Joni Ernst

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize The Cottage of Denison, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In January 2020, mother and daughter duo Cindy and Taylor Borkowski purchased the Your Treasure Chest home decor store from longtime owners Deb and Jeff Frehse. After purchasing Your Treasure Chest, the Borkowski's changed the name to The Cottage and continued selling home decor on Broadway in Denison. When Cindy and Taylor started The Cottage, they went to different craft shows and vendor fairs to get the latest home decor items. While Cindy and Taylor started as the only two employees, their store has since grown to employ two additional part- time employees. On April 1, 2024, The Cottage announced that they would be moving down the street to a new location in Denison, with a ribbon cutting planned in early May 2024. The Cottage maintains an active Facebook account with videos and pictures of new items in stock, events at the store, and updates on promotions and sales. In addition to selling home decor, Cindy and Taylor Borkowski offer a selection of children and baby, seasonal, and devotional items. Due to their hard work, The Cottage celebrated its fourth business anniversary in 2024. The Cottage is well recognized for its contributions to the Crawford County economy. In 2022 and 2023, the Bulletin-Review named The Cottage as the Best Boutique in Crawford County. In 2022, The Cottage won the Innovators Award from the Chamber and Development Council of Crawford County. Cindy and Taylor are also involved in the Denison and Crawford County communities. In 2023, Taylor was named the Businesswoman of the Year by the Chamber and Development Council of Crawford County. Taylor also serves as organizer of Hot Summer Nights in Denison, a series of summer events that include live music, food trucks, activities for kids, and a fundraiser. In 2024, proceeds from the Hot Summer Nights fundraiser will go to Washington Park. The Cottage's commitment to providing quality home decor in Denison is clear. I want to congratulate Cindy and Taylor Borkowski and the entire team at The Cottage for their continued dedication to the Crawford County community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week it is my privilege to recognize Hawkeye Molding of Roland, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week during National Small Business Week. In 1979, Bob Russell and Mike Lawrence founded Hawkeye Molding in Albia as a plastic injection product manufacturer. Bob later became the sole owner of Hawkeye Molding and was critical to the company's growth and success. In 2007, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication to the community, and manufacturing excellence. In 2008, Hawkeye Molding was purchased by an LED lighting manufacturer, Innovative Lighting, as an addition to their plastics division based in Roland. Innovative Lighting owners Jerry and Janet Handsaker continued to operate the Albia location as Hawkeye Molding, with their Roland plastic manufacturing facility operating under the Innovative Lighting name. In April 2021, the Handsakers sold Innovative Lighting's plastic division to Ryan Gruhn and Lana Leander, a husband-and-wife team. The Handsakers wanted the new owners of Hawkeye Molding to keep the company's roots in Iowa. Ryan and Lana purchased both plastic facilities from the Handsakers and included the Roland plastic facility under the Hawkeye Molding name. Today, Hawkeye Molding maintains a 58,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, warehouse, and company headquarters in Roland. It has 38 horizontal injection molding machines and two 20-ton vertical injection molding machines to serve the molding needs of the agriculture, appliance, industrial, and lighting industries. The team also provides molding services for home and office furniture and manufacturing parts. The International Organization for Standardization certified Hawkeye Molding for quality management systems. Hawkeye Molding is actively involved in the Story County community. The small business is a proud member of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, and in 2022, the chamber awarded Ryan and Lana with their Economic Impact Award. Hawkeye Molding was named the Iowa Farm Bureau's Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur Award in 2021 for its work in the Roland and Albia economies. Lana has also raised funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In 2024, Hawkeye Molding celebrated its third business anniversary under Ryan and Lana's ownership. Hawkeye Molding's commitment to providing custom injection molded parts and products while keeping manufacturing jobs in Roland is clear. I want to congratulate Ryan Gruhn, Lana Leander, and the entire Hawkeye Molding team for their continued dedication to the manufacturing industry. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that Sarah Luetz, a fellow from my office, be granted floor privileges for the remainder of the Congress.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, despite President Biden begging bureaucrats to return to work, government buildings remain largely abandoned, and Washington, DC, is a ghost town. Heads of Agencies have mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Even the White House was left in the dark when the Secretary of Defense vanished for days. I am hearing from folks in Iowa who tried calling Federal Agencies for help but didn't hear boo. A nonprofit serving vulnerable, disabled, elderly, and other Iowans in need contacted my office, frustrated by the growing delays that organization is experiencing dealing with the Social Security Administration. The executive director tells me that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the response time from the local Social Security office was just a few days at most but that now it takes weeks and even months to get a call back. Some of the folks the nonprofit serves have gone without benefits as a result of unreturned phone calls. Approvals to provide support to others seeking assistance are also being delayed. The agency's executive director says the lack of communication ``is having an impact on the clients we serve and our ability to provide quality service'' and that ``they are running us out of business.'' While the Social Security Administration's headquarters is nearly empty, with just 7 percent of its office space being used, these folks serving Iowans in need are showing up. Because the support they provide is being threatened by the Social Security Administration's unresponsiveness, I called on the Agency's inspector general to investigate. And folks, well, that seemed to do the trick. Almost immediately, the phone finally started ringing, and the Social Security Administration is once again working with this agency to make sure my Iowans are being taken care of. Another Iowan who worked for the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Services tells me his former colleagues describe working from home as ``like being on vacation. Very little work was assigned and all they had to do was be available by phone.'' But according to another whistleblower within the Department who contacted me, it is even difficult to get in touch with coworkers. Here is some direct quotes from this particular whistleblower: On occasions I have gone to USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. . . . it resembles a ghost town. As a supervisor, I can tell you that full-time remote work and extensive telework are negatively affecting productivity, efficiency, and cooperation. And yet another: Remote work and telework employees are often unreachable and do not respond to simple email questions for hours. When I questioned the USDA Secretary recently about these claims, he pushed back, insisting his staff are required to be in the office a majority of the week. Yet, according to the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office, nearly 90 percent of the office space in USDA's headquarters is sitting idle and unused. Folks, if USDA staff aren't showing up for work in Washington, we should put them out to pasture by relocating the Department to Iowa. With the spring planting season upon us, I know farmers and ranchers would appreciate some helping hands from USDA's experts in the field-- literally, in the field, tilling the dirt and pulling the weeds. Growing up on a farm, I can tell you that is what we in Iowa call ``working from home.'' But in Washington, working from home apparently means having a field day. That is why I have asked the USDA's inspector general to investigate and track down the location of these ghost employees. I have also heard similar stories from folks who work for other Federal Agencies--like the employee who hasn't even seen their manager in weeks--as well as other Iowans experiencing the same frustrating lack of responsiveness. Folks, enough is enough. It is time for Washington to get back to work, and I need your help to make that happen. The bureaucrats may not be showing up or interested in answering your call, but I am. So if you are trying to get in touch with a government Agency and keep getting ghosted, ``Who you gonna call?'' Right there, folks, right there--202- 224-3254--or if you are working in a government building all alone, pick up the phone and call. I want to hear from you and other government whistleblowers. Together, we can be ghost busters and make Washington work again by getting the bureaucrats back to their old haunts ``cuz I ain't afraid of no ghosts.'' I yield the floor.

