John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 3 p.m. on Monday, May 12; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each; further, that notwithstanding rule XXII, the cloture motions filed on May 8 ripen at 5:30 p.m., and the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 76, Monica Crowley.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mr. Dennis Sternberg for his exceptional and transformative leadership as the executive director of the Arkansas Rural Water Association (ARWA) as he ends his successful career. Thanks to Mr. Sternberg's selfless service and steadfast advocacy for improved water infrastructure, Arkansas communities are better suited to provide safe and reliable drinking water. Over the past 22 years with Mr. Sternberg at the helm, ARWA has become Arkansas' largest water and wastewater utility membership association, with more than 600 utility members today. Mr. Sternberg prioritized daily educational trainings and assistance programs to support the State's utility operators. He was an active advocate for legislation advancing water and wastewater issues both at the State and Federal levels. With every occasion, Mr. Sternberg championed the development of systems in small and rural communities. During his tenure, Mr. Sternberg made numerous trips to Washington, DC, to testify on the behalf of Arkansas water infrastructure. His guidance and support were vital in the crafting and implementation of legislation such as the 2020 Water Resources and Development Act, Small and Rural Community Clean Water Technical Assistance Act, and America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. ARWA has remained an active affiliate of the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) and State Rural Water Associations. Under Mr. Sternberg's leadership, ARWA staff were always on the frontlines when natural disasters struck to meet the needs of residents and help restore water services in a timely manner. ARWA works vigorously to meet two critical needs: to provide Arkansans with safe water sources by building cost-effective and modest-sized water systems and to help rural communities address new contaminants and overcome regulatory hurdles. These two goals were always the highest priority under the direction of Mr. Sternberg, and his vision ensured they were consistently attained. While Mr. Sternberg's time has come to close at ARWA, he has certainly left American water infrastructure better than he found it, and for that, we are all grateful. I congratulate Mr. Sternberg on his exceptional tenure at ARWA and thank him for the impact he has made to strengthen water sources across our State. I wish him the very best as he transitions into retirement.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, had I been present and voting on rollcall vote No. 210, motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 75, Lt. Gen. John D. Caine (Retired) to be Major General in the Air Force, I would have voted yea. Had I been present and voting on rollcall vote No. 211, confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 75, Lt. Gen. John D. Caine (Retired) to be Major General in the Air Force, I would have voted yea. Had I been present and voting on rollcall vote No. 212, motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 74, Lt. Gen. John D. Caine (Retired) to be General for appointment as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I would have voted yea. Had I been present and voting on rollcall vote No. 213, confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 74, Lt. Gen. John D. Caine (Retired) to be General for appointment as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I would have voted yea.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize and congratulate an exceptional Arkansan, Peyton Bolling, as we celebrate her making history as the first Miss Arkansas' Teen to be crowned as Miss America's Teen. Our State is home to many talented, intelligent, and service-oriented young people, achieving tremendous accomplishments, and Peyton is truly a wonderful example of that. She is a Rogers native and a senior at Bentonville High School and grew up in a military family. Her parents, Colonel Ryan and Patrice Bolling, have supported and nurtured her interest in community betterment and service from a young age. That passion led her to serve as a U.S. Senate page, which only deepened her appreciation for our system of government that invites all Americans to play their part in shaping the future. I was pleased to meet her while she was in the Page Program and then reconnect after she claimed the Miss Arkansas' Teen title, last summer. It is encouraging to see her pursuing her new, larger platform to inspire positive change and promote civic engagement to America's next generation of leaders, and I am thankful she can now take this effort nationwide and give back in such a meaningful way. What makes this all the more impressive is that Peyton's success in the pageant world came not after years of practice and experience but on her first try. The poise and maturity she has demonstrated in competition, but also in so many other facets of life, are serving her incredibly well as she represents our community, the State of Arkansas, and our Nation. So, today, I am pleased to celebrate how far Peyton has come and recognize her special place in Natural State history. I look forward to all she will accomplish as Miss America's Teen and beyond.