John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. 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. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 171, H.R. 1138.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the time postcloture on Executive Calendar No. 347 expire at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3; further, that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, it is a pleasure to be with my friend and colleague from Arkansas to talk about a tremendous State institution, something that is truly a true Arkansas institution, and we want to pay tribute to it and the men and women who made it great in the past and will continue to make it great into the future. Newspapers have played a vital role in our country's history of public discourse, increasing our knowledge and awareness about what takes place all around us. The stories they print keep us informed, while building a sense of community and regional identity. Newspapers drive political debates and set the agenda, helping us make sense of the issues impacting our world. As one of the oldest continuously published newspapers west of the Mississippi, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has been a resource of information that has kept readers connected to community, the State, and our Nation for 200 years. In 1819, William E. Woodruff published the first edition of the Arkansas Gazette, the Arkansas Territory's first newspaper. There was no shortage of news to print in those days. During its early years, the publication encouraged settlement to the region, shared news of national importance, and promoted statehood. For generations, this publication has been a primary source of reliable and comprehensive news that has shaped the way Arkansans view the world. It has constantly challenged the status quo and examined the decisions of elected leaders, while pursuing transparency and accountability. The work the Gazette produced often resulted in positive change in the Natural State. In 1957, the newspaper opposed Governor Orval Faubus's decision to prevent integration of Little Rock Central High School. For its reporting on the struggles of integration, the Gazette earned two Pulitzer Prizes, one for meritorious public service and the other awarded to its executive editor, Harry Ashmore, for editorial writing, marking the first time a newspaper won two Pulitzer Prizes in the same year. The newspaper and its spirited competitor, the Arkansas Democrat, contended for readers and advertisers for decades. In 1991, the Gazette was sold to the owners of the Arkansas Democrat, who then launched the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, which is the only statewide newspaper Arkansans read today. The importance of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in today's media landscape cannot be overstated. In some cases, it is the sole source of news for many small towns in Arkansas, as local newspapers continue to cease operations, especially those serving rural areas. Under the leadership of Walter Hussman, Jr., the Democrat-Gazette is navigating the challenging industry landscape and creating opportunities to keep readers informed by keeping costs manageable. Hussman and his team are rethinking how and what news they deliver to readers, as well as how subscribers can and like to consume it. To cut printing and transportation costs and combat declining advertisement revenue, the paper is now using iPads to maintain subscribers and continue providing this valuable, not-easily-replaced service to the community. In an interview earlier this year about efforts at the Democrat- Gazette, Hussman noted his view that the print model is not sustainable, but he voiced his commitment to finding a solution that will fill the void because, as he says, society and our democracy will be impeded if we don't have newspapers. It is a simple truth. Throughout periods of change, Hussman and the newspaper he owns continue to believe in the critical role that news gathering and reporting play in informing the public. Every day, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the other publications owned by the Hussman family publish a statement of core values that include ``objectivity, impartiality, integrity and truth-seeking.'' This clear, sensible mantra consistently helps guide the work done by the reporters and editors in the paper's newsrooms. Journalism is a pillar of our democracy. Our Founders understood the importance of a free press and included protections in the First Amendment that safeguard and ensure the ability of reporters and the publications they write for to hold the powerful to account. Earlier this year, I was proud to support the World Press Freedom Day resolution and recognize the sacrifices journalists around the world make in their effort to report the truth. We must continue to promote a free and open press in the United States and around the globe. In today's climate, we all share responsibility for acknowledging the value and the necessity of press freedom while at the same time not shrinking away from appropriate scrutiny and fair criticism. The health and well-being of our society and civic life depends on striking the right balance in this regard. For 200 years, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has kept individuals informed about moments and events of significance in Arkansas, our country, and the world. I congratulate the newspaper's leaders and staff for pursuing facts and accountability, as they have created and sustained the publication as a responsible and reliable source of information. I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Gary and Hanna Canada for receiving the American Bankers Association's Bruning Award. This award is dedicated to bankers who demonstrate a strong sense of leadership and dedication to providing financial guidance and credit to ranchers, farmers, and businesses in rural America. The Canadas are well known throughout southern Arkansas for their partnership running their business hand-in-hand, which helps explain why, for first time in the 22-year history, the award has been presented to a team of ag bankers. Gary Canada began his professional career as a teacher and coach, eventually working his way up to principal. In 1975, Gary joined the Bank