Mike Crapo

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I strongly agree with my friend and colleague Senator Wyden from Oregon. He is absolutely right that we have been working on this for probably 5 years as we have worked to identify the solution and then build the coalition of support to implement the solution that is necessary for this critical problem. I am also very appreciative, as Senator Wyden has said, that we had the chairman of the Energy Committee, the chairman of the Budget Committee, and the chairman of the Agriculture Committee engaged in a colloquy last week discussing the urgency of resolving this issue. I believe we are now getting to a point at which the understanding of how critical it is to resolve this issue has penetrated deeply into the political fiber of both the Senate and the House. Now we need to take that momentum and continue to move forward. As we take stock of last year's fire season, the statistics are sobering. Senator Wyden referenced a little bit of it. Let me just add to that a little bit. Nationally, last year, we had 68,151 fires that burned 10.1 million acres and cost over $1.7 billion in suppression operations. These fires accounted for the loss of roughly 4,600 structures, and, most tragically, the lives of 13 wild land firefighters. This set of statistics is a set of statistics that is growing every year. We are seeing more fires and more catastrophic fires every year because we are not managing our forests properly, and we are not dealing with the crisis that is creating in forest fires. There is a very important statistic that I think everyone in America should understand about this critical issue. I just said that there were 68,151 fires in America last year. One percent of those fires cost 30 percent of the firefighting budget. Those are the fires that became catastrophes. They became catastrophic. The solution we have come together on to help address this issue is simply to make a very obvious conclusion and to put it into the law; that is, when we get a fire that is 1 percent of the fires that cost 30 percent of the firefighting and do so much of the damage, we declare that they are natural disasters-- just like the earthquakes, the hurricanes, the tornadoes, the floods and the other disasters that we acknowledge here in Congress and deal with as disasters when we finance the efforts to fight them and to respond to them. With these numbers in mind, I want to again thank the committee chairmen who came to the floor last week and engaged in a colloquy to express how serious this issue is. It is getting to a crisis point. As those Senators last week noted, when it comes to how we fight wildfires, we are in a crisis. For more than a decade, as fires have raged across the West, we have seriously underbudgeted for the necessary suppression costs with these disasters. To make matters worse, the lack of resources to fight the worst of our annual fires has forced land management agencies into what Senator Wyden has so ably described--fire borrowing that results in less money for the very activities that can prevent the large devastating fires from happening in the first place. What happens is our management agencies, the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and those who deal with the wild lands and grasses that burn, have had to borrow from all of their other funds so that they can't adequately manage the land. As a result, we end up with more bad fires, and every year the catastrophic fires grow. When the Forest Service is forced to borrow to fight fires, they are actually borrowing against jobs, recreational opportunities, and proper forest management. The best way to think of fire borrowing is less timber, less jobs, and less access to these beautiful lands because while it is fire borrowing, in many cases it delays the repayment in ways that actually cancel projects, undercut the ability to implement proper forest management, lose jobs, and reduce access to our public lands. Perhaps the most destructive is the fact that less work in the woods means that the harmful cycle just gets worse. As Senator Wyden has noted, to address this problem, we have consistently introduced legislation for years now that would treat the devastating fires as the disasters that they are. I need to back up for a second. We talk about the fact that there is a cost that is not being provided for by Congress and that this fire borrowing has to happen, but I think it is critical to note that our solution has been scored by both the Congressional Budget Office and by the OMB at the White House as having zero budget impact. It will not increase the deficit because we do end up paying to fight these fires, it is just the way that we end up paying to fight them is the way we deal with so much of our catastrophic health care--at the emergency room with the most expensive solutions, the worst outcomes, and we don't deal with the underlying crisis. While there is broad agreement from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both Houses of Congress that a fix to fire borrowing is needed, there have been different approaches to the solution. Senator Wyden and I have been very willing to work with those who have different ideas about how we need to solve this problem and can actually make adjustments in our legislation as we move forward to deal with issues and concerns that others have raised. We are now at the crisis point, and now we need to move forward and put a final resolution in place. Senator Wyden and I have worked with these lawmakers and will continue to work with them. We are simply here tonight to say that we are very pleased to see that the leadership of the critical committees in the Senate and others who are so concerned about this issue are in agreement that we need to put this on the front burner and engage with developing a solution and putting it into law. I look forward to working with Senator Wyden, the chairman of our Energy, Budget, and Agriculture Committees, and all the interested stakeholders whom Senator Wyden mentioned--250 groups from across the political spectrum. This is one of those issues in which those groups that so often have different perspectives on how to manage our public lands are in agreement, and we need to take this support--the political agreement that is taking place and the political awareness of the crisis that is happening--and move forward to the implementation of a solution. I appreciate the opportunity to come to the floor tonight and talk with Senator Wyden one more time about this as we move to the final stages of implementing this important legislation.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, in a few minutes we will vote on the adoption of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, which we are seeking to add as an amendment to this important Energy bill. This amendment will do a number of very critical things to help the United States increase and maintain and keep its lead in nuclear energy development globally. It will establish a modeling and simulation program that aids in the development of new reactor technologies, establish a user facility for a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source, and establish a national innovation center to help share this vital information between the government and the private sector. It will allow the NRC to apprise the Department of Energy of regulatory challenges early in the development process and would require a report by the NRC on the licensing of non-light water reactors. This bill is a strong signal to the rest of the world that we intend to maintain U.S. leadership in nuclear technology. This bill will enable the private sector and national labs to work together to create even greater achievement in nuclear science than in the last century.

