John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise to honor the service of Colonel (retired) Anita Deason as she retires from her work on behalf of the people of Arkansas, and especially the military and veterans community, as a member of my staff in the U.S. Senate. Colonel Deason started her lifetime of service at 19 years old when she joined the Arkansas Army National Guard. She retired from that career in 2013 with 33 years of service and soon after joined my staff as our military and veterans liaison. Throughout her tenure with my office, she has used her knowledge and experience to improve programs and services for countless veterans and their families. Over the past 7 years, Colonel Deason has traveled all across the Natural State to meet with veterans' organizations; visit local, State, and Federal facilities, as well as nonprofits; and resolve countless problems for her fellow veterans. Whether bringing groups together to tackle difficult issues or lending her support to promising new programs, she used every skill and connection she had to improve the lives of the men and women who serve our State and our Nation. Of all her accomplishments during her time in the Senate, Anita is probably best known as a champion of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. She spearheaded my office's involvement in this program to ensure that stories of America's veterans are recorded for generations to come. At that time, Arkansas veterans were underrepresented in this national collection, so she set out to conduct interviews and train other Arkansans to do the same. She ensured that veterans from all eras are included and that previously overlooked stories were recorded from veterans of color, women veterans, and others who served our country with honor and helped shape our modern military. She taught workshops, gave media interviews and trained other congressional staff, all in an effort to make the project even more robust and successful because of her passion for helping to learn about and preserve our former servicemembers' stories and experiences. Her tenure in the Senate is only a small portion of Colonel Deason's public service. During her career in the Arkansas Army National Guard, she served as a platoon leader, detachment commander, company executive officer, and company commander. She was eventually promoted to colonel while serving as the human resources officer. She received a number of awards and decorations during her military career including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Arkansas Commendation Medal. In 2018, she was inducted into the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame. It was a well-deserved honor for her tremendous military service and her dedication to fighting for the needs of servicemembers and veterans throughout her years with the U.S. Senate. It has been a blessing and true honor to have Anita Deason as a member of my team. Her unique perspective, dedication, and caring nature have been invaluable in our work to meet the needs of Arkansas' veterans. She truly made a difference. We will all miss working with her and wish her the best of luck in retirement.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Dr. Mark J. Cochran, who after almost 40 years of service with the University of Arkansas System, is retiring today. In Dr. Cochran's last role with the university he led the division of agriculture's research and extension work as its vice president. The University of Arkansas System division of agriculture's mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Dr. Cochran embodies that mission. So much so, that when it was announced that he would be stepping down, University of Arkansas System president Dr. Donald Bobbitt called Dr. Cochran ``an unabashed cheerleader for Arkansas agriculture.'' I would echo that descriptor and add that he has been an incredible partner in our efforts at the Federal level to ensure Arkansas producers remain on the leading edge; our rural communities remain strong; and the families that comprise them have opportunities to prosper. Agriculture is Arkansas' largest industry, adding around $21 billion to our economy every year and accounting for approximately one in every six jobs. In order to reach and build upon that level of economic production, our producers need to maintain a competitive advantage. Research provides that building block, and Dr. Cochran ensured the university is on the cutting-edge of it. Under Dr. Cochran's leadership, the University of Arkansas System division of agriculture helped guide this vital industry by providing science-based best practices and new technologies that led to advancements that benefit both producers and the environment. While remaining dedicated to our current agriculture community's needs, Dr. Cochran also focused with equal intensity on cultivating and preparing the next generation of Arkansas farmers and ranchers. In announcing his retirement, Dr. Cochran noted he is particularly proud of the impact the university has made on youth through its 4-H program and how that impact will carry into the future. During his tenure, Dr. Cochran developed a reputation as a well- respected advocate for Arkansas agriculture, our rural communities, and the families that call the Natural State home. His leadership at University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will be missed, but he left a legacy that will benefit Arkansas agriculture for years to come. It has been an honor to work with him during his tenure, and I wish him all the best in retirement.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Bentonville Police Chief Jon Simpson whose dedication to law enforcement and community service will be deeply missed following his retirement as chief of the Bentonville Police Department. Chief Simpson's dedication is grounded in his strong roots to northwest Arkansas as a Bentonville native and graduate of the University of Arkansas. He established a career in public safety, first in the security division of Walmart Stores, Inc., before transitioning to work for the city as a patrol officer in 1994, where his service quickly stood out. After only 2 years with the Bentonville Police Department, Jon was named officer of the year. From there, the chief held numerous supervisory positions and led by example, inspiring officers in both the patrol and criminal divisions. He was promoted to a command staff member in 2006 and, in 2011, was appointed chief of the Bentonville Police Department. In these leadership roles, Chief Simpson reorganized the rank structure of the department, added personnel with further opportunities for advisory positions, and upgraded the department's vehicles and equipment. Additionally, he led an extensive renovation to the police department building that added a bomb squad facility, emergency communication center, criminal investigations building, and emergency operations center. The Bentonville community's rapid growth and unique challenges certainly shaped Chief Simpson's tenure. He recognized the high expectations of Bentonville citizens and was encouraged to do more to ensure his officers lived up to those standards. That approach led to the incredible level of safety and security within the Bentonville community today. Chief Simpson's impact has also been recognized beyond his own department. Recently, the Arkansas Fraternal Order of Police in Little Rock recognized him with its Outstanding Police Chief Award. Chief Simpson has demonstrated a relentless pursuit to improve himself, his team, and the community he served throughout his career. I applaud his dedicated, decades-long commitment to law enforcement and the safety of his fellow Arkansans. He is a true public servant who has strengthened law and order in Bentonville. It has been an honor to work with him during his tenure, and I wish him all the best in his next endeavor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize SMSGT Jeremy Mayo who has earned the Military