John Barrasso

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Alabama (Mrs. Britt), the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Graham), and the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I just heard the minority leader talk about the first 100 days under President Trump. When I talk to the people at home in Wyoming about the successes of this Trump administration, the first 100 days, compared to what I heard from the minority leader, it is a difference between night and day. Specifically, the people of Wyoming are delighted with the job President Trump has been doing and especially on the issue of the southern border, because for 4 years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris told us, told all of America, and told all of the world they could do nothing to fix the southern border crisis. They swore nothing could have stopped the 10 million illegal immigrants who flooded into the country. It took President Trump to prove them wrong. Of all of President Trump's 100-day accomplishments, fixing the Biden border crisis shines the brightest of all. Seal the border; stop the invasion of illegal immigrants--President Trump promised to do it at campaign stops all around the country, and he delivered quickly. Today, we have the most secure border on record. The southern border has now been closed down tight. Illegal border crossings are down by over 94 percent since President Trump took office. The Border Patrol agents feel free to do their job once again, and they are now doing it with pride. Their service and their sacrifice are once again respected--not how it was in the Biden administration. The Border Patrol chief says that morale is ``going through the roof.'' They are able to do their job. Even CBS News captured the dramatic turnaround. This is CBS News: [T]ypically, when we go to the border, we see at least one group of people who are trying to cross into the U.S. illegally. We did not see a single migrant. CBS News. Let's contrast that to what we saw with Joe Biden. It is staggering. Think about it. In December of 2023, with the Biden administration, Biden's open border policies allowed up to 14,000 illegal immigrants coming across our border on a daily basis. Today, we are down to less than 7,000 in a whole month. They had nearly twice that amount in a single day in the Biden administration. This is the result of President Trump in the White House. Illegal immigrants caught at the border face swift removal--not like it was before. In President Trump's first 100 days, only 9 illegal immigrants were released into America--9, period--9. Last year, during that same period, more than 184,000 illegal immigrants were released into the United States. We didn't need new laws; we needed a new President. And we got one 100 days ago--a President with guts, a President with vision, and a President with a backbone, something we needed desperately and now have. How did President Trump do it? Well, he ripped up the Democrats' open invitation that said to illegal immigrants from around the world: Come to America. No more free healthcare. No more free debit cards. No more free cell phones. No more free hotel rooms. No more free plane tickets. No more catch-and-release. That is how you get the job done. President Trump dismantled Joe Biden's parole program abuses--and they were abuses. He replaced catch-and-release with detain-and-deport. He launched deportations at the border and in the country. He labeled the cartels--those are those evil traffickers of drugs and of people. He labeled them, as he should have, as foreign terrorist organizations. The world heard the message loud and clear. Illegal immigrants, they turned around and they went home. One Venezuelan illegal immigrant put it this way: I am just going back, he said, because with Donald Trump it is going to be too hard. That is right; it is too hard to come to this country now illegally. And the American people, and certainly the people in my home State in Wyoming, say that is the way it ought to be. When illegal immigrants know they can't sneak in and then stay, they won't come. Detain-and- deport deters the flow of illegal immigrants. Now we need to mirror that same success inside America. President Trump is off to a strong start there as well. His strategic and historic deportation campaign, the largest in our history, is making our streets safer, and communities know it. The criminals that President Trump is expelling are the worst of the worst. They are the murderers, the drug dealers, the gang members, the human traffickers. They are gone. In 100 days, 66,000 deportations have been carried out. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests of illegal immigrants, of the criminals, have already outpaced all of 2024 under Joe Biden. Republicans in this body, in Congress--in the House and in the Senate-- are moving forward to get law enforcement the resources they need to finish the job, and that includes $175 billion for border security that we have passed here in the Senate. We will finish the wall. We will boost Border Patrol. We will strengthen ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and expand detention capacity. The people in my home State are thrilled that President Trump is enforcing the law and restoring order. Now, the Democrats, on the other hand, they are not thrilled; they are furious. They don't like it. They like open borders. Democrats in Congress are racing to El Salvador to defend an MS-13 gang member--or, as one of the media calls him, the Maryland man. A Member of this body led the charge. In 2023, that Member's constituent Rachel Morin--she was a mother of five--was brutally murdered by an illegal immigrant. He did not speak out, that same Member who rushed to El Salvador. No. He didn't meet with her family. No. He