John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today, along with Senator Leahy, I submit a resolution recognizing the 70th Anniversary of the Fulbright Program. On August 1, 1946, President Harry S. Truman signed into law legislation authored by Senator James William Fulbright of Arkansas, creating a program that used the proceeds from selling surplus war property to fund international exchanges between the United States and other countries. Senator Fulbright's program has gone on to become the largest education exchange program in history, and still works to ``promote peace and mutual understanding'' around the world. Counted among its more than 370,000 alumni are 82 Pulitzer Prize recipients, 54 Nobel Prize laureates, and 33 heads of states. In the aftermath of World War II, Senator Fulbright understood that individual exchanges and person to person interactions are the best way to build a deep abiding understanding of other cultures and to promote peace. Today, as violence and intolerance grow across the globe, I believe the Fulbright program remains a beacon of hope for a better future. The academic and cultural opportunities provided to participants in the program ensure that ``international good will through the exchange of students in the fields of education, culture, and science'' continues to grow when it is so sorely needed. I believe that you change the world through personal relationships, and am very proud as an Arkansan and an American of the success of the Fulbright exchange. I would like to thank the Fulbright Program, the staff at the Institute of International Education who administer the program, the Fulbright Association, and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the State Department for their incredible work over the last 70 years.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Fort Smith School District superintendent Dr. Benny Gooden, who will retire at the end of June after a lifetime of dedication to education. Dr. Gooden has led the Fort Smith School District since 1986, and in those 30 years, he has proven himself to be a driving force in education at the local, State, and national level. He made a career out of helping students and creating a solid education, to pave the way for a successful future for them. During his 50 years in education, he always put students first and fought to ensure the community created opportunities in their best interest. Dr. Gooden has remarked to the School Superintendents Association that his best professional day was when Fort Smith voters approved a 20 percent tax increase to guarantee the district's financial stability. He has been recognized for his career as a school administrator earning the American Association of School Administrators' Arkansas Superintendent of the Year award and was ranked in the top 100 Outstanding School Administrators in North America by Executive Educator magazine. He was named Administrator of the Year by the Arkansas PTA in 1995, received the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstanding Educator award from the National PTA in 1999, and a year later was the recipient of the Dr. Dan Pilkington Award by the Arkansas School Boards Association. These accolades are all well deserved. Dr. Gooden is actively engaged in the legislative process at the State and national levels on behalf of education. He has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the American Association of School Administrators and served as the organization's president from 2012- 2103. Dr. Gooden has served his community, State, and Nation in a remarkable way in pursuit of better education opportunities for Arkansas students. He has been a resource for me over the years to keep up with the needs and challenges of our education system. Whether pursuing opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds, cheering the accomplishments of adult education graduates, or paving the way for advanced technology in the classroom, Dr. Gooden's dedication to the young people of Fort Smith has made a positive impact on the community. Because of this, Fort Smith will continue to benefit from Dr. Gooden's work long after his retirement. I congratulate Dr. Gooden for his outstanding achievements in his career and thank him for his dedication to education, students and the community. I appreciate his friendship and enjoyed supporting his efforts to improve education. I wish him all the best in retirement and know that his wife Martha and the rest of his family will enjoy the opportunity to spend more time with him.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Fort Smith School District athletics director Jim Rowland who will retire in June after serving the school district for over half a century. Rowland's dedication to education and athletics in Fort Smith is nearly unprecedented. Jim Rowland has been involved in Fort Smith's school district since 1963. He began work at Darby Junior High School as the head coach for track and football. In 1966, Rowland became an assistant coach to the football team at Northside High School and, in 1970, was named head coach at crosstown rival, Southside High School. After a successful coaching career, Coach Rowland moved to the administrative sector becoming assistant principal in 1982 at Southside High School. Nine years later, Coach Rowland assumed the role of athletics director for Fort Smith Public School District. Under his watch, both Northside and Southside High School won a combined six State championships in football--more than any other school district in the 7A classification. During Rowland's time as athletics director, he oversaw an extensive growth in athletics. Under his leadership, both Northside and Southside High school won State championships in track, volleyball, bowling, and golf. His passion helped improve athletics in Fort Smith to a level not seen before. In 2009, Fort Smith School Board, in a unanimous vote, renamed Southside High School's stadium, Jim Rowland Stadium as thank you for his services. I congratulate Coach Rowland for his outstanding achievements in athletics and education. I thank him for his service to the Fort Smith School District and the countless students he impacted, including me. I was on the Darby Rangers football team in eighth grade when he started his coaching career in Fort Smith, and I was a member of the Northside Grizzlies when he became an assistant coach at the high school. Coach Rowland was a role model and one of the most positive influences in my life, as well as so many others. His efforts to foster growth in the district and enhance athletics in Fort Smith have become reality. I greatly appreciate his commitment to the schools and athletic programs, his guidance and friendship, and I wish him continued success in all of his endeavors. Fort Smith is fortunate to have had someone with his passion and dedication to the schools.