Mike Crapo

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I pay tribute to Roy Hansen, who has been an integral part of my Senate staff for more than 20 years. Roy's dedication to public service and his remarkable contributions in the areas of technology, growing opportunities for Idaho's youth, and constituent services have left an indelible mark on the Senate and the citizens he has served so faithfully. Roy Hansen began his career in public service in 2003 as an intern in my Boise office while attending Boise State University, where he earned a bachelor of science in political science with a focus on public law and political philosophy and a master of public administration specializing in State and local government. After showing his data analysis acumen, he, thankfully, became a full-time member of my staff in December 2003 as the web developer and deputy systems administrator. Roy quickly demonstrated his visionary leadership in technology, and, in 2015, Roy was promoted to systems administrator and IT director. Roy's keen interest in creating technological solutions that lead to efficient and effective government has been evident throughout his work to streamline our ability to efficiently advocate on behalf of Idahoans and communicate with the constituency and each other. He has been instrumental in leading many efforts to modernize the office's digital storage and archiving systems, develop the public website and intranet systems, provide digital data collection and data analysis support for statewide survey projects, develop and maintain our customized scheduling system, manage systems and processes that tens of thousands of Idahoans use every year to communicate with my staff and me, and so much more. His efforts have greatly enhanced our office's digital capabilities, providing more efficient and effective service to the people of Idaho, and he has dedicated considerable time to training and supporting staff across various platforms. He is perpetually available to help with any rising technological need of staff, be it helping to access share drives, dealing with glitches, and always kindly and patiently responding to user errors. His leadership and innovation in digital engagement were instrumental in the office earning the Congressional Management Foundation's Silver and Gold Mouse awards for excellence in providing constituents with services and information through electronic means. Beyond his technological contributions, Roy is deeply committed to cultivating the next generation of public servants. His internship experience influenced him to help create a formalized, continuous internship program in the State offices so more Idahoans benefit from the internship opportunity he valued. This internship program continues to thrive today, thanks in large part to Roy's efforts. He has also played a key role in supporting numerous policy and educational initiatives encouraging and supporting students, including the Congressional Award Program, the ``We the People'' High School Civics Competition, the U.S. Senate Youth Leadership Scholarship Selection Committee, and military academy appointment ceremonies. Roy has faced the many technological changes over the past decades with curiosity, know-how, and inventiveness. Currently, he is leading efforts to evaluate and integrate emergent artificial intelligence technologies and applications within the office, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach to governance and service. He also gets called upon to help with any number of necessary tasks from managing office inventories and vendor contracts, to State office security, to remodels, and so much more. No task has proven too big or too small for him to take on with his can-do spirit. The bottom line is, Roy has a great ability to smooth the edges of any challenge and keep things running efficiently. Roy also remains deeply connected to his Idaho roots. Born in Idaho Falls and a graduate of Rigby High School, Roy resides in the Boise area with his wife of 25 years, Jessica, and their three children: Garrett, Everett, and Grace. He enjoys spending his free time camping, fishing, and playing the piano. Roy Hansen has been an exceptional member of the Senate family, combining his deep knowledge of public administration, his passion for technology, and his unwavering commitment to public service. I extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations to Roy for his dedicated service to the Senate and the people of Idaho, and I look forward to his continued contributions in the years to come.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, I congratulate Idaho athletes who competed in the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. This includes Annie Carey, Chari Hawkins, Marisa Howard, Matteo Jorgenson, Alyssa Mendoza, and Kate Shoemaker, who we commend for their extraordinary perseverance that resulted in them competing on this world stage. Catherine ``Annie'' Carey, of Boise, ID, competed in track and field events in the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, where she earned sixth-place finishes in both the 200-meter dash and long jump. Her career highlights leading to her debut participation in the Olympics include her earning bronze medals in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and long jump at the ParaPan American Games Santiago 2023. She also competed in the ParaPan American Games Lima 2019. First-time Olympian Chari Hawkins, of Rexburg, ID, competed in track and field for the U.S. team and earned 21st place in the women's heptathlon. Chari earned eighth in the heptathlon at the 2023 World Championships, an event in which she also competed in 2019. She also competed in the indoor pentathlon at the 2022 World Championships, and some of her career highlights include 2022 U.S. National Pentathlon Champion at the USA Track & Field (USATF) Indoor Championships; USATF Athlete of the Week in 2022 after winning the pentathlon; and the bronze medal at the 2019 USATF Outdoor Championships. Marisa Howard, a Boise State University graduate who joined the Boise State track and field and cross-country staff as an assistant coach, competed for the first time in track and field in the Olympic Games Paris 2024. In the Paris Olympics, she placed 24th in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Prior to competing in the Olympics, Marisa Howard placed fourth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2023 Pan American Games, and she was a silver medalist in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2019 Pan American Games. Matteo Jorgenson, a first-time Olympian and graduate of Boise High School, represented the U.S. in cycling in the Paris Olympics, where he earned ninth place in the road race. Matteo's Olympics participation follows his distinction in a number of international cycling competitions. This includes his first-place finishes in Paris-Nice and Dwars door Vlaanderen in 2024. He also placed second overall in the Criterium du Dauphine and eighth overall in the Tour de France also in 2024, following a first-place overall finish in the Tour of Oman and second place overall finish in the Tour de Romandie, both in 2023. Alyssa Mendoza, of Caldwell, ID, placed ninth in featherweight boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Her debut Olympics competition followed her earning a number of medals at U.S. and international competitions that include earning medals at three international competitions last year: bronze at the 2023 Gee Bee International Tournament; silver at the 2023 Czech Republic Grand Prix; and bronze at the 2023 Strandja International Tournament. She also earned gold medals at the 2022 USA Boxing Elite National Championships, 2022 USA Boxing Summer Festival, and the 2022 National Golden Gloves. USA Boxing notes Alyssa Mendoza is the first qualified Olympic boxer from Idaho. Kate Shoemaker, of Eagle, ID, is a two-time Paralympian and two-time Paralympic medalist. She earned a bronze in the individual freestyle at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, where she also earned fifth in the individual championship test. Kate helped her U.S. equestrian team earn a bronze medal at the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 where she also earned a fourth-place finish in the individual freestyle and a seventh-place finish in the individual championship test. Idaho Olympians and Paralympians show us all what is possible as they turn their hard work into achievements by facing challenges with perseverance. Thank you, Olympians and Paralympians, for representing our great State and country so well in this extraordinary arena. We thank you for your outstanding examples as we commend you for your remarkable hard work and commitment.