Mike Crapo

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 43, submitted earlier today.

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

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of and the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 27.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to; that the Cruz amendment to the preamble be agreed to; that the preamble, as amended, be agreed to; and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the regulatory burden imposed by the SEC's extractive resource rulemaking and offer my support for the resolution to disapprove it. I will take a few minutes to talk about the complicated history of this rule and then about the concerns with the way it was formulated. The SEC originally adopted the rule in 2012 and was challenged in court by the Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute. In 2013, the U.S. district court threw out the regulation, contending, among other things, that the SEC misread the requirements of the statute. The SEC did not appeal the decision, acknowledging that it needed to rewrite the rule. The SEC's proposed timetable for a new rule was delayed several times, and in 2014, Oxfam America sued to compel the SEC to move forward on a new rulemaking. The court ordered the SEC to file an expedited schedule and, as a result, a new rule was proposed in 2015 and finalized last year. As one can see, this rule and its various iterations have been fraught with controversy for many years. Advocates of the rule have said that it will combat corruption in resource-rich nations. The SEC's final rule raised doubts about this. The final rule stated several things, including: The direct causal relationship between increased transparency in the extractive industry and social benefits is ``inconclusive.'' In fact, it noted that ``research and data available at this time does not allow us to draw any firm conclusions.'' Unlike the potential benefits, though, the costs are reasonably certain. The SEC estimated up to $700 million in initial costs and up to $590 million in ongoing annual costs. Put another way, each company would endure between $560,000 and $1.6 million in initial costs, and between $224,000 and $1.3 million in additional costs each year. We cannot view these costs as affecting only the largest companies, but must consider the plight of the smaller ones. Just under half of all companies covered by this rule are considered smaller companies, and they would be disproportionately impacted by millions of dollars in fixed costs--money that could be better spent on jobs and growth. Finally, the President's statement of administration policy also endorses this resolution. Some of the reasons it highlights include: In some cases, the rule would require companies to disclose information that the host nation of their project prohibits from disclosure or is commercially sensitive. The rule would impose unreasonable compliance costs on American energy companies that are not justified by quantifiable benefits. Moreover, American businesses could face a competitive disadvantage in cases where their foreign competitors are not subject to similar rules. I have repeatedly stressed the need for the U.S. financial system and markets to remain the preferred destination for investors throughout the world, and this rule harms this status. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and to preserve the integrity of our securities laws and capital markets. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to at this time enter into a colloquy with my colleague from Georgia, Senator Isakson.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I yield back the remaining Republican time.

Mr. CRAPO. I thank my colleague. I will work to ensure that the SEC implements all of its congressional mandates.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. CRAPO. Yes, that is correct. What this resolution does is to cause the current SEC rule to not take effect. As it was characterized yesterday on the House floor and will be characterized further today on the Senate floor, what the SEC will need to do is to go back to the drawing board and come up with a better rule that complies with the law of the land.

Mr. CRAPO

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

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 6:30 a.m., Friday, February 3; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of H.J. Res. 41, with no debate time remaining; finally, that following the disposition of H.J. Res. 41, the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the DeVos nomination, rule XXII notwithstanding.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the outstanding work of a longtime member of my Senate staff, Layne Bangerter, who has been appointed as special assistant to President Donald Trump. Layne has been a valued member of my staff for more than 13 years. Serving as director of agriculture and natural resources, he has provided sound counsel on critical issues for our State. For example, Layne dedicated countless hours to crafting the Owyhee Public Land Management Act and has worked to ensure sound implementation of the agreement. His well-honed ability to build relationships has been key to the success of this and many other efforts. As a rancher and farmer, Layne has unique on-the-ground experience with how Federal policies affect land, water, and people. He also has significant understanding from his work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He has used this experience to inform a number of critical agricultural and natural resources issues, including wildlife, conservation, forestry, water, and agricultural programs. He knows the right balance needs to be struck between conservation and responsible natural resources practices and that the one-size-fits-all approach never works in real America. Layne is the kind of guy that you want in your corner--he listens, uses common sense, and then works to come up with the best possible solutions. Layne is positive, encouraging, and affable while also having a pragmatism shaped by extensive experience. His insight will no doubt be extremely valuable to the Trump administration. While I will miss having Layne as a member of my staff, I wish him all the best in this new endeavor and look forward to our continued friendship. Thank you, Layne, for your hard work on behalf of Idahoans and our country, and congratulations on this next step in your career. I wish you, Betsy, and your wonderful family continued success.