of England and climbed the ranks to become the chairman and president of the bank. Over the years, Gary has served on numerous committees and boards, including the ABA's Agricultural and Rural Bankers Committee, Arkansas Rice Council, and Bayou Metro Irrigation District. In addition to his work with the bank, Gary has farmed cotton, rice, and wheat and run a cow and calf operation. Similarly, Hanna Canada began her career as a teacher before working at the Bank of England. Her early years at the bank consisted of working as a teller before transitioning to board secretary assisting with policies. Hanna currently serves as the executive vice president of the Bank of England and member of the board of directors. Along with her hard work and dedication to the bank, she also serves as an emergency medical technician. Gary and Hanna Canada demonstrate what it means to give back to your community. Every opportunity they have had to help those in need, they have not hesitated to step in and lend a hand. In addition, Hanna hopes to inspire other women to step into leadership roles in the agriculture banking community. The couple's desire to grow the farming community in the State is remarkable and reveals why they are so well-deserving of this recognition. I would like to congratulate and thank the Canadas for their hard work, dedication, and leadership to the city of England, the ag community in their area, and the State of Arkansas. I am grateful for their work and for the ABA recognizing their careers and contributions with the Bruning Award.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. With that, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BOOZMAN. I think you make a great point in the sense that we do things for the right reasons. That is so important. Also, it is important, too, that not only can we do it for the right reasons and benefit our environment, but it also can be cost-effective to our businesses. A good example of that is Walmart. Several years ago, they wanted to reduce their fuel cost and then also reduce the harm in the sense of the landfills and things like that. They looked and saw that on their trucks, the limiting factor was not weight. It was bulk. You know how you go to the store and you buy something and it has got this huge box or whatever and it has got the little bitty product in it. They said, you know, we don't need to be doing that. So they told their vendors that they would like to go in that direction, and to their credit, the vendors cooperated. As a result, they were able to put more products on the truck, thus reducing fuel costs--again benefiting the economy--and having less bulk for consumers to deal with eventually. That was putting less pressure on the environment because, you know, some people don't do a good job of recycling. These things can be so good for not only doing the right thing but also improving the bottom line and making sure that we really are putting less pressure on the environment. We appreciate your leadership. You have been doing this for a long time, as Governor and now as Senator, helping to put these things together. We very much appreciate it.

Mr. BOOZMAN. We look forward to having a robust bunch of programs. It is so important to educate people on what is recyclable because not everyone knows. Different things are recyclable from one area to another area. So we need education on that, and that will make it much more efficient, with people putting in the correct things. So we have some obstacles to overcome, but the good news is, there are people working together, and we are moving in the right direction.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I thank Senator Carper and his staff and my staff for the tremendous job that they have done in recent years in really trying to educate, through the caucus, the rest of the staff and Members as to the importance of recycling. As a result of their efforts, it really is making a big difference. We hear a lot about Republicans and Democrats not getting along on this and that, not getting anything done, and I think this is a great example of something that is very, very important. It is not glamourous, but it is things like this that really can make a huge difference, as Senator Carper alluded to. We appreciate him and appreciate his friendship. Well, tomorrow, November 15, is America Recycles Day. So we are asking Americans to join us as we come together and reaffirm the importance and the benefits of recycling on this occasion. We all know that recycling is a commonsense way for us to be responsible stewards of our environment. Recycling also strengthens our economy and creates hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs throughout our country. This is something that I believe everyone can agree is truly a win-win situation. Most Americans are familiar with traditional recycling efforts at their city and county levels, which encourage citizens to recycle household goods or business goods, such as paper, soda cans, and bottles. However, recycling is much broader than these common practices. Recycling is a $200 billion industry in our country, and it entails much, much more than just traditional municipal recycling programs. My State of Arkansas is home to many examples of companies that are contributing to a robust and growing commercial recycling industry. I will give you an example. Nucor, a leading steel producer located in Blytheville, AR, has the capacity to recycle 6 million tons of steel per year--6 million tons-- and over 27 million tons nationwide, making it North America's largest recycler. Nucor has also taken its efforts a step further by teaming with local recycling facilities to help tackle some of the biggest challenges associated with the practice in rural communities. Nucor donated a recycled cardboard baler to Abilities Unlimited, a local nonprofit that runs a nearby recycling facility. This investment has proven mutually beneficial to Nucor and to the community. This facility now provides an outlet for the steel company and community members to recycle in a much more cost-effective manner. In fact, Nucor plants in Arkansas have the capability to recycle about 60 tons of cardboard annually thanks to this baler. More than 195 tons of cardboard, 21 tons of paper, and 71 tons of mixed plastics