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, along with my Idaho congressional delegation colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, we honor and thank Nils Johnson for his years of service to Idaho. We know that we are joined by all those who served in the Idaho congressional delegation from 1991 until now, particularly Senator Larry Craig, who was Nils' boss during his tenure in the U.S. Senate. Those former Members of Congress include: Senators Dirk Kempthorne, the late Steve Symms, and the late James McClure; and former Representatives Raul Labrador, Bill Sali, the late Helen Chenoweth, C.L. ``Butch'' Otter, Walt Minnick, Richard Stallings, and Larry LaRocco. Originally from New Hampshire, Nils has dedicated much of his professional career to working on behalf of Idahoans, and we are profoundly grateful. Although he left working for Congress more than 20 years ago, he continued to serve Idaho through other positions, including his current position as director of legislative and regulatory affairs at Holland & Hart for the past 17 years, where his focus has been on issues of particular importance to Idaho among Western States. This includes public land and natural resource management, Western water quality and quantity, nuclear waste, Federal and State mining, Federal energy, and Federal appropriations issues. Previously, he served as a senior consultant at MGN, Inc., and he was principal and partner at McClure, Gerard and Neuenschwander, Inc. Throughout, he has utilized and built on his significant experience in both Houses of Congress and natural resources to advance needed improvements to Federal policy. Nils had a more than 15-year career as a hydrologist for the U.S. Forest Service before coming to the Hill. This knowledge base undoubtedly shaped his approach to his work in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served as Republican staff director of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Mining, Energy, Interior, and Insular Affairs and his later more than a decade of service as director of natural resources, environment and energy and senior legislative assistant to U.S. Senator for Idaho Larry E. Craig. Working on natural resources issues for Idaho requires tackling some of the most pressing challenges in our great State, where the productivity and beauty of our public and private lands also carry competing interests requiring his practical and thoughtful problem solving. He established himself as a mentor for younger, newer staffers throughout the delegation and provided insight and leadership as our State has navigated some difficult natural resources and energy issues. Upon leaving the Senate in 2000, we have also greatly benefited from Nils' steadfast management of a regular breakfast on Capitol Hill for the past 20 or so years. These breakfasts, called the Idaho Industries Breakfasts, have been held regularly in Washington, DC, when Congress is in session. They bring together representatives of Idaho's businesses and producers with the Idaho congressional delegation and staff for valuable, informal personal gatherings. The breakfasts have been instrumental in broadening friendships and advancing the many common interests in our vast but still deeply connected State. It is impossible to quantify the relationships that have been strengthened and the progress Nils has had a hand in shaping through his unwavering commitment to organizing these forums all these years. As we thank Nils for the years of hard work he has devoted to Idaho and our country, we wish him well as he retires from DC life to spend more time between Maryland and South Carolina with his family, particularly his six grandchildren. We hope the years ahead afford him the fulfillment of more time spent enjoying the natural resources he worked to sustain through his decades of sound and pragmatic work. Nils, we congratulate you and wish you all the best.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I join in acknowledging National POW/MIA Recognition Day this September 20, 2024, in heartfelt memory of Idaho's and all of America's prisoners of war (POWs) and missing in action (MIA). In August, Idaho welcomed home Lieutenant Allan Wesley Knepper. He was finally laid to rest at home in Lewiston, ID, on August 2, 2024, after making the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great Nation during World War II. The airplane he was piloting was shot down on July 10, 1943, and he was listed as MIA for decades. He was brought home because of the love and respect of his family and people who knew him and many others who worked together to share information, find him, and return him home. This included the diligent research of his friend's son and work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) the Agency primarily responsible for recovering America's servicemembers. Lieutenant Knepper's return and the steady return of other veterans across our country is encouraging as they show what can be achieved when relatives, friends, and investigators are able to share knowledge and work together. That is one of the reasons I continue to press for the enactment of the Bring Our Heroes Home Act, which I joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen, in re-introducing this Congress. This legislation would help eliminate obstacles preventing families and caseworkers from accessing the records needed for recovering America's POWs and MIA. Thank you to the POW/MIA families and veterans who keep the pursuit of facts at the forefront of our national conscience. I commend the individuals and groups, such as the POW*MIA Awareness Rally Corp. of Pocatello, ID, and across our country who keep a steady spotlight where it needs to be, on pressing forward until every American servicemember is brought home. Idahoan Lieutenant Knepper's service and return were highlighted at the June unveiling of the DPAA's 2024 POW/MIA Recognition Day Poster. This year's poster features the words ``Honoring their sacrifice. Earnestly searching for those still missing.'' In honor of their sacrifice and POW/MIA Recognition Day and with a heavy but hopeful heart, I join our grateful country in praying for all those who await answers about lost servicemembers and thanking America's servicemembers, veterans, and their families for their extraordinary commitment to our country. May our country continue to earnestly search for those still missing until they are all at last returned home.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, with election politics front of mind, doomed-to-fail show votes have become an all too frequent occurrence in this Chamber. But there is no more obvious show vote than the one scheduled to happen today, immediately before the August recess. In today's attempt to score political points, the Democrats are moving to a bill, H.R. 7024, that has been languishing for 6 months in the hopes of fabricating a narrative that Republicans don't support small business, children, or alleviating poverty. However, if my Democrat colleagues were serious about delivering relief to small businesses and working families, they would have worked out a solution with Senate Republicans in earnest on a pathway that would gain broad support from our Members. While there are plenty of provisions in this bill that my colleagues and I support, the proponents have known since before it was released that Senate Republicans would need to change the bill in order to gain substantial bipartisan support. It is now August, and it has been months since any real attempt at outreach or engagement has taken place, which suggests that my colleagues are not actually serious about passing a bill but are instead focused on election year messaging. There is plenty of evidence that today's theatrics are clearly posturing. First, there are several components of the bill that are noncontroversial and have overwhelming bipartisan support, like disaster tax relief and double-tax relief provisions on activity between the United States and Taiwan. That some Democrats have chosen to block these bills, including providing needed tax relief to fire and hurricane victims, to prove a point demonstrates true cynicism. In the same vein, Democrats claim that Republicans are abandoning small businesses by not passing this bill, but it is Democrats who have held the R&D expensing hostage for years. Republicans have shown time and again their desire to pass R&D expensing, including in an overwhelming, 90-to-5 motion led by Senator Young back in 2022. Yet Democrats continue to block efforts to pass it. If