Ms. ERNST

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

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Brownells of Grinnell, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1938, Frank ``Bob'' Brownell II founded Brownells in Montezuma, IA. He owned and operated a gas station and sandwich shop in Montezuma in addition to being an avid gunsmithing hobbyist. Bob combined his business experience with his passion and founded Brownells to fill a niche in the gunsmithing industry: selling hard-to-find gunsmithing tools to other gunsmiths. In 1947, Brownells began printing their catalog, and by 1951, he had shifted the business from a gunsmith store to a gunsmith product supplier. In 1973, Brownells moved their headquarters to a larger location in Montezuma until 2014 and have since moved to nearby Grinnell. Brownells current location in Grinnell includes a 200,000-square-foot warehouse, corporate offices, and a retail store that opened in 2016. Today, Brownells maintains a supply of over 50,000 gun parts. They supply and ship their products across the world. Three generations of the Brownell family have worked at the company. Bob's son Frank joined Brownells in 1964 and became president in 1983 after Bob became chairman of the board. Before working at Brownells, Frank Brownell served in the U.S. Navy. Frank's son Pete joined the family business in 1997 and became vice president in 2000. In 2008, Pete became president, with his father serving as the chief executive officer. Bob Brownell passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, community involvement, and dedication to the firearm industry. Brownells is actively involved in both the Poweshiek County community and the national firearm industry. Pete Brownell previously served on the board of the National Rifle Association--NRA--and served as president of the NRA from 2017 until 2018. In 2014, Frank Brownell received the NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award for his continued dedication to the firearm industry. Pete Brownell has also been involved in the Grinnell College Ignite Program, a yearly program that brings students from prekindergarten to eighth grade experience workshops at the college. Brownells celebrated its 85th business anniversary in 2024. Brownells' commitment to providing high-quality gunsmithing tools while maintaining its Poweshiek County roots is clear. I want to congratulate the Brownell family and the entire team at Brownells for their continued dedication to the firearm industry. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Canteen Lunch in the Alley of Ottumwa, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. After finding success selling loose meat sandwiches to farmers, Dusty Rhoades opened Canteen Lunch in the Alley in 1927 with just five stools and a single steamer to cook sandwiches. The business's name was inspired by its signature dish: delicious loose meat sandwiches often called canteens. Today, in addition to their signature sandwiches, Canteen Lunch in the Alley serves homemade pies, ice cream, hot dogs, and egg sandwiches. Their current location has 17 seats and uses around 800 pounds of ground beef weekly to keep up with demand. From 1929 to 1936, Bill and Ruth Carter were the proud owners of Canteen Lunch in the Alley. Following their passing, their daughter Bernita Carter Popchuck became the sole owner. In 1936, the business was moved to its current location on 2nd Street in Ottumwa. Husband and wife Earnest and Shirley McBeth purchased the restaurant in 1976 with the help of Shirley's sister Lauralee Staley and operated Canteen Lunch in the Alley until 2015, when Scott and Janice Pierce purchased it. Scott, an Ottumwa native, has been eating at the restaurant since his childhood and understands the significant role the business plays in the community. The mom-and-pop shop is well-recognized for great food, hard work, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Owners Scott and Janice Pierce have brought the community together by hosting the World Championship Canteen Eating Contest thrice since 2018. In 2019, professional competitive eater Joey Chestnut won the competition by eating 28 and a half canteens in 10 minutes. Notably, the award-winning television show Roseanne used Canteen Lunch in the Alley as inspiration for the show's fictional restaurant ``Lanford Lunch Box.'' In 2019, Canteen Lunch in the Alley won the People Choice Award from the Iowa Tourism Office, and in 2017, the business was named the best loose meat sandwich in Iowa by USA Today. Due to their hard work, the Canteen Lunch in the Alley team celebrated its 97th business anniversary in 2024. For nearly 100 years, Canteen Lunch in the Alley has preserved the essence of tradition in Ottumwa by providing a sprinkle of love with their well-loved canteen sandwiches and desserts. I want to congratulate the Pierce family and the entire Canteen Lunch in the Alley team for their continued dedication to serving Iowans while maintaining an important piece of Ottumwa history. I look forward to seeing their continued success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Keg Creek Brewing Company of Glenwood, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 2011, Randy Romens, John Bueltel, Art Renze, and Grant Hebel founded Keg Creek Brewing in Glenwood, IA. Randy, John, Art, and Grant started in the beer industry as homebrewers in their garages and basements, brewing 10 gallons of beer at a time. After their beer became a hit with friends and family, they decided to start Keg Creek Brewing Company, named after Keg Creek in Glenwood. What began as one location with three barrels quickly expanded. In 2016, the team expanded their production facility and, 2 years later, moved into their current location, where they now have 15 barrels. In 2015, Keg Creek Brewing added a new owner, Matt Kirsch, who has remained instrumental in their continued success. Keg Creek Brewing offers 18 beers on tap while distributing bottles and kegs of beer throughout the Midwest. The Brewery has a lively taproom and a patio for customers and regularly hosts trivia nights, live music, and karaoke. During the spring and summer, they hold sand volleyball and cornhole leagues. In addition to beer, they also support other local small businesses by hosting food trucks, pizzas from Roberto's Pizzas of Dunlap, and MinDee's Nuts of Malvern. Keg Creek Brewing is actively involved in the Glenwood community and has been recognized for its rapid climb in the brewery industry and craft beers. In 2020, they were awarded a bronze medal by the U.S. Open Beer Championship for their ``Deviant of the Depths'' beer in the Rum Barrel Aged Beer category and another bronze medal for their ``Old Marathon'' barley wine in the Barrel-Aged Barley Wine category. In 2017, the Brewers Association's list of 50 Fastest-Growing Small and Independent Craft Breweries in the United States recognized the Keg Creek Brewery. Their beers have also won awards at the Iowa State Fair and are a staple at the craft beer tent. Keg Creek Brewery has also hosted fundraising events for Relay for Life, the Mills County K9 Unit, and the local libraries. In 2024, Keg Creek Brewing celebrated its 13th business anniversary. Keg Creek Brewing Company's commitment to Glenwood and the craft beer industry is clear. I want to congratulate Matt Kirsch, Randy Romens, John Bueltel, Art Renze, Grant Hebel, and the entire Keg Creek Brewing Company team for their continued dedication to the Glenwood community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Browns Century Theater of Le Mars, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 2000, siblings Adam, Michaela, and Andrew partnered with their mother Shelly to start a music group called The Browns. The Brown family is originally from Le Mars but took their music talents around the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2015, after touring for 15 years, the Browns returned home to Iowa and purchased the historic German-American Savings Bank building in downtown Le Mars. The theater seats 150 people and now includes the Central Event Center for dining, the Inn on