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs has adopted rules governing its procedures for the 115th Congress. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 2, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, on behalf of myself and Senator Brown, I ask unanimous consent that a cony of the committee rules be printed in the Record.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. I ask unanimous consent that the subcommittee membership and subcommittee jurisdiction of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, which was approved by the committee at today's executive session, be printed in the Record.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the 2016 Idaho Hometown Hero medalists. Drs. Fahim and Naeem Rahim established the Idaho Hometown Hero medal in 2011 to recognize outstanding Idahoans working for the betterment of our communities. Medalists are selected from nominations sought from the public throughout the State and must meet criteria that include being dedicated to hard work, self-improvement, and community service. In this 6th year of the presentation of this honor, 10 Idahoans from communities across Idaho are 2016 Hometown Hero medal recipients. Executive Director of Suicide Prevention Action Network of Idaho Jeni Griffin of Idaho Falls is recognized for her dedication of more than 10 years to promoting suicide prevention in Idaho. Nationally recognized teacher, coach, and mentor Holly Kartchner of Blackfoot received the award for her commitment to education in southeastern Idaho, leading her students to reach national championships. Former Coeur d'Alene police officer and Air Force veteran Mike Kralicek is honored for the inspiration he provides to other public servants to be better prepared for overcoming adversity and his leadership in helping law enforcement families in times of crisis. Idaho Falls attorney Doug Nelson is recognized for dedicating more than three decades to leading, supporting, and advocating for children's activity programs and multiple charitable organizations and mentoring disadvantaged single mothers. Wiley Petersen, a professional bullrider, coach, motivational speaker, and mentor who grew up in Fort Hall received the medal for his efforts to give back to his Native American community and help further the progress of the Native American people. Sonya Rosario, a filmmaker from Meridian and the founder and executive director of Women of Color Alliance, is honored for her work and films to help heal Native communities. Zeze Rwasama of Twin Falls, who is originally from Congo, is the director of the College of Southern Idaho's refugee program, and is recognized for his work to educate, integrate and build bridges between refugees and their new communities. Tyvan Schmitt, of Pocatello, who served in the U.S. Navy, is a posthumous awardee for his bravery and courage as he attempted to prevent a large catastrophe and for his devotion to helping the homeless, the schools, and neighbors. Linda Scott, a Pocatello native who served in the U.S. Army, is recognized for her volunteer efforts and commitment of her time, energy, resources, and compassion to helping others in need. Pocatello resident and Spanish professor Dr. Helen Cathleen Tarp is recognized for her work as founding program director of the Spanish for Health Professions major at Idaho State University, which is the only major of its kind in the country. These remarkable Idahoans are among the 56 Idahoans of diverse backgrounds and a wide range of ages who have been honored as Hometown Hero Award recipients since the award's establishment. I commend the Rahims, the award's committee members, the cosponsors, volunteers, and other organizations supporting this honor for their work to shed light on extraordinary service in our communities. These Hometown Hero award recipients and countless other Idahoans lead by example, inspiring others to go above and beyond in assisting others and improving our communities. Congratulations to the 2016 Hometown Hero award recipients on your achievements, and thank you for your efforts to better our communities.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins me today in recognizing Amalgamated Sugar's 100 years of sugar production in the Magic Valley of Idaho. With roots that stretch back to 1897, Amalgamated Sugar, a grower- owned cooperative, has been a member of the Magic Valley community for 100 years. Amalgamated Sugar opened its Twin Falls factory on October 22, 1916, followed a year later by the Paul factory on October 28, 1917. Throughout the years, Amalgamated Sugar's growers and employees have navigated the twists and turns of a more than challenging market with sensibility, determination, and innovation. Through its partnership with Amalgamated Research, Inc., ARi, a research and development company owned by Amalgamated Sugar, Amalgamated Sugar has pioneered the use of innovative fractal separation technology and is a leader in processing efficiency. Amalgamated Sugar has also expanded its marketing to reach throughout the United States through its partnership with National Sugar Marketing. The past 100 years of innovation have helped Amalgamated Sugar grow from processing 3,078,000 tons of sugarbeets