Democrats were serious about helping small businesses, they would stop using them as a political football. Members are also aware of the recent data on fraud in the employee retention tax credit, or ERTC, program. Senator Tillis requested unanimous consent to pass a bill that would end the fraud-ridden program back in February, but the bill was blocked by the Democrats. If someone is to blame for not ending the ERTC fraud, it is not the Senate Republicans. Democrats knew the bill couldn't pass the Senate in time for this tax filing season, but now they want to make changes long after tax filers have filed their 2023 tax returns and received their refunds. This bill would require the IRS to reprocess millions of 2023 taxpayer returns. This is an IRS that still has backlogs in the millions, including identity theft case delays that the National Taxpayer Advocate has described as making ``a mockery of the right to quality service in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.'' If Democrats were serious about providing taxpayer relief, they would not pile additional work on an IRS that still cannot carry out basic taxpayer services. For all my Democrat colleagues' past calls for regular order in the Senate, one would think the Senate Republican request for a Finance Committee markup on this bill would have been well received. Instead, those requests, which began in January, have continued to go ignored. Instead of moving through regular order and engaging my colleagues and me, the bill's proponents have used the better part of this year on a public pressure campaign littered with misinformation. That is unfortunate because the bill does get a lot of things right. However, the critical flaw with the bill is that it fails to provide meaningful tax relief to working families and instead goes too far toward the Democrats' goal of turning the child tax credit into a subsidy untethered to work, which is fundamentally contrary to what the credit was created to do. For those who accuse Republicans of not caring about children, I would remind my colleagues that it was the Republicans who created the child tax credit. It was intended to provide tax relief to working families. Yet more than $30 billion of the cost to expand the child tax credit in this bill--about 91 percent of the money in this bill for the child tax credit--would go to individuals who pay no income tax. That isn't tax relief; it is a subsidy. The bill's child tax credit provisions treat working-family taxpayers as an afterthought. Not only do families with a Federal income tax liability receive a mere 9 percent of the bill's child tax credit benefits, they also would be left waiting for that tax relief until 2 years after the benefits accrue to those with zero income tax liability. I raised these concerns repeatedly before the bill was released. Unfortunately, by merely questioning the ratio skewed towards subsidies and asking whether working families should receive more tax relief, I and other Senate Republicans have been maligned for not caring about children and alleviating poverty. While Senate Republicans have also been accused of playing politics, the timing of today's vote, coupled with the lack of meaningful engagement since January to reach a compromise, confirms that the strategy was always a ``take it or leave it'' proposition in the Senate. If my Democrat colleagues want to show that they are serious about supporting small businesses, providing disaster tax relief, alleviating double taxation on activity between the United States and Taiwan, and eliminating fraud in the ERTC program--all bipartisan proposals--then I call on them to separately pass Senator Young and Senator Hassan's bipartisan American Innovation and Jobs Act that would reinstate R&D expensing; the bipartisan Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2024; the bipartisan and bicameral United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act; and Senator Tillis's bill to end the ERTC program. On the child tax credit, it bears repeating that Republicans--the ones who I have already said created the child tax credit--doubled that child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 in 2017 for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and provided additional help to low-income families by lowering the phase-in floor and increasing the refundability of the credit. That doubled child tax credit is still law. It has not expired. It is still in full force and effect. If the Democrats are serious about helping these working families, I am ready to push for an extension of those changes beyond 2025. I have maintained a willingness to negotiate a bill that provides meaningful relief to Americans now--a bill that a majority of Republicans in this Chamber can support--but today's senseless show vote further demonstrates that Democrats are not serious about doing so. For that reason, I will be voting no on cloture and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, we honor Theodore ``Ted'' Howard, who passed away on May 3, 2024, at the age of 76. Ted Howard, also known as ``His Good Road,'' was a strong, competent, and deeply revered leader for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, a rich source of cultural history and a tremendous Tribal ambassador. Ted was born in an extraordinary place, and to Idaho's great benefit, he, thankfully, returned in adulthood and advocated for the people of the Duck Valley Reservation. The Duck Valley Indian Reservation is nearly 289,819 acres that straddles the Idaho-Nevada State line in the beautiful and remote, high desert of Owyhee County, ID, and Elko County, NV. Approximately 1,700 of the 2,000 members of the Shoshone- Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley also live on the Duck Valley Reservation. Ted served his people admirably for decades through his roles as Tribal Chairman, from 2017 to 2021, and as the Director of Cultural Resources for 25 years for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes. Ted used his skills as a certified pilot to assist with medical emergencies and survey and protect remote Shoshone-Paiute cultural sites in the area. He has also helped overcome considerable natural resources challenges, including the Murphy Complex Fire in 2007. This enormous fire that burned an estimated more than 650,000 acres among other difficulties left the Duck Valley Indian Reservation without power for nearly 2 weeks. In a news story about the fire, he reflected, ``It was just one of those times when we had to make the best of the situation.'' This quote is emblematic of his approach. He faced difficulties with calm, resourcefulness, and strength. From Owyhee County to Washington, DC, we valued working with Ted with his knowledge and capabilities. He was a central partner in helping the locally driven Owyhee Initiative become the law that reinforced the collaborative efforts to manage the magnificent landscape he cherished. Throughout, he worked hard to ensure the lands remain a sacred place for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes. He was also instrumental in advocating the needs of the Tribes as we worked to advance the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act and, later, the legislative fix to allow the Tribes to collect interest owed from the Settlement Act. Ted led efforts of Tribes across the Great Basin working for the repatriation of their ancestors. Ted was raised as a cowboy and was known for his skill on a horse and working with leather. He took those lessons of hard work and commitment to everything he did. He was renowned for his service to the people. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 16 and served two tours in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Ted's commitment to his heritage was evident through his service as a Sundancer, taking part in the annual summer solistic ritual, focusing on the greater good of the community, reconnecting with the earth and receiving spiritual guidance from ancestors. He was widely respected for his extensive cultural and spiritual knowledge of traditional Shoshone and Paiute ways and spoke both languages fluently. He freely passed on that knowledge to future generations. With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Ted Howard, who was heartwarmingly and fittingly described by his stepson Phil Gover as chief, teacher, healer, leader, mentor, guardian, friend, outdoorsman, cowboy, pilot, and soldier. We extend our deep condolences to Ted's wife Gina, his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, other loved ones and the many friends he made throughout his life. We also join the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes in mourning the loss of one of their great leaders. We will miss him greatly and have utmost respect for the lasting legacy he has left through his thoughtful work on all of our behalves.