Steve Daines

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing the Havre youth baseball, 10U, All-Star team. This past weekend, the team from Havre won the Montana Cal Ripken Baseball State title for the 10 years old and under division. Despite a loss to Belgrade in their opening game of the tournament, the Havre All-Stars battled their way to the championship game, and defeated Bozeman to claim the title. In addition to an outstanding performance on the baseball diamond, the community of Havre also served as host for the tournament. A successful 4-day youth sports State tournament is the result of hard work from the many volunteers who pitched in to make the event a great success. With summer events in full swing, I would like to commend the community of Havre for their hospitality and congratulate the youngsters on the All-Star team for their accomplishment.

Mr. DAINES

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

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, as a father of four and a traveling family, I know how important and challenging it is for nursing mothers to find a space to care for and feed their children. As our society and economy becomes ever more transient, we need to provide spaces for mothers on the go and ease their return to the workforce. Last Congress, I helped ensure the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act became law, which eased the burden traveling mothers experienced. We need to continue easing this burden and expand facilities in public buildings. Federal agencies, under current law, are required to provide space for nursing mothers to pump breastmilk for their newborns. Additionally, General Services Administration requires installation of these spaces for all newly constructed federal buildings, as well as those undergoing modernizations. These rooms are a simple hygienic place, other than a bathroom, that are shielded from view, free from intrusion, contain a chair, a table surface, and an electrical outlet. This is good policy and should be extended to the public when visiting Federal facilities for business or other purposes. That is why I am introducing the Fairness For Breastfeeding Mothers Act. This legislation would simply extend the use of these facilities in public buildings to visitors, ensuring all mothers can continue to care for their children. I want to thank Senator Merkley for being the Democrat lead as well as Congresswoman Norton's lead in the House of Representatives. I ask my Senate colleagues to join us in support of this important 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. President, as a father of four and a traveling family, I know how important and challenging it is for nursing mothers to find a space to care for and feed their children. As our society and economy becomes ever more transient, we need to provide spaces for mothers on the go and ease their return to the workforce. Last Congress, I helped ensure the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act became law, which eased the burden traveling mothers experienced. We need to continue easing this burden and expand facilities in public buildings. Federal agencies, under current law, are required to provide space for nursing mothers to pump breastmilk for their newborns. Additionally, General Services Administration requires installation of these spaces for all newly constructed federal buildings, as well as those undergoing modernizations. These rooms are a simple hygienic place, other than a bathroom, that are shielded from view, free from intrusion, contain a chair, a table surface, and an electrical outlet. This is good policy and should be extended to the public when visiting Federal facilities for business or other purposes. That is why I am introducing the Fairness For Breastfeeding Mothers Act. This legislation would simply extend the use of these facilities in public buildings to visitors, ensuring all mothers can continue to care for their children. I want to thank Senator Merkley for being the Democrat lead as well as Congresswoman Norton's lead in the House of Representatives. I ask my Senate colleagues to join us in support of this important legislation.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing Marvin Qualley, a dedicated basketball official from Roosevelt County. This past week, Marvin was selected by the Montana High School Association for induction into the 2017 Montana Officials' Association Hall of Fame. Marvin's recognition as a hall of fame official is clearly well earned. He has been a bedrock official in the northeast Montana basketball circuit for many years. From Plentywood to Poplar, the communities of northeast Montana have benefited from Marvin's officiating. The 36-year duration of Marvin's contributions to youth sports is simply amazing. The quality of his hall of fame career is evident in his frequent selection to officiate postseason competitions. He was behind the whistle for 15 State basketball tournaments and 60 total tournaments. In addition to his accomplishments as a referee, Marvin has spent many years behind the wheel of a school bus helping students in the Froid and Medicine Lake communities safely reach their destination. Both behind the wheel and behind the whistle, Marvin's commitment to safety and fair play has helped a generation of Montana students. Officiating youth sports is often a thankless task. Looking back on Marvin's distinguished career, it is appropriate to sum it up with a sincere ``Good job, ref!''