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to Baxter County Sheriff's Deputy Billy Cox, the American Legion Department of Arkansas Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award recipient. Deputy Cox has dedicated 13 years to law enforcement and currently serves as the Norfork school resource officer. He provides a law enforcement presence, but also uses his skills and experiences to help students learn and grow in a safe environment through D.A.R.E. and other youth safety programs. Having worked as a paramedic for two decades, he also teaches CPR to high school students. Known as Officer Billy to the students and educators around the Norfork School District, Deputy Cox is a positive role model for the students. Students rely on him to listen to their problems, and he is always patient and willing to listen. Norfork High School Principal Bobby Hulse says Deputy Cox means a lot to the students and staff. His dedication to law enforcement has earned Deputy Cox certifications in drug abuse education and gang resistance education. He is a State-certified drug recognition expert. The American Legion Department of Arkansas Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award recognizes law enforcement officers who exceed their responsibilities in uniform and show a commitment to community service. Deputy Cox was nominated for this award by his supervisor, Lt. Ralph Bird, because of the huge impact he has had on students and citizens in the county. Deputy Cox is well-deserving of this recognition. His dedication, devotion, and commitment to Baxter County and the Norfork School District are apparent every day. I offer my congratulations to Deputy Billy Cox for receiving this honor and wish him continued success in his law enforcement career.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to acknowledge the life of Gary John DiGiuseppe whose passion for agriculture and journalism helped keep Arkansans informed about the State's No. 1 industry. Gary was a man who knew the importance of dedication and hard work. He was fiercely dedicated to his family and his life's work. He was a man who possessed a broad base of invaluable knowledge that he shared eagerly through his radio shows and literature. He worked as an agricultural reporter for 35 years. To others in his field, he was known as a true professional of agriculture. Many knew Gary as the man who started their mornings off with a friendly voice. He was an accomplished talk show host and writer. He was known for doing an excellent job reporting on conferences and interviews. There are few who do not trust his educated opinion. His writing has also been published in the ``Arkansas Money & Politics'' magazine. Gary was often referred to as an asset, trustworthy, and well informed. In addition, he was well versed in other aspects of life. He was an accomplished musician and stood firm on his important principles through determined discipline. Gary always represented situations clearly and fair in his reporting. I was happy to talk with him about the agricultural topics that he was researching and reporting on. He maintained a passion for learning and teaching all aspects of agriculture. I am remembering Gary today as a true friend of Arkansas agriculture. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary's wife, Mary, and his entire family. I humbly offer my gratitude and appreciation for one of Arkansas' finest agriculture advocates.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, the Federal Government's No. 1 responsibility is to protect the American people. As the Obama administration approaches its final months, the American people still do not feel, with any degree of confidence, that Washington is taking the proper steps to carry out that responsibility. The Islamic State terror group has repeatedly encouraged sympathizers in the West to launch domestic attacks. In the group's self-declared caliphate in Syria and Iraq, it continues to carry out atrocities on a daily basis. ISIS has no intention of letting up, and the President's strategy of scattered attacks is doing little to slow the terror groups' strength. A group President Obama once dubbed the JV team has become a clear and serious threat during his watch. That is just one of the many failures during this administration's foreign policy which is rooted in wishful thinking rather than grounded in reality. The idea that we can wish away the Nation's threats that our Nation faces by passively withdrawing from the international stage is a dangerous approach. It is this mentality that the President and his aides used to justify not calling jihadi attacks what they are, radical Islamic terrorism. The President has convinced himself that radical Islamic terrorism will not be a threat if we just call it something else. Clearly, this is not true. It is the same mindset that thinks closing Gitmo and moving dangerous terrorists to U.S. soil is the right thing to do, and it is how we ended up with a deal that does nothing to prevent Iran from going nuclear but instead emboldens it to belligerently threaten the United States, our allies like Israel, and its neighboring Arab States. The regime in Tehran acts as if it is virtually untouchable as a result of the Obama administration's agreement. Iran has no intentions of being a responsible, peaceful player in the international community. Even before the deal's implementation, Iran shamelessly violated U.N. Security Council mandates. Now, free from sanctions, the Iranians are flush with resources to build an arsenal to fund terror across the region. None of this seems to matter to