Joe Donnelly

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today, I wish to recognize Union Elementary School of Zionsville, IN, for being named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized schools that have demonstrated a vision of educational excellence for all students, regardless of their social or economic background. Since its inception, this program has offered the opportunity for schools in every State to gain recognition for educational accomplishments in closing the achievement gaps among students. Union Elementary School opened at its current location in 2007 and currently serves over 600 students. Union Elementary prides itself on creating a nurturing and collaborative learning environment, where teachers, students, and teachers work together so that all students can reach their potential. Teachers utilize a wide variety of assessment practices to measure student progress, make instructional decisions, and to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs. Union Elementary School seeks to ensure students are enriched both during and after school. The school has an outdoor classroom, which includes native Indiana wildflowers, a butterfly garden, and vegetable gardening space, allowing creativity to go beyond the traditional classroom. Students are offered various extracurricular activities, including foreign language clubs, art enrichment, engineering club, a kids fitness program--Fit Kidz--and a drama club. Union Elementary maintains a high standard for academic excellence, which can be attributed to the success of a rigorous curriculum, innovative instructional practices, and a highly qualified and dedicated staff. Faculty works closely with parents to ensure their children are receiving a quality education. Parents are encouraged to be an active part in their child's learning from serving as field trip chaperones to volunteering in the classroom. Union Elementary School's dedication to student achievement and positive atmosphere have been key to its success. The school's staff and families work together to teach and foster values that develop strong character and better the community. I am proud to recognize Union Elementary School principal Jennifer Raycroft, the entire staff, the student body, and their families. The effort, dedication, and value you put into education has led not only to this prestigious recognition, but will benefit you and the Zionsville communities well into the future. On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate Union Elementary School, and I wish the students and staff continued success in the future.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today, I wish to recognize the 100th anniversary of the 38th Infantry Division, ID, and honor the soldiers of the 38th ID for their service to our Nation. The division was first activated in August of 1917 as a National Guard division composed of units from Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The division was originally conducting initial training at Camp Shelby, MS, when a tornado touched down, prompting MG Robert L. Howze to give the 38th ID the nickname the ``Cyclone Division.'' The Cyclone Division would later deploy to Europe during World War I and lost 301 soldiers. The division returned to service in January 1941 in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the start of World War II. The 38th Infantry Division took part in the New Guinea, Southern Philippines, and Luzon campaigns where they would earn their second nickname, ``the Avengers of Bataan,'' bestowed on them by GEN Douglas MacArthur. The Cyclone Division also served in the Vietnam war where the Company D Rangers, 151st Infantry of the 38th ID were among a few National Guard units to serve and became one of the country's most highly decorated units. Since September 11, 2001, the 38th ID has sent soldiers to serve in a wide range of missions, including Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia, Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The 38th ID also answered a different kind of call when it assumed command of all National Guard elements deployed in Mississippi in response to Hurricane Katrina. The 38th Infantry Division continues to deploy soldiers worldwide in support of our national defense. I am proud to honor 38th Infantry Division soldiers past and present on this special anniversary. Thank you to the men and women of the Cyclone Division for their steadfast defense of our Nation and their service to their home States, including Indiana. I wish the 38th Infantry Division another 100 years of setting an exemplary standard for our total force.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I voted to move forward with a continuing resolution because I believe it is a fundamental responsibility of Congress to keep the government open. I am deeply frustrated, however, that, among the policies included in the amendment, the authors have failed to provide funding to address the Flint lead crisis or to allow the Export-Import Bank to operate at full capacity. As this body continues to work to develop a plan to keep the government operating, I strongly encourage both the majority leader and my colleagues to address these commonsense priorities.

Mr. DONNELLY

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

Mr. DONNELLY. Madam President, I rise today in recognition of suicide prevention, to continue to shine a light on the impact of suicide and to discuss the importance of efforts to strengthen mental health care. Sadly, too many Hoosiers and Americans are taken from us by suicide, shattering families and communities. Today, I want to talk about suicide prevention as it relates to our servicemembers, our veterans, and their families. Last year, sadly, for the fourth straight year, more U.S. troops were lost to suicide than in combat. In 2015, 475 servicemembers took their own lives. Prior to that, we lost 443 servicemembers in 2014, and 474 servicemembers in 2013. We are painfully aware of the statistic that an estimated 20 veterans a day take their own lives. These numbers allude to hundreds upon thousands of individual tragedies that have rocked our families, our communities, and our Nation. These numbers represent sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and husbands and wives who have dedicated their lives to the service of this Nation and have succumbed to invisible wounds. These numbers illustrate the simple, terrible fact that we are losing too many of our servicemembers and veterans to suicide. These numbers demand that we keep efforts to improve military and veterans mental health services and suicide prevention efforts at the top of our to-do list in the Senate. Despite gridlock in Congress, this is an issue where we have solid bipartisan consensus. I have seen it firsthand, working year after year with my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, to work to improve military mental health care. In 2014, my bipartisan Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act was signed into law. The Sexton act, named for a young Hoosier whom we lost far too soon, established for the first time a requirement that every servicemember--Active, Guard, and Reserve--receive an annual mental health assessment. Building on the success of the Sexton act, last year