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the Huntley Project Irrigation District for its 110th anniversary and for its impact on Montana. The district originated from an irrigation project in southern Montana that was completed by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1907. The Huntley Project was one of the first Reclamation projects in Montana and led to the development and success of agricultural land in much of the surrounding area. As agriculture is Montana's No. 1 industry, it is critical that farmers and ranchers have irrigation projects set in place that are able to provide a reliable supply of water for their crops. Leading by example is the way we do things in Montana, and this project shows how the dedication and ingenuity of our farmers and ranchers works. It has led to economic development for the area and beyond and transformed farming areas to be even more fruitful for our farmers and ranchers. Our farmers and ranchers have made it through the tough times because of determination and have overcome many challenges. This anniversary celebrates more than an irrigation project but honors the determination and ambition of the Montana farmer and rancher. Congratulations again for the 110th anniversary of the Huntley Project, and thank you to everyone who has made it a success.

Mr. DAINES

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

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing the team at the Tongue River Winery, in Custer County, for having the skill, patience, and dedication required to produce quality wines on the high plains of eastern Montana. Despite a difficult growing climate, this humble, family-run operation has successfully combined vineyard and winery functions and has received numerous awards and recognition for their efforts. The married couple of Bob and Marilyn Thaden, along with their son Josh, are the team that makes the Tongue River Winery successful; 2017 marks the fifth consecutive year that the Tongue River Winery has won the Granite Peak Award. This award is presented to the top Montana winery at the Northwest Wine Summit. For Bob, this year marks his 50th anniversary making wine. It has also been about 50 years since he met his wife, Marilyn, so it comes as no surprise that, when asked about winemaking, he compares the process of selecting good grapes to courtship. Bob reflected, ``it's like courtship, plant the wrong one and you will regret it for a long time; take your time, choose carefully, so not to be disappointed later on.'' Bob has selected wisely in both endeavors. His advice on being thoughtful and patient can be applied to many other areas of life. In the years ahead, I wish Bob, Marilyn, and Josh all the best as they continue to cultivate and create uniquely Montana wines. For their efforts, I raise my glass to the team at the Tongue River Winery.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that following my remarks, Senator Leahy be recognized next.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, Montanans can tell you that nothing beats getting outdoors for hunting, skiing, fishing, backpacking--you name it; it is our way of life. In fact, after I graduated from Montana State University, I had to leave Montana to start my business career, but I came back to Montana while my knees were still good so I could spend my time enjoying all that Montana's outdoors have to offer. That is why I am excited that June is National Great Outdoors Month. Montana's outdoors have a special meaning for me. In fact, I even proposed to my sweet wife Cindy some 31 years ago next month on the summit of Hyalite Peak, just south of Bozeman. The value of Montana's outdoors is simply incredible. In fact, according to the Outdoor Industry Association, there are 64,000 Montanans whose jobs are directly tied to our outdoor recreation industry. In 2012, outdoor recreation generated almost $6 billion in consumer spending in Montana alone. Nationally--taking this to the big picture of our great country--outdoor recreation generates $887 billion in consumer spending each year and provides 7.6 million jobs. Folks travel across our Nation, even from around the world, to come visit America's great outdoors. It is all right here in our backyard-- in fact, for me literally. I grew up just about 90 miles from Yellowstone National Park. I went to kindergarten through college just 90 miles away from Yellowstone National Park, and I can tell you, I go back there every year with my family. Whether it is hiking in Glacier National Park up in Northwest Montana, fly fishing the Gallatin River that Brad Pitt and Robert Redford made famous with that great movie ``A River Runs Through It''-- which runs right by my hometown--or skiing at Whitefish, Big Sky, or floating down the Madison on a hot summer day, we can take these things for granted. That is why it is so important to recognize the value of the outdoors during National Great Outdoors Month. If you visit one of our national parks or if you go on a white water rafting tour, you are not only getting a great experience yourself, you know you are giving back to our local economy, and you are helping create jobs. I want to encourage everyone to recognize National Great Outdoors Month by joining me and getting out there. Don't just talk about it. Get outdoors and experience all that the outdoors has to offer. I yield my time.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing Pam Moore, the Benchmark plant manager in Lewis and Clark County. Pam has spent many years supervising a staff of hard- working Montanans doing their best to produce useful products for a variety of government agencies. For well over three decades, the Benchmark Manufacturing Plant in Helena has produced tens of thousands of backpacks that have been distributed across the United States. For nearly 18 years, Pam has supervised production at the plant. Over half of Pam's team at the plant are disabled Montanans, and that team has done highly respectable work under her guidance. Their quality products help U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighters carry their equipment. With our abundant forests in Montana, we know how important it is to have the proper equipment in the hands of our firefighters, and over the years, the employees at the Benchmark Manufacturing Plant have had abundant success getting the right equipment to the right customer. For that, we are very grateful. Montanans have earned a well-deserved reputation for being reliable and hard-working, and Pam and her team are great examples of that assessment. When asked about her favorite part of the job, Pam said she enjoys that her teammates are able to work. Valuing work is a Montana tradition. Thank you, Pam, for having a steady hand helping others to overcome obstacles, reach their potential, and get the job done.

