John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. I thank the distinguished chairman for taking a moment to discuss this issue and I look forward to working with him on this bill.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, as the chairman of the committee is well aware, private sector engineering and design services can play an important role in the development and maintenance of our Nation's transportation infrastructure. By supplementing the capabilities of engineers at State DOTs, private sector engineering and design services enable State and local governments to deliver projects more efficiently and with long-term cost savings. In order to make better use of these private sector resources, I have introduced an amendment which will provide incentives to States that make use of innovative engineering and design approaches by bringing in the expertise of private sector companies. This amendment is intended to streamline and improve the efficient delivery of highway and bridge projects and would not increase Federal spending. In the last Congress, working with Senators Boxer and Vitter, the committee included this identical provision in the highway authorization bill that was unanimously approved by the Environment and Public Works Committee. The language has not been included in the bill we are debating today, and while I recognize that many hard decisions have had to be made in order to achieve a bipartisan consensus on this bill, I ask for Chairman Inhofe's commitment to work with us as the DRIVE Act progresses to conference.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to engage in a colloquy with the distinguished chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee on an amendment that I have filed to H.R. 22, the DRIVE Act.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the life and legacy of Marion County Sheriff Roger Vickers who passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2015 following a battle with cancer. Sheriff Vickers dedicated his life to law enforcement and protecting the community. With more than three decades of service with the Arkansas State Police, Sheriff Vickers was well respected in the law enforcement community by the time he retired from the State police in 2008 as lieutenant and assistant troop commander of Troop I in Harrison. During his time with the Arkansas State Police, he received numerous commendations, including the Valor Award, the highest honor bestowed by the State police. His commitment to Marion County led him to run for sheriff. From the time he was elected in 2008, Sheriff Vickers fought tirelessly to improve his community. He was an advocate for building a new jail and his vision is starting to take shape with the Marion County Quorum Court recently approving purchasing land for the project. Sheriff Vickers was a well-qualified law enforcement officer and also a true public servant. Prior to his career in law enforcement, he served as a marine during the Vietnam war, earning the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation. I am greatly appreciative for Sheriff Vickers' lifetime of service throughout the State of Arkansas. My prayers are with his wife Joan, and his family and friends during this trying time. I hope they find comfort knowing that he made a positive impact on his community.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, the dangers our troops face extend beyond war zones and unfortunately to within our Nation's borders, and it is time our policies reflect their risks no matter where they are stationed. Just like the attack at the Little Rock Army recruiting station and the tragedy at Fort Hood, the recent senseless shootings in Chattanooga happened when our troops were unarmed, leaving them no way to defend themselves. I fully support the actions of Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to do what is necessary to protect the Arkansas National Guard by allowing members to be armed at guard installations. However, the Governor only has authority over the Arkansas National Guard. While Governors of other States have issued similar directives, I urge Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and President Obama to order protective measures at Department of Defense installations. Honoring Marine Staff Sergeant David Wyatt and the other Servicemembers Who Lost Their Lives in the Chattanooga Tragedy Mr. President, the vicious attack in Chattanooga changed the lives of the families of GySgt Thomas Sullivan, LCpl Squire Wells, Sgt Carson Holmquist, SSgt David Wyatt, and PO2 Randall Smith. The attack hit especially close to home for Arkansas, where SSgt David Wyatt grew up. While he no longer called Arkansas home, the State always had a fond place in Staff Sergeant Wyatt's heart. He often visited his family who still live in the Natural State and taught his children how to call the hogs. He was a 1998 graduate of Russellville High School. Staff Sergeant Wyatt was active in athletics and played in the school band. He also earned the Eagle Scout, the highest rank of the Boy Scouts. His Scoutmasters, classmates, and teachers fondly recalled David as a young man who was a natural leader with a lot of enthusiasm and a unique sense of humor. A career in the military was a natural fit for Staff Sergeant Wyatt, who came from a long line of military service. He enlisted in the Marines following the events of 9/11. During his 11 years in the military, Staff Sergeant Wyatt served in locations all over the world. He was well aware of the dangers of wearing the Nation's uniform, having served deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. His mom, Deborah Wyatt Boen, told the Russellville Courier that her son was proud to be a U.S. marine and called his fellow marines ``brothers.'' No one could have predicted the violence that targeted his life while he was working to protect and defend our Nation with his band of brothers. But with the nature of the current threats we face and with increased calls from groups such as ISIS to attack U.S. servicemembers at home, it is vital that we reevaluate our security practices for all our military installations and fix any vulnerabilities that put our personnel at risk. On Thursday, July 16, 2015, SSgt David Wyatt made the ultimate sacrifice for his selfless service to our Nation. SSgt David Wyatt is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep his wife Lorri, daughter Rebecca, son Heith, and the rest of his family and friends in their thoughts and prayers. On behalf of our grateful Nation, I humbly offer my appreciation and gratitude for his selfless service and sacrifice. I yield the floor.