we had provisions of my bipartisan Servicemember and Veterans Mental Health Care Package signed into law, which helped expand access to quality mental health care for servicemembers and delivered mental health care in a way that meets the unique needs of servicemembers and veterans, whether through the Department of Defense or civilian providers right in our home communities. While passing these laws is a step in the right direction, it will take a consistent, concerted effort to bring the number of servicemember suicides down to zero. We need to ensure that the laws we have passed, including the Sexton act and the care package, are implemented correctly so the services reach the troops and the veterans who need them the most. We need to keep working on smart legislation that streamlines access and strengthens the quality of mental health care. This has been a top priority for me since I first introduced the Sexton act in 2013--my first bill as a U.S. Senator. It remains a top priority for me today. This year, the final provision of my bipartisan care package passed the Senate as part of the national defense bill. It expands the ability of physician assistants to provide mental health care evaluations and services for servicemembers and their families. The bill establishes a pilot program to expand the use of physician assistants specializing in psychiatric care to help address the mental health care provider shortage. This legislation can help make a difference for our servicemembers in Indiana and across the entire country. I urge Congress to come together on a final defense bill that can be sent to the President and signed into law. There is no single solution that ends suicide. We may never fully understand the internal battles that lead to an individual taking his or her own life. However, this much is clear: We must do more to help prevent military and veteran suicides. Throughout September, we will recognize Suicide Prevention Month, but this issue demands our attention and our efforts every single day of the year. To our servicemembers and veterans struggling with mental health challenges and to your loved ones, we are here for you, and we will not stop working until you receive the care you deserve and the support you need. We will be there with you every step of the way. Mr. President, I yield back. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and honor the extraordinary service of Cynthia ``Cindy'' Hubert, a dedicated Hoosier, who has played a critical role in feeding the hungry in Indiana. On September 24, 2016, Cindy will retire following more than 6 years of service to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. Indiana has benefitted greatly from Cindy's tireless leadership, and she has helped oversee and successfully lead several hunger relief organizations in central Indiana at critical time periods in each organization's history. Her efforts have ensured hundreds of thousands of food-insecure Hoosiers are fed with dignity and hope, giving these families the chance to lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Cindy moved to Indianapolis, IN, after a successful 25-year career with First Union National Bank in Connecticut. After arriving in Indiana, Cindy first led Horizon House, a multiservice center for the homeless. She then went on to lead three of the most critical and impactful organizations in Indiana that feed hungry children, senior citizens, military veterans, and families. Prior to her transformational leadership at Gleaners, Cindy was president and CEO of Second Helpings, Inc., a leading provider of meals to more than 80 nonprofits in central Indiana. Cindy oversaw one of Second Helpings' most significant periods of change and growth, and it celebrated its 10 millionth meal distributed this July. During her time at Second Helpings, Cindy also launched a collaborative program known as the Indy Hunger Network, where key nonprofit, government, donor, and support organizations leverage their unique abilities, combine resources, and talent and impact hunger together. Cindy's idea has grown into a highly effective reality and a key part of the hunger relief network in central Indiana. In her role as president and CEO of Gleaners, she has supported one- third of Indiana's food-insecure population across 21 counties, working through hundreds of local agencies. During her 6 years at Gleaners, three core programs have tripled in size: Backsacks for Kids, the School Pantry Program, and the Mobile Pantry Program. Cindy helped Gleaners launch important new programs, including summer meals for children in need and a new initiative feeding senior citizens. She also opened an on-site food pantry at the Gleaners distribution center and, over time, worked to increase the food pantry physical's size to six times the original space. Under her leadership, 75 Gleaners employees and tens of thousands of volunteers each year distribute 27.5 million meals; 10,400 backsacks to children for weekends; 135,000 summer meals at 54 sites; more than 328,000 meals to senior citizens; over 2.4 million meals to 150,000 hungry Hoosiers at 321 mobile pantry sites; and nearly 1 million meals at 50 school-based pantry sites. Cindy's integrity and tireless efforts have helped to make Indiana a better place to live, work, and raise a family. We are incredibly grateful for Cindy's leadership and service, and we wish her well in retirement with her husband, Steve, and daughter Stacey.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Sarah Thomson, a member of my staff, be granted floor privileges for the day.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor one of Indiana's best, Dr. John Brademas, who passed away on July 11. John Brademas was an extraordinary public servant and a trailblazing leader. His achievements made a mark on Indiana and on our country that can still be felt today. John was born a Hoosier in 1927 in Mishawaka, IN, to a Greek immigrant who ran a restaurant and to an Indiana native who worked as a schoolteacher. John Brademas was a star quarterback, and he was the valedictorian at South Bend Central High School. After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy and in the naval officers' training program at the University of Mississippi. He graduated from Harvard University, and he received a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University in England, where he earned his doctorate. In 1958, Dr. Brademas was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to the then-Third District of Indiana, where he served with incredible distinction for 22 years, until 1981. In Congress he was always working, always pushing to make life better for Hoosiers and for all Americans. His colleague, Representative Frank Thompson said: He never stops. He's incredibly bright, works terribly hard, and is able to translate that brightness into very pragmatic legislative ability. Dr. Brademas was a leading and effective legislator on issues involving schools, colleges, and universities, services for the elderly and the disabled, and for libraries, museums, the arts, and humanities. It earned him the recognition as ``Mr. Arts'' and ``Mr. Education.'' He helped lead the successful charge to establish the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. He served as a member of the Committee