Mr. CRAPO

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

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I yield back all time.

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

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak about an amendment I have filed and that will soon reach the desk.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, we don't yet know the exact number of the amendment because we are refiling a minor correction to it. However, I wish to talk about a very critical amendment that I and a number of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle are bringing to the legislation today dealing with nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is one of the key elements of our national energy policy, and it must be one that is strengthened and improved as we move forward into the new global energy climate that we are dealing with in this country. I wish to start out, however, by going back in time. Sixty-four years ago, in a desert plain near Arco, ID, the Idaho National Reactor Testing Station used the Experimental Breeder Reactor, known as EBR-1, to light four lightbulbs. This was the first time in the history of the world that a nuclear reactor was used to generate electrical power. This singular event proved that atomic energy could be used to create commercial electricity. After this momentous event, EBR-1 went on to serve its real purpose, proving it was possible to build a reactor that could create more fuel than it consumed. Breeder reactors were possible. Another reactor at the National Reactor Testing Station named BORAX-III went on to power the entire town of Arco, ID. Now, Arco is not a huge metropolis like New York City, but there, once again, a nuclear reactor was used to provide the electrical needs of an entire city--another energy first for nuclear energy in our history. So began the legacy of what would become the Idaho National Laboratory, which is now the home of over 50 one-of-a-kind nuclear reactors. Everything the lab did was new. Everything was innovative. The lab in Idaho went on to achieve tremendous breakthroughs--breakthrough after breakthrough. The imagination, ingenuity and hard work of the scientists in Idaho's lab now, along with the same ingenuity of scientists at Argonne and Oak Ridge, ensured that the United States was the leader in the development and commercialization of nuclear energy. Today, many in the industry are focusing on what it takes to keep a current fleet of reactors alive and operational. Industry leaders are worried about waste issues, the economics of operation, and navigating the requirements of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Understandably, many are not focused on the future of nuclear energy and what lies beyond the current generation of reactors. Congress must find a way to help deal with the very real challenges that the current generation of nuclear reactors face. Congress must also address the waste issue, and we must evaluate the safety and cost benefits of regulations the government has placed on this industry. Many of the burdens on the nuclear industry are government created, and so they must be government solved. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Environment and Public Works Committee to do our part in providing sound solutions. Congress needs to find a way to multitask. Again, we can't ignore the challenges of the current fleet of reactors, but we must not allow these challenges to keep us from looking forward. The nuclear industry in America is, for better or worse, completely controlled by the government. Congress must lead in preparing government agencies to move forward into the future and to prepare for the next generation of our nuclear reactors. If our government is not able to create an environment in which the industry can grow and advance, companies will take their technologies overseas. We have seen this begin to happen already. Companies are now going to places such as China, Russia, South Korea, and India. These countries want to develop exportable nuclear technology. If we continue down our current path, these countries will take the lead in establishing nonproliferation norms and safety norms in the advanced nuclear industry. I would prefer that America continue to lead in this area. Today, Senators Whitehouse, Risch, Booker, Hatch, Kirk, Durbin, and I introduced the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, or NEICA, as an amendment to the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016. This measure is the Senate companion to the House measure of the same name, introduced by Representatives Randy Weber, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Lamar Smith. I wish to thank my colleagues for their hard work on this measure. As my colleagues can tell from the list I gave, it is highly bipartisan. There is broad support for this legislation on both sides of the aisle and on both sides of the Rotunda. We are all very excited by this legislation, and we all agree that innovation within the nuclear industry must continue. America's preeminence in all things nuclear must endure. The Senate version of NEICA would do four very important things to encourage innovation in advanced nuclear. No. 1, the bill directs the Department of Energy to carry out a modeling and simulation program that aids in the development of new reactor technologies. This is an important first step that allows the private sector to have access to the capabilities of our national labs to test reactor designs and concepts. No. 2, the measure also requires the DOE to report its plan to establish a user facility for a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source. This is a critical step that will allow private companies the ability to test the principles of nuclear science and prove the science behind their work. No. 3, NEICA directs the Department of Energy to carry out a program to enable the testing and demonstration of reactor concepts proposed and funded by the private sector. This site is to be called the National Nuclear Innovation Center and will function as a database to store and share knowledge on nuclear science between Federal agencies and the private sector. The Senate version of NEICA encourages the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to work together in this effort. We would like to see the DOE lead the effort to establish and operate the National Nuclear Innovation Center while consulting with the NRC regarding safety issues. We would also like to see the NRC have access to the work being done by the center in order to provide its staff with the knowledge it will need eventually to license any new reactors coming out of the center. If these reactors are ever to get to the market, the NRC must be able to understand the ins and outs of the science and work behind their development. The NRC needs the data in order to make data-driven licensing requirements. No. 4, the Senate version of the NEICA requires the NRC to report on its ability to license advanced reactors within 4 years of receiving an application. The NRC must explain any institutional or organizational barriers it faces in moving forward with the prompt licensing of advanced reactors. As I said earlier, this bill is an important step forward in maintaining the United States' leadership in nuclear energy. It is my hope this bill will enable the private sector and our national labs to work together to create new mind-blowing achievements in nuclear science. This bill encourages the smartest, most innovative and creative minds in nuclear science to partner together to move the industry forward. The NEICA is an exciting piece of legislation. I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues to help the American nuclear energy industry thrive today and prepare for the future. Thank you, Mr. President, and I yield the floor.