Central for visiting guests, and the Gift Shoppe. The Browns Century Theater seasonally employs between 9 to 12 employees and has hosted 100 shows every year since its opening, featuring the family's music and other artists from across the country. In addition to owning a small business, The Browns host a reality TV show called ``Hometown with The Browns'' on their YouTube channel. The first episode of their show details the renovations they did to the German-American Savings Bank to convert it into the Browns Century Theater. Their daughter Michaela creates cooking videos for the family channel and is also the author of three cookbooks. The Browns have recorded 2 dozen albums and often perform special shows in addition to their hits, including songs like ``Oh, My Iowa!'' The Brown family has deep roots in Le Mars and proudly owns a more than a century-old farm. Michaela Brown served as the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce president in 2022, and Adam Brown served on the Plymouth County Fair board in 2023. The Browns have performed at the Christmas in Hometown event since its inception in 2020, the Plymouth County Fair, and Ice Cream Days. In addition to performing for and supporting their community, Adam Brown played as a linebacker and defensive end for the Sioux Empire Crusaders of the Southern Plains Football League. The Browns are well recognized for their hard work. Shelly Brown was awarded the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award in 2019. The Browns Century Theater was awarded the Community Impact Award in 2023 and the Business of the Year Award in 2017 by the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce. Their music has earned them Dove Award nominations and a place in the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. Due to their incredible efforts, The Browns celebrated their 24th anniversary of performing together and their ninth anniversary of owning the Browns Century Theater in 2024. The Brown family's commitment to Le Mars, the gospel music industry, and their family business is clear. I want to congratulate the Brown family and the entire team at Browns Century Theater for their continued dedication to the Le Mars community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, I am privileged to recognize Martin Hildreth Company of Rockwell City, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Martin Hildreth founded the Martin Hildreth Company in 1954 to provide excavation contracting services in Rockwell City and the surrounding counties. Martin started the company after serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean war. He began his civilian career working with his father Ben in the petroleum industry at Hildreth Mobile Oil and Hildreth Super Service before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. In 1990, Martin's son Tom joined the company full-time and currently serves as the president. Martin Hildreth Company has remained in the same location on High Street in Rockwell City since its inception, offering excavation services to the telecommunication and utility industries and gravedigging for cemeteries throughout Calhoun and the surrounding counties. In 2009, Tom's wife Theresa joined Martin Hildreth Company as their chief financial officer. In 2023, Martin Hildreth passed away, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and service to the Rockwell City community. Martin Hildreth Company is truly a family-owned and operated business. Tom and Theresa's son David serves as vice president, marking the third generation of the Hildreth family legacy. David Hildreth started at the company part-time at the age of 14 and plans to lead it following Tom's retirement. In the near future, David's son Collin will be the fourth generation to join the family company. The Hildreth family is actively involved in both the Rockwell City and Calhoun County communities. Tom Hildreth is a legend in the sport of wrestling. After a decorated college career at Westmar College, Tom coached wrestling at the high school and middle school levels and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Iowa High School Athletic Association Wrestling Hall of Fame. In addition to serving as chief financial officer for the Martin Hildreth Company, Theresa also serves as executive director of the Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation. Service to the country is also integral to the Hildreth family. Three of Tom and Theresa's children have served in the armed services. Martin Hildreth Company was awarded the ESGR Patriot Award for their dedication to supporting employees who are serving in the military. Due to their hard work, the Martin Hildreth Company celebrated their 70th business anniversary in 2024. I want to commend the Hildreth family for achieving their American dream and operating a fantastic small business. Congratulations to the Hildreth family and the entire Martin Hildreth Company team on their incredible commitment to our communities. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, today I rise to tell a preventable, horrific story: 22-year-old Laken Riley, a nursing student, was killed by an illegal immigrant. This bright, young woman had her whole life ahead of her. She represented what our country needs more of, a life dedicated to caring for others. Like all Iowans, my heart goes out to her family and her friends who continue to grieve this tragic loss. The reality is, Laken's heartbreaking story did not have to happen. In 2022, Jose Antonio Ibarra illegally crossed over the border into El Paso and claimed asylum. Instead of being detained while he was processed, he was released into our country, never to be heard from again; that is, folks, until he was arrested in New York City for endangering a child. Was he held to face trial for this crime in New York City? Nope. Nope. Was he deported for this crime or even for coming here illegally? Nope. New York officials released him so quickly that ICE couldn't even try to lodge a detainer, even if they wanted to. Meanwhile, Ibarra made his way to Georgia, where he disfigured and killed an innocent young girl who was simply out for a jog. This could have been avoided, but Biden's failure to enforce the laws at our border allowed it to happen. How many young Americans must die? How many families must be ripped apart for this administration to wake up and take border security seriously? For more than 8 years, I have warned against the dangers of letting illegal immigrants, who have already broken our laws--again, those who have broken our laws--roam the country and continue their lawlessness. I have repeatedly called on this body to step up and protect innocent Americans from criminals who are here in our country illegally and pass my bill, Sarah's Law. Eight years ago, Iowans Michelle and Scott Root woke up to every parent's worst nightmare, their daughter Sarah--right here, beautiful Sarah Root--was killed by a drunk driver. Sarah, a 21-year-old from Council Bluffs, had just graduated from Bellevue University in Nebraska with a 4.0 GPA and a bachelor's degree in criminal investigations. She was headed home after celebrating her important life milestone with family and friends. She had her entire life ahead of her. But while she was stopped at a traffic light, Sarah was struck and killed by Edwin Mejia, an illegal immigrant. His blood alcohol level was three times over the legal limit. One would think her killer would clearly meet Immigration and Customs Enforcement's ``enforcement priorities.'' But no--nope. Citing the Obama administration's November 2014 memo on immigration enforcement priorities, ICE declined--declined--to take custody of Mejia, despite his repeated driving offenses and history of skipping court dates. Before the Root family could even lay their daughter to rest, Mejia posted a $5,000 bond--5,000 bucks. He was released, and, just like in the past, folks, he disappeared never to be seen again. Now, here we are, folks. We are over 8 years later. Sarah's killer is still at large, after that 5,000 bucks, and able to carelessly harm others. To rub salt in the wound, the Biden administration