John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

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 Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Hot Springs Village, AR. On April 20, 1970, developer John Cooper founded Hot Springs Village as a premier retirement destination. In the decades since residents first moved in, it has grown into one of the largest private gated communities in the country. To recognize this milestone, the community organized a year-long celebration spearheaded by the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee. Committee members began laying the groundwork for the activities months ago, engaging with the chamber of commerce as well as local businesses, churches, and civic clubs to make this a year to remember. The enthusiasm from community members is demonstrated by the special logo created to commemorate this occasion that features the phrase ``Proud Past and Strong Future.'' Hot Springs Village continues to welcome new residents including young professionals. Numerous outdoor opportunities which include nature trails, tennis courts and golf courses provide avenues to maintain a healthy lifestyle, build camaraderie among folks who enjoy the same activities and the opportunity to learn new skills. The men and women who call Hot Springs Village home have a lot to be grateful for. They have helped shape the city and made it an attractive destination for events and for future residents. Congratulations to the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee members for their hard work and preparation. I am excited for the community as it comes together to recognize and commemorate this historic milestone and wish all the very best as celebrations take place throughout the year.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I arrived in Washington in November of 2001, after winning a special election to serve the people of the Third District of Arkansas in the House of Representatives. This was shortly after 9/11. It was a very anxious time in the Capitol. Every one of my colleagues sought to find ways to work together to move major pieces of legislation that helped to return a sense of normalcy that Americans so desperately sought in the wake of the attacks. Given all that is at stake right now, for the life of me, I have not been able to understand why we have been struggling to do the same now. Thankfully, the partisanship that has dominated these past few days has subsided. It appears that we can now move forward after this unnecessary delay. This is vital, as we simply can't afford to wait. Many small businesses in Arkansas, large cities and small towns alike, are being forced to close during this crisis, both to protect the public health and to protect their families, and because of a shrinking customer base, as customers are urged to stay home to reduce the spread of the disease. The unexpected closure for small business owners, through no fault of their own, may prevent many of them from reopening by the time this is behind us. Those employed at these operations will be among the hardest hit financially by this crisis. Entire industries that are so vital to our Nation's economic well- being have been crushed by the pandemic. The markets have taken a huge hit from the crisis, putting the retirement security of millions of American in jeopardy. And it certainly is expected that our healthcare sector, strained to capacity right now by the coronavirus pandemic, will face substantial challenges moving forward. Congress's initial responses in the wake of the crisis were promising. We came together to pass a comprehensive package to dramatically increase efforts to prevent the spread of the disease, treat Americans diagnosed with COVID-19, and support research to find a vaccine. President Trump signed this bipartisan, bicameral emergency supplemental appropriations package that provided a surge in funding throughout the government-- almost $8 billion--to meet the growing challenge that we face. It promotes a government-wide approach, channeling the collective energy, knowledge, and talents of Federal, State, and local public health officials and healthcare professionals to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and treat those who have been affected. After that, the House passed a bipartisan relief bill, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes paid emergency leave for workers, widespread coronavirus testing at no additional cost to patients, and enhanced food security initiatives. Last week my colleagues in this Chamber worked together to approve the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the President signed it into law. This was the first step in our efforts to provide economic relief. We called it phase 2. There are several aspects of that bill that the Senate would like to have changed, but for the sake of urgency and building bipartisan momentum, we passed the bill without a single amendment. We put our differences aside and did what we believed was in the best interest of the American people. Republicans and Democrats alike agree that much more is needed to be done to help individual Americans negatively affected by this crisis and to stave off a massive economic disaster. That is what this bill does. Phase 1 provided immediate funding to address the public health crisis. Phase 2, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, marked the beginning of our efforts to address the coronavirus's economic impact. It has a number of helpful provisions in it, but we have to build upon this effort and provide more relief to the American people in this time of crisis. That is phase 3, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act, the bill we have been trying to move forward over the past several days. The CARES Act would send billions of dollars to hospital and healthcare providers, the men and women on the frontlines of this fight. It would send direct checks to millions of American households to offset the economic impact of the crisis and allow for a much needed injection of liquidity into our economy. It would expand unemployment insurance while stabilizing industries to prevent mass layoffs, and it would provide dramatic relief to the lifeblood of our economy--our small businesses--which have taken a massive hit as a result of this unprecedented public health crisis. We have to create a path to economic recovery. We have told Americans they can't go to work, and businesses are unable to operate. As a result of these measures, individuals are not getting a paycheck. We need to be helping them through this crisis by providing cash payouts, expanding unemployment benefits, and by ensuring that there will be jobs for Americans to return to when this is all over. This is not a stimulus plan. It is an existence plan. We have to pass this bill. Americans have lost faith in many of their institutions. This is a defining moment. We have a chance to restore some of the confidence that is being lost by putting the needs of the Nation over the wishes of the political class. Americans are looking toward Washington for leadership right now. This is a true test. Let's pass this bill and show that we can rise up to the massive challenge before our Nation. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise to honor Hot Springs Police Officer First Class Brent Scrimshire, who was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday, March 10. A native of Malvern, AR, Brent Scrimshire graduated from Malvern High School and Henderson State University. Officer Scrimshire was an exemplary member of law enforcement. He had served on the Hot Springs police force for a number of years and was recognized as the department's Employee of the Quarter just recently in acknowledgment of his unique dedication, work ethic, and professionalism. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge also named him the Southwest Region Officer of the Year in 2016, which, according to media reports, he earned in part because of his lifesaving action when he helped to control the bleeding of a stabbing victim. ``Scrim'' was known for treating his brothers in blue, as well as those he encountered while doing his job, with kindness and dignity. He also enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing. Officer Scrimshire deeply loved his wife and two children, who are now left behind to go through life without the devoted husband and dad they adored. Our hearts break for them, the rest of his family and friends, and his entire family at the Hot Springs Police Department. His death is a tragic reminder of the risks our law enforcement officials face each time they put on the uniform. I send my deepest condolences to Officer Scrimshire's loved ones. We honor his service and his sacrifice and pray all those fortunate enough to have known him will find comfort in his legacy and in the outpouring of love and support from so many. On behalf of all Arkansans, we celebrate Officer Scrimshire's life and example of courageous, willing, and selfless public service. May he rest in peace. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the career of Scott Bennett, who is retiring as director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation after nearly 32 years of service and dedication to the State. Scott assumed his current post as director in 2011; however, he has been an asset to ARDOT since his summers as an engineering intern. Scott's hard work, passion, and knowledge allowed him to build a celebrated career that has greatly benefited the State and its citizens. He received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas in 1989 and became a full-time employee of the Planning and Research Division. He also earned a master's degree in civil engineering in 1994 while working for ARDOT. During the past 9 years, his effective and influential leadership has been indisputable. Scott led ARDOT's efforts to implement significant highway rehabilitation efforts, including the 2011 Interstate Rehabilitation Program and the 2012 Connecting Arkansas Program, both of which were approved by voters. Scott is an active leader in the transportation and engineering communities in the State and at the national level. He was appointed to the Arkansas Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors in 2015, where he currently serves as president. In 2017, Scott was elected secretary-treasurer of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, after previously serving as a member of the board of directors. Scott has served on other various organizations to support the transportation industry and improve roadways for all Americans. Scott has earned many accolades over the course of his career. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials presented him with the Thomas H. MacDonald Memorial Award, which recognizes top engineers in the transportation profession. In 2005, he received the University of Arkansas Young Engineer Alumni of the Year Award, and in 2019 he was honored with the University of Arkansas College of Engineering's Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2010, Scott was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering. I applaud Scott for his accomplished career with the Arkansas Department of Transportation. He has displayed his commitment to improving the quality of life for Arkansans, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to be felt across the State. I appreciate his friendship and am grateful for his years of devoted service to the Natural State.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Parthasarathy Vasudevan, who passed away on December 31, 2019. Dr. Vasu's 40 years of civic and medical leadership in Phillips County were incredibly transformative for the Arkansas Delta, and his efforts reveal a relentless quest to improve the quality of life for those around him. Dr. Vasu was a physician specializing in Urology in Helena, AR, with demand for his services extending beyond Phillips County. His career reflected 62 years of diverse experience spanning India, Boston, and the Natural State. Dr. Vasu grew up in India where he received his medical degree in 1958 and met his wife, Kanaka Rajgopal. She accompanied him to the United States in 1973 for Dr. Vasu's residency at the New England Medical Center in Boston, and upon his completion in 1978, the two embarked on their final move, to Arkansas. Dr. Vasu's medical impact was widespread and included philanthropic leadership in addition to his urology practice. He served as executive director of the Helena Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve the quality of life and healthcare offered in Phillips County through grant funding. During his time in this role, Dr. Vasu was instrumental in developing the Delta Area Health Education Center in Helena, which became the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences East Regional Campus in 2013. The foundation honored Dr. Vasu's sponsorship with a $4 million Wellness Center in his name. Dr. Vasu's extensive knowledge, dedicated service, and passionate nature were qualities not only recognized by his patients, but also by the civic institutions in which he participated. Organizations he was active in were the Helena Rotary Club, as well as the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce, among others. In recognition of his philanthropic involvement, Dr. Vasu was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship recognition by the Rotary Foundation and the Channel 4 Community Service Award. Phillips County also designated August 25, 2004, as ``Dr. P. Vasudevan Day.'' Dr. Vasu was a tremendous asset to the Phillips County region, as well as the State of Arkansas. He was not just a doctor, but he was a mentor and a friend who loved politics and the Arkansas Razorbacks. His devoted heart and helping hand touched the lives of many, and his deeply respected legacy will transcend time. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Dr. Vasu's loved ones, his patients, and Phillips County citizens. We pray his remarkable example inspires many future Arkansas leaders.