the White House, which was bent on making this deal the cornerstone of its foreign policy. The administration was so determined to sell this deal that it engaged in a propaganda campaign, enlisting outside groups to create an ``echo chamber'' and feeding material to a press corps that White House staffers said ``knew nothing'' about diplomacy. The administration even took extreme steps to keep the uncomfortable truths from the American people by removing a damaging exchange about whether officials lied about secret talks with Iran in 2012. All of this just adds to the perception that the Obama administration was willing to go to any length to get this deal done, no matter how bad it is for our national security. Senate Republicans have tried to correct this, of course. We wanted to stop this ill-advised Iran deal, but the minority leader forced his caucus to protect the President's legacy. We have taken efforts to force the President to present a coherent plan to defeat ISIS abroad and to protect Americans here at home. That plan is still nonexistent. We have inserted language into law after law to prevent the closure of Gitmo. In fact, the President is once again threatening to veto the bill we are currently considering, in part, due to the language that prevents closure of the facility. We shouldn't be moving dangerous terrorists out of Gitmo. If anything, we should be moving more terrorists into Gitmo. The state-of- the-art facility is more than serving its purpose for detaining the worst of the worst, obtaining valuable intelligence from them, and keeping these terrorists who are bent on destroying America from returning to the battlefield. A report from the Washington Post yesterday indicates that the Obama administration has evidence that about a dozen detainees released from Gitmo have launched attacks against the United States or allied forces in Afghanistan that have resulted in American deaths. As the threat posed by ISIS grows, Gitmo remains the only option to house these terrorists. Any facility on U.S. soil is not an option. It never was with Al Qaeda terrorists, nor can it be with ISIS terrorists. The President has failed to understand the gravity these terrorists pose to our homeland. Radical Islamic terrorists around the globe are pledging allegiance to the group and, as we have seen in Paris, Brussels, and San Bernardino, they are committed to and capable of hitting Westerners at home. The President has never presented a strategy to Congress for eliminating ISIS, and our sporadic airstrikes have done little to stop the group from pressing forward and attempting to strengthen its global reach. While ISIS grows and the United States sits idly by, Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea have ramped up their belligerent actions, putting our security at risk around the world. This will only continue to increase if we continue to chase the diplomacy to the point where it puts the safety of the American people at risk, to the point where any leverage the United States started with is gone, and to the point where we withdraw from conflicts with enemies because it is easier to allow someone else to fight the battle. We are trying to fix the problems created by the Obama administration's failures so we can restore the confidence of the American people that their government is working to protect them here and abroad. Passage of the bill before us this week is a good step in the right direction. I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I honor Rogers School District Superintendent Dr. Janie Darr, who will retire this month after nearly five decades of commitment to education in the community. For more than 40 years, Dr. Darr has served the Rogers School District, beginning as an English teacher in 1967, before working her way up to administrative assistant and eventually superintendent when chosen by the school board in 1999. During her tenure with the school district, she has made sure that students come first. Rogers High School has been named as one of the best high schools in the State and Nation by U.S. News and World Report under the direction of Dr. Darr. She has directed the district in times of fast growth and increased diversity. The Rogers School Board recognized Dr. Darr's dedication to education by naming its newest elementary school in her honor. The Janie Darr Elementary School opened in 2014 and has the capacity to serve up to 750 students. Dr. Darr has a special way of treating everyone with dignity and respect, so it is no surprise that public service is a centerpiece of her life. If serving as superintendent isn't enough to keep her busy, her commitment to the community and the State keep her active in a variety of other roles, including service on the Arvest Bank Board, United Way, Ozark Guidance Center, and Rogers Historical Museum boards. She is an ex-officio member of the Rogers Public Education Foundation board and a lifetime member of the parent-teacher association. She is an active member of Central United Methodist Church in Rogers, where she is a trustee and former staff-parish relations and education committee chair, as well as a former Sunday school teacher and youth counselor. I congratulate Dr. Janie Darr for her outstanding commitment to education, the Rogers School District, and our community as a whole. As a member of the Rogers School Board for many years, I had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Darr and have greatly appreciated her friendship and leadership. I enjoyed supporting her efforts to continue making the school district a positive experience for students, faculty, and staff. I wish her continued success in retirement. Rogers School District is much improved thanks to the dedicated leadership of Dr. Darr.