on Education and Labor, writing Federal legislation on schools at every level. He was instrumental in passing landmark legislation, including the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. This sought to increase opportunities for economically disadvantaged children and provided unprecedented Federal support for education. Dr. Brademas was the author in 1975 of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which for the first time provided Federal support and guaranteed nationwide educational opportunities for students with mental and physical disabilities. Additionally, Dr. Brademas was pivotal in efforts to improve higher education and boost grants and aid for student loans. John is also remembered for his support to advance civil rights and social justice. During his last 4 years in Congress, Dr. Brademas served as House majority whip. Following his congressional service, Dr. Brademas served as the president of New York University, or NYU, one of the largest private institutions in the country, until 1992. During his tenure, he led NYU's transformation from a local commuter school into a national and world-renowned research university. After retiring from NYU, he continued dedicating himself to causes important to him, such as democracy, the arts, and education. To that end, he helped establish two centers at NYU. Dr. Brademas founded the John Brademas Center at NYU to teach students about Congress--to have them become more familiar with their government--the legislative process, the policies around education and the arts, and foreign policy. The Brademas Center continues to educate some of the best and brightest students from around the world, and it educates them about democratic values and the need for an educated dialogue around the public policy challenges we are facing today and tomorrow. Dr. Brademas also launched and served as the first President of the King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center, which promotes research and scholarship on Spain and Latin America. Dr. Brademas was awarded honorary degrees by 52 colleges and universities during his life--an incredible testament to his inspirational leadership and service to our country, which he loved so much. He also earned countless awards, served on many boards, and received numerous prestigious appointments. Among those, Dr. Brademas served as the chairman of President Bill Clinton's Committee on the Arts and Humanities and on the board of the Federal Reserve of New York. On a personal note, I was honored to call John Brademas my friend and my mentor. I got to know him after being elected to represent many of the same North Central Indiana communities that he served so well in Congress for so long. When I was elected to the House of Representatives, approximately a decade ago, it was a privilege to serve in what many still call ``the Brademas seat.'' Over the years, John was a resource to me, set an example for me, and was an example to so many. He was unfailingly kind, helpful, thoughtful, and incredibly productive. John burned with a deep love for our country and with a desire to make the world a better place. The State of Indiana, the United States, and our world are so much better off because of Dr. John Brademas. God bless Mary Ellen and the Brademas family, God bless Indiana, and God bless America. Thank you, Dr. Brademas. I yield back.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today we are debating the water resources development bill that contains crucial provisions to improve and rebuild some of our locks, dams, ports, and flood control systems across the United States. It also authorizes valuable habitat restoration programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Those are all incredibly important issues and are worthy of our investment. Today, however, I wish to discuss an issue that is far too often overlooked by those of us in Congress: wastewater infrastructure. Today when we talk about infrastructure, it translates into the critical structures we see every day--roads, bridges, locks, dams, airports. What is too often neglected in this conversation, however, is water infrastructure, which is just as critical to keeping our communities clean and livable and attracting investment and growth. We all want clean water, particularly our local communities that are committed to working toward that goal. Unfortunately, too many of our cities and towns are in a situation where the Federal Government is demanding significant investments to prevent wastewater runoffs, while providing virtually no support to help meet those mandated goals. I believe we should have high standards for our wastewater infrastructure, but those federally mandated standards should be achievable and met with a commitment to help make the necessary investments to protect the health and safety of our communities. The truth is, unless we get serious about investing in all American infrastructure, including wastewater, we are hurting the very communities these regulations were initially intended to help. This water resources bill includes some responses to the difficulties our communities are facing in preventing sewer overflows. We have established a technical assistance program for small and medium treatment waterworks, and our communities will now have more opportunities to develop integrated plans for dealing with multiple clean water requirements and have greater certainty when working with EPA to develop financially responsible investments in wastewater control systems. The bill also reauthorizes a grant program for cities that are addressing their combined sewer overflow, sanitary sewer overflows, and storm water discharge responsibilities. The bill only authorizes, however, $250 million for wastewater grants all of next year. That is a sizeable investment but not nearly adequate to help communities respond to the financial challenges they are facing. To put that $250 million in perspective, local governments reported spending an average of approximately $320 million per day--per day--on water and wastewater services and infrastructure in 2013. That means this bill will authorize grants for an entire year at an amount that is only 75 percent of what local governments spend in 1 day. In my hometown of South Bend, IN, the city may need to spend up to $1 billion to address its obligations to eliminate sewer overflows. The solution may include deep rock tunneling, with tunnels so deep they might as well build a subway system while they are down there and with a price tag so high, the required investments break down to $10,000 per resident--in a town with a per capita income of $19,000 per resident a year. It is not just one town, though; Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Evansville, Richmond, and others--these Hoosier communities are forced into consent decrees and are required to make significant investments with essentially no help from Congress, which made the rules in the first place. I know we are operating in a time of budget constraints, but wastewater infrastructure investment is a problem. It is a problem Congress has failed to adequately address for far too long. That is why I have introduced an amendment that doubles the authorized funding for grants to local communities to respond to wastewater challenges. Even that is a modest investment, but we need to work together to find a way to do more. I know that Chairman Inhofe--a former mayor of Tulsa--understands the challenges facing our cities, and local communities across the country are experiencing the same difficulties funding these improvements. Senator Boxer is such a tireless advocate on behalf of the communities in her home State, and I know she is interested in being as helpful as possible as well. This bill makes improvements for our communities, and I appreciate that, but I am eagerly looking forward to finding ways to do more. Mr. President, I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that floor privileges be granted to Sara Bauer of my staff for the duration of today.