John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3784 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Environment and Public Works be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4618 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Moran substitute amendment be agreed to; the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Shelby- Brown substitute amendment No. 5127 be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I know of no further debate on the measure.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5602 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Leroy Mazell Smith, an aviation mechanic from Fordyce, AR, who was part of the illustrious Tuskegee Airmen and served his country with honor and distinction. Born in 1927, Smith loved to tell the story of his birth with wry humor and fondness. A midwife helped his mother deliver him while on a bridge where some had taken refuge from the great Mississippi River flood of that year. They remained there for 4 days before his birth was documented. The result was that his birth certificate indicated a different date of birth, 4 days after his actual birthday. From that unusual beginning, he went on to lead a remarkable life. He credited his Baptist grandfather with having a large influence on him growing up, including teaching him the value of hard work. He graduated from high school at age 16 and took preflight aeronautical classes. After graduation, Smith joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and became a mechanic. He completed basic training in Texas and was stationed at Chanute Field in Illinois. Later, during World War II, he was sent to Europe where he was assigned to the Tuskegee Airmen Red Tail squadron. He remembered being scared during his time in theater but always relayed his sense of pride in the work he did and the fact that the Tuskegee unit never lost a bomber. Smith also helped break social and racial barriers in the military. As part of the group of African Americans who served in the Armed Forces in the mid-20th century, he was among many servicemembers who confronted segregation within the barracks and beyond. Even so, he recalled his time in the Army Air Corps as ``one of his best memories.'' Leroy Smith honorably served with the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force for more than 25 years, including further combat tours in Korea and Vietnam. He retired in 1968 as a master sergeant. Leroy Mazell Smith passed away on December 1, 2016. He will be laid to rest on December 9, wearing an Air Force uniform complete with the medals he earned during his service, a recent request that the nonprofit veterans' support group Team Red, White and Blue helped fulfill. Smith is an American hero whose admirable service is recognized and appreciated by all Arkansans. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends, and I hope that they take comfort in the wonderful legacy that he leaves behind.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize an Arkansan who has made a profound impact on the agriculture industry in my home State of Arkansas and the Nation. William ``Bill'' A. Baxter earned his bachelor of science degree from the University of Arkansas in 1949. Since then, Bill has been a leader on agricultural issues and has served in various roles to advance the interests of the farming community. As president of both Baxter Land Company and Camp Nine Company, Bill is the head of two family corporations that own 20,000 acres of land in southeast Arkansas and produce cotton, rice, soybeans, corn, wheat, grain, sorghum, timber, and catfish. He was also an organizer and partner in several cotton production organizations and is a past president of the Agricultural Council of Arkansas. He has been a director and chairman of the Cotton Board, a member and delegate of the National Cotton Council, and a board member of Cotton Council International. Baxter has also received the ``Arkansas Cotton Achievement Award,'' which recognized his many accomplishments within the agricultural community. He was inducted into the Arkansas Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1999. In addition to being a promoter and political voice for cotton and agriculture in Arkansas and the United States, over the course of his life, Baxter has been an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. Bill's advocacy on behalf of Arkansas agriculture has made a significant impact on an industry that plays a vitally important role in our State's economy and culture. This December, Bill is being inducted into the Cotton Research and Promotion Hall of Fame. This program recognizes U.S. cotton industry leaders who have made substantial contributions to the cotton industry. I congratulate Bill on receiving yet another award acknowledging his support for and contribution to agriculture in Arkansas and throughout the country. This is a well-deserved honor, and I appreciate Bill's years of dedication to this industry.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize University of Central Arkansas Police Chief Larry K. James for more than 40 years of service in law enforcement. Chief James began his service at the University of Central Arkansas in 1993 and is retiring in January 2017. Prior to taking his position at the head of UCA's police department, James served as deputy chief of police at San Jose State University, as well director of public safety for the Portland Community College District. He has committed his career to strengthening public safety on college campuses by cultivating professional law enforcement practices that have made campus communities safer. Chief James has also represented Arkansas and the law enforcement community incredibly well. He is past president of the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police, which represents more than 200 chief law enforcement executives throughout the State. Additionally, he has served as governmental affairs representative and consultant-evaluator with the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. James has implemented community-oriented policing programs by bringing together various groups and organizations to resolve crime- related problems and enhance safety on the campuses he has been apart of. He is a proven and steadfast leader. When a shooting occurred on the campus of UCA on October 26, 2008, James's work in preparing his department and the university community to respond to a threatening event was put to the test. Training to respond to this type of incident, directed by Chief James, resulted in the suspects being quickly apprehended before further loss of life could occur. Chief Larry James has dedicated his entire career to public safety and protecting his community. I want to thank Chief James for his tireless dedication and wish him well in his retirement. I hope others in the law enforcement community will look to his record as an example of how rewarding and meaningful a career in public service can be.