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 Tillies Quilts of Fort Dodge, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Driven by her dream of owning her own quilt shop, Jo Seltz founded Tillies Quilts in 2011 to serve both expert and novice quilters in Fort Dodge and the surrounding communities. Jo and her husband Rich are staples of the Fort Dodge community, with the couple also owning the Dariette ice cream shop since 2008 and Ardys Mae Coffee and Dessert since 2022. Prior to opening Tillies Quilts, Jo spent over a decade as the youth director at St. Paul Lutheran Church from 1999 until 2010. Jo left her position at St. Paul Lutheran Church to focus on Tillies Quilts, aptly named after her Great Aunt Matilda ``Tillie'' Jacobs, who gifted Jo her first quilt. Tillies Quilts is a one-stop-shop for all of your quilting needs. They offer designer fabrics and patterns, quilt kits, quilt supplies, and quilting classes. Tillies Quilts also offers a block of the month club and hosts various social events. In February 2024, Tillies Quilts will host their Super Bowl Sunday quilting class where participants will make a 16-inch by 16-inch quilt block. In addition to owning Tillies Quilts, Jo and Rich Seltz are actively involved in the Fort Dodge community. Jo currently serves as the president of the Blanden Charitable Foundation board of trustees, an organization promoting the Blanden Art Museum in Fort Dodge. Jo also serves as a trustee on the Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust, which promotes community involvement in the arts and preserves Fort Dodge's historic Ringland-Smeltzer home. Despite no longer serving as youth director, Jo has remained involved in the St. Paul Lutheran Church over the years. Tillies Quilts is a proud member of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, and in 2023, the team celebrated their 12th business anniversary. Great Aunt Matilda ``Tillie'' Jacobs passed away in 1994, but her legacy of hard work, kindness, and passion for quilting is honored at Tillies Quilts. I want to congratulate Jo and Rich Seltz and the entire team at Tillies Quilts for their entrepreneurial spirit and diligent efforts to build a community for quilters in central Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, Leader Schumer is blocking us from having an important and timely debate on Biden's unlawful, immoral policy to use tax dollars intended for our national defense to pay for abortions. The world is imploding because of Biden's failed leadership and weakness, and our country is under greater threat than it has been in years. Meanwhile, the Biden Department of Defense is waging a war on the unborn. I never back down from a fight, and Democrats' tactics will not deter my work to stop Biden from forcing the Pentagon to provide transportation tourism for abortion with taxpayers' hard-earned money. As a mom, soon-to-be grandma, and 23-year combat veteran and retired lieutenant colonel of our great U.S. Army, I firmly believe the Pentagon should be focusing on protecting innocent life, not destroying it. That is why I have led the legislation to overturn this abhorrent policy and why I am here today to continue my fight for life. Congress has been clear for nearly half a century: The Hyde amendment protects taxpayers from being forced to fund abortions, and that includes the Department of Defense. Senator Schumer should stop obstructing the world's greatest deliberative body from debating this important, longstanding issue. A ``yes'' vote on this motion would allow me to offer the House- passed, pro-life provisions similar to my own bill. Including these protections in the Defense bill would restore the DoD's mission integrity by preventing any taxpayer funding for Biden's radical abortion tourism, including travel costs. America is being threatened by adversaries at home and abroad. Why are President Biden and Leader Schumer dividing us with their radical abortion agenda? This is a moment where we should all stand united in the defense of our Nation. Let's do so today. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote yes to defeat Schumer's gross attempt to silence our voices and those of the unborn. Motion to Table Amendment No. 1373 Mr. President, I move to table the Schumer amendment No. 1373 for the purposes of offering my amendment numbered 1376, and I ask for the yeas and nays.

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 Muddy Dog Market and Grill of Unionville, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded by husband and wife duo Regina and Darrell Sarmento in 2023, Muddy Dog Market and Grill offers dine-in and takeout food options, groceries, and entertainment in Unionville. The Sarmentos opened Muddy Dog Market and Grill to provide quality dining and groceries to residents of Appanoose, Monroe, Davis, and Wapello Counties. For dine- in food options, Muddy Dog Market and Grill offers artisanal pizzas, smash burgers, soups, salads, appetizers, and weekly specials. The drink menu at Muddy Dog Market and Grill is unique, with drinks named after the family's ``muddy dogs.'' In addition to the market and grill, they also provide live music events and offer party rental services. Muddy Dog Market and Grill is actively involved in the Unionville community. Regina grew up in Iowa but met Darrell in Sacramento, CA, where they both were living at the time. They moved to Iowa in 2009, with Darrell working as executive director of the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce from 2010 until 2014 and the Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce from 2017 until 2021. In addition to running Muddy Dog Market and Grill with his wife, Darrell serves as a small business counselor at the Indian Hills Community College Small Business Development Center. In this position, he helps other small businesses grow and develop. Prior to owning and running Muddy Dog Market and Grill, Regina spent years working in restaurants and as a behavioral health professional. The Sarmentos are actively involved in their church, using the proceeds from their recycled bottles to benefit youth services. Muddy Dog Market and Grill actively employs high school students in the Moravia and Moulton-Udell School Districts. The Sarmentos serve as mentors to the students, helping the next generation gain practical skills in the workplace. This Veterans Day, Muddy Dog Market and Grill offered a Vets Dine Free Day, with live music and free meals for local veterans. Muddy Dog Market and Grill's commitment to providing quality food and groceries at great prices in Unionville, IA, is clear. I want to congratulate Regina and Darrell Sarmento and the entire team at Muddy Dog Market and Grill for their continued dedication to south central Iowans. 