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, I rise to talk about the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, also known as CARA, and the opioid abuse and heroin use epidemics. As I have said, I believe it will take all of us working together to address this public health crisis that is gripping Hoosier families and communities across Indiana and our country. We all have a role to play to address these epidemics--officials at the Federal, local, and State levels, as well as prescribers, pharmacists, law enforcement, first responders, and parents and families. This bipartisan CARA legislation would provide States and local communities with important tools to prevent and treat drug addiction and support individuals in recovery. It includes several provisions adapted from my bipartisan legislation that would enhance prescribing practices and raise public awareness. We were also successful in getting a provision included that would encourage first responder units to connect individuals who receive naloxone with treatment and other necessary services. This bill includes programs that will make a difference and should be enacted into law. It is also critically important that we fund these initiatives. CARA is an important step, but make no mistake, there is work left to do to ensure that our communities have the resources and funding to implement many of these important programs. We have a chance to do something meaningful and bipartisan that will help save lives. For every family and community in Indiana and across the Nation who has been devastated by the opioid abuse and heroin use epidemics, we must get legislation to the President to be signed into law. Mr. President, I also want to talk about another issue that is important to Hoosiers. Later today the Senate will vote in favor of final passage on a bill requiring the labeling of foods that contain genetically engineered materials. I have worked with colleagues for months on this issue. I know this is about much more than just words or symbols on a label; it is about ensuring we have confidence in the food we eat and feed our children. As a Hoosier, I also know this bill is about preserving a long and proud Indiana tradition of growing the food that feeds our communities and provides a safe and reliable food supply for the world. The labeling legislation before us is the result of our working together as Republicans and Democrats to achieve our shared objectives to provide consumers with access to accurate information about the food we eat and to do so in a way that does not mislead consumers into thinking their food is unsafe. When this bill is enacted into law, for the first time ever consumers across our country will have access to the information they want, and it will be easy to find. That information will also be delivered in a way that is fair, objective, and based on sound science. Today I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill for final passage, not because everyone got everything they wanted but because it is a good compromise that achieves our shared objectives. Labeling genetically engineered materials will be required so consumers everywhere will have access to the information. It will provide fair and objective information without stigmatizing foods that are completely safe, and it contains provisions based on an amendment that my good friend Senator Carper from Delaware and I introduced, which will require clear and direct access to information on bioengineering through multiple methods of disclosure. Consumers, farmers, and food producers have been looking to the Senate for leadership. After months of discussion, we have found a sensible proposal that will bring the right information into our homes and to grocery stores in a responsible way. I yield the floor.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, I thank the Presiding Officer, my colleague from Ohio, and my colleague from West Virginia. This is a critical issue. I rise today to join my colleagues in supporting the bipartisan Miners Protection Act. We are here to make sure the Federal Government makes good on its promise of lifetime benefits for miners who risked their lives to help our country meet its energy needs. As has been noted, President Truman and the Federal Government made a promise with the 1946 Krug-Lewis Agreement to guarantee health and pension benefits for coal miners. These workers and the generations that followed sacrificed their own long-term health and now they are depending on us to make sure they get the benefits they earned. My friend from West Virginia said that there are 27,000 miners in his State. We have 3,000 retired miners receiving pension benefits and another 1,500 receiving health benefits. Many of them are in the southern part of my State. Similarly, there are tens of thousands of other retirees--90,500-plus--across the Nation in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Kentucky. These retired miners and their families face a financial emergency unless we act now. Additionally, Congress must work to address broader problems in the multiemployer pension system, which is on the verge of crisis as well. Many plans, such as the Central States Pension Fund, which includes hundreds of thousands of retired Teamsters, are dangerously underfunded. We owe it to these hardworking Americans who did their job to do our job and to solve this problem. This is a bipartisan proposal. It isn't about Republicans and Democrats. It is about Americans coming together to help the 90,000-plus miners and their beneficiaries who face an imminent loss of the benefits they have earned. They have earned these benefits. This is nothing being given to them. They have earned this everyday--walking into those mines, working nonstop and facing incredible dangers, and powering our country. We can start meeting our responsibility by scheduling a vote and passing this commonsense legislation. We made a promise to these coal miners, and we take this promise seriously. They did their part for decade after decade. We can't turn our backs on them. That is not the American way. It is not the Indiana way. It is not the Ohio way. It is not the West Virginia way. I urge the Senate to take up this bipartisan Miners Protection Act as soon as possible because tens of thousands of retirees, our friends and neighbors, and our fellow Americans are counting on us to do our job and keep the word that has been given to them. I yield back.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Will the Senator from Connecticut yield for a question?

