Joni Ernst

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I want to thank my colleague from Delaware for bringing up our Iowa State Cyclones and our University of Iowa Hawkeyes. We had the Cy-Hawk game just 2 weekends ago. Unfortunately, my Cyclones fell to the Iowa Hawkeyes. But God bless Coach Kirk Ferentz and his Iowa Hawkeyes. It was another great game for all of Iowa. Mr. President, I am here today to talk a little bit more about our national and economic security of the United States. This has really been the focus of my career--protecting that national and economic security. In 1940, the United States became the ``Arsenal of Democracy,'' and our country came together to quickly accelerate production of weapons, vehicles, food, and supplies that enabled the allies to defeat the axis powers. Americans in factories, farms, small businesses, and across the country did what was necessary to make what was needed. Instead of internalizing the lesson that our ability to make these critical items in the United States led to great success, we spent much of the last 50 years off-shoring our jobs and our manufacturing capabilities. This is something China, Russia, and other nefarious actors around the world have been all too happy to accommodate and to take on themselves. Today, we have only one active facility producing cannon barrels. Today, we rely 100 percent on foreign sources for 12 critical minerals essential to our military and our economy. During COVID, we saw what happened when supply chains are strained. There was a global shortage of microchips, which upended manufacturers' ability to make everything from cars to computers. At the same time, moms in the Midwest had to worry about finding baby formula due to supply chain issues at both the production and shipping levels. Put simply: We have lost the ability to make what we need right here at home. In the event of a conflict with one of our near-peer adversaries, supply chains will be challenged, and the United States will have to make what it needs. Thank goodness President Trump, his administration, and Congress have been taking steps to put us on the right track and bring back the manufacturing capabilities we need here at home. My bipartisan Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act builds on these efforts. My bill, which has already passed the Senate unanimously, directs the Secretary of Commerce to identify critical goods that are currently being imported and find ways to help domestic producers manufacture them in the rural areas and shovel-ready industrial sites. Rural Iowans are ready to roll up their sleeves and build the factories and processing facilities we need to secure our supply chains. We can and need to make things here. But you can't fix vulnerabilities you can't see, which is why my bill gives Congress and the executive branch the visibility necessary to identify gaps and then close them. I am grateful to Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks for introducing the House version of this bill, and for the House of Representatives passing the bill unanimously. Now it is time for the Senate to act and send this bill to the President's desk. Mr. President, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1721 and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, taxpayers deserve to know how the money they send to Washington is being spent. For 20 years now, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act has required unclassified government spending to be put online in a searchable public website, USAspending.gov. This allows taxpayers to review the receipts for themselves. Bureaucrats, however, have been hiding tens of billions of dollars distributed through secret spending arrangements known as other transaction agreements, or OTAs, by not publicly disclosing these expenditures on USAspending.gov. With fraudsters stealing $1.4 billion every single day, we need this information now so we can account for who is taking tax dollars and why. In June, the Senate unanimously passed my bipartisan Stop Secret Spending Act to require OTAs to be publicly disclosed on USAspending.gov, just like all other government spending. Last month, the House approved the bipartisan companion bill introduced by Representatives Moore and Panetta. Democrats and Republicans in both the House and Senate agree that Washington needs to finally end the secrecy about how tens of billions of dollars are being spent every year. That is a win for everyone, especially our taxpayers. Let's send this bill to the President today so it becomes law. Mr. President, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 2069, which was received from the House.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. I can appreciate the dilemma that many of us are in as we debate these very important bills, and they are very important bills. So what I have in front of me here at my desk is a list of 59 House bills that have been passed this Congress. They are H.R. bills. They are H.J. Res. 140; H.R. 7147--59 House bills that have already passed through the Senate in this Congress. Now, I understand that we all have ways that we have to use leverage. I completely understand that. As a matter of fact, the bill that I had passed through this Chamber, you know, I would love to have it as an S. bill, a Senate bill, and I would love to see my name at the top of the bill rather than a House bill. The companion bill was passed by the House. So, again, I would love to see my name at the top of the bill and it listed as a Senate bill. I discussed it with my staff. I am in the last 6 months of my final term in the U.S. Senate. I would love to have more of my legacy items with my name on them, but I told my staff that it is more important that we get these bills done. I don't care if it is a House bill. I don't care if this has my name all over it. The important thing is that when we have good pieces of legislation put in front of us and that we worked hard in a bipartisan manner, in a bicameral manner, and it is good for the American people, that we move forward with those bills. So I am disappointed today that my piece of legislation under the title of a House bill will not be moving, and I know that many of our constituencies will be greatly disappointed. I do hope in the future that, between the Senate Republican leadership and the House Republican leadership, we can come together on these issues because it is not good for the American people when we have this infighting on good, solid pieces of legislation. We can do better.