Mr. DAINES

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

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today, June 14, 2017 marks the 240th observance of ``Flag Day,'' a day which commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777. Deeply symbolic, our flag honors the sovereignty of each of our Nation's 50 States and the great sacrifices many Americans have made to uphold its bedrock principles of freedom and liberty. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that over one million military service members have given their lives in the line of duty under our flag. Title 4 of United States Code, ``The Flag Code'' sets specific requirements for the handling and display of the flag, as a sign of respect to the symbol of our Nation. In 1989, with a disappointing 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Texas v. Johnson that the desecration of the United States flag was a form of free speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution. Here, Chief Justice Rehnquist rightly observed in his dissent that ``the flag is not simply another `idea' or `point of view' competing for recognition in the marketplace of ideas.'' Justice Kennedy, in his majority concurrence, recognized that many would be dismayed by the court's decision, and himself called the result distasteful. Yet, he explained that the court was bound to its decision according to the provisions of the Constitution. The Supreme Court reaffirmed this decision in United States v. Eichman in 1990. It ruled, again by 5-4 vote, that as Constitutional free speech, desecration of the flag cannot be prohibited by Federal or State statute. At the time of the Supreme Court's ruling, 48 of the 50 States had enacted statutes prohibiting desecration of the United States Flag. My resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution, establishing Congressional authority to prohibit the desecration of the flag of the United States. This resolution initiates the process to amend the Constitution, which must be agreed to by two-thirds of both houses of Congress, and ratified by three-fourths of the States. A high bar to meet, similar legislation passed the House of Representatives in 2006, and fell short of passage in the Senate by only one vote. My resolution provides Congress with the authority that the Supreme Court decided it lacked in Texas v. Johnson and United States v. Eichman. This should remove any doubt in the mind of the Supreme Court on the Constitutionality of acts of flag desecration. A matter which has been long settled in the Court of public opinion. S.J. Res. 46 Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within 7 years after the date of its submission by the Congress: ``Article-- ``The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.''.