Mr. DONNELLY. Like all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I was sick when I learned of the tragic shooting in Orlando. Since Sunday, like so many people, my thoughts have been with the families and with the friends of the victims, with the LGBT community, with the people of Orlando, and with all Americans who are mourning the loss of loved ones at the hands of senseless gun violence. My thoughts are also with the parents across our Nation. We have to explain to our kids, how can something like this happen in our country? We were elected in this Chamber to do a job--to discuss issues, to debate them, and to vote on legislation that makes our communities and our country safer. I came to the floor tonight to participate in this discussion because we have a job to do and we have action to take. I thank Senator Murphy for leading this. I am a supporter of the Second Amendment. I am also someone who believes it is reasonable for all of us to consider smart and responsible ways to reduce gun violence. Those things are not in opposition to each other. Since I have come to the Senate, we have talked about mass shootings in Orlando, in San Bernardino, in Charleston, and in Newtown, CT, the Senator's home State. The truth is, there is gun violence across this country every single day. No State is immune, including my home State of Indiana. Every victim of gun violence is someone's mom or someone's dad or someone's sister or someone's brother or someone's son or someone's daughter or someone's husband or someone's wife, and those lives are destroyed. There are bipartisan proposals we can consider today that can make a difference. They will not solve every problem, but we can save lives. We can start by considering the bipartisan proposal by Senators Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey that strengthens our background check system to help prevent criminals and individuals with serious mental illnesses from getting guns. This legislation requires background checks for all commercial gun sales, whether they are at a store or whether they are at a gun show or whether they are online. We should also debate and pass bipartisan legislation that denies firearms sales to known or suspected terrorists. This is simple American common sense. This is what the American people expect of us. This is what we were elected to do. If a person is on a terrorist watch list, they shouldn't be able to buy a gun. It is that simple and that uncomplicated. It is time to do our job--to do our job as Members of Congress to confront the serious problem of gun violence in our country, to debate our options, to work to find solutions to help keep all Americans safe, and to protect our individual rights. As Members of this body we have differences, but we shouldn't have differences on this. We have also demonstrated that we can find common ground at critical times. I am confident that every Member of this body agrees we should keep weapons out of the hands of criminals, terrorists, and people with mental illnesses. This should not be controversial. I urge all my colleagues to come together on behalf of the American people who have blessed us with this opportunity to serve here and to stand up for them and to vote on these proposals. It is the very least we can do for those families, for the people we represent, and for the serious obligation and responsibility they have given us to do these things. They expect us to do our job. It is time for us to step up to the plate. With all that in mind, I have a question for my good friend, the Senator from Connecticut. The question is this: Don't we owe it to the victims of Orlando, the victims from Newtown in your home State, the victims of Charleston, and the victims of gun violence in all our States to have a vote on these proposals, which are bipartisan in every single way?

Mr. DONNELLY. I have one more question. Does the Senator think we are underestimating in this body--that Senators are underestimating the common sense of the American people; that they know terrorists shouldn't be allowed to have these weapons; that they know it is a danger to our kids, to our families; that we would do great credit to the American people to have faith in them, to believe in them; that they are ready to take these steps; that they are ready to see their Senators take these steps and to stand with us? We all love our children. We all love our families. We all want to make sure that when they go out to be with their friends, they come home safe that night. For all of our families--whether Republican or Democrat--most important, we are not red or blue. We are red, we are white, and we are blue. We are all Americans. We are one team. We are in this together. Doesn't it seem to make sense that we ought to be able to reflect the will of the American people? I think the American people are ready for this. Don't you?

Mr. DONNELLY. I have a question for the Senator from Connecticut, and it is, Is this vote as simple as it appears? We are all moms and dads--all of us in the Senate and the Gallery-- many of us, all of us, and these 49 beloved people in Orlando all had moms and dads who today are absolutely crushed. The unthinkable has occurred, the same as at Virginia Tech, in my colleague's State, the same as at Charleston, the same as the little children from Newtown, CT, in the home State of my two colleagues here. As I said, every one of these is a precious child. Is there any mom or dad anywhere on this floor or in our Senate who, when you look at this, wouldn't say: We can avoid this, these tragedies, by saying someone on the terrorist threat list shouldn't be able to buy a gun or that we expand background checks to online sales or gun shows so they are just the same as if you buy them at the local store in town? These two bipartisan proposals are what we are talking about. My question is, Are these as simple as they appear? And why on earth not only would any mom or dad be against them but anyone on the Senate floor?

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today, I wish to honor West Point Cadet Mitchell Winey of Chesterton, IN, who tragically passed away along with eight other soldiers during a military training accident at Fort Hood, Texas, on June 2. He was 21 years old. Mitchell was everything a parent hopes for in a son. He was kind, hard-working, and someone the community of Chesterton was proud to know. He was an honor roll student, captain of the soccer team, prom king, and class president for 4 years at Chesterton High School. Mitchell was a born leader, who lived his life in service to others. He was someone who inspired his friends and family to step outside of their comfort zones and try new things. He was also the friend who came home on leave and immediately visited a fellow student he used to tutor. In 2013, I had the honor of nominating Mitchell for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, after he came to my office seeking to fulfill his dream of serving our country and becoming a West Point cadet. In his application for an academy nomination, Mitchell wrote, ``Attending one of the United States' service academies will help me grow to be the best officer I could become. Through all the rigorous leadership, communication, and military training, any of the service academies would help me grow to not only be the best person I could be, but the best officer I could possibly be.'' At West Point, Mitchell was an emerging leader in his class and a dedicated cadet. Mitchell personified the ideals and values of West Point--duty, honor, and country--as he pursued a major in engineering management and excelled both academically and athletically as a member of the Ski Patrol and founding member of the newly formed freestyle ski team. The loss of Mitchell is felt by West Point, Chesterton, and the State of Indiana. He touched many lives and left an impact on all who knew him. Mitchell will be remembered not only for his selfless service but for his positive attitude, contagious smile, caring nature, love of life, as well as for the love he had for his family, friends, and our country. Mitchell is survived and deeply missed by his parents, Tim and Margo Winey, and his sister, Paige Winey-Scheuer. His loss is felt by his fellow cadets, the entire Chesterton community, and all who had the pleasure of knowing Mitchell. Let us always remember and emulate the shining example this dedicated, modest young man set for us, and honor him for his commitment to serving his fellow citizens. May God welcome Mitchell home and shed his grace on his family, friends, and fellow cadets.