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, during my 12 years in the Senate, I have exposed many outlandish examples of government waste. For example, I uncovered that Washington sent nearly $500 million to China to pay for everything from poetry projects to dangerous research on bats. Another $870 million of U.S. taxpayer money went to Russia. This includes more than $770,000 from the National Institutes of Health sent to a state-run lab in Russia to put cats on treadmills. How did I uncover these crazy trails of money to our foreign adversary? It is quite simple. For 20 years now, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act has required unclassified government spending to be put online in a searchable public website, usspending.gov. This allows taxpayers to see for themselves how the money they are sending to Washington is spent. Bureaucrats, however, have been hiding tens of billions of dollars distributed through secret spending arrangements known as other transaction agreements, or OTAs, by not publicly disclosing these expenditures on USAspending.gov. The Pentagon alone has obligated $77.7 billion for thousands of OTAs over just the past 5 years through over 30,000 hard-to-track contracts. The lack of transparency with OTAs is having a real impact. According to the Government Accountability Office, the Pentagon ``cannot assess the extent to which OTAs are delivering capabilities to the warfighter.'' The Office of the Inspector General also found the Pentagon doesn't even have an accurate count of OTAs or their dollar values. OTAs are also being used by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Transportation, Energy, as well as NASA. We recently learned that NIH's new ARPA-H biomedical research contracts are being processed as OTAs through the Interior Department. This means if you want to know the details behind NIH's biomedical research contracts, you practically have to be a data wizard and know where to look deep in the Department of--where did I say?--Department of the Interior's databases. I know, it makes no sense. As we witnessed last week, we can't get answers from Dr. Fauci about what NIH has been funding because he is hiding behind the Fifth Amendment. Taxpayers deserve to know how their dollars are being spent in Washington, and we have an obligation here to show them. In June, the Senate unanimously passed my bipartisan Stop Secret Spending Act to require OTAs to be publicly disclosed on USAspending.gov just like all other government spending. I very much appreciate Senators Peters and Hassan, whose support was critical for making this happen. I was also delighted last month when the House approved the bipartisan companion bill introduced by Representatives Moore and Panetta, which is now at the desk here in the Senate. We all know Congress can't agree on very much these days, so it makes a very powerful statement when folks on both sides of the aisle and from both Chambers come together by passing this transparency bill to hold Washington accountable for how Americans' tax dollars are being spent. With fraudsters stealing $1.4 billion every single day, we need this information now so we can account for who is taking tax dollars and why they are taking them. Earlier today, I attended the meeting of the Vice President's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud at the White House, and the success of this effort depends on being able to track how dollars are being spent. Unfortunately, some Governors are impeding anti-fraud efforts by blocking access to spending information about how tax dollars from Washington are being spent in their own States. We can't stop what we can't see, but we can do our part by passing the Stop Secret Spending Act today. This bill will end the secrecy about how tens of billions of dollars are being spent every single year. There are no excuses for delaying sending this bill to the President today to become law. In fact, the only reason to oppose the Stop Secret Spending Act is if you have something to hide. As if in legislative session and notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 2069, which was received from the House. I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as chair 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 honor Present Company of Audubon County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1990, Present Company opened its doors as a home decor boutique. The business quickly became a destination for quality home furnishings and unique gifts for the Audubon community. After more than three decades serving southwest Iowa under three different owners, Present Company transitioned into the hands of Telia Carter in 2022. Telia spent 16 years working at a local bank and embraced the opportunity to head up the beloved boutique. Under her leadership, Present Company has remained true to its original mission while evolving alongside changing customer preferences to meet the needs and interests of Audubon and the surrounding communities. Today, Present Company continues to offer carefully selected home decor along with a variety of gifts, apparel, jewelry, and specialty items. They also provide a tuxedo rental service for local school dances making the store a staple of Audubon's downtown business district. With a small but dedicated team of three employees, the boutique has earned a reputation as a place where customers can find unique items and personalized service that reflects the character of smalltown Iowa. In hopes of expanding the offerings on Main Street, the business began to house The Nail Room by Lisset, a local nail salon founded by former National Guard Lisset Huerta. Beyond its retail offerings, the Present Company regularly donates to organizations that assist children in buying animals to show at the county fair. They also donate to local golf tournaments and the Audubon T-Bone days to promote the beef industry. During the holidays, the business will organize community events including a Thanksgiving Shopping Extravaganza and a Christmas tour of homes. Present Company's ongoing investment in their community demonstrates the important role locally owned small businesses play in strengthening Iowa's rural communities. I am pleased to recognize Telia Carter and the team at Present Company for their dedication to Audubon County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair 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 honor Winn Nguyen and his family's restaurants Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara's Kitchen of Warren County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Winn Nguyen spent more than 13 years at Best Steakhouse, mastering every aspect of the restaurant business. Inspired by the American dream and driven by a desire to build a strong legacy, he opened Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse in Indianola in 2003. He grew the restaurant from a team of 7 employees to approximately 20 today, including several members of his own family. In 2015, as the Indianola location flourished, Winn opened a second restaurant in Norwalk, now managed by his son Andrew Sayasane. This expansion enabled the family business to serve a rapidly growing community while creating an opportunity for future generations to carry on the family's legacy. In 2024, Winn and his wife Sara opened Winn & Sara's Kitchen. Operating primarily from a booth at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, the business quickly became a crowd favorite. The family hand-wraps more than 3,000 egg rolls each day during the fair--a remarkable testament to their craftsmanship, work ethic, and commitment to quality. Outside of the Iowa State Fair, Winn & Sara's Kitchen regularly hosts popular pop-up events at both Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse locations. Today, the Nguyen family operates a thriving, family-owned network of businesses across Indianola, Norwalk, and Des Moines. Their continued growth demonstrates the power of entrepreneurship rooted in family values. Beyond their commercial success, the Nguyen family and their businesses remain deeply engaged in Warren County. They are members of the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, which has been a strong supporter of Winn & Sara's Kitchen at the Iowa State Fair. The businesses regularly participate in community events, providing catering for school functions, public graduation celebrations, and fundraising events benefiting Indianola High School. In 2017, the Des Moines Register named Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse best family-owned restaurant and best pizza restaurant. At the 2024 and 2025 Iowa State Fairs, Winn & Sara's Kitchen earned the People's Choice Award for Best New Fair Food and was named a top three finalist again in 2026, with a chance to claim the title for a third time this August. From a single restaurant in 2003 to multiple successful ventures today, the Nguyens credit the Indianola community for supporting their family over the past 23 years. Their entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to excellence, and dedication to serving others embody the qualities that make Iowa's small businesses exceptional. It is my honor to recognize the Nguyen family and the entire team behind Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara's Kitchen. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the best in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I have 11 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: committee on armed services The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet in executive session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. committee on commerce, science, and transportation The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet in executive session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. committee on energy and natural resources The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing. committee on environment and public works The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 2 p.m., to conduct a business meeting. committee on finance The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing. committee on foreign relations The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 9 a.m., to conduct a business meeting. committee on health, education, labor, and pensions The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet in executive session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. committee on homeland security and governmental affairs The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a business meeting. committee on indian affairs The Committee on Indian Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 2 p.m., to conduct a business meeting. committee on veterans' affairs The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 4 p.m., to conduct a hearing. select committee on intelligence The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 3 p.m., to conduct a closed briefing.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, we have all received that email from a wealthy Nigerian ``Prince,'' asking us to wire him some money with promises that he will return the favor with a huge reward as soon as he can access his fortune, or we have gotten that phone call from an unknown number claiming to be the IRS, warning that an arrest warrant will be issued if we don't immediately pay off our outstanding tax debt, and, of course, everyone has been told that our extended vehicle warranty is about to expire unless we renew immediately. Folks, we all know these are scams, and we aren't being fooled. Yet, somehow, government bureaucrats are being bamboozled by even less sophisticated schemes, except they are not giving out access to their own bank accounts but, rather, to taxpayer dollars and the U.S. Treasury. Folks, I am not making this up. A Nigerian socialite actually submitted more than 100 fraudulent applications for unemployment and disability assistance that were approved. He finagled more than $1.3 million of U.S. taxpayer money in this scheme. Some of the funds were intended to provide daycare services for disabled children, but he, instead, spent the money on constructing a luxury resort and nightclub in Nigeria. This Nigerian ``Prince of Fraud'' was outdone by California prison inmates, who collected about $1 billion in unemployment benefits by using names like ``John Doe,'' ``John Adams,'' and ``Poopy Britches'' while serving time behind bars. Other con artists successfully applied for COVID cash during the pandemic by using the names of well-known celebrities and fictional characters, like ``Charlie Brown'' and ``Nancy Drew.'' Taxpayer dollars have even been handed out to phony businesses with such obviously made-up names that are so outrageous that no one could possibly believe they were real, such as ``Satanic Lives Matter'' and others that are so tasteless I can't even say them. Others uploaded pictures of doll faces to ``verify'' their identities on applications for government assistance and were still approved. Too often, the bilking is being done by the very bureaucrats who are overseeing the benefits. Over the years, I have documented countless examples of government employees who have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar--embezzling millions of dollars and abusing their positions for personal gain. As a veteran, one particular example that really makes my blood boil involves a service representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs who was shaking down disabled veterans for bribes to ``grease the wheels'' to speed up the approval of backlogged claims. A $3,385 kickback paid to