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor University of Central Arkansas president Tom Courtway who will retire as president of the university in December after nearly 15 years of dedication to higher education in Arkansas. President Courtway was appointed the 10th president of UCA in 2011, and he has proven himself to be a driving force in improving and expanding the campus for current and future students. His career has been marked by leadership and dedicated service, which will endure since he will continue to teach at UCA. During his time leading in higher education, he has always put students first and fought to ensure the community had opportunities to succeed. President Courtway has been lauded for his steady leadership and has been entrusted to serve time and again. In addition to serving as president of the university, he previously represented UCA as general counsel, vice president, and interim president. President Courtway is a strong leader in central Arkansas' dedication to academic vitality, diversity and integrity. He has also been actively engaged in the legislative process at the State level on behalf of his community. He served the 45th district in the Arkansas Legislature for 6 years, and he also spent a year as the interim director of the Arkansas Department of Education. President Courtway has served his community and State in a remarkable way, pursuing development and higher education opportunities for the good people of Conway. I congratulate President Courtway for his outstanding achievements in his career and thank him for his dedication to education, students, and the community. I wish him all the best in retirement and know that his wife, Melissa, and the rest of his family will enjoy the opportunity to spend more time with him.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor circuit judge Jim Spears who will be retiring in December after serving the people of Sebastian County, AR, for more than 20 years. Judge Spears has been an active member of the legal community since graduating from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1973. Described by those who know him as ``kind, fair and approachable,'' his 24 years presiding over the Sebastian County Circuit's Third Division have been a testament to his commitment to the people of Arkansas. Those who have stood in court before Judge Spears have expressed their utmost respect and admiration for his conduct and character. In addition to his passion for the law, his colleagues say that his commitment to civic involvement is equally important to his years on the bench. Judge Spears has worked closely with the Boy Scouts of America and served on the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission and as board chairman of the U.S. Marshals Museum. He has played a critical role in many community projects including leading the effort to create a bronze statue of U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves. Judge Spears has been honored by many organizations for his efforts, including the Arkansas Bar Association's Citizen Lawyer award in 2004 for his exemplary service to his community. I am honored to know Judge Spears and want to thank him for his distinguished service as a leader in the justice system and the community. I wish him the best in his well-earned retirement from the bench, and I look forward to watching him use his talents and passion to continue to serve Arkansas in the years to come.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Travis Wood, an Arkansan who is a member of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Travis was born in Little Rock, AR. He comes from an athletic family and demonstrated his potential on the baseball diamond early. He gained national notice as a member of Bryant's 15-year-old All-Stars team when he pitched a no-hitter and struck out 17 batters at the Babe Ruth World Series. Travis played baseball at Bryant High School, where he was a three- time All-State selection and helped lead the Bryant Hornets to the State championship game in his junior season. He went on to win more accolades, including Saline County ``Male Athlete of the Year'' and the Arkansas Gatorade ``Player of the Year'' in addition to being named to the Louisville Slugger High School All-American team and the Louisville Slugger ``Player of the Year'' in Arkansas. After high school, Travis began his professional baseball career when he was drafted 60th overall by the Cincinnati Reds. He made his major league debut for the Reds against the Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 1, 2010. Wood was traded to the Cubs in 2011 and was named to the National League All-Star Team in 2013. This season, Travis was an integral part of the Cubs' bullpen, going 4-0 with a 2.95 ERA in 77 appearances. While he's known for his impressive pitching repertoire, Travis has also had success in the batter's box throughout his career. That was on full display in game 2 of this year's National League Division Series, when he hit a 393-foot solo homerun against the Giants and helped propel the Cubs to a 2-0 lead in the series. Travis has continued to impress throughout his professional career, and Arkansas is extremely proud of him. We are so excited for Travis and his teammates, who were able to come back from a 3-1 series deficit to win the World Series, the first time the Chicago Cubs have done so in 108 years. Travis Wood is a great ambassador for the Natural State, and I am pleased to recognize his achievements. Congratulations, Travis and the entire Chicago Cubs organization, on a historic World Series championship.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 28; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 5325 until 10 a.m.; finally, that at 10 a.m., the Senate resume consideration of the veto message to accompany S. 2040, as under the previous order.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order, following the remarks of the Senator from Colorado, Mr. Bennet.