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 125th anniversary of Hecla Mining Company, which is celebrating a remarkable milestone in its long and important history in the State of Idaho. Hecla Mining Company was formed in October of 1891 for the purposes of acquiring and trading mining claims in what was then north Idaho's newly discovered Silver Valley. Mining played an integral role in the settlement of the West and, in particular, north Idaho. The resulting mining boom employed thousands of people living in the region. The Silver Valley has produced more than 1.2 billion ounces of silver. Hecla is now the last of the area's pioneer mining companies and the largest primary silver producer in the United States. Hecla has not just weathered the storms of the last 125 years; rather, it has been shaped by them. The company and its workers' grit and resolve enabled their perseverance through the Panic of 1893, the Great Depression, and two World Wars; and they have had many achievements worthy of reflection. The minerals produced by Hecla played a key role in our Nation's defense and continue to play an integral role in the pursuit of alternative energy sources and other essential uses. Silver is a key ingredient for solar voltaic cells and is important for modern electronic and medical applications. Hecla also advanced techniques that improved mine worker safety and works to deepen its connection with the communities in which it operates, while resolving legacy environmental issues. Additionally, Hecla is currently taking the Lucky Friday mine to 10,000 feet below the surface--opening up more than 20 years of additional resources. The company and its approximately 1,300 workers provide tremendous economic and charitable benefits to communities and our Nation. Hecla's charitable foundation has provided more than $1.5 million in the last 7 years alone in support of education, youth activities, community health, and infrastructure. The company estimates that its Lucky Friday Mine in north Idaho has provided more than $1 billion to the local and State economy in the last 5 years. Hecla's employees support numerous community needs, including serving on school boards and other elected positions, as emergency medical technicians and firemen. Congratulations, Hecla Mining Company and employees, on 125 years of accomplishments. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to strengthening our communities, Idaho, and Nation. I wish you all the best for continued success.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Bob Ford, who is retiring from Senate service. Bob is a valued, longtime member of my staff and dear friend. In September of 2002, Bob joined my staff as the State director for business, economic, and rural development. Bob, originally from the Sunny Slope area of Canyon County, brought to the position a profound knowledge of rural and economic development shaped by his service as the State manager of rural development for the Idaho Department of Commerce, where he worked for 17 years in various capacities. To say that Bob assisted me in a number of issue areas is an understatement. He has worked on far too many efforts to count. In addition to his work on rural and economic development issues, he has worked on initiatives related to housing, labor, trade, veterans, energy, banking, budget, taxes, immigration, water resources, transportation, and much more. Highlights of his contributions as a member of my staff include his successful work to stop the transfer of the terminal approach control radar, known as TRACON, from the Boise airport. Bob spent countless hours working with affected parties to build an overwhelming justification for retaining TRACON at the Boise airport. He also worked heavily on trying to restore a key Amtrak corridor between the Midwest, the Intermountain States, and the Pacific Northwest. As a fellow veteran, Bob has utilized his shared understanding of serving our Nation to connect with Idaho's veterans community and help improve veterans' access to quality services. He has attentively and efficiently administered the presenting of the Spirit of Freedom Award, which is an annual award to veterans and volunteers to recognize their great contributions to our armed services and veterans. Bob is pragmatic and witty. He brings his calm, commonsense approach to any task, and I will miss his logical counsel and good humor. Bob is so widely admired that there has been no shortage of Idahoans who have shared fond memories of times they have worked with Bob over the years and the achievements he has made for the people of our great State. Bob, you have done ``not bad for a kid who grew up on a farm in Sunny Slope on the banks of the Snake River.'' I hope that retirement will provide much-deserved time fishing, and that I will still get to benefit from your wise assistance from time to time. Thank you for your outstanding, committed service. Congratulations on your retirement. I wish you all the best.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins me today in expressing our gratitude to Jeff Sayer, a great Idahoan and public servant. We honor Jeff's contributions over the past few years as he transitions from State service. Jeff Sayer has served honorably as the State of Idaho director of the Department of Commerce since October 2011. During his 4 years of service at the Department of Commerce, Jeff accomplished many important objectives. They include the reorganization of the department, making it leaner and more responsive to business. Jeff likes to say that he wants a department that ``moves at the speed of business,'' and he was successful in meeting that goal. Jeff launched the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission and established the Idaho Opportunity Fund, as well as Idaho's Tax Reimbursement Incentive that resulted in 4,047 new jobs, $496 million in new capital investments, $1.65 billion in total wages, and $288 million in new State revenue. These are just some of the impressive accomplishments of the Department of Commerce under the direction of Jeff Sayer. Jeff's leadership of the Governor's Leadership in Nuclear Energy, or LINE, Commission is equally important. Jeff started this commission, led it through a complete review of the State's role in supporting nuclear energy and Idaho National Laboratory, and oversaw the completion of a final report that is still helping guide policymakers in Idaho and Washington, DC. While we congratulate Jeff on being presented with an outstanding opportunity to return to the private sector, we are saddened to be losing his leadership and talents in State government. We wish Jeff and his wife, Laurel, well in their new endeavor and look forward to still leaning on Jeff for guidance and wisdom on a frequent basis.