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise in opposition to Amendment No. 1726. I appreciate the concerns of my colleague from New Mexico regarding the challenges facing Americans in rural areas and those in need of nutrition assistance. However, this amendment indicates there is not a single dollar--not a single dollar--to be saved from waste, fraud, or abuse in the programs with the Agriculture Committee's jurisdiction. It is possible to identify commonsense savings within the Agriculture Committee's jurisdiction while ensuring our Federal nutrition programs and farm programs are well-targeted and continue to be responsive to those in need. I urge my colleagues to vote no on the amendment.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise in opposition to amendment No. 1441. I appreciate the concerns of my colleague from New Jersey; however, this amendment is not necessary. Secretary Rollins is conducting a thorough and timely review of the USDA contracts. Upon the final conclusion of those reviews, the Secretary has released the funds for various programs for USDA. It is the standard practice for new administrations to come in and review contracts and obligations made by prior administrations. I have full confidence in Secretary Rollins to continue down this path. I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the Bentonville Rotary Club in celebration of its 100th anniversary. This organization of volunteers and community leaders has made a tremendous impact on northwest Arkansas throughout its history, and I am grateful for the many ways its members live the Rotary mission to promote peace, education, and goodwill through service. The Bentonville Rotary Club's work has been a key part of the community's extraordinary growth over the last century. When it was first founded, the city's population was 2,300 people. Since then, it has become the focal point of one of the fastest growing regions in the Nation and a hub for global business and entrepreneurship. This growth has also been seen in the club's leadership and expansion. In 1924, its founding was sponsored by the Rogers' Rotary Club. The first president was Dave Peel, and his successors have often been leaders in other capacities, including Walmart founder Sam Walton, while the club has expanded its impact through sponsoring additional clubs in Bentonville/Bella Vista Daybreak, Holiday Island and Bella Vista Sunrise, in addition to the Bentonville Satellite club. I am grateful for the many contributions the Bentonville Rotary Club has made and continues to make in the community. These include fundraisers like the New Kids on the Block and Snack Packs for Kids. Rotarians also help beautify the city by planting redbud trees along West Central Avenue, as well as provide opportunities for local residents by sponsoring a library meeting room and an exhibit at the Scott Family Amazeum, donating over $15,000 in scholarships to students at Bentonville High School and supporting local food banks. After more than 100 years, the Bentonville Rotary continues to be truly dedicated to ``service above self'' through leadership and action. Its impact provides inspiration throughout the State, and I am grateful for the many ways its members continue working hard to make northwest Arkansas a special place to live.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise in opposition to amendment No. 664. Agriculture Secretary Rollins and the White House have made clear that addressing avian flu is a top priority. I share my colleague from Michigan's concerns about avian flu, but this is not the appropriate venue for policy discussions on animal disease. This budget resolution is focused on securing the border, strengthening the military, and bolstering American energy independence. I look forward to working with the Senator from Michigan, a fellow Member whom we are glad to have on the Agriculture Committee--a new member--to address animal disease threats in the farm bill. I urge my colleagues to vote against the amendment. Vote on Amendment No. 664

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise in opposition to amendment No. 233. I appreciate the concerns of my colleague from Maryland, and I share support for the school meal programs. I am eager for the Agriculture Committee to turn to child nutrition reauthorization this Congress. However, this amendment threatens the privilege of the resolution. Senators on the Ag Committee are openminded and welcoming of our colleague's involvement in important child nutrition programs; however, the budget process is not the proper venue to make policy changes to our school meals programs. For this reason, I urge my colleagues to vote no on this amendment. Madam President, since the amendment does not meet the standard required by law, I raise a point of order against the amendment under section 305(b)(2) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. I yield.