Mr. DAINES

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

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today, June 14, 2017 marks the 240th observance of ``Flag Day,'' a day which commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777. Deeply symbolic, our flag honors the sovereignty of each of our Nation's 50 States and the great sacrifices many Americans have made to uphold its bedrock principles of freedom and liberty. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that over one million military service members have given their lives in the line of duty under our flag. Title 4 of United States Code, ``The Flag Code'' sets specific requirements for the handling and display of the flag, as a sign of respect to the symbol of our Nation. In 1989, with a disappointing 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Texas v. Johnson that the desecration of the United States flag was a form of free speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution. Here, Chief Justice Rehnquist rightly observed in his dissent that ``the flag is not simply another `idea' or `point of view' competing for recognition in the marketplace of ideas.'' Justice Kennedy, in his majority concurrence, recognized that many would be dismayed by the court's decision, and himself called the result distasteful. Yet, he explained that the court was bound to its decision according to the provisions of the Constitution. The Supreme Court reaffirmed this decision in United States v. Eichman in 1990. It ruled, again by 5-4 vote, that as Constitutional free speech, desecration of the flag cannot be prohibited by Federal or State statute. At the time of the Supreme Court's ruling, 48 of the 50 States had enacted statutes prohibiting desecration of the United States Flag. My resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution, establishing Congressional authority to prohibit the desecration of the flag of the United States. This resolution initiates the process to amend the Constitution, which must be agreed to by two-thirds of both houses of Congress, and ratified by three-fourths of the States. A high bar to meet, similar legislation passed the House of Representatives in 2006, and fell short of passage in the Senate by only one vote. My resolution provides Congress with the authority that the Supreme Court decided it lacked in Texas v. Johnson and United States v. Eichman. This should remove any doubt in the mind of the Supreme Court on the Constitutionality of acts of flag desecration. A matter which has been long settled in the Court of public opinion. S.J. Res. 46 Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within 7 years after the date of its submission by the Congress: ``Article-- ``The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.''.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Jake Heinecke, a law enforcement officer from Fergus County who retired from full-time service at the end of May. Deputy Heinecke spent two decades protecting and serving the people of Montana. Deputy Heinecke was raised with a strong family background in law enforcement. His father was an instructor at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, and the calling to law enforcement was clearly a natural fit for Jake. During the midnineties, Deputy Heinecke began his career as a reserve deputy in Beaverhead County, nestled in the southwestern corner of Montana. He quickly transitioned to full-time law enforcement after finishing college and served Beaverhead County for 15 more years. During the final chapters of his full-time law enforcement career, Deputy Heinecke served the people of Fergus County, located in the geographic center of the State. Troy Eades, the Fergus County sheriff, described Deputy Heinecke's performance in the department with concise clarity, ``Great job. Great officer.'' Despite retiring from full-time law enforcement, Jake plans to continue to play a role in the community by serving in the Central Montana Ambulance Service as a full-time EMT. Montanans appreciate the work of our law enforcement and emergency services professionals. When someone gives over two decades of their professional life to protect and serve others, that accomplishment deserves our sincere gratitude. Thanks, Jake, for helping keep ``The Last Best Place'' safe for all of us to enjoy.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I wish to remember metal mining's greatest disaster, the Granite Mountain/Speculator Mine Fire that took place 100 years ago in Butte, MT, that claimed the lives of 168 men. On the night of June 8, 1917, approximately 410 men were in the mine, working to meet the demand for copper that was created by our Armed Forces on the frontlines during World War I. An electric cable had been lowered into the mine earlier in the day and had gotten away from the workers, falling into a tangled coil. Later that evening, as crews examined the damaged cable, a lamp accidentally ignited the cable and sparked a fire that would fill the mine with smoke and poisonous gas. Unable to lower cages due to fire damage, in an act of pure bravery, over 100 rescue workers immediately jumped into harm's way to try to rescue their trapped brothers. Miraculously, none of the rescue workers were killed, but sadly, after the conclusion of rescue efforts, a total of 168 miners were lost. The community of Butte grieved together, as did the entire Montana family. Today I want to honor those who perished that tragic day and honor those whose families who would never be the same after it. Would you please join me in a brief moment of silence to remember those miners and their families? This proclamation is meant to recognize the strength of those Montanans who sacrificed their lives in support our Nation's military work in World War I, as well as those who jumped to help a fallen brother without question. The tragedy that befell our mining community highlights the strength found in the hearts of not only Montanans, but all Americans, and the moments that make heroes out of ordinary men and bring communities together. So that future generations will not forget the men who perished that day, a memorial was built in honor of those who died in the Granite Mountain/ Speculator Mine Fire. If you are ever in our beautiful State, I hope you will take time to visit. One hundred years after this tragedy, we are also reminded of how far we have come in hard rock mining. Jobs that were once seen as high risk are now very desirable, not just due to high wages, but more importantly because of advances in safety. In fact, according to the Department of Labor, fiscal year 2016 was the safest year in mining history. The continued progress toward safer mining has been a shared effort across State and Federal agencies, as well as the mining community itself. New technology, better practices, special initiatives, and improved training have led to a culture in mining communities and industry that prioritizes safety. The Granite Mountain/ Speculator Mine Fire reminds us so that we must continue to push for even safer mining. Lastly, I want to take a moment to thank those hard rock miners who are spread across our beautiful country and who continue to serve the American people. Thank you for all that you do. We must continue to prioritize safety that we never again have a tragedy like that of the Granite Mountain/Speculator Mine Fire.