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 Thompson Shoes of Manchester, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Thompson Shoes in Manchester was founded by Gary and Keith Thompson in 1958 as the first of nine shoe stores owned by the Thompson brothers. Keith ran the Manchester location until 1990 when the location was purchased by Tracy Bessey. The current owners, husband and wife duo Todd and Shelly Schrader, purchased the Manchester Thompson Shoes location from Tracy Bessey on January 1, 2011. Under the Schrader's ownership, Shelly serves as president, with Todd serving as vice president. The store offers a variety of athletic shoes, dress shoes, and boots. In addition to shoes, they also carry socks and offer shoe sizing services to customers at the store. The Shraders have also built a special bond with Keith Thompson and Tracy Bessey over the years. Both former owners have paid regular visits to the store's events since 2011. Small businesses are often successful because of the hard work and dedication of their team. Dianne Oberbroeckling has spent 38 years at the Thompson Shoes Manchester location, working for all three owners and serving three decades of customers. Gary and Keith Thompson passed away in 1993 and 2023 respectively, leaving behind a legacy of community service, hard work, and dedication to customer service. Thompson Shoes in Manchester is actively involved in both the Manchester and Delaware County communities and has been recognized for its hard work. They are involved in the Maquoketa Valley, West Delaware, and Edgewood-Colesburg school districts by supporting both students and athletics programs. Since 2018, they have hosted the Move for Mimosas races. The races are free of charge and allow participants to try out new shoes from various vendors while enjoying a mimosa. They also sponsor the Hero Hustle, an annual triathlon and duathlon supporting the police, fire, and ambulance departments of Delaware County. In 2022, they won the Manchester Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Year award for their continued dedication to the community. Thompson Shoes in Manchester celebrated its 65th business anniversary in 2023. Thompson Shoes' commitment to providing quality shoes at a great price in Manchester, IA, is clear. I want to congratulate Shelly and Todd Schrader, and the entire team at Thompson Shoes for their continued dedication to Iowans. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

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 Carver Pump of Muscatine, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1938, Carver Pump was founded by brothers Ralph and Roy J. Carver in Matherville, IL, as a specialty manufacturer of self-priming pumps that are designed to prevent air pockets from forming while pumping fluids. Shortly after its founding, Carver Pump began providing pumps to the U.S. and the Allied navies during World War II. In 1941, Roy restructured the company and relocated to its current home in Muscatine, IA. Since World War II, Carver Pump has remained committed to providing high-quality pumps to the U.S. Navy. Currently, every Navy ship-building program, which is responsible for the ship construction of the U.S. Navy fleet, relies on a centrifugal pump from Carver Pump. Due to their hard work, Carver Pump received certification for their high-quality management systems by the International Organization for Standardization. Their pumps are used in a variety of industries, including mining, agriculture, automotive, and maritime. Roy J. Carver passed away in 1981, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, philanthropy, and business excellence. Today, Carver Pump is run by Carver family member Andrew Carver. Carver Pump is an exemplary family business. Multiple generations of the Carver family have worked at the company and been recognized for their contributions to both the pump industry and philanthropic efforts in Iowa. In 2019, Roy and his wife Lucille were posthumously awarded the Muscatine Community College Legends award for their continued legacy in Iowa. The Roy J. Carver Trust was also posthumously established and has been involved with the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Augustana College. At the University of Iowa, the Carver-Hawkeye Arena and Roy J. and Lucille Carver College of Medicine are named after Roy J. and Lucille in honor of their continued support of the university's academic and athletic programs. In 2023, Carver Pump celebrated its 85th business anniversary. Carver Pump's commitment to producing high-quality pumps in Muscatine and supplying critical products to help the U.S. military is clear. I want to congratulate Andrew Carver, the Carver family, and the entire team at Carver Pump for their continued dedication to providing high- quality pumps throughout the world. 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 Geater Machining and Manufacturing of Independence, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Geater Machining and Manufacturing was founded by Duane Geater in Independence, IA, in 1962. The company started with Duane, a single employee, and Collins Aerospace as their first client. In 1964, the company took on the name Geater Machining, Co. and started a manufacturing division. The company moved to a new location in Independence in 1965 before constructing their current 42,000-square- foot headquarters in 1976. In 1994, Duane retired and his son Scott Geater took over as president. Under Scott's leadership, Geater Machining and Manufacturing added 20,000 square feet to their current location in 2023. Duane Geater passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and manufacturing excellence. Geater Machining and Manufacturing is an exemplary family business. Three generations of the Geater family have worked at the company, and their products have been instrumental in U.S. history. On May 2, 2011, SEAL Team Six carried out Operation Neptune Spear and killed Osama Bin Laden. The helicopters used to transport them on the mission were equipped with radio equipment manufactured with Geater Machining and Manufacturing parts. Geater Machining and Manufacturing is actively involved in both the Independence and Buchannan County communities and have been recognized for their hard work. They are actively involved in student outreach, including hosting tours of their facilities, classroom activities, and apprenticeship programs for local students. They won the Heritage Award for setting the industry standard by Rockwell Collins at their Annual Supplier Conference in 2015. In 2016, they were awarded the President's Award for top supplier by Rockwell Collins. In 2016, they were also highlighted by Manufacturing Today for their contributions and history in the manufacturing and machining industry. Due to their team's hard work, Geater Machining and Manufacturing celebrated its 61st business anniversary in 2023. Geater Machining and Manufacturing's commitment to providing high- quality precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, and finishing operations to customers throughout the United States while maintaining their Independence roots is clear. I want to congratulate the Geater family and the entire team at Geater Machining and Manufacturing for their continued dedication to providing high quality parts to clients across the country. 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, I have had the firsthand opportunity to see the impact that small businesses have on local communities and the work of dedicated public servants to ensure that they remain the backbone of the economy. Today, I would like to recognize Mr. William Shear, a public servant who has dedicated over 20 years to America's small businesses and wish him a happy retirement. Mr. Shear serves as the Director of Financial Markets and Community Investment at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO. In this role, he has distinguished himself as an expert on the Small Business Administration's disaster assistance lending, government contracting, and small business credit programs. In his time at GAO, he served as Acting Director for Physical Infrastructure and was Assistant Director of Financial Markets and Community Investment. Mr. Shear is a graduate of the University of Chicago with both a master's degree in public policy and a Ph.D. in economics. In addition to his time at GAO, he is a former lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, where he taught city and regional planning. Mr. Shear is no stranger to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. As the Director of Financial Markets and Community Investment, he has testified numerous times before the committee as a champion of saving the American taxpayer their hard- earned dollars. