Tammy Baldwin

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today, I rise, once again, in strong opposition to Donald Trump's illegal war in Iran. For more than 6 months now, American families have paid the price for this President's war of choice. This conflict has cost the lives of 18 of our servicemembers. It has cost American taxpayers $43 billion, and it has cost families, small businesses, and manufacturers, as the price of just about everything has skyrocketed. I have been traveling across Wisconsin to hear from my constituents as to just what this war has cost them. In Milwaukee, I have heard from veterans about the cost of war on our soldiers, their families, and their communities. In Madison, I have heard from parents who are seeing a 20-percent increase in the cost of back-to-school essentials, like lunch boxes and notebooks and paper. In La Crosse, I heard from a hardware store owner about the impact of the rising costs on goods in his store and what that means for his customers. In Green Bay, one manufacturer told me that his supplier of raw aluminum in the Middle East--a product that he can only get overseas-- was literally bombed. That is on top of the hundreds of thousands of dollars in increased costs from tariffs and the war generally. Our Wisconsin farmers are just getting hammered. They had higher fertilizer costs at the planting season, higher fuel costs just to run their equipment, and because of Trump's trade wars, they have fewer places to sell their produce. During this year's planting season alone, Wisconsin farmers spent nearly $44 million more on diesel fuel than they did last year. As of today, the price of diesel in Wisconsin is a whopping $6.59 a gallon for our farmers and our truckers. The devastating impact of this war cannot be overstated. These families are trying to put food on the table. Small business owners are trying to stay afloat. Farmers are just trying to break even. Wisconsinites never wanted this war. Yet they continue to pay for it every day. They are paying more at the pump, more at the grocery store, and more to keep their businesses and farms running. The American people deserve better than an endless war that is costing American lives and making it harder for them to get by at home. I urge my Republican colleagues to join us in bringing an end to this war of choice and vote yes on this resolution. With that, I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to honor John Yingling on his retirement after his distinguished service as chair of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board. During his tenure, Mr. Yingling helped lead one of the most transformative periods in Wisconsin State Fair history, helping create lasting memories for millions of fairgoers. In 2011, then-Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker appointed Mr. Yingling to serve on the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board. During his time as chair, the State fair expanded year-round operations, hosted the largest Clydesdale horse show in North America, and welcomed INDYCAR racing back to the historic Milwaukee Mile. These accomplishments, along with many others, have strengthened the State fair and helped spur investment in the greater Milwaukee community. When Mr. Yingling became chair, the State fair faced significant financial challenges. He was instrumental in helping move the fair from the red into the black, and under his leadership, those gains were reinvested in the fair and the community. Mr. Yingling also helped foster innovation and creativity that have become hallmarks of the Wisconsin State Fair. Through the annual Sporkies and Drinkies competitions, State Fair vendors compete to create unique foods and drinks that attract visitors from across Wisconsin and beyond. As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Fair, I am pleased to recognize Mr. Yingling's distinguished service and his many contributions to the people of Wisconsin. His leadership has helped ensure that the State fair remains a treasured Wisconsin tradition for generations to come. I congratulate Mr. Yingling on his retirement and wish him all the best.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to honor the 75th anniversary of the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI. I am pleased to celebrate this hospital and to commemorate this historic milestone. Since 1951, the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital has served Wisconsin veterans with care and compassion. When the hospital was first opened, it was the first of the VA's designated tuberculosis hospitals. After years of providing tuberculosis care, in 1960, the facility was redesignated to provide general medical and surgical care. In 1976, the U.S. Congress renamed the hospital after Dr. William Shainline Middleton, an accomplished veteran, physician, and academic. Dr. Middleton served as an Army captain during World War I and served with distinction in the Office of the Chief Surgeon during World War II. Following his military service, Dr. Middleton returned to the University of Wisconsin Medical School, where he taught generations of future physicians and served for 20 years as its dean. In 1955, Dr. Middleton was appointed as the Chief Medical Director for the Veterans Administration. Throughout his career, he was a tireless advocate for the advancement of veterans' healthcare and was a champion for medical research. Over the past 75 years, the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital has continued to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the veterans it serves. Its longstanding partnership with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health supports medical education, research, and innovation that help advance the care available to veterans. Today, it is a state-of-the-art teaching hospital with many accreditations and achievements that allow the hospital to provide world-class healthcare to our Nation's veterans. As we honor this significant milestone, I am particularly grateful for the doctors, nurses, and staff who are committed to serving our veterans every day. I look forward to the continued success of the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital and its important work on behalf of Wisconsin veterans for generations to come.