'' requirements. That is why United Steelworkers, who represent thousands of workers in Wisconsin and in Florida and who actually make things--that is why they oppose this resolution, and that is why I encourage my colleagues to do the same. Am I fully satisfied with the job this administration has done to implement ``Buy America''? The answer is no, I am not. But this resolution makes things worse, not better. If we want to improve the administration's implementation of ``Buy America,'' we need to give Agencies the resources they need to do outreach to industry. I have supported ``Buy America'' for as long as I have been in the U.S. Congress. It used to be a lonely battle, and it has been at times. So I am very pleased that I have many new allies on the Republican side of the aisle who claim to support ``Buy America.'' Welcome to the team. I look forward to working with you and to getting this administration the resources it needs to successfully implement ``Buy America'' instead of supporting this resolution that would make things worse. With that, I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today in strong opposition to S.J. Res. 42, which I view as a cruel effort to green-light discrimination against LGBTQ+ children. My colleagues--some of them--across the aisle have made false claims about a policy that the Biden administration has released, a policy that makes clear the obvious: that every child should be able to get lunch at school no matter their race, religion, ability, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation. That is it--a simple, narrow directive from the USDA that says schools that receive Federal funding for nutrition assistance must not discriminate within the confines of these nutrition programs on the basis of gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation. This is not about bathrooms. This is not about locker rooms. This is not about sports. This is also not about pushing some alleged agenda. This is about feeding children, period. Since this policy was issued over a year ago, in May of 2022, the USDA has initiated no enforcement-related actions, not a single case-- zip, nada, zero. This is a ``solution'' in search of a problem. The actual problem is some of my Republican colleagues' continued efforts to pick on LGBTQ+ children for their own political gain. By overturning this policy, my Republican colleagues are essentially arguing that discrimination based on gender identity, sex, and sexual orientation is OK. Well, I am so glad that there haven't been any instances of this happening. Just imagine the scenario that my colleagues are trying to allow. All of us--all of us--in the Senate represent LGBTQ+ children and their families. Say you are one of those children and you are told you can't have your school breakfast or lunch because of who you are, depriving a child of eating because Congress has decided that that would be OK. This is not OK. This resolution is not about doing good for the American people or making their lives better. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Resolutions like these have a profound impact on LGBTQ+ kids and their families. I rise today to remind my Republican colleagues that their actions do not go unnoticed by LGBTQ+ children, kids who already face increased adversity every day in the form of harassment or bullying or discrimination. As a consequence, LGBTQ+ youth are four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers, and nearly 60 percent of LGBTQ+ youth report experiencing symptoms of depression. Our words matter. Our actions here matter. When some Republicans attack gay and trans children, our kids hear that. They hear that they are not welcome at school, in public, and, tragically, sometimes even at home. They hear that their rights are lesser than their peers because of simply who they are. They hear that they don't have the same freedoms and liberties as every other kid. They hear that the adults in the room, including some of my colleagues here in Congress, do not care. Well, I care, and that is why I am standing up against this attack and, frankly, all the attacks I am seeing on gay and trans kids. LGBTQ+ children deserve the freedom to be like any other kids, whether that be playing sports, joining a club, or just being a kid, free from bullying and harassment and discrimination. And that, of course, includes the school lunch line. These kids have a right to a life without harassment or further stigmatization. Should this misguided resolution go through, Congress is giving folks a free pass to deny a school lunch to a kid just because of who they are. And, make no mistake, this resolution would make our LGBTQ+ kids feel less welcome and less safe in their own schools. This policy is about feeding children no matter who they are, and it is just that simple. Please vote no.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. I rise today to stand alongside the over 80 percent of Americans who support Medicare being able to negotiate the price of prescription drugs, because despite being the wealthiest Nation in the world, too many Americans are struggling to afford the medications that they need to survive. More than 5 million Medicare beneficiaries are struggling to afford their medications. I have heard devastating stories from Wisconsin seniors who have been put in impossible situations and forced to ration or forego their medications, all while the drug companies turn record profits. No American, and especially our seniors who are on fixed incomes, should have to choose between putting food on the table or accessing the prescription drugs that they need to stay healthy. That is why I was so proud to support the Inflation Reduction Act to finally provide some relief for Wisconsin families and hold the big drug companies accountable for prioritizing profits over people. And now, we are seeing the results. We capped the cost of insulin out-of-pocket at $35 a month for seniors, we lowered healthcare premiums for millions of Americans, and we penalized drug companies for raising their costs faster than inflation. Last month, we reached a new milestone that has been a long time coming. Medicare announced the first 10 drugs that they will negotiate with drug companies. These are lifesaving medications that millions of Americans take to stay healthy, treating everything from diabetes to heart disease, to blood cancers. By lowering the costs of these drugs, fewer seniors will have to choose between buying groceries and taking their medication, and fewer families will lie awake at night worrying about how they are going to afford the cost of their loved one's medication. Most importantly, Medicare finally stepping up and taking on the big drug companies means that fewer Americans will be priced out of the care that they need to live healthy lives. We have more work to do, but the