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Deepwater Horizon disaster, and Hurricane Sandy, Mr. Shear was there to provide answers with his insight and knowledge on disaster assistance. His testimonies provided the committee with meaningful solutions that assisted the small businesses in our home States and communities. I want to congratulate Mr. Shear on his outstanding career at GAO. We appreciate his dedication to America's small businesses and the expertise he provided to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. I would like to associate myself with the comments of the chair.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I am privileged to be on the floor this evening in what in the military we would call a joint operation. So this evening, I am joining my marine colleagues, Senator Sullivan of Alaska and Senator Young of Indiana, and my Air Force colleague from the great State of South Carolina. I, of course, served 23 years between the U.S. Army Reserve and the Iowa Army National Guard, deploying once for Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004, where I was the company commander of 150 soldiers that ran convoys from Kuwait up into Iraq, supporting our warriors to the north. We are also joined in the chair this evening by another veteran, the Senator from Michigan in the chair, Mr. President, Naval reservist. So we truly are a joint operation under the color of purple. So thank you so much. I am going to throw down just a little bit of how we got into this situation and a little bit more about who I am because I am pro- military, obviously, but I am also pro-life as well. I served in the Iowa State Senate. And during the time that I served in the State senate, I was a pro-life leader. I was the go-to gal for our pro-life issues in the Iowa State Senate, participating and leading in legislation to advance life, as well as participating in marches for life, in the great State of Iowa. Coming into the U.S. Senate, then I became a member of the pro-life caucus. I have led on a number of efforts when it comes to life. Predominantly, though, one that our pro-life community has really appreciated is the effort to defund Planned Parenthood and redirect those dollars to eligible providers of women's healthcare, such as community health centers. In February of 2023, we saw President Biden unveil his abortion travel agency plan. OK? What does this mean? It means that President Biden decided that he would send young women--whether they were family members, whether they were servicemembers--he would allow them to travel. He would send them to other States to receive abortions, that being supported by taxpayer dollars. We feel this is wrong. It goes against the Hyde amendment. That is where President Biden put us. Secretary Lloyd Austin implemented that plan in February, again, of 2023. And in March of 2023, then I led--I led--on the effort to overturn this policy. I introduced and led the legislation to reverse the DOD's travel abortion policy. It was twice voted on in the Armed Services Committee during the National Defense Authorization Act process--twice voted on; twice defeated in the committee. Now, that is in the U.S. Senate. So, again, I am pro-military, and I am pro-life. I also do not relish the fact that I am standing on the floor this evening as we try and bring these nominations forward, but I understand the national security risks that are out there and the detriment to readiness as we continue to hold over 450 of the finest men and women that have served their Nation honorably under the flag of our Nation in our uniform. So I will go through one by one. I have a binder full of nominees, and I do hope that our colleague from Alabama will allow us to bring them up one by one for a voice vote. Again, I have many biographies here--fabulous, incredible men and women. And with that, I will yield to my colleague from South Carolina.

Ms. ERNST. Thank you to my colleague from Indiana. I truly appreciate it. I will now go through the biographies of the men and women who rightfully deserve to be promoted, to be moved into their next position of authority. And I am going to start by continuing with MG Heidi J. Hoyle, Calendar No. 48, for the grade of Lieutenant General and deputy chief of staff for the U.S. Army. And I would like to highlight MG Heidi J. Hoyle, who is currently the director of operations for the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics. Upon her graduation from Virginia in 2004, she was assigned as an instructor in the Department of Systems Engineering at West Point. She served as the 242nd Ordnance Battalion executive officer, with a deployment to Afghanistan and support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2010, she was selected for command of the Special Troops Battalion of the Third Sustainment Brigade in Fort Stewart, GA. And while stationed there, she deployed in support of the Iraq war. She has distinguished her career, having been awarded the Legion of Merit, folks, not just once, not twice, but three times. She has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal not once but twice. This is an extraordinary woman. And I will point out that I enjoyed my service very much. I appreciated my time in service. But I also have a daughter who is serving now. And my daughter--to MG Heidi J. Hoyle, General Hoyle, I hope that my daughter is following in your footsteps. My daughter is assigned to the 3rd Sustainment Brigade in Fort Stewart, GA. So to MG Heidi J. Hoyle, I bring you up this evening. I will not be asking for a live UC this evening because we know that it will be objected to and filibustered, and I think you deserve better than that, General Hoyle. You have given your entire adult life in service to our Nation, under extremely difficult circumstances, and you have been awarded, again, the Legion of Merit three times and the Bronze Star Medal twice. I am proud to be a staunch advocate of the U.S. Army community and, once again, standing up for valiant individuals who have answered the selfless call to serve. As more of our servicemembers are under attack by Iran-backed proxies, we must fight for our U.S. Army community and get them in the fight. And that is why I raise voice for MG Heidi J. Hoyle and her promotion to Lieutenant General because she cannot do it herself. Next, I am going to move on to Col. Terence G. Taylor. I rise today to talk about a few officers within Calendar No. 82, which contains Col. Terence G. Taylor for the grade to Brigadier General. That is a one-star General. Col. Terence G. Taylor is currently the commander of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. Col. Terence G. Taylor is responsible for the wing's Armed Overwatch mission, encompassing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and command and control reporting center assets. Colonel Taylor is also responsible for theater security cooperation and agile combat employment, dynamic force employment missions in direct support of the U.S. Air Force's central and the United States central command priorities. Colonel Taylor earned