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to honor the life of Al Labelle, a dedicated servicemember who held an unwavering lifelong commitment to the advancement of veterans' services. Wisconsin mourns his loss, and his service and legacy will be remembered for years to come. Mr. Labelle served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Okinawa (LPH-3) from 1965 to 1967. The USS Okinawa deployed to the Vietnam war zone in 1967, and during that deployment, Mr. Labelle participated in nine amphibious landing operations. Mr. Labelle was honorably discharged from Active service but continued his service in the Naval Reserves until 1972. After returning home, Mr. Labelle's commitment to serving others did not waver. While his career was diverse, his work remained rooted in his desire to connect with and serve others. From caring for patients as a respiratory therapist, to working as an assistant manager of warehouse operations and even owning a bowling alley, Mr. Labelle's professional life reflected his tireless work ethic. Throughout these endeavors, he remained a steadfast advocate for his fellow veterans. For more than 20 years, Mr. Labelle was a dedicated leader of the Disabled American Veterans DAV, at the local, State, and national levels. He joined the DAV in 2005, becoming a life member of Chapter 57 in Marshfield. He held numerous leadership positions, including benefits protection team leader and chairman of the national interim legislation committee. His advocacy often brought him to our Nation's Capital, where he fought to ensure that our country's veterans received the support and services they earned. His lifetime of advocacy for veterans was nationally recognized when he received the DAV Outstanding Performance in Advocacy Award for 7 consecutive years. Mr. Labelle's determination to fight for veterans was easy to see, and his impact will be felt by veterans and their families for years to come. I was fortunate to see Mr. Labelle's dedication firsthand through my work with him, and I know Wisconsin's veterans were fortunate to have a champion like him in their corner. Veterans in Wisconsin and across the country have benefited from Mr. Labelle's devoted advocacy, and I am grateful for his lifetime of service. His legacy will live on through the veterans and families he helped and the countless people he inspired throughout his life.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the work of David Stacy, former government affairs director at the Human Rights Campaign, HRC. For more than 30 years, Mr. Stacy has been a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ community in Wisconsin and across the United States. His vital work has helped to ensure that LGBTQ people across the country and the world are treated as full and equal citizens and human beings. Mr. Stacy earned his bachelor of arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1990 and served two terms as president of the United Council of University of Wisconsin Students, the statewide student association for the UW system. He later received his master of arts in history, U.S. foreign relations, and civil rights history from New York University in 1991. In 1994, Mr. Stacy was instrumental in helping me to found Fair Wisconsin. Fair Wisconsin is a statewide advocacy organization with the mission of protecting and advancing the civil rights of LGBTQ individuals through legislative advocacy and electoral involvement. He worked on the 1996 Clinton-Gore campaign and various other State and local races throughout Wisconsin, as well as on nearly all of my own campaigns for public office during this time. He began his work in the legislative branch as an intern and then a legislative staffer for representatives in the Wisconsin State Assembly. In 1999, he joined my staff in Washington, DC, as a legislative assistant after I was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. For the 6 years he spent on my staff, he worked on a variety of issues including telecommunications, defense, LGBTQ issues, foreign policy, education, veterans, intellectual property, and homeland security. I valued David's thoughtful counsel and his dedication to his work and passion for the issues he covered. In November of 2005, Mr. Stacy joined HRC as their senior public policy advocate during a time in which our Nation was hotly debating a proposed amendment to our Constitution that would have defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Through more than 20 years of hard, dedicated work, Mr. Stacy has steadily built support and coalitions to advance the cause of equality. Discriminatory bans such as ``Don't Ask Don't Tell'' have been repealed, ensuring that gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans who want to serve their country can do so openly and proudly. Later, when Federal marriage equality was established by the courts, he worked alongside me and my staff to pass and codify into law the Respect for Marriage Act, ensuring a critical backstop against an activist court. He built a model for how sustained work and partnership can bring about meaningful change to the lives of our fellow citizens. He was and is a vital partner in the continued fight for a more, not less, equal country. I am proud to call him a friend and a trusted partner in the fight for equality. I wish him all the best in this next chapter.

Ms. BALDWIN

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

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to, once again, try to end President Trump's war of choice in Iran. We are nearly 5 months into this war, with no end in sight. President Trump and Pete Hegseth have spent at least $37.5 billion on a war that Americans overwhelmingly oppose. Americans are footing the bill with their tax dollars and at the pump, as higher prices continue. We have lost 18 American servicemembers, with hundreds more wounded. My heart is with the military families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Now, after months of chaos, Secretary Hegseth wants Congress to sign off on nearly $70 billion for this illegal war--nearly $70 billion more of our money to fund a war that Americans did not choose. That is $70 billion that we could be using to bring down the cost of housing and help folks get their foot in the door to buy their very first home. That is $70 billion that we could be using to help families afford childcare and allow parents to get back to work. And that is $70 billion that we could be using to lower Americans' health insurance premiums, fund our rural hospitals, or put some of the damage from Republicans' cuts to Medicaid to rest--in other words, restore that money. Instead, this President wants nearly $70 billion for a war that is spiraling further out of control. That is his priority, not Americans' housing costs or insurance premiums, but rather a war across the globe that nobody asked for. Even worse, we are 5 months into this war, and this administration refuses to give us straight answers about when this conflict will end. It does not have to be this way. It is clear the only way to stop this war and find a political solution through diplomacy and tough negotiations is for Congress to force President Trump's hand. He started this war, and he is clearly incapable of ending it on his own. So on behalf of all of our constituents who are paying the price, I urge my Republican colleagues to join us in bringing an end to this war before another American life is lost. I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Sherman E. Stock, who passed away on May 26, 2026, at the age of 98. As a dedicated public servant and lifelong advocate for our environment, Mr. Stock demonstrated his commitment through his involvement in important environmental projects such as Earth Day and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the establishment of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin. Mr. Stock was born in Milwaukee and attended Rufus King