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Madam President, I am honored today to announce legislation that Senator Peters and I have introduced that provides another option for children in the foster care system in Montana and across the country. I worked with a host of Montana groups to develop the Child Protection and Family Support Act of 2017, including a handful of nonprofit organizations focused on foster youth, the Montana attorney general, Indian Tribes, and individual constituents. I am pleased to have their support on this legislation. Montana is in the midst of a child welfare crisis. We have a record 3,400 children in foster care, and about a third of those children are there because of methamphetamine use by their parents. Montana state law requires the Office of the Child and Family Ombudsman to investigate circumstances surrounding child fatalities when the child was involved with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Child and Family Services Division within 12 months of the date of the child's death. Last December, the Montana Department of Justice issued a report and the findings were devastating: It detailed 14 child deaths that met these parameters. Of the 14 cases reviewed, 11 involved children 2 years old or younger. In nine of those cases, the children were 1 year old or younger. Eleven cases included allegations of drug use, four of which indicated methamphetamine use. Six cases indicated issues of domestic violence, and eight cases involved parents who received child protective services in Montana when they themselves were children. I have been told that at least seven children have met a similar fate in the first 5 months of 2017 alone. The death of one child is too many. Under current Federal policy, a child must be removed from the home of a parent and, after removal, cannot be living with the parent, in order to be eligible for a title IV-E foster care maintenance payment. My bill would permit title IV-E foster care maintenance payment support, for up to 12 months, for a child in foster care who is placed with a parent in a licensed residential family-based treatment facility. This would allow the parent to get the help they need while keeping the family intact. Secondly, the bill would reauthorize the Administration for Children and Families' Regional Partnership Grant, RPG, Program. These competitive grants reduce the risk of foster care due to parental substance abuse, an issue of utmost importance to Montana. Since their inception in 2006, two Montana grantees have utilized and benefited from RPGs: the Center for Children and Families in Billings, MT, and the Apsaalooke Nation Housing Authority in Crow Agency. My bill reauthorizes and strengthens this grant program with modest improvements. For example, it encourages the use of RPGs to address the needs of children and families affected by methamphetamine, heroin, and opioid substance use disorders, help implement effective title IV-E prevention services, and focus on improved outcomes for families, including children and their parents. The bill further requires that, in addition to the State child welfare agency, every funded partnership must include the State agency that administers the Federal substance abuse prevention and treatment block grant and, if the partnership intends to serve children placed in out-of-home care, the court that handles child abuse and neglect proceedings in the region. Among the long list of eligible grant applicants and partners, Native American Tribes, Tribal consortiums, and Tribal organizations are all eligible grantees, and I hope they will increasingly utilize RPGs, especially given the unique foster care challenges in Indian communities. As a U.S. Senator, as a person of faith, as a father, and as an American, I believe in helping the most vulnerable in our society--in this case, innocent children. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize the commitment to duty and personal courage of three Montanans by introducing a bill to redesignate three Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in their honor. Through their distinguished service to our Nation, the actions of these three gentlemen have earned the respect and gratitude of the Treasure State. Under this resolution, the Community Based Outpatient Clinic on Palmer Street in Missoula will be designated in honor of David J. Thatcher. Mr. Thatcher was an outstanding Montanan. The humble circumstances of his upbringing in rural, eastern Montana helped him develop a strong work ethic. In 1940, with war raging across Europe and the clouds of war on the horizon for the United States, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he volunteered to serve as a tail gunner for a high risk mission to attack targets deep within Japanese controlled territory. This counterattack would be known to history as the Doolittle Raid. After finishing the bombing mission and running low on fuel, his aircraft crash landed near the coast of China. Mr. Thatcher was instrumental in helping the crew reach safety following the crash and for his actions during the Doolittle Raid, he was awarded the Silver Star. A few years later, the actor Robert Walker portrayed Corporal Thatcher on the silver screen in ``Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo.'' After the war, Mr. Thatcher embarked on a career with the U.S. Postal Service and married his sweetheart Dawn. Their marriage spanned seven decades until he passed away last June at the age of 94. In Billings, the Community Based Outpatient Clinic on Spring Creek Lane will be designated in honor of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow. Dr. Medicine Crow was an accomplished warrior and esteemed historian. He was born on the Crow Indian Reservation in eastern Montana and traveled across the U.S. while pursuing his education. In 1939, Dr. Medicine Crow earned his master's degree from the University of Southern California, becoming the first member of the