his commission through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps Program at the University of Virginia in 1997. Colonel Taylor's prior assignments include serving in the Department of State's Bureau of Counterterrorism, where he was responsible for directing political and operational responses to international terrorism and implementing America's global counterterrorism policies in coordination with numerous government departments and agencies. Colonel Taylor has numerous degrees, including a master of arts in strategic studies at the Air War College and a master of arts in national security and strategic studies at the American Military University. And this is why I am stepping forward tonight and not asking for a voice vote but sharing the biography of the admirable service of Col. Terence G. Taylor and his promotion to Brigadier General because as a member of the military, he is apolitical and cannot lobby Members of Congress. So while he has no voice, while Heidi Hoyle has no voice, I am giving them voice tonight. I am moving on to another admirable individual who is being denied her promotion this evening. Again, I am directing my ire at President Joe Biden and at Secretary Lloyd Austin for the policy that they have put in place for the abortion travel agency plans. It is horrific. It is horrific. Our ire goes to them. But what we see is maybe the plan to reverse that is holding some of these individuals who rightly deserve to be promoted hostage. So the individual I am addressing right now is COL Sara E. Dudley. She is an officer within Calendar No. 94, which contains a list of Army officers who have been selected for the grade of Brigadier General. Again, a one-star. Specifically, COL Sara E. Dudley is a vital part of Special Operations Command. Colonel Dudley is a proud West Point graduate who took and embodied the skill sets and leadership tools that she learned there to be a lifelong learner, a lifelong participant in our U.S. military. She earned a Harvard MBA and a Yale University fellowship through the War College. She has honorably served her country as a warfighter during Iraqi Freedom, where I had served. She also served during Operation Enduring Freedom and, most recently, during her third deployment overseas, in support of the Combined/Joint Forces Land Component Command during Operation Inherent Resolve. She is a decorated warfighter, distinguished herself with honor, having been awarded for meritorious achievement several times throughout her career. I firmly believe that Colonel Dudley's qualifications, record, and character have earned her this promotion. Again, I am giving voice to her because she has no voice. The next person I will address is for Rear Admiral (lh) Jeromy B. Williams. He is an officer within Calendar No. 102, which contains a list of Navy officers who have been selected for the grade of Rear Admiral. I will highlight Rear Admiral (lh) Jeromy B. Williams. He is the deputy director for special operations and counterterrorism in the J-3 of the Joint Staff. Rear Admiral Williams is a native of Las Vegas, NV. And after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1993 with a degree in aerospace engineering, he immediately reported to seal training and graduated in January of 1994. His operational assignments include two tours as assistant platoon commander, joint commissioned observer commander, assistant operations officer, platoon commander, troop commander, SEAL team operations officer, and executive officer. Later, he became a squadron commanding officer, then served as deputy major commander, and then as commodore. Most recently, he served as deputy commander, Special Operations Joint Task Force Iraq for Operation Inherent Resolve. A distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, Rear Admiral Williams holds a master's in national security and strategic studies. He was further selected by the Chief of Naval Operations as a Navy military fellow, and he served on the Council on Foreign Relations. So as a 23-year combat veteran and retired lieutenant colonel of our great U.S. Army and as an ardent supporter of our Special Operations community, I am proud to stand up for this valiant officer who has answered the selfless call to service and earned this promotion. I firmly believe that Rear Admiral Williams's qualifications, record, and character make him exceptionally eligible for this promotion. He has no voice on the floor of the U.S. Senate tonight. That is why I am giving him a voice. The next individual is Brig. Gen. Justin R. Hoffman. I am rising today to talk about a few officers within Calendar No. 110, which contains a list of Air Force officers who have been selected for the grade of Major General. That is a two-star General. First, I would like to begin with Brig. Gen. Justin R. Hoffman, who is a special assistant to the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command. This command is the Air Force component of the U.S. Special Operations Command. General Hoffman was born in Austin, TX, and earned his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1995. He spent most of his career in Special Operations aviation assignments, deploying extensively. He is a command-rated pilot, having flown more than 5,500 hours, of which more than 1,800 are combat hours. He has flown the NC-130H and J models for the Commando II, which flies clandestine, low-visibility, infiltration and exfiltration of Special Operations forces, primarily flown at night to reduce visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats in politically sensitive or hostile territories. He also has flown the U-28A Draco, which is part of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, and manned airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance fleet. While commanding this aircraft, Brigadier General Hoffman supported humanitarian operations, search and rescue missions, and Special Operations missions. I would also like to note that Brigadier General Hoffman dedicated a portion of his career to this esteemed body here in Congress, having served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for U.S. Special Operations Command. It is officers like this that I am proud to be a staunch advocate of within the Special Operations community because, right now, folks, the world is on fire, and we need more Special Operations Command officers in the fight, not out of the fight. This is why I give voice tonight to Brig. Gen. Justin R. Hoffman and his promotion to Major General. You can see, as I am moving through these biographies of these incredible men and women who are being denied their promotion on this very night by individual vote on the floor of the Senate--you can see that they have storied legacies in their contributions to these great United States of America. It is without having these men and women and those who came before them in our great United States of America that we would not have life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness. Those things cannot be achieved without the men and women who protect our country and its values. Next, Mr. President, I would like to continue with Calendar No. 110. Again, a list of Air Force officers who have been selected for the grade of Major General. I would like to highlight Brig. Gen. Rebecca J. Sonkiss, who is currently the deputy commander of the Air Force Special Operations Command, the deputy commander of the forces who execute worldwide deployments and assignments to unified combatant commanders, the deputy commander to approximately 20,800 