Steve Daines

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, data has become a form of currency. Today, businesses and government are processing and storing more information than ever. This creates access, organization, and security problems for government agencies using outdated, legacy IT systems. I worked in the technology sector for over a decade. We were doing cloud computing before the cloud even had a name. So I know first-hand the advantages cloud computing offers from a cost-saving, organization, and security perspective. The private sector is transitioning to cloud computing systems at a rapid pace, but the government continues to lag behind. There are unnecessary impediments related to planning, funding, and procurement that inhibit Federal agencies from migrating to cloud computing services. That is why I am proud to join my colleagues Senator Moran, Senator Udall, and Senator Warner in introducing the Cloud IT Act. This bill will accelerate deployment of cloud computing services in the Federal government by removing impediments to investment. It will streamline the procurement process for IT tools and encourage the government to work more closely with the cloud computing industry. Migrating Federal government systems to cloud computing services will reduce redundancies and save time and taxpayer dollars. I ask my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this much needed legislation.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I want to applaud the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration FAA Reauthorization, as it strengthens security, provides for critical aviation infrastructure, and maintains access to affordable travel for Montanans as well as the rest of the country. However, while many important provisions were addressed in the FAA reauthorization, improvements to the Federal Contract Tower Program that I advocated for were not included. There are currently 253 airports in 46 States that participate in the Contract Tower Program, including three airports in my home State of Montana. The Contract Tower Program is a prime example of a successful government-industry partnership and provides safety and air traffic efficiency benefits to airports across our country. The Bozeman, Kalispell, and Missoula airports in Montana count on the Contract Tower Program to provide essential and cost-effective services. That is why I introduced an amendment in the Senate passed FAA reauthorization bill that would protect contract towers and require the FAA to respond to airports when additional control staff and hours are needed. Unfortunately, this 14-month FAA authorization extension legislation does not include this broadly supported provision. Congress must take seriously the management of taxpayer dollars, and be good stewards of such. The Contract Tower Program is a clear example of a cost-efficient program that provides essential safety services. In fact, according to FAA statistics, towers in this program are responsible for 28 percent of air traffic and utilize only 14 percent of total funding. Montanans are fully aware of the need for safe and reliable transportation services. They are also all too aware of the wasteful and careless spending by our Federal Government. Ensuring the Contract Tower Program is fully utilized is a commonsense solution that addresses both of these issues. I call on my Senate colleagues to join me in supporting this vital program.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, it is certainly an honor to think that we are standing here as Senators with two distinguished veterans: Lieutenant Colonel Ernst and Senator Sullivan, who served in the U.S. Marines. In fact, tonight I will be at the Iwo Jima memorial, at a parade, with my daughter, honoring my dad, a marine, and honoring the men and women who served and wore the great uniform of the U.S. military. There is one group who is cheering right now, and that is our enemies. They are cheering the fact that this body cannot get a defense appropriations bill passed. Maybe we should tie congressional pay to this bill. You know what. We could ask the minority leader: Let's put congressional pay in here. Maybe that will get the body to act, to move forward, if we say: If we are not going to fund our military, let's not fund this body right here. If we can't pass the Defense appropriations bill, we shouldn't get a paycheck here in Washington, DC. We ought to stand with the men and women who depend on the appropriations. What this body is saying no to--this filibuster is saying no to military personnel; it is saying no operations; it is saying no to the procuring we need to take the fight to the enemy; and it is saying no to research and development, testing and evaluation to make sure our men and women who wear the uniform of the U.S. military have the very best tools they need to defeat a very real enemy. I thank my freshmen colleagues for coming to the floor today. I thank Senator Sullivan for leading this effort as we are discussing why we need to stop the filibuster and pass the Defense appropriations bill.