refused. You talk about a situation that the American people understand: the difference between the Democrats and the Republicans. Rush to El Salvador but won't talk to the family of a young woman, a mother of five, murdered. That is the mindset of the Democrats: Open the borders. Let them come in. Let them kill. Let them rape. It is astonishing. Rush to El Salvador to fight for a gang member. And that Senator said he wasn't going to quit fighting until that thug is back in America. So let me ask my colleagues a question: Does that make America safer? Let's remember who the Democrats are fighting for. This is a man who had no right to be here--here illegally; a man who has a lawful removal order; a verified member of MS-13, according to an immigration judge-- not according to me; according to an immigration judge--a human trafficker, a man whose wife filed two restraining orders against him, a man who beat his wife, who threatened to kill her and who bragged ``nobody can do anything'' to him. That is who the Democrats are fighting for. We are fighting for our safe communities. That is what we need here. They are not defending fairness--Democrats are not. They are shielding illegal immigrant criminals from justice, and it is wrong. Democrats choose rapists and killers over American families harmed by their policies. Why? It seems that they want the illegal immigration invasion to continue. Republicans are different. Our party is committed to protecting American families. We stand for law and order. Our mission is to restore safety for the American people--security for the American people and safety for our communities. I yield the floor.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

Mr. BARRASSO. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I also ask unanimous consent that the junior Senator from Ohio be allowed to complete his remarks before we go to the vote.

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

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about America's future. It is a future that must be secure. It is a future that must be prosperous, and it is, most importantly, a future that must be free of all dependency from communist China. For decades, weak policies allowed China to exploit our workers, exploit our innovation, and exploit our markets. Under Republican leadership, America is once again reclaiming our strength. Yesterday, the Senate confirmed David Perdue to be the Ambassador to China. He is a proven leader, former Senator, extensive experience dealing with China that he has had in the past equips him to represent American interests abroad, and he will do it firmly. His confirmation shows Beijing that under President Trump, America will put our workers, our families, and our security first. The United States seeks a relationship with China, one that is fair, one that is respectful, and one that is reciprocal. Yet China's predatory actions demand a robust response. China's economic abuses are outrageous. What we are seeing is a predatory playbook. And using it in the past, China has gained an unfair advantage over global trade. China rigged the game with subsidies from the state, with currency manipulation, with market access barriers, and forced technology transfers. China abused our free enterprise and our open markets. At the same time, they slammed the door on American businesses. This came at the expense of American jobs, American innovation, and American security. The risks of dependency are serious. Just this year, China banned exports on several critical minerals that came to the United States. These critical minerals are vital for our technology as well as our national defense. So what is next? medical supplies? Today, 90 percent of U.S. antibiotics are stamped with ``Made in China.'' We can't forget the lessons learned during the COVID pandemic. We saw how dangerous it is to depend upon communist China for anything but certainly for lifesaving medicines and supplies. Every American agreed that the United States needed to work aggressively to bring these critical supply chains home. We said never again would we find ourselves in this dependent position. The costs of inaction are real. Since China joined the World Trade Organization back in 2001, more than 2 million American jobs vanished--jobs that our Republicans in Congress and in the White House are working to bring back with our economic policies. China's intellectual property theft alone costs America $600 billion a year. The Department of Justice links China to four out of five economic espionage cases. China is infiltrating our culture, our skies, and our farmland. They do this because they see us as weak. Today, China owns farmland in 27 States, often near military bases. My Wyoming colleague Senator Cynthia Lummis has legislation that would stop China from buying farmland next to Federal lands. This will be a safeguard to our national security. China's role in the fentanyl crisis is equally alarming. A recent report from the House Select Committee on Communist China exposed the depth of the Chinese Communist Party's involvement. Ninety-seven percent of the illicit fentanyl ingredients come from China. The Chinese Government subsidizes these ingredients, and it shields traffickers from prosecution. This crisis has killed nearly 50,000 Americans last year, and this is a direct result of China exporting illicit fentanyl. President Trump has rightly acted to stop this deadly flood of drugs into our country. Ambassador David Perdue will press China to end its exports of fentanyl. Militarily, China's rapid buildup is a growing menace. Their military spending has skyrocketed. Today, China has the world's largest army. It has the world's largest navy. It has the world's second most advanced air force. China has quadrupled their