Steve Daines

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Fire Marshal Rick Later of Beaverhead County for his 40 years of service protecting the folks of Dillon and Beaverhead County. Later's experience with firefighting began in 1974, when he joined the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department as a volunteer. After decades of volunteer service, Later became fire marshal in 2003. In his new role, he was given the responsibility of not only managing fire safety and prevention in Dillon, but overseeing the safety of Montanans across Fire District No. 2. The district stretches from Glen, to the south end of the reservoir, to Horse Prairie to Bannack. Spanning over 5,500 square miles, the county is roughly the size of the State of Connecticut. As fire marshal, Later ran the fire hall diligently every day. He oversaw equipment maintenance and managed fire investigations and building inspections. He also worked closely with the Dillon City Council and developed a relationship with the Beaverhead County Planning Board and Zoning Commission. Later's service to his community and commitment to volunteering is exemplary of the Montana spirit. I commend him for 40 years of service, and I join the folks in Dillon and Beaverhead County in gratitude for his insight and leadership over the years.

Mr. DAINES

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I rise in commemoration of Constitution Day, celebrated nationwide yesterday, the date, September 17. Two hundred thirty-two years ago, our Founding Fathers gathered at Independence Hall in Philadelphia and signed a document that remains the supreme law of the land today. In those 232 years, the United States has become the most powerful, the most prosperous Nation in the history of the world, and that success has come as a result of the framework set by our Constitution. The genius of the Framers was their determination to maximize the freedom of the individual while recognizing the need for a central government limited in size by our Constitution. The Founders understood the nature of man. The Founders understood that power corrupts. Under the framework of federalism, we created a divide between the States and the Federal Government, allowing for powers to be shared. In fact, the 10th Amendment states: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. At the Federal level, we established three coequal branches of government, which established a system of checks and balances to offset the concentration of power. To complement the laws established, our Founders put in place the Bill of Rights as a safeguard to protect the individual from the threat of government tyranny. Our sacred rights and freedoms endowed by our Creator are recognized as inherent and untouchable because of our Bill of Rights. As the Father of our Constitution, James Madison, stated: In Europe, charters of liberty have been granted by power. America has set the example . . . of charters of power granted by liberty. Our constitutional system of government is the envy of the world and has served as a model for countries worldwide that are seeking to create representative governments. That is why it is so important for us to observe days like Constitution Day. Americans of all ages should be learning and should be studying our Constitution. They should be taking in what makes our Constitution so uniquely successful in nurturing a free and a prosperous society. Our grand experiment has stood the test of time, yet we must continue to be vigilant in the preservation of this most important part of our American legacy. So, today, I encourage every Montanan and every American to read the Constitution. Discuss it at the dinner table. Discuss it with your family members. Discuss it in your classrooms. Discuss it with your friends. Discuss it with your neighbors. As the preamble states, ``We the People'' established our Constitution, and it remains up to ``We the People'' to ensure its success. May God continue to bless this great Nation. I yield the floor.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Deputy Cody Criner of Sweetgrass County for his brave action in service of his community. On February 6, 2019, Deputy Cody Criner was performing a routine check at a rest stop along I-90 near Big Timber, when he came across a Toyota Prius. At first, he believed the car to be abandoned. The car was covered in snow, and the hood and the exhaust were completely frozen over. Abandoned cars are common along this stretch of highway; however, Deputy Criner knew in his gut that something was wrong. Deputy Criner approached the vehicle to inspect the windows, and that is when he saw the hand of a 33-year-old man. The man's eyes were rolled into the back of his head, and he wasn't responding as Criner pounded on the window. In temperatures 10 degrees below freezing, Criner knew time was working against him. Criner took quick action and grabbed a hammer and broke the passenger side window. He proceeded to cover the man with as many blankets as he had and even took the beanie off his own head to keep the man warm. On that cold February day, Criner saved a man's life. Deputy Criner's quick action and commitment to service is exemplary of the Montana sprit. I know that Sheriff Alan Ronneberg and the entire Sweetgrass community are thankful to have a faithful public servant in Deputy Cody Criner. In recognition of Deputy Cody Criner's bravery and service, I ask unanimous consent that his name be entered into the Record and recognized as Montanan of the week.