Active-Duty Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian professionals within the Special Operations community. This is no slacker, folks. Brigadier General Sonkiss has had an incredible career, starting with her acceptance and subsequent graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1994. She commanded the 15th Airlift Squadron through two deployments, was the vice commander of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, and commanded the 62nd Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews. She is a command pilot with more than 4,400 hours, including 1,377 combat hours in nine different Air Force-manned and remotely piloted aircraft, including the EC-130 Compass Call, which disrupts enemy command-and-control communication systems, and the RQ-1 Predator, which is an intelligence collection asset, capable of offensive air support against enemy targets. She has distinguished her career, having been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and a Bronze Star. And, again, I am proud to be a staunch advocate of the Special Operations community and, once again, stand up for these valiant individuals who have answered the selfless call to serve. As more of our servicemembers are under attack by Iran-backed proxies, we must fight for our Special Operations community and, once again, get them into the fight. That is why I am giving voice this evening to Brig. Gen. Rebecca J. Sonkiss and her promotion to Major General. Again, I am going to say, these biographies are incredible. They are incredible. But that is why many people here on the floor--those that might be in opposition to the individual votes tonight on the floor--they don't want these read. They don't want these biographies read because we are putting the human element out there and showing the United States of America the valiant--the valiant--service of these men and women. Again, every one of these individuals has given their entire adult life in service to our great United States of America--our great United States of America. We would not have the country we have if we didn't have men and women who were willing to sacrifice everything-- everything--for this country. Mr. President, the next one is Brig. Gen. Claude K. Tudor, Jr. Again, it is under Calendar No. 110, a list of Air Force officers who have been selected for the grade of Major General. Brigadier General Tudor is currently the director of operations in the J-3 for U.S. AFRICOM. As the director of operations, Brigadier General Tudor provides oversight and direction for all operations divisions at AFRICOM, including working with partners to counter transnational threats and malign actors, strengthening security forces, and responding to crises in order to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. Brigadier General Tudor was commissioned through the ROTC Program at Troy State University in Alabama and has spent the majority of his career in Special Operations ground combat assignments, deploying extensively. Prior to AFRICOM, Brigadier General Tudor served as the commander for the Combined Special Operations Joint Task Force-Levant and chief of staff of Headquarters Pacific Air Forces. He has several degrees, including a master's in business management from Troy State University, a master's in strategic intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College, and a master's in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. He has distinguished his career having been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legion of Merits, and a Bronze Star. He has also been the Air Force combat control officer of the year not once, not twice, but three times. We need officers like Brig. Gen. Claude K. Tudor, Jr., to stay in the fight, and I am giving him voice on the floor of the Senate this evening--actually, at 2 in the morning. Mr. President, again, I am rising today to highlight the career of Maj. Gen. David A. Harris, Jr., U.S. Air Force, who is Calendar No. 186. Major General Harris has been selected for promotion to Lieutenant General--that is a three-star General--and to be the deputy chief of staff for Air Force Futures at Headquarters U.S. Air Force. Major General Harris is currently the deputy commander of the Ninth Air Force, Air Force Central, and deputy, combined forces air component commander, of the U.S. Central Command in Southwest Asia. As the deputy commander, he is responsible for the command and control of air operations in a 21-nation area of responsibility, covering Central and Southwest Asia. He graduated from ROTC and received his commission from the University of Alabama in 1993. He is a master navigator and basic parachutist with more than 2,500 flying hours, having flown in support of Operations Deliberate Force, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, and Inherent Resolve. He has a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering, a master of military art and science from the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, a master's from the National War College, and was a national security fellow at Syracuse University. Major General Harris has commanded the squadron group and wing level. He has served as vice superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, deputy director of operations for Joint Special Operations Command, and the director of strategic plans, programs, and requirements for Air Force Special Operations Command. Prior to the current position, Major General Harris was the director of integration and innovation and deputy chief of staff for strategy, integration, and requirements at Headquarters U.S. Air Force. It is officers like this that I am proud to be a staunch advocate of in the Air Force community because, again, with the world on fire, we need more Air Force command officers in the fight, not out of the fight. That is why I am giving Maj. Gen. David A. Harris, Jr., tonight, a voice, because he cannot do so on the floor of the Senate. Mr. President, now I would like to continue by highlighting MG David M. Hodne. He is Calendar No. 190, and he is selected for the grade of Lieutenant General. MG David M. Hodne is currently assigned as special assistant to the director of the Army staff with the office of the Chief of Staff of the Army. Hodne attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1991 with a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering. He later earned a master of arts in military studies in unconventional warfare from the American Military University. Hodne has command of the U.S. Army Infantry School and served as the Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division in Fort Carson, CO, assuming command on August 19, 2021, and relinquishing it to David S. Doyle on June 13, 2023. General Hodne was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal; the Legion of Merit three times; the Bronze Star Medal not once, not twice, not three times, ladies and gentlemen, but four times; and a Purple Heart, which means he was injured in the line of duty. Again, I am proud to be a staunch advocate of the U.S. Army community, and once again, I am standing up for valiant individuals who have answered the selfless call to serve. That gentleman, again, was MG David M. Hodne for promotion to Lieutenant General. Next, I rise today to talk about MG Karl H. Gingrich, Calendar No. 224, who is being selected for the grade of Lieutenant General to be deputy chief of staff of the U.S. Army. MG Karl H. Gingrich became the director of program analysis and evaluation