Times 2021 Airman of the Year award after a remarkable 19 years of military service. Jeremy Mayo is a proud Arkansan who has dedicated his life to protecting and defending his country. Mayo grew up hearing stories about his grandfather's 20 years in the military and says it had a big influence in his life and served as his inspiration to join the Armed Forces. In his 10 deployments, he has handled a variety of crucial operations from dropping personnel to refilling helicopters, as well as resupply, infiltration, and exfiltration missions. He was initially drawn to the position for its unpredictability and the opportunity to work with some of the top military groups from a variety of branches. Mayo has demonstrated, time and time again, the grit and work ethic so crucial to the success of members of our military. To Mayo, the most important part of his job was simply to get the crew and the team he was supporting in and out and to get them home safely. Mayo praised the U.S. Air Force for instilling in him important traits such as leadership, saying the roles he has taken on forced him to really step up. As a Special Operations Command loadmaster, Mayo had been trained to roll with the punches, so when the coronavirus pandemic hit, he did just that. Mayo recognized the significance of the chemical aircrew survivability barrier, a tent-like, air-filtering structure for C-130 airframes. He then helped develop plans to utilize this tool during the pandemic, making special operations crews increasingly self-sufficient and mobile in dangerous medical evacuations. His quick thinking and creativity in repurposing this chemical and biological contamination tent to protect troops from the coronavirus earned him this prestigious award and, more importantly, has helped protect countless servicemembers. While the pandemic presented a variety of challenges, Senior Master Sergeant Mayo clearly demonstrated his perseverance in the face of adversity. He deployed to three different regions of the world and served as the senior enlisted leader in an exercise that trained French special operations helicopter crews on refueling and seizure skills to prepare for combat in Africa. I applaud SMSGT Jeremy Mayo for his outstanding commitment and dedication to our Nation. He richly deserves this recognition for his ingenuity and determination, and we are proud of this Arkansan's distinguished record of service on behalf of our country. I commend him for all his efforts that have culminated in this honor and express my gratitude for his leadership and example.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I call up my amendment No. 3103 and ask that it be reported by number.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, my amendment will establish a deficit- neutral reserve fund to ensure rural electric cooperatives remain eligible for USDA financing for the construction, maintenance, or improvement of fossil fuel burning plants. I ask my colleagues to support this commonsense approach to ensure that the electricity needs of rural America continue to be met and, in the future, are affordable and reliable. The amendment ensures that rural Americans continue to have accessible, affordable, reliable energy to power their farms, their businesses, and broadband networks in the 21st-century economy. In order to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the Department of Agriculture has proposed the retirement of fossil fuel-burning powerplants in rural America. So this amendment would protect rural America and make sure they have reliable and affordable energy. I ask my colleagues for a ``yea'' vote.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Cliff Harris, one of the newest inductees into the NFL Hall of Fame for his remarkable football career with the Dallas Cowboys. Cliff is a proud Arkansan who has spent his life defying odds and demonstrating that hard work and dedication pay off. Cliff was born in Fayetteville, AR, and grew up in the Hot Springs area where he began his football career as backup quarterback at Hot Springs High School. He earned a scholarship to Ouachita Baptist University--OBU--and followed in his father's footsteps joining the Tiger football team. Cliff was extremely successful on the field where he was an accomplished defensive back and a skilled kick returner. During his time at OBU, he was named to two All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference--AIC--teams and, during his freshman year, helped his team win the 1966 AIC Football Championship. Despite a stellar college football career, Cliff was not selected in the 1970 NFL draft. That didn't prevent him from pursing his dream. He participated in the Cowboys training camp and signed as a free agent. Cliff's perseverance paid off as he earned the starting free safety position his rookie year. His NFL career was postponed when he was called to service in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, Cliff jumped right back into the game and helped the Cowboys earn Super Bowl victories in 1972 and 1978. Nicknamed ``Captain Crash'' for his ruthless tackles and ferocious pursuit of ball carriers, Cliff dominated the field and, even today, is heralded as one of the best free safeties to ever play the sport. Hall of Fame head coach George Allen described Cliff as a ``rolling ball of butcher knives.'' In addition to playing in five Super Bowls, Cliff was named to the Pro Bowl six times and was named a first team All-Pro player for four consecutive seasons. He was named to the Dallas Cowboys' Silver Season All-Time Team, was selected by ``Sports Illustrated'' as the free safety on the magazine's All-Time Dream Team, was given the NFL Alumni Legends Award, and was the free safety of the All-Decade Team for the 1970s. In 2004, Cliff was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor. The Cliff Harris Award was named after him and is presented to the top defensive player in small college football each year. Back in Arkansas, Harris's alma mater Ouachita Baptist University honored Cliff by naming its new football stadium the Cliff Harris Stadium. From backup high school quarterback to two-time Super Bowl champion, Cliff has remained the same hard-working kid from Arkansas. Known for his vast knowledge of the game and strong leadership among the team, Cliff was an extremely well-liked and respected player. As a fellow Arkansan, I looked up to him not only because of his football skills but also his outstanding character both on and off the field. I applaud Cliff for his outstanding accomplished career that has culminated with a spot in Canton. He deserves this recognition for his perseverance on the field and for the positive example he set for children in Arkansas and all across the country. We honor and salute one of my boyhood heroes who has never let us down.