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I am honored to speak on the floor of the Senate and support Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture. The Senate will vote on her nomination in this Cabinet position today, and I encourage my colleagues to vote yes. America's farmers, ranchers, and foresters need a leader at USDA who will be an advocate for their livelihoods and rural America and be a strong voice to address the pressing needs of our agriculture community. Brooke Rollins is that person. In her hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee, she pledged to do everything within her ability to ensure that our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities thrive. And we know she will follow through on that because rural America helped shape her into what she is today. She is leading a life of service that began with membership in her smalltown Texas FFA chapter. She continues to credit her FFA adviser for his support and mentorship in her agriculture career. She invited him to attend the nomination hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee last month, along with the Texas State FFA officer team she served with in high school. Texas Governor Rick Perry knew Brooke Rollins had a heart for Texas farmers and invited her to join his policy team, where she advocated for agriculture. She continues that passion today. Her executive leadership during the first Trump administration and her regular collaboration with President Trump make her uniquely qualified to serve in this position and advocate for family farms. She understands the significant responsibility of this role during one of the most economically challenging times for agriculture producers. Hard-working farmers who grow our food are struggling to operate, let alone make a profit in this current economic climate. High inflation and steep input costs far outpacing depressed market prices have put many farm families on a course toward bankruptcy, with multigenerational operations fighting to continue their family legacies. In December, Congress approved natural disaster and emergency assistance to help producers obtain critical operating loans for this crop year. Ensuring delivery of this aid will be one of her first priorities as Secretary. I am confident she will pursue policies to help rural America live up to its potential. While we first met during the first Trump administration, I have had the opportunity to get to know her better during her confirmation process, and she has demonstrated her enthusiasm for being a voice for smalltown American agriculture producers. I am grateful she is willing to take on this big responsibility and is willing to be a part of the solution to help rural America at this time of unprecedented challenges. As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I have met with farmers, ranchers, and agriculture stakeholders from all over the country, and they have been sounding the alarm of the dire circumstances they face in producing a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food. Farmers from my home State of Arkansas shared with the committee last week about the difficult conversations they are forced to have right now about continuing their multigenerational farms and risking their families' futures in the industry. Unfortunately, this is a conversation many more farm families across the country will have if we do not act quickly. Congress must deliver an updated 5-year farm bill that modernizes the safety net in order to minimize the liabilities farm families take on when they plant their crops. Food security is national security. Our country is blessed to have grocery stores stocked with food to put on our tables. This is the result of the hard work of our farmers and ranchers. These producers need the tools to be successful and continue to grow the food, fiber, and fuel our Nation depends on. I know Brooke Rollins shares my commitment to enhancing policies that help farm families and rural communities thrive. Given her executive leadership, she is well prepared to hit the ground running when she walks through the doors of the USDA as Secretary and to deliver this certainty and predictability our producers need. I look forward to working with her and strengthening rural America for the men, women, and families who call it home. I also want to thank everyone on both sides of the aisle for making it such that we can do this in such an expeditious way. It took a lot of cooperation. I think it just shows how important our farmers are to both Democrats and Republicans. It is one of the few areas in which it is not a partisan issue. It is all about helping the men and women who work so, so very hard to provide the food we eat. With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that our intern on the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Kylee Henneberry be granted floor privileges through May 9, 2025, and the CFTC detailee Kevin Webb also be granted floor privileges through the end of the 119th Congress.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry has adopted rules governing its procedures for the 119th Congress. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 2, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, on behalf of myself and Senator Klobuchar, I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the committee rules be printed in the Record.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the newest inductees into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame for their efforts to carry on the Natural State's deep-rooted farming culture and the leadership each has demonstrated in their respective communities. Arkansas' outsized impact on American agriculture is well-documented. That prominent role is largely the result of the hard work and expertise among our farmers, ranchers, and foresters, as well as entrepreneurs, scientists, educators, and all those who power our State's largest industry. Their dedication has continued to strengthen Arkansas agriculture even amid the tremendous challenges facing rural America and farming communities across the country right now. This year's inductees represent individuals who support the agriculture community in different capacities. Aubrey Blackmon of Houston, AR, grew