has removed Mejia from ICE's Most Wanted list. No big deal, right? No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child, like the Root family did--and I know them personally--but, unfortunately, the Riley family is experiencing this same heartbreak. A loophole in our law means Sarah's killer escaped justice, but, today, we can do something to ensure no other family has to go through the pain Sarah's parents have felt every day for 8 long years. My bill, named in Sarah's honor, would close the alarming loophole that let Sarah's killer go free. It would just require ICE to detain-- just to detain--otherwise deportable illegal immigrants charged with killing or seriously injuring another person. Is that too much to ask? To detain someone who has killed another American? It also requires ICE to inform victims and family members of critical information pertaining to the investigation. Right now, family members are left in the dark. Had Sarah's Law been enacted at the time of her death, law enforcement would have detained her killer instead of allowing him to flee from justice. The Root family would have been kept up-to-date on his status and Federal immigration authorities' efforts to remove him from the country. Simply put, this should be an easy one, folks. Sarah and Laken's deaths are both tragic and, unfortunately, are doomed to be repeated, thanks to this administration's broken and ill-informed policies. Those who come here illegally and harm our citizens should, without question, be a priority for removal. It is just common sense, folks. Otherwise deportable illegal immigrants who commit violent crimes-- they commit them here. They should face justice. We can no longer prioritize illegal immigrants over public safety. We must pass Sarah's Law to send this message loud and clear--for Sarah's family, for Laken's family, and for the countless American families that Sarah's Law would protect. Madam President, as if in legislative session and not withstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. 160 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration; further, that the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, I am very sad that we are on the floor today and that Sarah's Law has been objected to. We have been down this road before, many times over, through the years since Sarah Root's death. Now, I do understand that ICE has discretion, and that is what we are discussing today. It is the fact that ICE had discretion and chose to allow Edwin Mejia to post bond of $5,000 to disappear into the night. Before Sarah was even laid to rest, Edwin Mejia was long gone, and he has yet to face justice for Sarah's family. In July 2020, a Mexican national was drunk-driving in Texas and struck and killed a Chicago resident and two retired U.S. Army officers. All were part of a pro-law enforcement motorcycle club. The Mexican national was out on bond and awaiting trial for allegedly striking a man with his truck in 2018, biting the victim's back, and biting off a portion of his ear. If Sarah's Law had been on the books, he would have been detained in 2018 to await trial. In June 2011, a Chicago resident was killed in a drunk-driving accident. The driver, a Mexican national, was driving with a blood alcohol level four times over the legal limit. He struck and killed a Chicago resident, dragged the victim's body 300 feet, and then attempted to run away on foot. He was bailed out--again, bailed out, not held. He bailed out and fled to Mexico. He was extradited back to the United States in 2022. If Sarah's Law had been on the books, he would have been detained and not been able to flee to Mexico. In March 2021, a Mexican national shot and killed his next-door neighbor in Chicago. He then injured the three officers attempting to arrest him. The Mexican national was arrested in 2011 for driving with an open container. In 2015, he was arrested again for aggravated assault. In 2012, he attempted to lie his way into a visa reserved for victims of criminal activity. And he also twice unsuccessfully applied for the DACA Program in 2014 and 2015. If Sarah's Law had been on the books, he would likely have been detained after the aggravated assault in 2015, and, again, we would have another innocent who was killed still alive today. So these are just a handful of examples of where Sarah's Law would have made a difference. I do understand that there is an objection to the discretionary part of this bill, and the example that was given is of those who are being trafficked for sex-type operations. Sex trafficking is very real. Because I have worked in this space of domestic violence and violence against women, I do and have heard from those who have been sex- trafficked that sometimes the only way to break away from those who are trafficking them is actually to be arrested and pulled away from those johns or those sex traffickers. So maybe to put them in an area of safety would be the right thing to do. So I appreciate having been heard. I will continue to work on behalf of the Root family, on behalf of the Riley family, and others who have lost loved ones to those who should not be here in our country. I yield the floor.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week, I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week it is my privilege to recognize Dungey's Furniture & Floors of New Hampton, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Dungey's Furniture & Floors was founded by Everett Dungey in 1963 on East Main Street in New Hampton. Dungey's Furniture & Floors offers high-quality furniture, flooring, bedding, and window treatments to customers throughout Northeast Iowa. In 1983, Everett Dungey's sons Mark and Trace took over the business and have been running it ever since. In 1987, Mark and Trace expanded to a second location in Osage, IA. In 2014, 1 year after they celebrated their 50th business anniversary, their New Hampton location was tragically destroyed by a fire. Dungey's Furniture & Floors moved to a temporary location on Industrial Avenue in New Hampton and broke ground on a new permanent New Hampton location in 2016. In October 2017, their new location opened on Canty Avenue in New Hampton, thanks to the perseverance of the Dungey family, their employees, and their community. Today, the 25,000-square-foot New Hampton store is open and proudly serving the Iowa community. Dungey's Furniture & Floors are members of the Horizons Chamber of Commerce and the New Hampton Economic Development. They are also members of the Furniture First Buying Group, a national cooperative of independently owned retail furniture dealers. The Dungey's Furniture & Floors team is actively involved in the New Hampton community. They have participated in the New Hampton Light Project, a New Hampton community project that decorates the town around the holiday season. In 2023, Dungey's Furniture & Floors were named the marshals for the New Hampton Heartland Days. Due to their hard work, Dungey's Furniture & Floors celebrated its 61st business anniversary in 2024. I want to commend the Dungey family for achieving their American dream and operating a fantastic small business. Congratulations to the Dungey family and the entire Dungey's Furniture & Floors team on their incredible commitment to our communities. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Merrill Manufacturing of Storm Lake, IA as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1949, Noel Merrill Anderson invented the Any Flow Yard Hydrant out of his garage in Clive, IA. The Any Flow Yard Hydrant is a freeze resistant water tap, which serves the agriculture needs of farms in colder weather climates. With a revolutionary product in hand, Merrill Manufacturing was established. In 1957, the company moved to Storm Lake and expanded by offering the Merrill Pitless Units and Merrill Tank Floats in the following years. In 1975, Noel's son Stephen joined the company and shortly after became president in 1981, while Noel served as chairman of the board. In 2005, Noel Merrill Anderson passed away, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and dedication to entrepreneurial and manufacturing excellence. The third generation of the Anderson family continued this legacy when Stephen's sons Joel and Matt joined Merrill Manufacturing in 2011 and 2016, respectively. Today, Merrill Manufacturing sells their yard pumps for rural, farm, and livestock properties all over the world. Since their humble beginnings in a garage outside of Des Moines, they have grown to employ 65 individuals. Merrill Manufacturing's core values include inspiring messages and mission commitment that transcend to all of their employees including: ``Do the right thing,'' ``we before me,'' and ``be part of the solution.'' Merrill Manufacturing is also dedicated to providing wells to communities that need clean drinking water. Stephen Anderson previously served as president and currently serves on the board of the Water Well Trust, a nonprofit that aims to provide water to Americans without water access. Merrill Manufacturing and the Anderson family have also been recognized for their hard work. Both Stephen and Noel Merrill Anderson are members of the Iowa Inventors Hall of Fame. In 2009, the Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded Merrill Manufacturing the Global Iowa Export Award. In 2024, Merrill Manufacturing was awarded the Excellence Award by the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. Due to their team's hard work, Merrill Manufacturing celebrated its 75th business anniversary in 2024. I want to commend the Anderson family for their dedication and incredible commitment to the Storm Lake community and to achieving the American dream. Congratulations to the Anderson family and the entire team at Merrill Manufacturing. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Wells Hometown Drug of Bloomfield, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Mylo Wells grew up near Bloomfield, IA, on his family dairy farm in Milton. In high school, Mylo had the opportunity to work with his mother, Jana, who is a pharmacist. This experience inspired him to join the industry, and in 2018, Mylo graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy with a doctorate of pharmacy with the goal to open a pharmacy in his hometown community. When Mylo returned to Bloomfield and learned the local pharmacy had gone out of business, he opened Wells Hometown Drug that same year. Wells Hometown Drug fills a vital role in the area by providing access to critical prescriptions for Bloomfield and surrounding rural residents. In particular, Mylo has worked to develop a relationship with the Amish community and serves them while also respecting their culture. In 2022, Wells Hometown Drug opened a second location in Keosauqua and has grown from a staff of 5 employees to 28 between the two locations. Wells Hometown Drug also gives back to the community through their Community Rewards Program. The program was established to donate a percentage of Wells Hometown Drug's sales to charities in both the Bloomfield and Keosauqua communities. In the past, they have donated to the Friends of Lake Wapello and Christmas for Kids charity events. In addition to serving his local communities, Mylo Wells served on the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Medical Assistance Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee. Mylo Wells and the team at Wells Hometown Drug have also been awarded for their hard work. In 2022, the Iowa Pharmacy Association named Mylo Wells the Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year. Mylo continues to give back to both the pharmacy practitioner-industry and the University of Iowa by hosting University of Iowa College of Pharmacy students for rotations as they pursue their education in the field. I want to commend Mylo Wells for his hard work and incredible commitment to his local community. Wells Hometown Drug is providing vital pharmacy access for rural Iowans. Congratulations to Mylo Wells and the entire team at Wells Hometown Drug as they continue to achieve the American dream. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Hawkeye Fabrication and Hi-Way Products of Ida Grove, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1969, Richard Bogue founded Hi-Way Products in Ida Grove as an aluminum fabricator for bridge handrails. Before starting Hi-Way Products, Richard served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps during World War II. Following the war, he graduated from the University of Iowa in 1950 with a civil engineering degree. Hi-Way Products found a niche in the fabrication industry by producing highway safety products. In 1999, Richard's son Mark, a 1982 graduate of the University of Iowa, founded the aptly named Hawkeye Fabrication with his father's help. Today, Hawkeye Fabrication serves as the fabrication side of the Bogue family business, while Hi-Way Products handles the sales. Mark Bogue serves as the owner leading the companies, and Jaclyn is the controller. Hawkeye Fabrication and Hi-Way Products have remained a family business, with the third generation of the Bogue family currently working there alongside their parents Mark and Jaclyn. Richard Bogue passed away in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and dedication to his family and community. An essential aspect of the Hawkeye Fabrication and Hi-Way Products story is the relationship between the Bogue family and the University of Iowa. Richard Bogue met his wife Alice at the University of Iowa, and their three children Linda, Suzie, and Mark attended the University of Iowa in the 1970s and 1980s. Mark's sons Jared and Alexander, who currently work at Hi-Way Products and Hawkeye Fabrication, attended the University of Iowa in the 2010s with their sister Taylor. In 2021, the Bogue family won the Iowa Family Spirit Award for their generational dedication to the University of Iowa. In 2013, the University of Iowa profiled Mark Bogue as a Hometown Hawkeye At-A-Glance for his work at Hi-Way Products and Hawkeye Fabrication and in the University of Iowa community. Additionally, Mark serves on the University of Iowa College of Engineering Advisory Board. In addition to their involvement at the University of Iowa, the Hawkeye Fabrication and Hi-Way Products team is active in the Ida Grove community. Mark Bogue has served on the Ida Grove volunteer fire department and spent 8 years on the community school board. Jared Bogue currently serves on the Ida Grove city council. In 2003, Richard and Alice Bogue created a scholarship that the Bogue family continues to support to help Ida Grove students pursue an education in engineering. I want to commend the Bogue family for their hard work and incredible commitment to the Ida Grove community, the University of Iowa, and their small business as they continue to achieve the American dream. Congratulations to the Bogue family and the entire team at Hawkeye Fabrication and Hi-Way Products. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Monona County Iron of Mapleton, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 2005, Monona County Iron was founded in Mapleton as a single building on Sioux Street. Over the years, the small business has expanded from a handful of employees to multiple buildings with more than 40 employees. Monona County Iron provides tungsten inert gas welding services to the manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries, as well as fabrication and metalworking services for projects in Texas, Washington, and across the Midwest. Monona County Iron facility is active in the Mapleton and Monona County communities, and the team proudly supports the Maple Valley- Anthon Oto community schools. Recently, they fabricated the ``MVAOCOU'' letters for the school district with students in Mr. Miller's Construction Systems class. In addition to supporting local schools, Monona County Iron contributes to the Monona County Fair. In 2023, they sponsored the Monona County Iron Award trophies. The team has also collaborated with the Monona County Farm Bureau, the Monona County Cattlemen's Association, Monona County 4-H, and the Monona County Demolition Derby. Due to the hard work of leadership and employees, the business celebrated its 19th business anniversary in 2024. Monona County Iron's commitment to giving back and providing high- quality services is clear. I want to congratulate the entire team for their continued dedication to excellence in their field and for supporting future generations. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, this weekend, three brave Americans gave their lives in service to our country. My heart goes out to the families of SGT William Jerome Rivers, SPC Kennedy Sanders, and SPC Breonna Moffett, who were serving in the Army Reserves 718th Engineer Company--the same company I served in nearly 30 years ago as a platoon leader. I know the bravery of men and women who put themselves in harm's way, and my prayers are with their colleagues who are suffering from their injuries. Our servicemembers continue to be on the frontlines of Iran-backed attacks. Earlier this month, two Navy SEALs went missing in action while interdicting lethal aid that Iran was resupplying to the Houthis. Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher Chambers and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Ingram made the ultimate sacrifice working to prevent more Iranian-backed terror. Iran's proxies who continue to attack our troops must know how seriously the United States takes American lives. Every American life is precious. Our adversaries need to understand that a single American loss is one too many and that they will pay dearly for spilling the blood of those who wear the uniform. I have said it before, and I will say it again: American weakness on the world stage emboldens our adversaries and puts U.S. citizens at risk. Right now, today, six Americans continue to be held hostage by Iran- backed Hamas. This terrorist organization thinks it can barter with American lives. Instead of fearing us, they seek to manipulate us. Instead of hiding in the shadows, they hold press conferences and entertain foreign officials openly in Doha. For over 100 days, Hamas has held six of our citizens and has not paid a price. Instead, the opposite has occurred. What is President Biden doing to bring them home? Doubling down on the appeasement strategy. By refusing to enforce existing sanctions on Iran's illicit oil sales, President Biden has fueled and funded Tehran's terrorist proxies and green-lit terrorism. For years, President Biden lined the coffers of the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism through his appeasement strategy, culminating in the October 7 assault on Israel. Every day since these Iranian-backed attacks on Israel, we have seen the world erupt into chaos, and American lives have been in constant danger. Still, the Biden administration fears escalation more than anything else. What is the result? They are letting Tehran's terrorists off the hook for their illicit actions and attacks on American lives. October 7 was not only a physical attack on Israel but also one of the largest losses of American lives from terrorism since 9/11. There were 32 unforgettable deaths. Make no mistake, this chaos is exactly what Iran wants. It pays for it, and it plans for it. When I was in the region during the attacks, many leaders shared their concerns with me that Iran would capitalize on the chaos by using proxies to escalate the conflict. I knew that it was essential to stand with Israel not only to protect our partnership with our greatest ally in the region but also to protect American lives. Unfortunately, we are seeing those fears come to fruition. Since October 7, Iran-backed proxies have ramped up their aggression, with over 160 attacks on our servicemembers. The Houthis are unleashing drone attacks on our troops in the Red Sea, disrupting commerce, and wreaking havoc on innocent civilians. We struggle to defend our ships from incoming rockets and drones and hesitate to find, fix, and finish the very source of these attacks. We know it is Iranian proxies. Folks, we know that. There is no doubt about it. We know they are trained by the IRGC. It is time to strike the source of the problem. Why? Because American lives continue to be on the line every single day. Self-defense is not escalation; it is the most basic and moral action we can take as a nation. We owe it to our troops. We owe it to our citizens. For nearly 4 months--4 months, folks--Hamas has held U.S. citizens hostage as political prisoners. Our fellow Americans are being used as human shields, without consistent access to food, to water, to medical treatment, or to sleep. Right now, American hostage families live in agony, uncertain if their loved ones are alive or dead. No parent should ever have to endure this, and terrorists should not be able to hold this power over Americans. We must do everything in our power to stop Hamas from torturing our families. To end Hamas's reign of terror, we must cut off their IRGC funding. These terrorist groups have one thing in common: As long as they are sponsored by Tehran, they are committed to chaos in the world, and they pose a threat to Americans at home and abroad. Now is the time for strong U.S. leadership. I have been calling for President Biden to hit Iran where it hurts--the pocketbooks funneling illicit oil funds to its terrorist proxies. The choice, folks, is clear: To stand with Israel, we must target Iran's terrorist arm and end its ability to target Americans so we can bring American hostages home safely and quickly. Folks, every second counts. I yield the floor.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Penn Drug of Sidney, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Penn Drug Company was founded by John Newton Penn in 1863 after he moved to Southwest Iowa from Pennsylvania to open a medical practice. He purchased the medicine he needed from a local doctor and, in 1864, built the drugstore at 714 Illinois Street in downtown Sidney, the same building Penn Drug continues to operate in today. After years of serving the community, John Newton Penn sold Penn Drug to his son Alphonso Valdeze Penn in 1876. In addition to being one of the first registered pharmacists in the State of Iowa, Alphonso Valdeze Penn served in the Iowa General Assembly from 1909 until 1911. Alphonso Valdeze Penn's son Alphonso ``Val'' Valdeze Penn, Jr., began working at Penn Drug in 1910. Val Penn took over the family business with his wife Christena Penn in 1925. In 1970, William ``Bill'' A. Penn, Val Penn's son, became the owner of Penn Drug after working at the store since 1949. Bill Penn ran the store with his son Jeffrey Penn, the fifth generation of the Penn family in the 1990s. In addition to being a community pharmacy, Penn Drug also offers delicious drinks from a soda fountain. Initially installed in the store in 1898, the soda fountain was expanded in 1946 to serve customers lunch in addition to ice cream and sundaes while they wait for their prescriptions. Today, Penn Drug is owned by Angie and Leo Ettleman and Mark Vogt, who purchased the store in 2015. Angie Ettleman is no stranger to Penn Drug. She started working at the drugstore in 1990 at the store's soda fountain. Penn Drug has the distinction of being the oldest pharmacy in Iowa, which is largely due to the dedication of each new owner to maintain a piece of Iowa history and honor the Penn family legacy. Penn Drug is active in the Sidney community. Over the years, the team has hosted events, including Christmas open houses and customer appreciation days. Penn Drug also provides delivery options for prescriptions from the pharmacy throughout Southwest Iowa. In 2024, Penn Drug celebrated its 161st business anniversary. Penn Drug's commitment to providing rural healthcare services while preserving a historic Iowa business is clear. I want to congratulate Angie and Leo Ettleman, Mark Vogt, the Penn family, and the entire team at Penn Drug for their continued dedication to the Sidney community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, I am privileged to recognize Lola's Fine Hot Sauce of West Des Moines, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Lola's Fine Hot Sauce was founded by Taufeek Shah in West Des Moines, in 2017. The original hot sauce recipe is courtesy of Taufeek's mother Carmelita ``Lola'' Shah, who grew