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, famously known as the Natural State, my home State of Arkansas holds the proud distinction as the Nation's leader in rice production. Last year, Arkansas produced more than 50 percent of the total rice grown in the country. On average, farmers in Arkansas grow rice on 1.5 million acres each year. Ninety-six percent of those farms are family owned and operated. As the No. 1 producer of this crop, Arkansas has a unique role in the industry. That is why I am proud to recognize the 26th anniversary of National Rice Month. I am pleased to promote policies that enable our farmers to manage risk and ensure that high-quality U.S. rice remains a staple on tables across the globe. This industry is not only contributing to a nutritious and balanced diet, it is also an economic engine in rural America. Nationwide, the rice industry accounts for 125,000 jobs and contributes more than $34 billion to the U.S. economy. In Arkansas, rice contributes more than $1.8 billion to our State's economy and provides thousands of jobs. We can increase both of these numbers even more if we open additional markets for our rice producers to compete in. Rice farmers all across America would benefit from a changing policy with Cuba because rice is a staple of the Cuban diet. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that U.S. rice exports could increase by $365 million per year if financing and travel restrictions were lifted. Arkansas' agricultural secretary has said that the economic impact on the State's rice industry could be about $30 million. Rice production is efficient. More rice is being produced on less land, using less water and energy than 20 years ago. As great stewards of the land, rice farmers are committed to protecting and preserving our natural resources. I am proud to celebrate 26 years of National Rice Month and honor the more than 100,000 Americans involved in the rice industry. Additionally, I wish to make a comment about the devastating floods that northeastern Arkansas experienced in August. The recent floods caused serious damage to crop production, including rice. Many of these crops were near harvest stage. The University of Arkansas estimates that the State suffered $50 million in crop losses due to the recent flooding. This damage has largely flown under the radar, and the final damages may be more than this preliminary estimate. The Governor of Arkansas has requested disaster assistance from the USDA, and last week the Arkansas congressional delegation wrote a letter in support of the Governor's request. Secretary Vilsack committed to me that he would expedite this request as quickly as possible, and I encourage him to do so. Agriculture accounts for nearly one-quarter of Arkansas' economic activity. One out of every six jobs in Arkansas is tied to agriculture. Rice production is a vital part of agriculture's contribution to Arkansas' economy. I am committed to helping our rice producers succeed in today's global economy.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of Lawrence County Judge Dale Freeman of Portia, AR, who passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2016. Judge Freeman was a Lawrence County native who loved his neighbors and community with evident passion. Dale graduated from Southern Baptist College and worked at Burlington Northern Railroad, where he retired after 36 years of service. He also had a desire for public service and went on to become mayor of Portia, AR, and eventually was elected judge of Lawrence County in 2010. Judge Freeman once told a reporter, ``the only job I ever wanted was to be the judge in Lawrence County.'' When the people of Lawrence County gave him that opportunity, he made the most of it. He was a tireless advocvate for citizens and was known to put in long hours conducting the business of the county. His ultimate goal was to leave the county better than when he took office, and based on the results, it is fair to say that he achieved that aim. Judge Freeman was injured in a car accident in August of this year and was being treated at a hospital in Little Rock. While he had been making progress toward a recovery, unfortunately, his health rapidly declined, and he passed away as a result of his injuries. He is survived by his wife, Mary, daughters, Tonya, Candi, and Michelle, and son, Jeff. I deeply admire Judge Freeman's dedication to serving his lifelong home of Lawrence County. I know his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the community will be missed by many. I join with them in praying for comfort for Judge Freeman's family, friends, and loved ones. Today we honor him as his community grieves his loss and reflects on his life and service.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to remember the life of Ronnie Baldwin, who passed away on August 28, 2016. Ronnie Baldwin led a life dedicated to public service. He joined the Wynne Police Department after graduating from Wynne High School in 1970. He served with that department for more than 15 years, first as a patrolman, then a lieutenant and a criminal investigator. He continued his commitment to protecting the community as the Brinkley chief of police and served as sheriff of Cross County from 1999-2008. He remained committed to the law enforcement community, serving as executive director of the Arkansas Sheriff's Association, which he told friends was his dream job. His commitment to public service extended beyond the borders of Arkansas. He was a board member of the National Sheriffs' Association and also served as a board member of the Arkansas Professional Bail Bond Licensing Board for more than 11 years. Ronnie once said in a newspaper interview that he believed ``actions define character.'' Those who had the privilege of working with him knew that he lived by those words. A true family man and dear friend, Ronnie leaves behind many loved ones, including his wife, Martha, children, grandchildren, and many friends. I want to offer my prayers and sincere condolences to his loved ones on their loss. Ronnie was a true hero who led a life committed to protecting public safety. I thank him for his lifelong commitment to Arkansas and law enforcement throughout the Nation.