High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and wife of 70 years, Sally. The two settled in Hales Corners, WI. Mr. Stock continued his education at Marquette University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his military service, Mr. Stock rose to the rank of captain and was stationed in Oklahoma, Texas, and northern New York. He then returned to Marquette, where he earned his juris doctor in 1958 and connected with then-State Senator Gaylord Nelson, whom he would eventually serve as legal counsel in the U.S. Senate. During his 18 years in the Senate, Mr. Stock worked closely with Senator Nelson, sharing ideas about environmental projects, working zealously to protect our planet, and building a close friendship. Mr. Stock went on to work for Wisconsin Governor Tony Earl, serving as his Veterans Affairs adviser, cribbage opponent, and fishing partner. Following Governor Earl's departure from office, Mr. Stock worked for the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers in Madison until he retired. Throughout his decades of public service, Mr. Stock made a lasting impact not only on the people and natural lands of Wisconsin, but on communities across the Nation and around the world. While his most notable project may be Earth Day, he will be remembered by friends and family for his artistic expression, his love of travel, and his dedication to his community. Mr. Stock is an inspiring example of putting your beliefs into action and leaving the world better than you found it. His passing is a great loss to all who knew him and worked alongside him, but the legacy will live on for generations to come. As we honor his remarkable life, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and all those whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Gaynor Cranberry Company, located in Wood County, WI. I am pleased to honor this family farm and commemorate this historic milestone. The roots of the Gaynor Cranberry Company trace back to when brothers John Alexander Gaynor and James Gaynor immigrated to the United States from Ireland. Their journeys eventually led them to Wood County, where they established a cranberry farm in 1876 that became a foundational force in the industry. With John Alexander's legal expertise and James' agricultural acumen, the brothers helped transform Wisconsin's cranberry industry from a wild harvest into the highly structured, scientifically advanced, billion-dollar powerhouse it is today. The practices they established and championed on their town of Cranmoor marsh built the legal, business, and operational foundations that have enabled Wisconsin to become the Nation's leading cranberry-producing State, producing more than half of the world's cranberry supply. The Gaynor farm also hosted the first Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station from 1903 to 1917. It was my distinct honor as a U.S. Senator to play a role, 100 years later, in helping establish the second Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station to support the long-term success of our State's cranberry industry. Margaret Gaynor became the sole heir following the deaths of John Alexander and James. In 1927, she named Charles Dempze as her successor, establishing a multigenerational family legacy. His son Gordon, who was born in the old experimental station house, assumed control of the company in 1968. He was later succeeded by his sons James and Gary. Today, the Gaynor Cranberry Company is owned and operated by Gary Dempze and his wife Susan, alongside their children Jenna Dempze and Heidi Slinkman, who represent the fourth generation of this family farm. Just as it did 150 years ago, the Gaynor Cranberry Company continues to move the industry forward. Its 200-acre cranberry crop is 100- percent verified sustainable. The farm remains committed to land stewardship, innovation, and community impact. It plays an active role in agricultural education for residents, researchers, and policymakers, while also inspiring the next generation to learn about cranberries and explore potential career pathways. The Gaynor Cranberry Company's roots are deeply embedded throughout the Wisconsin cranberry industry. I congratulate all those who have played a role in this remarkable 150th anniversary, and I wish the Gaynor Cranberry Company continued success for generations to come.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, 4 years ago today, women in America lost the right to control their own bodies when an activist Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. For 18 months, women in Wisconsin were forced to live under a law passed in 1849 and widely viewed as a criminal abortion ban. Overturning Roe was just the beginning of the Republicans' war on women's reproductive rights. This bill is yet another example of their agenda to make it harder for women to access care by stripping away funding for family planning clinics. Title X clinics serve millions of Americans and offer cancer screenings, birth control, and wellness exams. Republicans have already tried to rip this healthcare away. Their ``Big Ugly Bill'' last year defunded Planned Parenthood, leading to the closure of 60 clinics so far. And we expect that as a result of the ``Big Ugly Bill,'' in total, over 200 clinics will ultimately close. That is 200 fewer places that women can get essential healthcare, exacerbating an already dire healthcare crisis that families are facing. This administration has also withheld funding from title X clinics for months, threatening access to care for more than 800,000 people. They then delayed funding for the program again, causing even more confusion. The administration's goals are clear: They want to sow chaos and end access to reproductive health care. There is no reason that we, the people's branch, should be adding to that and further making life harder for the people we work for. We should be focused on expanding access to healthcare and lowering the cost of it, not closing more clinics, jacking up costs, and eroding women's rights even further. I will not stop fighting until every woman in this country has the freedom to make her own choices about her own body. Therefore, I object.