him via Venmo was listed on the memo line as ``crooked shit.'' I apologize for my language, but that is what the Venmo actually said. We had to modify our chart today. So a VA representative was shaking down disabled veterans. This actually happened. That representative was caught and is being held responsible for shaking down our disabled veterans. The problem in most of these cases is the money is going out the door before verifying if the recipient is legitimate. If fraud is later detected, then the government has to decide if it is worth trying to recover the stolen money. This pay-and-chase system makes it way too easy for scammers to take the money and run. It is like giving the cash advance and your bank routing number to the Nigerian ``Prince'' who promised you a financial reward for your help only for you to realize, later, you have been ripped off. Good luck getting any of your money back. It is the grift that keeps giving. As a result, fraudsters are getting away with stealing more than $1.4 billion in taxpayer money every single day. Every single day, folks, $1.4 billion fraudsters are making off with. If grift were a government agency, the ``Department of Fraud'' would be the fifth largest. The $521 billion going to fraud every year exceeds the individual annual budgets of the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, Homeland Security, State, and Justice. That is right, folks. Fraudsters are being better taken care of than our veterans and our farmers. While hard-working Americans are struggling to make ends meet, fraudsters are living large on the loot that they are taking from the Treasury. Government grift and graft are endless, and so are the excuses for not stopping it, but the public's patience isn't. So who is responsible for allowing fraud to continue? Folks, the buck stops right here with Congress. Congress decides how much of your paycheck must be sent to Washington, and it writes the laws determining exactly how every one of those dollars is spent. But the haste to spend trillions of tax dollars as quickly as possible is resulting in outrageous amounts of waste, fraud, and abuse. From fake childcare centers in Minnesota to convicts collecting unemployment checks, fraudsters are blatantly getting away with treating the National Treasury like their own personal piggy bank. At the request of Majority Leader Thune, I have compiled a comprehensive package of proposals put forth by our Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to end fraud once and for all. Specifically, my Protecting American Taxpayers Act will stop handing out quick cash with no questions asked, trigger automatic investigations when there are sudden and suspicious spikes in payment claims, ban convicted fraudsters from receiving taxpayer dollars, take back the money that was already stolen, and send scammers to the slammer. If enacted, this bill would save $240 billion. The choice is quite simple: Give this money to fraudsters or return it to the taxpayers. The bill is now before the Senate, and every day we delay in passing it, grifters are getting away with stealing another $1.4 billion. Allowing that to continue is the greatest fraud of all. I yield the floor.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair 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 honor ShinyTop Brewing of Webster County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. With a vision of building a local craft brewing scene in north central Iowa, brothers Nate and Todd McCubbin founded ShinyTop Brewing in 2016 after Nate, a military veteran, discovered a passion for homebrewing. The brothers' venture was born from a desire to create something their hometown could take pride in. What started with sharing their craft beer among friends and family soon revealed a deeper purpose: building community through brewing. A simple hobby quickly grew into a meaningful opportunity to bring people together, foster connections, and create a gathering place centered around great craft beer. Over the years, ShinyTop experienced significant growth, expanding both its physical space and its menu offerings. More than a decade later, the brewery has become a fixture in Fort Dodge. The brewery has remained a beacon of opportunity for the city. Fostering a welcoming environment, the McCubbins have sought to build relationships and connect their visitors to the city's vast art, music, and philanthropic spheres. Yet for Nate and Todd, the true measure of success is not the brewery's growth, but the positive impact it has had on the area and the relationships it has helped foster along the way. The brothers successfully turned a dilapidated building into what ShinyTop is today. Although the business physically resembles a brewery, the brothers say that it is representative of much more than that, ShinyTop is an instrument to cultivating community growth, while sharing family values. As a member of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance and the chamber of commerce, ShinyTop prioritizes economic and social development in the city. In addition to ShinyTop's engagement, the McCubbin brothers are also heavily involved in the community; Nate is on the board of the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association, and Todd is a member of the city council. Through individual and group efforts, these entrepreneurs are looking to positively impact their community. By partnering with local organizations, the brewery has fostered meaningful engagement while supporting local initiatives, strengthening neighborhood connections, and contributing to the overall growth and well-being of Fort Dodge. In the spirit of supporting the area, ShinyTop has partnered with the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association, Serving our Servants, Fort Dodge Firefighter's Association, and has collaborated with other local organizations. More recently, the brewery has introduced its Giving Tuesday initiative in which 10 percent of its sales are donated to a partnering charity or organization. ShinyTop and the McCubbins continue to prove their generosity and enthusiasm to give back to the area. I am pleased to recognize Nate and Todd McCubbin along with the entire team at ShinyTop Brewing for their dedication to the Fort Dodge community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair 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 honor Mid- States Companies of Story County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 2001 by Kevin and Shelley Vier, Mid-States Companies is a group of businesses that provides premier grain handling, engineering, fabrication, crane, and trucking services. The Viers seized the opportunity to serve the agricultural market in the heart of the Grain Belt and have embodied their firm motto: ``Delivering Results. Together.'' The Vier family