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I recognize the life and legacy of Arkansas outdoorsman, tourism advocate, and business owner Jim Gaston. Jim spent his life as a champion of the Arkansas outdoors--sharing his passion of Mother Nature's landscape, wildlife and recreation, and helped paved the path for the Arkansas tourism industry. Jim inherited the family business, Gaston's White River Resort, in his early 20s when his dad passed away. He saved the property from foreclosure and turned the six cottages and six boats into the premier destination for anglers and tourists that it is known as today. Under Jim's leadership, the resort grew into a 400-acre property with 79 cottages along 2 miles of river frontage in addition to a restaurant, conference center and other amenities. As a regular fixture on the White River for more than seven decades, he saw a lot of improvements, often because of his own contributions. His advocacy of minimum flow helped provide a steady stream of water in the river and create the habitat trout need to survive--boosting Arkansas's trout fishing and tourism industry. Jim was a strong voice for Arkansas tourism locally, regionally, and statewide. He was a lifetime member of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Commission. He served in numerous leadership positions to promote tourism throughout the State including president of the Arkansas Tourism Development Foundation and Arkansas Hospitality Association. In 2010, Jim Gaston was named the Arkansas Business Executive of the Year and will be awarded the Legacy Award at this year's Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation Outdoor Hall of Fame Awards. Jim truly transformed Arkansas. His contribution is commemorated in the James A. Gaston Visitor Center, a multi-million dollar facility that teaches about the rivers he loved his entire life. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim's wife Jill and the entire Gaston family. I humbly offer my appreciation and gratitude for his contributions to the State of Arkansas, his friendship, and many great memories that I will cherish forever.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I want to recognize the hard work, dedication, and achievements of the Northwest Arkansas Council, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This organization helped transform Northwest Arkansas into an economic powerhouse. In 1990, business and community leaders created a cooperative regional business foundation with a focus on what is best for the region. Now, 25 years later, the council has strengthened partnerships and achieved many successes. Early on, the council recognized the importance of expanding the region's infrastructure. It planted the seeds for development by pursuing the construction of a new regional airport, an interstate to connect western Arkansas, and a massive 2-ton water system to serve Benton and Washington Counties. These priorities laid the foundation for the expansive growth and development of the region. Northwest Arkansas continues to flourish under the council's encouragement and vision. By focusing on the future and on mutually beneficial goals, the council is a leader in visualizing and promoting investments that meet the needs of citizens and local businesses. In recent years, the council's goals have expanded toward growing the region's workforce, including increasing the number of high school and college graduates and attracting top talent. This unique partnership encourages communities throughout the region to think about long-term goals and creates a strategic plan to accomplish them. What is impressive is that the council consistently achieves most of its goals, often ahead of schedule. The council is a model for success. Economic development regions across Arkansas and throughout the country use the council as a model, with hopes of achieving similar success. The council has demonstrated the value of cooperation and collaboration, as well as the importance of keeping attention focused on common ground and shared interests. I congratulate the Northwest Arkansas Council on its 25-year commitment to growth and development and for continuing to make the region better through infrastructure improvements, workforce development, and regional stewardship. I look forward to continuing to work with the Northwest Arkansas Council and seeing its future achievements.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, the Honorable Jacob Trieber, of Helena, AR, known as a ``genius lawyer and jurist,'' served as the first Jewish Federal judge in the United States. Born on October 6, 1853, in Raschkow, Prussia, a young Jacob Trieber and his family escaped the growing anti-Semitism in Prussia and moved to the United States. In a few short years they established their homestead and a family store in Helena, AR. In 1873, he began to study law, and 3 years later entered the Arkansas Bar. In 1897, he was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas in Little Rock. Three years later, on July 26, 1900, President William McKinley appointed Jacob Trieber to the Federal bench, where for 27 years Judge Trieber served on the U.S. Circuit Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Judge Trieber was committed to equal justice for all, and ruled for equality for African Americans and women. Judge Trieber had astounding foresight. Many of his rulings were important to civil rights and wildlife conservation. Judge Trieber was also committed to his local Arkansas community and served as an elected official on the Helena City Council and as the Phillips County treasurer. Judge Trieber played an influential role in saving the Old State House and establishing the Arkansas State Tuberculosis Sanatorium. In honor of Judge Jacob Trieber, Senator Cotton and I are introducing this legislation that designates the Federal Building in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, the ``Jacob Trieber Federal Building, United States Post Office, and Court House.'' Judge Trieber's name will appropriately mark this building and stand as a symbol of his significant work for not only the people of Arkansas, but for the entire United States. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, the Honorable Jacob Trieber, of Helena, AR, known as a ``genius lawyer and jurist,'' served as the first Jewish Federal judge in the United States. Born on October 6, 1853, in Raschkow, Prussia, a young Jacob Trieber and his family escaped the growing anti-Semitism in Prussia and moved to the United States. In a few short years they established their homestead and a family store in Helena, AR. In 1873, he began to study law, and 3 years later entered the Arkansas Bar. In 1897, he was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas in Little Rock. Three years later, on July 26, 1900, President William McKinley appointed Jacob Trieber to the Federal bench, where for 27 years Judge Trieber served on the U.S. Circuit Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Judge Trieber was committed to equal justice for all, and ruled for equality for African Americans and women. Judge Trieber had astounding foresight. Many of his rulings were important to civil rights and wildlife conservation. Judge Trieber was also committed to his local Arkansas community and served as an elected official on the Helena City Council and as the Phillips County treasurer. Judge Trieber played an influential role in saving the Old State House and establishing the Arkansas State Tuberculosis Sanatorium. In honor of Judge Jacob Trieber, Senator Cotton and I are introducing this legislation that designates the Federal Building in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, the ``Jacob Trieber Federal Building, United States Post Office, and Court House.'' Judge Trieber's name will appropriately mark this building and stand as a symbol of his significant work for not only the people of Arkansas, but for the entire United States. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the work of 12 power linemen from nine electric cooperatives in Arkansas for their work to bring reliable electricity to citizens in Guatemala. The Arkansas linemen dedicated more than 2 weeks to completely change the lives of more than 1,390 residents in 2 villages in rural Guatemala--Jolom I'Jix and Zapotal. Through construction activities such as installation of poles, distribution transformers, household connections, and meters, these volunteers extended the electric distribution system 4 miles, connecting homes to an electric grid powered by a small hydroelectric plant. Since 2013, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas volunteers have worked to improve the lives of Guatemalans by providing electricity. The significance of this project stretches to impact numerous aspects of daily life for these residents. Electricity is a critical element in improving the quality of life and to providing health care, education, access to clean water, and economic growth. Equipped with this newfound source of electricity, hope for a brighter future exists for subsistence farmers whose main worry is simply providing food for their family. This effort, funded by participating co-ops and supporters in Arkansas, continues the State's storied history of making an impact. By being a beacon of good for these villagers, the linemen were able to engrave a lasting impact, which will help future generations of Guatemalans. I offer my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to make a difference for those who are truly in need. Doug Evans, Will Glover, Kyle Metcalf, Andy Caywood, Michael Counts, Andy Ward, Brent Hufstedler, Kirk Kempson, Joey Burk, Kris Rankin, Paul Garrison and Ryan Hayes, thank you for your dedication and service to helping connect citizens of Guatemala to electric service.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, the EPA recently released its final water rule, claiming much greater power for the administration to oversee the land use decisions of homeowners, small businesses, and family farms throughout our country. This mandate is full of problems, and the American people are being sold a false bill of goods. Just look at the potential impact to my home State of Arkansas. As you can see, the entire State will come under this jurisdiction. The red on this map, compiled by Agriculture's Waters of the United States Mapping Initiative, highlights the extent to which this EPA rule would impact Arkansas. As you can see, the Obama administration wants to give bureaucrats in Washington control of almost all of the water in Arkansas. They are deceiving the American people in order to justify this power grab. First, they imply that unless Washington is in control, water is simply not protected. This is not true. Clean water protection involves our local communities. Private land owners, conservation districts, States, and local communities protect non-Federal waters all of the time. Second, the Agency claims this rule is designed to protect drinking water. Again, this is an attempt to scare the American people. It is dishonest. We all want to protect our water resources, and clean drinking water is certainly a priority. I support the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more than 40 years the Safe Drinking Water Act has