in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff at U.S. Army Headquarters. As the director of program analysis and evaluation, he is responsible for developing the program objective memorandum, which allocates resources in line with broader DOD guidance. Prior to his current assignment, Major General Gingrich served as the director of capability and resource integration at USCYBERCOM, which included building the joint cyber warfighting architecture, which covers everything from data management to command and control at CYBERCOM. Major General Gingrich's operational experience includes tours supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Major General Gingrich holds multiple graduate degrees from the University of Louisville, Air University, and the National Defense University. So this evening, again, we will not be voting on MG Karl H. Gingrich, but he has earned this promotion, and I do hope we can resolve this very soon. Next, I rise to talk about MG John B. Richardson IV, Calendar No. 233, who has been nominated to be Lieutenant General and commanding general of the First United States Army. John B. Richardson IV was born in Baltimore, MD. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1991. In fact, he was the fifth member of his family to attend West Point, exemplifying a commitment to service. Major General Richardson was commissioned as an armor officer in 1991 from West Point. He is a proud armored cavalry man. His first assignment was with the 1st Armored Division, serving as a tank platoon leader with 4th Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, in Friedberg, Germany. He served in Iraq as the squadron operations officer in the 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment, and again, a year later, he deployed as an aide-de-camp to the commanding general of Multi-National Security Transition Command. I am so proud of General Richardson, and I am glad to be able to stand on the floor of the U.S. Senate tonight and voice his qualifications. Again, MG John B. Richardson IV and his promotion to Lieutenant General and commanding general of First United States Army. Next, I am going to rise on behalf of Maj. Gen. Michael G.--oh let me start over; this is a tough one, folks--Koscheski. OK. This gentleman has a tough name. He also has a tough job. We hope we can get him into that tough job. So I apologize, General. I owe you a beer. OK. Calendar No. 239. He is being nominated to be deputy commander, Air Combat Command. Maj. Gen. Michael G. Koscheski--I think I got it right that time--is the commander of 15th Air Force, Shaw Air Force Base, SC. Fifteenth Air Force organizes, trains, and equips its headquarters to prepare for and execute expeditionary tasking. The General received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 1992. That is the same year I received my commission as well--only from Iowa State University. He has served as an F-15E instructor pilot, a weapons officer, and a flight examiner. He is a command pilot with more than 2,800 flying hours. He has flown more than 650 combat hours over Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is a decorated officer, with awards to include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. Again, I am proud to be a staunch advocate of the Air Combat Command community. We need officers like this in the fight, not out of the fight, and that is why I am giving voice to them this evening. Next, we move on to Lt. Gen. Donna D. Shipton. I am rising to talk about Lt. Gen. Donna D. Shipton. She is Calendar No. 240 for the grade of Lieutenant General and deputy commander of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center with the Air Force Materiel Command. Lieutenant General Shipton received her commission in 1991 as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps upon graduating from Clemson University. She also has a long list of graduate degrees, including a master's in national security strategy from the National War College, a master's in space systems from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a master's of arts in organizational management from George Washington University. She is currently the military deputy with the Office of Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. Prior to her current position, Lieutenant General Shipton was the deputy director for the National Reconnaissance Office, NRO, where she assisted the director in managing the strategic and tactical operation of the NRO. I truly believe we must stand up for the security and protection of our Nation, and I am proud to recognize this deserving officer who earned this promotion and highlight her selfless call to service. That is why I am voicing my support this evening for Lt. Gen. Donna D. Shipton and her promotion to Lieutenant General and deputy commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Materiel Command. Next, I am rising to talk about an officer--Calendar No. 243--MG William J. Hartman. He has been nominated to be Lieutenant General and deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command. MG William J. Hartman is currently commander of Cyber National Mission Force. A native of Mobile, AL, Major General Hartman is a distinguished military graduate of the University of South Alabama, where he received his commission through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps as an infantry officer. Major General Hartman served in multiple positions as an infantry, military intelligence, and cyberspace operations officer, with assignments in the United States, Italy, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Turkey. Major General Hartman has commanded a company battalion brigade and special mission unit and served as the senior intelligence officer at the battalion and the regimental level for the 75th Ranger Regiment--he is a bad mamba jamba--and multiple tours as a SOCOM Joint Task Force J- 2. He is a decorated officer, with awards to include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf clusters, the Joint Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf clusters. It is officers like this that I am very proud to represent on the floor of the U.S. Senate. We need more folks operating within Cyber Command because we know that the world is on fire. We are in a new era. Cyber absolutely needs more officers like this in the fight, not out of the fight. Again, this gentleman, hailing from the great State of Alabama, MG William J. Hartman and his promotion to Lieutenant General. Next, we have LTG John S. Kolasheski. Oh my goodness. OK. I owe a lot of beers tonight. It is an Army thing, Air Force thing. You got it. Calendar No. 244. He is being nominated to be Lieutenant General and deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Europe-Africa. The Lieutenant General was commissioned as an armor officer and holds a bachelor of science in management from Bucknell University and a graduate's degree in engineering management from the University of Central Florida. Lieutenant General Kolasheski has had a variety of command and staff assignments, to include deputy chief of staff, U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort Liberty, commandant of the United States Army Armor School, deputy commanding general for the 1st Infantry Division, the deputy chief of staff of strategic communications for NATO, and that is just to name a few. He is a decorated officer, with awards to include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion--oh gosh; get this, Senator Sullivan--Legion of Merit with five oak leaf clusters.