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I want to thank the Senator from Alaska. I also want to thank Lieutenant Colonel and Senator Ernst for her service to our Nation. Senator Ernst is the first female combat veteran to ever serve in the Senate. It is an honor to serve with her, and I thank her for her service to our country both as a soldier as well as a Senator. As I speak today, my friends from across the aisle have already--not once, not twice, but three times--blocked consideration of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2017, which will deny our troops the proper funding and support they deserve. I am proud to be standing here with some of my freshmen colleagues, imploring my friends on the other side of the aisle to stop the political games and get back to work, and that starts with funding our military. We shouldn't be playing these petty political games on legislation that is and should be historically bipartisan. In fact, this bill, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, passed the House of Representatives in June on a bipartisan vote of 282 to 138, and that included 48 Democrats. That is a very strong bipartisan vote. Over on the Senate side--as a member of the Committee on Appropriations, I recall it clearly--it passed our committee 30 to 0. That is called running up the score--30 to 0 out of the Committee on Appropriations on May 26. Not one Democrat opposed this bill in committee. I ask my colleagues: What in the world has changed? Why did we go from 30 to 0 in the committee and now we are seeing a filibuster here on the floor of the Senate? Just so we are all clear, when Senate Democrats vote no, here is what they are saying no to: 1.2 million military Active-Duty servicemembers and 800,000 reservists. They are saying no to 10,000 troops engaged in combat in Afghanistan and the additional military in harm's way in Iraq, Syria, and other places throughout the world. We are seeing ISIS expanding into places like Libya. They are attacking Western targets like Paris, Brussels, and the homeland here, in places like San Bernardino and Orlando. We need to make sure our military forces have the tools they need to win. As Senator Marco Rubio once said: It is either we win or they win. There is no middle ground here. Let us give them the tools they need to win. I can tell you one thing: Our enemies are not waiting around for Senate Democrats to fund our military to make it a fair fight. This bill provides money to replace the munitions and other consumable items being used to defend America against the likes of ISIS, Al Qaeda, and the Taliban. Passing this also gives confidence to our Eastern European allies. Back in my home State of Montana, we have a rich legacy of service. I am the son of a U.S. marine. My dad served in the 50th Rifle Company in Billings, MT. In fact, our Nation's ``peace through strength'' strategy can be seen clearly at Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base. You see, up in Montana, we have one-third of the Nation's intercontinental ballistic missiles. We play a critical role in meeting our Nation's security and military needs. In fact, I have the utmost faith--and always do--in the 1,200 defenders at Malmstrom that provide security for the missiles that silently sit across Montana. I know these airmen will not fail our Nation, but Washington, DC is failing them. Senate Democrats are failing them, and that is unacceptable. At Malmstrom, the motto on the commander's coin says this: ``Scaring the hell out of America's enemies since 1962.'' And they do so because this body chose duty over politics. So how can Democrats continue to stand here and say no to our military when so much is at stake, when the House passed a bipartisan bill, when this body passed a bill by a unanimous vote of 30 to 0 out of committee? We must say yes to our military who fight for us every day and say no to petty politics in Washington, DC. We must stand up for the rights and the freedoms we enjoy. Senate Democrats, stop saying no. Let us debate the DOD appropriations bill. Finally, I urge my Senate colleagues across the aisle to have the courage to vote against the wishes of their leaders and help us move this legislation forward. Again, I am proud to stand here with some of my Senate freshmen colleagues and the distinguished Senator from North Carolina, Thom Tillis. I know Senator Tillis has some real concerns about what is going on here on the Senate floor.