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to remember the life of Lasker ``Las'' Bell, Sr., an iconic radio and television personality who brought music into the hearts and minds of people living in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, who passed away on September 12, 2016. Bell was born in Homer, LA, and spent much of his childhood as a sharecropper, working alongside his maternal grandparents, who raised him. In 1944, he moved to Camden, AR, which became his home. He honorably served his country as a corporal in the U.S. Army. When he was discharged in 1952, he returned to Camden where he put his vision to become a radio and television host into motion. In 1967, Bell turned his passion for music into a hosting gig at KJWH in El Dorado. He continued that momentum and turned the excitement for soul music in the region into the ``Las Bell Variety Show.'' By 1970, it was a weekly staple on the airwaves that helped define a generation of people in the region. He aimed to offer African Americans the same opportunity as the nationwide hit show ``American Bandstand.'' He broke barriers as the first Black interviewer for Channel 10 News and continued to pursue his other hosting responsibilities, adding a gospel show to the radio. Bell's commitment to the community led him to serve on and establish civic organizations to help make a difference. His service includes founding the Elks Club in Camden and serving on the Bi-racial Committee for the Camden schools. He was appointed to the Human Resources Commission by Governor David Pryor and reappointed by Governor Frank White. As a faithful follower of Christ, Bell shared the stories of Jesus. His friends remember his smile that would brighten anyone's day. I want to offer my prayers and sincere condolences to Las's loved ones on their loss. I thank him for his lifelong passion for entertainment and sharing that with Arkansans and the region.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, while I was traveling around Arkansas during our instate work period, one of the top issues I heard about from my constituents was national security. It remains at the forefront of the minds of Arkansans. I am sure my colleagues heard the same thing during their time at home. The message I received was one of concern--concern with how the administration's terrible Iran deal is flushing the regime with cash and allowing Tehran to continue its nuclear activities while rebuilding its arsenal and belligerently bullying the United States and our allies. They are concerned that North Korea is ramping up its nuclear program to try to get the same sweetheart deal, and they are concerned the threat from ISIS continues to grow despite the President's attempt to convince the public that radical Islamic terror is not a problem. Let's start with Iran. Earlier this week, Iran threatened to shoot down two U.S. Navy surveillance aircraft for flying ``too close to Iranian airspace.'' Yes, the country the Obama administration bent over backward to appease threatened us once again. This is the latest in a long line of provocations directed by Iran toward the United States. Last month, Iran harassed our warships in the Persian Gulf on at least five occasions. Iran's belligerence has been matched by the nation's pursuit of weapons, all of which has been enabled by the terrible nuclear deal President Obama brokered--a deal Iran has zero intentions of abiding by. Earlier this month, the regime in Tehran deployed a Russian-supplied surface-to-air-missile defense system around its Fordow underground uranium enrichment facility. This potent missile defense system was part of an $800 million deal Russia signed with Iran in 2007. That deal has been voluntarily put on hold because of a 2010 U.N. Security Council resolution, but that hold was lifted after President Obama's weak Iran deal signaled to Russia that it is acceptable to sell weapons to Iran. This news is shocking given that President Obama said his deal halts enrichment at Fordow. If that is the case, why does Iran need this potent defense system to protect its scientific facility? Where did Iran get the money for this system? The Obama administration and its negotiating partners agreed in secret to allow Iran to evade some restrictions in the nuclear agreement. This reprieve was grand in order to give Iran more time to meet the deadline for it to start getting relief from economic sanctions. For all of these concessions, what exactly did the international community get out of the deal? Certainly not peace of mind. Meanwhile, Iran gets concession after concession to build a peaceful nuclear program that no one outside the White House believes will remain that way, but outside the White House walls, the rogue actors of the world have a different perspective. What they see is a meal ticket--a way to get out of sanctions without having to end the pursuit of nuclear weapons. Case in point, North Korea. They have seen the windfall Iran has received for agreeing to the President's deal and appear to be angling for a windfall of their own, which is why North Korea defied U.N. resolutions and detonated its fifth and largest nuclear weapon last week. After carrying out the test, North Korea boasted that the warhead could be used to counter the American threat. Make no mistake, North Korea wants its own deal and will continue to try to provoke the United States. Will President Obama cave in to North Korea's demands in the same manner in which he did with Iran? We certainly should not be granting sanctions relief to North Korea nor should we be doing so for Iran. In fact, we should be ratcheting up sanctions. We have passed legislation to do that for North Korea already. The chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee has a bill to make that happen for Iran as well. I am cosponsoring that bill and hope we can move it forward in the Senate. While Iran and North Korea step up the posturing, ISIS just released a gruesome new propaganda video showing dozens of captured prisoners hung from meat hooks inside a Syrian slaughterhouse. The video then shows ISIS members slitting the throats of these prisoners. The brutality of these terrorists, which President Obama once referred to as the JV team, is shocking and revolting. The President has never presented a strategy to Congress for eliminating ISIS, and our sporadic airstrikes have done little to stop the terrorist group from pressing forward to strengthen its global reach. As these events play out, Senate Democrats continue to block vital funding for our troops and our country's security and keep it from moving forward. This is why national security was the main concern I heard about during the instate work period and I continue to hear about now. The anxiety and unease created by this administration's failed foreign policy weighs heavy on the American people. We must change course. With that, I suggest the absence of a quorum.