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Garrett Lewis who is saying goodbye as chief meteorologist at KFSM after a remarkable 20-year career dedicated to keeping Arkansans safe and providing dependable, reliable, and accurate weather forecasts. As part of the meteorology team at KFSM, Garrett used his experience and expertise to provide the people of Arkansas and Oklahoma with crucial information regarding the weather and dangerous conditions including tornadoes, flooding, and ice storms. His efforts helped countless Arkansans and made him a trusted household name. Garrett was born and raised in Alma, AR, where he developed his passion and appreciation for the weather. It is no surprise that after earning his bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University, Garrett returned to his roots in Arkansas to serve the community. He quickly rose to success at KFSM. While maintaining a busy schedule, he also found time to earn a master's degree in applied meteorology. Garrett's work has been recognized and celebrated by his peers with both the National Weather Association Seal of Approval and the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval. The Arkansas Associated Press also acknowledged the quality of his work, including with its award for ``Best Weathercast'' numerous times. He has a warm heart and deeply cares about the people in western Arkansas, something he exhibited during each newscast and with viewers he interacted with every day. That extends beyond his weather role. He is a strong champion for the welfare of children, having taken a vested interest in preventing their abuse and supporting efforts to treat those who experience it through his service on the boards of the Benton County Children's Advocacy Center and Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas. His efforts have led to positive change and tougher laws to protect children from predators. Garrett has dedicated 20 years of his life to serving the people of Arkansas while being a loving father and devoted husband. I know his wife Ashley and his children Graham and Ellis are very proud of him and are looking forward to spending more time together. I applaud Garrett for his outstanding leadership and accomplished career which has been marked by service. We will miss watching him on TV with his sleeves rolled up as dangerous weather approaches, but we can be confident he will apply the same drive and skill to whatever endeavors he pursues in the future. I join many Arkansans in anticipating this chapter in his life and career and wish him all the best as it begins.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, America's family farmers and ranchers have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. They have been caught in the middle of trade wars, repeatedly lost harvests and livestock to one catastrophic natural disaster after another, and faced a whole new set of unparalleled complications when COVID-19 took hold. Now a new threat to their future looms, the Democrats' reckless tax- and-spend agenda for which family farmers and ranchers are being told to foot the bill. The Democrats are proposing changes to capital gains tax rates, stepped-up basis, and the use of like-kind exchanges that put the future of our family farms and ranches at risk. The next generation of family farmers will face devastating consequences if the Democrats have their way, as their proposed changes put the future of nearly 2 million family-owned farm operations at risk. The President and his allies in Congress will tell you that family farms and ranches will not be impacted by their proposed changes. In fact, they make a very specific claim that 98 percent of farms will not be impacted. Yet they have provided no evidence to support that claim, and they have been asked to provide that directly by myself and a majority of the Republican side of the Ag Committee. We essentially asked USDA to show its math. That request has gone unanswered. It seems unlikely that we will ever get a response, so we took it upon ourselves to find out if there was any legitimacy to their claim. We asked the highly respected team at the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University to conduct a study on the legislation that mirrors tax increases President Biden and congressional Democrats have floated to pay for their massive human infrastructure plan. The results confirm exactly what we expected. These proposed changes are going to crush rural America. Remember the administration's claim that 98 percent of family farms and ranches will be protected? Well, AFPC's research showed just the opposite when it comes to changes to stepped-up basis, which allows the tax basis of an inherited asset to be stepped up at death to the fair market value as of the date of death. If these changes were to be implemented, 92 of AFPC's 94 representative farms would be impacted with an average additional tax liability of more than $720,000 per farm. That means 98 percent of family farms included in AFPC's study are hurt by these tax increases, not protected by them. And as you can see on this map, this chart, those changes hit rural America very, very hard. We are looking at over half a million dollars in additional tax liabilities per farm in the Southwest and in the Southeast, which includes my home State of Arkansas. In fact, the average tax liability for the five Arkansas farms represented in the study is over $800,000. In the Northeast and out West, these changes would result in over $700,000 in additional tax liabilities per farm. And look at the Midwest. It is over $1 million in additional tax liabilities per farm. These obligations will take literally years to pay off. And, again, that is just when you take into account changes to stepped-up basis, just that one particular part. Add in the higher capital gains tax rates Democrats have proposed and limitations to like-kind exchanges, which allow taxpayers, including family farmers, to exchange property and defer the capital gains tax, and you can see why so many literally fear for their livelihood. Farmers are land rich and cash poor. Farmland is equivalent to a farmer's 401(k). Instead of traditional retirement accounts, farmers and ranchers invest in cropland and pastureland and tirelessly work that land in an effort to create a more prosperous future for their loved ones. That lifetime of hard work, planning, and sacrifice will all be for naught if these changes are allowed to be implemented. On top of that, these Tax Code changes will dry up the farmland market, lead to further consolidation in the agricultural sector, create barriers to entry for new or beginning farmers, and stunt reinvestment in rural communities. Ultimately, agriculture as a whole and rural America will suffer. That is why my colleagues and I are down here today. If changes of these magnitude are implemented, the economic harm it will cause will have a lasting impact on rural America. These tax increases, which again are only being proposed because the Democrats are determined to force their reckless spending agenda through Congress, certainly need to be rejected. With that, I yield to Senator Grassley.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, it is an honor to be with my friend and colleague Senator Cotton as we rise to honor Pea Ridge Police Officer Kevin Apple, who was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, June 26. He made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to apprehend two suspects who were fleeing from police. Although this was the last example of his selfless service and dedication to protecting his community, it was certainly not the only one. Officer Apple bravely devoted his life to law enforcement and the good that it can bring about. He worked tirelessly to uphold law and order over the course of 23 years, serving several northwest Arkansas communities, including Pea Ridge for the last 3 years. He was known to consistently support others. The compassion he exhibited in and out of uniform will be fondly remembered by those he helped. ``He gave me hope again,'' one citizen remarked of Officer Apple. Another individual commented that, as a result of Officer Apple, he changed his life. Now, more than 20 years later, he maintains a deep appreciation of the support he received from Officer Apple. He did much more than serve and protect. The Pea Ridge police chief said that Officer Apple put humanity in the job. For a police officer, there is no higher compliment than that. He was also known as a prankster. He was usually upbeat and lifted the spirits of those around him with a smile that would light up a room. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues describe him as someone who cared passionately about his role in supporting public safety and was more concerned about lending a helping hand rather than writing tickets. He was a loyal friend and leader who always put the needs of others above his own. Officer Apple leaves a legacy of lasting impact on all of those whose lives he touched in his own unique way. Whether attending a child's birthday party or checking on an elderly citizen, he went above and beyond the call of duty and constantly showed his dedication to the people he was sworn to protect. My hope is the community's support will provide comfort to his family, his friends, and brothers and sisters in blue. We can be very proud of how northwest Arkansas has already bonded together to give back to the Pea Ridge Police Department and this fallen law enforcement officer's loved ones. Officer Apple was the embodiment of what it means to wear a police badge and uniform. His exemplary service and dedication to serving his community are truly inspirational, and he leaves behind a worthy example for other officers to imitate. We all mourn the loss of Officer Apple and are deeply saddened by this tragedy. I join with Arkansans in expressing our gratitude for his service and sacrifice. I am honored to recognize his life with Senator Cotton today and pray that his family and his colleagues and community members know that he will forever be remembered as a hero. With that, I yield to Senator Cotton