has been involved in the grain-handling industry in Nevada, IA, for three generations and has over 48 notable years in the agri-business industry. What started in a 7,000-square-foot millwright fabrication ``mom-and-pop'' shop, with only five employees, now operates in several States, with a more than 100,000-square-foot facility, and over 100 employees. Kevin believes this success would not have been possible without the help of his brother Randy and two sons Austin and Riley. Now, Mid- States' Material Handling and Fabrication Company has become the first ranked brock grain bin dealer in Iowa and third ranked worldwide. Mid-States has continued to embrace innovation. By investing in robotic welding systems, the company is equipping its workforce--not replacing employees--so they can focus on the skilled craftsmanship and complex problem-solving that machines cannot replicate. Kevin and Shelley have built a business rooted in excellence, earning the trust of their customers while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to strengthening their community. The business has made large donations to the Nevada area, supporting charitable organizations such as The Salt Company college ministry, Nevada Iowa Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club of Story County. The company also provides resources for local vocational training programs. The business is proud to be members of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, the American Institute of Steel Construction, the Nevada Economic Development Council, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society, and the Associated General Contractors of America. Through their local engagement and contributions, Mid-States is a remarkable example for small businesses across the country. It is with great enthusiasm that I recognize Kevin, Shelley, Randy, Austin, Riley, and the team at Mid-States Companies for their continuous dedication to Story County. I am excited to see everything they will accomplish and wish them success in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor my dear friend and colleague Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Before he ever set foot on this floor, he wore the uniform of the U.S. Air Force, serving 33 years between the Air Force, the South Carolina Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve. That service and his upbringing in the back of his parents' South Carolina bar shaped everything about how he approached his work here in the Senate. He understood, in a way too few in Washington, DC, do, what it costs to defend freedom. He was one of the loudest, most persistent voices this institution has seen on the importance of American leadership in this world. And before I joined the Senate, Lindsey was one of my earliest supporters. I am so grateful for his mentorship and his friendship throughout the years. Lindsey was really dear to my family. My mother's birthday was just a few days before Lindsey's, and through the years, he would call her on her birthday and wish her the happiest of birthdays. As my daughter entered the U.S. Army, he would call her and just give her words of encouragement--in the hilarious way that only Lindsey Graham could. He was such a good and decent man. One thing we all knew about Lindsey was his great sense of humor. I will never forget the gift he gave me after I won Iowa's Senate seat. In fact, I may be the only Senator in history to be handed a mounted castration clamp with a plaque engraved ``Make `Em Squeal, Joni!'' just off the floor of this Chamber, courtesy of Lindsey Graham. And I think he is probably still laughing about that one. Earlier this year, we were talking about Lindsey, doing dinner with Lindsey, as many of us did, and we were talking about this year's race because he was running for another term in the Senate. And my mother, again, being very close to Lindsey and his No. 1 fan in Iowa--in fact, she had a screen saver on her computer. It was her and Lindsey Graham. If you asked my mother who her favorite Senator was, it wouldn't be Senator Chuck Grassley or even her own daughter; it would be Senator Lindsey Graham. She was agonizing: Should I send Lindsey a donation for his campaign? And I was laughing about this with Lindsey. So he was like: Give me your phone. He said: Let's shoot a video for your mom. And so he took my phone, and he made this cute little 10-second video. And it went something like this: Marilyn, we love you. We love Joni. I know times are hard, but send money anyway. Lindseygraham.com. He did that all the time, and he was always so funny. And I can't tell you how many times I have watched that video, over and over again, and just laughed. He was certainly a very funny man, even when times were difficult, but behind the jokes was one of the most serious and effective legislators this body has ever known. He didn't care whose name was on a bill if the policy was right. He brokered friendships and alliances that many in this town said were no longer possible. He fought hard, and then he would sit down and crack a joke with the people that he had just been arguing with. All of us here on this floor know that Lindsey was always moving. The man never stood still. He was always working the phones--phone call after phone call--whether it was President Trump or my mom back in Iowa. He was always certain that presence was power. I had the privilege of traveling many times over with Lindsey. The very first codel, which is a congressional delegation trip, that I took in the U.S. Senate was with Lindsey. It was to the Munich Security Conference in Germany. The other Senators on that trip were former Senator Joe Lieberman, a dear friend of his; Senator John McCain, who was his deepest and truest friend; and Senator Kelly Ayotte. We had a wonderful trip together. And it was such a great experience for me to see him on the world stage, easily moving from conversation to conversation with some of the world's most important and powerful leaders, and to see how much they deeply respected Senator Graham. His contributions to conflict resolution went well beyond the United States. Just days ago, Lindsey was in Ukraine meeting with President Zelenskyy and standing with a nation fighting for its survival because he believed at his core that American leadership was the difference between peace and oppression. Lindsey Graham was tough, he was funny, and he loved this country. To the people of South Carolina and to Lindsey's family and, most especially, to his sister Darline and all who loved him, we are all mourning together. As a Christian like Lindsey, I know God will bring comfort where there is fear, strength where there is shock, and hope where there is loss. Lindsey, we miss you, and this Chamber will never be the same without you. Godspeed, my dear friend, and thank you for your service. I yield the floor.