Inflation Reduction Act was a historic step in the right direction. Every American deserves access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare, and I am committed to finishing what we started last year with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise to recognize the International Crane Foundation's 50th anniversary. I am delighted to recognize this global conservation organization with Wisconsin origins. While the efforts of the International Crane Foundation now reach across the world, its story began in 1971 at Cornell University. This was where two ornithology students, Ron Sauey and George Archibald, bonded over their shared appreciation for cranes. They imagined an organization that could combine their work on captive breeding, research, restoration, and education to protect the 15 different crane species on Earth. In 1973, Sauey and Archibald's vision became a reality when the International Crane Foundation was founded out of the Sauey family farm in Baraboo, WI. Over the last 50 years, the foundation has used dynamic methods and community-oriented approaches to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways they depend on. The foundation fosters the international cooperation of crane protection by providing knowledge, leadership, and inspiration to people in the communities where cranes live, engaging them to resolve threats to these birds and the landscapes they call home. Today the International Crane Foundation has grown to a staff of more than 125 people, with a network of hundreds of specialists in over 50 countries on the five continents where cranes live. The organization moved from the humble Sauey farm where it was born, to a nearly 300- acre headquarters in Baraboo, complete with live crane exhibits, guided tours, a research library, and 4 miles of nature trails. While the reach of the foundation has greatly extended over the past 50 years, their mission remains the same: to protect and restore wild crane populations and the landscapes they depend on. On the 50th anniversary of this remarkable organization, I am proud to recognize the International Crane Foundation and look forward to its continued success and conservation efforts.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the career and achievements of John McKenzie, owner of the McKenzie Apartment Company. Throughout his career, John has fused together his work in home construction with his passion for community service to establish the next generation of leaders in the housing industry. Born and raised in Madison, WI, John got his start in business working with his father in real estate. After graduating from UW- Madison as a business major in 1971, he began his career in real estate development around the country, working from Cincinnati to San Francisco. In 1989, he returned to Madison where he had a significant impact on the region's real estate development and revitalization. During this period, he cofounded his family business, the McKenzie Apartment Company. John is somebody who takes deep pride in his work, creating both homes and opportunities to improve the lives of others. With this mission, John began working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County. He recognized that, by working with the Boys and Girls Club, he could have a remarkable and lasting impact on the community by introducing skilled trades to the young people in the program. Having been a Madison Area Builders Association--MABA--member for 30 years, John connected the Boys and Girls Club with the MABA, and a lasting partnership has resulted. In collaboration with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County and the Madison Area Builders Association, John raised the significant funds needed to build and sustain a facility that provides space for youth ranging from elementary school to high school to participate in introductory trade activities. This year, the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center opened to train and connect a new generation of young people of diverse backgrounds to the skilled trades. A first-of-its- kind project for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and a National Association of Home Builders--NAHB--affiliated local home builders association, the center will serve as a national template, preparing young people in Dane County for quality, family-sustaining jobs at a time when the skilled trades are facing a labor shortage. Due to John's innovative idea, a national movement was sparked to partner local Boys and Girls Clubs with the construction industry around the Nation. John's impact will be felt nationwide through 10 local partnerships that began in 2023 and another 20 beginning in 2024. With John's persistence, leadership and dedication to his community, he has impacted so many lives in our State. I am so pleased to join others in recognizing his success and accomplishments. I wish him and his family all the best and applaud his continued efforts in the skilled trades.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise in opposition to this amendment. The author has not truly revealed what the amendment does. On all of our Federal buildings, we often see many different flags-- the U.S. flag that we all join in pledging in this body but also, in certain States, the State flag. We see the MIA flag. I will tell you, in Madison, WI, at the State capitol, during the month of June, it adorns the Pride flag. This really is thinly veiled. Let's be clear that this is about not being able to fly the Pride flag. I was so proud last year to work across the aisle with both Democrats and Republicans to pass the Respect for Marriage Act. It was a milestone for equal rights for all Americans. But like so many other Americans in leading this march toward equality, I am reminded of how much work we have yet to do. LGBTQ+ Americans are our neighbors, our loved ones, our constituents, and our colleagues. They serve in our Armed Forces and in the Federal Government, making sacrifices every day for their country. They work in our Federal buildings, our post offices, and in our own offices. They serve in our military and put their lives at risk for our country. These Federal buildings connect Americans to their government--a government of, by, and for the people. But, for too long, LGBTQ+ Americans have felt unwelcomed and sometimes unsafe in these spaces-- these spaces that are meant to serve them too. I think the American people are getting tired of politicians who make their support for our military servicemembers and their families contingent upon pushing a discriminatory agenda whether that be about women's rights or LGBTQ+ rights.

