Kevin Cramer

Mr. CRAMER

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, thank you for the recognition. At the outset, let me say thank you to Senators Manchin and Capito for their passionate support and their words today in support of this joint resolution, this Congressional Review Act resolution. I also want to thank the chairman of the EPW, the distinguished Senator from Delaware and my friend. As he just said, we have worked closely together on lots of things. It is a great committee. It is fun to work on. And, again, we just don't see eye to eye on this one, but I just want to offer my respect for the good work that we all do together. I thank the Senator. Madam President, few things are more frustrating in government than unelected bureaucrats asserting authority they don't have and foisting Federal mediocrity on the excellence of States. Shortly, the Senate will take up my bipartisan resolution that overturns the Biden administration's obviously illegal--regardless of how you might feel about the merits, an obviously illegal rule that requires State departments of transportation to measure CO2 tailpipe emissions and then set declining targets for vehicles traveling on the highway systems of their respective States. This rule is wrong on so many levels and has already been overturned by courts in Texas and Kentucky. Now we, the elected policymakers in our system, have the opportunity to correct course and spare the taxpayers the gross expense of litigating this demonstration of bureaucratic arrogance. When the Environment and Public Works Committee negotiated the highway bill, we considered giving this authority to the Department of Transportation. But after the hearings and the deliberations, the committee chose not to grant such authority to the Agency, and we passed the bill out unanimously. And it became the foundation for the broader bipartisan bill known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. When the ``bipartisan gang'' put their proposal together, they, too, chose to leave this authority out of the bill. These decisions were not accidental; they were intentional. When we pointed this out during the Department of Transportation's official comment period, the Federal Highway Administration provided a very novel rationale. Get this, now. They argued that since Congress was aware of their plans to promulgate this rule and did not explicitly bar it, ``Congress intended to leave such determinations to''--get this, now--``Agency expertise to be handled via regulatory authority.'' That is not just arrogance; that is arrogance on steroids. Here is what the late great Winston Churchill had to say about expertise in government: Nothing would be more fatal than for the government of States to get into the hands of the experts. Expert knowledge is limited knowledge: and the unlimited ignorance of the plain man who knows only what hurts is a safer guide, than any vigorous direction of a specialised character. Congress does not ``leave'' determinations to Agencies. Congress either grants such authority or it does not. And if it does not, the Agency does not possess that power. In fact, let me read a couple of lines from the courts who have already ruled on this issue. If the people, through Congress, believe that the states should spend the time and money necessary to measure and report [greenhouse gas] emissions and set declining emission targets, they may do so by amending Section 150 or passing a new law. But an agency cannot make this decision for the people. An agency can only do what the people authorize it to do, and the plain language of Section 150(c)(3) and its related statutory provisions demonstrate the [Department of Transportation] was not authorized to enact the 2023 Rule. That was Judge James Wesley Hendrix of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Judge Benjamin Beaton of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky wrote: If the Administrator-- referring to the Federal highway administrator. If the Administrator were allowed to shove national greenhouse-gas policy into the mouths of uncooperative state Departments of Transportation, this would corrupt the separation of sovereigns central to our lasting and vibrant system of federalism. Neither the Constitution nor the Administrative Procedure Act authorizes administrative ventriloquism. Colleagues, the absence of a prohibition is not a license for bureaucracy to do whatever it pleases. These court rulings underscore Agencies must abide by the law, not invent the authority they desire. Several States have resoundingly rejected this illegal rule. Several State departments of transportation objected to it in writing. Several States joined this litigation, and 50 Senators have cosponsored this Congressional Review Act. Let me just quote a couple of States. The Arizona Department of Transportation: Arizona Department of Transportation disagrees with the justification provided in the NPRM regarding the legal authority for Federal Highway Administration to establish a greenhouse gas emissions performance measure. The Michigan Department of Transportation writes: MDOT is apprehensive about supporting new measures not explicitly authorized by Congress . . . Therefore, there is no provision in federal law requiring the Federal Highway Administration to establish a greenhouse gas measure. Twenty attorneys general from Montana, Virginia, Georgia, Ohio, and a number of other States wrote: The proposed greenhouse gas measure would be a serious revision of what Congress has written, and Congress has not given the Federal Highway Administration such editorial power. Madam President, the Biden administration should have never introduced this rule, but now we, the policymaking branch of government, must end it. I urge all of my colleagues to stand up for the Senate and vote for this restoration of article I powers. Vote yes on this Congressional Review Act resolution. I yield the floor.