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I wish to honor CAPT Nicholas A. Mungas, commodore of Training Air Wing One, at NAS Meridian, for his 25 years of service to the U.S. Navy. CAPT Nicholas Mungas grew up in Kalispell, MT. Following his nomination, Captain Mungas attended and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1995, with a degree in economics. Directly following, he attended flight school and, in November of 1997, was designated a naval aviator at NAS Kingsville in Texas. Captain Mungas's operational assignments include FA-18 pilot tours with Strike Fighter Squadron, VFA 105, USS Enterprise, CVN 65, USS Harry S. Truman, CVN 75; VFA-195, USS Kitty Hawk, CV 63; and VFA-136, USS Enterprise, CVN 65; completing multiple Mediterranean and Western Pacific deployments, while supporting Operations Southern Watch, Deliberate Forge, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Captain Mungas has excelled in all areas of the Navy, but most notably as a naval pilot. Captain Mungas attended the navy fighter weapons school, better known as TOPGUN. He also served as an instructor pilot in the Strike Fighter Squadron 106, where he was selected as the Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Fleet Instructor Pilot of the Year in 2004. After his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, Captain Mungas has accumulated over 2,900 flight hours and has preformed 576 carrier arrested landings. His distinguished career includes the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Strike Flight Air Medal, and the Department of State Meritorious honor award. As well as being a highly qualified and distinguished pilot, Captain Mungas has served as the Joint Chiefs of Staff desk officer and U.S. Africa Command lead planner, as well as a military detailee to the U.S. Department of State in the Office of the Euro-Atlantic Security Affairs in the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance. His record of excellence and leadership is an inspiration to all young Montanans and aspiring naval aviators. I, along with all of Montana, are grateful for his life of service to our Nation. In recognition of CAPT Nicholas A. Mungas and his personal accomplishments and contributions to his country, I ask unanimous consent that his name be entered into the Record.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, 18 years ago today, Americans witnessed what evil looks like. Eighteen years ago today, Americans witnessed the loss of innocent life. Eighteen years ago today, Americans witnessed acts of cowardice. Today, Montanans and Americans across our country are taking time to reflect upon the horrific acts of 9/11. Today, we take time to remember the thousands of lives lost on that horrible day. We remember the daughters who lost mothers, the sons who lost fathers, and the loved ones and friends and the communities that were broken by these tragedies. I know I speak for most of us when I say that we remember that day like it was yesterday. That fateful morning, I was in Bozeman, MT. I typically like to get an earlier start at work. We are 2 hours behind eastern time. So it was early in the morning. My wife Cindy called me. I was at my desk. I was working for a cloud- computing software company, just starting the day, and Cindy called me. She said: There is really strange news. There has been a plane that hit one of the World Trade Center towers. I think many of us at that time thought it was maybe a small, private plane--sort of, kind of a strange bit of news coming out that morning. Then, as the minutes went by, we started finding out what was really going on, that it wasn't a small plane. It wasn't an accident. It was a 767 loaded with fuel because it was attempting to make a journey across our country from Boston out to the west coast. The images of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers is one I will never forget, and it is one that will never stop hurting. I remember that after it was confirmed that it was a commercial aircraft, very quickly the speculation began that this was a premeditated terror attack. In moments like that you want to be with your loved ones. I quietly closed the door to my office, and I drove home to be with my wife and to be with family as we watched the rest of the horrible day unfold: 2,977 innocent Americans lost their lives, and 2,977 innocent Americans didn't return home that day. I think it is important to think about every single human life that was lost and the pain of the families who remember that day today when they lost their loved ones. That pain is very real yet again today. This was a slaughter of our fellow Americans that shook our Nation to its very core. Yet, in the face of extreme adversity, we are a nation that did come together and we carried on. I think about those moments when our churches and cathedrals were filled with Americans in prayer, reflecting upon