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, our farmers, ranchers, and foresters are the greatest stewards of the land, and many have been working for a long time to preserve natural resources and protect the environment through on-farm practices. And now, more than ever, farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners are looking to explore opportunities to benefit financially through emerging voluntary environmental credit markets. New opportunities to generate benefits through environmental practices hold a great deal of promise. However, producers and landowners must navigate a complex and costly landscape in order to access these markets. The Growing Climate Solutions Act provides a framework for producers to access technical assistance, guidance, and resources in these emerging markets as they investigate whether to pursue this new opportunity. USDA certification of entities who will assist farmers in how best to navigate these markets will improve market integrity and provide farmers and ranchers more confidence as they take the first steps. The information gathered by USDA through the certification process will serve as a reliable resource to producers seeking to learn about both the entities involved and the practices being implemented to generate credits that are transacted in voluntary environmental credit markets. These markets and the key players are evolving very quickly, and this bill directs USDA to first assess the current state of voluntary environmental credit markets because it is important that we all have an understanding of the landscape first. Further, this bill is farmer-friendly. It acknowledges that for farmers and ranchers to be successful, there cannot be a one-size-fits- all approach. A corn farmer in Indiana, a cherry farmer in Michigan, and a rice farmer in Arkansas have different soil types and varying potential for carbon sequestration. So this bill recognizes the diversity of agriculture and the practices that may be employed by farmers. It provides educational resources for producers who decide this new market opportunity works for their unique business model. The bill ensures farmers comprise a majority on the USDA advisory committee and protects the information farmers and ranchers share as part of the program. For these market to work, they must work for our farmers, foresters, ranchers, and landowners. In order to do that, they must be at the table. This bill provides our stakeholders that voice. Finally, this bill epitomizes a great deal of bipartisan work, while addressing the pressing needs of farmers, ranchers, and foresters. I thank Senators Braun and Stabenow for helping us to make this the best bill possible. Many farmers and stakeholders are excited about this legislation, as are many Members who cosponsored the bill and voted to report it out of committee. The bipartisan nature of the work of the committee was exciting to see. We came together and accomplished something significant. I hope this spirit of cooperation continues as Congress considers new policies on climate change. We need to ensure that any policies are farmer-friendly and farmer- focused, remain voluntarily, and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Again, thank you to Chairwoman Stabenow and Senator Braun for their efforts. I look forward to the debate and very much support the bill through final passage. With that, I yield to Senator Braun.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Dan Hendrix, who is retiring as president and chief executive officer of the World Trade Center Arkansas and associate vice chancellor of the Division of Economic Development at the University of Arkansas after a remarkable career dedicated to economic growth in the Natural State. Dan is a proud Arkansan who has spent his life demonstrating his commitment to the State and developing opportunities to help businesses grow and flourish. He learned the tools that helped him succeed at the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University, where he earned a bachelor of science in business administration with minors in marketing and management. He started his career at ABF Freight System, where he established the subsidiary Container Carrier Corporation to transport ocean containers to and from major ports in the United States and throughout the world. Under his guidance, the company expanded import and export operations to U.S. ports of entry, and he served in several leadership positions within the company. He brought his skills to an Oklahoma Transportation Company in 1998. In 2001, Dan joined the University of Arkansas and established the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations, where, among other successes, he led efforts to raise more than $1 billion for the university as part of the institution's Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. As president and CEO of World Trade Center Arkansas, Dan has used his talent and experience to help connect businesses in the State with international partners since its creation in 2007. His efforts have resulted in significantly increased exports of Arkansas goods and job growth. Today, businesses from all over Arkansas export products to nearly 200 countries and support 350,000 jobs in the State. During Dan's tenure as leader of the World Trade Center Arkansas, he has also educated university students in global commerce through the center's student intern program. The center has hosted dignitaries from more than 50 countries and enhanced diplomatic relations between the State of Arkansas and the United States with a variety of nations and economic partners. I applaud Dan for his outstanding leadership and accomplished career. He has led a life of service and deserves our thanks for his military service and vision for expanding Arkansas's footprint around the globe. Dan is leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations of Arkansans. I have been honored to work with him, and I appreciate his friendship. I know his wife Marilyn, children and grandchildren, who are very proud of him, are looking forward to spending more time together. I wish him the best on his retirement.