have been recycled through this partnership. Another industry leader leading the way is Walmart. As the world's largest retailer, Walmart has put recycling front and center by raising its packaging standards to include more recycled content and to eliminate specific nonrecyclable packaging materials by 2020. Earlier this year, Walmart announced its intention to achieve 100 percent recyclable, reusable, or industrially compostable packaging by 2025. Its leadership in this arena will help to create more demand for recycled content and open the door for other companies to follow suit. Lastly, I want to highlight the recycling accomplishments of Bryce Corporation, a trailblazer in flexible packaging. This is the packaging commonly used for chips, juice pouches, pet food, lawn and garden materials, cleaning supplies, and many other products. Bryce employs about 750 people at its Searcy facility and has achieved an environmental footprint that the Central Arkansas community can be very proud of. At this location alone, Bryce has maintained a 98-percent landfill- free status and has supported the circular economy by recycling over 15 million pounds of plastics each year. The material recycled from this facility is repurposed into other products, ranging from plastic pallets to automotive parts. Bryce Corporation's innovative efforts are a sterling example of recycling done right, and I am grateful for the example it has set for the rest of the country. Our country has certainly faced its fair share of recycling woes and setbacks, but I have always maintained that in adversity lies opportunity. I believe there is much to be learned from the meaningful work that these companies are doing in Arkansas, and I commend them on leading on the issue. The United States has the ability now to improve its waste management and recycling infrastructure and better leverage the economic and environmental benefits of recycling. I look forward to continue my work with my cochair of the Recycling Caucus, Senator Carper. Again, I thank him and his staff and my staff, who are doing such a tremendous job, and the other members of the caucus who develop meaningful, long-term solutions that address the challenges facing the industry. I encourage all Americans to use America Recycles Day as an opportunity to reflect on the critical importance of recycling and to consider what we can do to support our environment through our own individual efforts.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Yes, sir.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, reserving the right to object, while we very much appreciate what Senator Duckworth is trying to accomplish, I must object to the request for unanimous consent. The bill has only one cosponsor and has not gone through regular order, the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee has not considered the policy implications of the legislation, and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs that I chair has not been given an opportunity to understand the budgetary impacts the bill would have. This legislation would be a significant policy change for VA and would reduce revenue to VA medical centers by eliminating certain copayments. Policy changes such as this should be thoughtfully considered through full committees before being considered by the full Senate. I look forward to working with Senator Duckworth to see if we can get this resolved, but based on these facts, I object.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach for his years of dedication to Natural State farm families and rural communities and celebrate his leadership, advocacy, and passion for agriculture as his service as president comes to a close. As a third-generation farmer, Randy has made advocating for the rural way of life his calling. He grew up on his family's farm in the community of Lost Cane in Mississippi County. He continues farming on that land with his wife Thelma where they grow cotton, soybeans, rice, wheat, corn, and milo. His commitment to the industry has extended beyond his own fields. For decades, Randy has been a voice for Arkansas agriculture producers, working to develop policies that benefit farmers. He has served in a number of leadership positions at the local level up to the national level. He is a member of the American Farm Bureau board of directors, and in 2015, he was appointed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Trade Advisory Committee for Tobacco, Cotton, and Peanuts. For 11 years, Randy has been at the helm of Arkansas Farm Bureau where he worked to advance the priorities of farmers and ranchers. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I have been blessed to have Randy's knowledge, experience, and insight to help craft farm bills and ag policy that support Arkansas' agricultural industry and strengthen rural communities throughout our state. I am grateful for the friendship we have built, for his advice, and most importantly, his service on behalf of our State's farmers and ranchers. Although his time as president is ending, I know his advocacy for agriculture will continue. I wish Randy and Thelma much happiness in this next chapter of their lives.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Class 2019 and the contributions made by the inductees to the African-American community and the State of Arkansas. The 2019 inductees are former legislators, business leaders, entertainers, artists, and mentors. Their accomplishments and accolades demonstrate how much of an impact each has made in their fields, as well as on our culture. Their historical significance is widely acknowledged and bears out how deserving each honoree is of this recognition. Irma Hunter Brown served in the Arkansas House of Representatives for 22 years and also went on to serve as a State senator. She was the first African-American woman to serve in either body of the Arkansas General Assembly. Brown is also the president of the Friends of Haven of Rest Cemetery, Inc., an organization dedicated to improving the condition and appearances of the burial ground which serves as a final resting place for several notable Black Arkansans, including Daisy Gatson Bates, and contains a site commemorating the 21 boys perished in the 1959 fire at the Arkansas Negro Boys Industrial School in