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representative Mike Simpson, we join the community of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County in celebrating the centennial of the Bonneville County Courthouse. In many ways, the courthouse is a lasting symbol of the area's growth and achievements. In 1919, when area citizens voted to bond the courthouse, which had an original construction cost of $268,880, the Bonneville County Heritage Association reports, ``Bonneville County was known as one of the big, wealthy and progressive counties of the state with the smallest indebtedness of any county.'' Architects Lionel E. Fisher and Charles Aitkins designed the courthouse in the neoclassical style. Construction began on December 1, 1919, and was completed on March 16, 1921. The community has since grown up around it--developing and progressing into modern-day Bonneville County. The population of Bonneville County was 17,501 at the time of the 1920 Census when the courthouse was built and now surpasses 130,000 people, contributing to the area's diverse geography and economy that includes family farms producing an abundance of agriculture products and world-renowned energy research at the Idaho National Laboratory. For more than 100 years, this grand and eminent courthouse, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 10, 1979, has served this area of the Gem State with distinction. The courthouse has the largest original stained-glass skylight in a county courthouse in Idaho, was constructed of sandstone from Boise, and its original grand marble staircase and tile floor in the upper rotunda has withstood the test of time. From the Native Americans, explorers, trappers, and traders who have passed through and put down roots in this area of our great State to the current residents of Idaho Falls who have built businesses, families, and beautiful lives, there is no doubt the courthouse has witnessed significant achievements. We join in congratulating those who built, maintained, and who have carried out important work in the Bonneville County Courthouse over the past century. We wish the residents of Bonneville County well and congratulate Idahoans on this milestone in the county's and Idaho's history.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, I rise today in support of S. 4072. I introduced this legislation and pushed for this vote to ensure that no fiscal year 2024 funds can be used to implement, administer, or enforce the Environmental Protection Agency's tailpipe emissions rule. I deeply appreciate the support of the Senators who have spoken today. Senator Manchin, a Democrat, made it very clear that this is a bipartisan piece of legislation basically based on the fact that it violates the very deal that was made earlier to help us look at transitioning away from emissions that are harmful to the environment. If you listened to Senator Manchin, he made it very clear that we don't have the capacity to do this right now. He talked about some critical points. Senator Ricketts just pointed out that we don't even have the capacity today to provide the necessary electricity. Let me explain this. I was talking--and have talked to a lot of experts--to an expert recently in global warming issues. This person told me that we can have all the electric vehicle mandates we want, but if the road is not clean, then the solution will not be clean. What did that mean? That means that if the electricity that we rely on is not made by renewable sources, the mandate will be ineffective. That is a critical point to be made because today, as has been indicated, our major source of the load is natural gas. The very electricity that is created in this country to utilize on the roads if this mandate goes into place is not going to be the sort of clean load that is necessary for this massive effort to transition to a completely electric vehicle economy. The damage will be suffered by the American people in many different ways, but one of the critical ways that damage will be suffered is that whether it is with regard to the critical minerals that are needed-- which this administration is not assisting us in helping to improve in the United States and strengthen in the United States--or whether it is based on other aspects of developing that load they need, the American people will see the problem in our economy, and China will be the beneficiary. It will be China who is the one who can economically accomplish these objectives and send these electric vehicles to us or the batteries that these electric vehicles require. China is not working with clean load either. As my colleague from Wyoming talked about, they are putting out unclean load, in the terms of this debate, every single day, at massive amounts higher than ours. So what are we going to do? We are going to make the United States vehicle industry dependent on China. We are going to make the United States citizens, who drive cars and trucks, dependent on China and reduce our economic independence from China's anticompetitive pressures. That is what this debate really is about. The EPA's rule is the most aggressive form of tailpipe emissions standards ever crafted and imposes a de facto electric vehicle mandate on the American people. Under the rule, automakers must decrease their average fleetwide emissions by more than 50 percent--down from the current 192 grams of CO2 per mile to just 85 grams per mile--in less than 10 years in order to be compliant. The only way these standards could possibly be met is through the mass production and adoption of electric vehicles--a fact of which the Biden administration and the Biden EPA is well aware--once again, increasing our reliance on China. The rule effectively regulates gas-powered vehicles--cars and trucks--out of the marketplace, which, make no mistake, is the goal of this administration. As a result of the rule, internal combustion engine--or ICE--vehicles, which still represent the overwhelming majority of new car sales in the United States, can make up no more than 30 percent of new sales by 2032, if automakers are even able to be compliant with these standards. The rule represents yet another attempt by the Biden administration to use the rulemaking process to force its costly climate agenda on Americans and pick winners and losers in our free market. These emissions standards go too far and will restrict affordable vehicle choices for families, harm U.S. businesses, degrade our energy and national security, and hand the keys of our automotive industry over to China, which currently dominates the entire electric vehicle supply chain and has no intention of reducing the carbon intensity of its economy anytime soon. The personal decision of what a consumer chooses to drive should not be made by Washington, let alone by circumventing Congress. I urge my Republican colleagues and my Democrat colleagues to join me in voting yes on this legislation to prevent American taxpayer dollars from being used to implement, administer, or enforce this disastrous EPA rule. I yield back my time.

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

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch, Representative Mike Simpson and Representative Russ Fulcher, we once again honor Idaho's community colleges in recognition of April as Community College Month. We thank them for their important work to equip Idahoans for success. Community colleges across the Gem State are incubators for ideas and catalysts to Idahoans achieving their goals. These academic institutions provide vital hands-on training and high-quality education best suited to support Idaho's workforce, small businesses, and economy. These community hubs are preparing Idahoans for a successful future, whether that be advancing their education or entering the workforce. With more than 26,000 students enrolled in Idaho community colleges in the fall of 2023, these educational institutions offer significant opportunity for students of all ages and walks of life. This year's theme for Community College Month is ``Cultivating Skills for the Future.'' Idaho's community colleges truly embody this theme in their efforts to cultivate important on-the-job skills and developing our communities next leaders. Thank you to Idaho's community colleges for your dedication to continued education. We are blessed to have you in our communities backing Idaho innovation with skills, knowledge, and experience.

