Steve Daines

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, made-in-Montana energy means good Montana jobs that on average pay two to three times more than the State average. In fact, Montana's ability to create more good-paying energy jobs is immense. Our State leads the Nation in recoverable coal deposits. We are the Nation's fifth largest producer of hydropower, with 23 hydroelectric dams across the State, and we are fifth in wind energy potential. In fact, Montana was center stage in the national energy debate and provides our Nation a template of a true ``all of the above'' energy portfolio. We have coal, natural gas, oil, as well as renewables such as hydro, wind, biomass, and solar opportunities. What makes our State most valuable are the people who make our energy systems work--towns such as Colstrip, MT, that build communities around livelihoods that are reliant on good-paying energy jobs. That is the good news. Here is the bad news: Montana energy jobs are under assault. Over the past 2 weeks, I heard from Montanans about the future and importance of made-in-Montana energy and made-in-Montana good-paying jobs. During my week-long tour across our State, I once again saw our vast natural resources and our true energy potential, whether it was touring a wind farm near Baker, MT, on the far eastern side of our State, or seeing the hydropower facility at Helena's Hauser Dam, or hosting a townhall at Colstrip. I was hearing directly from the community about the devastating impacts that President Obama's anti-coal regulations will have on hard-working Montanans. My statewide energy tour culminated this past week at Montana Energy 2016, where over 600 people gathered in Billings, MT, for a Montana family conversation about our State's energy future. During that 2\1/ 2\-day summit, we heard a consistent and powerful message about the need to maximize our opportunity for growth and expand made-in-Montana energy and the good-paying jobs it supports. Montanans are leading American energy innovation; for example, Montanans such as Chrystal Cuniff, a Montana tech engineer from Choteau, who helped drill the deepest well in the Gulf of Mexico, or Ryan Lance, a Montana native, a graduate of Montana Tech, who is leading one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world, or Ashley Dennehey from Colstrip, who highlighted how the boilermakers, operators, and other hard-working labor groups in her community are working hard to keep the lights on in the face of adversity. We must continue investing in our 2-year colleges that provide training in trades such as welding and heavy machine operations so we can keep our kids in Montana with good, high-paying energy jobs. In fact, Business Insider released a map that shows how hard these times are for millenials, highlighting their median income across the United States. Montana ranked 50th, dead last, at a median income of $18,000 a year for millenials. We cannot forget that Montana coal provides tax revenues of $145 million a year which supports our teachers and our schools. Montana should lead the world in developing clean coal technology. We must continue to develop renewable technologies that will store the power created by wind. The bottom line is, we should not allow Washington, DC, and the Obama administration to dictate and regulate coal and gas out of existence. We need more made-in-Montana energy, not more made-in-the-Middle-East energy. Make no mistake, President Obama's Environmental Protection Agency and their regulations are killing Montana energy. Our country's future is very bright if we could unleash the power of innovation and rein in the overregulation of Washington, DC. I couldn't agree more with what Darrin Old Coyote, chairman of the Crow Nation tribes, said in his keynote address at Montana Energy 2016 in Billings just last Thursday. He said this: ``All of Montana citizens need to work together for a better tomorrow: renewable energy, fossil energy, conventional energy, Indian or non-Indian, regardless of political affiliation, whether we are Democrats, Republicans or Independents.'' Montanans can find better solutions than Washington, DC, bureaucrats. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the eighth grade class at Big Timber Grade School. The class recently took over the writing for the Big Timber Pioneer Newspaper. The Big Timber Pioneer participated in Newspapers in Education Week, and the lucky new young writers were the eighth graders of the Big Timber Grade School. This very special edition of the newspaper was compiled of stories written by the individuals of the class. There are 38 students in the class and they all wrote an article. Big Timber is located in southern Montana. It is a small town of roughly 1,600 people. I am sure this was a huge honor for the eighth grade class, their parents, and the whole town. Thank you to Lindsey Kroskob, the managing editor of the Big Timber Pioneer, for making this a goal of hers since 2015 and for making it happen this year. It is people like you that can help shape the minds of our young Montanans to realize that anything is possible. Congratulations to the eighth grade class for getting the opportunity to write for the newspaper. I look forward to reading your very special edition and learning about the students of Big Timber Grade School. Maybe I will see your names someday in national publications across our country.

Mr. DAINES

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

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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, following the remarks of Senator Blumenthal.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10:15 a.m., Wednesday, March 16; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate then resume consideration of the message to accompany S. 764; further, that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the cloture vote on the motion to concur with further amendment occur at 11:45 a.m.; finally, that the time following leader remarks until 11:45 a.m. be equally divided between the two leaders or their designees.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 400, submitted earlier today.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. 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. Mr. President, I now ask for a second reading and, in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request.