Wrightsville. In 2008, Brown and a group of Haven of Rest supporters started a project to clean up and restore the cemetery as it is a significant part of Arkansas history. The group is now the Friends of Haven of Rest Cemetery, Inc., which is continuing the fundraising and care for the cemetery grounds. Wallace ``Wali'' Caradine was born in 1949 and grew up in West Memphis. He was the first African American ever to graduate from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas in 1974. Four years later, with his partner Sam Young, he established his first business, Design and Construction Associates. The business venture eventually became one of Arkansas' largest minority-owned contracting firms. Architecture and design weren't only his profession; they were his passion. In the mid-1990s, Caradine and Ron Bene Woods formed Woods Caradine Architects. In 2007, he established Caradine & Company, where he worked until his retirement in early 2017. As an architect, Caradine left his footprints in many places across Arkansas, designing several notable facilities still in use today. Wali Caradine was also dedicated to his community. He was a mentor to many minority building contractors in central Arkansas. In 1986, he founded the Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors. Between 2009 and 2013, Caradine was a member of central Arkansas advisory committee for the University of Arkansas. John Donley was born in Gould, AR, but has left his mark on our country's entertainment industry. He is a producer, executive, and an award-winning television writer. Donley wrote for many of the most beloved comedies of the 1970s and `80s, including ``Diff'rent Strokes,'' ``Good Times,'' and ``The Jeffersons.'' He won an NAACP Image Award for his writing in an episode of ``Diff'rent Strokes.'' In addition to writing for hit shows, Donley has also worked with Hollywood stars such as Sinbad and Curtis Mayfield and found a home at the big-name networks ABC and CBS. While he clearly has the ability to make people laugh, John Donley also uses his talent to unite audiences all over the country. Ed Johnson has coached 27 players who went on to play in the National Football League; however, his impact on the Little Rock community and the United States goes beyond the field. Coach Johnson is a Vietnam war veteran whose service is marked by two Purple Heart Awards, a Bronze Star Award, and Presidential Citations. Upon returning home in 1971, Coach Johnson helped organize the Sunset Youth Sports Program in Little Rock and by the next year had formed the Sunset Tigers Football Team. While he is passionate about his role as a football coach, Johnson uses this position to change kids' lives off of the field. Coach Ed Johnson has served the Little Rock community for 48 years and is believed to be the longest serving active community youth football coach in Arkansas. Kristin Lewis is a native of Little Rock and a globally recognized lyrico-spinto soprano. She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in vocal performance and also received a master's degree from the University of Knoxville in 2002. Since then, she has performed in many prestigious venues, including the Vienna State Opera, the Berlin State Opera, and the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. She made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in January 2019. Lewis has been widely praised for her performances. Her talents have also been recognized with several awards, including the Orazio Tosi Prize from Parma Lirica in 2012, Savonlinna Opera Festival's Artist of the Year in 2010, and the Ferrucio Tagliavini International Singing Competition in 2005. Lewis's first musical environment was within her family. Having this insight into the role of environment to enhance and develop one's talents, she established the Kristin Lewis Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that fosters the development of young singers through competition and scholarships. Foundation activities, including fundraising events and vocal competitions, are hosted in central Arkansas. Lewis is also very active in humanitarian work outside of the U.S., being an ambassador for the Red Cross in Austria and supporter of Animal Care Austria. Roscoe Robinson is an acclaimed artist across both the gospel and R&B genres. He has performed with popular gospel groups such as the Highway Q.C.'s, the Fairfield Four, Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and the Five Trumpets. Though he was successful in the gospel community, his talents did not stop there. Through the 1980s, Roscoe also recorded a number of popular rhythm and blues songs. Roscoe is originally from Dermott, AR, but his talents have touched the souls of fans across Arkansas and America. Each of these inductees has earned a place of honor as a result of the lives they have lived and the work they have done over many years. The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Class of 2019 is clearly an exemplary group, and I congratulate each member and their loved ones, who have also been on their journeys, on this tremendous recognition.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Thank you, Mr. President. I say a special thanks to Senator Capito and all she has done, not only in this area but in so many things that affect rural America, certainly, being the cochair of the Rural Broadband Caucus. The list goes on and on. We do appreciate her leadership. Our Nation's opioid epidemic is, unfortunately, a subject we have spoken about all too often here and in so many other places. It does feel, however, that the tone and tenor of our remarks reflect a much more hopeful outlook than many of our previous discussions have had. That is because we are making progress in the fight. Around this time last year, we came together to overwhelmingly pass a comprehensive legislative package that was signed into law by President Trump, Democrats and Republicans working together. There has been a noticeable difference as a result of this comprehensive reform. Law enforcement is now better equipped to stop illegal opioids from reaching our communities, and efforts are being stepped up at the border to cut off the influx of fentanyl from China. More first responders have been trained to administer naloxone, which has prevented opioid