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today is the fourth anniversary of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade. I just shared some reflections about what happened in my home State of Wisconsin when we reverted to a law that was passed in 1849--1 year after Wisconsin's statehood--that was widely viewed as a criminal abortion ban. No abortion care was provided within my State until a court ultimately ruled many months later that that 1849 statute did not apply, but in the meantime, I heard stories from Wisconsin women whose lives were upended by the Dobbs ruling. When I think about one of the first stories I heard in those first months after the Dobbs decision came down, I remember a woman sharing with me that she was pregnant, expecting--was delighted about that-- when her water broke at 17 weeks. She went to her doctor at the hospital where she was planning to deliver her baby, and they said: Your baby has no chance of survival, and we can't do anything to assist you in this moment because Roe v. Wade has been overturned. The doctors consulted lawyers. We had lawyers actually practicing medicine, if you will, in the State of Wisconsin at that time, and she was sent home. They said to let nature take its course. Well, in her case, that meant facing sepsis and a fever that got worse and worse and worse. How close do you have to be to death before you can get the healthcare that you need when Roe v. Wade is no longer the law of the land? What it drove people in Wisconsin to have to do is consider getting care out of State. So, today, I rise in support of the women across this country who just want to be able to control their own bodies. Right now, 27 million women are living under abortion bans since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and it is no secret that my Republican colleagues want to see a national abortion ban enacted piece by piece. Because of these bans, women are literally bleeding out in parking lots outside of clinics and hospitals. Women are developing life-threatening infections like the one I just described from my constituent in Wisconsin. Women are being told that they have pregnancies that are not viable but that they have no option for healthcare. Women are being denied the care that they need even in States like Wisconsin where, because of our courts striking down the 1849 statute that was in existence when the Dobbs decision came out, abortion is now legal, though many restrictions remain on the books. Women face access issues. They face barriers to accessing the healthcare they need. In Wisconsin, abortion services are only available in 3 out of our 72 counties. That leaves 69 counties without care, meaning the people who live there must travel for the care they need. They have to arrange childcare and take time off work and sometimes drive for hours. They have to face unnecessary barriers just to get the healthcare that they need. That is why I introduced the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act. This legislation would help ease the financial burdens that too many women face when they are trying to access safe and legal reproductive healthcare, oftentimes far away from their homes and their support systems. This bill would get women the practical support they need to access care, including support for travel, childcare, lodging, meals, and more. I won't stop fighting until a woman's right to choose is fully restored. In the meantime, the least we can do is help women access the care they need that the Supreme Court and some of my Republican colleagues continue to put further out of reach for women. I urge my colleagues to address the healthcare crisis we are facing in this country by reducing the barriers that women face to get the healthcare they need. Therefore, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 4922, introduced earlier today; further, that the bill be considered read three times and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today, I rise in opposition to Donald Trump's illegal war in Iran. I come to ask a simple question: What has this war gotten us? Here is what we do know: It has tragically cost the lives of 13 servicemembers. It has caused hundreds of others to be injured. It has cost taxpayers tens upon tens of billions of dollars. It has cost the average American more than $250 more at the pump on average. It has cost farmers nearly 50 percent more on fertilizer. This war has been a disaster, and the American people agree. When the war began, it was the most unpopular war in U.S. history and has only gotten more unpopular as it has gone on. The President clearly gets that, so he has released a 2\1/2\-page bullet-point memorandum of understanding that he claims will be the panacea to end the war. Look, ending the war is absolutely a good thing, but with this alleged deal, there are a few major catches. For starters, this flimsy memorandum of understanding agreement has not and will not actually end the war. This is a plan to make a plan later. And what the Trump administration is learning in real time is that a final deal--like the Obama-era deal--on Iran takes hard work. Secondly, this short-term deal has been broken already. Lastly, if it were to be followed to a tee, it would be an embarrassing fold to the Iranians and a loser for the American people. We would green-light $300 billion to go to this hard-line Iranian regime. We would lift sanctions on this regime and let it freely sell oil, allowing them to make billions more. We would show that Iran can control the Strait of Hormuz and our global economy whenever it wants. And what do we get? Not much--no freedom for the Iranian people who were protesting a brutal regime mere months ago; no end to Iran's nuclear capabilities. So I, again, ask: What has this war of choice gotten us? This war has been bad for the American people, and now this off-ramp is bad for the American people. Congress had the opportunity to end this war months ago, and we should have done just that to avoid this exact scenario. My Republican colleagues refused, but that does not mean it is too late. It is clear as day that we cannot trust this President to be left to his own devices. We need to use the power we have to end this war and head down the path of real diplomacy. Let's take it. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this concurrent resolution. I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, today I rise in support of ending Donald Trump's illegal war in Iran. Over the weekend, President Trump told the American people this conflict is over. He said that Iran had agreed to a deal. So why take this vote today? Well, I have heard that one before from this President. From trade to peace negotiations, President Trump often claims victory without any work to show for it. The truth is, President Trump has not reached a deal with Iran. There is no agreement to end their nuclear program, no assurances that the war won't continue, and no evidence that Americans are better off today than they were before this all started. In fact, we are told--all just by press reports--that he has merely reached an agreement to keep talking about a deal over the next 60 days. But we have zero details and are told to just take the President's word for it. President Trump started this war over 100 days ago without signoff from Congress, the people's branch. He cost 13 servicemembers their lives, spent more than $30 billion in taxpayer money, and jacked up energy costs for American families by $450, on average. President Trump has asked working families to foot the bill for a war that they did not choose and do not like, and now he is claiming victory without a permanent solution in hand. At an immense cost to the American people, we are in a worse position than when President Trump started this war. That is why Donald Trump's wink-and-nod promise is simply not enough. My constituents want a guarantee that this expensive and unnecessary war is over once and for all. Diplomacy has always been the path forward. Passing this resolution would finally force President Trump to follow the