what had happened. Today, we honor and remember the almost 3,000 people who died that September morning. We remember the survivors, those first responders, the firefighters, and the friends and families of those we lost. While we take the time to remember today, we also reflect on who we are as a nation. As Americans, we are strong and resilient. After the 9/11 attacks, we responded with strength and we strengthened the homeland. We are most grateful to those who served and to those who are serving today in our Armed Forces. Just recently, last December, I flew to Afghanistan. In fact, we carried 50 pounds of Montana beef jerky to deliver to the 495th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion of the Montana Army National Guard, who are deployed over in Afghanistan protecting us. As I received the briefs that day, I was reminded yet again that this war that we have against terrorism exists this very moment, and I can tell you this because of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, in intelligence, and in law enforcement across our Nation. It is because of them that we are able to stand here today without another terror attack like we saw on 9/11. When I received the brief in Afghanistan in December, I was reminded again of the porous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan and that there are plots being created and attempts to hit the homeland again. There are many brave men and women there, many Special Forces. I spent time with the four-star there, Scott Miller, who has had a career in Special Forces. He is overseeing the operations there. I am grateful that they continue to remain vigilant in this fight against global terrorism. America's enemies want us to be afraid, but the thing is, here in America, we don't give up. When America is strong, so are our allies and so is the free world. We must remain vigilant to ensure that we maintain that Reagan doctrine of peace through strength. The world will never forget what happened on this day 18 years ago, and despite the political differences and divisions that we have across our country and this city, we must always remember that we are all in this together, and Americans are strong when we are united. There is no force of evil or terror that will ever overcome the will and the determination of a free and united people. We ask that God continue to bless our fighting men and women, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. I yield the floor.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the honor of recognizing Dr. Bardett Fausett, of Missoula County, for his service in providing care and treatment to Montana mothers and babies. Early in his career, Dr. Fausett made the decision to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. After serving his country, he was able to afford to go to medical school and provide for his young family after college. After serving 25 years in the Air Force, Dr. Fausett retired from his military service earned a position at the Missoula Community Medical Center. Dr. Fausett went to Missoula with the hope of serving the community and providing care and treatment for mothers and their babies. Fausett took up the challenge of handling mothers with very complicated pregnancies and medical issues. As a maternal fetal medicine specialist, he focused on treating babies and mothers while the baby is still in the womb. Pregnant mothers from all over the region with complicated medical issues traveled to see Dr. Fausett with the hope that he could help their families. In his 5 years in Missoula, Dr. Fausett has delivered about 1,200 babies. His service to our Nation in the U.S. Air Force as well as his dedication to continue his service by providing care to Montana mothers and babies is exemplary of the Montana spirit. He has changed the lives of many families across Montana by giving them personal care through challenging times.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Crystal Gaddo of Gallatin County for her excellence in public service. Crystal serves as a registered nurse at the Bozeman VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. A veteran herself, Crystal spent 8 years as a Medic in the U.S. Army. She is an exemplary employee at the VA. In her role as a registered nurse, Crystal was nominated for the Daisy Awards for excellent performance twice. Crystal has also recruited and mentored other nurses to help fill critical positions in the VA system. In addition, Crystal participated in multiple committees to better serve our veterans and support nursing practices. In October of 2019, Crystal was flying to Atlanta for a training, when one of the passengers began to choke. She quickly stepped into action and saved his life. Because of her swift actions, the passenger was able to walk off the plane harm-free. I thank Crystal for her service to our country and her service to the veterans of Bozeman. It is my distinct honor to recognize her character and life of service as a shining example of the best Montana has to offer.