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor David Maxwell, the director of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, ADEM, and State Homeland Security adviser, who is retiring next month after more than 36 years of service at ADEM. David began his career at ADEM in 1978 as a temporary housing employee working with Arkansans displaced by major flooding in Little Rock. Through the years, he held a number of positions at ADEM, including plans and operations division manager, where he ensured the State emergency operations plan, EOP, and local jurisdictional plans were maintained and in compliance with State and Federal guidelines. Prior to assuming the role of director, David served as the department's deputy director. As director, David chairs the Arkansas Homeland Security executive committee and serves on a number of the State's emergency response- related councils and committees. In October 2009, David served a 1-year term as 2010 president of the National Emergency Management Association, NEMA, and now serves as an adviser to the current NEMA president. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors of the Central United States Earthquake Consortium, CUSEC, and is a member of the executive committee of the National Governors Association, NGA, Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council for which he chairs the catastrophic disaster and preparedness committee. In 2015, David was awarded the Lacy E. Suiter Distinguished Service Award by the National Emergency Management Association. David has served as the designated State coordinating officer for 24 federally declared disasters and one federally declared emergency during his career at ADEM. I worked very closely with David during his tenure as ADEM director. I have always found him to be a very responsive, committed public servant who is dedicated to the people of Arkansas. I thank David for his service to our State and applaud his efforts to keep Arkansans safe over the last three decades. I wish him all the best in retirement.

Mr. BOOZMAN

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to remember the life of Joe Preston Joslin, Jr., who passed away on May 14, 2016, after living an extraordinary life of service. Joe Joslin was born in Dallas, TX, on September 26, 1947. He served in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment as a track mechanic and forward observer in Vietnam. After the war, he lived in Dallas and Austin until 1995, when he and his his wife of 30 years, Sharon, moved to Mountain View, AR. For the last 13 years, they lived in Leslie, AR, where Joe left a lasting mark on the community. This January, after nearly 50 years, Joe was finally given the recognition he deserved. He received the Bronze Star with Valor for putting the lives of his fellow soldiers before his own and dismounting his armored vehicle to help those in need. This, along with the Army Medal of Commendation, accompany his many distinguished medals while serving in the U.S. Army. Like many veterans, his selfless acts have gone far past the battlefield. Joe dedicated his life to helping his fellow veterans. He served as a past commander of American Legion Post 131 and American Legion District 2. He also served as commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12127, and in October of 2015, he retired after serving as the Searcy County veteran service officer for 3 years. Joe enjoyed sharing his passion for the community with others. He had a soft spot for animals and shared his love of dogs with other members of the Searcy County Humane Society. A true family man and dear friend, Joe leaves behind many loved ones, including his wife, Sharon; his mother, Helen Loftin; five children; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. I want to offer my prayers and sincere condolences to his loved ones on their loss. Joe was a true American hero. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize him and join with his family and friends in showing gratitude for his life and legacy.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the defense legislative fellow in my office, Senior MSG Trey Walker, be granted floor privileges for the duration of the consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act.

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 unanimous consent to speak as in morning business for up to 10 minutes.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to address the bait-and- switch being pulled on the American people in this Congress regarding catfish inspection. We have all been told by lobbyists for fish importers and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam that the catfish inspection program is ``duplicative and trade distorting,'' but that simply isn't true. This rule is not duplicative, this rule is not distorting, and the program is working to keep food safe for Americans. There is nothing duplicative about this rule. The FDA no longer inspects any catfish. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service is the only agency inspecting catfish. Additionally, the USDA and the FDA operate under a memorandum of understanding to prevent duplication. For decades, USDA and FDA coordinated to prevent duplicative inspections with regard to seafood, beef, pork, and poultry. The fact is that the FDA did not adequately inspect catfish. The FDA inspected less than 2 percent of catfish, and it lab tested an even smaller percentage. It would not be a stretch to argue that we had very little inspection at all. In contrast, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service inspects all catfish, as they do with other farmed- raised meat. This rule is not a WTO violation. Equivalent standards are applied to imported and domestic fish. The USDA has been inspecting beef, pork, and poultry with this system for decades. Is that too much to ask for? Why should American consumers be subjected to harmful contaminants that we can prevent? Contrary to what you may hear, this program is not costly. I have heard many different numbers thrown around, but the bottom line is that the Congressional Budget Office has determined that this resolution would not save the taxpayer a single penny. If Congress votes to disapprove the USDA's catfish inspection rule, the food safety of the American people will be significantly undermined. This is a health and safety issue, pure and simple. With only a few weeks of inspection under its belt, the USDA has already denied entry of two shipments of imported catfish because they found crystal violet in one shipment and malachite green in another. Both are dangerous carcinogens. Earlier today the American Cancer Society said they support keeping farm-raised fish inspection at USDA. Overturning