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, I echo the words of my colleague from North Dakota. I have 6.5 million bosses in Indiana. These think tanks out here, these other organizations, they are not my boss. That family who wants to make sure there is a paycheck coming into the house, and all mom and dad wants is a chance to go to work, they are whom we should be working for--for the same people my colleague from North Dakota works for in Bismarck, in Fargo, in Muncie, in Richmond, in Maryville, in Lafayette, and all of these suppliers around my State whose jobs are dependent on these export opportunities that we are walking away from by standing against the Export-Import Bank. Here we are again, on the floor of the U.S. Senate, talking about our responsibility to do our job and to consider the President's nominees to important Federal offices. The nominee we are talking about, Mark McWatters, is a Republican nominee for the Board of Directors for the Export-Import Bank, and we are all lined up on this side to support him. It is the official export credit agency of the United States. It helps American companies--so many in my State of Indiana--create jobs, an opportunity, and a chance for people to go to work, put a roof over their kids' heads, to be able to retire with dignity, and to be able to compete in a global economy. That is what this is about. Every other country you look at has one of these export-import banks. It is helping their organizations, their businesses, and their countries compete. Each of us speaking today worked closely with Senator Heitkamp last year to reauthorize the Bank. It was a strong, overwhelming bipartisan vote in support of reauthorization. It demonstrated the need for this entity that helps create American jobs at no cost to taxpayers and, in fact, sends money back to the Treasury. In 2014, the Ex-Im Bank supported 164,000 American jobs. That is 164,000 moms and dads who are able to have dignity, a job, take care of their children, and be a tremendous credit to their community. That is what this is about; $27.5 billion in exports and it returned $675 million to the U.S. Treasury. It creates jobs, reduces the deficit, and spurs economic growth. Despite widespread support, our inaction here keeps the Bank from being in operation. In order to approve certain financing, the Bank needs a minimum of three Senate-approved Board members. We have two. McWatters' nomination has been pending in the Senate Banking Committee for 5 months. All it takes is a vote. Requests to confirm the nominee by unanimous consent have been rejected. American companies are struggling to compete against foreign competitors that benefit from currency manipulation, illegal trade, intellectual property theft, and other foreign barriers. Yet a handful of Senators are making life more difficult by not considering this nomination. If we are not willing to stand up for our own companies, for our own workers, then what are we doing? It is disappointing that an important tool for economic growth isn't being utilized simply because some in the Senate refuse to do our job. The American people expect better, the American people deserve better, and the workers of this country deserve better. I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, as we continue to debate this year's National Defense Authorization Act on the floor this week, I want to take a few minutes as the ranking member of the Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee to discuss provisions of the bill that relate to our Nation's nuclear deterrent and nonproliferation programs, missile defense, and space programs. I want to start by thanking all the members of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee for putting in another year of hard work. I would especially like to thank our Subcommittee Chairman, my colleague from Alabama, Senator Sessions, for the strong partnership we have built over the past 2 years in leading this committee together. I want my colleagues to note that Senator Sessions and his staff worked closely together with me and my staff in developing elements of the bill pertaining to the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. Together with our colleagues on the subcommittee, we have built bipartisan consensus on some of the most important issues in this bill--no small feat when we are talking about things like nuclear weapons and defending against missile threats from Iran and North Korea. I also thank the tremendous professionals on our staff, both Republican and Democratic, whose expertise and dedication to serving the national interest are essential to this bill's success. In developing the base language for the NDAA, the Strategic Forces Subcommittee held five hearings and a number of briefings on topics ranging from nuclear policy and deterrence, to missile defense, to protecting our satellites in space during a time of increasing threats from potential adversaries who seek to exploit the fragile nature of these assets. In the area of nuclear forces, our subcommittee has prioritized the need to update our Nation's nuclear command and control infrastructure to ensure our ability to communicate with our nuclear forces in times of national crisis. We have also examined the role of our Nation's deterrence policy toward Russia and made available $28 million to shore up our NATO nuclear mission, over and above the funding for the European Reassurance Initiative. These funds will help provide much needed upgrades to the readiness of our dual-capable aircraft and other activities to exercise our nuclear mission in support of NATO. Within the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, we continue to fully authorize the W-76 submarine missile warhead life extension program, where upward of two-thirds of our deterrent will exist upon full implementation of the New START Treaty. We also continue to life-extend the B61 gravity bomb in support of our NATO allies, and we have fully authorized the life extension of the W80 cruise missile warhead, which will support the air leg of our triad. The subcommittee has continued full support for the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. I would like to thank Senator Lugar and Senator Nunn for their extraordinary service to this Nation. This program, named for my fellow Hoosier predecessor, Senator Richard Lugar, combats nuclear proliferation by helping nations detect nuclear materials crossing their borders and by securing nuclear materials in their countries to keep them out of the hands of terrorists. In addition to working with nuclear material, the program also addresses biological threats, helping other nations secure dangerous pathogens. In the case of the Ebola epidemic, the program was able to help the 101st Airborne Division develop rapid field diagnostics to quickly screen infected patients from those who simply had a fever unrelated to the disease. Many have credited this program's quick response, combined with the capabilities of the 101st Airborne, with reversing the tide of the Ebola epidemic before it spread to large cities. In the area of cutting-edge hypersonic systems, the bill provides full funding for programs like conventional prompt strike that aim to even the global playing field on hypersonic systems development. According to public reports, Russia and China are prioritizing the development of hypersonic weapons and making troubling progress relative to our own. If we are to maintain our