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I must share some bittersweet news about a beloved Montana woman. After a long life of dedicated service and leadership CSM Ronda Scott passed away on July 7, 2016. Ronda attended Helena High School in 1972 and receiving her associates degree from Western Montana College Ronda and went on to become an influential member of the National Guard in 1975. Ronda's dedication to her country and her tenacious spirit was rewarded when she was elevated to the rank of command sergeant major, a first for a Montana woman. She served her State, her country, and her fellow soldiers selflessly as a member of the honor guard and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. During her 34 years of service, she received multiple honors and distinctions, including the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit Medal. After retiring in 2009, Ronda continued to dedicate her life to others. However, this time her priorities were her beloved grandchildren and the community of Helena. Not only was she a leader in uniform, she volunteered her time for events and organizations such as Race for the Cure, the American Legion, the Wine Fair, and many other veteran service organizations. Ronda fought her final battle against bone cancer and graciously lost the ultimate fight we will all face one day. Those close to her say that, despite the circumstances, she never lost her cheerful spirit or love of life. I thank Ronda for her service and the impact she left on the city of Helena--she truly paved the way for Montana women. I hope she finds rest and that her family finds joy in all the wonderful memories she left behind.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Madam President, I want to recognize SGT David Thatcher, a member of the Greatest Generation and a true American hero, who sadly passed away on June 22, 2016, in Missoula, MT. Born on July 31, 1921, in Bridger, MT to homesteaders, Joseph and Dorothea Thatcher, David grew up in Montana during the Great Depression. David enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and in 1942 volunteered to go on a secret mission that ultimately became the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo. He was a crew member on plane No. 7, the Ruptured Duck, which crash landed in water off China after their bombing mission. His heroic efforts saved the lives of his badly injured crew members, and with the help of local Chinese guerillas, he helped his crew evade Japanese troops and make their way to safety. Sergeant Thatcher's actions and those of all of the Doolittle's Raiders were nothing but heroic, yet Sergeant Thatcher was a humble man and did not feel he did anything great. He just felt he was doing his job. Doing his job, however, helped to win a war and maintain our freedom as a nation. Sergeant Thatcher will be missed by his family, Montanans, and an entire grateful nation.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Madam President, nestled along the banks of the Madison River, protected by the Madison, Gravelly, and Tobacco Root Mountains sits the charming town of Ennis, MT. Ennis is a strong community of nearly 1,000 citizens. This humble city boasts blue ribbon trout fishing, gorgeous hiking, and attracts people from all walks of life to the spirit and values of the Old West. Tom Kuntz and his wife made Ennis, MT, their home in 2014. Since then, he has weaved himself into the fabric of this community as a dedicated volunteer at Ennis Community Children's School. After raising kids of his own, Kuntz still wanted to be involved in the lives of children. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and Kuntz takes his part in this happily. Lacy Keller, director of the Community School, says Kuntz is a weekly volunteer and lends a hand whenever and wherever he can. ``He comes in every week, hangs out with the kids, comes on field trips, fixes our bikes and broken toys, mows the lawn, he does whatever he can for us and the kids.'' The community school averages 20-25 children ranging in ages from 2-12, and Keller says that all of them adore Kuntz. Just a few weeks ago the kids couldn't wait to invite him on one of their hiking trips. One girl had recently fractured her foot and would have missed out on the group adventure if it weren't for Kuntz. Keller says that Kuntz graciously carried the little girl on his back up and down the mountain trail. Together the pair spent the day smiling, laughing, and Kuntz even sang songs to entertain her and the students throughout the day. Kuntz is a selfless volunteer who donates his time and money and expects very little in return. On numerous occasions he has purchased items out of his own pocket to help out with maintenance or building projects. Most recently, Kuntz helped to complete a garden for the school so that students can grow vegetables and cultivate a firsthand knowledge of agriculture. He embodies the diligent and gracious heart of Ennis citizens and is instilling that into the future Montana farmers, educators, and leaders growing up in Ennis. Montana is truly one of the last best places, and I am honored that Tom is so invested in the success of our children. Thank you, Tom, and welcome home.