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Baptist Health of Arkansas's centennial--a significant and commendable milestone. Today, Arkansans are gathering to celebrate this institution and its staff that have been dedicated to providing exceptional faith-based healthcare to its patients, strengthening communities through compassionate service, and continuously responding to the ever-changing health needs of Arkansans. On February 16, 1921, the Arkansas Baptist State Convention incorporated Baptist State Hospital to ensure Arkansans had access to quality, faith- based healthcare. Baptist Health started with a mere 70 beds and in just 1 year more than tripled that number, administering care to more than 300 patients. The hospital's humble beginnings show the diligence of the men and women who, through intense devotion, made this organization what it is today. The dedication of Baptist Health's providers is a testament to this healing ministry's service and commitment to its patients. For 100 years patients from across the State, Nation and world have relied on the hospital's incredible doctors, nurses and staff to perform lifesaving treatments and surgeries. This institution has served the State of Arkansas in numerous ways, from creating thousands of jobs to supporting the State economy and saving the lives of countless patients. Baptist Health has created reliable medical service across the State and helped many medical professionals in their educations and careers. Baptist Health has been a leader in medical advancement in Arkansas, and its community of medical professionals have made tremendous sacrifices to serve and care for patients. Their dedication has been apparent during the COVID-19 public health crisis. This devotion to its mission has made Baptist Health Arkansas's largest and most comprehensive not-for profit healthcare organization. From the doctors and nurses to the office workers and maintenance staff, each member of the team demonstrates a passion for helping and healing. Congratulations to Baptist Health on 100 years of service and dedication to helping Arkansans live long and healthy lives. I look forward to its continued excellence in healthcare for our State for many more years.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise in support of S. Res. 268 and of our Nation's dairy farmers, processors, and consumers as we celebrate National Dairy Month. This National Dairy Month is especially important. This time last year, the country was still shut down. The economy was in the middle of a major shock, and the dairy sector, like so many others, had to persevere. Dairy farmers bore the brunt of very low prices resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Dairy processors had to pivot their entire supply chain to meet new and unique demand for their products. While managing these challenges, dairy processors continue to address food insecurity caused by the pandemic by donating billions of dollars of nutritious milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter to needy Americans. Despite unthinkable pressures, the industry continues to hold on. By no means are we out of the woods yet. Dairy farmers across the country continue to face pricing challenges. This National Dairy Month and every month, I encourage my fellow Members of the Senate and all Americans to keep these hard-working farm families in your mind and their products in your grocery basket. Milk provides several essential nutrients and is the No. 1 source of calcium, potassium, and vitamin D for Americans. Yogurt and cheese are top sources of protein, magnesium, phosphorous, vitamins A and D, and calcium. And my personal favorite dairy product--ice cream--is a delicious, nutrient-dense treat that hits the spot during hot summer days in Arkansas. National Dairy Month is a wonderful annual tradition highlighting an important sector and its contribution to the American economy and dinner plate. I want to thank Senators Roger Marshall, Kirsten Gillibrand, and others for bringing this resolution to the Senate floor and for their steadfast service on behalf of U.S. agriculture.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, across the country, the school year is winding down, and students will be on summer break. We know that when school is out, many students who receive free and reduced-price meals throughout the school year are not getting the nutrition that they need. The pandemic required us to explore innovative options for getting food and nutrition, for getting that assistance to children in need, especially those who were in rural and hard-to-serve areas. That is why I, along with Senator Leahy, have reintroduced the Hunger-Free Summer for Kids Act. I am pleased that we have 12 bipartisan cosponsors and the support of national organizations like Feeding America, Share Our Strength, Tusk Philanthropies, Bread for the World, the Alliance to End Hunger, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, and Save the Children. When I served as a school board member many years ago, I saw how important the national school meals program is to providing many children with healthy meals, helping them to learn and grow. I also saw that many kids were left without nutritious food during the summer months. Seeing this reality is, in part, why I wanted to serve as cochair of the Senate Hunger Caucus. It is the reason why I care about these programs, ensuring we have a bipartisan child nutrition reauthorization process that can include this bill that Senator Leahy and I are introducing. Before the pandemic, we had data that showed the traditional Summer Food Service Program was not serving all of the kids who needed these meals. Only one in seven children receiving free or reduced-price meals during the school year were receiving meals from the current Summer Meals Program. Big gaps exist, especially in rural areas. According to Feeding America, 86 percent of counties with children most at risk for food insecurity are rural counties. The current program requires children to come to a feeding site and eat their meals with other children. This concept has its benefits, as it builds a sense of community, provides a safe place for kids to go, and then offers them a chance to participate in other physical and enrichment activities. However, we know that getting kids to a feeding site can be a real challenge. Buses take students to school, but the buses don't run in the summer. During the pandemic, Congress gave the U.S. Department of Agriculture the authority to waive the requirement that kids had to eat meals together at feeding sites. This flexibility has spurred innovation with public-private partnerships. For instance, in my home State of Arkansas, Faulkner County did a tremendous job packing meal boxes to be sent home to families. Volunteers have delivered meals through mobile delivery routes. Thanks to the Meals to You program that was coordinated by the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, more than 1.1 million meals were delivered directly to the doorstep of almost 9,000 children living in rural Arkansas. According to Share Our Strength, there was a 160-percent increase in the number of meals served by allowing offsite consumption of meals. Another way to ensure kids are receiving access to food is through the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program. Each child receives a set amount of money that is loaded onto an EBT card. Families then can shop for food to make sure their kids get the nutrition they need. This program has been tested for a number of years by the USDA. The results have shown that providing a $30 monthly benefit for a child was effective in reducing the most severe category of food insecurity during the summer and can lead to positive changes in children's nutritional outcomes through the consumption of healthier foods. This bill expands how we ensure children receive healthy meals throughout the summer. The pandemic has certainly shown the importance and the success of this program when offsite consumption and EBT are options States can utilize to feed children. I want to commend the volunteers and staff on the frontlines who are there each and every day ensuring that children receive the nutrition they need. They work tirelessly, being true heroes to so many families during the pandemic. I thank them for their hard work, their innovation, and their dedication. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the weeks and months ahead to see this bill become part of a permanent, bipartisan child nutrition reauthorization law. It is important that members of the Ag Committee work together in a bipartisan manner, through regular order, agreeing on the policy and the offsets that will be required to provide schools, States, and families greater certainty into the future. I am committed to a bipartisan path forward, and this bill is just the beginning. With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise to honor the inaugural graduates of the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, ARCOM, as they prepare to receive their hoods and diplomas on Saturday, May 15, 2021. After 4 years, this class of 145 doctors will move on to residencies throughout the region and the Nation, but first, they will celebrate their unique role as leaders and standard-setters within what has already become a vitally important and game-changing institution in western Arkansas. ARCOM welcomed its first class of medical students in 2017. Four years later, the school celebrated its first Match Day with 95 percent of students placed into residency programs. Of those moving onto residences, 7 percent will work in primary care and almost two-thirds received placements in Arkansas and surrounding States. Studies show us that a majority of doctors stay and practice in the region they are educated, so I was also pleased to see that more than 50 percent of ARCOM's first class of graduates matched in States that are considered in the bottom 10 percent for access to medical care. This is where they are needed and speaks to the mission and importance of ARCOM, not only to Arkansas but our entire region. As part of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, ACHE, ARCOM is transforming healthcare education and helping prepare future doctors to practice in medically underserved regions. It is inspiring to think about the efforts it took to make this day possible. The need for more medical professionals in Arkansas is great, and the work put in by the students community leaders, generous donors, and true visionaries who saw the need should be applauded today. In addition to this inaugural class of osteopathic physicians, ACHE is celebrating its second commencement for graduates receiving a master of science in biomedicine. The campus is now also home to the School of Physical Therapy, with its first class starting instruction in June 2021, and the School of Occupational Therapy, which expects to welcome students in January 2022. I am grateful for the incredible work being done by administration, faculty, staff, and students. The campus is a cornerstone for new medical facilities, housing, and opportunities in western Arkansas and continues to draw new resources to the area. Its impact has been significant and stands to grow well into the future. I am also proud of these graduates. They have prepared for their medical careers during a challenging time, with full understanding of the importance of their charge and the task ahead. As they embark on their careers, I know they have seen and experienced more than they expected. They have chosen this path for a reason, and our State and Nation are stronger because of their commitment to serving others. Congratulations to the 2021 class of ARCOM and to everyone who made this dream possible for them and for Arkansas.

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, I rise today to recognize National Police Week and honor the law enforcement officers who selflessly serve and protect our communities. Law enforcement professionals at all levels, from local police forces to sheriff's departments, to State police and Federal law enforcement agencies, leave home each day not knowing what challenges they will experience, but they are ready to face danger head-on. National Police Week is a solemn occasion to honor those who tragically lost their lives while performing their duties. Sadly, last year proved to be particularly dangerous for officers, and 2020 was one of the deadliest years for law enforcement officers in recent memory. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly played a part in that unfortunate reality. This year, the names of 394 officers killed in the line of duty have been etched into the walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial. The deaths of 185 of those individuals were COVID-19 related, including Sergeant James Dancy of the North Little Rock Police Department.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a prominent conservative leader, Reta Hamilton, for her long-standing commitment to serving and strengthening the Republican Party in Arkansas and nationwide. Mrs. Hamilton launched her political activism career in 1987. In the decades since, she has made numerous contributions to mobilize the conservative cause--and with great success. Nicknamed ``the Road Warrior'' since her early days, she has driven nearly every highway in Arkansas, supporting, encouraging, and building county committees and Republican Women clubs. She is a longtime Tusk Club member, which denotes her dedication to GOP candidates and ideas. Mrs. Hamilton's commitment and impact have been widely felt at the local level. She served as president of the Washington County Republican Women in 1989 and more than doubled its membership, for which she received a newly-created award from the Arkansas Federation of Republican Women as well as recognition from the National Federation of Republican Women. The Washington County Republican Committee honored her as Republican of the Year at its 1989 Lincoln Dinner, with Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt participating in the presentation. That year, she was also elected as AFRW third vice-president. Mrs. Hamilton eventually moved to Benton County and in 1994 was elected secretary of the Benton County Republican Party. She later served as a State committeewoman and was honored at the 1996 Lincoln Dinner as Republican of the Year in Rogers, AR. Mrs. Hamilton was elected one of six electors to serve both in the 2008 and 2012 electoral college. During her years of involvement in the Republican Party of Arkansas, she became second vice chair and was appointed to the Arkansas Governor's Appointments Committee, as well as a serving a record 14 continuous years on the Executive Committee of the Arkansas GOP. Mrs. Hamilton was appointed by the State chairman to serve over 10 years on the RPA Rules Committee. A pinnacle of her political career came in 2003, when she was elevated to the position of RPA State chairman. During this time, she was able to refocus the State party and set it on a course to majority leadership. Mrs. Hamilton was elected Arkansas Republican National Committeewoman in 2005 and served until term-limited in 2012. She also served on the RNC Rules Committee from 2010 through 2012. She was also elected by RPA delegates to serve on the RNC Rules Committee from 1996 to 2016. Mrs. Hamilton was an elected delegate to every Republican National Convention from 1992 through 2020, serving as a Trump delegate in 2016 and 2020. At the Reagan Rockefeller Dinner in 2016, the RPA awarded Mrs. Hamilton the ``Hi, I'm Frank White'' Award for making significant contributions to build the State party. Having been involved with the National Federation of Republican Women since 1983, Mrs. Hamilton was appointed to serve as a nonvoting member of the NFRW Board of Directors in 2000 and served until 2020 as a regent and capital regent. She has attended nearly every NFRW biennial convention since 1987. Mrs. Hamilton was honored with an appointment and election to fill the vacancy of national committeewoman from December 2020 to June 5, 2021. I am honored to call Reta Hamilton my friend, and I am incredibly proud of her efforts to elevate and expand the Republican Party in Arkansas. Her conservative influence on the Arkansas GOP and this Nation has made a difference. The direction of our State and growth of the Republican Party into the majority party demonstrates the power that passion and commitment to one's ideals can have. I hope her example will serve as a lesson to future generations of Arkansans and Republican leaders.