Mr. CRAPO

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

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, I rise today to urge the Senate to do more for Americans who have suffered from the aftereffects of the development of our nuclear arsenal. It is profoundly disappointing to see that the necessary updates to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, spearheaded by Senators Lujan, Hawley, Schmitt, and myself, were not included in the conference report of the National Defense Authorization Act. When America developed the atom bomb through the Manhattan Project and tested those weapons through the Trinity tests, our country unknowingly poisoned those who mined, transported, and milled uranium, those who participated in nuclear testing, and those who lived downwind of the tests. Don Harrison was one of those who lived downwind. Born in Emmett, ID, Don was born in 1931 and graduated from Emmett High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1953, came back to Emmett to marry the love of his life Donna, and worked as a farmer, dairy deliveryman, mechanic, and truckdriver to provide for his nine children. His family describes him as a loving father who taught the values of hard work and integrity and to see the worth and light in others. But because Emmett received the third most radiation from being downwind of the Trinity tests, Don Harrison lived on poisoned ground. He ended up contracting basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer and eventually passed away in 2018. His daughter Vonnie shared his story with the Idaho Downwinders, with my staff, and me in the hopes of finally righting the wrongs of leaving downwinders behind. Don Harrison was one of the thousands in Gem County, ID, alone and beyond who were unfortunately living in an area downwind of the Trinity tests. This is not a matter just affecting conservative or liberal States. The bipartisan nature of the RECA updates is because it affects people regardless of political affiliation. To be clear, the government's test of nuclear weapons caused this. It is our solemn duty to compensate those who have suffered because of these tests. The RECA amendments ensure that those who live downwind of the tests receive compensation from the government and provide support to uranium miners who worked during the Cold War. I have worked with my colleagues for the past 13 years to attempt to right these wrongs, and July's vote to include RECA amendments in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act shows the widespread bipartisan support to help those who have suffered. But it is frustrating and discouraging that bipartisan support from both Chambers of Congress still cannot get this legislation enacted into law. While this speech is unlikely to bring the necessary updates back into consideration with this conference report, I am committed to working with my colleagues to update RECA to better reflect the realities of nuclear testing. I thank Senators Lujan and Hawley and Representatives Moylan and Leger Fernandez for their tireless work, as well as the countless advocates who have shared their stories to achieve this necessary goal. This fight is not over, and I look forward to the day when we can celebrate the necessary updates and commemorate those who did not live to see it. I yield the floor.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. I would. I would agree.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, Americans deserve a transparent, affordable, and accessible prescription drug market. I agree with the concerns that each of my colleagues have raised here tonight. The current system fails to meet these needs, and I appreciate the intentions of my colleagues in attempting to shed light on the opaque pricing system that we now face. The problem is that the solution proposed in Senate bill 1250 is the wrong solution. If you listened carefully to the debate of my colleagues, their main objection was that the prescription drug companies are advertising and promoting and creating markets for their products. Their solution is to have them tell you what the price is, and what they are asking in their legislation is that the prescription drug manufacturers be required to state their list price. But we all know that the list price is not actually the correct price, and it will actually create confusion even further by forcing these pricing numbers to be put out into the marketplace through commercial advertising in a way that will then, I believe, undercut the major reforms that we are now undertaking in the Finance Committee to get the opaque system eliminated, to shed transparency onto the system, and help all consumers--including the United States Government--to understand what the real price is. Senator Grassley referenced three or four of his bills that we are working on in legislation right now in the Finance Committee that make major reforms to achieve this very price transparency that I am talking about. We had a markup on that legislation just recently, and it passed 26 to 0 in the Finance Committee. It is ready to come to the floor. It will deal with many of these things that have already been discussed here, but it will not create a mandate that the wrong price be advertised on TV. Far too often, heavily concentrated health plans and PBMs force consumers to pay on that list price for prescription drugs, exposing seniors and working families to catastrophic costs. This bill, if enacted, would mandate the inclusion of these inflated figures in virtually all medication ads, reinforcing the notion of the list price as the best pricing opportunity for consumers. Respectfully, I see these requirements as moving our current system in the wrong direction by affirming deceptive price points that should never be the basis for a patient's cost or decisions. A drug's list price includes none of the discounts, none of the rebates or other price concessions found in the net price--the real price that is paid between the insurers and the PBMs and often then dealt with in pharmacies that are integrated with the insurance companies and the PBMs. A recent study showed that this gap between the list and the net price continues to inflate every year. In 2022, for instance, sticker prices for branded drugs, like those you have seen on charts here, grew by 3.7 percent; whereas, the net prices--the real price--which was not able to be figured out by the consumer accounting for rebates and discounts, remained unchanged. For medicines like insulin, the gap between the list and the net price can exceed 80 percent. Rather than broadcast and validate list prices, Congress should ensure that patients can share in the savings that are reflected in net price points, enabling both increased transparency and reduced out-of- pocket costs at the pharmacy counter. The better act--the one I just referred to that is coming out of the Finance Committee with a 26 to 0 vote--would take numerous steps toward achieving this goal with sizable cost-sharing reductions for seniors and no premium hikes. This proposal before us today, by contrast, would risk rubberstamping the centrality of sticker prices that no consumer should need to pay under a rational healthcare system. I share the concerns of scores of patient advocates and clinicians who agree with the need for more transparent pricing but disagree with the approach taken by this bill. As many of these groups have pointed out, list price disclosures can trigger confusion for consumers and deter healthy, proactive doctor-patient discussions. In fact, I would think that the drug manufacturers would love to have their list price--the one they want to start out asking for--be the one that is marketed. For Americans with solid prescription drug coverage, list prices provide no direct insight into what a patient will actually pay for a given drug. For the population more broadly and for policymakers, the mandates in this legislation do nothing to unearth critical information on the price concessions routinely withheld from consumers. Additionally, the bill's free speech concerns warrant further discussion and scrutiny, and its transformation of CMS into an advertising regulator raises legal questions of mission creep and Agency scope. I stand ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reduce patient costs and to move toward more transparency in the marketplace. That said, for numerous reasons, I cannot support this legislation and must object to its passage.