Crow Tribe to attain that credential. In 1943 he joined the United States Army. While serving as an Army scout during World War II, Dr. Medicine Crow fulfilled the four requirements to become a war chief. While fighting against the German forces he led a war party, stole an enemy horse, disarmed an enemy, and touched an enemy without killing him. Later in life he served as the Crow tribal historian, received multiple honorary doctorate degrees, and spoke at venues across the Nation. He was the last Crow war chief, and his passing last April, at the age of 102, was a loss to our Nation. For his lifetime of service to the Crow Tribe, the State of Montana, and to United States, Dr. Medicine Crow was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Billings Community Based Specialty Clinic located on Majestic Lane will be designated in honor of Benjamin Charles Steele. Mr. Steele is remembered by Montanans as a ranch hand, teacher, artist, and Bataan Death March survivor. Born and raised in Montana, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940. After he was captured by the Japanese, Mr. Steele's sturdy fortitude helped him endure a 66-mile trek in the Philippines, a prisoner ship, and a forced labor camp. He was a prisoner of war in the Pacific Theater of World War II for a total of 1,244 days. Using charcoal to sketch on concrete, he withstood the harsh treatment in captivity and honed his artistic talents. His artistic expressions were captured on contraband paper, and some of the works he created in captivity were preserved and went on tour through the Nation after the war. In August of last year, we lost a warrior- artist when Mr. Steele passed away at his home in Montana at the age of 98. The World War II generation produced many heroes. In 2016, Montana lost three of our greatest heroes when Thatcher, Medicine Crow and Steele completed their earthly tours of duty. In 2017 it is fitting that we honor their service and their remarkable lives by naming three Veterans Affairs facilities in their honor. Each generation of veterans using these facilities will help keep their memories alive. Their unique stories will inspire the future generation of warriors to defend our Nation and preserve our cherished individual liberties. 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 would like to recognize the commitment to duty and personal courage of three Montanans by introducing a bill to redesignate three Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in their honor. Through their distinguished service to our Nation, the actions of these three gentlemen have earned the respect and gratitude of the Treasure State. Under this resolution, the Community Based Outpatient Clinic on Palmer Street in Missoula will be designated in honor of David J. Thatcher. Mr. Thatcher was an outstanding Montanan. The humble circumstances of his upbringing in rural, eastern Montana helped him develop a strong work ethic. In 1940, with war raging across Europe and the clouds of war on the horizon for the United States, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he volunteered to serve as a tail gunner for a high risk mission to attack targets deep within Japanese controlled territory. This counterattack would be known to history as the Doolittle Raid. After finishing the bombing mission and running low on fuel, his aircraft crash landed near the coast of China. Mr. Thatcher was instrumental in helping the crew reach safety following the crash and for his actions during the Doolittle Raid, he was awarded the Silver Star. A few years later, the actor Robert Walker portrayed Corporal Thatcher on the silver screen in ``Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo.'' After the war, Mr. Thatcher embarked on a career with the U.S. Postal Service and married his sweetheart Dawn. Their marriage spanned seven decades until he passed away last June at the age of 94. In Billings, the Community Based Outpatient Clinic on Spring Creek Lane will be designated in honor of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow. Dr. Medicine Crow was an accomplished warrior and esteemed historian. He was born on the Crow Indian Reservation in eastern Montana and traveled across the U.S. while pursuing his education. In 1939, Dr. Medicine Crow earned his master's degree from the University of Southern California, becoming the first member of the Crow Tribe to attain that credential. In 1943 he joined the United States Army. While serving as an Army scout during World War II, Dr. Medicine Crow fulfilled the four requirements to become a war chief. While fighting against the German forces he led a war party, stole an enemy horse, disarmed an enemy, and touched an enemy without killing him. Later in life he served as the Crow tribal historian, received multiple honorary doctorate degrees, and spoke at venues across the Nation. He was the last Crow war chief, and his passing last April, at the age of 102, was a loss to our Nation. For his lifetime of service to the Crow Tribe, the State of Montana, and to United States, Dr. Medicine Crow was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Billings Community Based Specialty Clinic located on Majestic Lane will be designated in honor of Benjamin Charles Steele. Mr. Steele is remembered by Montanans as a ranch hand, teacher, artist, and Bataan Death March survivor. Born and raised in Montana, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940. After he was captured by the Japanese, Mr. Steele's sturdy fortitude helped him endure a 66-mile trek in the Philippines, a prisoner ship, and a forced labor camp. He was a prisoner of war in the Pacific Theater of World War II for a total of 1,244 days. Using charcoal to sketch on concrete, he withstood the harsh treatment in captivity and honed his artistic talents. His artistic expressions were captured on contraband paper, and some of the works he created in captivity were preserved and went on tour through the Nation after the war. In August of last year, we lost a warrior- artist when Mr. Steele passed away at his home in Montana at the age of 98. The World War II generation produced many heroes. In 2016, Montana lost three of our greatest heroes when Thatcher, Medicine Crow and Steele completed their earthly tours of duty. In 2017 it is fitting that we honor their service and their remarkable lives by naming three Veterans Affairs facilities in their honor. Each generation of veterans using these facilities will help keep their memories alive. Their unique stories will inspire the future generation of warriors to defend our Nation and preserve our cherished individual liberties. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