his farm from one cow and calf to over 350 cattle at its peak. He has been involved with the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association for over 50 years and is known as the cattlemen's historian. After receiving the association's lifetime achievement award in 2023, it was renamed the ``Aubrey Blackmon Lifetime Service Achievement Award.'' Carl Brothers from Stuttgart has made significant contributions to Arkansas' rice production industry, including through policy efforts to create USDA marketing loans for rice farmers. His leadership at Riceland Foods over five decades helped it grow into the world's largest rice miller. Over the course of three decades, Chuck Culver of Fayetteville served with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and championed research to bolster farmers' ability to produce a safe, affordable, and abundant food supply. Culver also helped lead the establishment of the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center, as well as the Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center in Little Rock and the National Agricultural Law Center in Fayetteville. Mike Freeze of Little Rock has been a longtime champion of the aquaculture industry. Keo Fish Farms has been a catalyst for innovation in the industry under Mike's direction. He has advocated for fish farmers before the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee and served as president of the Arkansas chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Freeze was also appointed to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and went on to serve as its chairman. Albion, AR, resident Jack Reaper was a World War II veteran who built a diverse and commercially successful farming operation that included broilers and eggs, as well as beef cattle and dairy heifers. Having started with 24 acres of corn and cotton, by the end of his life, Reaper was widely acknowledged for his novel approach to farming in the Ozark Mountain foothills. Rison native Frank Wilson and his two brothers started Wilson Brothers Lumber in 1982 and saw it become an industry-leading operation. He would go on to develop critical software programs designed to assist producers with keeping forest management and financial records. Wilson also has helped raise $11 million for Arkansas Children's Hospital and built multiple local businesses while holding over 17,000 acres of south Arkansas timberland. On behalf of all Arkansans, I congratulate these deserving individuals for their long-lasting contributions that have improved Arkansas agriculture. Our State remains among the top agriculturally because of them and everything they represent. We are very proud of their achievements, and I am pleased to join the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in recognizing and honoring these leaders.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Catfish Farmers of Arkansas. Established in 1975, members of the Catfish Farmers of Arkansas include producers, suppliers, businessowners, researchers, educators, and many other stakeholders. Together, they work to ensure the success of the catfish industry in both the Natural State and nationwide. The Catfish Farmers of Arkansas has made enormous strides advancing its unique interests over five decades by providing regular industry updates, supporting research, and promoting policies that support producers. The association has demonstrated time and time again its invaluable role on behalf of catfish farmers across the State. As the birthplace of the commercial catfish industry, Arkansas has had a long and proud history with catfish production. Today, catfish is the leading aquaculture good in the United States, and the Natural State continues to be a top producer. This legacy of catfish production is widely appreciated and recognized by Arkansans. In honor of its 50th anniversary, the Catfish Farmers of Arkansas will host the 2025 annual convention for the Catfish Farmers of America. By bringing in catfish producers from across the region, this event will honor both the present and past leadership of the Catfish Farmers of Arkansas for its efforts in elevating catfish production to consistently meet consumer demands for quality and availability. Congratulations to the Catfish Farmers of Arkansas on 50 successful years. I applaud the organization's continued support for catfish producers and look forward to working together further to advocate for the industry and our farmers.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Lorie Tudor who is retiring from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) after an accomplished career, including the last 4 years as its director. Tudor started at ARDOT in 1981 as a clerk typist and served the agency for 14 years before departing to obtain an engineering degree. She then returned after graduating from the University of Memphis in 1997 to begin working as a civil engineer. In March of 2020, she became ARDOT's first female director. Facing the COVID-19 pandemic and an emergency closing of the Hernando de Soto I-40 Mississippi River Bridge in 2021, as well as other major endeavors, her steady hand and trusted leadership made the transformation of our State's transportation network possible. Tudor embodies the Arkansas spirit of service. Her commitment to the organization, its staff, and its role within communities across the Natural State has been essential. During her 41-year tenure at ARDOT, she helped secure a stable and reliable funding stream; guided the completion of the Connecting Arkansas