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, one of the great privileges I have serving in the U.S. Senate is standing up every day on behalf of Montana agriculture. In fact, across the great State of Montana, signs of our State's strong agricultural heritage are at virtually every turn, from wheat and sugar beet fields, to grazing cattle and sheep. It is truly impossible to miss the expansiveness of our State's No. 1 economic driver, and that is agriculture. Agriculture is more than just an economic driver of our State, it is a way of life for thousands of Montana families. It provides for a safe, reliable, and affordable food supply not only for our Nation but for the world. It supports tens of thousands of jobs throughout the State. Let me say that again. It supports tens of thousands of jobs in the State of Montana. Over the past several weeks and months, I have heard directly from stakeholders in Montana--from the Montana Farm Bureau, the Montana Grain Growers Association, the Montana Sugar Beet Growers, the Montana Retailers Association, the Montana Chamber of Commerce, as well as researchers at Montana State University, my alma mater, a land-grant university. All demonstrated how their livelihoods would be negatively impacted if a single State on the east coast could be allowed to have such wide-raging impacts on jobs in Montana, as well as the price we pay at the grocery store. I believe that a State like Vermont and the junior Senator from Vermont should not dictate the laws that govern our food and affect the prices Montanans pay at the checkout line. Defenders of Vermont's fringe law and the ideology behind it ignore hardships on agricultural jobs. They ignore hardships on family incomes. They ignore scientific consensus. They ignore the existing transparency tools and the new ones created by this bipartisan compromise legislation. Montanans were clear that Congress needed to act. While this bill is by no means perfect, its passage is important to prevent increased costs for businesses and higher prices at the checkout stands for families. I have to say that I am outraged that the defenders of Vermont's law ignore these hardships. In eastern Montana, sugar beets are grown using biotech, and they are an economic driver for the State, and they are the source of thousands of jobs. The sugar beet industry contributes about $70 million a year to the Montana economy, as well as sugar factories in Billings and Sidney. As Shane Strecker, the director of the Southern Montana Sugar Beet Growers, put it, ``Without biotechnology, the hundreds of jobs Montana's sugar beet industry supports would not exist.'' Make no mistake--this Vermont law is an attack on Montana's way of life, it is an attack on Montana's farm and ranch operations, and I am not going to stand for it. I will stand up for Montana and continue to fight to ensure that Montana's agricultural products are not unfairly and arbitrarily discriminated against. As always, I am proud to stand with Montana farmers, to stand with Montana ranchers, to stand with Montana agriculture, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate recess until 4:40 p.m., with the time during the recess being charged to the Republican side.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize the students of Dawson County High School and Industrial Arts teacher Dean Myer. Thanks to their initiative and hard work, children and families in Dawson County will be able to create wonderful memories this summer at Penninger Park. Due to staffing issues and delays at the Public Works Office, brandnew playground equipment had been sitting dormant in a storage unit for over a year and a half. The students and their teacher, Mr. Myer, recognized the problem and proactively decided pull the equipment out and construct it for all to enjoy. Hands-on problem-solving is a wonderful Montana lesson, and I am proud to see our educators teaching the next generation practical skills in an innovative and community centered manner. With an eagerness to learn and help their community, they started work on the project in April and completed it before the end of the school year. The students in Mr. Myers' class took on nearly every aspect of this project from reading the blue prints and measuring the site to learning how to operate complicated equipment. I am so impressed with the proactive teaching of Mr. Myer. I truly believe that you remember a lesson a lot longer if it requires you to get a little dirt under your fingernails. Along with technical skills, the students learned an invaluable lesson on how to work together. Their teacher says, ``One thing the class really emphasizes is getting along with other workers.'' Thanks to their cooperation, Jack Rice, Glendive Public Works director, is now hoping to collaborate with Mr. Myers and future classes on upcoming community projects. Their camaraderie and hard work will leave a lasting impact on the community of Glendive. For years to come, this park will be a place where Montanans can come to run, climb, laugh, and enjoy the outdoors. In 20 years, I hope that those responsible for this park will return to take their children to play on the slides and jungle gym they helped build. Thank you to the students and Mr. Meyer. I look forward to hearing about the next innovative work you will do together to benefit Montanans in the future.