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, I want to honor a very special North Dakota resident who turned 100 years old on January 11. Nils Martin Buringrud celebrated this landmark birthday in Fargo at a party with a small group of friends and later a dinner with his family. Nils was born January 11, 1924, to Nils and Marthe Buringrud in Thief River Falls, MN. His father was a farmer, and the family moved near the Red River Valley community of Kelso, ND, in 1930. They moved 3 years later to a place a few miles away southwest of the community of Hillsboro. In 1943, they moved to a new home southeast of Hillsboro, where Nils lived until he graduated from high school in 1942. That fall he moved to Spokane, WA, and then to McClellan Air Force Base near Sacramento, CA, where he worked in shipping airplane engines overseas to military bases in the Pacific. Nils returned home and helped farm for awhile before enlisting in the Marines in 1944 at the age of 22. During World War II, he served aboard an aircraft carrier that sailed through the Panama Canal and on to all the islands in the Pacific, along with Japan, China, India, and near the coast of Africa. He was an expert rifleman when the war ended. After being discharged from the Marines, he farmed with his brother- in-law and sister and later delivered fuel to area farms. He married Elaine Ponto in 1947, and the newlyweds lived in a home on the Argusville farm of his brother-in-law and sister until 1949, when they bought a farmstead 3-and-a-half miles east of Gardner. There, they continued to farm and raised six children. Nils was active in the American Legion, and he and Elaine attended regular reunions with friends from his Marine unit. They lived there until 1993 when they sold their farm and moved to Fargo. Elaine died in 2006 and Nils continues to reside in Fargo in the home they purchased in 1998. His daughter Marcia now lives with him, and his life is filled with the activities of his four children who are still living and 11 grandchildren. He continues to drive and walks about an hour daily, weather permitting. While not the oldest living veteran in North Dakota, his family believes he may the oldest to still have a valid drivers license. North Dakota is home to more than 200 centenarians, and we consider them among our most treasured residents. Nils Buringrud embodies the very best of the Greatest Generation, growing up on a farm, moving out of State for awhile, enlisting to serve in World War II, and then returning home to raise a family and contribute to his community and State. He has remained a proud and active veteran, and his pioneer spirit, dignity, and hard work have brought him through many challenges and personal achievements. He is an inspiration to all of us. On behalf of all North Dakotans, I thank Nils for his service to our country and wish him a happy 100th birthday. I hope you enjoy continued good health and vitality for years to come.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I have the privilege of once again congratulating my alma mater on its' second high school State football championship in 3 years. On November 10, the Kindred Vikings won the Division A State title at the Dakota Bowl State Football Tournament. They finished a truly impressive undefeated season by taking the championship over Dickinson Trinity by a score of 36-7. They had earlier won their first three postseason games, defeating teams from Harvey/Fessenden- Bowman, Oakes, and Langdon/Edmore/Munich. This was the third appearance and second State championship for the Vikings since State playoffs sponsored by the North Dakota High School Activities Association began in 1975. They made one Dakota Bowl appearance in 2016 and, in 2021, took the championship by defeating the Edmore-Munich Cardinals. At Kindred High School, I lettered for 4 years in football, basketball, and track before graduating in 1979. Our teams were not as good as the Vikings are today, something I observed firsthand as the starting quarterback my junior and senior years. Remembering those years increases my admiration all the more for the superb quality of this team and its undefeated season. Quarterback Jake Starcevic scored three touchdowns and rushed for 117 yards in the Vikings's decisive victory in the championship game. He and two other Vikings players, Riley Sunram and Brooks Bakko, were named to the All-State Class A Football Teams. Congratulations to this year's team members: Camron Schwartzwalter, Gabe Whipple, Hayden Cichy, Izaak Spelhaug, Hunter Bindas, Jack McDonald, Miles Stroh, Brock Johnson, Landon Kottsick, Jakob Starcevic, Ethan Duval, Brooks Bakko, Carson Gette, Gabriel Iverson, Wyatt Briscoe, Myles Thielges, Graham Hesse, Owen Hoyme, Kylan Swenson, Sawyer Hesse, Grant Allison, Brayden Olson, Tyson Johnson, Fisher Johnson, Taylor Brandsted-Fletcher, Brady Baumgarten, Christopher Freier, Samuel Jenness, Jacob Lund, Kyle Campbell, Tanon Johnson, Tate Miller, Gavin Niemeyer, Teige Erdmann, Brody Mauch, Cole Richard, Kelby Erdmann, Ethan Fornshell, Andrew Haley, Dilon Filler, Lukas Starcevic, Trevor Olson, Riley Sunram, Grant Spelhaug, Javen Johnson, and Lincoln Swenson. I also want to also recognize Eric Burgad in his first year as head coach, along with his assistants Brad Ambrosius, Joe Harder, Nate Safe, and Ryan Sunram, as well as all the hometown fans for their part in winning this championship. As a proud alumnus of Kindred High School, I join the rest of North Dakota in congratulating the Vikings on a perfect season and another State championship and for inspiring all of us to strive for excellence, regardless of the circumstance. Once again, they have shown the rest of us what can be achieved when faith and passion combine with determination and teamwork.