John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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 Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, it is a real honor to be down here with my friend and the chairwoman of the Agriculture Committee, Senator Stabenow, and I appreciate her cooperation in working so very hard and providing the leadership to get Secretary Vilsack confirmed. The nomination hearing was held a few weeks ago by the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to vet the former Secretary and now future Secretary Vilsack. The timing was unusual, but it displayed the bipartisan nature of the committee. The committee was not officially organized, so the chairwoman and I, because we didn't want to set a precedent and didn't have any precedent in that situation, led the hearing together. I trust, in going forward, that the chairwoman will continue to work with me and our minority members on the committee to assist the Agriculture Committee in a truly bipartisan way. We have the example of her and Senator Roberts in the great job that they did in working as a team. Secretary Vilsack is no stranger to the Department of Agriculture, in having served as the Secretary from 2009 through 2017. He has an excellent reputation of putting rural America at the top of his agenda. I am a strong believer that past performance is indicative of future performance, so I am confident that Secretary Vilsack will be successful this go-around. I look forward to strengthening my working relationship with the Secretary so we can find success in supporting those who work at the Department and assisting those whom the Department serves. Whether that success is borne from the Secretary's utilizing existing authorities or through new legislation, I trust that the Secretary will work with Congress as the agriculture community tackles new and existing challenges and works to build on countless past successes. The Department must continue to work with all producers in order to provide them with certainty and with predictability. Farmers and ranchers find themselves in a curious position and curious times in battling COVID, natural disasters, and turning the tide of a few tumultuous trade seasons. The Secretary must ensure that this administration works with producers of all regions and all commodities and that the Department does not make the hard work of farmers and ranchers more difficult by throwing up obstacles as opposed to opening doors of opportunity. I look forward to Secretary Vilsack's coming back to the committee in a few weeks to discuss his plans in depth for the Department as was agreed to at his hearing. I believe the discussion will help the committee have a clearer picture of the Department and the work that lays before us. I will be voting to confirm Tom Vilsack, former Secretary and future Secretary. I urge others to do so as well. Again, thank you to the chairwoman for her collegiality and cooperation. I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to honor the life of Ralph ``Chad'' Colley, Jr., who passed away on January 30, 2021, at the age of 76. Mr. Colley was a hero in every sense of the word. His courage, positive nature, and life of service provided a shining light that inspired everyone around him. Colley was a veteran of the Vietnam war, a gold medal athlete, an accomplished pilot, a successful businessman, and a tireless advocate for veterans and all Americans with disabilities. His military honors included the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman Badge. Colley was born in Fort Smith, AR, on May 13, 1944. His father served in the U.S. Army, and the family lived in Kansas, Georgia, Germany, and Japan. He attended North Georgia College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics, played football, and ran track. After his graduation in 1966, he followed in his father's footsteps and served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. A year later, he married Betty Ann Putnam, and they shared 53 years together. They had two children, Ryan and Emily. As part of the 101st Airborne Division, Colley arrived in Vietnam in November 1967. Within 6 months, he was a company commander. In July of 1968, he was commanding the 3/187th infantry company when he stepped on a landmine. The blast led to amputation of both of his legs above the knee and his left arm below the elbow. While recovering, he sent Betty Ann a letter that said, ``I'm banged up pretty bad, but I'm still me.'' He recalled in later years that he was grateful to have only suffered physical injuries. ``I had to get on with it. Plain and simple.'' And, he did get on with it. Although he had to leave his lifelong dream of serving in the military, he did not let this dramatic change of plans slow him down. Within 2 years of his injury, the Colleys had settled in Barling, AR, where he began selling real estate in 1970. That same year, he was honored nationally as the Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year, obtained his pilot's license, and took up skiing. Throughout the 1980s, Colley provided leadership to help disabled veterans and was part of efforts to make public facilities more accessible to all disabled Americans. He served as a member and leader with the Disabled American Veterans, DAV, National Amputee Chapter 76 in New York, and with the DAV in Arkansas. Colley was elected national commander for the DAV from 1983 to 1984 and lived in Washington, DC, to advocate for veterans on a national and international level. Colley also devoted time to helping candidates he believed in, including working on the Arkansas State GOP Executive Committee, the Sebastian County GOP Committee, and on the Presidential campaigns for both George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole. His efforts led to him speak at the 1996 Republican National Convention in San Diego, CA. His life was not all policy and politics, and his involvement in the DAV led him to further develop his passion for snow skiing. Colley was a natural athlete and was eventually selected for the U.S. Paralympic Team. During the 1992 Paralympic games in Albertville, France, he won gold medals in both downhill and super-G events. He was 48 years old. By 2002, Colley had retired. He and Betty Ann shared time between their homes in Barling and New Smyrna Beach, FL. He remained active in veterans organizations and gave his voice and influence to countless projects, including plans for future expansion of the Fort Smith National Cemetery. In 2017, Colley shared memories of his favorite childhood Christmas with Do South Magazine. When he was 11 years old, his parents hosted holiday gatherings in their small home for all 120 men in the four platoons his father commanded. The expense of providing food for all of those people meant a much smaller Christmas for their family, but they gave all they had to make it a memorable holiday for those homesick soldiers. Colley wrote: Of all of the Christmases I've celebrated and all the gifts I've ever received, which one is, without equal, the most loving, meaningful, instructional and lasting gift? Why it's the one I celebrated with more than one hundred big brothers! These are the six aspects of my best Christmas gift ever: the gift of empathy, the gift of joy, the gift of brotherhood, the gift of sharing, the gift of the possible and the gift of self. This gift has shaped the character of my brother Ken and me for our whole lifetimes. I am grateful for the incredible example Chad Colley gave us throughout his life. His values ran deep, influencing every facet of his character and informing his remarkable experiences. My staff recently had the honor of interviewing him for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. He was a man of great kindness and humility who gave credit for all of his accomplishments to his faith and family. I join Chad Colley's family, friends, and all Arkansans in mourning his passing. Although he accomplished tremendous things personally, like the example set by his parents, I know his legacy will be what he taught us all about kindness, humility, and service.