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair 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 honor Corner Market & Greenhouse of Fayette County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 1994 by Paul and Linda Manske, Corner Market & Greenhouse was established to provide families in Oelwein with a community-focused store to meet every gardening need. Carrying seasonal flowers, plants, and decor, Paul and Linda aspire to bring life to every Iowan's backyard. The Manske family relocated to Oelwein in 1989 when Paul's job transferred him there. The family began the venture by waking up early in the morning and selling goods at farmers' markets. After countless early mornings bringing their products to people across the State, the Manske family decided to open their own storefront, drawing people to them. The family grew the business from a modest farm stand into the beloved local institution it is today. For over 32 years, Paul and Linda have shown up, demonstrating the entrepreneurial drive rooted in Iowa values. Corner Market & Greenhouse is one of Paul and Linda's greatest passions, prompting the family to joke, it is like one of their children. Since its establishment, the whole Manske family has contributed to the business, including their sons Byron and Travis, and now their grandchildren. The couple hopes their business will be passed down through their family for generations to come. The family has demonstrated true grit and resilience during their time as small business owners, exemplified by their family motto ``work smarter, not harder.'' A devastating fire in April of 2004 destroyed Corner Market & Greenhouse, but the family persevered. They rebuilt the business from the ground up and continue modernizing greenhouses by staying ahead of agricultural technology, allowing 55,000 plants to be transplanted daily. Unlike most establishments, Corner Market & Greenhouse's modernized facility is fully open to the public. Paul and Linda have grown their business through a successful collaboration with other Iowa businesses, while continuing to think of ways to expand their own. Corner Market & Greenhouse is renowned for ``small town hospitality and big city variety,'' with many customers praising the establishment for its fair prices, agricultural expertise, and welcoming customer service. The business strives to curate unique items for customers and has emerged as a must-visit destination, drawing in travelers from across the Midwest. The Manskes have built a business that generously serves the community by hosting student groups for greenhouse tours. Moreover, the establishment donated flowers for storefronts in downtown Oelwein when the local municipality discontinued supplying decorative plants for the town. The establishment is also a longstanding member of the Oelwein Chamber and Area Development, OCAD. Over the past three decades, the Manske family has continued to better Oelwein and Iowa through their innovative approach to their business. It is my pleasure to recognize Paul, Linda, Byron, and Travis Manske at Corner Market & Greenhouse for their enduring commitment to Fayette County. I look forward to their ongoing success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair 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 honor Kendrick Forest Products of Delaware County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 1983 by Tim and Rhonda Kendrick, Kendrick Forest Products is a family-owned forestry business that has grown from a small logging operation to become Iowa's largest sawmill. What began as a modest venture has expanded into a fully integrated operation supporting the entire forestry process, from harvesting and milling to kiln drying and exporting products worldwide. Today, their products reach over 18 countries. Building on that success, the Kendrick family has continued to grow their business from the ground up, expanding into cabinetry, mulch production, and local retail stores showcasing products crafted from their own materials. These endeavors encompass the family's brands, proving that America's ambitious entrepreneurial spirit can flourish from a small shop to an astounding, diversified enterprise. Together, these ventures reflect a strong foundation of hard work and entrepreneurial vision. Today, Kendrick Forest Products operates as a full-service forestry business, offering a wide range of wood products sourced primarily within a 150-mile radius of their facility in northeast Iowa. Using walnut and red oak to maple, hickory, and basswood, their work highlights the natural resources and craftsmanship rooted in Iowa's landscape. Beyond its forestry operations and diversified business portfolio, Kendrick Forest Products is deeply woven into the fabric of the Edgewood community. The Kendrick family has remained actively engaged in local leadership and service, including involvement with the local chambers of commerce and the Edgewood Historical Society, where they have helped support local economic growth and strengthen the small business community. Their leadership extends beyond the local level through participation in national industry organizations, including the Hardwood Manufacturers Association, American Hardwood Export Council, and the American Walnut Manufacturers Association, further underscoring their commitment to excellence and deep engagement in the forestry business. For over 40 years, the Kendrick family has remained a steadfast presence in the forestry industry, building a business rooted in hard work, integrity, and community. Supported by a team of 150 employees-- many of whom have dedicated more than three decades to the company-- Kendrick Forest Products has created local jobs and strengthened the surrounding community. I am pleased to recognize Tim and Rhonda Kendrick, along with the entire team at Kendrick Forest Products, for their dedication to Edgewood and Delaware County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, claiming Republicans pose a threat to contraception is absurd. Despite fearmongering and election-year stunts from the left, over-the-counter daily oral contraceptive pills are available everywhere and have been for years. Democrats have repeatedly made it clear that they want to control every aspect of your life--your healthcare, your job, your finances, and, yes, even your children. To be clear, I support access to safe and effective contraception options for women. But that is not what Senator Markey's bill does. Instead, it attempts to provide drugs and sterilization procedures to minor children without parental consent. You do not need to be a parent or a grandparent to know this is profoundly wrong. It is dangerous, it is immoral, and it must be stopped. Out of concern for every single child in this country, I cannot support this. Therefore, I object.