Mr. CRAPO

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

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the ObamaCare legislation we are dealing with today and in an effort to repeal. I join my colleagues in calling on the President to work with us to reform this very badly written law. By any objective measure, the President's health care law is a disaster. Six years ago, at Christmas time, I was here on this floor as we held the final debate and held the final vote, after nearly a year of trying to stop this legislation from being forced into law. Unfortunately, it was passed in the most partisan and misguided way on a straight party-line vote after virtually every serious effort to amend it and repair it had been rejected outright. Since that time, the American people have felt the impact of the law. Thirty of the Senators who forced it through this Chamber no longer serve in the Senate any more. I don't believe this legislation could pass again were it brought before us. Those of us who fought over it at that time raised a number of concerns and warned the American people that this proposal would result in widespread dislocation of the American health care economy, that it would increase taxes on nearly everyone, force people from health insurance plans and doctors whom they have and whom they like, push up premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, cut Medicare services, and, finally, undermine the employer- based health insurance program and market that so many people and families rely upon. Unfortunately, time and again, we have been proven right. In truth, today we see that the situation is much worse than even we said it would be. The President not only managed to mangle the 2013 rollout of the ObamaCare exchanges, but he repeatedly has delayed key parts of the law because of the entirely predictable problems that have arisen and made selective interpretations of the law necessary to advance the administration's political interests. The President, or a top administrative official, stated 37 times: ``If you like your health care plan, you can keep it.'' These included numerous national townhalls and weekly Presidential addresses. This statement proved to be PolitiFact's 2013 ``Lie of the Year.'' Since those statements, millions of cancellation notices have been sent out to Americans across this country, including over 100,000 in Idaho alone in 2013, rendering meaningless the President's oft- repeated pledge. In January, CBO updated its estimate of the effects of the health care law, indicating that over 10 million individuals will lose their employer-based health care coverage by 2021. Further, CBO estimates the law will leave 31 million people uninsured, up from its original 2011 forecast of 23 million people. We are also learning that the health care Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan Program--the CO-OP program--is failing nationally, despite receiving over $2 billion in taxpayer bailouts. Today, over half--12 of the original 23 public co-ops--have failed. Between October 9 and October 16, 4 co-ops announced they would not offer health insurance in 2016, leaving 176,000 patients scrambling to find a new plan. The President is also annually faced with the reality of rising premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for health insurance plans. What is his line of argument? He again tries to lower expectations, saying that these costs are not as bad as they initially were projected to be, even though they are still going up. Throughout the 2008 Presidential campaign, then-Senator Barack Obama repeatedly promised that his health care plan would bring down premiums by as much as $2,500 for the typical family. As President, he continued to make this claim, even after studies demonstrated that the opposite would occur. The truth was that the opposite did occur. Health care premiums have skyrocketed. For the most recent open enrollment period, the average premium increase for the midlevel silver plans on the Federal exchange is 7.5 percent, more than triple last year's increase. In Idaho, which operates a State exchange, the average premium increase for a Blue Cross of Idaho plan is 23 percent. The average premium for a Regence BlueShield of Idaho plan is 10 percent. And the average premium increase for a SelectHealth plan is 14 percent. This is after year after year of increasing health care premiums. What is the justification from the insurers? This is the first year prices are based on post-ObamaCare patients, enrollments costs, and mandates. Premiums are skyrocketing. There are better solutions. To address the increasing costs and decreasing choices, the bill we have before us today eliminates the individual and employer mandates so Americans can once again choose the plan that fits their health care and budget needs. It also repeals the taxes