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, I want to honor a very special North Dakota resident who is turning 100 years old on December 15. Harold Hepper was a longtime resident of McClusky and most recently has lived in Bismarck, where he will celebrate this landmark birthday. Harold embodies the very best of the Greatest Generation. A year after graduating from McClusky High School in 1942, he and five buddies were drafted into the Army and traveled to Fort Snelling, MN. Initially rejected because of his poor eyesight, Harold returned home and begged the Selective Service Board for another chance to serve. After obtaining plastic glasses, he was able to train at Camp Barkeley, TX, to be an Army medical aidman. He shipped out from New Jersey for England and was on the frontlines in France the summer of 1944, where he was wounded in the shoulder during the Battle of Brest. Following his participation in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, that December found him in the Battle of the Bulge. There, thousands of Americans died in what was the largest and bloodiest U.S. battle of World War II. The first day of the battle on December 16 brought heavy casualties on both sides. Harold and other medics worked on the front lines for 10 days, providing nonstop medical aid before they were relieved. Harold was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and other campaign medals. Honorably discharged in November 1945, he has remained active in veterans organizations the rest of his life. This includes 76 years as a member of the McClusky American Legion. Returning home, Harold worked as an insurance agent at the First National Bank of McClusky for 44 years before retiring in 1987. He joined the McClusky Fire Department in 1954 and served there for 33 years, including one year as fire chief. Harold and his wife, Laura, who died in 2015, raised two daughters, Debra and Gail. They will join five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and other family, friends, and veterans groups in honoring Harold on his 100th birthday. North Dakota is home to more than 200 centenarians, and we consider them among our most treasured residents. Their pioneer spirit, dignity, and hard work have brought them through many challenges and personal achievements. On behalf of all North Dakotans, I thank Harold Hepper for his service to our country and wish him a happy 100th birthday. I hope you enjoy continued good health and vitality.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great American and an exceptional member of the U.S. Air Force, Maj. Andrea May. As an Air Force Senate legislative liaison officer, from June 2021 to May 2023, Andrea performed her duties with exceptional professionalism during the 117th and 118th U.S. Congresses. Andrea distinguished herself through her professional character and dedication by serving this Nation in uniform, leading the division's collaboration with the Senate Space Force Caucus, coordinating six events critical to educating Members and their staff on the Department of Defense's newest service, and helping to advocate for Space Force priorities. Her efforts helped solidify the establishment of the U.S. Space Force, ensured the confirmation of the 26th Air Force Secretary, and secured the Department of the Air Force's support of the national defense strategy in our return to Great Power Competition. A motivated leader and thoughtful relationship builder, Andrea expertly conveyed Department of the Air Force positions on the Air Force Future Design that included the future bomber, tanker, and fighter force. Andrea's direct support provided the U.S. Senate critical information necessary for two National Defense Authorization Acts. Additionally, Andrea served as a liaison between the Department of the Air Force and 19 U.S. Senate offices, including mine. When I had concerns, she was the airman with whom I spoke to address them. Andrea helped ensure that the airmen and guardians of North Dakota were well cared for and that their concerns and interests were known to the leadership of the Department of the Air Force. In her role as a liaison for the Air Force, she also coordinated responses to more than 200 requests for information and led delegations for 70 Senators, Representatives, and congressional staff on visits to showcase Department equities across the United States and abroad, to include the bicameral Reagan National Defense Forum. Andrea's significant efforts led to successful engagements between this governing body and senior Department of Defense officials, including the Secretary of the Air Force. All of these engagements helped U.S. Senators understand defense equities and their impact on national security. Due to her direct involvement and stewardship, Members of Congress were able to make informed decisions and ensured the Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and funded. Lastly, Major May was also responsible for helping prepare the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Chief of Space Operations, and other senior leaders for more than 80 engagements with Senators and their staff and three Senate Armed Services Committee hearings. After serving in this crucial role and becoming a fixture on Capitol Hill, Andrea recently moved on to serve as a pilot in the 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews. I am thankful for Andrea's service and her work with my office and the Senate over the past 2 years on issues of vital importance to the United States. I salute this American patriot whose selfless work has kept our country safe and strong. I join countless others in thanking her for her service.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 1241 and ask that it be reported by number, as I intend to withdraw the amendment shortly due to majority party mischief.