intercontinental ballistic missiles from 100 to 400. China produces 70 percent of the world's drones. China's shipyards vastly outpace our shipbuilding ability, and as the U.S. Secretary of Navy put it, one Chinese shipyard ``has more capacity than all of our [U.S.] shipyards combined.'' China's territorial grabs and provocative actions threaten global peace. China's purchase of 90 percent of oil sales fuels global terrorism. To counter China's military aggression, America must undertake a massive military revival. We must ensure America's strength is unmatched, now and into the future. President Trump has long known that the Chinese Communist Party is the primary threat to peace, to our prosperity, and to the freedom in the world today. For far too long, previous leaders let China get rich while Americans got ripped off. President Trump is changing everything. His bold actions and determination are finally turning the tide. In his first 100 days, President Trump created over 450,000 American jobs. His economic agenda is sparking an industrial revival. Hundreds of billions of dollars in private new investments is pouring into the United States. ``Made in America'' is back stronger than ever. Seventy-five countries are now lining up for trade talks with the United States. This is a testament to President Trump's skills as a dealmaker. More will come. Republicans are going to continue to champion policies that secure our supply chains and bring manufacturers home. We will work to end America's dependence on China for medicine, for minerals, and for manufacturing. This isn't about isolation; this is about our independence. President Trump is working every day to stop China from raiding our factories, from gutting our industries, and from stealing our jobs. Other leaders dealt with China from a position of weakness. Never again. President Trump is dealing with them from a position of strength. China must hear us loud and clear: Freedom is a powerful force. We will never give it away. We will not compromise our safety, our prosperity, or our liberty. We will never stop standing up for the American people. I yield the floor.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell) and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Paul). Further, if present and voting: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell) would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Hawley).

Mr. BARRASSO

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

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I just saw the minority leader of the U.S. Senate, the senior Senator from New York, on the floor talking about the 100 days of the Trump administration. He had his view. Let me give you the rest of the story--because President Trump took office 100 days ago today. That is when unified Republican government began. The Republicans have been fighting every day for the American people. We have been fixing past failures. We are forging a bright future. We have a very bold agenda, and people are seeing historic results. Americans entrusted Republicans with the Senate, the House, and the White House, and we are addressing their priorities. What do Americans want? Americans want secure borders. We are delivering them. Illegal crossings into the United States from Mexico-- at an all-time low last month. Americans want affordable energy. What is happening? We are making it a lot easier to produce American energy. Americans want jobs. We have created nearly 450,000 jobs in the first 100 days. Americans want affordable prices. That is what you see and that is what I see at home. Prices fell in March for the first time in years-- in years. Americans want peace through strength. Well, we are restoring it. Just ask the Houthi rebels about the resolve of the American people. Americans want common sense, and we are fighting for that as well. After 100 days, one thing is clear: Republicans are keeping our promises. We are getting America back on track. Here is our record: The Senate confirmed President Trump's Cabinet at lightning speed, record rates. His team carries out the agenda to get America back on track. That is what that team that we confirmed is doing. We promised safety and prosperity, and we are delivering it. Well, first, we are making our communities safer, and you are seeing that in all 50 States. President Trump quickly restored strong border policies. He ended the chaos. He reinstated ``Remain in Mexico.'' He designated the cartels as ``terrorists.'' He stopped Joe Biden's widespread abuse of parole authorities. And he is doing what he promised in terms of deporting criminal illegal immigrants. I applaud President Trump. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, border czar Tom Homan-- they have made a significant difference to the safety and security of the American people. Illegal crossings have dropped 94 percent on their watch. I mean, think about it. Before, under Joe Biden's open border policies--let's take a look. In March of last year, they were having 7,000 illegal immigrants cross into this country each and every day. Now under President Trump, there were 7,000 for the entire month of March. Talk about a dramatic impact, a dramatic difference. That is it. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported there were over 100,000 deportations in the first 80 days of the administration. We have seen more ICE arrests of illegal immigrant criminals in the last 100 days under President Trump than we saw in all of 2024 under Joe Biden. So the message is now clear: If you threaten our communities, you are out. No second chances. That is it. This is progress, and it is promises kept. Republicans in Congress--what do we do? We passed the Laken Riley Act. President Trump signed it into law. It was the first bill that he signed into law, the first serious immigration legislation in decades. It honors the memory of Laken Riley, a young nursing student who was murdered by an illegal immigrant in Georgia while she was out for a jog. It also honors the memory of Sarah Root. She was a young woman from Iowa. She was killed by an illegal alien who was driving while drunk. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa championed Sarah's cause for years. The Laken Riley Act mandates illegal immigrants who break the law be detained, not just released into the community. Republicans in Congress, compared to what we saw with the Democrats in the last 4 years, are committed to protecting American families. That is the reason we continue to work with President Trump to give Border Patrol agents the tools and the resources they need--things we were never able to do under Joe Biden and the Democrats with their open border policies. Our agenda puts us on a path to finish the wall. It will boost Border Patrol. It will provide the staffing that Immigration and Customs Enforcement needs. It will build more detention space for the lawbreakers. And think about who those lawbreakers are. Those are people who felt invited into our country by Joe Biden and Democrats with medical care, free food, free housing, free plane tickets--an open invitation and an open border policy. Those days are over. This is how we keep our communities safe. Mr. President, I am going to switch to energy because we have a bold energy agenda as well. For far too long, restrictive regulations locked up our God-given resources--the energy we have in the ground--certainly in my home State of Wyoming but all across the United States. The cost of energy for American citizens rose 34 percent in the last 4 years. Who can afford that? Well, we are reversing that trend. President Trump, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Environmental Protection Agency head Lee Zeldin--to me, they are America's energy all-stars. They are showing it every day. In 100 days, this administration, along with Congress, has taken over 50 actions to unleash America's energy potential, and we have a lot of it there. I was at the White House recently when President Trump signed an Executive order for clean coal. Wyoming has--we are the Saudi Arabia of coal, and our energy workers are ready to lead the way because we are pursuing and need to continue to pursue an all-of-the-above energy strategy. We need it all. President Trump opened up areas for drilling in Alaska and the Gulf of America. It is American energy. It is affordable energy. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced his Department is working to increase oil production in the Gulf of America by 100,000 barrels each and every day. That is going to help lower costs. President Trump has been so successful with streamlining burdensome requirements in terms of trying to build new energy infrastructure. He has lifted the Biden ban on liquefied natural gas exports. People around the world want what we have in America to sell, and they need it desperately. We have abundant energy in this country. We want to use that energy to help our allies and to help drive down costs at home. President Trump and Congress also cut costly Biden-era regulations on home appliances. We are pioneering nuclear power that is safe and efficient. These steps power America and will continue to power us as a nation into the future. They fuel our freedom. It is why energy is called the master resource. They are good for affordable prices and good for our national security. We are an energy superpower in this country, and under President Trump, we are finally acting like it, not apologizing for it as we did in the last administration. Within days of taking office, President Trump restored pressure on Iran. That is how we are protecting strength around the world and projecting it for the world to see. We are engaged in maximum pressure. It is a 180-degree turn from the weakness of the previous administration. It channels the strength and the resolve of President Ronald Reagan. President Trump has committed time and time again and shown the world that he stands firmly with Israel. Houthi terrorists attacked our servicemembers and our ships. President Trump struck back. America defends our military and our interests. President Trump is also strengthening alliances around the world-- Japan, South Korea, Australia, and India. They are partnering with us to counter China's global ambitions, and China is ambitious and active and aggressive. New trade deals are going to bring supply chains back home to America, and this is going to end our dependence on communist China. Under President Trump, America continues to stand tall. We are not going to be bullied. We are going to back our friends. We are going to confront our foes. This keeps America safe. Strength deters. Weakness invites, provokes. Finally, Mr. President, we are returning to common sense. No more woke, leftwing policies that the American people strongly oppose. No more DEI mandates in Federal Agencies. A refocused military, focused on merit and readiness, not distractions; a military that is lethal, intimidating, and ready to fight. In Congress, we are seeing Republicans cutting wasteful Washington spending--talk about common sense. Fiscal discipline is long overdue. This is bold, results-driven change. So how can we build on it? What is next? Well, in the next 100 days, Republicans will continue to fulfill our promises. We are going to stop the Democrats' $4 trillion tax hike. This protects families and small businesses from the largest tax increase in American history. We are going to cut crippling regulations. Businesses will be allowed to grow and innovate and thrive. We are going to strengthen our border by providing law enforcement the resources they need. The Republican agenda puts America and Americans first. Our mission, our mandate is America first. Republicans have delivered in 100 days. We have achieved so much. We are going to deliver even more because together we are going to get America back on track. America's future is bright. I yield the floor. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Hawley) and the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Mullin).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer), the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Graham), and the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis). Further, if present and voting, the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis) would have voted ``yea''.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Blackburn), the Senator from Arizona (Mr. Boozman), the Senator from Montana (Mr. Daines), the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Hawley), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Mullin), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Paul), the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis), and the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Tuberville). Further, if present and voting: the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis) would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BARRASSO

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

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I just heard my colleague--the previous majority and now minority leader, the senior Senator from New York-- talk about a number of things that just reflect on the fact of why he is now the minority leader instead of the majority leader. It is because of the elections in November, and it was an election that was won by Republicans because the previous administration had been the administration of high prices and open borders. So I would like to address those two things today and show why the American people made the right decision in November when they were focused on high prices and an open border. All I need to do is to turn to a headline this morning that talks about how ``inflation cooled,'' how inflation is lower than expected for this past month. The Washington Post headline, ``Inflation cooled significantly in March.'' The Axios headlines, ``Consumer prices fall in March.'' Then CNN, this morning, noted that consumer prices, month over month, dropped for the first time since COVID. Republicans promised to get America back on track. Then, when it comes to the border, remember the headline from the past, ``Migrant crossings soar to near-record [high] levels''? That was by CBS News, on September 21, 2024, about 6 weeks prior to the election. Record-high border crossings were a reality in Joe Biden's final months in the White House. Biden then had about 7,000 illegal immigrants flooding across the southern border each and every day-- 7,000 a day from San Diego, CA, all the way to my home State, to Sheridan, WY. Every city in America was a border State. Communities were overrun and overwhelmed. Let's fast-forward to today where we see the inflation numbers looking good--down, improved--since the first time since COVID. Let's take a look at the border today. With President Trump in charge, things have changed dramatically. Last month--the entire month--illegal border crossings dropped to 7,000--7,000 for the month. That is the lowest monthly total in decades. So we went from 7,000 illegal immigrants a day under Joe Biden to 7,000 illegal immigrants for the entire month of March. This turnaround isn't luck; it is leadership--and there is a big difference. Joe Biden recklessly dismantled our border security. In his first 100 days in office, he signed 94 Executive actions. That threw open our borders. President Trump has restored decisive enforcement in his first 100 days. Illegal border crossings have dropped by 94 percent. It is dramatic. The New York Post hailed this as a ``stunning new low'' in border crossings. ABC News said: Southwest border crossings for March [were the] lowest in history. The Washington Post wondered: [Whatever] happened to the border crisis? Well, let me tell you what happened. This is what happens when a President stops coddling the criminals. This is what happens when a President starts enforcing the law. The contrast is undeniable. The previous administration surrendered. The current administration delivered what the American people wanted. Cartel killers, drug dealers, murderers, and rapists are getting hauled in and thrown out by the thousands. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reports that there have been over 100,000 deportations in 80 days. That is about progress. Those are promises kept. Yet the fight is just beginning. Last week, a college student was killed by an illegal immigrant in a hit-and-run. The student's name was Nate Baker. Nate attended the University of South Carolina. He had just turned 21 years old 2 weeks before. This is a death that was preventable. His killer has been identified and was identified by Immigration and Customs Enforcement over the last 5 years. His killer is one of more than 600,000 illegal immigrant criminals still in our country. These are the very illegal immigrants who President Trump and his team are deporting. Deaths like Nate's, the drug overdoses, the families who have lost loved ones--those are real human costs to American citizens as a result of open borders. Open borders aren't compassionate as Democrat after Democrat continues to claim and as Nancy Pelosi talks about. They are catastrophic. Grieving families like Nate's deserve justice, not half measures. Public safety demands we deport illegal criminals, not coddle them. This is why Senate Republicans have taken action. On