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, alongside my esteemed colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representative Mike Simpson, I rise today to honor the formal turnover of the Naval Reactors A1W Prototype from Naval Reactors Idaho Branch Office and Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC, to the U.S. Department of Energy Idaho Cleanup Project and Idaho Environmental Coalition. This momentous occasion marks the early completion of the turnover of the A1W Prototype, a defueled naval nuclear propulsion plant, which holds significant historical and strategic importance in the ongoing decommissioning efforts of this facility. The goal in this endeavor is clear: to remove the three prototypes, S1W, A1W and S5G, from the Naval Reactors Facility by 2030. This effort aligns perfectly with the program's unwavering commitment to managing radioactive and hazardous materials from cradle to grave, ensuring no adverse effects on the environment or public health. Decommissioning older, nonmission-critical facilities not only reduces workforce needs but also allows us to allocate resources more efficiently towards our core mission, while creating space for the workplace of the future. The significance of this turnover lies in the remarkable collaboration among various Agencies involved. Originally scheduled for 2027, achieving this turnover 4 years ahead of schedule is a monumental achievement. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of hundreds of professionals from all four organizations involved. We express our deepest gratitude to the entire team whose exceptional teamwork has made this moment possible. Their remarkable efforts throughout this endeavor have been truly extraordinary. The A1W Prototype, born in 1956 and operational from October 1958 to January 1994, stands as a technological marvel. It represents a pivotal chapter in our Nation's scientific and engineering history. Over nearly four decades, this remarkable prototype played a critical role in training over 14,500 enlisted personnel, officers, and civilian operators. As the second prototype built, the A1W's contributions to science, technology, Cold War military applications, and the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program have earned it the esteemed recognition as eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Moreover, the A1W Prototype paved the way for the construction and commissioning of the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise, CVN-65, which utilized the A1W design. Enterprise's 51- year journey serves as a testament to the dedication and strength of our naval forces, as it stood as a guardian of freedom, protector of our national interests and a symbol of American power worldwide. While there is still more work ahead, it is important that we take a moment to celebrate this milestone. It serves as a testament to the incredible results that can be achieved when people and organizations come together with a shared purpose. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each person involved for their unwavering dedication and hard work. This turnover signifies a significant step toward ensuring that the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program continues to power maritime dominance for the Navy and our Nation well into the future. It also reaffirms our steadfast commitment to safeguarding our national defense, paying homage to our history, and preserving our national treasures.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, with my fellow Members of Idaho's congressional delegation Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, we pay tribute to an outstanding Idahoan, Richard ``Rich'' Hayes Cesler, Sr., who served our country and its veterans with great distinction. He passed away on July 16, 2023. Rich not only assisted living veterans and their families, but also made sure thousands were recognized and honored after their passing. Rich partnered with Fred Salanti in cofounding the nonprofit Missing in America, MIA, Project. Rich served as the MIA Project's national cemeteries/laws coordinator. Since 2006, the duo led MIA Project volunteers nationwide who have interred the unclaimed cremated remains of nearly 5,800 veterans. As a Vietnam veteran, Rich connected with the many veterans and their families he helped. He grew up in Portsmouth, VA, and joined the U.S. Air Force directly after high school. He obtained the rank of sergeant during his service from 1966 to 1972. He was trained as a jet aircraft mechanic and aircraft maintenance technician and served as a crew chief in Saigon, Vietnam, working on F-111 aircraft. His loved ones characterize Rich as ``a true renaissance man'' who dabbled in many different hobbies and occupations. His obituary includes a list of his vocations after his military service noting that in no particular order he ``was a life insurance agent, a police officer, Veteran Service Officer, small business owner, general contractor, cargo/baggage handler, senior customer service agent, international head judge for car stereo contests, promoter, Director of two State Veteran cemeteries, beta tester, trainer, VFW state commander, he drafted legislation, delivered seminars, was a competitor at car stereo contests, a published writer, and a die-hard veteran supporter and advocate.'' In fact, he was recognized with a 2011 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award for his unselfish dedication to his fellow veterans and their families. His work as director of two State veterans cemeteries to ensure veterans and their spouses received the burials they were promised and his founding of the MIA Project were among the many examples of his dedicated service to others cited in his award recognition. Honoring Rich Cesler in Congress in September during National POW/MIA Recognition Month, a time set aside to highlight ongoing efforts to seek answers for families of America's prisoners of war--POWs--and missing in action--MIA--is deeply fitting as Rich made sure lost soldiers were honored here at home. He saw firsthand that America's veterans did not only go missing overseas. He recognized that the shelves of funeral homes, coroner's offices, and State hospitals and even far less ceremonial locations should not be the final resting places for veterans who do not have remaining family or have lost touch with their families. MIA Project volunteers' commendable efforts to honor veterans lost right here at home were rightly recognized. This includes our understanding that he was being considered for a Presidential award for his Missing in America Project. Rich said, ``The MIA Project has become the voice for those who have none and continues to be dedicated to remembering our forgotten heroes.'' Rich accomplished one of the greatest things we can achieve in our lifetime: He used his talents and experiences to meaningfully help others. His actions demonstrated his deep understanding that great personal rewards came from giving to others instead of seeking personal gains. And, despite his solemn work, he found and shared joy. Rich was known for his amazing sense of humor. As noted in his obituary, ``This was one of his greatest joys, to laugh and make others laugh.'' May the joy, levity, and dedication he gave to so many during his time on earth comfort his many friends and loved ones, including his wife of 47 years Joyce; six children and their spouses; 17 grandchildren; 20 great- grandchildren; and many others. We join in mourning this great Idahoan and American and pay tribute to his extraordinary legacy.