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, the Senate has been preaching regular order for some time, and I have been cheering them on. I have been a strong advocate for regular order because we need a process that engages all of the Members of this body. But one has to ask why my bipartisan, germane amendment is deemed a ``poison pill'' and now needs 60 votes to pass. Well, I know the answer. It is simple. Because it was going to pass. That is why. That is why suddenly it is a ``poison pill.'' Senate Democrats would rather provide the Biden administration cover by taking a show vote designed to fail than follow real regular order. The will of the Senate should prevail here, but they are not going to let it. This appropriation limitation amendment would prevent the U.S. Department of Transportation from finalizing their illegal rule requiring States to measure CO2 tailpipe emissions and then set declining targets for individual States on their roadways. Congress has not provided any authority for the Department of Transportation to dictate CO2 performance requirements. They can't do what they don't have the authority to do. And even if we had, it is not a workable solution. It may be hard for bureaucrats in Washington, DC, to imagine this, but you cannot tell States like North Dakota and Montana that to reduce tailpipe emissions is easy. Just build a subway. Build a subway or dedicate bus lanes on your gravel roads. That is why a majority of the States in this country have submitted comments expressing their concern and opposing--outright opposing--this rule. When the Environment and Public Works Committee negotiated the last highway bill, we expressly left this authority out. We made the decision to not give this authority to the Department of Transportation. I would note that that bill moved out of committee unanimously and then became the cornerstone of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Ironically, the Biden administration created the ``poison pill'' that this amendment is meant to address. I am not interested in show votes, so I am going to withdraw the amendment. The administration should scrap this rule, but if they finalize it, I will be back. I will be back with a CRA resolution, and then Senate Democrats can't force a 60-vote majority on that one, and I will lead an amicus brief pointing to the major questions doctrine, which the Department of Transportation clearly violates with their rule. With that, I yield. Amendment No. 1241 Withdrawn Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

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

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, October is the month the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute--CCAI--recognizes individuals across the Nation who make a difference in the lives of young people in need of foster care and forever homes. My wife Kris and I are adoptive parents ourselves and share a commitment to adoption and foster care and applaud the work of the CCAI. This year, I nominated Roger and Bobbi Loven of Bismarck as among those honored this year as CCAI Angels in Adoption. I consider it a privilege to annually recognize the work of individuals and families in North Dakota who devote years toward loving children in the foster care system. Roger and Bobbi Loven began foster care when he was doing his anesthesiology residency in Omaha, NE, in the early 1980s. They took babies for up to 3 weeks before they were permanently placed with an adoptive family. When they moved to Bismarck in 1984, they had already cared for 17 babies. In 1991, while raising three sons of their own, they became licensed foster care providers in North Dakota. Because Roger is a medical doctor, they were often contacted about babies coming out of NICU, including those born with drug addictions and recovering from withdrawal. They also took babies with physical injuries, including a 3-month-old with a skull fracture and broken bones in every extremity. Another 2-month-old had been sexually assaulted by the father. They adopted one foster daughter when she was 4 years old, and following high school graduation this year, she is attending college. In the 40 years since taking their first, they estimate they have cared for at least 85 children. The Lovens enjoy contact with many families whose children they have fostered. And they mentor countless other adults new to foster care. A common concern is about getting so attached to the children it is hard to let them go. ``There are many hard days with foster children, but the rewards are there too,'' says Roger. ``Being able to see them thrive and learn to attach to others is worth it.'' They also are active in a group at their church where caregivers listen to and support each other in whatever challenges they are facing. ``It's so important to remain positive,'' Bobbi says. Roger retired in 2019 after 35 years as an anesthesiologist at Bismarck's St. Alexius Hospital. Although they talk about pulling back in the number of children they will take in the future, they continue to counsel others providing foster care and are in constant contact with NICU nurses who are well acquainted with this couple and their loving hearts. I join all North Dakotans and the entire Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in congratulating and honoring Roger and Bobbi Loven. We thank you for your years of dedication and the work you continue to do fostering children in your home and inspiring others to also become involved. You are exceptionally deserving of recognition as Angels in Adoption.