Mr. DAINES

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

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, in honor of Independence Day, I wish to recognize Louis Armentaro of Park County. Louis is an Army veteran, having served as an infantryman in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. We celebrate our independence and freedom because of people like Louis, who selflessly put himself in harm's way, fighting against tyranny for his country. Over the Fourth of July weekend, I will have the privilege to honor Louis and watch him announce his 68th Livingston Roundup Parade. Louis started this tradition back in 1949, when he returned to Montana after serving in World War II. During his time in the special services in Japan, Louis delighted in running audio for his fellow soldiers at the GI theatre, ball games, and parades. He is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the ``most durable rodeo parade announcer.'' His passion for western swing and its ability to transport people inspired him to start Sound Over the West audio and announcing when he returned home. As a child, Louis grew up with a passion for authentic country music. Not only is he one of the greatest curators of this style in Montana, he is also one of the most revered pedal steel guitar players in the country music community. In the early 1950s, Louis, his brother Frank Armentaro, and their friend Oscar Bergsing started the Rhythm Ramblers, one of the longest living bands in Montana. For decades, they created a soundtrack for countless swing dancers across the State. While performances from the group are extremely rare today, Louis continues to play his steel guitar every morning. At 91 years old, he is one of the most experienced steel guitar players alive. Louis, with the support of his devoted wife, Donna, has become a pillar in the Livingston community. Not only have the couple raised and fostered an estimated 30 children, they are an indispensable part of the Livingston Roundup Rodeo. For many cowboys and cowgirls, this event is known as Cowboy Christmas; Louis Armentaro is their Santa Claus. He is the dependable voice and orchestrator and is the most recognizable attraction in the rodeo parade. During the parade and the rodeo, Louis blares his curated collection of western swing music. For the last six decades, he has introduced people of all ages to sounds of American country and the history these songs can teach. I am proud to honor this unique man for his service to his community and our country.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, going to the rodeo is a longtime Montana tradition. Montanans sport their best boots and Stetson hats and shine up their belt buckles to connect with the rugged and untamable spirit that is the American cowboy. Livingston, MT is home to one of the longest standing rodeos in the State and home to the world record holding rodeo announcer, Louis Armentaro. Over the Fourth of July weekend, I will have the privilege to honor Louis and watch him announce his 67th Livingston Roundup Rodeo. Louis started this tradition back in 1949, when he returned to Montana after serving in WWII. During his time in the Special Services in Japan, Louis delighted in running audio for his fellow soldiers at the GI theatre, ball games and parades. His passion for western swing and its ability to transport people inspired him to start Sound Over the West audio and announcing when he returned home. As a child, Louis grew up with a passion for authentic country music. Not only is he one of the greatest curators of this style in Montana, he is also one of the most revered pedal steel guitar players in the country music community. In the early 1950s Louis, his brother Frank Armentaro and their friend Oscar Bergsing started the Rhythm Ramblers, one of the longest living bands in Montana. For decades they created a soundtrack for countless swing dancers across the State. While performances from the group are extremely rare today, Louis continues to play his steel guitar every morning. At 93 years old, he is one of the most experienced steel guitar players alive. Louis, with the support of his devoted wife Donna, has become a pillar in the Livingston community. Not only have the couple raised and fostered an estimated 30 children, they are an indispensable part of the Livingston Roundup Rodeo. For many cowboys and cowgirls, this event is known as Cowboy Christmas; Louis Armentaro is their Santa Claus. He is the dependable voice and orchestrator and is the most recognizable attraction in the rodeo parade. During the parade and the rodeo, Louis blares his curated collection of western swing music. For the last six decades, he has introduced people of all ages to sounds of American country and the history these songs can teach. I am proud to honor this unique man for his service to his community and our country.