Ms. BALDWIN. I urge opposition.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to honor posthumously half- brothers Captain Robert C. Harmon and Private John R. Peirson from New Richmond, WI, who both made the ultimate sacrifice for our great Nation during World War II. A week before the D-Day invasion on the Normandy coast and on his 51st mission, Captain Harmon's plane was shot down over occupied France by German artillery. Initially listed as missing-in-action, Captain Harmon was officially declared dead on May 29, 1945, by the U.S. War Department. Motivated by a sense of duty to his country, as well as the loss of his older half-brother, Private Peirson enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was mortally wounded during the April 16, 1945, Easter Day assault on the island of Okinawa, Japan, and died of his wounds the following day. A joint memorial service was held in New Richmond, WI, on April 26, 1949, for the repatriated remains of the two fallen brothers. They are buried side by side at the Fort Snelling Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. Both were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. In recognition of their service and sacrifice, I was proud to sponsor and witness successful passage of S. 2932 during the 117th Congress, a bill to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 430 South Knowles Avenue in New Richmond, WI, as the ``Captain Robert C. Harmon and Private John R. Peirson Post Office Building.'' This legislation was passed in the Senate by unanimous consent on May 25, 2022, and was signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., on December 29, 2022. The official dedication and celebration of the Captain Robert C. Harmon and Private John R. Peirson Post Office Building will take place on August 25, 2023. Family, friends, fellow veterans, elected leaders, and community members will come together to remember these brothers and their service to our country. Local support of this dedication includes the New Richmond City Council, along with Mayors Fred Horne and Jim Zajkowski; the New Richmond Chamber of Commerce; the Butler-Harmon American Legion Post 80; and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10818 New Richmond/St. Croix County. Special recognition is due to Ms. Sally Berkholder who has been a tireless advocate for this dedication and ensuring that the family and community is able to properly celebrate and honor the service of the Harmon/Peirson brothers. Captain Harmon and Private Peirson heroically gave their lives serving our country during World War II. They bravely fought for our American values and freedom, and we are indebted by their sacrifice. I am proud that their memory will live on by the official dedication of the New Richmond Post Office as the ``Captain Robert C. Harmon and Private John R. Peirson Post Office Building.''

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Walter Knight, who passed away on June 20, 2023, at the age of 89. Mr. Knight will be remembered for his numerous acts of leadership in the community of Beloit, WI--notably, serving as the first African-American on the Beloit Police and Fire Commission and the first African-American to be elected to the Beloit City Council. Mr. Knight spent the first 17 years of his life in Arkansas where he attended segregated public schools and graduated from Union Grove High School in 1951. Upon graduation, he moved to Beloit, WI, where he went on to work for Fairbanks Morse in the foundry. The grueling conditions of the foundry motivated him to enroll in Blackhawk Technical College. This allowed him to move into a position in the machine shop at Fairbanks Morse where he remained for 25 years. Later in his career at Fairbanks Morse, he was elected the president of the Local Union 1533 United Steelworkers of America from 1972-1976. To further advance his educational career, Mr. Knight studied union policy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. At the time he attended Madison, less than 1 percent of students were African-American. After securing higher-level education, Mr. Knight's activist voice and profound leadership in the Beloit community led him to be elected the first African-American on the Beloit City Council, where he served from 1972-1985. Mr. Knight's involvement and dedication to the Beloit community did not stop there. As an African-American, he spent his early years in Beloit fighting segregation by exposing and assisting in the closure of local discriminatory and prejudice businesses. In addition to his fight for racial justice, Mr. Knight spent over 30 years with the Rock County Opportunities Industrialization Center. As executive director, he dedicated his time to helping minority and other local residents build occupational and social skills to enhance their career prospects. Mr. Knight always wanted to be remembered as someone who did all he could to help others. His life of selfless acts for his community accurately displays this. From working in the foundry at Fairbanks Morse to becoming president of the Beloit City Council, Mr. Knight was truly a trailblazer and has left an indelible mark on the Beloit community. By creating opportunities and a voice for the minority community in Beloit, Mr. Knight's leadership granted him induction into the Beloit Historical Society Hall of Fame in 2014. Additionally, as a part of the 2019 Juneteenth celebration, the Portland Avenue Bridge in Beloit was renamed ``Walter R. Knight Bridge'' in his honor. Mr. Knight will be whole-heartedly missed and always remembered for the years of compassion and love he bestowed upon his community.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Mexican Fiesta in Milwaukee. I am proud to honor this tradition that showcases the rich cultural history of the Hispanic community in Wisconsin. What began as a small street festival in Milwaukee has grown to be one of the largest celebrations of Mexican culture in the country. In 1973, proud members of the Mexican-American community closed down one street in downtown Milwaukee to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Today, the Mexican Fiesta attracts thousands of visitors from across the State to enjoy Hispanic cuisine, dance to Mexican artists, and learn more about the rich history of this community. With more than 450 exhibitors and vendors, it has also become an opportunity for Wisconsin small businesses, nonprofits, and local artisans to showcase their products and reach new customers. This 50-year tradition is not only a celebration of Hispanic heritage; it is also a chance to support students across the State as they pursue an education. Money raised through the Mexican Fiesta goes towards the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, which expands access to higher education for the Hispanic community. Since its founding, the foundation has awarded $1.8 million in scholarships. Thanks to their efforts, young Hispanic men and women across the State have been empowered to explore their interests and jumpstart their futures. The original organizers of the Mexican Fiesta were searching for a way to share their traditions and culture with the rest of their community. It has been inspiring to watch that vision become a reality over the last 50 years. Armed with the knowledge that education opens doors, the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation has used the reach and popularity of this celebration to empower young Wisconsinites to pursue their dreams. I am proud to recognize this important tradition on their 50th anniversary, and I look forward to celebrating the countless contributions that Mexican Americans have made to our State for years to come.