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today the Senate passed disastrous legislation that I opposed, which increases spending by $322 billion with few offsets and suspends the debt limit for 2 years with absolutely no reforms to bring fiscal sanity to Washington. According to the Congressional Budget Office, in 2029, the net interest on our debt will near $1 trillion. The cost of our debt is a pending crisis but current rules for scoring the cost of legislative proposals do not tell the full story, like how much the bills will increase the debt and the subsequent cost of interest on that debt. This bill would require that information be included, which in turn would increase transparency for taxpayers, who will eventually foot the bill for this reckless spending. I urge my colleagues to join me in this commonsense proposal.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today the Senate passed disastrous legislation that I opposed, which increases spending by $322 billion with few offsets and suspends the debt limit for 2 years with absolutely no reforms to bring fiscal sanity to Washington. According to the Congressional Budget Office, in 2029, the net interest on our debt will near $1 trillion. The cost of our debt is a pending crisis but current rules for scoring the cost of legislative proposals do not tell the full story, like how much the bills will increase the debt and the subsequent cost of interest on that debt. This bill would require that information be included, which in turn would increase transparency for taxpayers, who will eventually foot the bill for this reckless spending. I urge my colleagues to join me in this commonsense proposal.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, as we are getting ready for a busy August work period, I am very much looking forward to spending time in Big Sky Country back home in Montana, away from the swamp, enjoying the beautiful State that I am so lucky to call home. In between meetings, I am taking a few days to enjoy Montana's great outdoors, including spending 3 days backpacking in the Beartooth Wilderness with my sweet wife Cindy and a couple of our dogs. As an avid outdoorsman, I was raised to appreciate our public lands, and I can assure you, nothing beats going off the grid for a bit, where there is no cell phone coverage on top of the peaks, with my sweetheart and a couple of our pups and enjoying Montana's beauty, the fly rod with an elk hair caddis and chasing cut and sometimes even goldens in Montana's highest lakes. I will also be spending a lot of time on the road traveling all over Montana. I get to each of Montana's 56 counties every congressional period, to every corner of our State, from West Butte down to Ekalaka, even Alzada, over in Monida, up to the northwest corner of our State to places like Libby, Troy, and even Yaak. I will also work to get to one of my favorite places in Montana, the famous Jersey Lilly in Ingomar. This place is not well known. It is off the beaten path. But the Jersey Lilly in Ingomar, MT, is home to the best bean soup in Big Sky Country. If you ever find yourself in east central Montana, Rosebud County, you have to get off of Highway 12 and stop in. I have known the owners of that restaurant for many years-- Boots and June. There is a Montana name for you--``Boots.'' They not only serve up great food and even better conversation, they are also yet another example of a local family business--the bedrock of our small towns and counties across Montana. The fine folks over at the Jersey Lilly are what Montana is all about. It is about hard work, family values, passion for their community, and passion for our great country. I am a proud and frequent customer of the Jersey Lilly, and I can't wait for the next bowl of bean soup. I yield the floor.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Father Thomas Tobin, of Carter County, for his leadership in the church and devotion to serving the faithful of Montana. Father Tobin was ordained in a small church in Tipperary, Ireland, in June of 1959, shortly after, he made the trek to Montana in September of 1959. During his 38 years of service, he ministered across Big Sky Country, including in Billings, Hilger, Livingston, Big Sandy, Baker, and Ekalaka. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Tobin has been active in promoting Christian values from his local parish to the broader community. Father Tobin has been a strong defender of the pro-life movement-- regularly defending the rights of the unborn from the pulpit. He has participated in a handful of right-to-life marches and has routinely promoted pro-life activities. During the days leading up to the 9/11 attacks, Father Tobin was in New York City visiting parishes. When the attacks unfolded, Father Tobin delayed his return home to Montana/ to pray and minister to the people of New York City. In addition to his devout faith and commitment to others, Father Tobin has a profound love for our great outdoors. Those who know him best say he can often be found at a local dam or lake with a fishing pole. He also enjoys long drives in the country and taking long walks and hikes. I am proud to honor Father Tobin as this week's Montanan of the Week. His devotion to his Catholic faith and his community is exemplary of the Montana spirit.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. I yield the floor.