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I understand that there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Gordon Stoner, a wheat grower from Outlook, MT, on his newly elected position serving as the president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, NAWG. Gordon comes from a long history of farming, managing his own fourth- generation farm near Outlook. Stoner Farms practices no-till farming techniques and grows lentils, corn, oil seeds, flax, peas, and durum, a high-protein variety of hard wheat that is a rare crop raised in select parts of the world. Gordon has expressed enthusiasm about NAWG's plan to partner with organizations in an effort known as the National Wheat Action Plan to help come up with new strategies for bringing the wheat industry back to increased profitability. Gordon has also served in leadership roles with his church, Montana Grain Growers Association, served as chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates Joint International Trade Policy Committee and as director and chairman of NAWG. Our great State depends on farmers, ranchers, and producers who contribute greatly to the flourishing of our rural communities. On behalf of Montana, I thank Gordon Stoner for his paramount leadership and look forward to seeing the positive impact he continues to have on the wheat industry.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, the bill we are debating today is an important step forward in helping to combat addiction and opioid abuse. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 20 percent of veterans with PTSD also have a substance abuse disorder. Let me repeat that statistic. In our country, 20 percent of veterans, or one in five, with PTSD have a substance abuse disorder, and that is why we need to ensure that they have all the avenues to care and treatments available to them. We cannot allow them to suffer in silence. That is why I have offered two amendments to the bill that will help our veterans struggling with the invisible wounds of war. My first amendment, No. 3390, makes sure that these veterans are not forgotten, including their struggles in the findings. My second amendment, No. 3391, allows veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and service-related traumatic brain injuries that received a dishonorable discharge to have access to veterans treatment courts. I am proud to be joined by Senator Peters in ensuring that veterans at risk of substance abuse have access to the veterans treatment courts, particularly those most at risk. We cannot turn our backs on those who answer the call to protect our country and are now struggling, many of whom are struggling in silence. We must do everything we can to uphold the promises our government made to our veterans, and I am honored to be doing just that. I thank Senator Peters for this bipartisan effort we are moving forward here to fight on behalf of our veterans. I yield back my time. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Sergeant Tim Lingle of the Roosevelt County Sheriff's office. Sergeant Lingle has recently been named the Montana American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Sergeant Lingle has been living and working in Roosevelt County for 15 years, 9 of those years has been for the county's sheriff's office. He started his Montana law enforcement career with Poplar Police Department in 2000, then moved to the Fort Peck Department of Law and Justice before transferring to Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office. Sergeant Lingle serves the Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office not only as a sergeant but also as deputy coroner, firearms instructor, and as the Culbertson-Bainville-Froid contract deputy. He has also served the State of Montana as a member of the American Legion and has attended training as a driving instructor and a DARE instructor. Sergeant Lingle has always gone the extra mile for the county, community, and the sheriff's office. He never fails to show his loyalty and passion to the citizens of Roosevelt County. I would also like to highlight the recent efforts by Sergeant Lingle and the entire Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office in the search of missing 4-year-old Maci Lilley, who I am happy to report has been found and reunited with her family. Thank you Sergeant Lingle and all of Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office for their tireless efforts and dedication to law enforcement for the State of Montana.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, yesterday I joined Senators Gardner and Moran on a factfinding mission to Guantanamo Bay. Guantanamo Bay was a humble reminder of the services our military provides overseas to get these terrorists off the battlefield and ensure they don't end up in Americans' backyards. President Obama has signed multiple pieces of legislation into law that explicitly prohibit the transfer of enemy combatants from Guantanamo Bay to our shores. Most recently, the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act signed by the President specifically prohibited funds to be utilized to transfer detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United States. Among those being held are detainees such as Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, who is the principal architect of the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York City, according to the ``9/11 Commission Report.'' Khalid Shaikh Mohammed is just part of the 9/11 five who are currently detained in Guantanamo Bay who allegedly masterminded and facilitated the 9/11 terror attacks on our country. In fact, other prisoners include Osama Bin Laden's bodyguard, who fought U.S. forces in Afghanistan. We need to do the right thing for our country and keep them locked up in Guantanamo and not help President Obama fulfill a campaign promise and bring these terrorists to our communities. I am exceedingly proud of our men and our women serving at Guantanamo Bay. They are impressive, they are professional, and I am honored to represent their interests in the U.S. Senate. I will continue working tirelessly to prohibit the transfer of these detainees to America.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Madam President, John Orizotti, most famously known as ``Pork Chop John,'' passed away on Monday in his Butte home at the age of 82. Montanans know John for his efforts to expand his restaurant's flourishing business. John bought Pork Chop John on 8 West Mercury Street in 1969, when sandwiches sold for 65 cents. According to his oldest son Rick Orizotti, owning the shop was something he wanted to do his whole life, and he always kept his eye on it. Rick said: ``He was truly very proud to be Pork Chop John. He was a man that really loved going to work, really worked hard.'' John was born in Butte on September 25, 1933. He graduated from Butte High School in 1951 and married his high school sweetheart Mary Carol when he was 21 and she was 19. He worked for his father-in-law Dan Piazzola at the Better Meat Market and then went on to open the Main Public Market in 1960 with Piazzola before buying Pork Chop John 9 years later. The restaurant has expanded to a second location on 2400 Harrison Avenue, which was formerly a Texaco gas station. After John retired 20 years ago, two of his sons, Ed and Tom Orizotti, took over the restaurant and currently run Pork Chop John. I remember as a kid in Montana, it was the stop you made when you were on a trip. It didn't matter whether you were on a sports trip, band trip or a speech debate trip, you stopped at Pork Chop John's in Butte to grab something to eat. In fact, the very first stop my wife and I made after we announced our campaign for the U.S. Congress in Bozeman was at Pork Chop John's in Butte to grab a sandwich. All seven of Orizotti's children have worked at the restaurant at some point in their lives and the pork chop batter recipe remains a family secret to this day. The restaurant itself has been in the family for 47 years. John was greatly beloved by many in his community. His past employees and friends have nothing but wonderful things to say about him, including how he would put his whole heart into all of his endeavors. Others called him gentle, caring, honest, and never having a bad word to say about anybody. He has probably been best described as one of the legends of Butte and a ``Butte icon.'' John Orizotti made a lasting impact on his family, community, and business. May his legacy of hard work and kind heart be forever honored and remembered. Cindy and I offer our deepest condolences to the family. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. DAINES