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Harley- Davidson's 120th anniversary. I am honored to recognize this iconic Wisconsin company and to commemorate this momentous milestone. Though the style and swagger of Harley-Davidson motorcycles are now known across the entire world, the origin story of these bikes humbly began in a machine shop on Milwaukee's North Side in 1903. This was where two young best friends, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, first experimented with different prototypes for a motorized bicycle. While their first model struggled to scale the hills of Milwaukee's streets, Harley and Davidson understood the promise that their invention held. Less than a year later, an updated prototype placed fourth in a motorcycle race at State Fair Park. As Harley-Davidson's business and production rapidly grew in the following years, so did its place in American history. In 1907, the company began selling its motorcycles to police departments, a tradition that remains to this day. In 1917, the U.S. military adopted Harley-Davidson motorcycles for military issue during the First World War, purchasing over 20,000 units for the war effort. Bolstered by the strong sense of resolve and innovation that we all associate with our legacy American manufacturers, the company was able to survive the Great Depression, leading to a historic partnership with the U.S. Army during the Second World War. Today, Harley-Davidson remains one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world and is famous for a loyal following that spans the far reaches of the globe. While Harley-Davidson holds onto its roots, it also looks to the future. The new Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle released in 2019 continues the company's commitment to style, craftsmanship, and an unparalleled riding experience. Though everyone knows the look and sound of a Harley-Davidson bike when they see one, the company has expanded their business with merchandise that people from all backgrounds are desperate to get their hands on. There are now Harley-Davidson dealerships in nearly 100 countries, but the company has kept true to its roots with its headquarters located in Milwaukee. In 2008, the Harley-Davidson Museum opened to the public, allowing fans to experience more than 100 years of history up close. The museum remains a top tourist destination for Milwaukee, reinforcing the shared identity between a great American city and manufacturer. What began as a motorcycle prototype stored in a Milwaukee family backyard has become an unparalleled vehicle for adventure across the open roads of the Earth. Yet beyond the roar of an engine or the classic look of a motorcycle, Harley-Davidson has come to symbolize the freedom we all know as Americans. On the 120th anniversary of this American icon, I am proud to recognize the Harley-Davidson Motor Company and look forward to many more years of success.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, earlier this afternoon, my colleague Senator Markey asked unanimous consent to advance the Right to Contraception Act. There was an objection heard, but I wanted to come to the floor to voice my strong support as a cosponsor of the Right to Contraception Act. Across the country, women are frightened. They are frightened that after decades of progress in advancing their rights and freedoms, they are watching an activist Supreme Court ignore precedent and strip away their rights and freedoms. For nearly six decades, American women have come to rely on their right to control when and if they are going to have a family, including through the use of contraception. In fact, about 90 percent of women in the United States have used contraception. In 1965, the Supreme Court correctly decided Griswold v. Connecticut, reaffirming that our Constitution guarantees the right to privacy. This particular case was over a Connecticut law that banned the use of contraception and imposed penalties, including up to 1 year in prison for doing so. The Supreme Court correctly overruled the law as an invasion of the right to privacy and determined that Americans could use contraception should they choose without government interference. At the time, the majority opinion reasoned that there were many implied rights that Americans have within the Constitution. On a basic level, this is obvious. Not every single right we are due could be written into our Constitution. So this concept of ``implied rights'' is the foundation for various rights that Americans have come to rely on and, frankly, never think twice about, like the right to learn a foreign language or to travel across State lines or to live with your own family. Famously, 8 years after Griswold was decided, the Supreme Court used a similar legal foundation--the constitutional right to privacy--to rightly decide in Roe v. Wade that women in the United States have the right to abortion care. But, despite Roe being the law of the land for nearly 50 years and ``settled as a precedent of the Supreme Court, entitled to respect under principles of stare decisis,'' according to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, it was thrown out the window. This Saturday will mark the 1-year anniversary since this activist Supreme Court--crafted, of course, by anti-choice Republican politicians--stripped 22 million women and counting of their freedom to control their bodies, families, and futures; 1 year since women lost the right to an abortion nationwide; 1 year since women in my home State of Wisconsin were sent back to 1849--and I didn't misstate that, 1849--living under an archaic law that effectively criminalizes all abortion procedures; 1 year since women in America became second-class citizens. Sadly, that fateful decision that overturned Roe v. Wade put more of Americans' rights on the chopping block. In Justice Clarence Thomas's concurring opinion, he explicitly said that the rationale used to overturn Roe should be used to overturn cases establishing the right to contraception, the right to same-sex consensual relations, and same-sex marriage. Justice Thomas wrote that the Court ``should reconsider'' all three of these decisions, saying the Supreme Court had a duty to correct the error in these