the USDA's catfish inspection rule would set a bad precedent. Congress has never used the Congressional Review Act to overturn a rule that Congress explicitly directed by law. Additionally, if the rule is overturned, the law requiring USDA catfish inspection would remain in place. USDA simply would not have a rule to implement the law, which would lead to significant trade disruption. Catfish farming is an important industry to Arkansas. Arkansas producers are proud to supply a safe product for American consumers. The bottom line is that our farmers aren't afraid of competition. They just want the security of knowing the domestic industry and imports are all safe. Voting to disprove this rule would put consumers at risk. I strongly urge my colleagues who share my concerns about the security of our food system to let this important food safety program continue to operate and continue to keep harmful carcinogens out of the food supply of Americans. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to remember the life of Lex ``Butch'' Edward Davis, who passed away on April 11, 2016. Butch Davis called Sherwood, AR, home. He was born in Des Arc, AR, on August 8, 1944. When he was 16, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His service from 1961 to 1969 included two tours in Korea and one in Vietnam, before receiving an honorable medical discharge from injuries he received. Butch was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Purple Heart. His service resulted in severe wounds that left him with very limited use of his legs and arms and a 100 percent VA disability rating. Despite these setbacks, Butch continued an active role in his community and among veteran organizations. He served as a VFW commander at Post 395 in Sherwood. He was a member of both the Camp Robinson/Camp Pike and Little Rock Air Force Base community councils. He launched the community's Veterans Day parade and was the caretaker of the Sherwood Rotary Club Veterans Memorial. Butch could always be counted on to help at every air show and many other activities at Little Rock Air Force Base. His commitment earned him the recognition of ``honorary commander'' at Little Rock Air Force Base. In 2011, he was honored as one of 15 inductees into the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame. He also gave back to his community in other ways, including serving as an alderman in Sherwood from 1998 until 2010 and was even named Sherwood Volunteer of the Year. He served as co-organizer of the Wheel Chair Olympics and played an active role in his community and the greater central Arkansas area for many years. A true family man and dear friend, Butch leaves behind many loved ones, including his wife, Judy, three children, and many other friends. I want to offer my prayers and sincere condolences to his loved ones on their loss. Butch's service and sacrifice speak for themselves, but I would like to take this time to recognize him and join with his family and friends in expressing my immense pride in his life and legacy.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I want to express my strong support for the 2017 Transportation and Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. Senator Collins and Senator Reed deserve tremendous credit for their leadership on this bipartisan bill. Congress has the basic responsibility to determine how we spend hard- earned taxpayer dollars. It is a responsibility that my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee take very seriously. Debating and passing these annual bills provides accountability. It is an important part of setting priorities, making choices, and reducing waste. Last week, the Senate passed an energy and water appropriations bill crafted by Senators Alexander and Feinstein. While I don't serve on their subcommittee, I was very proud to support their bill, and I congratulate them on moving forward and making the process work. The 2017 Transportation and HUD appropriations bill is the latest example of the Senate's return to regular order. This process enables all Senators to play an active role in the legislative process and to address concerns that are important to their States. This bill is crafted with bipartisan support, and it helps to drive the growth of our Nation. Senators Collins and Reed have put in a lot of work to prepare this bill for consideration, as have both of their staffs. The discretionary spending in this bill is within the budget caps, and it reflects a responsible approach. The bill strengthens our country's infrastructure and transportation system. This week is recognized as Infrastructure Week, and I have heard from several Arkansans that this must remain a priority. Our citizens have opportunities, and our Nation is a powerful economic force, thanks in part to our roads and bridges, airports, waterways, and related structures. We need to maintain our roads because they provide a reliable way to move goods and services around the country and, with the rest of our infrastructure, to countries around the world. These investments lead to job creation and greatly benefit our economy. The bill provides critical funding to modernize air traffic control. While our current system is second to none in safety, the FAA must accelerate its progress toward operating a more efficient system. A modern air traffic control system will be more convenient for travelers, it will save money, and it will clean the environment by reducing the amount of fuel used by aircraft. The bill provides critical funding to improve air traffic certification services. These improvements can help aircraft manufacturers, including those in Arkansas, that are fighting to win in a competitive global market. The bill provides critical highway funding that is consistent with the long-term highway bill we passed last year under the leadership of Senators Inhofe and Boxer. I am pleased that this bill includes a provision I offered to empower the State to designate a portion of Highway 67 in Arkansas, from North Little Rock to Walnut Ridge, as ``Future I-57.'' Arkansas has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to build an interstate-quality road, and we are now calling it what it is. The presence of an official interstate highway is one