Saturday, we passed a budget roadmap for a safer, more prosperous nation. It includes $175 billion in border funding. It puts us on a path to finish the wall. It boosts the Border Patrol. It boosts Immigration and Customs Enforcement staffing. It provides for much greater detention capacity for the lawbreakers. Remember, those are the lawbreakers Joe Biden openly invited into our country. President Trump, Secretary Kristi Noem, and Border Czar Tom Homan say this budget is the muscle that they need to be able to complete the job. I agree with them--they are right--and that is what we are ready to deliver. When it came to the vote on the Senate floor--on this very floor-- Senate Democrats voted unanimously against border security. One after another after another, as their names were called, voted no. They weren't going to secure the border. They weren't interested. Leave it wide open. Continue to invite in the criminal cartels and the drug dealers. For 4 years, Senate Democrats welcomed open border policies that left our communities vulnerable, and Democrats in this body, last week, still supported those reckless, irresponsible policies of open borders. Republicans offered solutions, not the Democrats, who offered resistance to what we were doing to secure the border. Americans saw the difference last November, and they voted that way. They chose strength and security over crime and chaos. That is what the American people want--strength and security. They want safe communities. The numbers speak for themselves--7,000 illegal immigrants per day under Joe Biden last year to 7,000 a month now. It is a consequential difference. It is a difference that will save American lives. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Mullin), and the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), and the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Mullin).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Child Development Center of Natrona County as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of its largest fundraiser, the Kids' Art a la Carte Gala. On May 3, 2025, the Natrona County Child Development Center will host its annual fundraiser at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, WY. Proceeds from this special event go directly toward supporting the CDC's services and programming. It is a wonderful opportunity for the community to share its support for the CDC's important mission: providing premiere, family-focused, developmentally appropriate services for Wyoming's kids. The child development center opened its doors in 1967. Over the years, the CDC has helped to ensure that the social, developmental, and educational needs of the children in our communities are being met. Today, this organization, led by executive director Alisha Rone, serves close to 700 children each year. Its team of 120 individuals provide support, advice, and--when needed--intervention to parents and their children. The CDC's early intervention services are key to ensuring the lifelong success of our children. Offering free screenings and educational materials, the CDC provides children in Natrona County with a solid foundation. The center's certified teachers and therapists help provide a plan tailored to every child and their needs. Its accredited preschool prepares kids ages three through five for kindergarten. For children who need extra assistance, there is the CDC+ program. In addition to providing speech, occupational, and physical therapies, the program offers audiology services and reading coaching. The teachers, therapists, support staff, and leadership continue demonstrating selflessness and compassion. This year, the CDC received the Daniels Fund Medal of Excellence and a $250,000 grant. The grant will fund its continued operations and expansion of its services at no cost to participating families. Providing the excellent service the CDC is known for takes a team of talented people. This team includes the CDC's senior leadership, board of directors, foundation board, and dedicated employees. The Child Development Center's Senior Leadership team includes: Alisha Rone, executive director; Lori Kapeles, program director; Jan Hinz, special education director; Geoff Dean, finance director; Shannon Hillibush, human resources director; and Renate Pullen, compliance director. Members of the CDC Board of Directors are: Bryce Row, president; Michelle Larsen, vice president; Patricia Cloud, treasurer; Anna Birch DeWitt; Tayla Trujillo; Ally Orr; Nikki Hawley; Scott Wells; Tony Hager; Bobby Pickle; Brad Diller; and Fleur Tremel. Those serving on the CDC Foundation Board include: Mark Zaback, chairman; Jeff Bishop, treasurer; Robyn Landen; Shannon Orr; Peter Van Houten; Pete Fazio; Isaac Swanson; Dave Dundas; and Alisha Rone. Mr. President, it is an honor celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Child Development Center of Natrona County's annual Kids Art A La Carte Gala. The positive impact the CDC has made on the families and children of our community is genuinely remarkable. I offer my appreciation for all those who support the CDC. Your efforts ensure children in Wyoming have a strong foundation to prepare them for a lifetime of success.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn), the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman), the Senator from Montana (Mr. Daines), the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Hawley), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Mullin), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Paul), the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis), and the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Tuberville). Futher, if present and voting: the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis) would have voted ``yea.''