decisions. He was essentially providing an open invitation to litigators across the country to bring their cases to the Court, inevitably instilling fear among millions of Americans. Let that sink in. With the right to abortion care already ripped away from tens of millions of Americans, a Supreme Court Justice essentially asked for someone to bring him a case so he could rip away one of the only tools many women have left to control if and when to have a family--that being having access to contraception. Americans have spoken loudly and clearly that they do not believe that a woman's right to control her own body is an error or that the freedom for someone to love whom they love is an error. We cannot rely on an activist Supreme Court to protect our rights and freedoms. Congress must act. So I stand here, with the backing of 9 in 10 Americans who support access to all forms of birth control, to call for the Senate to listen to our constituents and pass the Right to Contraception Act. Our legislation is simple and common sense. It would guarantee the legal right for individuals to get and use contraception, and it would stop politicians or the government from trying to get in the way, and that is it. Americans want the right and freedom to control their own reproductive healthcare without interference from judges or politicians. In my home State of Wisconsin, where women are already living under an 1849 criminal abortion ban, access to contraception is absolutely essential. Every person should have the right to control their own bodies, families, and futures no matter where they live. Former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, who advocated for the right to privacy, called it ``the right to be left alone.'' So I stand here to reiterate this sentiment and to tell Washington to pass our legislation and give women the right to be left alone. I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize Kikkoman Foods, Inc., on its 50th anniversary. I am proud to honor this organization and the ongoing international exchange of food culture from Japan to Walworth, WI. What began in 1973 as the first U.S.-based plant for the manufacturing of soy sauce has now become a strong part of the Walworth community. The Mogi family soy sauce recipe dates back over 300 years and was first introduced in the United States at a Navy Pier global business showcase. Crowds present in Chicago tried Kikkoman soy sauce for the first time. It was such a big hit that Kikkoman created a committee to investigate production in the United States. The committee settled on Walworth, WI, because they saw great potential in the proud tradition of Wisconsin agriculture and a midwestern work ethic. In addition, the Midwest region provided an optimal climate for the production of soy beans and wheat, essential components of soy sauce. Soon, Kikkoman's plant in Walworth aided the fusion of American and Japanese cuisine. In Walworth, soy sauce became a kitchen staple. Kikkoman continues to advance their mission of expanding the use of soy sauce as a ``versatile flavor enhancer.'' I appreciate the continued fusion of these two cultures and the partnerships of Kikkoman in the Wisconsin community. Together, Japanese technology and American agriculture blend to create a successful overseas expansion for Kikkoman. Today, the plant in Walworth is Kikkoman's North American production headquarters and produces an estimated 34 million gallons of soy sauce annually, more brewed soy sauce than any other facility around the world. Since its introduction to Wisconsin, Kikkoman has been an essential contributor to the Wisconsin economy and shares the same commitment to the development of Wisconsin businesses, suppliers, service providers, and contractors. Ultimately, the Walworth Kikkoman production facility serves as an important example of the coprosperity and success of American and Japanese partnerships. We in Wisconsin are grateful to Kikkoman for sharing the vibrant tradition and well-respected values of soy sauce brewing and the Japanese culinary tradition. I am honored to recognize the 50th anniversary of Kikkoman Foods, Inc., and look forward to their continued success in Wisconsin for years to come.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the exceptional life of Lawrence Eckstein, on the occasion of his 99th birthday. Mr. Eckstein was born on June 30, 1924, in Wisconsin. He attended Winneconne High School before heading into the workforce at age 14. At age 20, Mr. Eckstein entered the U.S. Army and served as a private in both the 85th Infantry Division and 10th Mt. Division from 1944 through 1947. During his time in the U.S Army, he was stationed throughout Italy and Austria. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and received a Quilt of Valor in 2022. In 1952, Mr. Eckstein married his wife Darlene. Together, they raised six children and celebrated 61 years of marriage before her passing in 2013. After the military, Mr. Eckstein worked within the Kimberly-Clark Corporation for 26 years. Retirement didn't stop Mr. Eckstein from keeping busy. He drove semi-trucks up until the age of 86 and often could be seen riding his bike on the Wiouwash trail in Winneconne up until the age of 95. Mr. Eckstein is also incredibly active with the Winneconne Legion, marching in local parades up until the age of 91. He also had the opportunity to go on the Old Glory Honor Flight back in 2012. I am privileged to acknowledge the life and work of Lawrence Eckstein, and on the occasion of his 99th birthday, I wish him a happy birthday and thank him for his lifetime of service to our country.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the sacrifice of S2C David Joseph Riley who lost his life, along with 428 of his fellow crewmen, on December 7, 1941, while serving on the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor. After over 80 years, S2C Riley's remains will finally come to Juda in Green County, WI, on May 27, 2023. Seaman Second Class Riley was born on February 18, 1916, and at the age of 11 years old became the foster son of Elmer and Della (Matzke) Asmus of Juda, WI. He attended the Juda elementary and high schools and was known for his cheerful and likable manner. In 1939, he joined the Wisconsin National Guard, and in May 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After training, he was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma. On December 7, 1941, Seaman Second Class Riley was onboard the USS Oklahoma, docked at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when it was attacked by Japanese forces. This ship was hit by multiple torpedoes, causing it to quickly flip and capsize. On December 21, 1941, Mr. and Mrs. Asmus received a telegram from the Navy, stating that Seaman Second Class Riley was missing. On February 17, 1942, 1 day before what would have been his 26th birthday, they