Nation's technological edge over our potential adversaries, we need to invest in this critical area of research and development. While the House authorizers and appropriators have also fully funded conventional prompt strike, I am surprised and troubled to see that the Senate Appropriations Committee has proposed cutting this program by almost half. I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address this issue and restore full funding to conventional prompt strike in the coming months. In the area of electronic warfare, our subcommittee has required the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command to coordinate and develop joint execution plans to operate and fight in a domain that includes electronic jamming and other means that disrupt our fragile electronic systems. Russia has a long-established doctrine in this area, but ours has been lacking. This provision will help reverse that trend. In the area of missile defense, the subcommittee has fully authorized the President's budget request for the Missile Defense Agency and authorized additional funding for key development areas, including the redesigned kill vehicle, the multi-object kill vehicle, and an improved ground-based interceptor booster. The NDAA also requires a review of DOD's strategy and capabilities for countering cruise and ballistic missiles before they are launched, and it directs the MDA to conduct a flight test of the GMD system at least once each fiscal year. The bill provides funding above and beyond the President's budget request for our collaborative missile defense programs with Israel, including Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow systems. However, given the threat posed by Iran's growing ballistic missile arsenal, I believe these programs require additional funding, particularly for procurement related to David's Sling and the Arrow systems. These programs are more important than ever and have my full support. In the area of space, the NDAA addresses a number of important issues related to our critical satellite-based capabilities. This week we commemorated the 72nd anniversary of D-day. Anyone who knows the history of the Normandy invasion knows how critical a role weather forecasting can play in the success or failure of a mission. This year's bill pays close attention to DOD's ability to provide weather data to our troops around the world, particularly in CENTCOM's area of responsibility. Our current fleet of weather satellites is aging, and our subcommittee has taken DOD to task for its failure to adequately plan for the upcoming gap in cloud cover data over the Indian Ocean. Whether we are talking about GPS, weather surveillance, or communications, our Nation's space-based capabilities are fundamentally dependent on our ability to get to space. There is no question that we must maintain the ability to send national security satellites into space with launch systems that are affordable and, above all, supremely reliable. We learned a hard lesson on reliability in the late 1990s when we lost three national security satellites to launch failures. Those failures cost the taxpayer more than $3 billion and lost our Nation a critical communications capability that we didn't replace for more than a decade. Subsequently, years of monopoly in DOD space launch taught us a hard lesson about the necessity of competition for keeping costs down. While we all agree on the need to maintain what is known as assured access to space, how we best meet that goal has become a topic of debate, particularly since our deteriorating relationship with Russia put a spotlight on the fact that DOD uses Russian rocket engines in many of its space launches. We need to end our Nation's reliance on Russian engines with the development of an American-made alternative. We have studied the facts on this issue in painstaking detail on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee for not just months, but years. The fact is, if we want to end our reliance on Russian engines without jeopardizing the reliability and affordability that are essential to a successful launch program, it is going to take another few years. I am not satisfied with that. I want to see it happen faster. In the meantime, though, we have to take seriously the warnings of our military and intelligence community that eliminating access to the RD- 180 engine prematurely, before a replacement is ready to fly, would seriously undermine our national security interests. As it currently stands, the NDAA would ban the use of RD-180 engines years before a replacement is ready and instead rely on the more expensive Delta rocket to fill the gap. I respect the careful thought behind this proposal and the effort to ensure that we don't create a capability gap. Ultimately this approach, though, would cost the taxpayer an additional $1.5 billion and divert funds from developing an American- made replacement engine and launch system to paying for these more expensive Delta launches. At a time when we continue to face budgetary challenges in defense and domestic spending, this is a cost and a risk we don't need. With that in mind, I support the bipartisan amendment No. 4509 offered by my colleagues Senator Nelson and Senator Gardner. This amendment grants DOD access to only those Russian engines it needs between now and 2022, when the Department has said a replacement will be ready. I believe this is the most responsible approach to a very difficult issue. Let me close by again thanking Senator Sessions for the productive and bipartisan relationship we have had on the subcommittee. I also thank our full committee chairman, Senator McCain, and our ranking member, Senator Reed, for their leadership and their dedication to strengthening our national security and caring for our military. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this important legislation and to see it signed into law. Mr. President, I yield back any remaining time that has been allotted. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, I thank my good friend and colleague Senator Coats. He is truly an institution in our State. I rise with Senator Coats to commemorate the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. Think about that. What a long and storied history. The Indy 500 is more than a Memorial Day weekend tradition, and it is more than just a sporting event. It has a storied history, and the list of winners includes some of the most legendary drivers in motor racing history--names like Foyt, Mears, Unser, Andretti, and the legendary family who has been such good friends to our State and such good stewards of the track, the Hulman-George family. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indianapolis 500 are a sight to see, with its iconic 2\1/2\-mile oval and the buzzing atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of cheering fans. As my colleague and dear friend Senator Coats said, the singing of ``Back Home Again in Indiana,'' the winner drinking milk in victory lane, and raising the Borg-Warner trophy, this is defined by career-making victories as well as heartbreaking crashes and down-to-the-wire finishes. The Indy 500 is more than just the greatest spectacle in racing. It is about a whole lot more than just that. It is about bringing people and families together. More than 300,000 people will come to watch the race in the city of the speedway this weekend. It boosts local businesses and gives Central Indiana an opportunity to showcase ourselves to the rest of the world. Over its history, the Indy 500 has been part of the fabric of our Hoosier State. It has endured through economic booms, depressions, and times of turmoil at home and abroad. Through it all, the Indy 500 has become one of the biggest sporting events in the world. It brings together people of all different backgrounds. As the race has grown, it has drawn spectators from across the United States and from around the world--diehard racing fanatics and casual fans alike. Donald Davidson, the track historian, told the Indianapolis Star