law, listen to the American people, and end the war that no one likes. I urge my colleagues to listen to your constituents and end this war. I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Michael Johnson, a respected community leader, a dedicated advocate for young people, and a champion for opportunity throughout Wisconsin. Mr. Johnson's leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to service transformed countless lives and helped build a stronger future for children and families across Dane County. His passing is a tremendous loss to the Madison community, Dane County, the State of Wisconsin, and to all those fortunate enough to know him. Mr. Johnson was raised in Chicago, where he developed an early understanding of the challenges facing many young people and families. Those experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for others. He believed deeply that every child deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of circumstance, and he dedicated his career to making that belief a reality. Before coming to Wisconsin, Mr. Johnson worked with youth-serving organizations in Chicago, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. In 2010, he became president and chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. Over the next 16 years, he transformed the organization into one of the region's most impactful nonprofit institutions. Under his leadership, the Boys & Girls Clubs expanded its reach, strengthened partnerships throughout the community, and increased its capacity to serve young people and their families. Mr. Johnson understood that helping young people succeed required more than afterschool programs alone. He championed initiatives focused on education, workforce development, mentorship, and career readiness. Through partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations, Mr. Johnson helped create opportunities for students to pursue higher education, develop professional skills, and prepare for successful futures. Thousands of young people benefited from programs and services made possible through his vision and determination. Among Mr. Johnson's most significant accomplishments was his vision for the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center. Recognizing both the growing demand for skilled trades workers and the need to create pathways to economic mobility for young people, he led the effort to develop a first-of-its-kind workforce training center in Dane County. Through years of planning, partnership-building, and fundraising, Mr. Johnson transformed an ambitious idea into reality. Today, the center provides hands-on training, industry certifications, and career preparation in high-demand skilled trades, creating opportunities for young people to build family-sustaining careers while helping address workforce shortages throughout the region. Mr. Johnson viewed the center not simply as a building, but as an investment in the future of Wisconsin's youth and a model for how communities can expand opportunity through innovation and collaboration. Mr. Johnson also understood the importance of ensuring that young people see themselves reflected in the history and institutions around them. He played a leading role in the effort to establish the Vel Phillips Memorial Statue on the grounds of the Wisconsin State Capitol. Through his leadership and fundraising efforts, supporters from across Wisconsin came together to create a lasting tribute to Vel Phillips, a pioneering civil rights leader, jurist, and public servant whose groundbreaking achievements opened doors for generations of Wisconsinites. The unveiling of the statue marked a historic milestone for the State of Wisconsin and reflected Mr. Johnson's belief that honoring the accomplishments of trailblazing leaders can inspire future generations to pursue lives of service and leadership. Mr. Johnson's impact extended far beyond the Boys & Girls Clubs. He became one of Madison's most trusted civic leaders and strongest advocates for building a more inclusive community. He brought together leaders from education, business, government, and nonprofit organizations to address challenges facing local families. Whether working to expand educational opportunities, strengthen neighborhoods, or create pathways to economic success, Mr. Johnson had a unique ability to unite people around a common purpose. Those who knew Mr. Johnson often spoke of his gift for connecting with others. He believed in meeting people where they were and helping them realize their potential. He served as a mentor to countless young people and emerging leaders, offering encouragement, guidance, and support. His leadership was grounded in the belief that meaningful change comes from investing in people and empowering them to succeed. While Mr. Johnson received many honors throughout his career, his greatest achievement was the lasting impact he made on the lives of others. The students who graduated, the families who found support, and the community leaders he inspired all stand as a testament to his life's work. His legacy can be seen throughout Dane County in the opportunities he helped create and the futures he helped shape. Mr. Johnson was also a devoted husband, father, and family man. He carried the same compassion, integrity, and commitment into his personal life that he demonstrated in his professional career. His family, friends, colleagues, and community will remember him not only for what he accomplished, but for the kindness, optimism, and generosity he shared with others. Mr. Johnson devoted his life to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities. His leadership helped countless young people imagine a brighter future and gave them the tools to pursue it. As we honor his life and mourn his passing, we celebrate a legacy of service that will continue to inspire generations to come. I am proud to join communities across Wisconsin in recognizing Michael Johnson's extraordinary contributions and the enduring legacy of his life's work.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I call up my amendment, No. 5485, and ask that it be reported by number.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to offer an amendment that will actually help millions of families just trying to make ends meet. We all know the childcare crisis doesn't see State or political lines. In rural, urban, and suburban communities, I hear from families making hard choices just to ensure their kids have a safe place to be when they are at work. And it is not just families who are hurting. I hear from businesses whose employees are leaving because someone has to stay home with the kids. When childcare is not accessible, our entire economy suffers. While my colleagues work to cut a $70 billion check for ICE and Border Patrol, my amendment would redirect just some of that funding to ensure millions of American families have childcare. Instead of giving a blank check to rogue ICE agents who have killed two American citizens, this would lower costs for families and give more children a strong start. I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, do I have any time remaining?