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, tomorrow, thousands of people will gather at Scheels Arena in Fargo, ND, to pay a final tribute to a hero. I wish I could be there to celebrate his life as well. It was a life that was well lived while being far too short. Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin was laid to rest on Saturday in the small Midwest town of Pequot Lakes, MN. Eleven days ago, on July 14, Officer Wallin was killed as he and fellow officers Andrew Dotas, Tyler Hawes, and Zachary Robinson responded to, really, a routine fender bender, where they were ambushed by an uninvolved assailant who was armed with several weapons, 1,800 rounds of ammunition, and multiple homemade explosive devices--clearly intent on going on a murder spree. Officer Robinson, the last cop standing, swiftly responded to neutralize the threat, fatally shooting the hate-filled killer. Officer Wallin was murdered for simply being a cop, a peace officer, helping ordinary people in need of assistance--a life-long public servant gunned down simply because of the uniform and badge that he wore. He has been, is, and will forever be a hero to our community. Jake grew up in St. Michael, MN, and enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard after graduating from high school. He served our country on deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan before returning home and joining the Fargo Police Department in April of this year--3 months on the job. Like so many boys and girls, Jake wanted to be a police officer more than anything. In fact, his father Jeff said in an interview that he ``could never have stopped him'' from joining the force. He always wanted a job with purpose behind it and said he didn't want to work behind a desk. He said, in fact: I want to be doing something I can tell myself at the end of the day that I made a difference somehow. That, colleagues, is the quote of an American hero. We need more heroes like Jake who are ready to answer the call. In the time since Officer Wallin's passing, Fargo hardware stores have experienced a phenomenon that many outside Minnesota would find baffling. Across the city, stores are almost completely sold out of blue light bulbs as people have rushed out to purchase them and light their porches and their homes blue in support of Jake and the Fargo Police Department's officers. I wish every State were like North Dakota and every American had the same respect and admiration for our law enforcement officers. In our neck of the woods, we pass these values down to our children as we teach them the importance of law and order and as we hope to inspire them to, one day, be police officers like Officer Wallin--protecting and serving their communities. Our actions matter whether we want to acknowledge it or not. The end result of ruthless attacks on the men and women in uniform, whether with our words or actions or calls to defund the police, have never been clearer than in what transpired in Fargo just 11 days ago. We do not know the assailant's motives, but it is abundantly clear that he singled out the officers in his pursuit of a sick, twisted plan to wreak havoc in our community. He sought them out because of the job that they were doing. While we are slowly learning the details of this senseless, tragic day, we know Officer Wallin is a hero who died while serving his community. Heroes like Jake bravely respond to the call and serve without hesitating, without knowing what might be around the corner or at the end of the parking lot. Kris and I are praying for the recovery of fellow officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes, as well as bystander Karlee Koswick, the entire Fargo Police Department, and fellow officers throughout our community, our State, and our country. We also pray that God's peace--the peace that Scripture tells us ``passes all understanding''--will come to Jake's fiancee Winter, to his parents Jeff and Amy, to his brother Brady, and to his brothers and sisters in blue as they mourn this terrible loss. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Jake Wallin's obituary be printed in the Record.

