Steve Daines

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 256, S. 1015.

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported substitute amendment be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, with Veterans Day approaching this weekend, I would like to recognize and express my gratitude for the patriotism, selfless service, and community spirit of a small community in southern Montana. The town of Roberts, in Carbon County, is honoring military veterans by lining Highway 212 with crosses and dogtags to represent servicemembers who have lived in Roberts. The crosses signify veterans who have passed away, while the dogtags symbolize living veterans. The breadth of service in this scenic town north of Yellowstone Park is evident in the 133 dogtags on display this year. The depth of service to our great county is rooted in the 308 crosses, some of which date back to service in the Civil War. A total of 441 individuals, with service spanning over a century and a half, is an impressive display of patriotism for any small community. The record of service among the people of Roberts is even more awe-inspiring when you consider that, during the last census, the town had just 361 residents. As we gather to celebrate Veterans Day, let us be encouraged by the example of the folks in Roberts and take time to remember the accumulated sacrifices and ongoing commitment that allow so many to live in freedom. To the people of Roberts, thank you for punching above your weight class for our Nation.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to legislative session for a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate vote on the nomination with no intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; that no further motions be in order; and that any statements relating to the nomination be printed in the Record.

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 362.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. DAINES

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

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Madam President, today the U.S. House of Representatives begins marking up H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, and as the U.S. Senate continues to debate tax cuts, I am reminded of a speech that former Democratic President John F. Kennedy delivered in New York City in 1962. In fact, it was in December of 1962, when he said: In short, it is a paradoxical truth that tax rates are too high today and tax revenues are too low and the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut the rates now. The experience of a number of European countries and Japan have borne this out. This country's own experience with tax reduction in 1954 has borne this out. And the reason is that only full employment can balance the budget, and tax reduction can pave the way to that employment. The purpose of cutting taxes now is not to incur a budget deficit, but to achieve the more prosperous, expanding economy which can bring a budget surplus. President Kennedy went on to say: I repeat: our practical choice is not between a tax-cut deficit and a budgetary surplus. It is between two kinds of deficits: a chronic deficit of inertia, as the unwanted result of inadequate revenues and a restricted economy; or a temporary deficit of transition, resulting from a tax cut designed to boost the economy, increase tax revenues, and achieve--and I believe this can be done--a budget surplus. The first type of deficit is a sign of waste and weakness; the second reflects an investment in the future. If someone had just tuned in, they might think I was quoting, perhaps, President Reagan or perhaps some other Republican leader. This was President John F. Kennedy in 1962. We need to cut taxes once again and put money back into the pockets of the American people. I can state that Montanans need more jobs, but, importantly, we need better paying jobs. Most importantly, they need bigger paychecks. The best way to give Montanans a pay raise--how about cutting their taxes? We need tax cuts.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, during National Adoption Awareness Month, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Diana Tolstedt of Billings. For nearly three decades, she has been helping people navigate all aspects of the adoption process. She has made a positive and lasting impact in the lives of many Montanans. Through her work with Lutheran Social Services of Montana, Diana has gently guided and counseled adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families. For a dozen years, she has been a recruiter with Wendy's Wonderful Kids, leading a program dedicated to finding adoptive families for the longest waiting children in foster care from eastern Montana. Throughout the United States, there are over 100,000 children in foster care who are waiting for adoption, each needing a loving home and stable environment to allow them to thrive and reach their potential. In the midst of this adoption challenge, folks like Diana are a guiding light to help others traverse adoption obstacles. I would like to thank Diana for having a heart as big as Yellowstone County and a commitment to brightening the hopes of children one life at a time.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Madam President, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Steve Fournier of Butte, a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable Montanans. Steve is known by his peers for his dedication, compassion, and integrity working to help the homeless. For nearly 16 years, Steve has helped Montanans find housing stability through his work as a case manager and service advocate for locally administered housing programs. When the rescue mission served as the emergency housing alternative for the Butte area after it closed earlier this year, Steve helped 22 households find a safe and warm place to stay. His efforts have helped many of his neighbors in southwest Montana overcome crisis situations and transition to a more hopeful path. Steve's demonstrated commitment to assisting others is a genuine reflection of uncommon moral stamina. The Treasure State is humbled and blessed to have people like Mr. Fournier call Montana home. Thank you, Steve, for repeatedly finding a refuge in times of trouble.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Madam President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported substitute amendment be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. DAINES. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 231, S. 1766.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. DAINES

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

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 24; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of the House message to accompany H.R. 2266; further, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that all time during morning business, recess, adjournment, and leader remarks count postcloture.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing an exceptional volunteer named Chris Hindoien. Chris has helped inform and educate Montanans serving in the National Guard or Reserve component, as well as their employers, about the rights and responsibilities associated with a military mobilization. In August, Chris was recognized by the Office of the Secretary of Defense for nearly 4 years of service as the State chairman of the Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, ESGR. For his efforts, Chris received the Exceptional Public Service Award. During his stretch as chairman, he worked tirelessly to make sure that the relationship between military servicemembers and their employers remained strong across Big Sky Country. Chris is the son of the late Brig. Gen. Gary Hindoien, a former commander of the Montana Air National Guard, so his demonstrated commitment to our State and our Nation comes as no surprise. Montana has a longstanding tradition of public service. Whether it be working on an agriculture project as a Peace Corps volunteer or as an Army Ranger at the tip of the military spear, the Montana attitude towards service to others continues to endure and Chris's work has enabled others to serve. Thank you, Chris, for committing your time and talent to enable the success of others.