into 925,000 100-pound bags of sugar in 1917, to the estimated 6,636,000 tons of sugarbeets into 21,058,000 100-pound bags in 2016. The cooperative's focus on precision production and agronomic advancements has grown it into the second largest beet sugar producer in the U.S., producing 12 percent of the Nation's sugar on 182,000 acres, according to statistics from Amalgamated Sugar. The cooperative's accomplishments result from the teamwork of its approximately 750 growers and more than 1,600 Idaho employees who produce quality sugarbeets, transport them from the fields to the factories, and refine high-quality sugar products, nutritional supplements, and animal-feed products. Amalgamated Sugar is a substantial part of our Nation's economy. Amalgamated Sugar's contributions include approximately $800 million in revenues to Idaho's economy, which is evident in the lives of the generations of its growers and employees, in its relationships with local suppliers and vendors, and in the more than $283 million in Idaho's sugarbeet production estimated by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Congratulations, Amalgamated Sugar growers and employees, on a century of accomplishments. You and your predecessors have much to be proud of for prevailing over more than a 100 years of challenges and contributing significantly to job opportunities and U.S. production. We wish you all the best for continued success.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate the Boy Scouts of America Troop 1 of Meridian, ID, on the troop's approaching 100th anniversary. Troop 1's former scoutmaster Richard Weight reports that research indicates that the troop was formed on or before July 20, 1917, in Meridian and was in continuous operation until 1942 when wartime needs made operation of the troop impossible. In 1944, the troop rechartered and has been in continuous operation since. Troop 1 has taken part in service projects and efforts to have a positive effect on the community. I have been involved in scouting for almost my entire life. I am proud of the young men who have demonstrated a commitment to the principles of scouting and the communities that support them. I commend the scouts and supporters of Troop 1 for advancing leadership and informative opportunities for area youth who gain invaluable experience while contributing to bettering our communities. The many benefits from scouting activities are made possible through the significant commitment of those who are actively involved with the troop. Congratulations to Idaho's Boy Scouts of America Troop 1 on this remarkable milestone. Thank you for your efforts to build up our communities and expand opportunities for future leaders.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins me today in honoring the Idaho State Police, ISP, of Meridian, ID, for being selected as a recipient of the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, known as the Freedom Award. The U.S. Department of Defense indicates that the Freedom Award is the highest recognition it gives to employers for ``exceptional support of their National Guard and Reserve employees.'' The ISP is one of only 15 employers chosen this year for this national recognition out of the 2,424 nominations submitted by National Guard and Reserve Servicemembers. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter stated, ``Without the unfaltering support of employers like them, the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve would not be able to fulfill their vital roles in our National Security Strategy.'' The Freedom Award has been given to 220 employers over the past 20 years. Guard and Reserve members or their family members nominate employers for the Freedom Award. This makes the award especially meaningful, as nominators have direct knowledge of their treatment at work. The Department reported that Army National Guard Sgt. Sara Breckon, who suffered a concussion during Active-Duty training, nominated the ISP for this year's award. She described to the Department how her supervisor went the extra mile working with her medical team to assist with her progressive return to work, successful therapy, and recovery. Her coworkers also assisted by donating 80 hours of personal leave so she could receive her pay. Sergeant Breckon told the department, ``It is a privilege to work for ISP as they set the bar for all leaders in the military and civilian sectors.'' The Department of Defense also noted that the Idaho State Police actively recruits Guardsmen and Reservists through the Hero2Hired program, and 18 percent of the Idaho State Police workforce has served or is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The ISP joins a group of four Idaho employers selected for the award since the Freedom Award was established. Being recognized as a great employer of Guardsmen and women and Reservists is a distinct accomplishment. We commend the Idaho State Police for setting a model leadership standard. The men and women who serve in the Guard and Reserve and their families give immensely of their time and talents to serving our Nation. Their skills and commitment add great value to the workforce and our communities. This award is a tribute to the excellent treatment and regard Idaho employers have demonstrated to valued members of our communities. Congratulations to the Idaho State Police on this achievement.