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, the Disabled American Veterans is celebrating 100 years of helping military veterans, and I rise to recognize this remarkable occasion. Throughout its history, the DAV has been influential in identifying ways to best support our veterans--from pushing for the consolidation of veterans programs, in its early years, to direct outreach to veterans in communities with the launch of the Field Service Unit Program, to pressing for more funding for VA healthcare and benefits. There has been so much progress in advancing veterans services thanks to the DAV's efforts. The organization's members and partners have a lot to be proud of. DAV members have been leading advocates for injured and ill veterans and their families, which has made a difference for countless wounded warriors. The DAV's advocacy has helped and continues to build better lives for disabled veterans. We are thankful for the more than 1 million DAV members and auxiliary members who are doing great work to ensure our country keeps the promise we made to the men and women who have served in uniform. This week, members of the DAV Department of Arkansas are visiting the Nation's Capital to share the organization's legislative priorities for 2020. They are part of an extensive network that has been influential in identifying how the Department of Veterans Affairs can strengthen its services. They are among the DAV members from across the country who are in Washington, DC, to advocate on behalf of veterans. There is simply no substitute for coming to our Nation's Capital and visiting with Members of Congress to let them know of DAV's priorities. These include strengthening veterans mental healthcare and suicide prevention programs, improving benefits and services for women veterans and ensuring veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances receive full and timely benefits. The good news is we are working on these priorities because we all agree that our veterans deserve nothing less than quality care and the benefits they have earned. Last month, the Senate's Committee on Veterans' Affairs advanced the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act. This comprehensive legislation will strengthen our ability to provide veterans with the mental healthcare they need. It includes language Senator Warner and I authored to leverage the services of veteran-serving nonprofits and other community networks in our overall strategy to reduce veteran suicides. VA Ranking Member Tester and I are also working to improve services to our women veterans. Our Deborah Sampson Act legislation would eliminate barriers to care and services that many women veterans face and would help to ensure the VA could address the needs for women, which is so critical because they are more likely to face homelessness, unemployment, and to go without needed healthcare. We are pleased to have the support of the DAV for this important legislation. I am proud to cosponsor the Veterans Burn Pit Exposure Recognition Act, which would allow veterans who suffer from the effects of burn pits to get the benefits and services they have earned. I encourage my colleagues to support these bills so we can provide the resources that have been promised to our veterans. For years, the DAV members have supported the passage of the Blue Water Navy bill. Thanks, in part, to their advocacy, Congress approved this critical legislation last year that extends benefits to more veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals during the Vietnam war. The DAV's attention extends beyond the Halls of Congress. Its National Service Program helps to direct services to veterans across the country. I applaud the efforts of the more than 11,000 DAV members in Arkansas whose outreach is helping veterans to understand and access their benefits. They have spent countless hours in advising fellow veterans about the assistance they qualify for and in helping them fill out the paperwork to secure those benefits through the VA. One of the well-known services provided by the DAV is the transportation of veterans to VA medical centers and hospitals. In rural States like Arkansas, the services these volunteers offer is critical to meeting veterans' healthcare needs. The Arkansas fleet is made up of 16 vans. Last year, more than 6,600 veterans were driven to medical appointments with the help of volunteers who logged more than 18,000 hours behind the wheel. I look forward to continuing to work with DAV members as Congress crafts and reforms policies to improve services for veterans and their families. This country made a promise to our veterans that we must live up to, and I am proud to join with the DAV to ensure we follow through on that commitment. In working together, we can find solutions and take action to deliver the results veterans have earned and expect. We will continue looking to the DAV to understand how we can improve the lives of the men and women who have served in uniform. As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and as chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that oversees VA funding, I have seen the dedication of the DAV to support disabled veterans in Arkansas and across the country. I am proud to recognize the DAV on its 100 years of engaging veterans, in its advocating to advance benefits, services, and care, and in its making a positive difference in the lives of veterans and their families.