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the honor of congratulating Thomas Penley of Helena, MT, for his hard work representing Montana at the 2019 meeting of Boys Nation. The process to be a delegate at Boys Nation is highly competitive, with only a few students per high school allowed to receive a nomination. Mr. Penley successfully earned a nomination to attend the Montana Boys State meeting at Carrol College in Helena. At this meeting, Mr. Penley was one of the two attendees selected by the conference to represent Montana at the national meeting. Mr. Penley's achievements do not stop at his nomination to be part of the Montana delegation at the Boys Nation meeting. At the assembly, Mr. Penley was elected by his peers to serve as vice president of the session. This tremendous honor speaks volumes to Mr. Penley's work ethic and leadership. In the 73 years of Boys Nation, only one other time has a Montanan been elected vice president. I am proud to recognize Mr. Penley for his continued success and wish him the best. I look forward to following all the future accomplishments Mr. Penley will achieve.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, we are at a pivotal time in our great Nation's history. America was founded upon the principles of liberty, the free enterprise system, the promotion of national sovereignty, and a strong national defense. Under these principles, we have built the greatest country in the history of the world. We have shown the world time and again the genius of American ingenuity and the grit of American determination. What makes America so great is not that we are bonded by one ethnicity or one race but that we are bonded together by the idea of liberty. Montanans agree. Montanans want less government. Montanans don't want the hand of Big Government and Washington, DC, in their pockets, making decisions on their behalf or limiting their freedoms. In Montana, we understand the principles of freedom. However, a radical, socialist, far-left movement is growing across this country and has taken root as the new voice of the Democratic Party. My Grandpa was a Democrat from Billings, MT. I spent many days out with Grandpa fishing and hunting in certain places in Montana. I love my Grandpa dearly. But if he were around today, he would be appalled as a Democrat at some of the things the far left are saying and advocating for. The words and the actions of certain radical Members of the Democratic House highlight this new standard for the Democratic Party. It was renowned economist Milton Friedman who once said, ``One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results.'' Radical Democrats are advocating for disastrous policies that would wreck our economy under the guise of cleaning up the environment. Fantasy policies, like the Green New Deal, would be a disaster for Montana and the American people. Under this socialist wish list, Montanans and millions of the American people would have to give up their cars and air travel. Montana truckers, our ag haulers, our pilots, and the industries that rely on them would be wiped out. What the socialists are calling for is a disbanding of our coal plants, leaving countless Montana communities in the dark and in the cold and putting many more out of good-paying jobs and putting a diverse energy sector out of business. Above all else, to fund this disaster of a policy, it is estimated it would take $93 trillion--that is with a ``t.'' Who do they think is going to pay for that? It would be Montanans, Americans, our moms and dads, our children. Just last week in Berkley, CA, their city council banned natural gas in new homes. Whatever happened to supporting all of the above energy agenda? They are banning natural gas in new homes in Berkley, CA. Another disastrous policy that the radical left is pushing for is this so-called Medicare for All or rather socialized medicine. They are calling for a complete takeover of our healthcare system by the Federal Government, eliminating private insurance and eliminating choice. This so-called plan will cost the taxpayers another $32 trillion over 10 years--$32 trillion with a ``t.'' Combine this cost with the cost of the Green New Deal proposal, and the country you and I know will cease to exist. Our economy will be destroyed. We are also seeing far-left, radical Democrats normalize crime and the blatant disregard of the law with their push for open borders. We are a sovereign nation with established borders. We are a nation based on the rule of law. Lost in this heated immigration debate taking place at our southern border are the stories of the law-abiding, legal American immigrants who have fled socialist regimes for a chance at freedom. Some of these immigrants include the Vietnamese boat people, the Cuban refugees who fled Castro's murderous regime, and Chinese Christians persecuted for practicing their faith. You see, in talking to these immigrants--these legal immigrants--they will tell you what socialism looks like. They will also tell you how grateful they are to have freedom here in America. They are proud to be Americans. So we, as Americans, have a choice. One path leads to complete government control, undermining our Constitution and our American way of life. The other path is