on employer contributions to flexible spending accounts and expands the availability of health savings accounts, FSAs, and health reimbursement accounts. These accounts are central to a consumer-driven health care system. But it is not just premiums that are increasing. People are facing higher deductibles and copays as well, sometimes thousands of dollars higher than before. For the lowest cost ObamaCare plans in 2016, deductibles have increased by 10.6 percent for individuals and 10 percent for families. Let me give just a couple of examples from constituents in Idaho. Daniel from Meridian, ID, recently contacted my office to explain why he and his family are uninsured for the first time in their lives. Daniel is employed and the sole provider for his family. His employer offers health coverage, but the estimated cost of premiums for his family would be over $900 per month. He chose to purchase insurance from the exchange but decided the coverage was not worth a $500-per- month premium and an $8,000 deductible. That is right, an $8,000 deductible. Daniel is not the only constituent who has contacted my office about the so-called family glitch--an unfortunate but not uncommon flaw in ObamaCare that has left millions of Americans families uninsured. Bill from Boise, ID, is a small business owner. He purchases his own health insurance and provides coverage to his 45 employees. He saw his premiums increase by 7 percent in 2014, by 12 percent in 2015, and was recently notified by his insurance company that premiums will increase by 25.6 percent in 2016. Bill says these increases, in addition to other regulations and mandates coming from the government, will likely cause small businesses to close their doors. Lane from Melba, ID, experienced his premiums increase to over $900 per month for his family. Even without preexisting conditions, his plan includes a $3,500 deductible. These cost increases come as individuals are paying more in taxes also as a result of ObamaCare. People may recall that at the time of the debate, the President stated again and again: I can make a firm pledge . . . no family making less than $250,000 will see their taxes increase . . . not your income taxes, not your payroll taxes, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes. . . . You will not see any of your taxes increase one single dime. Well, when we debated the bill we pointed out that there was over $1 trillion--maybe close to $1.5 trillion--of new taxes, most of which were going to fall squarely on the middle class. Yet, during consideration of ObamaCare, the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation sent me a letter confirming that there were at least seven specific tax increases in the bill which would raise taxes on middle-income American families. According to CBO, ObamaCare will cost taxpayers more than $116 billion a year in taxes. The average American household can expect to pay more than $20,000 in new taxes over the next 10 years. In Idaho, my constituents will pay $360 million more in taxes over the next decade, or $6,055 per household. The legislation we are considering today will solve this problem as well. It will eliminate more than $1 trillion in tax increases and save more than $500 billion in spending. And for all of the additional burdens, mandates, and costs, consumers are finding narrower insurance networks and limited plan offerings. In its recent Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2017, CMS actually stated that an excessive number of health plan options makes consumers less likely to make any plan selection and that standardized options are needed to provide consumers the opportunity to make simpler comparisons. This means these standardizations will once again mandate that insurers offer consumers fewer options. To sum up, millions of Americans are being forced from plans they like and the doctors and hospitals they know. They face higher premiums and higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, they navigate one of the least customer-friendly Web sites ever designed, they are obligated to share personal and sensitive financial information through a network that hackers have called a gold mine for thieves--and, which is managed by the IRS--and, in return, they are paying higher taxes and seeing Medicare benefits cut. It is time that we in Congress place on the President's desk a solution, a repeal of these onerous and misguided health care policies and a reform of our health care system that will help move us to achieve the true objectives that Americans are asking for--helping to get a proper health care delivery system with a market-based delivery foundation that will help to reduce costs, increase the quality of care, and expand access to care across this country. We know we can do it. But we know now very clearly that ObamaCare is not the solution.