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the newest members of the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame. Arkansas native Olivia Farrell is a shining example of what a lifetime of hard work and devotion looks like. After graduating from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1978, she joined the Arkansas Writers Project, selling ads for the Arkansas Times. Shortly after, the Writers Project also created Arkansas Business, which was later purchased by Farrell and became the Arkansas Business Publishing Group, where she served as CEO. Not only did Farrell find personal success in business, but she also sought to help bring more women into the business community. As such, Farrell created and promoted an annual magazine highlighting the top 100 women in Arkansas. This list encouraged companies and their stakeholders to bring more women into their ranks. Furthermore, she created the Women's Foundation of Arkansas to promote increased investment in women's education, business opportunities, and philanthropy. Some of her most notable awards include being inducted in the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame, as well as being the recipient of the Business and Professional Leader of the Year award by the Rotary Club of Little Rock. Her leadership and kindness have been the subject of much deserved praise. Reynie Rutledge was born in Smackover, AR. Growing up in a small Arkansas town taught him the value of hard work and doing the right thing. He earned an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering from the University of Arkansas prior to earning his MBA in 1973. Upon leaving school, he was hired as a loan officer at Worthen Bank in Little Rock. A few years later, Rutledge took a gamble in purchasing First Security Bank, which at the time had only three branches and $46 million in assets. Under his leadership, the small Searcy, AR, bank grew into a $5.9 billion dollar holding company with over 77 locations across 17 counties and 34 communities, with more than 1,000 employees across the State. Rutledge has always given back to the Natural State. He has been an active member of Searcy's First United Methodist Church since 1977 and also serves on the Searcy Water Board. Rutledge has also served as a member of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, chairman of the selection committee of the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame, and chairman of the Arkansas Bankers Association. Some of the many accolades he has received over his career include the University of Arkansas 2000 Volunteer of the Year, 2012 University of Arkansas Distinguished Alumni Award, and 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Walton College of Business. Gerald B. Alley was born in Pine Bluff, AR. As the son of a businessowner, he saw firsthand the hard work and commitment required to produce a thriving business that maximizes a person's ability to give back to their community. After finishing his education and working for his father, Alley enrolled at the University of Arkansas at the age of 16, majoring in finance. After graduating from the University of Arkansas, he continued his education at Southern Methodist University, where he earned his MBA. Along with the help of his brother, Troy, Jr., he started Con-Real. Under his leadership, Con-Real built the largest parking garage in Texas. Additionally, the company helped build schools, stores, and other facilities that provided entertainment and essential services to the community. As Alley gained more experience as a business leader, he expanded Con-Real's services and launched another firm focused on medical construction which represented the largest medical system in the U.S. Today, Con-Real offers a multitude of services ranging from real estate to technology and innovation while consistently promoting minority firms. Aside from his business ventures, Alley serves on the executive advisory board at the Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. Additionally, he is on the advisory board at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University and is also a member of the board of trustees at the school. After years of business and philanthropic success, he has proven to be a role model for anybody who values dedication, hard work and perseverance. Charles Nabholz was born near Squirrel Hill, AR. Hailing from a farming family, he was instilled with a strong work ethic that served him well. Though the family business began in 1949, he began his career with Nabholz Construction after graduating from Conway's St. Joseph High School in 1954. He began his career with the company as a laborer. Eventually, Nabholz founded and managed Con-Ark builders, a company that would later merge with Nabholz Construction. After a brief stint out of the State, he returned to serve as Governor Frank White's director of State Building Services. He continued to serve as a valuable asset outside of the State government, helping to create Nabholz Properties and serving as chairman of the board for the Nabholz Group in 2000. In 2014, he was named chairman emeritus of Nabholz Group. Charles Nabholz is an extremely involved member of his community. Not only is he a member of the several Arkansas trade associations, but he actively participates in or has previously contributed his time to several groups such as the Conway Regional Medical Center Foundation, the Conway Chamber of Commerce, and the Arkansas Research Alliance. Among the many honors he has received are an award for Leadership in Free Enterprise and the Distinguished Citizen Award. I congratulate each of these honorees for their valuable contributions to Arkansas and the industries they represent. Our State is certainly better off because of the work each has done to advance their own careers, as well as the companies they have led. This honor is a fitting way to acknowledge them and memorialize their legacies in the Natural State's business community.