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, in honor of America's prisoners of war, POWs, and missing in action, MIA, I join in acknowledging National POW/ MIA Recognition Day this September 15, 2023. Each year before POW/MIA Recognition Day, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, DPAA, the Agency primarily responsible for recovering America's servicemembers, creates a poster commemorating the lives of U.S. servicemembers still unaccounted for from past conflicts. This year's poster features the words: ``Though not here, their sacrifice is not forgotten.'' The sacrifice of America's unaccounted-for servicemembers is not forgotten thanks in large part to the POW/MIA families and veterans who have remained committed to keeping the pursuit of facts at the forefront of our national conscience. The sacrifice is not forgotten due to the hard work of those who work for and assist the DPAA and related efforts to get needed answers and bring all American servicemembers home. And the sacrifice is not forgotten due to the commitment of the members of the POW*MIA Awareness Rally Corp. of Pocatello, ID, and others across our country who keep a spotlight on the need to keep pressing forward until every American servicemember is brought home. As I thank all involved in this effort, I urge the enactment of the Bring Our Heroes Home Act, which I joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen, in re-introducing this Congress, to help eliminate obstacles preventing families and caseworkers from accessing the records needed for recovering America's POWs and MIA. America's heroes and their families deserve this reduction in bureaucratic redtape as we make a strong effort to identify and recover those who have not yet made it back home. On National POW/MIA Day, we honor those Americans who have thankfully returned home, the families and loved ones who stood by awaiting their return, and we remain committed to finding answers for the families who continue to await the return of their missing and unaccounted-for loved ones. Thank you to America's servicemembers, veterans and their families for their extraordinary commitment to our country and to all those who work to ensure their return home.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, when America conducted nuclear tests in Nevada, New Mexico, and the Pacific, we had little understanding of how radiation spread. Throughout my time in Congress, I have advocated for expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to cover the forgotten victims of these tests, including the residents of all the affected States that have been identified here today. Downwinders, those affected by these tests, deserve to be compensated for the effects of these weapons. I am grateful for working with Senator Lujan and Senator Hawley and our other colleagues to ensure that we do not leave our downwinders behind.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, with my fellow Members of Idaho's congressional delegation Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, we pay tribute to veteran and tireless veterans' advocate, Robert ``Bob'' Jones. Bob passed away on July 8, 2023, after a long battle with cancer and heart disease. Bob's service in the U.S. Air Force, as a leader of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, and as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has left an indelible mark. Bob dedicated his life to God, country, and community. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel; his service included commanding logistics squadrons supporting combat units in the Vietnam war, serving as chief of supply for the Presidential Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, and serving at the Pentagon as a senior staff officer with the U.S. Air Force. Bob earned 24 medals for his distinguished service that include the Vietnam Service Medal with three oakleaf clusters, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Korean Defense Service Medal, and the Bronze Star. After his military service, Bob's civilian career included working as vice president of a defense firm in Saudi Arabia, where he met the love of his life, his wife of 40 years, Carmelita. They made their home in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for 13 years before moving to Rexburg in 1995. Bob and Carmelita owned the Arctic Circle Franchise in Rexburg and an independent family restaurant called Timber's Edge in Island Park for several years. Bob translated his immense experience to support and advocate for his fellow veterans. He served in many VFW leadership positions that included his service as a VFW All-American past state commander and national legislative committee member for Idaho. He and Carmelita have been so dedicated to helping improve the lives of servicemembers, veterans, and their families that they traveled to Capitol Hill twice per year to advocate on their behalf, and Bob stayed involved despite his battle with cancer. We have always valued the time spent with Bob and Carmelita as they thoughtfully explained the need for Federal policy changes to better support military families. The Major Richard Star Act, to provide combat-injured veterans with less than 20 years of military service their full benefits, is just one example of the legislation they worked to advance as they helped make clear the personal costs of war. Bob said, ``It is our duty and obligation to see that they are cared for and not forgotten.'' Bob was also a precinct committeeman and a member of the Madison County Republican Central Committee and military liaison board member of the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce among his many efforts to serve the community. He understandably received numerous honors for this local and statewide service. Governor Brad Little presented Bob with the 2019 Idaho's Brightest Star Award for exemplary volunteer service to the State of Idaho and fostering an ethic of service in others. He was also a recipient of the 2020 Spirit of Freedom award for his extensive, extraordinary career of service to our country and his fellow veterans. He was recognized with the 2022-2023 VFW National Legislative Service Award at the VFW Legislative Conference on March 14, 2023, for his tireless efforts on behalf of our Nation's veterans, and he was honored with the 2022 Presidential Award by the Chamber of Commerce at the 84th Annual Farmer Merchant Banquet on April 17, 2023, for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the success of Rexburg, to name just a few of his many honors. Bob's obituary aptly describes his service-focused mindset: ``He wanted to leave this world a better place than he had found it and pay forward for all the many blessings and opportunities with which he was blessed with.'' We offer our sincerest condolences to Carmelita and his many friends and loved ones, including their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Bob is deeply missed and leaves a lasting legacy of admirable service to our country, State, community, fellow veterans, and so many others. We are fortunate to have known him and benefited from his vision, dedication and advocacy.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Thank you, Ranking Member Risch. Without that clarification, article 23 does not describe the primary mechanism that mitigates double taxation for U.S. companies doing business abroad. Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, TCJA, U.S. companies' foreign earnings were generally not subject to tax in the U.S. until the foreign earnings were distributed as dividends to the U.S., a concept generally referred to as ``deferral.'' For example, pre-TCJA, if a U.S. company operated in Chile through a subsidiary, the earnings of the Chilean subsidiary were generally not subject to U.S. tax until the subsidiary paid a dividend to the U.S. parent company. In order to prevent double taxation of the foreign earnings, under section 902 of the Tax Code, the U.S. provided a foreign tax credit for tax paid on those earnings. In this scenario, with respect to tax paid by the foreign subsidiary in Chile, the U.S. company would receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against its U.S. tax liability once the income was distributed, and subject to tax, in the U.S. in order to prevent double taxation of the dividend income. TCJA made significant changes to these rules. For one, it ended the concept of ``deferral.'' As a result of TCJA, U.S. companies are now generally subject to current U.S. tax on their foreign earnings, even if they are not immediately distributed to the U.S. parent, under the global intangible low-taxed income, GILTI, which consequently eliminated the need to impose U.S. tax on dividends when ultimately distributed from the foreign subsidiary to the U.S. parent company. As a result, in order to mitigate double taxation, TCJA modified and expanded section 960 to provide indirect tax credits for taxes paid on GILTI. TCJA also repealed section 902 foreign tax credits because, generally, dividends received by U.S. companies from a foreign subsidiary are no longer subject to U.S. tax. Instead, U.S. companies receiving foreign-source dividends are generally allowed a deduction under section 245A of the Tax Code for those dividends received. Because U.S. companies' foreign earnings are now largely subject to tax under GILTI, the primary mechanism for relieving double taxation under current law is through an indirect tax credit under section 960. Indeed, recent IRS data confirms that an overwhelming majority of TCJA's new category of U.S. companies' foreign earnings subject to current U.S. tax requires a foreign tax credit to mitigate double tax relief. As Ranking Member Risch referenced, because Treasury did not agree to include in the reservation a reference to the primary method for alleviating double taxation on a U.S. company's foreign earnings, it calls into question whether article 23 provides sufficient double tax relief post-TCJA. While I understand this lack of clarification should not result in increased taxation on earnings of a U.S company's Chilean subsidiary based on current law, U.S. taxpayers may not have adequate protection from double taxation with respect to future treaties. In short, this outstanding issue is fundamental to one of the core motives for entering into income tax treaties, to mitigate double taxation to reduce barriers to cross-border investment. Thus, I intend to hold Treasury to its commitment to include language in future income tax treaties to more comprehensively address the post-TCJA foreign tax credit system. And if it fails to do so, I will not support approving ratification of any future U.S. income tax treaty.