Mr. CRAPO

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

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I wish to honor Mountain Home Air Force Base's 366th Fighter Wing, which recently earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Congratulations to the skilled and dedicated men and women who serve in the 366th Fighter Wing for their outstanding service to our Nation. The Outstanding Unit Award was created 61 years ago. According to the Air Force Personnel Center, it is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to units that ``distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement.'' The 366th FW earned the award for the period of June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015, and is credited with 9,200 hours spent in the air. When making the nomination, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mark C. Nowland cited the fighter wing's ``determination and relentless pursuit of excellence.'' He noted a number of the wing's accomplishments: the successful use of airpower during Republic of Korea theater security package operations; the Gunfighters expanded their airspace by 25 percent, supporting seven military branches from five countries during five major exercises; and the achievement of an impeccable personal training pass rate. Lieutenant General Nowland wrote, ``Whether at home training for current and future contingencies or sending Airmen downrange to complete combat operations, the Gunfighters exemplify the Fly, Fight and Win ethos.'' The more than 4,680 military and civilian members and approximately 4,590 family members of the 366th FW have a long history of excellence. It has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 17 times, dating back to its accomplishments in 1966 and as recent as 2012. The work of the wing's servicemembers also earned Meritorious Unit Awards in both 2008 and 2009. These are just a few of its recognitions. Various divisions of the wing have also received numerous awards. The wing's maintenance group was acknowledged as ``Outstanding Maintenance Unit'' for their efforts during a massive aerial combat training exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The 366th Security Forces Squadron was also named ``Most Outstanding Security Forces Medium Unit in Air Combat Command.'' The 366th Force Support Squadron was selected as the best force support squadron in Air Combat Command, ACC, and the base's medical group is the top rated in ACC. The commitment and dedication of the thousands of courageous and accomplished Americans who call Idaho home is beyond impressive. We are blessed to have many knowledgeable and brave individuals and their families protecting our Nation. I congratulate the 366th Fighter Wing on its many successes.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I wish to honor Vaughn Thomas Hawkes on his 80th birthday. Vaughn is a native Idahoan whose family roots in the State go back generations. He is one of nine children born to a farm family outside of Preston, where he learned hard work and ingenuity are the keys to a good life. The work ethic he learned early on has served him well through his 80 years, but he had a spirit of adventure that was unusual for an Idaho farm boy. After he finished college at Utah State University and married his sweetheart of close to 56 years, Frances Arlene Anderson, they embarked on a journey that took them to the tiny island territory of American Samoa, where he first taught high school chemistry, math, and physics, and then served as principal at Mapusaga High School. But perhaps some may think his greatest achievement during that time was that he was instrumental in introducing American football to the Samoan people--something many college and NFL teams have appreciated for many years now. An educator by training and inclination, Vaughn spent many years in administrative positions at the Blackfoot School District before finishing his career in the Provo School District where he retired. His devotion to his faith has been manifest in many ways, including missionary service throughout the world--first as a young missionary in western Canada; then in American Samoa; then in Milan, Italy; and most recently in Santa Monica, CA. His teaching nature has been evident far beyond his professional career, as he has been given the opportunity to educate through that missionary service. Upon his retirement from education several years ago, he had served in teaching positions at the LDS Missionary Training Center and the BYU-Idaho Pathways Program--ever searching to help those who are seeking improvement in their educational pursuits. His friends and neighbors know him as a tinkerer, a man who can fix anything. He maintains a world-class collection of tools and parts you never knew you were missing. He is the proud father of eight children-- Susan, Richard, Diane, Pamela, Cynthia, Daniel, John, and Scott. His eldest daughter, Susan, has worked for me for many years, and I have had the opportunity to get to know Vaughn on a personal level. While he may count them as his greatest achievements, each one of them is grateful for his influence and support in their lives. He taught them how to work, how to fight for what is right and fair, to value education and learning, to take the adventurous path, and to be faithful to the Lord. He has built a life of service and devotion to his family, friends, and faith and serves as a tremendous example of kindness and strength to all who know him. As a young farm boy, Vaughn had an opportunity to receive the Congressional Record every day through the mail. He was fascinated by all that transpired in Congress and read the documents studiously. It was only the beginning of a lifetime of curiosity about the world around him. So it seemed a fitting tribute to honor his 80th birthday to provide him with his own mention in that illustrious Record. We wish him a very happy 80th birthday.