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Todd Dunlap from East Helena, MT. Todd served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years as an electronic warfare and cryptology specialist, ultimately attaining the rank of master chief petty officer, the highest enlisted rank in the Navy. Todd's service included seven deployments overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and other efforts. His work supported Special Operations Forces on the ground. Todd's service did not end when he left Active Duty. He now works for the Montana Department of Veterans Affairs and continues to support those who have also served our country. His peers view him as a highly skilled professional and subject matter expert, and he has earned a reputation for selfless outreach across the State to assist veterans and their family members navigate the VA. As someone who continues to serve members of the Armed Forces community, Todd is receiving a gift from a Montana organization that donates a fully outfitted trip to military servicemembers who have provided extraordinary service to our country and to those facing life- threatening illness. I sincerely thank Todd for his continued service to our great Nation. He is well-deserving of this recognition. As an avid outdoorsman myself, I hope he tags a wonderful elk during his time away with family.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I wish to honor the lives of Lt. Col. Frederick Hollister Campbell and Amy S. Campbell. Lt. Col Frederick Hollister Campbell served in the U.S. Marine Corps for more than 25 years, serving in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He earned a Navy Commendation Medal for saving the lives of 250 fellow marines at the Battle of Iwo Jima. After his military career, Fred opened his own private law practice and taught college-level classes at Colorado College and the University of Colorado. During a time when women rarely attended college, Amy received her B.A. in elementary education from National University and went on to receive her M.A. in reading education from Northwestern University. Prior to her marriage to Fred, Amy taught first and second grade. A two-time military widow, Amy lost her first husband, Bob Noran, as a result of injuries sustained during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII. Amy and Fred were married on April 14, 1951. A proud supporter of her husband's career, Amy put aside her teaching career to be a full-time officer's wife and mother to their daughter. Amy and Fred went on to live an incredible life together, traveling, raising their daughter, Susan, and volunteering with many organizations. Fred passed away on December 27, 2011, and Amy went on to live near Susan in Missoula, MT, before passing away on November 29, 2016. I send my condolences to the friends and family of Fred and Amy, as they are both greatly missed. They will be laid to rest together in Arlington National Cemetery.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing a young Montanan named Braden Matzinger for his compassionate heart and entrepreneurial spirit in helping our State recover from a devastating wildfire season. The 2017 wildfire season has impacted many communities in Montana. The fires consumed nearly 1.3 million acres of land. Over the summer, two firefighters lost their lives while protecting the people of the Treasure State. The bravery and commitment demonstrated by all the folks involved with the firefighting effort has generated a sense of unity and support from Troy to Alzada. That sense of unity can be found in the actions of 9-year-old Braden Matzinger of Bozeman. Braden has raised donations for the Montana Wildfire Relief Fund at the last two Montana State University home football games. He sweetened his approach to charitable fundraising with a cup of free lemonade for all those making a donation. At the two football games, he raised over $600 in donations. Sometimes life throws us lemons. How we respond is a reflection of our character. The Montana values of charity, compassion, and entrepreneurship are alive and well in the character of our next generation of youngsters, and Braden is a prime example. Thank you, Braden, for seeing an opportunity to help, making a plan, and following through with your plan. To Braden's parents, Jeff and Katie, thank you as well for raising such a high-quality young man.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing a multigeneration cornerstone of the community in Fallon County. Baker Furniture has served the people of eastern Montana for over eight decades. Through the years, the team at Baker Furniture has skillfully navigated changes in consumer tastes and a shifting business climate in order to provide quality furniture and appliances for the folks in Baker. Baker Furniture initially began operations on Main Street in 1936, by the original proprietor, Leif Holmlund. Leif's understudy in the furniture industry, Army veteran Orville Stevens, would eventually take the reins of the enterprise in the 1960s. Under Orville's guidance, the business flourished. Orville's sons, Tom and Dave, also pitched in to help make the business a success. Tom and Dave went on to assume the primary duties for the business in the late 1990s. After a life that included service to his Nation, raising a family, and operating a successful business, Orville passed away in 2009. Since his passing, the business that Orville developed has continued to thrive and meet the needs of the community. Small businesses, operated by hardworking family members, are an engine of commerce for many rural communities across Montana. Baker Furniture is a shining example of this business model, and many shoppers in Baker and the surrounding area are grateful. Thank you to the team at Baker Furniture for the many years of excellent service to your neighbors, and I wish you continued success in the future.

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 ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the honor of recognizing the administrators and volunteers of the Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging Foster Grandparent Program. Based in the small town of Polson, MT, the program covers six mainly rural western Montana counties and the area's lone Indian reservation. Every year, the lives of dozens of children across Montana are changed for the better by the Foster Grandparent program, and dozens of senior citizens are able to use their time and skills to make a difference in the life of a child. Foster grandparents are able to volunteer in many different settings, including schools, afterschool programs, Head Start programs, teen mentorship programs, and correctional facilities. With many communities in western Montana facing high unemployment, as well as meth and opioid drug crises, the Foster Grandparent program has a particular focus on at-risk children. Foster grandparents support children who have been abused or neglected, provide mentorship to teens, and help children with disabilities. This week, community members and the Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging are gathering to honor foster grandparents. Included in that group is Navy veteran Karl Paddock, who is receiving a special award for his service to the program. Our communities need more people like Karl and all of the foster grandparents who are willing to step up and make a difference in the lives of our most precious resource: our children. It is my hope that the Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging Foster Grandparent Program will continue to grow in the years to come. I congratulate everyone involved in its success and the difference it is making for the communities of western Montana.