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today Senator Warren and I have joined together to introduce the Retirement Savings Lost and Found Act. This important piece of legislation is critical to addressing key issues that exist in the regulatory framework for retirement plans. Montanans are conservative folks who know the value of a hard-earned dollar. With the poor economic recovery and slow wage growth, working Montanans cannot afford to have money withheld from their paychecks and placed into retirement accounts, only to lose track of those accounts or have their retirement plans decline over time due to limitations placed on investment options. Now more than ever, our country needs the best laws to usher everyday Americans into a sound retirement. Working Americans are losing hard-earned dollars up until the time when they need it most--their retirement. When an employee leaves a job, it is often hard for them to keep track of their retirement accounts during these transitional times. Our bill is a commonsense approach that will empower individuals to take control of their retirement futures. The Retirement Savings Lost and Found Act will allow Montanans to be that much more prepared to spend their golden years well with friends and family by providing a means to locate lost retirement accounts and allow better investment options to ensure those investments grow rather than erode over time. I appreciate the work of Senator Warren on completion of this important bill. Together, we can help individuals make the most of their retirement options by providing sound policy that has the potential to save billions over the years for those among us who need it most

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today Senator Warren and I have joined together to introduce the Retirement Savings Lost and Found Act. This important piece of legislation is critical to addressing key issues that exist in the regulatory framework for retirement plans. Montanans are conservative folks who know the value of a hard-earned dollar. With the poor economic recovery and slow wage growth, working Montanans cannot afford to have money withheld from their paychecks and placed into retirement accounts, only to lose track of those accounts or have their retirement plans decline over time due to limitations placed on investment options. Now more than ever, our country needs the best laws to usher everyday Americans into a sound retirement. Working Americans are losing hard-earned dollars up until the time when they need it most--their retirement. When an employee leaves a job, it is often hard for them to keep track of their retirement accounts during these transitional times. Our bill is a commonsense approach that will empower individuals to take control of their retirement futures. The Retirement Savings Lost and Found Act will allow Montanans to be that much more prepared to spend their golden years well with friends and family by providing a means to locate lost retirement accounts and allow better investment options to ensure those investments grow rather than erode over time. I appreciate the work of Senator Warren on completion of this important bill. Together, we can help individuals make the most of their retirement options by providing sound policy that has the potential to save billions over the years for those among us who need it most

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I wish to enter into a colloquy with my colleague from Arizona. The National Defense Authorization Act which the Senate passed this week is the most critical piece of legislation for our national security that we debate each year, and I thank my colleague from Arizona, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, for his hard work on this legislation. One important provision that should be in the final NDAA is the elevation of Cyber Command. Cyber warfare is taking place every day. It is a domain of war that our Nation must dominate just as we do on land, at sea, and in the air. At the rate electronic warfare is growing, I believe elevating Cyber Command to a combatant command is vital to ensuring that the United States is fully prepared for cyber warfare and has unparalleled capabilities in that domain. Does my colleague from Arizona feel the same?

Mr. DAINES. My colleague from Arizona is correct. My provisions in the Defense appropriations legislation states that the Department of Defense has the funding needed to elevate Cyber Command to a combatant command this year. We cannot wait for our enemies to outmaneuver us on this new battlefield. Elevating Cyber Command to a combatant command is one of the best ways we can ensure our troops have the authority they need to succeed. I want to thank my colleague from Arizona for his commitment to a continued effort on the elevation of Cyber Command and thank him for his continued hard work on behalf of the men and women of our Armed Forces. (At the request of Mr. Durbin, the following statement was ordered to be printed in the Record.)

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I do share my colleague from Arizona's commitment to elevate Cyber Command to a combatant command in conference. The House NDAA includes a provision to elevate Cyber Command, and I stand with eight bipartisan Members of the Senate, including my colleague from Arizona, who support this effort. It is paramount that the final fiscal year 2017 NDAA that goes to the President's desk includes this provision. Can my colleague from Arizona further describe the value that elevating Cyber Command would bring?