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Arkansas Public Broadcasting Service, PBS, for its tremendous work to provide educational resources throughout the COVID-19 health crisis. Arkansas PBS was recently recognized with five national Public Media Awards from the National Education Telecommunications Association, NETA, including honors for overall excellence for the programing it provided to children, parents, and teachers through Arkansas AMI, Alternative Methods of Instructions. As the COVID-19 emergency progressed in March 2020, Arkansas PBS upended its weekday schedule and began broadcasting streamlined, curriculum-based programming for children from Pre-K through eighth grade. When schools first closed in Arkansas, educators were immediately challenged by the lack of internet access in many rural areas of the State. This made the Arkansas AMI project even more important. For many without computers at home, the programming provided by Arkansas PBS became their classroom. I am proud of the partnership between Arkansas PBS and the Arkansas Department of Education, which offered students a way to keep learning when they couldn't be at school. This effort was possible because of a longstanding relationship between the broadcast network and education officials who have worked together for many years. With a strong foundation in place, they were quickly and creatively able to pivot and provide classroom learning on a network of stations that reached 76 percent of the State with a simple over-the-air signal. The programming was also available on cable and satellite, live-streaming, on-demand, and various apps that families could access on mobile devices. I am proud of these devoted Arkansans who rose to meet an incredible challenge, and I am grateful for the work they do every day to make education in our State a priority. This recognition from the NETA is a testament to its commitment to offering quality educational, informative, and entertaining content that benefits the people of Arkansas. We appreciate the hard-working staff of Arkansas PBS and celebrate their accomplishments which reflect so well on the organization and its service to our State.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madman President, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Barbara Hardcastle, who passed away on January 13, 2020, at the age of 94. Mrs. Hardcastle was trailblazer and a fierce advocate for her community and her State. A native of Fort Smith, AK, she also made her mark in politics and government in California. I was honored to know her, and so I join her friends and family in grieving her loss. Barbara Turner was born in Fort Smith on April 6, 1927. She graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1944 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Fort Smith Junior College. She married Ben Hardcastle, a banker and World War II veteran, in 1947, and they would spend almost 63 years together before his passing in 2010. Early in their married life, Ben accepted a job at the Beverly Hills Savings and Loan, so they moved to North Hollywood, CA. They immediately became active in their local church and, as a result, made friends with many Hollywood actors, including Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Their friendship with the Reagans led to Barbara's involvement in California politics, including playing a key role in his race for Governor of California. She is also credited by many as having introduced the future President to Jelly Belly candy as he attempted to stop smoking. Friends and family say she kept him stocked with the company's signature jelly beans throughout his Presidency. During their time in California, Barbara became an ordained minister and public speaker. She was also a trailblazing professional, serving as a supervisor and one of the first female executives with the Federal housing agency, Fannie Mae. Ben and Barbara decided to retire in 1991 and returned to Arkansas, where they continued to be active in local, State and national politics. In addition to helping candidates for all levels of public office, Barbara used her experience to make a difference in the community. I had many opportunities to work with Barbara over the years, but no occasion stands out more than her determined efforts on behalf of the 188th Fighter Wing when its future was threatened by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, BRAC. She used her organizing skills to rally the community and show visiting BRAC committee members how strong support was for the base. Her leadership and industry helped save the Wing and bring more opportunity to the region. Barbara was truly a force. Her strong values, hard work, wonderful sense of humor and personal conviction made a difference. I am grateful to have counted her as a friend and hope her legacy will continue to inspire young Arkansans to fight for their communities and their causes with the same determination that she did throughout her life.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to honor the life of an outstanding Arkansan and Cleveland County leader, Judge Gary Spears. After a multiyear battle with cancer, Judge Spears passed away on January 10, 2021. Judge Spears grew up on a small farm in New Edinburg, AR, and graduated with honors from New Edinburg High School in 1987. He attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he studied agricultural business before marrying his wife Melody. The couple moved to Warren, AR, where Judge Spears worked as a distributor for Big R Ice. The couple eventually returned to New Edinburg in 1996 and purchased the New Edinburg County Store, which they operated together for 10 years. In 2007, Judge Spears was elected Cleveland County Judge, marking the start of an illustrious 14-year career as the longest serving county judge in county history. His undeniable leadership while presiding over Cleveland County had ripple effects that extended beyond the county borders and brought tremendous benefit to the entire State. A few recent and notable achievements during his tenure include successful efforts to ensure an accurate 2020 census count for Cleveland County and directly overseeing the county's finances during the COVID-19 pandemic by authorizing and approving the disbursement of funds. Representing the citizens of Cleveland County was a clear passion for Judge Spears. He was also dedicated to farming. On the exact 10-acre plot that his father once farmed, Judge Spears worked diligently to continue his family's unique tradition of ``truck-patch farming.'' He grew various crops, including tomatoes, beans, peas, squash, cucumbers, watermelons, peppers, and much more. In fact, his family's agriculture operation gained deserved recognition in 2019 when they were named Cleveland County Farm Family of the Year. Judge Spears leaves behind a lasting legacy thanks to the confidence entrusted in him by his Cleveland County constituents. I am confident his selfless leadership as a Cleveland County judge, businessman, and family farmer will guide and inspire future generations of Arkansans.