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, pursuant to section 904 of the Congressional Budget Act and all budget resolution discipline that applies, I move to waive all points of order for the purposes of the pending measure, and I ask for the yeas and nays. Vote on Motion

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW, Local 159 in Madison, WI, on their 125th anniversary. I am pleased to honor this organization and to commemorate this historic milestone. Chartered in 1900, IBEW Local 159 began with only 25 members. These members all recognized that their union was crucial to improving the pay and working conditions for electrical workers in their community. At the time, many were experiencing 7-day work weeks with 12-hour workdays and pay as low as $8 a week. Additionally, the work was difficult and dangerous with a fatality rate of 50 percent, twice the national average death rate for all other industries. Today, IBEW Local 159 includes active members and retirees who work across many different fields, including construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, utilities, manufacturing, railroads, government, and coffee shops. Union members bargain collectively with employers for fair wages, benefits, rights, and legal protections. IBEW Local 159 members are also deeply involved in greater Madison community. Some of the projects members have volunteered for include Holiday Fantasy in Lights, Habitat for Humanity, Vilas Park Zoo Annual Fundraising programs, Ronald McDonald House, Halloween Tunnel of Terror, and Fishing Has No Boundaries. As IBEW Local 159 celebrates its 125th anniversary, they hope to continue the successes of four previous generations by protecting their craft and geographic jurisdiction, continuing to organize contractors, and developing their apprenticeship and training programs. This will allow them to build solidarity among their members and protect quality work into the future. As we honor this significant milestone for IBEW Local 159, I am grateful for their continued support of skilled trade workers, and I look forward to their continued success and impact in the years to come.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today in opposition to President Trump's war of choice in Iran that has cost taxpayers billions and taken the lives of 13 American servicemembers. Since this war began over 11 weeks ago, it has been abundantly clear that Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth don't know what they are doing. They have offered shifting rationales for why we are at war, moving the goalposts by the hour. There seems to be no plan or timeline for when this war will end. This administration has also been caught flat-footed at every turn, including not anticipating that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed and the skyrocketing gas prices that followed. It is not just Americans at home who are paying the price for this conflict. American servicemembers are sounding the alarm, too, that the Trump administration wasn't prepared to keep them safe. First, we learned that servicemembers who were injured in Kuwait in a March 1 drone strike had to wait nearly a month to get care for their traumatic brain injuries. Now we are learning that troops in the same unit had their calls for support from the Army ignored. Soldiers stationed in Kuwait asked for additional medical personnel and medical supplies before the war began, but that request was denied. These same soldiers also recount that they did not get the proper training for responding to an attack. They were told: Don't worry about protection. MAJ Stephen Ramsbottom told CBS News that he believed MSG Nicole Amor, an Army reservist who was killed in the attack, could have survived her wounds had the military been properly prepared for retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases. All of this points to a larger problem and a larger pattern of Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth being totally reckless, starting a war without the careful planning necessary to protect Americans. And while two in three Americans say this war was the wrong decision, President Trump keeps threatening to ramp up this conflict, putting our troops further into harm's way. He has even hinted that he is interested in starting another war in Cuba. Americans didn't ask for this war of choice. Their elected representatives in Washington didn't even vote on it. And yet it is Americans who are paying the price every single day. I am glad to see more of my Republican colleagues are listening to their constituents, and I was pleased to see another vote to stop this reckless and illegal war. But it is not enough. It is time for Congress to finally be a check on this President. Stand up for your constituents and our servicemembers, and join us in voting to stop this war. I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the exceptional career and life of Dr. William Finlayson, who passed away on May 11, 2026, at the age of 101. Dr. Finlayson was a pillar of the Milwaukee 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, he 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. He then served in the Army Reserves from 1946 to 1953. While serving in the reserves, Dr. Finlayson moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College. It was during this time that he became classmates and fraternity brothers with the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Finlayson graduated from Morehouse in 1948 with his B.S. and then attended Meharry Medical College in 1953. Dr. Finlayson completed his residency at the University of Minnesota in 1958 before moving to Milwaukee in that same year with his wife Edith. Upon arriving in Milwaukee, segregation made it difficult for Black physicians to get hired by the city's leading 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 the late Alderwoman Vel Phillips and Father James Groppi. During the civil rights era, it was Dr. Finlayson who was instrumental in bringing the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, 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, with the goal of offering 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. Dr. Finlayson, affectionately known as ``the baby doctor,'' practiced obstetrics and gynecology for nearly 40 years, delivering what is estimated to be nearly 10,000 children in the city of Milwaukee. He became one of the city's first Black physicians with admitting privileges at major hospitals such as St. Joseph's Hospital and Advocate Aurora Sinai Medical Center. His compassion and commitment to equitable healthcare touched countless families throughout Milwaukee and beyond. Outside of medicine, his civic contributions included serving as president of the Cream City Medical Society, the 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 was a member of the Urban League, as well as a lifetime member of the NAACP. Dr. Finlayson was truly a Milwaukee trailblazer who consistently fought for equality in the State of Wisconsin. In 2022, the Milwaukee roadway formerly known as North 5th Street was renamed Dr. William Finlayson Street in his honor. Dr. Finlayson's life's work will continue to have a tremendous impact on so many families across the Milwaukee community. His legacy and advice will live on due to the long-standing barriers that he set out to shatter. He often advised younger generations with the saying, ``I think the key is learning. Learn as much as you can, do as much as you can.'' He certainly embodied those values throughout his life and his work. I extend my deepest condolences to his sons Tony and Reggie; his daughter Sheila; his entire family; his colleagues, and the thousands of lives he touched. I am pleased to join others in honoring Dr. Finlayson's success and contributions to the people of Milwaukee, the State of Wisconsin, and our Nation.