received another telegram declaring that Seaman Second Class Riley had lost his life in service of his country. Unfortunately, his remains could not be identified at this time. Eventually, the remains of the men lost aboard the Oklahoma were recovered and buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific--NMCP--and listed as ``Unknowns.'' The loss of Seaman Second Class Riley was devastating to the tight- knit community of Green County, and over 80 years later, his legacy is still known and honored. The American Legion Post 84 in Monroe is the Zilmer-Riley post, named in part for Seaman Second Class Riley. A plaque in Juda High School commemorates the sacrifice made by Seaman Second Class Riley and two other men from Juda during World War II. In 2015, the Department of Defense authorized the exhumation of the USS Oklahoma ``Unknowns,'' interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, NMCP. Seaman Second Class Riley's remains were exhumed and identified through the painstaking efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency--DPAA--the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory--AFDIL--and the Navy Casualty POW-MIA Branch. Deborah Krauss Smith, great-grandniece of Seaman Second Class Riley's foster parents, worked diligently to gain approval from the Navy Casualty POW/MIA branch to return Seaman Second Class Riley's remains to Juda, where they will be interred with those of his foster parents, fittingly over Memorial Day weekend 2023. It is our duty to honor Seaman Second Class Riley and his fellow servicemembers who lost their lives on that fateful day. I ask that we all take a moment to remember S2C David Joseph Riley and to pay tribute to his service and sacrifice.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, today I rise to honor Matt Rothschild, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, on his retirement. Over the span of Matt's 43-year career, he has been a tireless advocate for democracy, social and economic justice, and civil rights and liberties. After graduating magna cum laude from Harvard in 1980, Matt went to work as an editor for the Multinational Monitor, working for Ralph Nader in Washington, DC. In 1983, he moved to Wisconsin to take a job as staff writer with The Progressive Magazine. In 1994, he advanced to senior editor and chairman of the board of directors for the magazine. While with The Progressive, Matt was also the director of The Progressive Media Project and published the book, ``You Have No Rights: Stories of America in an Age of Repression.'' While at The Progressive, Matt wrote hundreds of stories on issues ranging from threats to civil liberties, to social justice, to peace, to environmental concerns. He interviewed notable figures in the arts, politics, and economics including Wendell Berry, Naomi Klein, Bill McKibben, Robert Redford, Alice Walker, Allen Ginsberg, and Joseph Stiglitz. In 2015, Matt joined the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign where he focused the efforts of the organization on banning gerrymandering, protecting and expanding the freedom to vote, getting rid of dark money in politics, and opposing anti-democracy efforts. Matt has the distinguishing quality of being everywhere, all at once, and has taken his vital messages about protecting democracy to hundreds of radio and television broadcasts, newspaper articles, opinion columns, social media and, in person, doing talks to good government groups in nearly every community in Wisconsin, letting citizens know what is at stake and how to get involved to redirect Wisconsin's future. While at the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, he also wrote ``Twelve Ways to Save Democracy in Wisconsin,'' which tells the story of what a once- progressive State lost after Act 10 was enacted in 2010 and the Republicans, through the creation of unfair maps, held a lock on government. Matt has been a leading voice in Wisconsin for over 40 years. He has advocated tirelessly, doing so with kindness and good humor, always willing to engage with those who disagreed with him as much as those who did. Today, as Matt moves into retirement, he will step aside to leave space for others to fill because that is what Matt is about: paving the way for the next generation to continue the good fight. I feel honored to call Matt my friend and will be forever grateful for all he has done for the citizens in our State and for the voice he has given to democracy in these perilous times.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the long career of Scott Leonard, of Milwaukee, as he retires from Amtrak after 19 years of dedicated service. Born in Milwaukee on April 2, 1961, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1984. His first job was with the blood services division of the American Red Cross, first in Wisconsin, then in Washington, DC. Scott always loved trains, especially passenger trains. As a child, he would ride some of the storied trains that travelled through the Badger State. His interest and passion for the railroad led him to a position with the National Association of Railroad Passengers--NARP--an advocacy group supporting the growth of rail passenger services in the United States. There, he worked with the membership of the association to advance ideas to Amtrak for improved service and to communicate back to NARP what they could do to support Amtrak. Scott was an ever-present figure on Capitol Hill providing information and support to the Members and their staffs as they worked on the important rail bills of the late 1980s and 90s. In 2004, Scott joined Amtrak's government affairs office and was responsible for handling congressional correspondence, managing special projects, and assisting with VIP travel. He is well regarded for his thorough and prompt replies to queries and ability to provide personal and professional service to inquiries or complaints. Members of Congress, foreign dignitaries and other important passengers came to know Scott on a first-name basis as he met or escorted them to the station or their train. Leaving the office and headed to the station, suit and tie, clipboard in hand, his friends in government affairs would say: ``Somebody is about to get the Scott Leonard Treatment.'' For many, he was Amtrak, a recognized face in the crowd, a measure of consistency in a harried world. Scott also holds the unique distinction of travelling every mile of Amtrak's 21,400-route system, one of only two people known to have that achievement. As in every large endeavor such as this, one needs a playbook or guide so others may follow on a clear and consistent path of requirements. In a system as large as Amtrak's, there are many anomalies. Scott organized the ``playbook'' right to down the last switch, siding, and alternative route options. There are others chasing this goal, and maybe