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins me today in congratulating fellow Idahoan Kristin Armstrong on winning the gold medal in cycling at the XXXI Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Kristin Armstrong, of Boise, ID, represented our State and Nation with distinction, winning an unprecedented third straight gold medal in the Olympic cycling individual time trial. This gold is another achievement in her remarkable cycling career. She also took home the gold in the 2012 Olympics in London and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing after competing in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. In addition to her Olympic and many other successes, Kristin has earned two gold, a silver, and a bronze medals in world championship competitions. Kristin inspires countless others to push beyond the limits of what is thought possible. We join with her husband, Joe; son, Lucas; their many friends and loved ones; and fellow Idahoans and Americans in celebrating the hard work and dedication that paid off in Rio. Congratulations, Kristin, on bringing home the gold yet again. We wish you continued success in all of your future challenges.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, in honor of National POW/MIA Day, today I wish to pay tribute to our Nation's servicemembers who have been taken as prisoners of war, POWs, and those missing in action, MIA. I also pray for resolution for the military families who await answers about their loved ones and thank those who work to ensure that all our Nation's veterans are accounted for and their service is not forgotten. A great source of pride and comfort in being an American is knowing that if we get in harm's way, strong and resourceful Americans stand with us. Unfortunately, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and even 70-plus years have passed since some Americans have gone unaccounted for while serving our Nation, and they have yet to be returned home. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency reports that more than 83,000 Americans remain missing from World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, the Cold War, and the Gulf wars and other conflicts. This includes 333 Idahoans who have not been recovered following World War II and 25 Idahoans who remain unaccounted for who served in the Korean war. Additionally, eight Idahoans went missing while serving in the Vietnam war and remain missing: Capt. Jon K. Bodahl, Capt. Curtis R. Bohlscheid, CPT Gregg N. Hollinger, ENS Hal T. Hollingsworth, SSG William B. Hunt, 1LT William E. Lemmons, LT Roderick L. Mayer, and Warrant Officer Jon M. Sparks. Their names and service must be fixed in our national attention. My heart hurts for the thousands of military families who have remained in limbo all these years. We can never forget their pain and the enduring service of all our service personnel who have not made it home. We must be resolute in our duty to bring them home. That is part of our responsibility as a nation to those Americans who have answered the call of duty to defend our country and its interests. As we pay tribute to POW/MIA families and veterans, we cannot lose sight of the ongoing price they bear for our freedoms and security.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, along with my colleague Senator Jim Risch, I wish to honor Dr. Terry Todd and Dr. Mark DeHart, researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory, INL. The American Nuclear Society, ANS, recently recognized both as Fellows, which is the highest honor ANS bestows on an individual. These two world-class researchers are being recognized for their outstanding leadership, professional accomplishments, and service to the profession. Dr. Terry Todd is the INL Fuel Cycle Science & Technology Director and an INL Laboratory Fellow. Terry's primary focus is directing research and development of advanced technologies for spent nuclear fuel recycling and other chemical separation applications. Dr. Todd holds bachelor's and master's degrees in chemical engineering from Montana State University and a Ph.D. in radiochemical engineering from Khlopin Radium Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia. Terry has 33 years of experience in chemical separation technologies involving spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, holds 23 U.S. patents and 6 Russian patents, and has published more than 180 journal articles, reports, and conference proceedings. Dr. Mark DeHart is a distinguished R&D nuclear engineer in the INL's Reactor Physics Analysis and Design Department, and he also serves as deputy director for Reactor Physics Modeling and Simulation. Mark is the principal investigator and research director for development and validation of a modeling and simulation capability for the Transient Reactor Test Facility, TREAT, under the U.S. Department of Energy Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation program, NEAMS. Dr. DeHart came to the INL in 2010 from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and he has extensive experience in reactor physics, criticality safety, depletion and spent fuel characterization, cross-section processing, and computer code verification and validation. Mark holds bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. degrees in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University and is the current chair of the Idaho Section of the ANS. Dr. DeHart has more than 100 publications in journals, conference proceedings, and national laboratory reports related to computational methods and other fields. Congratulating Dr. Terry Todd and Dr. Mark DeHart for receiving this prestigious recognition is a great honor and a reminder of the many talented Idahoans working at the INL. The men and women who do exceptional research, development, and testing at the Idaho National Laboratory are greatly deserving of recognition. Thank you, Terry and Mark, for your hard work, and congratulations on your many accomplishments.