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, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing the University of Montana Grizzlies softball team for their outstanding performance at the Big Sky Conference softball tournament. This team has come a long way in a short time, and their journey this season is something that all Montanans can appreciate. Last week at Ogden, UT, the Grizzlies won the Big Sky Conference softball championship for the first time in the school's history. This accomplishment is highlighted by the fact that the softball program is only in its third year on campus. Four years ago, there was no team or coach; today they are conference champions. Jamie Pinkerton, the Grizzlies' coach, was also voted the Big Sky Conference ``Coach of the Year'' for the second year in a row. As conference champions, the Grizzlies will represent Big Sky in the 2017 NCAA Division I softball championship this Friday as they travel to Washington to challenge the Huskies in the regional qualifying round. The Grizzlies will have both the Big Sky State and the Big Sky Conference rooting for them.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, the travel and tourism industry is a pillar of Montana's economy. Our wealth of public lands, first-class fishing, hiking and skiing, and our breathtaking natural landscapes make Montana a special place for people to visit. Last year alone, visitors to Montana spent $3.46 billion in our state. And Montana is not alone. The travel and tourism industry plays a significant role in the United States economy as well, contributing over $503 billion to the U.S. GDP just last year. With advancements in technology and the increased use of online marketplaces, travelers have the ability to do more research, plan trips, and book reservations online. Online platforms allow customers to compare thousands of brands in one place and as a result the number of hotel reservations made online has surged over the past several years, many of which are on legitimate third-party websites. However, as the ease and number of online bookings has increased, so has the number of online booking scams. Illegitimate reservation sellers pose as hotel websites, leading consumers to believe they are booking directly with the hotel, when in fact they are booking with an unrelated third party. Transactions on these sites can result in additional hidden fees, loss of expected loyalty points, or even confirmation of reservations that were never made. One study found that as many as fifteen million bookings a year are affected by fraudulent websites. In Montana, you expect to get what you pay for. When you book a hotel online only to find out you are not on the list when you arrive, you not only lose your money, but you lose the positive experience tourism awards. That is why I am proud to introduce the Stop Online Booking Scams Act of 2017 along with my colleagues Senators Nelson, Fischer, and Klobuchar. This bill requires third-party sites to disclose that they are not affiliated with the hotel, providing clarity and transparency to consumers booking online. It also empowers State attorneys general to pursue cases on behalf of consumers who have been scammed. Providing clear disclosures that reveal the true identity of websites will give confidence to the millions of consumers who make reservations online every year. I ask my colleagues who have not yet done so to join me in cosponsoring this much-needed legislation. Thank you, Mr. President.