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I thank Ranking Member Risch for his leadership in completing the resolution approving the ratification of this tax convention with Chile. And specifically, I am grateful for the opportunity to work together to include the following declaration in this resolution: ``In light of substantial changes made to the international provisions of Internal Revenue Code in 2017, the Senate declares that future tax treaties need to reflect such changes appropriately, including in Article 23. Therefore, based on discussions with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, additional work is required to evaluate the policy of Article 23 in addressing relief of double taxation and to agree on whether further changes to the terms of the Article are necessary for future income tax treaties.'' In light of the reservation amending article 23, I yield to the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to elaborate on the importance of this declaration.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representative Mike Simpson, we honor an outstanding Idahoan and great American, Robert S. Jackson, Jr., for his service to our country, fellow veterans, and community. Robert ``Bob'' Jackson is an Idaho native who spent many years in the U.S. Navy, serving throughout the world on various aircraft carriers that traveled to Vietnam, Libya, Lebanon, and locations for Desert Shield/Storm. His numerous awards throughout his career include Sailor of the Year three times, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Silver Wreath with six stars, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. Following his retirement in 1992, he found ways to assist local veterans, particularly with his administrative and organizational skills. He is well-respected in the State veterans community and has helped a number of projects advance smoothly with his input and expertise. His list of efforts is long and includes leadership positions with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, State Convention posts, and MC responsibilities. He is also a proud father of four daughters and one son and husband to Jennifer, who also volunteers with the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. In 2009, Bob's military service, commitment, and sacrifice were honored with the 2009 Spirit of Freedom Award. Bob, like so many of his fellow veterans, did not stop serving others long after his military service ended. He has demonstrated again and again his devotion to our country and others through his admirable actions. Despite overwhelming health challenges, he continues to show us all how to face difficulty with courage and honor. It seems deeply fitting that folks are gathering just after the Fourth of July to honor this remarkable American, as he served nobly for so many years to protect the freedoms we celebrate on Independence Day. Bob, our hearts are with you as we thank you for your admirable service to our country and our great State.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, with my fellow Members of Idaho's congressional delegation Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, we recognize June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. According to the Alzheimer's Association, 27,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in Idaho, while 65,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease. In honor of these Idaho families and the millions of other Americans and their loved ones impacted by Alzheimer's, we continue the fight to stop harmful policies delaying access to treatment for Alzheimer's patients. The Food and Drug Administration's, FDA, accelerated approval pathway has provided a lifeline for countless Americans suffering from Alzheimer's disease by advancing access to safe and effective medicines years before these treatments could otherwise come to market. Numerous studies show that drugs that have gone through the accelerated approval pathway reach patients an average of more than 3 years before they would otherwise. Unfortunately, the current administration has taken unprecedented steps to erode this pathway, deterring lifesaving innovation and delaying access to care by restricting Medicare coverage for an entire class of potential Alzheimer's therapies. This harmful coverage decision carries grave implications for Alzheimer's patients. Every day without access to FDA-approved drugs, more than 2,000 people transition to a more advanced stage of Alzheimer's where they are no longer eligible for treatment, reports the Alzheimer's Association. The administration must reverse course and provide access to these lifesaving pathways as quickly as possible. We are grateful to leaders from communities across Idaho and our country who are pivotal in advancing Alzheimer's and dementia research and other important efforts that are making progress in fighting this disease and supporting families dealing with this dreaded disease. The advocates' personal experiences with the disease's effects in their own families often fuel and inform their engagement. Their perspectives are deeply valuable as we continue to work to improve drug access and affordability. This includes working to ensure Federal policies enable, not discourage, innovators to quickly bring their life-saving discoveries to market. Time and again, American ingenuity has proven it can meet the challenges we face, if the Federal Government gets out of the way. This Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month is a reminder of the pressing need to better empower patients and doctors to decide the treatments right for them. Throughout this month, as Americans wear purple and participate in other awareness and educational activities and in the years ahead, let's do all we can to alleviate the burden on families across our country by easing access to innovative treatment for Alzheimer's.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representative Russ Fulcher, we congratulate Dworshak staff on the dam's 50-year anniversary. Dedicated on June 15, 1973, the Dworshak Dam, located on the North Fork Clearwater River, has been an important flood control and power generator for 50 years. Following its congressional authorization in 1962 and construction that began in 1966, the dam's flood damage reduction became operational in June 1972, with power generation coming online in March 1973. In addition to the dam, the project also includes Dworshak Reservoir lands, powerhouse, recreation facilities, wildlife mitigation and Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, which is considered to be the world's largest steelhead hatchery. The USACE Walla Walla District notes the dam is the highest straight- axis concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere, with only two other dams in the U.S. exceeding its height. USACE credits the project with preventing millions of dollars in flood damage since the project became operational, while generating 1.35 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in fiscal year 2017 alone, and providing substantial recreational and wildlife benefits. Dworshak staff are recognizing the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the dam with a celebration and public tours. We join in commending the hard work of both current and past Dworshak staff in operating this remarkable part of our great State and country's infrastructure. Congratulations to all Dworshak staff and surrounding communities on this outstanding milestone.