Program, which modernized our State's transportation systems; played an important role in several interstate designations; oversaw the final stages of construction of the Bella Vista Bypass; and ensured progress on key projects including I-30 and I-69, as well as the Thomas B. Schueck Highway. She is a dedicated public servant who has spent her career striving to make Arkansas better. Tudor's expertise has been widely recognized, including her selection as president of the Southern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and appointment to the State Board for Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors in October 2020, on which she served as president in 2023. Director Lorie Tudor has served ARDOT and our State with incredible devotion and skill. I am grateful for all she has contributed to improve our State's transportation infrastructure and appreciate our valuable partnership. I know her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come and wish her the best of luck in retirement.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to honor the achievements of Murry and Dee Henderson of Keiser, AR, who have been recognized as the 2024 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. This award is a proud reflection of the Henderson family's hard work and dedication to Arkansas' farming community and their many contributions to our State's top industry for over 23 years. They have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in agriculture that encompasses community leadership and engagement, resource and energy conservation, and efficiency of production. The Hendersons' farm stretches across 4,000 acres, yielding diverse crops including cotton, rice, and soybeans. In addition to their farm, the family owns and operates Lepanto Crop Service, providing aerial application to 50 farmers across four counties. As participants in the USDA's Conservation Stewardship Program, the Hendersons have actively incorporated a conservation-oriented focus, including utilizing soil moisture sensors to conserve water resources and cover crops to help prevent soil erosion. Since 1947, the Arkansas Farm Bureau's Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program has highlighted the first-class agriculture producers our State is blessed to host. The Hendersons' contributions to their community and Arkansas' farm industry are no exception. Murry and Dee, as well as their two children Bryce and Macy, are incredibly hard-working and represent our State well, while embodying the tenets of the Farm Family of the Year Program. As Arkansas Farm Family of the Year, the Henderson family will be competing with nine other State winners to vie for the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year title in Moultrie, GA. I join my fellow Arkansans in wishing them the best of luck. Congratulations again to the Hendersons for their accomplishments, and I wish the family continued success in the years to come.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Entergy's Arkansas Nuclear One powerplant in Russellville. Since 1974, Arkansas Nuclear One has served as our State's only nuclear powerplant, providing communities and businesses with electricity for over half a century. Arkansas Nuclear One has a proven history of delivering safe, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy for the Natural State. With an estimated 1,800 megawatts of combined capacity between the two units located on Lake Dardanelle, it provides enough energy to the electric grid to power 1 million households and businesses. As our State experiences continued industrial and commercial growth, we can expect our energy sector to increasingly develop and support increased demand statewide. Arkansas Nuclear One's operations employ over 1,000 full-time workers and hundreds of additional contractors who contribute to the region by supporting local businesses, restaurants, and more. Further, Entergy supports over 175 Arkansas companies through the exchange of materials and services, totaling an estimated $12 million in annual expenditures, which has a significant impact on our businesses and communities, with Arkansas Nuclear One contributing over $190 million to Arkansas's gross State product and generating $21 million in State and local tax revenue. Plant employees have become integral members of the community through their involvement with volunteer work. Entergy has awarded over $100,000 to nonprofits in the area, and Arkansas Nuclear One employees partnering with Entergy have donated over $230,000 to the Arkansas River Valley United Way to bolster the financial stability, health, and education of vulnerable communities. Entergy also participates in other local nonprofits, such as the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program that provides Christmas gifts for children across the country, Summer Food for Kids, and other educational initiatives. Our State is fortunate to have access to nuclear energy in this capacity, and the region particularly enjoys substantial benefits because of Arkansas Nuclear One. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I am pleased to highlight Arkansas Nuclear One as a strong component of an all-of-the-above energy agenda. As we celebrate the reactor's 50th anniversary, our State and local communities will continue to value its role in the production of safe, affordable, and reliable American energy for many years to come.