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a Havre Police Department dispatcher, Brenda Kadrmas. Originally from Conrad, Brenda is a 10-year veteran to the department. She acted in a swift and steadfast manner during a terrifying situation and put her extensive training to work in order to prevent a suicide. Brenda has taken full advantage of training opportunities-- thankfully, she did; she was able to save a life. Thank you, Brenda, for your commitment to the department and the city of Havre. You have shown tremendous leadership and dedication, and for that, I am proud of you. Keep up the great work, and thank you for your service.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Dave Wichman, superintendent and assistant professor of agronomy at Montana State University. He has dedicated 35 years of his life working in the agricultural research centers for the State of Montana. Dave has worked with Montana Agricultural Experiment Stations since 1976, serving at both the Southern Ag Research Center in Huntley and Central Ag Research Center in Moccasin, MT. Dave has impacted forage crops, pulse crops, oil seed crops, cereal agronomy, and foundation seed. Dave, thank you for your passion, your knowledge, and your dedication. Montana thanks you for a job well done and wishes you the best.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, on January 9, 1915, the Dolezal family scurried around a humble homestead in Hingham, MT. The house had no heat, no plumbing, and no modern conveniences to combat the bitter Montana cold. Jerry and Grace Dolezal had just welcomed a brand-new baby girl--Frances. Her brother Bob Dolezal says, ``My father used to say, she was so small, she could have worn a ring as a bracelet.'' Frances was a premature breach birth, and the family took turns huddling around her crib, a small dresser drawer, refilling a hot water bottle each hour to keep the newborn warm. Frances would survive that night and many more. She celebrated her 101st birthday this last January. I would like to take this time to recognize and honor her service to- our-country and her contribution to the children of Montana. We are the land of the free because of the brave, and as we continue to face foreign and domestic threats I am humbled by the service men and women who have protected and served. In 1942 the United States faced a shortage of military personnel due to World War II. In an effort to fill the void, the Women Accepted for Emergency Volunteer Service program, or WAVES, was created and allowed women to enlist in the U.S. Navy. After her brother George Dolezal survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, Frances was anxious to do her part and graciously enlisted in July of 1943. She was stationed on Terminal Island in San Pedro, CA, for the next 2 years, serving as a second class aviation machinist mate, preparing airplanes before they were shipped overseas. When the war ended, Frances returned to Montana and earned her bachelor's degree in education from the Western Montana College of Education, now University of Montana Western, in Dillon. Frances would go on to be a first grade teacher and serve the communities of Cutbank, Malta, Havre, Zortman, Ledger and Browning for over 25 years. Frances was a tough teacher but fair. In Browning, where class attendance was low, Frances created an innovative cotton ball calendar tactic to motivate class participation. Her classes held the highest attendance rates and many of her schoolchildren would exit first grade with third grade reading levels. Her brother Bob says: ``Her ability to motivate little ones was what I was always impressed with. She instilled in them to never quit; keep trying until you can succeed.'' On Frances' 100th birthday she was showered with letters, cards, and gifts from her former students. One student, now a successful businessman in Billings, MT, made it a priority to be in attendance for the celebration. The young man thanked Frances and said that, among all of his teachers and college professors, Mrs. Ordway was his favorite. In an effort to ensure all female World War II veterans receive their World War II service medals, Frances was recently honored by the Montana American Legion in Chinook, MT. Frances was pinned with her World War II Victory Medal in honor of her service from 1943 to 1945. It is stories like Frances's, the Dolezal family, and numerous others that remind us of the importance of preserving these stories through efforts like the Veterans History Project. Though many people may never know her name, Montanans and Americans owe her our appreciation. Thank you, Frances, for your patriotism and commitment to the education of young Montana minds.