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary work of the teachers in Arkansas and across the country. As we prepare to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, it is clear that educators are in a class by themselves when it comes to resilience. Over the last 12 months, they have shown us what it means to be selfless and brave at a time when both were critically necessary. I am especially proud of teachers in Arkansas who rose to the challenge of leading classes 100 percent virtually for the first time and then embraced reopening our schools in August 2020. The sudden transition to virtual learning was an extraordinary hurdle, as educators had to learn new technology and new teaching techniques overnight. For all of us who have learned to use Zoom, it is worth taking a moment to imagine an online classroom with 30 wiggling first graders who want to show you their pets, or that you are teaching calculus to high school students who are preparing for an AP exam while attending class from their car at a Wi-Fi hotspot. Somehow, with great creativity and dedication, teachers embraced this mission and continued to do everything they could to reach each child. When Arkansas schools reopened in the fall, they were faced with a tremendous new challenge, from masks and social distancing to teaching classes, where some students were at their desks and others were on the screen. Arkansas teachers, once again, did the impossible for their students. Over the last year, I have heard from educators who worried for their own health and safety but said their dedication to their students was stronger than fear. They learned new skills literally overnight, overhauled the curriculum, and reimagined every aspect of their classroom to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. Somehow, they also made our kids feel safe--safe enough to learn, set an example with their positive attitudes, and let students know how important they were, whether in the classroom or on a computer screen. As they worked to maintain the academic progress of each child, they also provided a lifeline in an otherwise chaotic time. It is amazing to see the smiles on faces of the kids when they see their teachers. Even though nothing was normal, they gave students an escape back to normalcy by being there and continuing to do what they do best--teach. When we look back at the heroes of this tumultuous time, it is clear that teachers will be among those we honor as society's most valuable players. On behalf of the people of Arkansas, I want to thank our teachers for the great work that they have done this year and every year to bring out the best in each child and pave the way to a brighter future. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I join my colleagues today to address the ongoing discussions taking place in Congress among the executive branch and in communities across the country about the state of our Nation's infrastructure and how to improve it to propel our economy forward and enhance the quality of life in Arkansas and every State. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I understand the importance of infrastructure investment. I have been a constant advocate for water resources development, surface transportation investments, and the expansion of rural broadband. President Biden recently released a plan that claims to rebuild America, claims to rebuild its crumbling infrastructure. While I agree that infrastructure investment must be a top priority, I have serious concerns about this particular proposal. The President should look to the successful example of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee as a starting point for this critical bill. There are a number of bipartisan infrastructure-related bills in the Senate which have been thoroughly vetted and are ready to be passed. Instead, the administration is trying to reinvent the wheel. My advice to President Biden is simple. The path to achieve long-term infrastructure improvement is through bipartisanship. Just weeks ago, the Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously passed the Drinking Water and Waste Water Act. Last Congress, the Committee unanimously passed America's Transportation Infrastructure Act to provide resources and long-term certainty for States and local governments to build safer and more modern highways, railroads, and bridges. These bills are just two examples of the good work the Senate has been doing to invest in our Nation's crumbling infrastructure. I am pleased to hear this Chamber may begin consideration of the Drinking Water and Waste Water Infrastructure Act this month. Unlike the House of Representatives and the Biden administration, which continue to undermine bipartisanship by developing and advancing a progressive policy agenda, the Senate has been working in a bipartisan manner to find solutions for our transportation challenges. If President Biden is listening, my message to him is this: Work smarter, not harder. There is no reason we need to start at the beginning of this process. The Senate EPW Committee has done the work which can and should be the basis for any infrastructure proposal. I have always said that if you take the ``E'' out of EPW, we actually get a lot done in our committee. For a good example of the type of cooperation that can be achieved, look no further than the work of Senator Inhofe and former Senator Boxer. These two colleagues had little in common. However, they agreed on the importance of infrastructure investment, and they were able to usher major legislation through Congress through a collaborative and deliberative process. The same is true for Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito. While these two have ideological differences, they have demonstrated their ability to work together to create a bipartisan product. We want to work with the Biden administration on infrastructure to update basic public services, such as safe roads and bridges. With innovative financing and private sector investment, we will be creating jobs and keeping commodity prices low while remaining competitive in the global marketplace. However, we will not tolerate a partisan process where only one side gets to offer input with the end result being a liberal wish list of projects and priorities that have nothing to do with infrastructure investment. Infrastructure is about as ripe as any area that we have to actually get something done of a major nature in a bipartisan, cooperative way. I am back in Arkansas almost every week, and I can tell you what Arkansans want. They want us to be able to disagree while also being able to create a good commonsense policy. A bipartisan infrastructure bill is a way to demonstrate the President's willingness to work across the aisle. I am ready to create a path forward to update and modernize our Nation's infrastructure needs as well as make wise investments in our water systems, energy grids, and broadband deployment, where there is bipartisan agreement on the urgent need to act. I yield the floor