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise to honor the achievements of Steve Clark of Fayetteville, AR, whose work as the executive director of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce has contributed to the tremendous growth and success of the city and greater northwest Arkansas. Mr. Clark recently retired after 16 years at the chamber, but his hard work and stewardship will continue to impact the area's direction for generations to come. Fayetteville is best known as the home of the University of Arkansas, which is a critical economic engine for the city. However, the university is only part of the community's success. It also features approximately 4,000 businesses and a population estimated to grow by six people per day. During his tenure at the chamber of commerce, Clark worked to grow economic opportunities in research, technology, and healthcare, while also supporting the city's existing business community. In addition, his commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders created new opportunities for young people. He expanded the chamber's leadership program to include schools throughout the county and deserves tremendous credit for more than 1,000 people having participated in the Leadership Fayetteville Program. In addition, Clark led establishment of the Northwest Arkansas Fab Lab, where high school students can become certified robotics technicians. Clark is a native Arkansan, born and raised in Leachville. Before his chamber career, he was the longest serving attorney general in Arkansas, chief of staff for Gov. David Pryor, and worked as an assistant dean of the University of Arkansas School of Law. He was also a municipal judge in Brinkley and founded InnerCare, a national behavioral health company. I am grateful for Clark's dedication to our State and his many contributions to the continuing growth of Fayetteville, the region, and the Natural State. I wish him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize SMSgt Katrina Butler for her dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force and the Senate as a legislative defense fellow. Katrina has served as a vital part of my team since January 2024 as a trusted adviser on issues relating to the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Katrina enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in August 2006. She deployed in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom's Sentinel and was stationed at the Pentagon as a senior enlisted leader at U.S. Air Force headquarters. She has earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal, among other decorations. Her effort and passion stood out as a valuable member of my legislative team. I am proud to have had someone like Katrina on my staff who understands the significance of maintaining America's air superiority and caring for our servicemembers and their families. During her tenure in my office, she made integral contributions to the U.S. Senate Air Force Caucus, leading multiple trips and hosting numerous key leader engagements that helped grow the relationship between lawmakers and the service during an active year. As she is soon to be promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant, Katrina's character and consistent display of knowledge, leadership, and devotion deserve to be recognized and rewarded. I am incredibly grateful for her dedication to serving the people of Arkansas. Both in the Nation's Capital and while visiting the Natural State, she spoke with and actively listened to our State's military, veterans and their families. We have been very fortunate to have Katrina's expertise and knowledge enhancing my team's work on defense and veterans policy. I also want to thank her husband Mr. Shikeem Butler and her beloved children Jaden, Laila, and Micah for their support during her time in uniform. Growing up in a military family, I understand that service in the Armed Forces is a family affair and impossible without their sacrifice. We appreciate Katrina's continued service to the U.S. Air Force and all her heartfelt, committed work as a member of my staff. Having her on my team has been a privilege, and she will always be welcome. I know she will remain an asset to our military and veterans in addition to any other endeavors she pursues; I wish her and her family the best and congratulate Katrina on this well-deserved promotion.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to congratulate Harold Johnson of Walnut Ridge for his decades of service to memorialize and champion Arkansas' legacy in aviation history. Johnson was born in Saline County where he fostered an interest in aviation from a young age. This passion led him to become a pilot and flight instructor and, later, a commercial pilot for 18 years. His experience in the skies was perhaps most notable for a harrowing encounter while serving as a copilot during the hijacking of Southern Airways Flight 49 on November 10, 1972. During this ordeal that lasted over 30 hours and spanned the U.S., Canada, and Cuba, Harold was able to ensure all passengers landed safely, despite having been shot in the arm. After his retirement from commercial flight, Johnson channeled his continued love for aviation into the creation of an aviation shrine in Walnut Ridge, AR, which will celebrate its 26th anniversary on March 2, 2025. As president and founder of the Wings of Honor Museum, he began a new mission to preserve the stories of Arkansas veterans through reflection and education by repurposing the Walnut Ridge Army Flying school and surrounding historical buildings. The museum's growth and success are a direct result of Johnson's efforts and desire to inspire