encouraged Federal- State cooperation in improving safe drinking water. That work has made tremendous progress, which we can all be proud of. This law has been strongly supported by both Republicans and Democrats. It has been reauthorized and extended by Republican-controlled Congresses, and it will continue to improve safe drinking water whether or not this Federal power grab continues. This administration says one thing about safe drinking water, and then it does another. For example, in 2013 and 2014, the Obama administration cut funding for the Safe Drinking Water Grant Program. This program, which is a Federal-State partnership, does far more to protect safe drinking water than anything in the EPA's new power grab. Third, we hear rhetoric about rivers catching on fire and toxic pollution. Once again, this is an attempt to scare the American people. Major rivers will continue to receive Federal and State protection just as they have for decades. Isolated non-navigable waters will continue to be protected by State and local efforts as they are now. Let's not forget that farmers and landowners care about clean water. Northeast Arkansas farmer Joe Christian told the Jonesboro Sun after the EPA finalized the rule: I am not going to do something detrimental to the land I work and live on. There is no greater environmentalist than a farmer. For the past year, Arkansas farmers and ranchers have shared with me their concerns over this EPA overreach. I want to share some of the comments that I recently received. Fred in Trumann wrote: Like every other person in America, I favor clean water. However, there appears to be a grab for power or control related to water. I fail to see how a low spot in a field or yard or ditch that I create on my own land should be included. We are being over-regulated by Washington--please continue to limit intrusion into our lives where none is needed. Rodney in Lonsdale sent me an email saying: The EPA doesn't need to be monitoring my pond and streams, telling me what to do or how to use them. This is an overreach. These frustrations are the result of an agency that often abuses its authority, creating unnecessary and costly mandates. It is not just Arkansans. Across the country, people are sounding the alarm on this power grab. ``Extreme'' and ``unlawful'' are two words the American Farm Bureau used to describe the rule. An analysis of the finalized rule by the organization determined that the ambiguity of the rule will give the Agency ``broad discretion to identify waters and to limit the scope of most of the exclusions.'' The good news is that we have a bipartisan agreement that this EPA rule is a problem. After EPA finalized this rule, the Wall Street Journal published an editorial calling this rule by EPA an ``amphibious attack'' and urged Congress to overturn the rule and force ``Members to show whose side they're on--the average landowners or the Washington water police.'' That is why I joined the Senate's efforts to protect property owners and keep Washington's hands off of private lands. The Federal Water Quality Protection Act safeguards Americans from this overreach. It sends EPA back to the drawing board to craft a proposal that encourages true cooperation. It will keep the hands of Washington's politicians out of the decisions that have been made in the States and local communities for generations. Under this modest, bipartisan legislation, the EPA will be able to protect Federal waters without expanding its power. I appreciate Senator Barrasso, the bill's author, for his continued leadership in holding EPA accountable. Last week, my colleagues and I who serve on the Environment and Public Works Committee moved this legislation forward. This is a step in the right direction to protecting the rights of landowners while protecting our Nation's waters. I look forward to supporting this commonsense legislation on the Senate floor and encouraging my colleagues to do the same. Congress must build on the progress that we have made toward better water quality. We can do this best by protecting the role of States, local communities, and private citizens to be a part of the process.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the resilience, determination, and courage of the community of Hoxie, AR for its leadership in school desegregation and the foundation it laid for integration across the country. This year, the community is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the first day of school for the African-American students who became known as the Hoxie 21. This small northeast Arkansas community voluntarily integrated its schools in the summer of 1955 in response to the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education. The reasoning for the school board and Superintendent Kunkel Edward Vance's decision was simple; integration was ``morally right in the sight of God.'' On July 11, 1955, African-American students made history in Hoxie and helped build the momentum for integration. This unprecedented move began with a smooth transition, and the students were welcomed into the school. The news of a small town in the South desegregating peacefully caught the attention of Life magazine, and in its July 1955 issue the story captured the attention of the world. Unfortunately, the media attention brought with it an avalanche of negativity despite the positive and peaceful progression. This action was unpopular in the South and while segregationists flooded the community in protest, families of the Hoxie 21 and school leaders stood their ground and with great faith persevered against the inequality. The Hoxie School Board fought back by filing suit on the segregationists, charging the segregationists with trespassing on school property, threatening picket lines, organizing boycotts and intimidating school officials. Citizens of Hoxie of all races peacefully waited for a resolution, and with encouragement from the NAACP were able to stand up against the verbal and physical threats from