of the initial key factors that developers consider when determining where to make major investments such as building new factories. Community leaders along this stretch of road shared their excitement about the future designation. Buck Layne, executive director for the Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce, says this will improve the transportation network and expand economic development opportunities. Jon Chadwell, executive director for the Newport Economic Development Commission, says this will open up opportunities to Arkansas business and give companies an even greater access to national and global markets. Walnut Ridge mayor Charles Snapp says this designation will open a lot of doors, and Walnut Ridge aldermen voted this week to support this designation. Resolutions of support for the I-57 designation have been passed by the Newport Economic Development Commission, as well as the chambers of commerce in Bald Knob, Cabot, Jacksonville, Lawrence County, Newport, Sherwood, and Searcy. Other expressions of support will be received in communities throughout the central Arkansas and northeast Arkansas regions. This designation is an important step to make Arkansas a better connected State that is open for business. This bill also sets high priorities and provides critical funding through programs like community development block grants. These programs work because they allow decisions to be made at the local community level. I appreciate the efforts to make sure rural States like Arkansas are not left behind by housing and development programs. I compliment the chair and ranking member on working to address Member priorities under these programs. We are also jointly considering the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill. Senators Kirk and Tester have worked very hard to put together a good package for the Senate to debate. Their bill funds the VA at record levels and invests in priorities such as veterans health care, benefit claims processing, the Board of Veterans' Appeals, and the VA inspector general, as well as prosthetic research. It includes funding for projects to ensure military readiness and improve the quality of life for our military families. I grew up in a military family, and I have been honored to serve on the Veterans' Affairs Committee since my first day in the House of Representatives. The needs of veterans are very important to me, and I am proud to support the work that Senator Kirk and Senator Tester have done to provide funding for 2017. These are funding and policy priorities for both sides of the aisle. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation because it creates an environment that helps grow our economy, reins in spending, and takes care of our veterans. I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Tamhra Hutchins-Frye on her recent promotion to brigadier general in the Arkansas Air National Guard. Brigadier General Hutchins-Frye was born in Bakersfield, CA, and entered the Air National Guard in November 1984 as an airman first class. She received her commission in August 1989 through the Academy of Military Science in Knoxville, TN, and has held various assignments in the 188th Fighter Wing in Fort Smith, AR, the 189th Airlift Wing at the Little Rock Air Force Base, and Arkansas Air National Guard and Joint Force Headquarters at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock. She was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the chief of staff of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Afghanistan Transformation Task Force and then the Headquarters International Security Assistance Force, where she helped lead the transformation of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as it transitioned to self-rule. Tamhra earned a bachelor of science in elementary education from Arkansas Tech University in 1983 and a master of arts in human resource management from Webster University in 2012. She has also completed numerous trainings and programs during her time in the Air National Guard. As a dedicated member of the Air National Guard, Hutchins-Frye has been awarded the Legion of Merit and a Bronze Star. She is also an active member of her community and takes a proactive role in giving back and investing in the lives of others as displayed by her roles as cochairman of the Women's Foundation of Arkansas's Girls of Promise and as a member of the board of directors of Heart of Arkansas United Way, among other types of service. It is also important to note that Brigadier General Hutchins-Frye is the first woman to obtain this rank in the Arkansas Air National Guard. By virtue of this latest achievement in her impressive and distinguished career, she serves as role model for many, including the young women in our Armed Forces, of how hard work and professionalism can lead to historic and ground-breaking achievements. I offer my sincere congratulations to BG Tamhra Hutchins-Frye on this momentous occasion, and I applaud her continued commitment and dedication to our Nation's readiness. I know she will continue to make Arkansas proud in this new chapter of her career.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize CWO2 John S. Heffernan, Retired, for his leadership and dedication to our State and Nation as a soldier, a veteran, and a volunteer. He is truly a public servant. Mr. Heffernan enlisted in the Army in 1962 and began his military career with basic training at Fort Chaffee, AR. He completed telecommunications training at Fort Gordon, GA, and then served as a cryptographer in the 33rd Signal Battalion at Fort Richardson, AK. Mr. Heffernan was discharged from the Army on March 19, 1965, and briefly assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve Control Group, Reinforcement, before joining the Arkansas National Guard less than a week later. He served as a personnel staff noncommissioned officer, ultimately reaching the enlisted rank of sergeant first class, E-7. In 1980, Mr. Heffernan was appointed as a warrant officer and served as a military personnel technician and later promoted to the rank of chief warrant officer 2. After completing more than 27 years of military service and approximately 25 years as a fulltime, dual status military technician for