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, today, I join millions of Americans commemorating the Dobbs Supreme Court decision anniversary. We are united in two simple truths: Abortion is not a constitutional right, but life is. And life is a gift worth protecting. Each and every one of us was given this gift. When we honor the dignity of every human being, we give them a chance to become loving sons and daughters, neighbors, and leaders. This is not a political issue for me; it is deeply personal. Few things have brought me greater joy than when I first became a mother and, more recently, a grandmother. Holding my daughter and my grandson and watching them grow are memories I will always cherish. I want to protect and preserve this same experience for young mothers everywhere. Last month, Stephanie, a constituent in Iowa, entrusted me with her story about the lasting effects of her abortion experience. With her permission, I am sharing her account, including the loss of her unborn child. My daughter Lily died during an abortion procedure at 21 weeks. At the time, I was a young girl in crisis, frightened and unequipped to understand the full consequences of what I would experience afterwards. The effects did not end with the procedure itself. They affected me psychologically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. At 17, I had very little language or support to help me understand those effects. I believe many women face similar trauma without diagnoses, treatment, or meaningful follow-up care. In the years since, I have experienced PTSD symptoms, grief, and significant emotional and hormonal changes after losing my child. My concern extends beyond my own experience. There appears to be too little long-term follow-up care, too little research into women's post- abortion outcomes, and too little screening for trauma before and after abortion procedures, especially later term abortions. Women should be better informed about possible mental, physical, and emotional effects and should have access to appropriate care when those effects arise. On this solemn note, there is no doubt we can do better by women and mothers-to-be, and that is what my Protect Funding for Women's Healthcare Act is all about. My Protect Funding for Women's Healthcare Act prohibits taxpayer dollars from going to Planned Parenthood. Instead, the bill redirects those funds to women's healthcare providers and ensures no reduction in Federal funding for women's health services. As I continue to protect the life-changing experience of becoming a mother, I want mothers and families to know that they are supported in pregnancy and beyond no matter their situation. I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 177. Further, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Ms. ERNST

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

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair 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 honor Gronen of Dubuque County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 1999 by John and Mary Gronen, Gronen began as a small, family-owned construction company focused on masonry work and historic rehabilitation projects in Dubuque's Washington Neighborhood. As Dubuque natives, John and Mary shared a vision of restoring neglected properties, strengthening neighborhoods, and preserving the city's historic character. What started with a small construction crew and commitment to community-driven revitalization has grown into successful redevelopment and property development firms. Over the past 25 years, Gronen has expanded beyond historic rehabilitation into commercial and residential development, property management, development consulting, and real estate services. Today, the company operates through Gronen Restoration, Gronen Properties, Gronen Development, and DBQ Property Group, employing 70 individuals and serving clients throughout Iowa and the broader Midwest. For years, Gronen has continued transforming underutilized properties into productive community assets. The company has contributed to numerous redevelopment efforts across Dubuque, including work associated with the Field of Dreams project and the award-winning Steeple Square redevelopment. Through these and other projects, Gronen has helped create housing opportunities and spurred economic growth while preserving Iowa's rich architectural heritage. Beyond its business operations, Gronen remains deeply engaged in the Dubuque community. The company supports and partners with organizations, including the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dubuque Development, Dubuque Forward, Heritage Works, Smart Growth Development, and the HEART housing program. Through these efforts, Gronen continues to invest in the long-term success of the communities it serves. Gronen's commitment to excellence has earned national and industry recognition, including the Tony Goldman Award, the J. Timothy Anderson Award, and recognition from the International Federation for the Roofing Trade. These honors reflect the company's leadership in historic preservation, community revitalization, and innovative redevelopment. I am pleased to recognize John and Mary Gronen, along with the entire Gronen team, for their dedication to Dubuque and Iowa. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, finally, I ask that the Senate proceed to legislative session and be in a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, the postcloture time with respect to the Holding nomination be expired and the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the Democratic leader no earlier than tomorrow; further, if the nomination is confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair 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 honor Leah Jean Boutique of Wright County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 2018 by Brittany Leah Howieson and Donna Jean Ahrends, Leah Jean Boutique was established to provide families in Clarion with a welcoming, locally owned storefront offering curated children's items. Attached to their salon, the boutique was created not only to meet the needs of local families, but also to help sustain and strengthen small-town Main Street commerce in north Iowa. Brittany and Donna, who first met when Donna taught Brittany in beauty school years earlier, later expanded their shared entrepreneurial vision into the boutique now recognized throughout the region for its personal customer service and carefully selected products. For nearly a decade, Leah Jean Boutique has provided high-quality apparel, toys, pet products, and gifts that help customers celebrate both everyday moments and special milestones. As a woman-owned small business, Leah Jean Boutique has built its identity around a ``for moms, by moms'' philosophy rooted