Mr. CRAMER. I yield the floor.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, this is a time of year when sports seasons wrap up and tournaments and final competitions crown new champions. I have the privilege today of recognizing one team of outstanding figure skaters from Bismarck, ND. They are the Capital Ice Chips, 22 high school girls under the age of 18 who this month skated their way to the gold medal in the U.S. National Synchronized Skating championships. The Ice Chips are not strangers to this national competition, which was held in Peoria, IL. They have qualified for nationals for the past 13 years and have stood on the winners podium nine times. This year, they were on the top step for the first time after competing against 12 other teams hailing from much larger metropolitan areas in California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Arizona. The 20-year-old Bismarck Figure Skating Club has been dominant in national competitions because it begins training young skaters as young as preschoolers. With considerable support from parents and top-notch teachers and coaches at every stage of learning, these young skaters also start synchronized skating at an early age. Most of this year's Capital Ice Chips are veteran skaters who have attended many regional and national competitions. I want to commend the coaches, notably Rebecca Gallion, who has been with the Bismarck Figure Skating Club for all of its 20 years, as well as Selena Morris and Hayley Trom. Previous skaters have become instructors and coaches and have been instrumental in helping the Ice Chips advance to the level of excellence on display at the national competition this year. The skaters on the Capital Ice Chips national championship team are Emily Appert, Elyse Bock, Nora Carlson, Gabriella Deeter, Chloe Dwyer, Isabelle Ersland, Brooklyn Gallion, Tatum Gietzen, Ella Haar, Miah Hamar, Kamri Hopfauf, Ashlyn Iverson, Nora Luckenbill, Taryn Nelson, Addison Rakness, Kadence Rambur, Addisen Renton, Morgan Schatz, Lexi Stenberg, Reece Theel, Ethnie Zahn, and Kinzie Zahn. North Dakota's legendary winters bring out a love of winter sports, including those played on ice rinks across my State. Figure and synchronized skating require teamwork and discipline in these young athletes, and I congratulate the Capital Ice Chips for their dedication and hard work that earned them this championship. I join the rest of North Dakota in thanking the Bismarck Figure Skating Club and the Capital Ice Chips for inspiring all of us to achieve excellence. They have demonstrated what can be achieved by combining faith and passion with determination and teamwork.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, one of North Dakota's most distinguished citizens and respected jurists is retiring this week. Justice Gerald W. ``Jerry'' VandeWalle is leaving the North Dakota Supreme Court as the longest serving justice in the history of the court. A native of the small northwestern North Dakota community of Noonan, Justice VandeWalle earned his law degree from the University of North Dakota in 1958. He devoted more than 60 years of his legal career working for the citizens of our State. The first 20 years were as an assistant attorney general, prior to his appointment to the supreme court in 1978. In his nearly 45 years on the supreme court, he served 27 of those as chief justice. At the time he relinquished his responsiblities as chief justice in 2020, he was the longest serving chief justice in the entire Nation. As impressive as these statistics are, the real legacy of Justice VandeWalle is not found in numbers. Instead, it is in the profound impact he made year after year, case after case, as he sought to uphold the law with impartiality in every judicial decision. His warmth and kindness, his engaging optimism, and his humble nature were his everyday demeanor. He was accessible to other state officials, a fierce advocate for the judicial branch before the State legislature, and a revered mentor to lawyers aross the State and country. In the 27 years between 1993 and 2020 when Justice VandeWalle was chief justice, North Dakota experienced notable changes in its population, demographics, economy, and culture. All the while, he kept a steady focus on how North Dakota courts could deliver access to justice for all. He was integral in unifying the court system, redefining state judicial districts and bringing more judges to accommodate each district's needs. He addressed emerging technology innovations in courtrooms and expanded court services for population groups like veterans, juveniles, and the elderly. The judicial impact of Justice Jerry VandeWalle will resonate across our State and Nation for decades to come. Visitors to our State capitol will read about his legendary career next to his portrait in the North Dakota Rough Rider Hall of Fame, the highest honor given to our citizens. Kris and I will miss seeing him at official events and will treasure even more the friendship we shared over the years. On behalf of all North Dakotans, I thank him for his exemplary service and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. I wish him many years of health and happiness in the future.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I want to honor the 30 years of distinguished service of a remarkable North Dakota public servant who is retiring from office at the end of December. Alvin Jaeger took office as North Dakota's 14th secretary of state in January 1993, when I was the executive director of the North Dakota Republican Party. That year, he and newly elected Governor Ed Schafer became the second and third Republicans to be voted in to a State office after several years of Democrats occupying them. Today, all State office holders are Republicans, the significance of which is not lost on neither Al nor me. A Beulah, ND, native, Al came to the Secretary of State's office having previously served in the North Dakota National Army Guard and having been a business analyst for the Mobil Oil Corporation, a Fargo real estate broker, and a high school teacher in western North Dakota. In his 30 years in office, Al has brought wisdom, intelligence, and dedication to everything he has undertaken. He has served on the State Board of University and School Lands, the North Dakota Emergency Commission, and the State Historical Society of North Dakota, making his participation in