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask consent that the veto message on S. 906, the Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act, be considered as having been read and spread upon the Journal in full and that the message be printed in the Record. The veto message is ordered to be printed in the Record as follows: To the Senate of the United States: I am returning, without my approval, S. 906, the Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act. America's fishermen have made great sacrifices to ensure that our Nation's marine fisheries are a sustainable economic engine for coastal communities. Under my Administration, the number of United States fish stocks subject to overfishing is at a historic low. This achievement is the result of a transparent and collaborative regulatory process that is supported by regional fishery management councils. At council meetings, fishermen work with Federal Government and State government representatives to meet their statutory obligations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. In passing S. 906, the Congress has ignored the fact that the regional fishery management process has had strong, bipartisan support since its creation. By forcing the West Coast drift gillnet fishery to use alternative gear that has not been proven to be an economically viable substitute for gillnets, the Congress is effectively terminating the fishery. As a result, an estimated 30 fishing vessels, all of which are operated by family-owned small businesses, will no longer be able to bring their bounty to shore. At a time when our Nation has a seafood trade deficit of nearly $17 billion, S. 906 will exacerbate this imbalance. Further, S. 906 will not achieve its purported conservation benefits. The West Coast drift gillnet fishery is subject to robust legal and regulatory requirements for environmental protection that equal or exceed the environmental protections that apply to foreign fisheries. Without this fishery, Americans will import more swordfish and other species from foreign sources that frequently have more bycatch than our own fisheries. If the Congress wants to address bycatch, it should insist on a level playing field for imported seafood instead of crushing American fishing families. My Administration has done more for American fishermen than any President before me. On May 7, 2020, I signed an Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth to bolster our domestic seafood industry while curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing abroad. On June 5, 2020, I issued a Proclamation on Modifying the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument to open it to commercial fishing that is conducted in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable laws, regulations, and requirements. And as fishermen struggled to stay on the water during the pandemic, I issued a Memorandum on Protecting the United States Lobster Industry and later made approximately $530 million available, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Seafood Trade Relief Program, to support the United States seafood industry and fishermen affected by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. My Administration would support provisions of the enrolled bill, if passed separately, which would authorize fee collection in a different fishery--the Pacific Halibut fishery. This authority is needed to implement a provision of the International Pacific Halibut Commission Convention, to which the United States is a party. However, for the sake of American fishermen nationwide, I will not let the Congress circumvent the fisheries management process by effectively terminating a fishery without appropriate consultation and input from fishery management councils. If this occurred, it would increase our reliance on imported seafood and take away the livelihoods of hard-working Americans and their family businesses. It is my duty to return S. 906 to the Senate without my approval. Donald J. Trump. The White House, January 1, 2021.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported substitute be agreed to; that the resolution, as amended, be agreed to; that the committee-reported amendment to the preamble be considered; that the amendment at the desk be agreed to; that the committee-reported amendment to the preamble be agreed to; that the preamble, as amended, be agreed to; and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 466, S. Res 406.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2444 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

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, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be discharged from further consideration and the Senate now proceed to S. Res. 684.

Mr. BOOZMAN. I ask unanimous consent that the Risch amendment to the resolution be agreed to; that the resolution, as amended, be agreed to; that the Risch amendment to the preamble be agreed to; that the preamble, as amended, be agreed to; and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4508 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time. The bill was ordered to a third reading and was read the third time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. I know of no further debate on the bill.

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until Sunday, January 3, at 11:45 a.m., for a pro forma session only, with no business conducted; further, that when the Senate adjourns after the pro forma, that the Senate then reconvene at 12 noon on Sunday, January 3, pursuant to the Constitution; further, that following the prayer and pledge and following the presentation of the Certificates of Election and the swearing-in of elected Members and the required live quorum, 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 be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the majority leader be authorized to sign duly enrolled bills or joint resolutions through Sunday, January 3, 2021.

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 Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 5086, which was introduced earlier today.

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Foreign Relations Committee be discharged from further consideration and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res 774.