overdoses from claiming more lives in our communities. Most importantly, we have saved lives by increasing access to mental health and addiction treatment services for those struggling to overcome opioid dependence. The treatment and recovery aspect of our strategy is the key. Federal resources are being deployed nationwide to break the cycle of addiction. These grants are invaluable for the facilities that give those struggling with addiction and their families new hope in the fight against opioid abuse. From what I have seen firsthand at treatment facilities in Arkansas, these efforts are indeed making a difference. They are helping tremendously. The impact of this national epidemic has been felt acutely in the Natural State. According to the CDC, Arkansas had the second-highest prescribing rate over recent years, enough for each Arkansan to have one opioid prescription in his or her name. It has taken a conscious effort by the State's medical community to drive those numbers down by 12 percent over a 4-year period. Limiting the amount of dangerous pain pills in circulation is a very positive and much needed step, but what about all the expired, unused, and unnecessary medications already in circulation? That is where Arkansas Take Back comes in. Arkansas Prescription Drug Take Back Day events happen twice a year at locations across the State. These events are an opportunity for Arkansans to safely dispose of unused or expired medications with no questions asked. They also serve as an opportunity to further educate the public on the opioid epidemic and the importance of proper disposal of medications. The 18th Arkansas Take Back this past weekend was another in a long line of successful events. According to Arkansas drug director Kirk Lane, over 27,000 pounds of pills were collected at the nearly 200 event day locations and the 200-plus permanent drop boxes across the State. These events are a heavy lift on the part of many Arkansans. We greatly appreciate the efforts of law enforcement agencies across the State, as well as their partners--Rotary clubs, prevention resource centers, Arkansas Department of Health, and so many others that carry out Take Back Day events. The hard work to organize these opportunities to properly dispose of prescription medications is certainly worthwhile. Research has found that the majority of opioid abusers get their drugs from friends and family, often lifting pills from a familiar medicine cabinet. When you tally the results from the previous events in the State, Arkansas ranks third nationally in pounds collected per capita through Take Back. That means there are fewer homes in Arkansas where unsecured medications can get in the wrong hands. I thank my colleagues for sharing similar success stories from events in their States. It is important that we highlight these programs. Anything we can do to get these dangerous drugs out of circulation certainly can help save lives. It is also a valuable reminder that we will all have a role to play in the fight to end the opioid crisis. Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an easy way each one of us can certainly do our part. I yield the floor to my good friend Senator Hoeven, whose leadership is also very important.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I would like to take a moment, first of all, to thank Chaplain Black for all that he does here. The Senate is a much better place as a result of having him around. I would also like to take a moment to thank Dr. Robert Lewis for delivering the opening prayer in the Senate today. Robert and I had the opportunity to play football together at the University of Arkansas. He was a very good football player and had the gift of smack. He would hit you. He had a tremendous work ethic and character, and we all knew that he would do well in whatever he decided to do. Robert is, today, a renowned pastor, a best-selling author, a passionate speaker, and a Christian visionary. He has developed a curriculum that has reached over 1 million men worldwide in churches, on college campuses, in corporate boardrooms, and in correctional facilities. Robert's program, the Men's Fraternity, provides men with an encouraging process of teaching them how to live lives of authentic manhood, as modeled by Jesus Christ and directed by the Word of God. The program was designed to help men come together and strengthen each other through weekly sessions that combine biblical teaching and small group interaction. For 21 years, Robert served as the directional leader of the Fellowship Bible Church of Little Rock. During that time, the church grew from a few hundred members to over 5,000, and it was widely recognized as being one of the most innovative and influential churches in America. Robert helped to bring Downline, which is a citywide discipleship ministry, to Little Rock, where he continues to serve as a part-time instructor. He continues to be involved in his local church and beyond, and he ministers nationally and across the world. Robert and Sherard, his wife, have been married for over 40 years. They have four children and three grandchildren. Serving as the guest chaplain is an incredible honor. I am thankful for Robert's ministry, and I am so pleased that he could be here to offer an invocation of asking God to guide and bless the efforts of Congress and America's leaders. I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Milo J. Shult, whose steady hand led the University of Arkansas System's Division of Agriculture for 18 years. Milo passed away on July 19, 2019. Dr. Milo Shult was originally from Keokuk, IA, and after graduating with his Ph.d. from Iowa State University, started his career in agriculture for the Texas A&M University System. In 1992, he became the University of Arkansas System's vice president for agriculture, a position he held for 18 years. Throughout his tenure, Milo transformed the Division of Agriculture to enhance its research and extension capabilities to become one of the finest in the Nation. Throughout his 38-year career in public agricultural research and extension, Milo was a dedicated advocate for agriculture. He served on several local, State and national committees, including the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching, CARET; Arkansas Agriculture Board; as chairman of the board for the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics, NAREEE; and chair of the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute. In 2011, Milo was inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame. The impact of his career and leadership are once again being acknowledged as the division is commemorating Milo's years of service by renaming the Arkansas Agricultural Research & Extension Center in his honor. Starting on its 100th anniversary, ``The Farm,'' as it is known in Fayetteville, will now be called the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research & Extension Center. Milo Shult left a mark on the University of Arkansas System and our State's agriculture community that no one will soon forget. I am proud that this is one more piece of Milo's legacy that will live on at the Division of Agriculture, and I hope that future leaders will follow his remarkable example.