someday there will be created the ``Leonard Prize'' for those who do indeed cover that last mile. In addition to his knowledge of Amtrak's system, he can recite the beginning and end of the U.S. highway system and possesses excellent mapmaking skills and a deep knowledge of American geography. Some might say that Scott was lucky to get a job that allowed him to pursue his passions and interest. However, the truth is that Amtrak was lucky to have Scott. He lives the values of the company every day, and he is a beloved colleague to those around him. His former boss in government affairs once said that ``if there were ever a human cloning opportunity, Scott would be No. 1 on the list.'' Soon, Scott will retire from service at Amtrak and return to Wisconsin with his husband, Kevin. They will settle in a historic property in Racine, not far from the Hiawatha line where friends and family alike can keep an ear out for the whistles and sounds of trains racing by. Scott, thank you for your dedication and long service to Amtrak-- America's Railroad. May you and Kevin have a long, happy, and healthy retirement.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the career of Darnell DeMasters, who will retire from her position as vice president of Federal Government Affairs at WEC Energy Group on April 4. Over the past 25 years, Darnell has worked on behalf of customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota, advocating for their energy needs before Congress and ensuring lawmakers understand the impact of legislation on their constituents. Prior to her time with WEC Energy Group, Darnell spent many years on Capitol Hill and later transitioned to positions in government affairs for the Duquesne Light Company and General Public Utilities. Darnell was also instrumental in re-establishing and leading the Wisconsin Group, a nonpartisan, nonadvocacy organization to discuss public policy matters and government actions affecting Wisconsin's business, educational, public sector, and political communities. Outside of her working hours, Darnell is an active member of the executive board of The Woman's Club of Fairfax, GFWC, a unified group of women dedicated to enhancing the lives of families and strengthening their community through charitable work, donations, and volunteer service. I am fortunate to have worked with Darnell in her capacity at WEC Energy Group for many years. Her efforts to re-establish the Wisconsin Group as a forum to connect Wisconsinites and Wisconsin organizations in Washington, DC, have proven to be valuable, and my staff and I have regularly enjoyed the connection and community they have fostered. I know Darnell's colleagues will miss her thoughtful and expert guidance, good humor, and deep knowledge. I am grateful for all of the work Darnell has done for the people of Wisconsin, and I wish her all the best as she begins a new chapter in her retirement.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the exceptional career and life of Rev. Joseph Ellwanger. Reverend Ellwanger is a pillar of the Milwaukee community and has left an indelible mark on the lives of so many. From his early career as a pastor in Alabama standing with civil rights leaders, to his ongoing work to reintegrate formerly incarcerated people into their home communities, Rev. Joseph Ellwanger has put into action his faith to affirm all people. Reverend Ellwanger was born in St Louis, MO, but grew up in Selma, AL. He left his childhood home when St. Paul Lutheran Church, an African-American congregation in Birmingham, requested a pastoral candidate. During his time with St. Paul's he joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's fight for civil rights. Reverend Ellwanger attended civil rights meetings and eventually received an invitation to meet with the SCLC's steering committee, where he met Dr. Martin Luther King. Reverend Ellwanger was the lone White pastor to join the movement, and he stood undeterred by challenges from his conservative denomination. He recruited both students and clergy to join with him in the civil rights movement. On March 6, 1965, the day before Bloody Sunday, Ellwanger led a group of 72 White Alabamians to Selma to participate in the Concerned White Citizens march supporting voting rights for African-Americans. Reverend Ellwanger joined the National Council of Christian Churches and met with President Lyndon Johnson after Bloody Sunday. This meeting brought together a group of clergymen from a broad spectrum of denominations to communicate to President Johnson that the religious community supported the Voting Rights Act. Reverend Ellwanger's work for equal justice has been ongoing. From Alabama, he moved to Milwaukee, WI, where he was a Lutheran pastor for decades. He continues to work for voting rights and is a founding member of Project RETURN to help individuals who have experienced incarceration make a positive, permanent return to community, family, and friends. As Reverend Ellwanger celebrates his 90th birthday, I am pleased to join others in recognizing the contributions he has made to the people of Milwaukee, our State, and our Nation.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, across the country, people are experiencing the ramifications and women are feeling the pain of Roe v. Wade being overturned and having lost fundamental rights and freedoms overnight. In my home State of Wisconsin, women are living with dire, real-life consequences. Two constituents, Erica and Scott, have been trying to get pregnant for years--something many Americans can relate to--and, finally, they were successful. But 13 weeks into her pregnancy, Erica learned the heartbreaking news that the fetus had a rare condition that caused the skull not to fully develop and the fetus could not survive--an absolute nightmare for expecting parents. Instead of being able to get immediate care and mourn their loss, Erica and Scott had to figure out the logistics of how to get the healthcare they needed--an abortion--out of State. Let me say that again. Expecting parents learned that they lost the baby they had tried years to conceive, and instead of being able to mourn their loss, they had to navigate a complicated legal and medical landscape and play travel agent. They had a challenge even to get somebody on the phone and struggled to find an appointment sooner than 2 to 3 weeks out. In the end, Erica was forced to stay pregnant for a week with a fetus that she knew could not survive. She said: Every day I was still pregnant was just an ongoing reminder of our loss. Sadly, Erica is not alone. One Wisconsin woman bled for more than 10 days from an incomplete miscarriage after emergency room staff said they would not treat her. Another, whose water broke at 17 weeks, was sent home without the abortion care she needed, only to return 2 days later with a life-threatening infection. All of this