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated this week as National Forest Products Week to recognize the important contribution of forest products to our economy and environment. This week means a great deal to industries and employees in the State of Idaho and citizens nationally. In Idaho alone, forestry, logging, wood products, and pulp and paper production support more than 10,600 jobs, contribute over $430 million to the local economy through wages, and produce a value of shipments of over $2.6 billion. The industry continues to grow and is taking on new and innovative projects like the development of tall wood buildings. Over the past several years, a number of tall wood projects have been completed around the world, demonstrating successful applications of next generation lumber and mass timber technologies. Today, the concept is gaining traction in the U.S.--with more architects opting for a sustainable solution for attaining safe, cost-effective, and high- performing tall buildings in urban dense settings. Years of research and real-life experience have proven that wood buildings can withstand the effects of major wind and seismic events. These structures, when properly designed and constructed, protect lives and preserve building function. Wood buildings are durable and can be designed to last a lifetime. For example, a mass timber system was used in the 1974 rebuild of the nine-story Butler Square Building in Minneapolis. Heavy timber post and beam construction provided an adaptable solution and has allowed the building to stand strong since 1900. As we celebrate forest products this week, let us all thank and congratulate those in the industry for their considerable contributions to economies the world over and their development of cutting-edge technologies that create better, stronger, and greener buildings.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I wish to honor the 2015 Idaho Hometown Hero Medalists in the fifth year of the presentation of this recognition. The Idaho Hometown Hero Medal celebrates those working for the betterment of our communities. Drs. Fahim and Naeem Rahim established the recognition to honor individuals who embody the spirit of philanthropy while showing remarkable commitment in both their personal and professional lives. I congratulate the 2015 award recipients and commend the Rahim brothers, the award's committee members, the cosponsors, volunteers, and other organizations supporting this honor for partnering to highlight good works. Ten exceptional Idahoans from communities across our great State are 2015 Hometown Hero Medal recipients. Marianna Budnikova, of Boise, started two nonprofits to help girls take part in technology and pursue careers in computer sciences. Carrie French, of Caldwell, is being awarded posthumously for her dedicated, courageous service to our Nation. She enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 19 and died serving bravely in the Iraq war. Tiara Lusk, an ex-policewoman from Sugar City, started two initiatives to help women who are victims of domestic abuse and started a training program to help women enlist in the police force. Sylvia Medina, a successful businesswoman from Idaho Falls, works to economically empower women and encourage the Latina community to participate in politics. John Rauker, an antidrug campaign advocate, rescues at-risk children and opened drug rehab centers in Twin Falls and Pocatello for teens. Maria Sanchez, from American Falls, is an Idaho State University student who has excelled playing soccer for the university and is training to play for the Mexican national women's soccer team in the World Cup. Donna Scroggins, of Ririe, has dedicated many years to service. She is a World War II veteran who also served as a Peace Corp volunteer and nursed those in need in Ecuador and Afton, WY. Judge Norman Randy Smith, of Pocatello, has served with distinction on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and is significantly involved with education and empowering students. Carmen Stanger, of Boise and Pocatello, channeled the loss of her daughter to bullying to leading antibullying efforts and working to empower teens and prevent similar tragedies in other families. Pastor Jacqualine Thomas, of Pocatello, grew the church she started from a congregation of 3 to more than 200. As an African-American woman pastor, she is actively involved in helping people in the community and providing a safe haven for those who are struggling. Thank you to all the Hometown Hero Award recipients for the good works you inspire in others through your commitment to hard work, self- improvement, and community service. Congratulations on receiving this deserved recognition.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to yield back all time.