the segregationists. Their patience and fortitude was soon rewarded. In September, the FBI became involved in the investigation. Two months later, Federal District Judge Thomas C. Trimble ruled that segregationists prevented integration in Hoxie, and issued a temporary restraining order against them. In December, a permanent ban against the segregationists was issued and later upheld by the Supreme Court, freeing the school of their influence. It was the first mediation in support of a school district trying to comply with Brown v. Board of Education--a momentous moment for the country and a victory for integration. This decision was instrumental in desegregating the entire country and was a major victory for the 14th Amendment. This demonstrates that change only comes when people stand up for what is morally right. I congratulate the town of Hoxie and the Hoxie 21 on this milestone. I am encouraged by your dedication to share this history and positive message. I thank the Hoxie 21 and the community for their bravery in the face of adversity. It is an honor to tell your story and educate people about your struggle.

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, over the past few years, bipartisanship has not always fared well in the Senate. We have been able to change the Chamber's culture for the better in 2015. Now that is in jeopardy once again. In the first half of the year, we had a number of bipartisan accomplishments. It kicked off with the passage of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act at the beginning of the year. The new law will provide the VA with the personnel, services, and proper tools to help veterans facing mental illness struggles, which is vital as it is estimated that 22 veterans commit suicide every day. The Clay Hunt act will help stop this tragic and unacceptable trend. Then we were able to pass the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act in a unanimous fashion. This law will save lives. It will restore dignity to the victims of these heinous crimes, and it will help end modern-day slavery. We followed that with legislation that will give Congress a voice in the President's negotiations with Iran over its illicit nuclear program. There was such a strong show of bipartisanship on this vote that it forced President Obama to drop his initial veto threat. Had we not maintained bipartisan unity, there would be no review of the Iran deal. There would be nothing stopping President Obama from signing a bad agreement with Iran. It is because we stood together across party lines that the American people will now have a say in negotiations. Before we adjourned for the Memorial Day work period, we approved granting the President trade promotion authority. We worked together to provide the President with the necessary tools to negotiate a fair trade deal while maintaining Congress's important role in the process. I say all this to highlight what we can accomplish when we work together. Unfortunately, the minority leader seems intent on ending that streak. We are in the midst of discussing another bill which should have substantial bipartisan support, the National Defense Authorization Act. Yet, Minority Leader Reid has called this vital, traditionally bipartisan bill ``a waste of time.'' This is a bill which, as the senior Senator from Arizona has noted, Congress has passed for 53 consecutive years, including those when the minority leader controlled the Senate schedule. Far from a waste of time, the NDAA helps us modernize our military to face today's security challenges. We live in a dangerous world. We have to stay ahead of those who would seek to harm us, not fall behind them. This is no time to be dismissive of our national security needs. It is also about the livelihood of over 1.4 million men and women on Active Duty and 718,000 civilian personnel. We are talking about the Nation's largest employer. The NDAA helps us ensure that we are doing everything we need to do to help them. So I think we can all agree there is much in this bill that needs to get done. Unfortunately, the White House is taking what should be a bipartisan bill and using it to push for its own political end game to increase domestic spending. Worse yet, the President has somehow convinced Senate Democrats to go along with this misguided strategy. Instead of approaching this in a bipartisan manner, the minority leader is forcing his caucus to carry water for President Obama, who has indicated he would veto the NDAA unless he gets the domestic spending increases he is demanding. That means the President stands ready to block the policy prescriptions and funding levels for the Department of Defense unless we give other agencies, such as the EPA, as they try their additional power grab through things like the Clean Water Act and extending that, and the IRS, as they waste money on bonuses for their employees--all of this is very dangerous. There will be plenty of time to debate our domestic spending priorities and allotments, but now is not the time. Let's get that bipartisan mentality back and finish the work that needs to be done to protect our Nation. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, on rollcall vote No. 204, I voted yes. It was my intention to vote no. Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to change my vote since it will not affect the outcome.