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, today I wish to honor John Brown University's centennial anniversary. On September 29, 1919, John E. Brown, Sr., founded a school in Siloam Springs, AR, to educate young men and women of any means ready to dedicate themselves to a life of public service. Guided by one fundamental belief, ``Christ over all,'' education at JBU has never been merely academic. The school's founder was committed to the holistic development of students and sought to form an institution that would serve as a place to learn, as well as a place to worship and work with emphasis placed equally on the head, heart and hands. In its early days, JBU offered an associate's degree program and consisted of three colleges: Siloam Springs School of the Bible, John E. Brown Vocational College, and John E. Brown College. Students were required to choose an academic major, attend classes half the day, and work the other half. In 1934, JBU expanded into a 4-year university with degree programs in construction, engineering, agriculture, and education, along with a core of liberal arts and Bible classes. By 1962, it was nationally accredited. Since then, academic emphasis and growth have continued to flourish with the establishment of an honors program, a degree completion program, and a graduate school. JBU now has an enrollment of nearly 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 States and 53 foreign countries. Although much has changed over the past 100 years, John Brown University remains committed to its spiritual identity and mission to educate students in the head, heart, and hand. I congratulate JBU for reaching this milestone and look forward to its next century of continued success.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of Walter Turnbow, who passed away on September 9 at the age of 95. Walter was a longtime leader in northwest Arkansas and truly represented what it meant to put the needs of others above one's own. Walter Turnbow served on the Springdale Industrial Commission, Springdale Public Facilities board, Beaver Water District board, and the Springdale Water and Sewer Commission. In addition to these positions, he also served on the Springdale School Board, Northwest Arkansas Community Care Foundation, and the Arkansas State Board of Education. He dedicated his life to public service and the education system in Springdale. While serving on the water and sewer commission, he oversaw the construction of what was, at that time, the State's largest water tank. This proved to be a forward-thinking decision since the city's continued growth would require greater infrastructure investment. Because of Walter's leadership, Springdale was prepared for the changes and completed the project without having to borrow money. Walter saw education as the gateway to a better future for his community. In 2006, the Springdale School District honored his contributions to the community and the school board by naming an elementary school after him. He often visited the school to meet with students and read to them. In addition to the elementary school, other sites and meeting spaces in the Springdale community have also been named in his honor, a testament to his very real impact and incredible legacy. As one of Springdale's most well-known public servants, he touched the lives of everyone in the community. From overseeing economic development to ensuring a quality education for everyone, Walter Turnbow left a mark on the community of Springdale that no one will soon forget. I extend my condolences to his loved ones and the entire Springdale community and pray that future leaders will follow his remarkable example.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Lois Bouton, a WWII veteran who honorably served her country and has inspired generations of members of the U.S. Coast Guard with her letters. I am pleased to recognize this remarkable Arkansan as she celebrates her 100th birthday. Lois has spent her life serving among and connecting with members of the Coast Guard--first, as a member of the SPARs, the Woman's Reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard, and then as a visitor to patients--especially members of the Coast Guard at Naval Station Great Lakes Hospital--and now through the letters she diligently writes to USCG members across the country which earned her the nickname the Coast Guard Lady. ``I like to write letters,'' Lois said during an interview my staff conducted with her for the Veterans History Project. In the decades since she started outreach to coasties through the mail, she has written nearly 50,000 letters. In the early 1970s, the Boutons retired to northwest Arkansas. That is when her outreach to coasties began to take off. She started writing to Coast Guard units in Alaska, and soon, she had the directory with addresses of units across the country. While far from the coast, her Rogers, AR, home is a museum of Coast Guard memorabilia. Her collection includes the Meritorious Public Service Award she received from the Commandant of the Coast Guard, the second highest civilian award issued by the Coast Guard. In 2013, she was named an honorary chief petty officer. Her love and appreciation for the Coast Guard is unmatched as demonstrated by her decades-long practice of correspondence to show her support for the men and women who wear the Coast Guard