the path of freedom. You see, capitalism and the free enterprise system has done more than any other system in the world to lift people out of poverty. As a former technology executive, I can speak to the wonders of the free enterprise system because I saw it happen firsthand in my hometown of Bozeman, MT. What was once a small startup cloud computing business, grew into a billion-dollar company headquartered in Bozeman, MT, and it transformed Bozeman into becoming one of the tech hubs now of the West. It is all because the American free enterprise system thrives in innovation, and it rewards entrepreneurs and employees who pursue their dreams and take that leap of faith. That is what freedom looks like. In the face of this extremism we see bubbling up right over in that other Chamber, the U.S. House of Representatives, we must stand strong for the values that made America what it is today. Therefore, today I introduce a resolution--my resolution condemning the growing socialist movement in our country. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in renouncing this ideology taking root in our country and to stand for freedom. Today we make a choice--freedom or socialism. I choose freedom.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Chloe Jean Milsten of Park County for her spirit of entrepreneurship in Livingston. While still in high school, Ms. Milsten opened and operated her own business, Chloe's Barkery. Located in downtown Livingston, Chloe's Barkery sells dog treats to the Park County community. Now, after her high school graduation, she continues to manage the shop, providing Montanans with a unique, healthy bakery tailored for dogs. Ms. Milsten's family has been a tremendous support system during her business endeavors. Her parents were some of her biggest influences in encouraging her to launch her business. Additionally, her younger sister Taeyha assists in the day-to-day operations of the store. Chloe's Barkery is the perfect example of a successful family-operated business that we can all be proud of in Montana. Ms. Milsten's interest in animals is not merely related to her entrepreneurial spirt, but also that she hopes to become a veterinarian one day. I applaud Ms. Milsten for her impressive motivation and perseverance in owning and operating a successful small business, and I look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the future.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I wish to honor MG Barbara R. Holcomb for her 32 years of service in our Armed Forces, most notably, as the first female commanding general at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command at Fort Detrick and chief of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Major General Holcomb grew up in the small town of Miles City, MT, and joined the Army Reserve Officer Training Corp, ROTC, following her first year of nursing school at Seattle University. She completed her education as a distinguished military graduate with a bachelor of science in nursing. She continued her exceptional career with service to our country and continued Montana's proud heritage of military service and firsts in female leadership. Major General Holcomb goes above and beyond as a leader and, as such, was chosen to speak at the 2018 Women in Leadership Summit at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. She shared her experience in finding balance as a leader and the importance of a leader getting to know themselves and their peers. Even though she was not allowed to serve in a battalion commander position as a cadet in ROTC, she became a commander as a captain and commanded at every rank thereafter. It is this commitment to strong leadership and personal growth that has led her to a long and successful career in the Army and distinguishes her as an exceptional Montanan. It is not without good reason that Major General Holcomb has received many awards, including a Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star, and membership in the Order of Military Medical Merit. Between her focus on the personal, human aspect of healthcare, her commitment to continued education, and the selfless passion with which she serves her country, Major General Holcomb embodies what it means to be an outstanding leader and individual. Upon her retirement, the U.S. Army will be losing one of their most valuable assets; however, the example of leadership that she has set for so many will leave a lasting impact on the quality of this nation's Army Nurse Corps and, consequentlv, the quality of care that our Nation's soldiers will receive. Montana is proud to call her one of our own. I would like to recognize Major General Barbara R. Holcomb, her personal accomplishments, and contributions to this country.