in firsthand experience and trust. Brittany and Donna personally select and test the products offered in the store, helping Iowa families navigate an increasingly overwhelming retail environment filled with countless online options and inconsistent reviews. Their emphasis on quality, reliability, and personalized attention has helped establish Leah Jean Boutique as a trusted destination for folks throughout Wright County and the surrounding communities. Beyond its retail offerings, Leah Jean Boutique reflects the strong community-minded spirit that defines Iowa small businesses. Brittany and Donna remain actively involved in local organizations and community initiatives. This includes leadership roles within their Philanthropic Educational Organization, P.E.O., Chapter, participation on the Committee for Golden Apples for Teachers program, Brittany's service as president of the Clarion Development Alliance, and organizing family- oriented community events that support downtown Clarion and surrounding communities. Their continued investment in local engagement demonstrates a commitment not only to entrepreneurship but also to strengthening economic vitality and preserving the sense of community that keeps Iowa's small towns thriving. I am pleased to recognize Brittany and Donna at Leah Jean Boutique for their dedication to Clarion and Wright County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair 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 honor Fairfield Dental Clinic of Jefferson County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Established as a trusted provider of dental care in southeast Iowa in the mid-1980s, Fairfield Dental Clinic has built a strong reputation through professionalism, quality care, and a deep commitment to the Fairfield community. Dr. Pat Jones, an Iowa native, is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. In 2015, he became co- owner of the practice after buying half of the business from Dr. Van Tasell. Dr. Matt Holt graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry and has served the Fairfield community as a dentist since 2013. In 2022, he joined Fairfield Dental Clinic as co-owner after acquiring the other half of the business from Dr. Gleason. Together, Dr. Jones and Dr. Holt have continued to grow the practice while maintaining a patient-centered approach rooted in quality care and community connection. Today, Fairfield Dental Clinic employs seven staff members who work together to serve patients throughout Jefferson County and the surrounding region, seeing approximately 80 patients per day. The practice focuses on cosmetic and preventative dentistry as well as oral surgery. Remaining at the same location throughout its history, the clinic has invested in renovations, updated technology, and focused on building improvements to better serve patients and strengthen the practice for generations to come. Through these efforts, the business has remained a dependable and respected part of the local healthcare community. Beyond their work in dentistry, the leadership and staff of Fairfield Dental Clinic remain deeply involved in community service and civic engagement across Jefferson County. Their involvement includes participation in organizations such as Main Street Iowa, the Jefferson County Foundation, the Rotary Club, and youth sports programs. Additionally, both doctors are members of the American Dental Association, the Iowa Dental Association, and the Southeast Iowa District Dental Society. Their willingness to support local initiatives and community organizations reflects the strong sense of service that defines many Iowa small businesses. Their appreciation for both their team and the Fairfield community reflects the lasting relationships and trust that remain central to small business success in Iowa. I am pleased to recognize Dr. Pat Jones and Dr. Matt Holt, along with the entire team at Fairfield Dental Clinic, for their dedication to Fairfield and Jefferson County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair 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 honor Toploft Clothing of Carroll County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 2014 by Stephanie Hackfort, Toploft Clothing began as an online women's clothing boutique built on Stephanie's passion for fashion and her desire to create a flexible business model balancing entrepreneurship with family life. What started as a small online retail operation has grown into a thriving business serving customers throughout Iowa and beyond. Toploft opened its first physical location in 2015 before moving to the current downtown Carroll location in 2019. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the business pivoted from boutique apparel to custom clothing, branded merchandise, and webstore services tailored to serve businesses, schools, sports teams, and community organizations. Today, the company works with more than 300 organizations nationwide and ships to customers in 48 States. Toploft Clothing has established itself as a trusted provider of custom apparel and branded merchandise solutions while maintaining the personalized customer service and entrepreneurial spirit that helped launch the business over a decade ago. Their specialty ``always open'' services help organizations strengthen their branding and community presence through customized products and merchandise solutions. Supported by a dedicated team of six employees and the occasional family member that jumps in when an extra hand is needed, Toploft contributes to local economic activity while upholding the innovation and flexibility required to remain competitive in an evolving retail marketplace. Beyond its business operations, Toploft Clothing is actively engaged in the local community. All the folks on the management team are current or former members of the Carroll Chamber of Commerce. Stephanie currently serves as the chamber retail committee leader, her husband Matt is the chamber agriculture representative, and the business' chief operating officer is chamber president. Through participation in chamber initiatives, community events, and merchandise collaborations, Toploft demonstrates an ongoing commitment to promoting local businesses and fostering community pride. Additionally, the business is committed to supporting charitable endeavors. In 2025, the team helped raise $28,000 for nonprofit organizations, medical needs, local sports activities, and school events. In recognition of its growth and impact, Toploft Clothing was honored with the 2025 Carroll Chamber of Commerce New Business Award. I am pleased to recognize Stephanie and Matt Hackfort, along with the entire team at Toploft Clothing, for their dedication to Carroll County and customers across the United States. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.