members of his community and far beyond. Wings of Honor is home to hundreds of aviation cadet class books, airfield records, aerial navigation charts, and the biographies of over 21,000 Arkansans who served in WWII. Beyond the numerous artifacts, aircraft, and unique visual displays, it is his tangible love of learning and keeping history alive that will continue to leave an impression on guests and visitors. From his days as a pilot to his natural role as a community leader and teacher, Johnson's dedication and impact have been celebrated widely. He was inducted into the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society Hall of Fame in 2017 and was named the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce 2024 Man of the Year. I thank him for his years of stewardship that generated such tremendous success for the Wings of Honor Museum and the Walnut Ridge community and wish him all the best with continuing to prepare a new generation of leadership to carry on that important legacy.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, our farmers are hurting. Increased input costs, high interest rates, and depressed commodity prices have created dark conditions in rural America. Farmers, lenders, and community leaders in all regions of the country are saying the same thing: Farmers desperately need help. When you look at the numbers, it is clear, the pain our farm families are living through. As of the end of November, row crop farmers nationwide are projected to lose more than $29 billion, corn growers will lose more than $11 billion, soybean producers will lose $5.7 billion, and wheat farmers will lose more than $5 billion. The numbers aren't better for other commodities. Cotton, sorghum, rice, and peanut producers are ending 2024 with projected average losses of over $200 per acre. The reality behind these losses is even more worrisome. For some producers, this is the second or third consecutive year of negative cashflow. This means many farm families are ending 2024 in the red: unable to pay off this year's operating loan, unable to get the loan to farm in 2025, and facing the reality of being the generation to have lost the family farm due to extreme market conditions beyond their control. One Arkansas farmer recently shared that he had the best crop yield of his career, but he is still underwater because commodity prices are well below the cost of production. Even for producers who haven't seen severe losses in 2024, the concern for 2025 continues to escalate as margins are forecasted to remain poor. In the last few months, there has been a significant shift in the spirit of our farmers. After years of unprecedented challenges, they are discouraged and pleading for stronger tools to help survive these conditions. Farm groups are sounding the alarm. The American Farm Bureau says there are clear economic warning signs of need in rural America. Agricultural Council of Arkansas President Nathan Reed described the conditions that Natural State farmers are facing as ``virtually impossible to net anything but a significant loss regardless of crop, yield or safety net coverage.'' The severity of these losses has left many producers questioning if they have a future in farming. Established farmers are hesitant to risk what little equity remains, while young and beginning farmers don't have the capital necessary to survive these conditions. The Southwest Council of Agribusiness expressed concerns about the full-time farm and ranch families unable to continue and the consequences that would result with these farms being ``lost or forced into consolidation.'' The USDA has acknowledged the hardships some producers are experiencing as a result of natural disasters, but it is not enough. Federal assistance must support agriculture producers facing market losses, and it needs to happen quickly. Producers need an efficient mechanism to provide 2024 economic assistance and certainty for 2025 through an improved farm safety net. It is an understanding that is gaining support on both sides of the Capitol. In an Appropriations Committee hearing last month, Senator Hyde-Smith called for the robust and swift delivery of emergency assistance to agriculture producers because of adverse market conditions. I appreciate the leadership of House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson and Congressman Trent Kelly for recognizing the urgent need and proposing a solution. Congress should provide significant economic assistance to producers before the end of the year. We need to provide producers with the certainty and the predictability to be able to go to the bank and have confidence that help is on the way so that they can continue farming. In recent meetings with members of the Texas Farm Bureau, the Midwest Council on Agriculture, USA Rice, and the Arkansas Farm Bureau, who have been growing food and fiber for generations, they are worried about what the banker will say when they go to get credit for the 2025 crop year and what that means to their future in the industry. If Congress does not act appropriately, I worry many of these producers may not be around next year. Agriculture is an important part of our country's heritage and our economy. Our producers grow an abundant and affordable supply of food and fiber. They must have the tools they need to manage this extremely difficult market. We must help our farmers recover from the sizable losses they realized in 2024 and give them certainty for 2025. This assistance is crucial to the viability of agriculture in the United States. I yield the floor.