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, it is my honor to pay tribute to an exceptional leader and member of the Senior Executive Service of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Ms. Jacqueline Wicecarver. A native of Rector, AR, Jackie joined the Department of Defense in 1978 as a member of the U.S. Army Materiel Command in Rock Island, IL. Within the next 10 years, Jackie and her family moved five times. During this time, Jackie held a variety of positions within the Department of Defense and received high praise in each position for her exceptional level of professionalism, dedication to duty, and outstanding contributions to the mission. In 1990, Jackie joined the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General as a staff auditor and rose through the ranks, joining the Senior Executive Service as the Assistant Inspector General for Acquisition and Contract Management in 2011. In January 2017, she was selected to lead nearly 600 auditors and support personnel as the Deputy Inspector General for Audit. In her role as the Deputy Inspector General for Audit, Jackie has provided guidance, counsel, and mentorship to many auditors as they worked to complete more than 320 audit reports that identified over $7 billion in potential savings to the Department of Defense. Most significantly, under Jackie's direction, the Office of Inspector General completed two full financial statement audits of the Department of Defense. These financial statement audits have been described as the largest in history. Jackie has been honored with the Department of Defense Inspector General Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, and the President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency Award. Jackie has served her country for more than 40 years as a Department of Defense civilian. On behalf of the Senate, I thank Jackie and her family--her husband James of 50 years, their children Christopher and Jennifer and four grandchildren, Caitlyn, Wade, Tate and Quinn--for their continued commitment and sacrifice in service to our Nation. I wish her future success as she transitions into retirement.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to address the topic that has consumed this body for the past several weeks, which is, of course, the impeachment trial of the President of the United States. After the passage of two Impeachment Articles in the House, Speaker Pelosi waited nearly a month to transmit the articles to the Senate. Once she finally did, the trial took precedence, and the wheels were set in motion to conduct the proceedings and render a verdict. Since it became clear that the House would vote to impeach the President, I have taken my constitutional duty to serve as a juror in the impeachment trial with the seriousness and attention that it demands. In light of the extensive coverage the situation received, it was impossible not to take notice of the process that unfolded in the House over the course of its investigation. Its inquiry was hasty, flawed, and clearly undertaken under partisan pretenses. Having rushed to impeach the President ahead of an arbitrary deadline, as well as failing to provide adequate opportunities for the President to defend himself, the impeachment investigation in this case specifically was contrived, at least partially, and was a vehicle to fulfill the fierce desire among many of the President's detractors that has existed since before he was even sworn in to remove him from office. Be that as it may, the Constitution makes clear that the Senate has a duty to try all the impeachments. As such, the chief concern I had, as I know many of my colleagues also shared, was for the process in this body to be fair. It was clear to me that what transpired in the House was incredibly partisan and unfair. I believed the Senate must and would rise to the occasion to conduct a trial that was fair, respectful, and faithful to the design and intent of our Founders. I believed that the organizing resolution that we passed was sufficient in establishing a framework for the trial and also would address the outstanding issues at the appropriate times. Throughout the course of the trial, I stayed attentive and engaged, taking in the arguments and the evidence presented to the Senate, which included the testimony of over a dozen witnesses and thousands of documents as part of the House investigation. The House impeachment managers were emphatic that their case against the President was overwhelming, uncontested, convincing, and proven. The President's counsel made an equally forceful case in his defense, countering the claims made by the House and underscoring the grounds on which the Senate should reject the articles and, by necessity, the attempt to expel him from office and a future ballot. Based on the work done by the House--or maybe, more accurately, the work not done and the inherently flawed and partisan nature of the product it presented to the Senate--I was skeptical that it could prove its case and convince anybody, apart from the President's longtime, most severe critics, that his behavior merited removal from office. After 2 weeks of proceedings in the Senate, my assessment of the situation has not been swayed, nor has it changed. That is why I will vote to acquit the President and reject the weaponization of Congress's authority to impeach the duly elected President of the United States. To be clear, the partisan nature of this impeachment process potentially sets the stage for more impeachments along strictly partisan lines--a development that would be terrible for our country. The Constitution lays out justifications for impeachment, which include ``Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.'' As a U.S. Senator, there is perhaps no more important decision that I am asked to make aside from voting to send Americans to war. That is exactly why I treated this impeachment trial with the gravity and the thoughtfulness I believe that it deserved. The accusations explicitly made by the House impeachment managers and echoed by some on the other side that the Senate is engaging in a coverup are wrong on the merits and further drag this process down into the rhetoric of partisan