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

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Tom Kuntz of Red Lodge, MT, for his company's generous donations to nonprofits throughout Carbon County. Tom is the owner of local pizza shop Red Lodge Pizza Co., which contributed $11,700 of its profits to 20 various non-profits to help support their goals and missions. His contributions make up the largest portion of $34,000 raised during this year's third annual charitable contribution program on behalf of the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation. His generous giving is not just a one-time occurrence. Throughout his 20 years in business, Red Lodge Pizza Co. has made supporting community organizations a priority. Some of the organizations profiting from Red Lodge Pizza Co.'s donations include Boys and Girls of Carbon County, Domestic & Sexual Violence Services, Red Lodge Public Schools Foundation, Beartooth Humane Alliance, and Bridger Community Food Bank. Tom is also the Red Lodge fire chief and was gracious enough to give me a tour of an area fire discussing fuels reduction in August of 2013. I am grateful for Tom's dedication to his hometown, his generosity and selfless actions benefitting the people and organizations that make up his community. It's people like Tom that make me proud to call Montana home. I agree with Tom when he says ``it is great to give back to people that make this place so wonderful.''

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 24; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; further, that following leader remarks, and notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the Senate resume consideration of the Califf nomination postcloture; further, that at 11 a.m., the Senate vote on confirmation of the Califf nomination; further, that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, the President be notified of the Senate's action, and upon disposition of the nomination, the Senate then resume legislative session with no intervening action or debate.

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

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I rise to recognize Alee Lockman. Alee Lockman is the pride of Brockton, MT. In fact, Alee grew up on her family's wheat farm 10 miles north of Brockton in eastern Montana. Alee is also the pride of Froid High School, a classic high school in Montana. She was the valedictorian of a graduating class size of six. Alee graduated from Froid High School and went on to Harvard and graduated in 2010. Alee Lockman also served as my communications director for the past 3 years. She came back to Washington when I was elected to the House and served on my team there. She worked on my campaign staff as well when we ran for the U.S. Senate. And thanks to Alee's tireless work and strong work ethic, we were able to win that race, and she came over to the Senate side and served as my communications director there for the past year-plus. She played an absolutely invaluable role in my office. She is a brilliant, creative thinker who has a talent unparalleled. I will never forget our road trips across Montana. There were times when we would spend countless hours in a small, little compact car--I am used to driving my big Ford pickup--that we would rent and literally drive thousands of miles across Montana and visit all the small towns. Nobody was a greater advocate for rural Montana issues--somebody who lived it and breathed it her entire life--than Alee Lockman. In fact, one of the best nights of the month was our monthly tele-townhall meeting, where tens of thousands of Montanans would know Alee's voice because she would always introduce me. I always took pride in announcing: ``You just heard from Alee Lockman from Brockton, MT.'' I could always count on her to provide wisdom and much needed insight, particularly when it came to my prolific social media feeds. Sometimes Alee would place guardrails around what I probably should or should not be saying. We are going to miss Alee Lockman. Alee has gone on to pursue a great, new opportunity, which I am very excited about for her, and I wish her the very best. I wish to thank Alee Lockman for her service to the people of Montana, to this Nation, and to this institution. You are going to be missed, Alee, and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the junior Senator from Montana be authorized to sign duly-enrolled bills or joint resolutions on Tuesday, February 23.

Mr. DAINES

Mr. DAINES. Mr. 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. Mr. President, I would like to honor Jesse Dannels--a young man with a kind smile and a strong leader in all aspects of life, who was lost from us on February 7, 2016, at the age of 18. Jesse came into this world on November 29, 1997, to Robert and Ruth Dannels of Chinook, MT. Jesse's motivation and happy spirit impacted everyone he met. His love for sports was evident in his swimming, football, track, and wrestling. He excelled at everything he did. His teammates were not only friends, but brothers. Jesse's willingness to always help others was inspiring. He was continually motivating others to do their best, and he was there to cheer them on. He will be missed by all who knew him. Sugarbeeter Nation, I extend my condolences to Jesse's family, his football and wrestling brothers and coaches, to Chinook High School, and to the entire community of Chinook. May God rest his soul.