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I would like to call your attention to Christina Aragon, a recent graduate of Billings Senior High School. While in high school, Christina competed in track and field, gymnastics, was an active member of the National Honors Society and concert band, and was named the Gatorade Montana Track and Field athlete of the year in 2015. Christina is the youngest daughter of Chuck and Kathy Argon and is running her way into the record books. Christina, known as Teeny by friends and family, is a remarkable track and field athlete whose events include the 400m, 800m, 1500m, 1600m, and the 3,200m. Over the course of her high school career, Christina earned nine State champion titles; three of those titles were earned while running with a broken elbow. On June 5, Christina attended the Payton Jordan Invitational at Stanford and completed the 1500m in 4:11.24. Competing in a packed race with multiple professionally sponsored runners, this 18-year-old surprised everyone in attendance. On June 12, at the Portland Track Festival, Christina defied expectations yet again and set a national record of 4:09.27, becoming the third fastest 1500m high schooler in history, while simultaneously qualifying for the Olympic time trials. This weekend, she will compete in the Brooks PR Invitational in Renton, WA, where she holds the record for the 800m at 2:04.00. Christina will also attend the Olympic time trials in Oregon on July 1, 2016. Christina represents the youngest of the Aragon track and field legacy. Her father was the first Notre Dame runner to break the 4- minute mile in 1981. Her mother competed in her third Olympic time trial in 2004, and her older sisters, Danielle and Alexa, hold multiple State champion titles and run together as All-Americans at Notre Dame. Christina will attend Stanford University this fall and continue her track and field career. When asked about the Olympic time trials, Christina commented, ``I'm obviously going to be pretty nervous, but I'm just going to try to channel that nervousness into more excitement because that's just an awesome opportunity and I'm really lucky to be able to have that so I'm just going to go out there and have fun and run fast, hopefully.'' William Shakespeare wrote, ``Though she be but little, she is fierce,'' a quote that I feel resonates all too well with this determined and fearsome young lady. I ask that you join me in wishing Christina the best of luck in the coming weeks. I have no doubt that she will continue to make her family and Montana proud.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, the atrocity that occurred this past weekend in Orlando, FL, was an attack on every American, and my deepest condolences are with the victims and the families of this appalling attack. I am grateful for our law enforcement and the first responders who bravely put their lives on the line to save others. This attack--the deadliest in American history since 9/11--was carried out by a gunman who pledged allegiance to ISIS. There are 49 families who received phone calls this weekend--phone calls we all hope we never receive. There are 49 families who are arranging for funerals this week. They never dreamed they would be put in this position--the tragedy, the sorrow of the mothers, the fathers, the aunts, the uncles, the brothers, the sisters, the grandparents, the cousins, and friends who will all be attending funerals this week. Additionally, there are more than 50 families dealing with family members who were injured, some gravely, who are fighting for their lives as I speak. Montana is a long ways away from Orlando, but I can tell you that last night across our State there were vigils in Great Falls, Helena, Missoula, Bozeman, Butte, and Billings, MT. We stand united with Orlando. This threat of ISIS is continuing to grow each and every day. We need a strong strategy to destroy the growing threat of Islamic extremism-- Islamic extremism on our soil as well. President Obama, what is that strategy? We need to aggressively go after radical jihadists who seek to destroy our way of life and disturb the peace in our communities. The senseless hate of ISIS and radical Islam will not defeat us but, rather, strengthen our resolve and commitment to freedom. We need to remember that this was an act of terror on American soil, that this is a threat we face from radical Islam and ISIS, and that the worst response would be to politicize this and use this tragedy to restrict our constitutional rights and freedoms. We cannot allow dangerous terrorists to hide in our communities. We need to seek them out and ensure they aren't able to inflict harm on our neighbors, our friends, and our families. May God comfort those who have been profoundly affected by this tragedy, and may God protect our men and women who are defending our country both here and abroad every day. We are a strong nation, and together we will protect our country and ensure victory over the terrorists who want to take away our very way of life here in America. Mr. President, I yield the floor.