the Arkansas Army National Guard, Mr. Heffernan retired as a servicemember and as a civil service employee and was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve Control Group, Retired Reserves, in 1990. Shortly after his retirement, Mr. Heffernan went back to work as a family assistance officer at Fisher Armory in North Little Rock in support of the 148th Evacuation Hospital and the 25th Rear Operations Center, during their deployment to Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Following Desert Storm, Mr. Heffernan saw the need to assist military retirees and their families, so for the next 5 years, he provided his voluntary services at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock. After his time at Camp Robinson, Mr. Heffernan spent the next 18 years, providing voluntary retirement services at the Little Rock Air Force Base, becoming the director of retiree activities in 2000. Mr. Heffernan has been a tireless advocate and the go-to person in central Arkansas for all matters related to military retirees and their families. In April, Mr. Heffernan retired as a volunteer, but remains active in the military and veteran community by serving as the retiree representative on the board of directors for the National Guard Association of Arkansas. For more than half of a century, Mr. Heffernan has been a selfless servant to others. I take this opportunity to recognize and say thank you to CW2 John S. Heffernan, Retired, for his service to Arkansas, our Nation, and his fellow man. May God continue to bless him in his retirement.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Dr. Bettye Caldwell, who pioneered early childhood education in the United States. Dr. Caldwell's groundbreaking research at Syracuse University in the 1960s paved the way for the national Head Start Program and was the inspiration for countless researchers and programs to educate young children in the United States and around the world. She received her bachelor's degree from Baylor University in 1945 and went on to earn a master's from the University of Iowa and her doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis. As a developmental psychologist, her work with pediatrician Dr. Julius B. Richmond convinced her of the need infants and toddlers have for emotional and cognitive support. They focused on the development gap for children in disadvantaged homes and sought to combine childcare with education, while keeping families strong. With this mission, she founded and directed the Children's Center in Syracuse, NY. It was the first enrichment program for young children in the United States. Dr. Caldwell and her husband, Dr. Fred Caldwell, moved to Little Rock, AR, in 1969, where she became the principal of the Kramer School. Under her leadership, ``the Kramer Project'' gained national attention as the site of the Center for Early Development and Education. Bettye's family notes that she considered the Kramer School her most significant work. She joined the faculty of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in the mid-1970s and continued at the university for almost 20 years. UALR chancellor Joel E. Anderson noted recently, ``Dr. Caldwell changed the way parents and policymakers understood early childhood development.'' She eventually retired from UAMS College of Medicine as a professor of pediatrics in child development. Many scholars know her best as one of the developers of the HOME research tool that helps observe the impact of a supportive home environment on a child's development. It is used today by researchers around the world. A popular speaker and prolific writer, Dr. Caldwell spoke in all 50 States and many foreign countries. She published more than 300 articles and edited several books. She served as president of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and gave her time and knowledge to organizations in Arkansas and throughout the Nation. She received many honors and awards for her work, including being named Woman of the Year by Ladies Home Journal in 1978. Later in life, she was honored with the prestigious Dolley Madison Award for Outstanding Lifelong Contribution in 2001. Dr. Caldwell passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2016, at the age of 91. In addition to her incredible professional contributions, her family noted, ``There was just little that Bettye could not do.'' She was married for 58 years to her college sweetheart, raised twins--her son Paul Caldwell and daughter Elizabeth Lawson--and adored her two granddaughters, Becca Ray and Rachel Caldwell. She was a talented seamstress, gourmet cook, and gardener. She loved to sing and enjoyed having guests in her home. I am honored to work with Dr. Caldwell's granddaughter, Becca, and to know what an extraordinary legacy she left as an educator, researcher, mother, and grandmother. She was a true leader and pioneer whose work will continue to impact millions of children each day.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Hugh McDonald, president of Entergy Arkansas, as he prepares to retire. Hugh McDonald is a resident of Little Rock and has been with Entergy since 1982. He holds a bachelor's of science degree in construction management from North Dakota State University and a master of business administration degree from the University of New Orleans. Hugh began his career at Entergy over 30 years ago in Louisiana, where he rose through the ranks before being promoted to director of regulatory affairs for Entergy Texas and then senior vice president of energy retail operations. He came to Arkansas 16 years ago to accept his current position. Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to approximately 700,000 customers in 63 counties and is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. As the head of Arkansas' largest utility, McDonald demonstrated excellent leadership during his 16-year tenure. He led its decision to withdraw from the system agreement that forced Arkansas ratepayers to partially bear the cost of producing electricity in other Entergy States. He also spearheaded the movement to join the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which allowed greater access to economic generation resources and saved Arkansas customers $46 million in the first year of participation. Hugh is a past board member and board chair of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the boards of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, the Arkansas Research Alliance Board, the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Fifty for the Future. In addition, Hugh serves on the boards of the University of Arkansas Sam Walton College of Business Advisory Board, the UALR College of Business Advisory Council, the UAMS BioVentures Advisory Board, and the Nature Conservancy of Arkansas. Let me reiterate how grateful I am for Hugh McDonald's management and vision during his time at the helm of Entergy Arkansas. His guidance and stewardship of the company has resulted in vital, reliable electricity for thousands of Arkansans across the State. I thank Hugh for his distinguished career and wish him well in retirement.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I call up my amendment No. 3311.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, this amendment provides a simple report from the Department of Energy on a specific kind of transmission project. The amendment will not cause delays or add additional redtape. It provides transparency and ensures that the Department follows the law. This amendment just ensures that the Department provides information in a timely manner. I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 37th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, TRA. Since the TRA was signed into law in 1979, the U.S.-Taiwan bilateral relationship has continued to expand, growing into an important friendship as trading partners and allies. In 2015, Taiwan became the United States' ninth largest trading partner and our seventh largest destination for agricultural exports. My home State of Arkansas has seen firsthand the benefit of these close commercial partnerships with Taiwan. As a member of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, I support efforts to further strengthen and deepen the bonds between the people of the United States and Taiwan, and I am not alone in these efforts. During the past 8 years, 40 State legislative chambers have passed resolutions in support of U.S.-Taiwan trade and a close cultural relationship. As Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou recently pointed out, U.S.-Taiwan relations have never been better, and I look forward to working with President-elect Tsai Ing-wen to ensure this continues to be the case. In celebrating the 37 years since the Taiwan Relations Act was signed into law, I want to thank the Taiwanese people for their continued friendship and support. It is my hope that the United States and Taiwan will continue to work together to promote enduring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing problem in the country. It is a problem the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies as an epidemic. The availability of prescription painkillers is a leading factor in the increase of opioid abuse. Since 1999, opioid abuse overdose deaths have quadrupled nationwide. Unfortunately, my home State of Arkansas is not immune to the problem. CDC data shows that it is one of 12 States with more painkiller prescriptions than people--I repeat, one of 12 States with more painkiller prescriptions than people. Benton, AR, police chief Kirk Lane has seen the impact in his community. During a recent visit to my office, he said: ``A lot of people become addicted very innocently and can't find a way back.'' Placing prescription drugs in the medicine cabinet for safekeeping is no longer the best option because 70 percent of Americans misusing painkillers are getting them from friends and family. Arkansas has implemented measures to combat this problem by decreasing the availability of prescription drugs and properly disposing expired and unneeded medication through the Arkansas Take Back Program. This is an important step that has resulted in the removal of more than 72 tons of unneeded medication from homes in the State. Congress has taken action to fight this epidemic. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I have pushed the Department of Veterans Affairs to reform its culture of prescription. Nationwide, pharmacies have a system in place to prevent overfilling prescriptions. It is time for VA to adopt a similar system. I pressured the DEA--the Drug Enforcement Administration--to reform its policy to allow clinics and pharmacies to serve as dropoff sites for the collection of unused or unwanted prescription drugs. Last year, we passed legislation to improve the prevention and treatment of opioid abuse by pregnant women and care for newborns affected by this abuse. That bill was signed into law. Congress approved more than $400 million in funding to address the opioid epidemic this fiscal year. That is an increase of more than $100 million from the previous year. Calls for additional funds for this legislation are premature. We need to see the progress and results made with the current finding. We must continue our commitment to the fighting of this epidemic and providing our communities with the tools they need to improve response to addiction and promote treatment and recovery. That is why we need to pass the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. This bill can help give communities the ability to combat the growing opioid epidemic in Arkansas and across the country by expanding prevention efforts, supporting law enforcement, combating overdoses, and expanding access to treatment. I have heard from many Arkansans who support this bill. It has the support of a wide range of organizations that represent law enforcement officials, drug treatment providers, and health care professionals. This speaks to the comprehensive approach we are taking to fight this epidemic. It also authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to veterans treatment courts. These courts are critical in helping our veterans break the cycle of addiction and turning their lives around. Prescription drug abuse is a widespread problem that impacts all ages and populations of Americans. I am committed to providing Arkansas communities the resources they need to fight this epidemic. Mr. President, I yield the floor.