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the service and sacrifice of Johnson County Auxiliary Sheriff Deputy Sonny Smith who gave his life while in the line of duty on May 15, 2015. Deputy Smith led a life of service. The last 11 years he dedicated to safety and law enforcement as a detention officer. He continued to serve for the past 6 years as an auxiliary deputy protecting the people of Johnson County on a volunteer basis. Service was an important part of Sonny's life. He served his country in the United States Navy and continued that commitment to his community when he left the military. Sonny was known for his compassion and leadership throughout Johnson County. His generosity was always on display. His fellow officers say they will remember Sonny as a humble man who was always willing to serve his neighbors. As a father of high school students, Sonny attended all the pep rallies, football games and fundraisers. He was always helping Clarksville High School. His daughters Makayla and Callie describe their dad as a man always willing to help others in need. While he made a living working as a security guard at Arkansas Nuclear One, Sonny was a reliable handyman that many in the community reached out to for help repairing their garage doors. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sonny's family, including his wife Amy, his daughters, and sons Dakota and Charlie. Deputy Sonny Smith was a true hero, not only because of the uniform he wore, but also because of his final actions. By taking the lead when he responded to a residential burglary call and exercising his professional training, he saved the lives of his fellow officers. I humbly offer my appreciation and gratitude for his selfless service to Arkansas.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, May is recognized as National Military Appreciation Month. In addition to a time when we honor the men and women who wear our Nation's uniform, we must also remember our military families who make tremendous sacrifices. These husbands and wives support our troops at home, during training missions and deployments. Military spouses are essential to the wellbeing of our service members and the strength of our national defense. We honor them with a special day honoring their role--National Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Arkansas is home to thousands of military personnel. Their spouses are the homefront heroes who serve our country out of uniform. I asked Arkansans to share the roles their spouses play in their military career. I want to highlight some of the ways Arkansas National Guard spouses support their partners' call to service. MSG Tracy Onassis Hayes and her husband, Cedric, have been married just over 1 year. Master Sergeant Hayes says her husband had no idea what he was getting into when he married a soldier. He has had to deal with the early mornings, late nights, and long weeks of her being away from home all while taking care of their 15-year-old son Ke'cy and making certain he gets to school, practice and all his other events while Master Sergeant Hayes travels out-of-State for training. He also makes sure the family pets are well cared for all while maintaining a traveling choir of over 30 children. Master Sergeant Hayes shared with me: He makes it look easy. My husband's support of the past year has made serving a whole lot less stressful. I am very thankful for his love and support. He is my hero. Thank you Cedric for your commitment. Naomi Howard is familiar with military life as the daughter of CW4 Arthur Troy. The military also paved the way for her love connection to her husband SFC James Howard. The couple met after James attended the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, ESGR, briefing given by Naomi upon his return from deployment to Egypt. The couple spent the first 14 months of their marriage apart while James was deployed with the HHC 39th IBCT to Iraq. In 2004, the couple settled into a routine life in Cabot, AR, with James serving on Active Guard/Reserve duty, and Naomi working as a civilian at the National Guard Bureau Professional Education Center. In 2007, James deployed to Iraq again and was away from home for more than 1 year. James told me: During this time Naomi did an amazing job raising four young children on her own. Since then, Naomi has continued working at the National Guard Bureau's Professional Education Center and supporting me in my continued military service. Being in the military requires long hours and time away from home, yet my wife has continued to support me, more than I could have ever imagined. Not only is she a strong support for her husband and children, but she is doing this all while working and attending college as a full- time student. She was named to the Central Baptist College President's List for Fall 2014 for maintaining a 4.0 GPA. ``She juggles more than I could ever imagine and she excels at doing so,'' James said. Wanda Thomen has been married for 28 years to Deputy Commander CPT Rex Thomen of the 61st CST/WMD and is a mother of two children, Myranda and Phelan. Wanda served as an active duty airman and was honorably discharged in March 1998. Her prior service experience helps her to understand both sides, as a servicemember and as a spouse. She previously served as president of the Auxiliary of the National Guard Association of Arkansas whose motto is ``The Other Half.'' She also worked as the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Family Readiness Support assistant. She has been supportive during deployments, injuries, illness, and everyday activities as her husband continues his military career and Wanda continues to give back to the troops and their families. Thank you to Cedric, Naomi, Wanda, and all of our military spouses for your support at home while your loved one is away defending our Nation. We thank you for your dedication and commitment to our Armed Forces, your family and extended military family.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, as in executive session, I ask unanimous consent that the nomination of Peter V. Neffenger, of Ohio, to be an Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, be referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; that upon the reporting out or discharge of the nomination, the nomination then be referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for a period not to exceed 30 calendar days, after which the nomination, if still in committee, be discharged and placed on the Executive Calendar.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 153, submitted earlier today.