political warfare. I regret that it has descended to such a place. Fulfilling my constitutional obligation after drawing my own conclusions is far from a coverup. The attempt to turn the impeachment power into a weapon of political convenience will be far more damaging than any other aspect of this chapter in our Nation's history. At the end of the day, this partisan, deficient process yielded a product built on inadequate foundation, in addition to being clearly motivated by the desire to remove the President, who some vocal activists have viewed as illegitimate since Election Day 2016. Not even a year ago, Speaker Pelosi was still attempting to stem the push for impeachment within her own party, arguing that ``impeachment is so divisive to the country that unless there's something so compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan, I don't think we should go down that path.'' She was right, and this impeachment process has failed by each of these metrics. It has further divided the country. The case is certainly not overwhelming, and it has been anything but bipartisan. In fact, the vote against impeaching the President in the House was bipartisan. As a result of Senate rules and precedents, it has also brought the legislative process nearly to a grinding halt. But as the trial reaches its conclusion, I believe we must move on and return to doing the work of trying to get things done for the American people. The average Arkansan, like many other Americans, is looking for results and asking how the elected leaders they have chosen are trying to help make their lives better and move our country forward. They are not interested in the political games and theater that have consumed much of Washington since September. It is my hope that we return to that real, pressing work in short order. In just a few months, the voters of this country will get to decide who they prefer to lead our country. I trust them to make that decision, and I trust that the process by which we choose our President and other leaders will remain free and fair and that the outcome will represent the will of the people. The hard-working men and women of our intelligence, law enforcement, and national security communities will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that this is the case, and I have every confidence they will succeed in that endeavor. It is time to get back to the important work before us and to remember that those we represent are capable of judging for themselves how this impeachment was conducted and, maybe just as importantly, how we conducted ourselves as it unfolded. We have a responsibility to lead by example. I implore my colleagues to join me in committing to getting back to doing the hard and necessary work before us when this impeachment trial reaches its conclusion. I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chief Justice.

Mr. BOOZMAN. I send a question to the desk on behalf of myself, Senators Cotton, Ernst, Young, Hawley, Risch, Fischer, and Hoeven.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Izard County Sheriff Earnie Blackley. Sheriff Blackley passed away on January 4, 2020, after a brief battle with cancer. He first joined the Izard County Sheriff's Department in 1993 after having previously worked as a police officer in Greenville, MS, and served as chief deputy for 18 years before being elected sheriff in 2018. Sheriff Blackley was a dedicated law enforcement official; a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; and a man of faith. His obituary noted how he was known for hosting fish fries to benefit a variety of causes and organizations. The outpouring of love and support shown to the sheriff and his family since his diagnosis is a testament to how well he served his community and how much that service was recognized and appreciated by all it impacted. After being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in May of last year, Sheriff Blackley asked for prayers as he faced this serious diagnosis head on while also continuing to serve. Over 1,000 people reportedly turned out to a fundraiser in his honor shortly thereafter. Sheriff Blackley was clearly a leader who inspired love, confidence, and respect. I am tremendously grateful for his decades of service in law enforcement and for the way he lived his life. I join with many in his community and across the State of Arkansas in mourning his passing and praying for his loved ones, including his wife Theresa, during this difficult time. On behalf of everyone in Arkansas, I pray God will bless the Blackley family and the people of Izard County as they cope with this loss and celebrate the life of Sheriff Earnie Blackley.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize members of the Greatest Generation who courageously helped to defeat the German Army at the Battle of the Bulge and who dealt a critical blow to the Nazi regime. On this day 75 years ago, American soldiers continued the resilience they had demonstrated for 4 weeks. On December 16, 1944, in the Ardennes Forest of the Luxembourg and Belgium area, American soldiers were unexpectedly attacked by the Germans. Allied forces were unprepared. They were outnumbered and facing record-low temperatures and dwindling supplies, but, still, the men on the frontlines dug in to defend against the enemy. Arkansan Bill Strauss was one of the brave men who faced the bitter cold and dire conditions. With lack of sleep and shortage of food, he and his fellow troops endured this extreme test of will and resolve. I met with Bill in 2019 to help him celebrate his 100th birthday and thanked him for his service and continued commitment to sharing his experiences with others. It has been 75 years, but Bill's recollection of the details of the unimaginable circumstances he faced was still very clear. He talks about his memories as part of the Battle of the Bulge in order to honor his fellow soldiers who weren't so fortunate, as well as to teach succeeding generations about the realities of war and the remarkable perseverance of American troops. The 6-week battle demonstrated the commitment, courage, and resilience of Bill and all the American soldiers. It was the largest battle ever fought by the U.S. Army. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called it ``the greatest American battle of the war.'' It came at a considerable cost. More than 89,000 American soldiers were casualties, including 19,000 soldiers who were killed, 47,500 who were wounded, and 23,000 who were captured or missing in action. The people of Belgium and Luxembourg have a close place in their hearts for American soldiers who sacrificed their lives on foreign soil. They continue to display that gratitude today. A couple of weeks ago, I led a group of my fellow Senators to both countries to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. We experienced how the town of Bastogne, Belgium, observes this anniversary. The tremendous community support was welcoming of American veterans whom fate had brought together in 1944 there in the town and in the nearby forest to defend Bastogne and hold off the German advance. I was honored to visit with American veterans who fought in the battle and were returning to the land they had defended. There are fewer and fewer who are able to join, but that doesn't diminish what they did there or the steadfast way they fought and sacrificed in the name of freedom. My colleagues and I also had the unique opportunity to witness the ceremony by the 101st Airborne Division among the foxholes in Belgium. These foxholes, once occupied by soldiers, including those from Easy Company, the heroes immortalized in the celebrated ``The Band of Brothers'' book and miniseries, remain preserved. They stand as a stark reminder of the bitter cold and inhospitable conditions our soldiers withstood for so many days. This solemn ceremony was a special way to remember those who had fought and to honor those whose lives were taken too early. Following World War II, the Belgium people raised money to build a memorial to show their appreciation for the selfless sacrifice of Americans troops. The Mardasson Memorial was dedicated in 1950. The walls of the star-shaped structure commemorate the battle, paying tribute to the units that fought there and representing the States where those wounded or whose lives were lost hailed from. This memorial is in need of repairs. That is why I support legislation that Senator Tillis introduced that would let experts at the American Battle Monuments Commission oversee its restoration. Maintaining this memorial is critical to making sure what the monument stands for: the service and the sacrifices made by Americans at the Battle of the Bulge, and that will continue to be remembered for generations to come. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill so future generations can reflect on the heroism and bravery of our troops. We can be proud of the unwavering bravery of the American servicemembers and the Allied forces whose efforts defeated the German attack and led to the end of the Nazi regime. It is fitting that we recognize the 75th anniversary of a battle that both shaped the future of combat and ushered in a new year of comity between Europe and the United States. I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Fayetteville, AR, Police Officer Stephen Carr, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on Saturday, December 7. Officer Carr was sitting in his patrol car in the parking lot behind the police station when he was shot and killed. The 27-year-old had been a member of the Fayetteville Police Department for 2\1/2\ years and was assigned as a patrol officer in the Dickson Street entertainment area. In that short time with the police department, he demonstrated his professionalism and duty to upholding the rule of law. The Fayetteville police chief described Carr as an exemplary officer who was an all- American boy. The chief said at a press conference over the weekend: ``If I had 131 Stephen Carr's, I wouldn't be more ecstatic.'' Carr grew up in a law enforcement family. He witnessed the dedication, service, and commitment to protecting the community by people he loved. His friends described him as a strong and kind person, whose lifelong dream was to serve as a police officer. He loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. A graduate from The Woodlands High School in The Woodlands, TX, Carr played football and earned recognition as an all-district offensive lineman. He went on to play football at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO, and his former coach described him as a young man who made a big impact on campus. We rely on law enforcement officers to keep us safe. Each day they put on their uniform, knowing the risks that come with public duty to serve and to protect. Officer Carr's death is a reminder of the dangers these first responders face daily and how quickly a situation can go from ordinary to deadly, which is why those willing to take on this role deserve both our gratitude and our respect. The outpouring of support from the Fayetteville community has been a tremendous strength to the police department as they mourn the loss of a brother in blue. I pray they we will find comfort from this encouragement during this very, very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Carr's family and friends. I also stand with all Arkansans in expressing our gratitude for Officer Carr's service and commitment to honoring the sacrifice that he and others have made to protect us. We will forever remember him as a true American hero. With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise to discuss the need to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It is frustrating that we have to continue to speak about this issue. We have been so close for a long time now, but the lack of action on the part of the House leadership continues to unnecessarily delay its ratification. Our neighbors to the north and south are our natural allies and trading partners; yet our trade policy with them has not been updated in 25 years. The President and his team have worked very hard to get Canada and Mexico to the negotiating table to modernize our trade agreement in a mutually beneficial manner. That hard work has paid off in the form of the USMCA. It is ready for ratification, and the Senate is eager to get that done. Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the House, which must act first. The House leadership's refusal to move this trade deal is preventing additional job creation in our country, and it is sending the wrong signal to our trading partners across the globe. We ought to be spurring economic activity by striking fair trade agreements globally, not sitting on our hands and refusing to approve an agreement between two of our top trading partners. A fair and mutually beneficial trade agreement with our neighbors to the north and south is very important to my home State of Arkansas. Canada and Mexico are No. 1 and No. 2 on the list of the top 10 destinations for Arkansas' exports. Arkansas is one of a handful of States that in recent years has consistently exported more than what it has imported from Canada and Mexico. The World Trade Center Arkansas, which has played a valuable role in connecting businesses in my State with international partners for over a decade, recently released a report that summarizes trade and jobs data for the Natural State. The center's report underscores the value trade brings to my State's economy and reinforces the fact that the path to a more prosperous, long-term outlook for Arkansas is through opening additional markets for our farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses. The report notes that, as of September 2019, trade in Arkansas supported nearly 350,000 jobs. This represents approximately 26 percent of the State's total employed labor force. It points to a direct correlation between job numbers and trade, documenting that trade-related jobs in the State have grown six times faster than total employment over the past few years. More importantly, for our purposes here today, the report underscores just how crucial Canada and Mexico are for Arkansas' economy. The Natural State's exports to Canada amounted to $1.2 billion last year. Our exports to Mexico totaled $870 million in that same time span. Combined, these two countries account for a third of Arkansas' total exports. Nearly 69,000 jobs in my State are dependent on trade with Canada, and another 41,000 are tied to trade with Mexico. Melvin Torres, the center's director of Western Hemisphere and European Trade, praised Arkansas' effective partnership with both countries for creating this ``symbiotic and successful relationship.'' That relationship will only grow with the ratification of the USMCA. Canada and Mexico aren't just important markets for my State. Each of our States stands to gain with the ratification of the USMCA. This landmark trade deal will create over 175,000 jobs, which will help to strengthen our economy and America's middle class. This overdue modernization of NAFTA will benefit workers in a wide array of industries. Manufacturing, tech, and more stand to gain from the USMCA. It will add much needed certainty for farmers and ranchers, who currently need every market they can get. Rural America is struggling right now, and approving this agreement will provide a shot in the arm for the rural economy. The ratification of the USMCA, along with the recent deals that have been struck with South Korea and Japan, will show the rest of the world that the U.S. is open for business. Proving that the U.S. is negotiating in good faith to reach mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties that are involved could really move the needle in other ongoing trade standoffs. The House leadership needs to get on the stick. The USMCA is too important for our Nation's economic future for it to be sitting in limbo while House Democrats focus on partisan goals. I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. In the interest of time, I am going to put my remarks in the Record, but I do want to take just a moment to thank Johnny for his friendship. I won a special election to the House of Representatives and was assigned to the Transportation Committee. Literally, Johnny was one of the first people I met there. He was an important person on Transportation. I was the 435th Member of the House, and he was so very, very kind. He helped me get acclimated. His wife Dianne was just wonderful to my wife Cathy when I came to the Senate. Nobody was any nicer, again, helping her to get acclimated to the ways of the Senate, and, certainly, this is a family affair. We appreciate that so very much. I had the honor of serving on the Veterans Affairs Committee. The reality is, we got a bunch done under your leadership. We appreciate that so very much. Proverbs tells us that a good man is worth more than silver and gold, and that is really what this has all been about this afternoon, just hearing Member after Member express the good name of Johnny Isakson. We appreciate you, Johnny. We truly will miss you more than you know. I yield back.

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. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 236, S. Res. 318.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 3; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Komitee nomination under the previous order; finally, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the conference meetings.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

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.