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing Miriam Haley of Silver Bow County for her contribution to the Butte veteran community. Mrs. Haley, a quilter for over two decades, recently chaired a patriotic quilt show during Butte's Miners' Union Day celebration. The goal of this show was to create quilts for veterans moving into the newly built Southwest Montana Regional Veterans Home. Mrs. Haley ensured these quilts were designed to serve the Butte veterans in their day-to-day needs, whether they be resting or sitting with visitors. Originally, Mrs. Haley had hoped to collect 65 quilts for the veterans, but the show collected double that number. The 130 quilts spread out in proud display for the show acted as a tangible expression of Montana's ability to go above and beyond for its veteran community. I wish to congratulate Mrs. Haley on her quilt show's success. Her actions reflect the deep devotion to patriotism ingrained in all Montanans.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I rise to recognize Mike and Tari Conroy for their impact on Ravalli County and the surrounding areas. Through their work as bluegrass musicians, the Conroys have brought delight to the hearts of their Montanan listeners. The Conroys' devotion to bluegrass extends beyond their respective playing of the banjo, guitar, and other traditional bluegrass instruments. The events the Conroys take part in, such as celebrating the birthday of a 90-year-old U.S. Army veteran or the closing of an essential Missoula landmark, represent the very best of Montana. It is no surprise that Mr. Conroy is the president of the Montana Bluegrass Association. Additionally, the Conroys have worked tirelessly to share their love of bluegrass music with their fellow Montanans by organizing the annual Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival, which takes place just south of Hamilton, MT. This festival brings numerous bluegrass bands from the Northwestern United States to perform in Montana. Despite the financial and logistical hurdles, the Conroys are committed to sharing their passion with their fellow Montanans. As the festival enters its 11th year, it has truly become a cultural staple of the Bitterroot. I applaud Mike and Tari Conroy for their work promoting and spreading the joy of bluegrass music across the State of Montana. As the Conroys prepare for the next festival, I wish them all the best.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing Troy Witt, of Garfield County, for his selfless actions in helping those in need. Troy, a rancher and commercial trucker of Sand Springs, spearheaded an effort to send much needed donations to farmers and ranchers impacted by record flooding in Columbus, NE, in March of 2019. He was inspired by Montanans who came to his aid following the Lodgepole Complex fire, Montana's largest fire of the 2017 wildfire season. After losing 85 percent of his ranch, Witt was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and supplies he received from those he had never met. When the opportunity presented itself, Witt decided to pay it forward. He planned to load up his 53-foot trailer with as much hay, fencing material, water and other supplies as he could and drive the 700 miles to the drop-off site in Columbus. After the Garfield County Disaster and Emergency Services echoed Witt's plans, farmers from around Montana offered to donate supplies. His efforts helped bring hope to a region where hundreds had lost homes and businesses. Witt's act exemplifies the spirit of compassion and selflessness that Montanans embody. I and many others thank Mr. Witt for his good deed.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Dylan Wichman, of Billings, for his impact on the Yellowstone community and surrounding areas. Dylan, only a rising senior at Billings Central High School, earned second place at the State Science Fair and took first at Montana State University-Billings' regional fair for his wildfire predictive and preventative algorithm, FASTCAT. Dylan also participated in the International Science Fair in Phoenix, AZ alongside 1,800 other students from 80 countries. Dylan earned third place in his category. Inspired by the tragic Paradise Fire in 2018, Dylan put in countless hours to develop FASTCAT. FASTCAT is an algorithm used to predict the size of wildfires before they even occur, to ensure Montanans will be safer and more prepared during fire season. Dylan's artificial intelligence algorithm utilizes a neutral network model, ensuring the algorithms ability to problem solve as more data is input and analyzed. His innovative creation is an impressive improvement in Montana's existing fire safety and prevention programs. Dylan hopes to see his system implemented State and nationwide and globally in the future. Dylan will continue to work on his program alongside a professor at University of Montana next year. I congratulate Dylan on his outstanding achievements and willingness to give back to his community. I look forward to seeing his success in his future endeavors.