is because Wisconsinites have really been sent back to the year 1849. What do I mean by that? In 1849, Wisconsin's 1-year-old legislature banned abortion, making it a felony to provide abortion care in almost all circumstances. At the time of the vote, exactly zero women were present to debate that misguided law, let alone vote for or against it. In fact, it would be 70 years before women even had the right to vote. Yet, 174 years later, an activist Supreme Court ripped away the constitutional rights of millions of Americans, and, last year, this abortion ban in Wisconsin that predates the Civil War went back into effect, denying hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites the right and freedom to control their bodies. This archaic law has doctors and medical professionals afraid to administer the lifesaving care they are trained to provide for fear that they might be prosecuted. In fact, lawyers are now deciding what care can and cannot be provided. This law is leaving women with no good options and wondering how, in 2023, they could have found themselves in a position with fewer rights than their mothers and their grandmothers. Women who have the means and the ability can seek care out of State, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles and often being forced to take off time from work. Some others are being forced to self-administer medication abortions without medical supervision. Those who cannot afford the cost of travel and lodging, childcare, or time off work--a reality for so many Americans, especially women of color and those in rural areas--are being forced to carry pregnancies that they did not choose. Wisconsinites are not alone, unfortunately. Across the country, 14 other States have already implemented near total bans on abortion, leaving one in three American women without access to a safe and legal abortion. And anti-choice extremists in States across the country are continuing their crusade. They are continuing to try to take away bodily autonomy by pushing bills that include medically unnecessary restrictions that limit access to abortion care. This all flies in the face of an overwhelming majority of Americans who support women having control over their own bodies and their futures and their families. That is why I, alongside a record number of my colleagues, am proud to be leading the introduction of the Women's Health Protection Act. This legislation would protect the right to perform and access abortion care, free from arbitrary waiting periods, biased and scientifically inaccurate counseling requirements, mandatory ultrasounds, and absolute bans on abortion earlier in pregnancy. Our legislation makes sure that the life and health of the mother are paramount, just as it was prior to Roe being struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court and as the American people overwhelmingly support. The Women's Health Protection Act would return the life-altering decision to have a baby to women and their doctors, without interference from politicians. For Wisconsinites like Erica, whose rights and freedoms have been stripped away, this bill is not just a political exercise; it is a necessary response to a very real crisis. Having the freedom to control your healthcare, your body, and your future, free from government interference, is a fundamental right, but in Wisconsin, it is no longer a reality. It is time to pass the Women's Health Protection Act. I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the exceptional career and life of Dr. William Finlayson. Dr. Finlayson is a pillar of the Milwaukee Black Community and has left an indelible mark on so many families in Wisconsin's largest city. Dr. Finlayson was born in 1924 in Manatee, FL. From a young age, he studied and excelled at school, and at age 16 he started his collegiate career at Florida A&M. At age 19, Finlayson entered the U.S. Army and served as a first lieutenant from 1943 through 1946. During his time in the U.S. Army, he taught illiterate Black soldiers how to read, receiving a promotion to second lieutenant due to his work. He then served in the Army Reserves between 1946 to 1953. While serving in the Reserves, Finlayson moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College. It was during this time that he became classmates and fraternity brothers with the late Martin Luther King, Jr. Finlayson graduated from Morehouse in 1948 with his B.S and then attended Meharry Medical College in 1953. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Finlayson arrived to the city of Milwaukee in 1958, where segregation was making it difficult for Black physicians to get hired by the city's best hospitals. Ever determined, Dr. Finlayson founded his own private practice, along with Dr. Walter White, Dr. Randall Pollard, Dr. George Hillard, and Dr. Gerald Poindexter. He was eventually admitted as the first Black doctor at St. Joseph's Hospital. He built a successful practice, with people often sitting on the steps outside of his office just to see him. However, his passion for helping the Black community did not stop there. Dr. Finlayson participated in fair housing marches led by Alderwoman Vel Philips and Father James Groppi. During the civil rights era, it was Dr. Finlayson who was instrumental in bringing MLK Jr. to the city of Milwaukee to speak. Dr. Finlayson was a champion for financial literacy, cofounding the first Black-owned bank in the city, North Milwaukee State Bank, wanting to offer full-service banking to underserved communities. He also founded the W.E.B Du Bois Club, educating high school students with the financial skills they needed to succeed while preserving Black history. In his life, Dr. Finlayson delivered over 10,000 babies, served as president of the Cream City Medical Society, Milwaukee Gynecological Society, and his local YMCA. He was a house delegate to the Wisconsin Medical Society, teaching at both the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin Medical School. He served as vice president of the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County and continues to be a member of the Urban League, as well as a lifetime member of the NAACP. Dr. Finlayson is truly a Milwaukee trailblazer, consistently fighting for equality in the State of Wisconsin. Recently, the Milwaukee road that was formerly North 5th Street was renamed Dr. William Finlayson Street in his honor. At 98 years old, Dr. Finlayson continues to have a tremendous impact on so many families in Milwaukee. His legacy and advice will live on due to the insurmountable barriers that he set out to shatter. His advice for the younger generations consists of, ``I think the key is learning. Learn as much as you can, do as much as you can.'' I am pleased to join others in recognizing Dr. Finlayson's success and contributions to the people of Milwaukee, our State, and our Nation.