earlier this week: There is nothing else like it. It just took off. There was Christmas, there was Easter, and there was the Indianapolis 500. It is a special event, unlike any other. I have had the privilege of attending the 500 many times, and I am looking forward to attending Sunday's 100th running of the race. You can't help but be struck by the talent of the drivers and the team. Earlier this month, I visited the Andretti Autosport, where I saw firsthand the craftsmanship and extensive preparations that go into building a single Indy car for the Indy 500. They were building a number of them. The dedication and teamwork is remarkable. Each piece is an intricate creation, and the driver of each car has to have complete trust in the team that designed and built this car, before it even rolls onto the track. The team has to have that same confidence in the driver, that he or she can bring that car into Victory Lane. For thousands of Hoosier families and racing fans, the Indy 500 is a time for creating lifelong memories. Joining together with friends and neighbors, the race is a chance to showcase the best in Hoosier hospitality and the best our State has to offer. To win the Indy 500, one needs all of the things that we Hoosiers hold dear: determination, hard work, ingenuity, an unwillingness to give up in the face of adversity, and, sometimes, a little bit of luck. To win you have to be able to overcome setbacks, get back up, dust yourself off, and put your nose back to the grindstone. That is the Hoosier way. I wish the best to our drivers, to the crews, and to the teams and owners competing in Sunday's 100th running of the Indy 500. May it be a safe and competitive race. May God bless all those involved. God bless Indiana, and God bless America. Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, on rollcall vote No. 70, I voted yea. It was my intention to vote nay. Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to change my vote since it will not affect the outcome of the vote.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize and honor the extraordinary service of Col. Douglas J. Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander, and to wish him well upon his retirement. A dedicated and loyal public servant, Colonel Schwartz has served the people of Indiana and the United States in the U.S. Air Force for approximately 35 years. A command pilot, Colonel Schwartz has more than 4,200 flying hours, and his service includes deployments in support of U.S. military efforts in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. A native of Fort Wayne, IN, Colonel Schwartz graduated from Purdue University and received his commission through the Air Force Officer Training School in 1981. Shortly thereafter, he entered pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, AZ, and was assigned to the 325th Bomb Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, WA. He transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1992 and flew KC-135R Stratotankers with the 72nd Air Refueling Squadron at Grissom. From October 1992 until March 2007, he held numerous command and leadership assignments at Grissom, including assistant chief pilot, chief of standardization and evaluation, operations officer, flight commander, and detachment commander. Colonel Schwartz has also served as detachment commander and operations group commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, FL; vice commander of the 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, IL; director of staff for the 4th Air Force; and wing commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing at McDill Airforce Base, FL, before returning to Grissom to assume command of the 434th Air Refueling Wing in June 2014. Under the leadership of Colonel Schwartz, Grissom is home to one of our Nation's finest Air Force units with the dedicated men and women of the 434th Air Refueling Wing and the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Colonel Schwartz has helped Grissom play a large and growing role in our national defense, and he has worked to ensure the Air Force recognizes the tremendous asset we have in Indiana. We thank Colonel Schwartz for his service, dedication, and commitment to protecting Hoosiers and our Nation. Indiana has a long and proud tradition of serving our country, and Colonel Schwartz's leadership has played a critical role in ensuring that our brave men and women at the 434th Refueling Wing have the training and support they need. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I wish Colonel Schwartz and his wife, Ann, the best in the years ahead.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today, I congratulate the Marian University Knights on winning the 25th Annual Division II Women's Basketball NAIA National Championship. Marian University established its women's basketball program in 1976 and has committed itself to competing at the highest level both academically and athletically. The program has secured three Crossroads League regular season championships--1994-95, 2001-02, 2015-16--and one Crossroads League tournament championship--2014-2015. The program has made three NAIA Tournament appearances. In 2016, the women's basketball team secured its first national championship title with a 59-48 victory over Southern Oregon in Sioux City, IA. Under the guidance of head coach Katie Gearlds since 2013, the women's basketball team has become increasingly engaged in community outreach and service activities. As a team, they participate in community improvement efforts including Indy DO Day and form active relationships with grade schools in central Indiana. Congratulations to Head Coach and NAIA Coach of the Year Gearlds, assistant coaches Vicky Volonaki and Mark Parker, athletic director Steve Downing, and all of the student-athletes on winning the 25th Annual Division II Women's Basketball NAIA National Championship on March 15, 2016. In addition, congratulations to university president Daniel J. Elsener, executive vice president and provost Thomas J. Enneking, the Marian University student body, and alumni. On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate the Marian University Knights on their successful women's basketball program, and I wish them continued success in the future.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I congratulate the Marian University Knights on winning the 60th Annual National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, NAIA, Football National Championship. Marian University established its football program in 2006 and has committed itself to competing at the highest level both academically and athletically. In 2012, the Knights won the 57th Annual NAIA National Championship. In 2014, despite ultimately losing the title game, the Knights played with grit in determination in the 59th Annual NAIA National Championship. In December of 2015, the Knights won the 60th Annual NAIA National Championship against Southern Oregon 31-14. Under the guidance of head coach Mark Henninger since 2013, the football team has become increasingly engaged in community outreach and service activities. As a team, they participate in community improvement efforts like Indy DO Day and form active relationships with local grade schools. Through the Team Impact program, the football team was able to form a powerful relationship with young fan Cole Winnefeld as he fought a courageous battle against neuroblastoma. Congratulations to Head Coach Henninger, the NAIA Coach of the Year, the entire coaching staff, athletic director Steve Downing, and all of the student-athletes on winning the 60th Annual NAIA Football National Championship on December 19, 2015. In addition, congratulations to university president Daniel J. Elsener, executive vice president and provost Thomas J. Enneking, the Marian University student body, and alumni. On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate the Marian University Knights on their successful football program, and I wish them continued success in the future.