uniform. She is well-known among members of the Coast Guard and receives hundreds of letters and cards from them in return. She continues to serve as an inspiration for others and is widely admired for her service to our country, the men and women of the Coast Guard, and veterans across the Nation. I want to thank the Coast Guard Lady, Lois Bouton, for her service and continued support of the U.S. Coast Guard and wish her a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame Class of 2019 inductees and celebrate their contributions to our State and our country. Founded in 2014, the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame honors women whose contributions have influenced the direction of Arkansas in their community or the State as a whole. The AWHOF recognizes women, contemporary or historical, who have achieved prominence within the State. By providing a place for women in the State to be admired, the AWHOF inspires future generations of young Arkansas women to achieve great things. Alice Andrews is a conservationist and a leading voice for environmental protection in Arkansas. As a farmer's daughter, Alice developed an interest in the environment and protecting land and water resources. Alice's conservation efforts began with advocacy work for the Buffalo River designation in 1972, which protects the river from industrial uses that may change its natural character or surrounding habitat. She has continued her efforts by serving on the Arkansas Trails Council, being appointed to the Arkansas Scenic Rivers Commission and serving as president of the Ozark Society. Alice has also been credited with helping preserve the landscape where iconic landmarks including the Big Dam Bridge, Two Rivers Bridge, and the River Trail, can be found. Her continued support and consultation with nonprofits, governments, and local churches have made Arkansas a better place for many generations to live, work and play. Olivia Myers Farrell is among Arkansas's most influential women in media. She graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock before starting her career as part of the advertising department at the Arkansas Writers Project at the Arkansas Times. She then cofounded Arkansas Business and Southern magazine in the years following. Olivia has been honored as a Young Achiever by the National Council of Women of the United States--one of only six women selected in 1984 and the first Arkansas woman to receive the honor. She then became the CEO and principal owner of the Arkansas Business Publishing Group, which has received numerous awards for outstanding journalism by its publications, including Arkansas Business, Little Rock Family, and Little Rock Soiree. In 1998, she cofounded the Arkansas Women's Foundation to improve the educational status and skills of Arkansas women and girls in STEM fields, promote philanthropy by and for women, and enhance the economic viability of emerging leaders in Arkansas. Her efforts in the community earned her the Distinguished Citizen Award given by former Governor Mike Beebe in 2012. Jo Luck attended Hendrix College before graduating from David Lipscomb College with a degree in education in 1963. Jo went on to earn a master's degree from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and served as the assistant director in the Governor's Office of Volunteer Services before becoming the first director of the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. Under Governor Bill Clinton, she became the executive director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Under Jo's guidance, the economic impact of Arkansas' tourism industry more than doubled. In 1992, she became president and CEO of Little Rock-based Heifer International--a global nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger and poverty--where she served until 2010. Under her leadership, the organization's state-of-the-art, LEED-certified headquarters was designed and built. In 2011, Jo was appointed by Barack Obama to serve on the U.S. Agency for International Development's Board for International Food and Agricultural Development. She has worked throughout her career to improve food availability around the globe and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Charlotte Tillar Schexnayder was born in Tillar, AR, in 1923. When she was 16 years old, she enrolled in the University of Arkansas at Monticello while also freelance writing for the McGehee Times. She went on to become editor of the McGehee Times in October 1944. She and her husband Melvin worked at the newspaper for 6 years before purchasing the Dumas Clarion, which they owned for more than four decades. Although the paper was largely known for local news, Charlotte took an editorial stand on many issues, including the desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock along with economic and development issues in Dumas, AR. Along with being a critical voice in local media, Charlotte was a board member of the Dumas Chamber of Commerce and served as the first female president of the organization. In 1975, Governor David Pryor appointed Charlotte to the Arkansas Board of Pardons and Parole, making her the first female to serve on the group's board. Charlotte went on to become president of many journalism organizations, including Arkansas Press Women, the Little Rock chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Federation of Press Women, the Arkansas Press Association, and the National Newspaper Association. In 1984, she was elected to the State house of representatives where she served until 1999. While in office, she was the lead sponsor for several bills, including the expansion of the Freedom of Information Act, a bill creating the Arkansas Ethics Commission, and the creation of a sales tax for a research center and endowed chair at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in alcohol abuse prevention. Charlotte's consistent efforts to improve her community and State are both courageous and groundbreaking. Carolyn Witherspoon graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1974 and continued her education at the UALR School of Law, where she graduated with honors in 1978. Throughout her legal career, Carolyn has advocated for promoting a healthy work-life balance and supported and founded organizations that