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

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 22, 2015, at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 22, 2015, at 10 a.m., in room SD-1A226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``Examining Consolidation in the Health Insurance Industry and its Impact on Consumers.''

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 22, 2015, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Nominations.''

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 22, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Improving VA Accountability: Examining First-Hand Accounts of Department of Veterans Affairs Whistleblowers.''

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 22, 2015, at 2:30 p.m.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to join Americans across our great Nation in recognizing National POW/MIA Day--a day to honor prisoners of war, POW, and those missing in action, MIA. Throughout the history of our Nation, Americans have answered the call of duty to defend our country and its interests. They bravely step forward knowing of the sacrifices they may endure. At home, we enjoy the security and freedoms they have fought to ensure. We must not forget the costs of our freedoms and the Americans who sacrificed for our country. We must be resolute in our duty to bring them home should they go missing or be taken prisoner when serving our Nation. The safe return of those who have gone missing in action or are prisoners of war remains at the forefront of my thoughts and prayers. Likewise, the challenges of families of missing servicemembers as they await the return of loved ones cannot be forgotten. POW/MIA families and veterans have remained committed to the pursuit of facts. Finding resolution for military families, who have supported the brave men and women who protect our freedoms, must also remain a priority. We cannot forget the remarkable service of those who put their lives on the line to secure the return of missing military personnel. Those courageous Americans and their families deserve gratitude for the work they do to bring Americans home. Thank you for the service of our Nation's servicemembers, their families, and all those who work to ensure the return home of America's best and bravest.