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, 1 year ago, we came together not as Republicans or Democrats but as Americans. We passed a major milestone for our veterans. The bipartisan VA MISSION Act brought us a step closer to fulfilling our obligation to care for our men and women who serve in uniform. In Montana we have one of the highest veteran per capita populations in the United States, and the issue of access to veteran healthcare is one that I hear across every corner of our State. My dad is a U.S. marine. I am proud we were able to get this important bill signed into law. The VA MISSION Act will help fix many of the problems plaguing the VA Choice Program. The veterans across our rural communities in Montana will have greater and more convenient access to care. Telemedicine services will be strengthened to accommodate those who live a long ways away from traditional hospitals or health clinics. Oversight of opioid prescriptions will be strengthened. There will be greater accountability in how companies manage this new program. It will help fill the VA's medical professional shortage through scholarship and loan repayment programs for medical and dental students who commit to serving in the VA. The MISSION Act was an important step forward, and I am proud to have helped get this bill across the finish line and onto President Trump's desk. Now we must hold the VA and the program administrators accountable for ensuring the MISSION Act works for our veterans. I will be in constant contact with local VA leaders and veterans themselves to get firsthand feedback as this is implemented. As we celebrate this important milestone, we must not slow down our efforts to continue to improve our veterans' healthcare. I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of our veterans and build off the good work that was accomplished here last year. We must ensure that veterans in Montana and across our Nation receive the care they have earned. I am honored to fight this fight for the brave men and the brave women who served in uniform. Thank you. I yield the floor.

Mr. DAINES

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

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to engage in colloquy with my Senate colleague.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I am here today to discuss an issue that is very important to Montanans, folks across the Nation, and many of my colleagues here in the Senate, and that is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, commonly known as TANF. That is our Nation's cash-assistance and services program for low-income households with children. I am joined today by my esteemed colleague and my friend, the Senator from Iowa, Mr. Grassley. I have the privilege of serving on the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Senator Grassley, which has jurisdiction over TANF. Chairman Grassley, like me, knows how important it is to ensure that this program is working as intended and that it is helping families move into jobs and toward self-sufficiency. Of course, it was Chairman Grassley who helped bring about the last significant reform to TANF in 2006. I am glad he is leading the committee as we try to pass meaningful reforms again this year. We are here today because we cannot ignore that Congress is about to do a straight continuation of funding of TANF for the 39th consecutive time despite the fact that this program needs reform. TANF, created with bipartisan support in 1996, was a huge success for the American people. Let me say that again--with bipartisan support. After TANF became law, welfare caseloads plummeted, child poverty declined, and employment among low-income parents actually went up. TANF recognized that finding and maintaining a job is the most effective way for families to go from government-dependency to self- sufficiency. However, more than 20 years after these historic 1996 reforms, Congress has neglected to act on the loopholes that hold States accountable for work requirements. In fact, today, very few States, including my home State of Montana, are meeting the work participation rate that is required by the law. The law calls for 50 percent of welfare enrollees to be engaged in work, but in Montana, they are only reaching one-third of that. Many States are also using TANF dollars for purposes unrelated to work. States need to be providing families with the support they need, and that is why I am taking action. That is why I introduced legislation earlier this year--the Jobs and Opportunity with Benefits and Services Act, better known as the JOBS Act--to reauthorize and modernize the TANF Program. The JOBS Act would help our low-income families find work and have every opportunity to climb the economic ladder. It would require State caseworkers to engage with jobseekers to help them not only find a job but then to keep that job. My legislation takes into consideration all aspects of a person's life, including mental health, drug addiction, and alcohol addiction. It also increases resources for childcare to refocus dollars back to supporting work. Congress should be working to help families thrive in this growing economy. In fact, right now in the United States, there are 7.6 million new job openings. In fact, right now in the United States, job openings outnumber the jobseekers. As employers are looking to hire, we need to close the jobs gap and ensure that the Americans who need them most are filling them. This is an opportunity for mobility--to step toward the American dream. Chairman Grassley, would you agree with me that TANF is no longer meeting its welfare-to-work potential, and would you commit to working side by side with me and other supporters on modernizing TANF to bring about the reforms this program desperately needs? I yield to Senator Grassley, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.