John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the Crawford County Adult Education Center as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1966, the Crawford County Adult Education Center offers ongoing learning opportunities and helps prepare students for career advancement, postsecondary education, technological innovation, and life enrichment. Among many other services, the center offers classes in computer literacy, English as a Second Language, and citizenship, as well as courses that allow adult learners to earn their GED. It also provides students the opportunity to take college-level classes through Vincennes University. While we strive to give our children the best educational opportunities available, it is important to recognize that some people in our communities are forced to put their educations on hold for various reasons. Adult education programs are an important resource in helping these individuals to better themselves, continue their educational development, seek out tools to help them advance in their careers, or learn new skills. The Crawford County Adult Education Center lives up to those responsibilities and then some. It has helped many Crawford County residents realize their full potential and pursue their dreams. It is never too late for anybody to set new goals or invest in themselves through continued education. As many who have benefitted from the services of the adult education center in Crawford County have attested, the excellent staff and volunteers play such a vital role in providing opportunities to citizens in all stages of life. Additionally, the results of the center's high-quality services and programs speak for themselves. Let me again reiterate my gratitude for the wonderful work that the Crawford County Adult Education Center does each day. I congratulate the center on achieving this milestone as it celebrates 50 years of service, and I look forward to hearing many more success stories as a result of the center's ongoing work.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Marion County, AR, on becoming the first Purple Heart County in Arkansas on November 15, 2015. Created by George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart is our Nation's oldest military medal. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who are wounded or killed in combat. These men and women are some of the finest heroes that our Nation has to offer. Last year, Marion County chose to honor the service and sacrifice of our Purple Heart heroes in Arkansas by becoming the first Purple Heart County in Arkansas. Marion County's unwavering support of the heroic actions of our Purple Heart recipients stands as a reflection of the appreciation and gratitude of its residents. Marion County recently held a celebration of its designation as Arkansas' first Purple Heart County that brought the community together to honor Purple Heart recipients. Showing our admiration for those who have served and sacrificed so much for our freedom is such a worthy endeavor, and this recognition is well deserved. On behalf of all Arkansans, I echo the sentiments of the citizens of Marion County in saying how grateful we are for our veterans and their willingness to serve their country. There truly is no greater display of service and sacrifice than that. I would like to take this opportunity to applaud Marion County for publicly recognizing our veterans and Purple Heart recipients by becoming Arkansas' first Purple Heart County. Arkansas is proud that our local communities are paying respect to our veterans and standing behind them.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask to speak in morning business for up to 10 minutes.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3969 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 549, submitted earlier today.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I further ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise to honor the service and sacrifice of Corporal Bill Cooper of the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office. Corporal Cooper gave his life in the line of duty on August 10, 2016. As a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who spent 15 years in the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office and 6 years with the Ft. Smith Police Department, Bill Cooper was a true public servant. Corporal Cooper was remembered by his colleagues as a model law enforcement officer who did things the right way. He loved the men and women he worked with, and he exemplified what many in law enforcement aspire to, which was being an officer who never failed to show how much he cared about his community. As such, he continued to serve long after he was eligible to retire. Cooper was also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family very, very much. Last month, Corporal Cooper responded to a domestic call involving an armed suspect near Hackett, AR. The suspect opened fire on Cooper and Hackett police chief Darrell Spells. Corporal Cooper was fatally wounded. Chief Spells and Greenwood K-9 officer Kina were injured. The suspect later surrendered and was taken into police custody. In a true testament to the impact that Corporal Cooper had on so many who served with him or knew him, he was laid to rest at a funeral service attended by several thousand people, including law enforcement officers from across the State and around the country. His colleagues and friends remembered him to have always treated citizens with respect and dignity, while also being a loyal partner and friend. While our hearts break for those who knew him, we also respect and admire Corporal Cooper for his lifetime of service. He truly was someone who ran toward danger in order to protect others. Corporal Cooper was a hero, and today we honor his sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Ruth, his son Scott, along with many other family members, friends, and colleagues in the law enforcement community. I humbly and sincerely offer my condolences and my gratitude to them as they grieve for Bill. Bill was a classmate of mine at the Northside High School in Fort Smith. We as a class are very, very proud of him for his sacrifice, for our safety, but also, and certainly as important, the way he lived his life. May we always remember Corporal Cooper's life and legacy of service. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 3 p.m., Monday, September 12; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of S. 2848; finally, that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Inhofe-Boxer substitute amendment, No. 4979, at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I further ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 550, submitted earlier today.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Izard County and the city of Horseshoe Bend on becoming the first dual Purple Heart city and county in the State of Arkansas. Created by George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart is our Nation's oldest military medal. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who are wounded or killed in combat. These men and women are some of the finest heroes in our Nation. Similarly, Izard County has also committed to show its respect and appreciation for our veterans by becoming a Purple Heart County. Showing our admiration for the heroes who have served and sacrificed so much for our freedom is such a worthy endeavor and this recognition is well-deserved. I commend Izard County and the city of Horseshoe Bend for publically acknowledging these heroes, declaring unwavering support of them, and showing how grateful we are for our veterans and their willingness to serve their country. There truly is no greater display of service and sacrifice than that. I want to take this opportunity to applaud the city of Horseshoe Bend and Izard County for publicly recognizing our veterans and Purple Heart recipients by becoming a Purple Heart City and Purple Heart County. Arkansas is proud that our local communities are paying respect to our veterans and standing behind them.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Marion County, AR, which became a Purple Heart County on November 15, 2015. Created by George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart is our Nation's oldest military medal. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who are wounded or killed in combat. These men and women are some of the finest heroes that our Nation has to offer. Last year, Marion County chose to honor the service and sacrifice our Purple Heart heroes in Arkansas by becoming a Purple Heart County. Marion County's unwavering support of the heroic actions of our Purple Heart recipients stands as a reflection of the appreciation and gratitude of its residents. Marion County recently held a celebration of its designation as a Purple Heart County that brought the community together to honor Purple Heart recipients. Showing our admiration for those who have served and sacrificed so much for our freedom is such a worthy endeavor, and this recognition is well-deserved. On behalf of all Arkansans, I echo the sentiments of the citizens of Marion County in saying how grateful we are for our veterans and their willingness to serve their country. There truly is no greater display of service and sacrifice than that. I would like to take this opportunity to applaud Marion County for publicly recognizing our veterans and Purple Heart recipients by becoming a Purple Heart County. Arkansas is proud that our local communities are paying respect to our veterans and standing behind them.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, the men and women who wear our uniform are selfless heroes who embody the American spirit, courage, honor, and patriotism. They are defenders of our freedom. I am here to honor and pay my respects to one of America's finest: Arkansas Army National Guard SGT Sylvester Bruce Cline. Sergeant Cline graduated from Humphrey High School, where he was a basketball standout. He continued his education at Arkansas Baptist College and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. In 2002, Sergeant Cline enlisted in the Arkansas National Guard. In more than a decade of service, he demonstrated his dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence in defense of our country. Sergeant Cline was a veteran of a combat deployment to Iraq with the 39th Infantry Brigade in 2008. For his service, he was awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terror Service Medal, as well as other awards and decorations. Sergeant Cline served in the Arkansas Army National Guard's Company A, 39th Brigade Support Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. His mom called him ``Mr. Mom'' for his devotion to his children and entire family, which truly was his greatest passion. On June 14, 2015, Sergeant Cline died during an annual training exercise with his unit at Fort Chaffee, AK. I ask my colleagues to keep his family--his children, mother and father, sisters, brother, extended family, and friends--in their thoughts and prayers during these difficult times, and I humbly offer my appreciation and gratitude for his service to the United States of America. I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN. I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business for 5 minutes.