serve women. She served as the commissioner of the Arkansas Real Estate Commission from 1978 until 1981, when she became the president of the Arkansas Association of Women's Lawyers. Her law practice has centered on representing private and public employees in defending employment-related matters, including title VII litigation. Her practice has led her to serve as president of the Pulaski County Bar Association and the Arkansas Bar Association, where she became the first woman to hold that position. As one of the top lawyers from Arkansas, she has been honored to serve on the Union Internationale des Advocats. Carolyn has also earned recognition from the American Psychological Association, the Society for Human Resources Management, and the State of Arkansas. Her firm has been honored with the WE WORKs Award three times for incorporating flexibility in workplace practices. Under her direction, Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon, and Galchus is the only firm in the State of Arkansas with 50 percent ownership by female attorneys. Her community involvement includes serving on the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault and as former president of the Women's Foundation of Arkansas, as well as providing legal services to low-income people through a program known as VOCALS. We can be proud of Carolyn's contributions to the legal community in our State, country, and internationally. Diane Frances Divers Kincaid Blair was born in Washington, DC in 1938. She graduated cum laude from Cornell University's Department of Government in 1959. When she returned to Washington, she served as an analyst for the President's Committee on Government Contracts, a research assistant with the Senate Special Committee on Unemployment, and legislative secretary and speechwriter for former U.S. Senator Stuart Symington of Missouri. After marrying Arkansan Hugh Kincaid, she moved to Fayetteville in 1963. Diane completed her master's degree through the Department of Political Science at the University of Arkansas in 1967. The following year, Kincaid became a part-time lecturer in political science at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and in 1979 became an assistant professor of political science. In 1971, Governor Dale Bumpers appointed Diane to chair the Governor's Commission on the Status of Women. In 1976, Governor David Pryor selected her to chair a commission on public employee rights. In 1980, she was appointed to the commission for the Arkansas Educational Television Networks, where she served until 1993. She also served as an advisor for the Clinton-Gore campaign in 1992 and 4 years later worked on the President's reelection campaign. President Clinton appointed Diane to the board of directors of the U.S. Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which she later chaired. Diane authored two books, including ``Arkansas Politics and Government: Do the People Rule?'' which is used by many Arkansas colleges and universities as part of their curriculums. Blair passed away in 2000 of lung cancer, but left behind a legacy of service and dedication to the State of Arkansas. Louise McPhetridge Thaden was born in Bentonville on a small family farm and became interested in aviation at an early age. She attended the University of Arkansas, but never graduated. Instead, she continued to pursue her love of flying, taking her skills to Kansas and eventually California and working various jobs until she eventually earned her pilot's license. She became the only female pilot to simultaneously hold the women's record for speed, altitude, and solo endurance, beating out Amelia Earhart and other pilots at the National Women's Air Derby in 1929. Together Earhart and Thaden formed the Ninety-Nines, an advocacy group for women pilots. Additionally, Louise opened a flight school for women at the Penn School of Aviation and raised the scholarship money for its first 12 students. In 1932, she set a refueling endurance record of 196 hours in the air over Long Island. In 1936, Louise became the first woman to win the Bendix Transcontinental Air Race from New York to Los Angeles. She was the 1937 recipient of the Harmon Trophy, which is the highest honor given to a female pilot. Her achievements have been honored in numerous ways, including by the community of Bentonville, where its airport now bears her name, as well as by former Governor David Pryor's declaration of August 22 as ``Louise M. Thaden Day.'' She was posthumously inducted into the International Aerospace Hall of Fame in 1999. Louise's pioneering and competitive spirit will continue to inspire future generations of pilots and women for many years to come. The final inductee, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's Beta Pi Omega Chapter, was chartered in Little Rock in 1937. It is the oldest graduate chapter in the State of Arkansas. The chapter's 265 members regularly complete service projects and host health fairs, workshops, education programs, voter drive, and fundraisers. The group's members use their education, skill, and expertise to make an impact in the community. Beta Pi Omega has sponsored the chartering of two new Alpha Kappa Alpha chapters in the State, Gamma Alpha Chapter at Philander Smith College and Epsilon Phi Chapter at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Through the years, over 500 High School seniors and college students have received scholarships or other assistance from Beta Pi Omega. The chapter has been recognized for its programs and partnerships with the Little Rock School District, American Heart Association, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Lions Club International. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's Beta Pi Omega chapter has demonstrated a true commitment to improving Arkansas for future generations of citizens in all corners of the State. Congratulations to the 2019 Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame inductees. We are grateful for their contributions to our State and the work they have done to inspire all Arkansans to achieve great things and help their neighbors and fellow citizens through their efforts to uplift and improve their communities.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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