up in the Philippines before immigrating to the United States for medical school in the early 1970s. Lola spent over 35 years at Winthrop Medical Clinic in Winthrop, IA, where she practiced family health. Lola's hot sauce is a family recipe, entrusted to Taufeek in 2015. After receiving the recipe, Taufeek shared the homemade hot sauce with his coworkers and friends. Their positive reviews encouraged Taufeek and Lola to embark on their entrepreneurial journey by renting out a commercial kitchen and selling the hot sauce at farmers markets in central Iowa. Lola's Fine Hot Sauce quickly grew from its beginnings as a popular stand at local markets. Today, the business offers a variety of hot sauces and salsas, merchandise, a Southern Jalapeno Bloody Mary mix, honey jalapeno beef jerky, and Lola's Original Seasoning. They also post videos of recipes on their YouTube channel that folks can make at home using their favorite Lola's Fine Hot Sauce products as ingredients. In addition to being sold on their website, Lola's Fine Hot Sauce can be purchased across the United States, Canada, the Virgin Islands, and the Philippines at over 14,000 retailers. In 2022, Casey's announced a partnership with Lola's Fine Hot Sauce with their new Casey's Zesty Jalapeno Peanuts, Casey's Zesty Jalapeno Cashews, and Casey's Zesty Jalapeno Pretzels. All products are seasoned with Lola's Fine Hot Sauce and are available in-store and online for delivery. Lola's Fine Hot Sauce is actively involved in the Des Moines community. Taufeek currently serves on the board of directors for the Iowa Center for Economic Success and the board of directors for the Des Moines Area Community College Foundation. In 2023, Taufeek won the American Dream Award from the Iowa Restaurant Association. In addition to these awards, the Des Moines Register named Taufeek Shah as one of their ``15 People to Watch'' in 2023. Lola's Fine Hot Sauce is a proud member of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and celebrated its seventh business anniversary in 2024. Lola's Fine Hot Sauce's commitment to providing quality hot sauces and products across the globe while maintaining its Iowa roots is clear. I want to congratulate Taufeek and Lola Shah and the entire team at Lola's Fine Hot Sauces for their hard work and success. I look forward to seeing their continued growth in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, these are the faces of the six Americans who have been at the mercy of Iran-backed Hamas for over 100 days. They are brothers, sons, husbands, fathers, and grandfathers. They range in age from 18 to 62. Their families have been sick with worry. They have been sick with fear day after day, not knowing whether their loved ones are even alive. As they cry out for answers and action, the families have yet once again returned to Congress, looking for hope and looking for leadership. These requests should not go unanswered. During Hamas's October 7 terrorist assault on Israel, I was in the Middle East leading a bicameral, bipartisan delegation to bring a message of peace and optimism for further normalization in the region. But Hamas shattered this dream for millions in the region and beyond. We woke up to the terrible news on October 7, knowing that the world was altered and plans had changed. The delegation unanimously agreed that we needed to go into Israel immediately, as the first group on the ground to stand with our ally in the face of this devastation. In Israel, we met with families in anguish after Hamas had taken our citizens--American citizens--hostage and had killed over 30 Americans in the initial assault. Since then, I have remained in constant contact with these hostage families. I heard their calls on behalf of their loved ones: Bring them home. Bring them home now. The response has only been words. Where is the action from this administration, and where is the outrage from our fellow Americans? Still, over 100 days later, many do not know the status of their loved ones. That is why I returned with the same delegation from October, plus one, to the region at the beginning of this year--to build upon our work and press for the release of our American hostages; to tell the families and the heads of state in the region that the safe return of hostages is our No. 1 priority. Back in Israel, we saw firsthand the impact of Hamas's brutality at kibbutz Nir Oz, a place that, pre-October 7, could have been described as an oasis in the desert, a gentle farming community of peace-loving people. We were guided through the wreckage by a gentleman who called this kibbutz home and whose own son is an American being held hostage. In this community of peace lovers, Hamas burned homes, they terrorized children, they killed the innocent, put bullets into bedrooms, and violated the very foundation of peace that the kibbutz stood for. Armed with heart-wrenching stories from each of the hostage families, our delegation traveled to Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain. Our message was clear: Bring Americans home. This was the message I delivered to the senior leaders and hostage negotiators in each of those countries. It is a message backed by the entire bicameral, bipartisan delegation. We pressed our partners in the region to bring Hamas back to the negotiating table and release our citizens immediately. Still, we must do more. These hostage families deserve answers immediately, and it is clear they are desperately looking for action from President Biden and his team. Shockingly, we are witnessing the absolute wrong action from the Biden administration staff. As American hostages sit in Gaza in tunnels, captives of Hamas, some of the Biden administration staff are staging walkouts and demanding a ceasefire with Hamas. It is unbelievable that they are standing up for terrorists torturing our American brothers and sisters. Without a doubt, these staff members should be fired. Where is their outrage against Hamas? Where is the protest demanding that Hamas release their fellow citizens? In the face of the vacuum created by this administration, Congress has a role to play in bringing Americans home, and that is a role I have stepped into. And congressional pressure is working. Already, the world is witnessing some of the effects of this call to action. After meeting with leaders in Qatar, Qatari negotiators reportedly paved the way for Israel to send medicine to the hostages in Gaza for the first time since October 7. I am glad to see Qatar has responded to our calls to action; however, this is only a first and a very modest step. More action is required, and I will continue to fight to get Americans home immediately. After all, every day that Hamas holds Americans captive is a win for evil. That is why I will continue to hold our partners' feet to the fire to reunite these families. I encourage every Member in this body and every American to join me in pressuring Hamas to free our citizens. American lives are on the line. Folks, now is a time for choosing. As these hostage families call out for the strength of America to reunite them with their loved ones, there should be only one response: Bring our hostages home now. I yield the floor.