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. John Raymond, one of Wisconsin's most distinguished physicians, educators, researchers, and institutional leaders. Serving as president of the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) since 2010, Dr. Raymond will be stepping down as President and transitioning to a faculty role in June of 2026. The career of Dr. Raymond is marked by his exceptional commitment to public service and the well-being of not only Milwaukee, but the entire State of Wisconsin. For 16 years he has worked extensively with my office to ensure we create the best possible health legislation for our constituents, while deftly navigating numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. A native of Akron, OH, Dr. Raymond graduated from Ohio State University in 1978 and earned his medical degree there in 1982. He began his career as a faculty member at the world-renowned Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Raymond later became the associate chief of staff of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC, before moving into academic administration as vice president for academic affairs and provost of the Medical University of South Carolina. Eventually, Dr. Raymond came to Wisconsin, assuming his tenure as president of MCW in 2010. Dr. Raymond arrived at MCW with a mandate and a vision he articulated clearly in his installation address: ``Strength Through Collaboration.'' That phrase, far more than mere rhetoric, proved to be the guiding principle of 16 transformational years. Under his stewardship, MCW, Wisconsin's only private medical school, grew from a $798.4 million institution into a $1.61 billion enterprise, more than doubling its top-line revenue and reflecting the profound expansion of MCW's reach, capacity, and national stature. Today, in partnership with Froedtert Health, Children's Wisconsin, and the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, MCW contributes $5.82 billion annually in direct operational impact to our Nation's economy. During his tenure, philanthropic support to MCW increased by 400 percent, research expenditures doubled, and patient visits tripled. These are metrics that speak not merely to institutional scale, but to the depth of public trust Dr. Raymond has cultivated. Among the most consequential contributions of Dr. Raymond's presidency has been his recognition that a great medical institution must serve all corners of the State it calls home. Wisconsin has long faced a serious and growing physician shortage, particularly in its rural communities. Dr. Raymond addressed this challenge head-on. Under his leadership, MCW established regional medical school campuses in Green Bay and central Wisconsin, extending access to world-class medical education beyond Milwaukee and into communities that had long been underserved. Additionally, in August 2017, MCW launched its School of Pharmacy, broadening the institution's scope and training the pharmacists who will serve Wisconsin patients for generations to come. Dr. Raymond's contributions to the Milwaukee community include the ThriveOn King collaboration, a partnership with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the Royal Capital Group. MCW built the ThriveOn King building to address social determinants of health and bring economic and social benefits to one of Milwaukee's most historic neighborhoods. The full weight of Dr. Raymond's character and leadership was perhaps most vividly demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Wisconsin, along with every other State, faced an unprecedented public health crisis. Dr. Raymond emerged as one of the State's most trusted and authoritative voices, providing regular briefings to area business executives and the public alike, communicating with clarity, calm, and scientific integrity at a time when both were desperately needed. His service during the pandemic earned him the Milwaukee Business Journal's recognition as Executive of the Year in 2020 and Health Care Leader of the Year in 2021. These awards reflect not only professional achievement but the public's genuine gratitude for steady, principled leadership in a time of crisis. Taken together, Dr. Raymond's accomplishments reflect a commitment to Wisconsin that has never been confined to the lecture hall or the laboratory. Rather, he has been a tireless champion of community engagement and health equity. As Dr. Raymond now transitions from the presidency of the Medical College of Wisconsin to a faculty position, we are reminded that the truest measure of an institution-builder is not the scale of what they construct, but the permanence of what they leave behind. Dr. Raymond leaves behind a stronger, more expansive, more equitable, and more deeply woven institution than the one he inherited. For all his contributions to the health of Wisconsin's communities, to the vitality of its medical workforce, and to the strength of its institutions, I wish to express my deepest gratitude and most sincere admiration for Dr. John R. Raymond. As a direct result of his service, the great State of Wisconsin has been made immeasurably better.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to once again call on my Republican colleagues to listen to their constituents and bring an end to this war of choice. Let's be clear. Americans do not like this war because they are the ones paying for it. American taxpayers have already been forced to shell out at least $29 billion for a conflict with no end in sight. Hundreds of American servicemembers have been injured, and 13 Americans have lost their lives. And Americans are paying the price for this war at the gas pump every single day as the cost of just about everything seems to be going up. Today, we learned that inflation tripled in March, showing consumer prices rose by nearly 4 percent. Make no mistake--that jump was almost singlehandedly caused by Donald Trump's war in Iran, which has sent gas prices skyrocketing 50 percent since he chose to start this conflict. It is not just gas prices and travel costs going up for Wisconsin families; the price of just about everything will increase as transporting goods to markets continues to rise. These cost increases are simply not manageable for many of my constituents and will force them to make impossible decisions. I am hearing from Wisconsin farmers who are paying through the nose for the fertilizer and diesel they need to plant their crops this spring. As of today, the average price for diesel in Wisconsin is $5.84 per gallon. That is $2.61 higher than 1 year ago. One Wisconsin farmer told the local news that he is paying $2,000 more for diesel fuel this planting season than in previous years. Fertilizer is also getting more expensive because of Donald Trump's war. Fertilizer inputs shot up nearly $700 per ton in late April--nearly $250 more than the day before the war started. According to a recent survey, about 70 percent of farmers nationwide say they were unable to afford all the fertilizer they need for this planting season. For Wisconsin farmers who work on very tight margins, these price increases could be make-or-break for their businesses. Donald Trump vowed to bring prices down on day one. Instead, he has illegally started a war all on his own that is jacking up the cost of just