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 100th anniversary of the founding of Sinclair Oil Corporation. Spanning a remarkable century of operation, Sinclair Oil has been resolute amid good and hard times in our Nation and helped shape our growing country. Built by the ingenuity and drive of Harry Ford Sinclair, Sinclair Oil employs more than 1,200 people nationwide. Harry F. Sinclair, who founded the company in 1916; Earl Holding, who purchased Sinclair Oil in 1976 and led the company for more than three decades; and Ross B. Mathews, who currently serves as chief executive officer of Sinclair, must be recognized for their innovation and determination in building Sinclair into an American pioneer. Their commitment and the support of their families and exceptional employees have enabled Sinclair to stand and succeed through the test of 100 years. Sinclair Oil Corporation is immensely diversified. Twenty-four States are home to 1,300 Sinclair stations. The company is engaged in the exploration, refining, and distribution of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, asphalt, and petrochemical feedstock. It also owns and operates cattle ranches and several renowned hotels and resorts, including Sun Valley Resort, The Grand America Hotel, and the Little America hotels and travel centers. The resourcefulness, skill, and initiative of the company's leadership and staff drive it forward into a new century of opportunity. I commend them all for the strong legacy they have built. I have been blessed to have the Holdings as friends over the years. The Holdings were always very kind and supportive to my wife, Susan, and me, and I have valued the involvement Sinclair has had in shaping our communities, State, and Nation. America's success is built on the hard work and know-how of the men and women who have overcome challenges and turned their ideas into successful businesses that boost our economy and generate jobs. Countless individuals have benefited from Sinclair Oil Corporation and the goods and services it provides. I congratulate all those involved with the company on a century of achievements and wish them all the best for continued accomplishments.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho. The Associated Logging Contractors, Inc., of Idaho, ALC, have an important voice in advocating for policies that support an essential sector of Idaho--the logging and wood-hauling industry. Throughout the past 50 years since its organization, the association has worked to serve its purpose of ``developing programs that are instrumental in helping members to reduce costs of operation and to craft creative solutions to problems confronting the industry.'' ALC represents nearly 400 independent logging contractor businesses from across Idaho. From Endangered Species Act reform, to boosting rural economies, to addressing forest health and much more, the ALC has been involved in a wide range of discussions central to Idaho. I value the organization's and its members' input and involvement in shaping solutions to our natural resources challenges. We have much work ahead, but progress is being made on public lands issues to the benefit of Idahoans and our economy. Positive developments in job opportunities and more timber identified for harvest for the betterment of forest health are the result of the State and Federal Government working more closely with private landowners and the logging community to make progress toward the removal of salvage timber from last year's fires. While challenging, collaboration is working, and ALC members have been instrumental in advancing this effort. The organization has much to be proud of for its efforts in bringing folks together to achieve solutions and working toward their implementation. Collaboration is difficult but indispensable work, as it brings lasting advancements for habitats, recreation, rural economies, and job production. I have greatly valued ALC member's support of local collaborative efforts. Congratulations to the members of the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho on 50 years of accomplishments. Thank you for your hard work building up our great State and Nation. I wish you all the best for continued success.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho. The Associated Logging Contractors, Inc., of Idaho, ALC, have an important voice in advocating for policies that support an essential sector of Idaho--the logging and wood hauling industry. Throughout the past 50 years since its organization, the association has worked to serve its purpose of ``developing programs that are instrumental in helping members to reduce costs of operation and to craft creative solutions to problems confronting the industry.'' ALC represents nearly 400 independent logging contractor businesses from across Idaho. From Endangered Species Act reform, to boosting rural economies, to addressing forest health and much more, the ALC has been involved in a wide range of discussions central to Idaho. I value the organization's and its members' input and involvement in shaping solutions to our natural resources challenges. We have much work ahead, but progress is being made on public lands issues to the benefit of Idahoans and our economy. Positive developments in job opportunities and more timber identified for harvest for the betterment of forest health are the result of the State and Federal Government working more closely with private landowners and the logging community to make progress toward the removal of salvage timber from last year's fires. While challenging, collaboration is working, and ALC members have been instrumental in advancing this effort. The organization has much to be proud of for its efforts in bringing folks together to achieve solutions and working toward their implementation. Collaboration is difficult but indispensable work, as it brings lasting advancements for habitats, recreation, rural economies, and job production. I have greatly valued ALC member's support of local collaborative efforts. Congratulations to the members of the Associated General Contractors of Idaho on 50 years of accomplishments. Thank you for your hard work building up our great State and Nation. I wish you all the best for continued success.