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Welter Storage Equipment Co., Inc., of Monticello, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Welter Storage Equipment was founded by Lloyd and Joyce Welter in 1982 on their family farm in Monticello during the farm crisis of the 1980s. The farm crisis affected thousands of farmers and farming communities in Iowa, and many farmers had to find alternate forms of income to support themselves. Before launching Welter Storage Equipment, Lloyd served in the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1958. Following his service, Lloyd saw a need in the Monticello community for shelving, pallet racks, and storage equipment. What began as an idea around the kitchen table grew, and in 1987, Welter Storage Equipment moved off the Welter family farm to its current headquarters location on South Main Street in Monticello. Welter Storage Equipment sells both new and reconditioned warehouse equipment and office furniture acquired through auctions, liquidations, bankruptcies, closeouts, and more. They also provide storage equipment and forklifts. Over the years, Welter Storage Equipment has become a trusted local resource for office furniture and warehouse racks. The business is not only a community staple, but now sells products to customers across the United States. Currently, the Welter Storage Equipment team operates in Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and Monticello, with their Monticello location serving as the company's headquarters. Lloyd and Joyce's sons Ron, Dave, Dean, and Bob serve as the current owners and have seen three generations of the Welter family work at the family business. Lloyd Welter passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and dedication to entrepreneurial excellence. Welter Storage Equipment is actively involved in the Monticello, Dubuque, and Cedar Rapids communities. In addition to employing more than 60 people, they have sponsored the Great Jones County Fair and have served as a business partner to the Dubuque Senior High School Drama Department. They were named a 2023 Business Hero by Animal Welfare Friends, a nonprofit that aims for the adoption and fostering of dogs and cats in the Monticello area. Due to the team's hard work, Welter Storage Equipment Company celebrated its 41st business anniversary in 2023. Welter Storage Equipment's commitment to providing quality office, storage equipment, and furniture in Eastern Iowa is clear. I want to congratulate the Welter family and the entire team at Welter Storage Equipment for their dedication to the Monticello, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque communities. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Granny's Iowa Market of Clarion, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Dawn and Tim Hamilton founded Granny's Iowa Market in Clarion, IA, in 2018 to provide fresh foods, produce, and locally sourced products to the community. Granny's Iowa Market carries meat, cheese, baked goods, and wines from Iowa. Most of the foods at Granny's Iowa Market are from local producers, with a handful of products coming from Wisconsin and South Dakota. In addition to food, they offer soaps, lotions, candles, and greeting cards from other small businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Granny's Iowa Market served an important role as a main grocer in the Clarion community. Dawn and Tim are no strangers to running their own small business. They opened Granny's Mixing Bowl, a bakery in Clarion, out of their home in 2007. They continue to operate both Granny's Iowa Market and Granny's Mixing Bowl. In addition to owning Granny's Iowa Market, Dawn and Tim Hamilton are actively involved in the Clarion community. They are engaged in Clarion Cub Scout Pack 4112 and Clarion Boy Scout Troop 1047, with Dawn and Tim serving on committees for both units. Tim currently serves as Cubmaster for Pack 4112, after he previously served as the Scoutmaster for Troop 1047. Being a member of the Scouts is integral to the Hamilton family. Their son Bryce earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and four grandchildren have entered the Scouts, with their fifth grandson planning to join. In addition to serving the community, Tim served our country in the Iowa Air National Guard. Granny's Iowa Market is a proud member of the Clarion Development Alliance, and in 2024, they celebrated their sixth business anniversary. Granny's Iowa Market's commitment to providing the Clarion community with quality groceries and local products is clear. I want to congratulate Dawn and Tim Hamilton for their dedication to giving back and serving the Clarion community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week it is my privilege to recognize AERO Race Wheels of Estherville, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. AERO Race Wheels was founded by racing wheel manufacturing legend F.L. ``Skip'' Miller. Since 1995, AERO Race Wheels of Estherville, IA, has been a premier dirt and asphalt track wheel manufacturer. Skip took ownership of the company in 1998 with his wife Diane and moved their facilities to the current Estherville location in the same year. AERO Race Wheels offers a variety of racing wheels at an affordable price that are distributed throughout the United States and raced across the world. The steel wheels they manufacture are available in a variety of finishes and can be driven on asphalt, dirt, or both types of tracks. AERO Race Wheels has played a key part in the history of NASCAR. From 1997 until 2021, AERO Race Wheels provided the steel racing wheels for the premier NASCAR Cup Series. Their 59 Series Wheel continues to be the wheel of choice for NASCAR's Grand National, Truck Series, and ARCA Series. NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty, Jimmie Johnson, and the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr., have all raced with AERO Race Wheels during their respective careers. AERO Race Wheels is actively involved in the Estherville community. They are a member of the Estherville Chamber of Commerce and have been involved in the Avera Holy Family Hospital for several years. They have also been recognized for their contributions to the Iowa economy. In 2003, they received the Iowa Area Development Group's--IADG--Venture Award and were named a member of the IADG hall of fame. In 2023, AERO Race Wheels celebrated its 28th business anniversary. AERO Race Wheel's commitment to providing high-quality racing wheels for the love of the sport is clear. I want to congratulate Skip and Diane Miller and the entire team at AERO Race Wheels for their amazing dedication to the racing industry. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week it is my privilege to recognize Family Foods of Tipton, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Family Foods was founded by Don Goetz in 1964 under the name Don's Big Value after purchasing the building location from his then- employer, the Benner Tea Company grocery store. Don started working at Benner Tea Company at the age of 14 and became the store's manager at the age of 18. From 1952 until 1954, Don served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean war. In its early history, the store's name was changed from Don's Big Value to Giant Foods until 1976, when the business adopted the Family Foods name. In 1985, Family Foods moved from its original location to 610 Cedar Street in Tipton. The store has seen two major renovation projects over the years, one in 1990 and the other in 2015. Family Foods is an exemplary family business. In 2010, Don's son Mike Goetz purchased the store. Three generations of the Goetz family have worked at the Family Foods in Tipton, with Mike's son Brad now serving as co-owner. Many associates at the store have been part of the team for decades. Don Goetz passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of service, hard work, and dedication to his community. The Family Foods team is actively involved in the Tipton community and have been recognized for their service. Brad previously served on the Tipton Community School District Board, and Mike served as the Tipton Chamber of Commerce president. Brad currently serves on the Tipton School Foundation Board. In 2017, Brad was nationally recognized for his community service as the Eastern Iowa representative at the Jefferson Awards in Washington, DC. The Jefferson Awards are a national awards ceremony held annually celebrating community service and the people helping their communities. While they were in Washington, Senator Grassley and I had the opportunity to meet Brad and the Goetz family. Family Foods is also actively involved in the Tipton Rotary Club and has supported both the fine arts and athletics programs in Tipton. Family Foods celebrated its 59th business anniversary in 2023. Family Foods' commitment to providing quality groceries is clear. I want to congratulate Mike Goetz, Brad Goetz, and the entire team at Family Foods for their dedication to providing groceries and serving the Tipton community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.