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Nick Howard and Mark Owens, congressional fellows in Senator Hatch's office, be granted floor privileges for the remainder of the 114th Congress.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the life of Ron Miller for his dedication to our country and his fierce advocacy on behalf of the veteran community. Mr. Miller was born January 20, 1938, in West Ridge, AR. He graduated from Mississippi County High School in 1955. He was enrolled in ROTC at Arkansas State College and continued in the program after fulfilling a 2-year requirement. He was one of 11 cadets at the school chosen to get their private flying license through an Army training program. After graduating in 1959, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He used the skills he learned at the Jonesboro Airport as the foundation for becoming an accomplished military pilot during his three tours in Vietnam flying a Huey helicopter gunship. Ron's helicopter was under constant hostile fire. He described his responsibility to the Jonesboro Sun as supporting ``the insurgence of troops, taking them out if they got injured in a battle with the enemy on the ground. It was what I trained to do, and we did it to the best part of our ability because it meant the survival of our troops on the ground. That's why we did it.'' Among his military decorations are two Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Bronze Stars. After retiring from the military in 1980, Mr. Miller lived in Atlanta, GA. He became inspired to find a way for him and fellow Vietnam veterans to attend the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Ron accomplished this by leasing a plane from Delta Airlines and flying nearly 300 Vietnam veterans to Washington to attend the dedication ceremony. His leadership gained the attention of President Ronald Reagan who appointed him executive director of the Georgia Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, GVVLP, a State program that helped more than 3,000 veterans find full-time employment. Under Ron's leadership, the organization received numerous accolades and was recognized by President George H.W. Bush, who presented Ron and the GVVLP with his prestigious Thousand Points of Light award for their service to veterans and their families. Ron brought the Vietnam war to the silver screen as the associate producer of ``Beyond Courage--Surviving Vietnam as POW,'' served as master of ceremonies for the world premiere of the Golden Globe winning HBO movie, ``Path to War,'' and wrote a book about his service ``Vietnam Special Flight, Inc.'' Mr. Miller served as the national veteran adviser for the National League of POW-MIA Families of Southwest Asia. He also had the opportunity to visit the recovery headquarters in Hawaii and Vietnam. He returned to northeast Arkansas in 2004 and continued his commitment to veterans. He established a scholarship for Arkansas State University cadets and volunteered at the Beck PRIDE Center, among other services to our veterans. He was inducted into the Arkansas Military Veterans' Hall of Fame in 2012. He spent his life showing the remarkable difference that one man can make. After a lifetime dedication to his country and his fellow veterans, Ron passed away on June 28, 2016, in Jonesboro, AR. Ron was a true American hero, not only for his heroic military service, but for the way he lived his life. He was a great example for myself and countless others. I offer my prayers and sincere condolences to his loved ones on their loss.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to remember Donna Kelley, a longtime reporter and anchor at KARN News Radio in Little Rock, who passed away last weekend. Donna made the move from Orlando to Little Rock to join the KARN news team 14 years ago. Her voice quickly became a mainstay on the airwaves in central Arkansas, where listeners turned to her as a trusted source of news. In turn, Donna quickly embraced her newly adopted hometown and spoke of Little Rock with the love of a lifelong resident. Any time there was breaking news, Donna would immediately track down everyone who could add to the story. I was always happy to talk with Donna as her sunny disposition, positive outlook, and understanding of Arkansas and the issues made for an enjoyable conversation. In fact, with her cheerful demeanor and her great radio voice, I often joked with her about how she should have her own Delilah-style radio show. But Donna's true passion was the news. You could tell that in her meticulous reporting on breaking news and how she tenaciously stayed on top of the stories that mattered to her listeners in an ever-changing news cycle. You could easily judge how well-respected as a journalist Donna was, as well as how much she was liked on a personal level, by the outpouring of kind words that were shared upon the news of her passing. Public officials, fellow journalists, and KARN listeners all shared their stories of how much Donna meant to them on a professional and personal level in news reports and social media messages. This sentiment was shared by her colleagues at KARN. ``Donna was at her happiest when she was working on a news story and never let anything keep her from getting her job done,'' said Cumulus market manager Keith Liesmann. ``She was a friend to everyone she worked with.'' My thoughts and prayers go out to Donna's friends, family, and colleagues. Her voice will truly be missed.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the contributions of Dr. Ruth Hawkins, the director of the Arkansas State University Heritage Sites program. Her commitment to preservation, history, and tourism earned her the Arkansas Historical Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. This is the latest in a list of accolades for her dedication to preserving places of historical significance in Arkansas. Her vision for telling the story of the State through restoration promotes an interest in the history and heritage of Arkansas and the people who have been blessed to call it home. She has been called an Arkansas preservation hero. The Heritage Sites program preserves and promotes significant locations in the Arkansas Delta. Dr. Hawkins played an instrumental role in restoration projects that are putting communities in Arkansas on the map. She led efforts to restore and open the Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, which has made a small town in Arkansas a tourist destination. In the 2 years since it