about everything. On behalf of our constituents, who are paying the price for this war of choice, I implore my Republican colleagues to do their job and end this conflict. Every day this war drags on is another day that the American people will be forced to pay for it. I yield the floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today on behalf of the American people who are against Donald Trump's illegal war with Iran. This war has taken the lives of 13 servicemembers--hundreds more are injured, many severely. This war has cost American taxpayers upward of $25 billion and is jacking up the cost of energy, fuel, and fertilizer for Wisconsin families and farmers. I have been clear since this conflict began 2 months ago: President Trump did not have the authority to start this war with Iran. We were not under attack from Iran. We were not under imminent threat of an attack from Iran. Therefore, President Trump was required to ask Congress, the people's branch, for authorization. The Trump administration should have made the case to us and to the American people for why an all-out war with Iran was worth it. But the Trump administration did not follow the law. Donald Trump dragged the United States into a war of choice without a clear explanation. It happened without open hearings or public debates or a timeline. He started a war with Iran without a clear reason or plan to get us out. That is why we are still at war 2 months later. The Trump administration keeps saying that this will not be another endless war, but this administration still hasn't committed to a timeline for getting us out. I have watched my Republican colleagues bend over backward to explain why they have abdicated their duty to be a check on President Trump, but even if this war of choice was allowed under law, Congress still has to play a role. I wholeheartedly disagree with my Republican colleagues who said Trump could wage this war for 60 days without getting Congress' approval. But regardless, that clock that they just set up has run out. We are coming up on 60 days since the President notified Congress of military action in Iran. And as Republicans keep telling me, that deadline matters. On the 60-day mark, President Trump must cease military action or receive congressional authorization. My Republican colleagues know this. They have said as much, calling this deadline a ``big deal'' and a ``trigger'' that requires Congress to act. So here is Republicans' chance to act. You said the President had 60 days to wage a war and that he needed Congress to sign off? Well, it has been 60 days. It is time to do your constitutional duty to rein in this President and stop this illegal war that is jacking up Americans' costs while accomplishing next to nothing. Iran still has nuclear materials. They still have ballistic missiles and drones to attack us, a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, and the same oppressive regime in place. It is time to show the American people where you stand on this war. Join us in forcing the Trump administration to come to Congress, to explain to the American people why we are at war, and make their case for why this war should continue. If they can't, then we shouldn't be at war, period. I yield the floor. (Mrs. MOODY assumed the chair.)

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor civil rights activist and icon Joanne Bland. Ms. Bland was only 11 years old when Bloody Sunday occurred in her hometown of Selma, AL, and one of the youngest people to join the historic 1965 Voting Rights March from Selma to Alabama's capital of Montgomery. I was honored to meet Ms. Bland in 2005, when I joined her and hundreds of others during an early Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage, led by the late Representative John Lewis of Georgia, to Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma on the anniversary of Bloody Sunday. We later interacted frequently during her visits to Wisconsin. Those of us in Wisconsin were privileged to enjoy a special relationship with Ms. Bland. Beginning 25 years ago, after participating in a presentation called ``Milwaukee: the Selma of the North,'' she traveled to campuses and communities throughout Wisconsin dozens of times to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the contemporary meanings of the movement for voting rights. She established ongoing relationships with the University of Wisconsin- Madison and Beloit College, sharing her work and story with countless students. In turn, many of these students spent time in Selma to help her build the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute. Ms. Bland was the institution's first director. Ms. Bland's dedication to activism in her civil and human rights work touched the lives of her community in Selma and far beyond. She grew up in segregated Selma, where she witnessed and participated in some of our Nation's most monumental civil rights battles. Committed to nonviolent civil disobedience--a hallmark of the civil rights movement led, in part, by her teacher and mentor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-- she was arrested for the first time at just 8 years old. By the time she reached 11 years old, she had been arrested a further 13 times in pursuit of civil rights. Throughout her life, Ms. Bland remained a fearless advocate for racial justice and a pillar of Selma's community. She served in the Army and graduated with a bachelor of arts from the College of Staten Island. She was an educator and historian of the Selma March and cofounded the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in 1993, where she stressed the idea that the history of civil rights is not just Black history, but American history. A central tenet of this work was her belief that history had all too often rendered invisible the untold stories of countless women and children who had been at the core of the March and that these stories now needed to be told. The museum she helped build was grounded in the grassroots, and to this day, the museum has been able to operate for more than three decades without a major Federal funding grant. More recently, she launched Foot Soldiers Park which, to her, was ``more than a memorial.'' She saw it as a space where young people could come together to learn about history, art, music, and leadership to invest in their own dreams. In 2010, she created her own touring agency, Journeys of the Soul, to teach the public about the history of the civil rights movement with a focus on Selma, AL. In 2015, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary march jubilee, she organized a panel in which now elderly footsoldiers who had been teens in 1965 came into dialogue with the teens of today. It was her way of reminding these young people of the important role they must now play at a time when voting rights are being threatened again as never before. Ms. Bland's passion for educating her community will impact Selma and the Nation for years to come. Ms. Bland's life work of activism and education towards a better America will be remembered in all our hearts. As a lifelong civil rights leader, her impact on Selma and beyond will continue through the institutions she has built and will be felt beyond her passing. Ms. Bland has taught us the value of giving back to our community and investing in future generations. I am honored to join our community in celebrating her life defined by her love and dedication to this country. We recognize and honor her extraordinary contributions not only to Alabama, but to the greater civil rights movement and fight for racial equality.