the work of these boards a top priority. Al has also been active in the National Association of Secretaries of State and most recently was a member of its executive committee. When first elected, Al oversaw the development of the office's first website and subsequently supervised the ever evolving modernization and digitization of services and information that we now expect to be found online. He led in updating North Dakota's election code and developing more sophisticated tracking of election results. He has become the ``go-to'' authority on issues related to election security and uniform voter identification. And he and his staff have set a high standard for election integrity in North Dakota not enjoyed by many other States. One of the projects Al championed and which will be among the greatest legacies of his years in office is the North Dakota Blue Book. This publication traces back to the Territorial Legislature in 1887, 2 years before North Dakota became a State, with early titles more commonly referred to as ``legislative manuals or handbooks.'' They were put out sporadically until Al came to office in 1993, when he committed to resuming a biannual publication of the book. Over these past 30 years, each book has provided a comprehensive chronology of all current and State office holders, a summary of significant laws passed during that biennium's legislative session, as well as historical features and data about the State. With each edition providing information about North Dakota not readily available elsewhere, the value of the commitment by the Secretary of State's office to regularly publish these books cannot be overstated. When Al Jaeger retires on December 31, he will become the second longest serving secretary of state in North Dakota, overseeing and codifying the laws of 15 legislative sessions. It is going to take a long time for the impact of his years of service to be adequately measured. On behalf of all North Dakotans, I thank him for his years of service as secretary of state. I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement and wish him many years of health and happiness in the future.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, I would like to recognize and thank Justin Kronenberg, my 2022 Department of Defense legislative fellow, for all of his hard work and dedication to my office. He is an active duty master sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps with almost two decades of service. The wealth of knowledge and professionalism he brought have been incredibly valuable. Throughout the year, Justin's expertise supported me in my role as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and particularly as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Seapower. He is a skilled communicator, which has been instrumental in distilling and explaining many of the complex policy matters before the committee. North Dakota had the privilege of hosting Justin for a week as he toured our military facilities, seeing firsthand the great work being done in Grand Forks, Minot, and Fargo. North Dakota and my office are better off thanks to Justin's service. I would also like to thank Justin's family for the shared sacrifice and service they give this Nation. I wish Justin all the best at his next assignment and in all his future endeavors. Semper Fi.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I could not improve upon what has already been said about the work on this important bill. Senator Capito has articulated much more eloquently than I all of the priorities that are important in the bill. I am just going to add my thanks to Chairman Carper and to Ranking Member Capito and, of course, to subcommittee Chairman Cardin as well. It has been a great team effort, as is, I think, illustrated in the final product and the overwhelming vote. Let's keep the team together. And let's just pass a really big, important WRDA bill. And I emphasize again, we did this through regular order, colleagues. We stayed on the 2-year schedule, colleagues. And when we work together, we can do good work for the people we serve. With that, I urge a strong vote.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, this nominee has been failed by the bureaucracy that he attempts to join. For months, I have been working with the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security--USCIS specifically--to rectify an egregious immigration case. A North Dakota family, an American family, is being forced to live apart from each other after one of the parents, a Canadian, inadvertently overstayed their visa after receiving poor advice during the chaos of the COVID pandemic. This forced separation has been ongoing since last year. In fact, the Canadian citizen, the Canadian mother, is barred for 10 years from returning to her home. The family has complied with every request our government has thrown at them and, as we speak, are working on fulfilling another dilatory and unnecessary request for more information. The review of this case could have been done a long time ago, but instead bureaucrats are expediting nothing, stringing out request after request, actually forcing my constituent to prove the hardship of being separated and even show why moving to Canada would be a problem. Think of it. Their own government is asking them to justify why they can't just move to Canada. They are past the point of exasperation, and I don't know how we can blame them. It is wrong and unjust, especially when my constituents witness the same Agency allowing thousands of people to pour across our southern border without a scintilla of review every single day. The government is not without fault in this case, and I could share many more frustrating details of their saga, but I will refrain for the sake of their privacy as they work through this grueling process. However, my holds on DHS nominees will remain until this case is resolved. And I will add, if there is no meaningful change soon, these holds will expand to other Agencies that are involved in this case-- specifically, the State Department. It is not a decision I make lightly and one I would rather not make at all, but I would like to state the obvious: It shouldn't take a U.S. Senator personally calling Agencies and the administration while holding up nominees to get the so-called public servants to actually serve the public. Get this done. With that, I object.

Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I would be happy to have a vote on this this afternoon. But the decision isn't mine; it is the bureaucrats at DHS. I object.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, I want to honor today the distinguished career of a remarkable North Dakota educator and artist who is retiring from teaching this month. Wallace ``Butch'' Thunder Hawk is an internationally renowned artist who has been a Tribal art teacher at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck for 49 years. He has helped hundreds of students grow their artistic talent and appreciate traditional Native American art and traditions. Beyond his classroom in Bismarck, the impact of Butch's passion for creating and teaching Native American art has been felt around the world. A Hunkpapa Lakota Teton Sioux, he was raised in the community of Cannonball on the Standing Rock Reservation. Butch was influenced by the work of his grandparents and mother, who created traditional art including beadwork, warbonnets, and tools. Ledger art has become one of Butch's great interests, and he has created hand-carved horse effigies, horse memorial sticks, war shields, and traditional weaponry. His artwork can be seen in homes and museums around the region and world. He was instrumental in establishing the Indian Hall exhibit at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, helping to recreate art similar to what Lewis and Clark would have collected during their famous expedition in the early 1800s. Working with Harvard University's Peabody Museum of Archaelogy and Ethnology, he and his students created several pieces for Monticello's Indian Hall, including clubs, lances, arrows, shields, pipes, and a quiver and bowcase. Later, following several years as a visiting scholar at Harvard, he was a curator of an exhibit at the Peabody Museum on Lakota images of the West. One of his horse memorial effigy replicas is in the permanent collection at the Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City, and two major art pieces are on display at the James Monroe House in Charlottesville, VA. One of his ornaments featuring a bison was displayed on the White House Christmas Tree in 2008. He has said creating art and teaching honors his ancestors, his family, his students, and other artist friends. He considers it a privilege to share Lakota traditions with students and help them grow their appreciation of this art. When I heard the news that Butch Thunder Hawk was retiring from teaching, I smiled. In previous positions I held that included promoting all that is good about North Dakota, Butch was at the very top of the list of our State's most treasured cultural ambassadors. A humble, personable, and honorable man, he was generous in sharing his talents and work. Butch embodies all that is good about North Dakota and the rich traditions of the Tribal nations located in our State. His work and influence will resonate in his students for generations to come. On behalf of the people of North Dakota, I thank him for his years of teaching. And I wish him the best in his retirement, which I am certain will include creating more art and influencing many more people.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, in poll after poll, most respondents blame President Biden's policies for the increasing inflation and especially higher gas prices.

Mr. CRAMER

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

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, last year I had the honor of congratulating two State championship teams from my alma mater, Kindred High School, in boys basketball in March and boys football in November. Last week, it was the Kindred Vikings girls basketball team that took home the championship trophy at the North Dakota Class B State tournament, winning a third State title in just 6 years. These girls began their season with a win and kept on winning. They entered the tournament undefeated and after their last game were 23-0. In their final game, the Vikings played last year's State champions, the Grafton Spoilers, dominating the game early and ending with a 64-40 win. This was the largest championship point margin of victory since 1991. Leading the team was senior guard Abby Duchscherer, who scored 25 points and 10 rebounds. She was also named Senior Athlete of the Year and Tournament MVP. Having three State championship sports teams in a year, along with its overall general academic excellence, speaks highly of the quality of the Kindred Public School system. I commend all administrators, teachers, and staff, as well as the entire community for the role they play in supporting quality education. For this basketball championship, however, it is the awesome young women on the team who deserve the greatest recognition. They are Charli McQuillan, Peyton Gette, Avery Bartels, Abigail Duchscherer, Kacie Burner, Lexi Ogren, Kristina Freier, Ana Freier, Laela Eisenschenk, McKenzie Schmitz, Avery Amerman, Terryn Johnson, Leah Rolland, Kennedy Bakko, and Tess Rohrbeck. I congratulate the team, as well as Coach Sam Brandt, assistant coaches Tenille Bakko, Ashley Fahnhorst, Perry Piatz, and Danni Sanders and all the loyal fans on another Kindred Vikings State championship. I join all North Dakotans in thanking each and every player on this team for inspiring us with your excellence. You continue to show us what can be achieved by combining faith and passion with determination and teamwork.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess subject to the call of the Chair and that all time during any period of morning business, adjournment, recess, and leader remarks count postcloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 3076.

Mr. CRAMER

Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess subject to the call of the Chair.