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

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 36, S. 304.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported substitute amendment be agreed to; the bill, as amended, be read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I honor a longtime champion of Arkansas, Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 92 after a long life as a dedicated public servant. As a member of the ``greatest generation,'' John Paul served as a combat pilot during World War II and was a decorated war hero. As a Congressman from the Third District of Arkansas for 26 years and the only Republican member of the delegation at the time, he worked across the aisle to provide infrastructure and various improvements to Arkansas, paving the way for the growth in the northwest corner of the State. Even following his retirement more than 20 years ago, John Paul continued to serve the people, who fondly referred to him as ``JPH.'' He always put Arkansas first. His vision for a two-party system in Arkansas led him to seek elected office. He paved the way for the Republican Party in the State, and his vision continues to be realized as the party continues its growth in the State. ``John Paul'' is a name that is just as familiar in Arkansas as it is to my colleagues in the Senate who served with him before serving in this Chamber as well as the many Members in the House who worked alongside him during his years of elected service and through decades more of providing assistance to his beloved Arkansas. You would have been hard-pressed to find a kinder, gentler man than John Paul Hammerschmidt. As a mentor and friend, John Paul's wisdom and counsel have shaped my Washington experience more than anyone else. When I ran for Congress in 2001, I sought John Paul out for advice. I quickly learned, as a newly elected Member of Congress for the Third District of Arkansas, how fond his former colleagues were of him. Senior Members of the House of Representatives had so much respect for him that they welcomed me into their inner circle because he had given his approval. It was John Paul who taught me that after the election is over, there are no more Republicans, no more Democrats, there are only the people of Arkansas. His dedication to his constituents during his career of public service was unmatched and is a marker we should all strive to meet. During his time in Congress, he served in the minority, but he would disagree without being disagreeable. I always valued John Paul's friendship and his continued advice. John Paul set the standard for helping Arkansans. That bar is something members of the Arkansas congressional delegation continue to strive toward today. His vision to improve life for Arkansans led him to serve on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee as well as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. By the time he retired, he served as the latter's ranking member. Using his position on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he helped secure funds for roads and infrastructure projects, including Interstate 540, which now bears his name, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, as well as protecting the Buffalo River and getting a designation as the first national river. John Paul left big shoes to fill. He believed he could make a difference in the lives of Arkansans because he believed in loving his fellow man. We are capitalizing on the benefits he helped provide--a testament to his time in Washington. From all Arkansans, I thank John Paul for his devotion to public service, his leadership, and his dedication to Arkansas. His example is something we should continue to strive for in Washington.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 29; 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; that following leader remarks, the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, until 10:30 a.m., with the time equally divided in the usual form; further, that at 10:30 a.m., the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair to allow for the joint meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister, His Excellency Shinzo Abe; and finally, that following the joint meeting, the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 1191.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, Senators are asked to gather in the Chamber at 10:35 a.m. tomorrow to proceed as a body to the Hall of the House for the joint meeting.