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, we can be proud of the bipartisan work the Senate has accomplished in recent years to expand veterans' benefits. Last Congress, we made significant progress with passage of legislation to enhance education, pensions, burial compensation, and landmark improvements to Department of Veterans Affairs care and services for women veterans, in addition to a groundbreaking initiative to prevent veteran suicides. I am hopeful we can use this momentum to continue turning legislation into law to ensure we fill the promise our country made to the men and women who served in uniform, as well as their families. We know that too many veterans are being left behind because of current VA policies that prohibit them from accessing benefits and healthcare services they have earned. Veterans like Bill Rhodes of Mena, AR, a marine who served in Thailand during the Vietnam war era, are pleading with Congress to help them get needed medical care and support. After developing illnesses linked to herbicide exposure, Mr. Rhodes turned to the VA for help. His claim was denied. He did his homework. He spent time looking for documentation to support his claim and realized this is a problem that needs a legislative fix because the Department's policies limit benefits for Vietnam war era for Thailand service. I am proud to join with my colleague and chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Senator Tester, to introduce legislation to help Mr. Rhodes and veterans like him who were exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides while serving in Thailand during the Vietnam war. The VA accepts that herbicides were used on fenced-in perimeters of military bases in Thailand, but its current policy is too restrictive. Among other things, it prohibits veterans who worked in security- related specialties. It is reasonable to believe that veterans on Thai bases were exposed to Agent Orange no matter what their jobs were or where their duty stations were. In an article published in the Dayton Daily News, one veteran who served in Thailand said his barracks were along the perimeter, and at the time of the interview, he still hadn't received benefits for his VA claim. The arbitrary limits on consideration of a veteran's claim to toxic exposure are simply wrong. These misguided technicalities and bureaucratic hurdles need to be addressed. Our bill would eliminate the unreasonable burden placed on veterans to prove toxic exposure. No veteran should be denied benefits due to redtape. These Americans who served our country, and to this day are paying a high price as a result, have been carelessly hindered by the current limitations on the presumption of toxic exposure to Agent Orange, but they aren't forgotten. We have an obligation to ensure they get the benefits they are due, and I am committed to supporting their cause I appreciate the determination and tireless efforts of Mr. Rhodes. He said this legislation gives him some hope, but he won't be proud of his work until the bill is passed. I encourage my colleagues to support our legislation. I look forward to working with members of the Senate VA Committee to eliminate the barriers that prevent veterans from getting the care and resources they have earned. With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the hard work and dedication of Ms. Charolette Tidwell and her organization, Antioch for Youth and Family, in Fort Smith, AR. This nonprofit, all- volunteer organization has played an important role in feeding local families for several years, but its efforts in 2020 made it a critical lifeline for thousands of people in western Arkansas. Last year alone, Antioch distributed more than 3.5 million pounds of food, including almost 1 million pounds of fresh produce, milk, dairy, and cooked meats provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. By hosting regular drive-up events at Martin Luther King Park in Fort Smith, Ms. Tidwell and her team provided help to families who needed it most during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, their efforts meant more than $6 million worth of food went to local residents, making it one of the largest food assistance efforts in the State. More than one in six households in Arkansas is food insecure. In Fort Smith, that number is one in five. Unfortunately, the current crisis has only increased those needs. I have been honored to visit with Ms. Tidwell and see her impressive efforts to fill the gap in her community in action. Before the pandemic, she was already hard at work with a food pantry, a community garden, and mobile food deliveries to low-income elderly and disabled residents and other struggling families. She has been an inspiration whose work has been recognized nationwide. L'Oreal Paris honored her in 2017 as one of 10 Women of Worth and in 2020 with the L'Oreal Paris Karen T. Fondu Impact Award for her tireless efforts to address the area's hunger crisis. Last year, she was featured on bags of Lay's potato chips as part of the company's initiative featuring ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Those awards and acknowledgements speak to the nature of her impact and the vital role she plays within the community. Fortunately, she has once again dedicated herself to meeting a tremendous need with the same compassion and care she brings to every challenge. I am grateful for Ms. Tidwell, the entire team at Antioch for Youth and Family, and their wonderful partners. With support from the River Valley Regional Food Bank, Feeding America, local businesses, and many volunteers, Antioch continues to make a difference and set an example for organizations across the State and the Nation.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, in recent days the Biden administration has backed away from its original goal to reopen most schools within the first 100 days. This comes despite new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research recommending that schools can safely reopen for in-person instruction. Arkansas schools reopened their doors in August of 2020. Currently, the Arkansas Department of Education reports that 67 percent of K-12 students are attending school in-person full time, almost 13 percent have a hybrid schedule, and 20 percent are entirely remote. Natural State school districts invested in cleaning supplies, barriers, and retrofitting classrooms. Educators thought creatively and found solutions to these new problems. And although every school and community has different challenges, they moved ahead with the same goal: finding the best and the safest way to get and keep children and teachers in the classroom. I had the opportunity to visit several school districts last fall. I was so impressed with their daily efforts to keep their doors open, keep their staff healthy, and provide the learning that children desperately need. These heroes need our support. Over the course of this past year, Congress has delivered $113 billion--and over $686 million to Arkansas--to support education through the COVID-19 pandemic, including nearly $68 billion to help bring K-12 students back into the classroom. That money is already hard at work. However, much of it remains to be spent. Parents can see that virtual learning simply isn't working. If you need more evidence of the unbalanced impact of 100-percent virtual learning, a study by the RAND Corporation in fall 2020 highlighted tremendous areas of concern. Researchers surveyed educators across the country and concluded that State and Federal Governments needed to prioritize making schools safe to attend. One particularly shocking result of the survey found that principals in America's highest poverty schools reported only 80 percent of their students had adequate internet access at home. When schools are virtual, we are knowingly failing 20 percent of those students without even getting to the question of how effective the instruction is or addressing the negative effects on students' social needs and development. This crisis in education also means that families are falling behind. Women, in particular, are shouldering an incredible burden through this pandemic. In February 2020, women held the majority of nonfarm payroll jobs. They outnumbered men in the workforce for the first time in American history. Today, the number of women in the workforce is at a 33-year low. Much of this is attributed to the outsized role women are playing in balancing their families' financial, educational, and caregiving needs. Of all the challenges we have faced through the COVID-19 pandemic, the mission of educating children continues to be one of the most critical and complex. It has been rewarding to see educators receive their much needed COVID-19 vaccine. These heroes are essential to our recovery. Arkansas is setting the example. The Natural State can be proud of the teachers, administrators, and elected leaders who continue to find ways to keep schools open and provide critical services that children deserve. It is time that students in other States have the same opportunities. I suggest the absence of a quorum.