opened, the site has attracted people from all 50 States and about 30 countries. It is helping improve the economy of the Arkansas Delta. Dr. Hawkins has led efforts to restore other history sites in the State include the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Cultural Center in Piggott, the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum in Tyronza, and Lakeport Plantation in Lake Village. Her commitment to preserving historic sites allows Arkansans of all ages to experience educational opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. These unique lessons unlock the natural and cultural heritage in the region, deepening knowledge and understanding of the area. I congratulate Dr. Ruth Hawkins on her achievements as the director of the Arkansas Heritage Sites Program and her efforts to preserve Arkansas's unique history. Future generations of Arkansans and Americans will be able to learn about this history of the Natural State because of Dr. Hawkins passion for preservation.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the Baldor Electric Company of Fort Smith, AR, for officially completing 15 million accident-free work hours. Baldor moved its production of industrial electric motors to Fort Smith in 1956 and, in 1961, relocated its corporate headquarters there as well. The company has employed thousands of Arkansans for nearly 60 years. This company produces products that are part of every industry in America. Its equipment powers everything from drills on oil rigs and conveyer belts in mining operations, to air conditioning systems in hospitals and thrusters on Navy and Coast Guard ships. The Arkansas Department of Labor, the Arkansas Insurance Department, and the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission recently presented Baldor Electric Company with a ``Fifteen Million Man Hour Award'' for its extraordinary commitment to workplace safety, making it the first company in Arkansas to receive this designation. This means that between August of 2010 and May of 2016, Baldor successfully prevented a work-related illness or injury for 1,250 employees. This brings me tremendous pleasure as I understand full well that the importance of workplace safety cannot be overstated. Families across the State of Arkansas, as well as the country, depend on and expect the safe return of their loved ones each day--and with 15 million accident- free hours, Baldor Electric Company has truly set the standard in ensuring just that. Much of Baldor's success has stemmed from its use of a safety program that utilizes a safety committee that includes both employees and managers. I offer my gratitude to Baldor Electric Company for ensuring the safety of its employees for over 15 million hours of work. I congratulate the company for breaking Arkansas' safety record. I look forward to hearing about the company's future success.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. I thank the Presiding Officer. Mr. President, I will be brief. I wanted to come down to the floor. Right now we are in the midst of discussing a very important bill, the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations act, funding law enforcement. We all know that we are in troubled times, and we are trying to get things sorted out in that regard. So why take 45 minutes to come down and speak on the Senate floor about such an important subject as what is going on in the VA? Last week the Secretary of the VA decided that he would no longer support the expedited removal authority that we allowed him when we passed the Choice Act. There was a case and the Attorney General decided that she felt like it might be unconstitutional. So the Secretary of the VA took it upon himself to no longer use that authority. The way that I found out, and I think the way the rest of the members of the committee found out, was to read this in the press. The Secretary didn't have the courtesy to contact us and tell us what was going on. He arbitrarily decided it was unconstitutional. I voted for it. Most of the Members in this body voted it. Most of the Members of the House of Representatives voted for it. If I thought it was unconstitutional, I certainly would not have voted for it-- again, acknowledging the duties of being a U.S. Senator. We passed it overwhelmingly and, as my colleague from Alaska has commented, the Secretary has set dangerous precedent by simply ignoring it. He went on to say on Monday that the accountability procedures we have had in place are working fine. If that is true, then why has the VA chronically had an issue with lackluster and negligent employees? He was very supportive of this authority until this case came up. In light of the VA's decision last week, it is even more imperative that this body move to pass the Veterans First Act, which will significantly improve accountability at the VA. This was a bipartisan, comprehensive initiative. The American Legion said: ``This legislation will shorten the grievance process, make it easier to dismiss VA officials that breach the trust of the veterans that they are supposed to serve.'' For those of us on the committee, my only concern is that the Secretary at some point will decide this is unconstitutional and do his own thing. Again, this is such an important issue. It is something that the committee is working so hard on, but it is wrong. We have a situation now where we have employees who we know have abused their power. On the other hand, the vast majority of the people of the VA--the vast, vast majority--are hard-working and do a tremendous job. I am so proud of the VAs that I have in Arkansas, our facility in Little Rock, our facility in Fayetteville. There are no finer hospitals in the country. On the other hand, when people act up and they don't do what they are supposed to, we need to hold them accountable. We certainly need a Secretary of the VA who is more concerned about veterans than he is about labor issues. With that, I yield the floor.