Ms. ERNST. Heroes. And a Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

Ms. ERNST. It is officers like these whom I am proud to be a staunch advocate of because the Army community needs them. We need more Army command officers in the fight, not out of the fight. This is why I am standing up tonight in support of LG John S. Kolasheski and his promotion to deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Europe-Africa. Next, we have COL Jack J. Stumme. I am rising to talk about Jack J. Stumme. He is a Colonel under Calendar No. 284 for the grade of Brigadier General. COL Jack J. Stumme is currently serving with the U.S. Army Europe- Africa as a command chaplain. Colonel Stumme has given years of service to our military and to his faith, serving as command chaplain for United States AFRICOM, the 18th Airborne Corps, and a staff chaplain for the Office of the Chief of Chaplains. I firmly believe that Colonel Stumme's qualifications, record, and character make him exceptionally eligible for this appointment, and I speak with experience here. Our chaplains truly do God's work for the men and women who serve. That is why I am providing a voice this evening for Chaplain Stumme and his promotion to Brigadier General. Next, I rise in support of Col. Matthew S. Allen. Matthew S. Allen is an Air Force officer--Calendar No. 336--and he has been selected for the grade of Brigadier General. I would like to highlight Col. Matthew S. Allen, whom many of us know because he works directly with Members of Congress. Colonel Allen is the director of the Office of Legislative Affairs for U.S. Special Operations Command, the position dedicated to maintaining the good relationship between U.S. Special Operations Command and Congress. And you will notice that a number of these biographies that I read earlier this morning, they were those who served within Special Operations Command and Joint Special Operations Command. He is the direct link on all legislative issues that deal with Special Operations resources, authorities, and oversight, collaborating directly with the House of Representatives and us here in the Senate to ensure full authorization of U.S. Special Operations Command's annual budget. Colonel Allen grew up in a military family with assignments all across the globe. He graduated high school in Fairfax, VA, received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and was selected as a special tactics officer following graduation. Prior to his current assignment, Colonel Allen was the commander of the 24th Special Operations Wing, where he prepared special tactics forces to conduct special operations against threats to the homeland and to protect U.S. interests abroad. Colonel Allen has been privileged to command at the squadron group and wing levels and led joint operations for Special Operations task forces throughout the Middle East, the European theater, and the Indo- Pacific region. He has served in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve and was the recipient of the Air Force's 2006 Sijan Leadership Award. He has spent his career in Special Operations, the air staff joint operational assignments, as well as numerous combat and contingency deployments. I personally know Colonel Allen. He is an incredible officer within the Special Operations community. He definitely is an officer we need in the fight. I thank you and salute you, Colonel Allen, and I do hope that we are able to move you on very soon to your well-deserved appointment to the grade of Brigadier General. Next, I rise to highlight the career of Maj. Gen. Sean M. Farrell, U.S. Air Force, who is Calendar No. 339. Major General Farrell has been selected for the grade of Lieutenant General and has been appointed to the position of deputy commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. Major General Farrell is currently the deputy commanding general of Joint Special Operations Command. In this role, he oversees the study of Special Operations requirements and techniques, ensuring joint interoperability and equipment standardization. In addition, he prepares assigned, attached, and augmented forces to conduct special operations against threats to protect the homeland and U.S. interests abroad. He was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Florida State University. He has a bachelor of science, a master of science from Wright State University, and a master of science in national resource strategy from the National Defense University. He is a command pilot with over 3,500 flight hours in the AC-130H Spectre--that is bad; that is bad--AC-130W Stinger, AC-130U Spooky--we all know Spooky, Dan, right?--and C-130E Hercules aircraft, and has flown combat missions in Bosnia and Afghanistan. He has commanded at the squadron group and wing levels, having commanded the 16th Special Operations Squadron, the 27th Special Operations Group, and the 1st Special Operations Wing. He has distinguished his career, having been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Distinguished Flying Cross with valor device for acts of heroism above what is normally expected while engaged in direct combat with exposure to enemy hostilities and personal risk. It is officers like this that I am proud to be a staunch advocate of within our Special Operations community. We need more Special Operations command officers in the fight, not out of the fight. And that is why I stand tonight and give voice to Maj. Gen. Sean M. Farrell on his promotion and his assumption of position at U.S. Special Operations Command. Next, I rise in support of BG Lawrence G. Ferguson. He is Calendar No. 384, which contains a list of Army officers who have been selected for the grade of Major General. BG Lawrence G. Ferguson is the commanding general of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne). Brigadier General Ferguson is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, who cross-commissioned into the U.S. Army. He attended the Army Ranger School, then served with the 101st Airborne ``Screaming Eagles'' Division. He earned a master's degree in American history from Mississippi College, and he was an Army War College Fellow at Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy. He served with the 7th Special Forces Group and has commanded at all levels from Captain through Colonel and served throughout Latin America and the Middle East. He has served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve in the Army's special missions unit. His experience has included, more recently, deputy commander of operations, 82nd Airborne Division; chief of staff, U.S. Army Special Operations Command; commanding officer, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne); and chief of staff, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne). And this evening, again, I am giving voice to those who cannot on the floor of the U.S. Senate this evening, BG Lawrence G. Ferguson on his promotion to Major General. Next, I rise to talk about another officer within Calendar No. 384, and this officer has been selected for the grade of Major General. Now, this is BG Steven M. Marks, who is currently the deputy commanding general for 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne). Are we seeing a pattern here? A pattern here? OK. Brigadier General Marks was raised in Columbia, MO--State to my south--and earned his commission from the University of Missouri ROTC in 1982. He served in a variety of tactical assignments in the Airborne Field Artillery Regiment and Special Operations units. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College and has a master's degree in defense analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Brigadier General Marks has commanded in Afghanistan at every rank from Captain to Lieutenant Colonel and serving most recently as a commander of Special Operations Task Force Northeast. He commanded the U.S. Army Garrison in Italy before returning to Joint Special Operations Command as the director of J5. He is a decorated officer with awards to include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. And, again, it is officers like this that I am proud to stand for on the floor of the U.S. Senate. I am a staunch advocate of those within our special operations community. We need more of these men and women in the fight, not out of the fight. And that is why I stand tonight for BG Steven M. Marks and his promotion to Major General. So, folks, that does conclude the nominees that I had for this evening, and I want to reemphasize that it is the bad policy of the Biden administration that we are in opposition to. All of us here--I know all of us--are adamant supporters of life. We stand for life. But we also stand for other innocents and the innocent men and women who are serving in uniform today and continue to serve without advancement in their career fields while their families are hanging in the balance. My colleague from Utah mentioned earlier: We have so many executive orders. We see the executive branch running away, taking additional authorities--and I am paraphrasing. It is because Congress has gotten lazy and sloppy. Those were two of his words--lazy and sloppy. Members of Congress didn't want to do the work. But aren't we getting lazy and sloppy when we hold hostage innocent people? I understand that we have the opportunity to do these holds, but sometimes we have to work very hard to overcome adversity, just as these men and women have. So let's find a way. Let's lobby other Members here within this body because that is our job to do so, not hold these members hostage to ever-changing demands. Now, we would have asked for individual voice votes tonight because that is what has been asked for in the past but, unfortunately, has not been honored. So, again, I stand for life. I will be an ardent supporter of life, and I will continue combating that, but I will not do it at the expense of these individuals. I will work with other members to find a way to overturn this egregious policy which President Biden and Secretary Lloyd Austin have put into place. So let's find a way to overturn the policy and advance these men and women. And with that, I yield to the Senator from Alaska.

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I do want to thank my colleagues for coming to the floor this evening and especially Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska, a Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve, a fine marine. He has deployed in service to our Nation. And, as well, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Senator Todd Young of Indiana--all veterans, all have served in uniform, understand the significance, the importance of getting these nominees over the finish line. Again, all pro-life, my colleagues here as well--adamantly pro-life. We are pro-life. There has got to be another way to overturn this policy, change the policy. That is our jobs. It is not the jobs of these nominees. It is our job to make sure the policy is right. It is President Biden's fault we are in this situation. It is Lloyd Austin's fault that we are in this situation. It is Chuck Schumer's fault that we are in this situation. And I understand that a Senator has the prerogative, has the right, in this body to put blanket holds on nominees. But, folks, you know, my mom and dad always had a saying: Just because you can do it doesn't mean you should. Yes, you can put blanket holds on these nominees, but what is that doing to our Nation right now? It is not solving the travel policy. That is our job. We have to figure this out. And it is not getting these men and women into the positions that are needed for our readiness and our national security. So we, as pro-life Senators, need to figure this out, and we need to work with our House Members. We need to work with the majority here in the U.S. Senate and find a path forward. It is up to us to do that. Again, thanks to my colleagues for coming down tonight for, one, supporting life--we all support life--but also supporting the military. We can have not just pro-life Senators and not just pro-military Senators; we can have both. And that is whom we are representing tonight. Thank you, Senator Sullivan. I will yield back to the Senator from Alaska.

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 Worth Brewing Company of Northwood, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Worth Brewing Company was founded by husband and wife Peter Ausenhus and Margaret Bishop in 2007. Peter started in the brewing industry as a homebrewer while working in the publishing industry. Prior to founding Worth Brewing Company, he made a career transition and worked at Summit Brewing Company, a microbrewer based in St. Paul, MN. Worth Brewing Company opened in the 1886 Worth County State Bank building on historic Main Street in Northwood, IA. During their early years, Peter both renovated and operated the brewery while Margaret ran her engineering consulting business upstairs. Due to their growing business, Peter and Margaret moved Worth Brewing Company across the street to the 1896 International Order of Odd Fellows--IOOF--Erickson building in 2015. Worth Brewing Company reopened in the new location in 2016. Worth Brewing Company has seven year-round beers on their menu and a specialty beer every month. In addition to beer, they also host ``Pizza Fridays,'' food trucks, and have a rotating list of drink specials. Worth Brewing Company also hosts live music, pub trivia, the ``Books A- Brewin''' Club, and other community events. In 2023, Worth Brewing Company celebrated their 16th business anniversary. Worth Brewing Company is actively involved in the Northwood community and has been recognized for contributions to the microbrewery and historic preservation industries. In 2019, Worth Brewing Company won the Adrian D. Anderson Award from Preserve Iowa for their preservation of the IOOF-Erickson building. Previously, in 2016, they were awarded the Preservation at its Best by Preserve Iowa for their work on the IOOF-Erickson building. In 2015, Governor Terry Branstad visited Worth Brewing Company to congratulate the business on their expansion from the 1886 Worth County State Bank building to the IOOF-Erickson building. Peter Ausenhus and Margaret Bishop are actively involved in animal charities and historic preservation philanthropies in both the Northwood community and the State of Iowa. Worth Brewing Company's commitment to providing quality beers, ciders, and arts in Northwood is clear. I want to congratulate Peter Ausenhus, Margaret Bishop, and the entire team at Worth Brewing Company for their continued dedication to Worth County. 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 Brannon Monument Company of Dubuque, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Brannon Monument Company was founded by Henry Kies in 1926 as Kies Monument in Dubuque, IA. In 1961, Vince and Mary Lou Brannon bought Kies Monument and shortly thereafter changed the name to Brannon Monument Company. In 1991, Vince and Mary Lou's son Michael Brannon started working at the company. Michael purchased the family business from his parents in 1993 with his wife Stasia and moved the company in 1996 to a larger location. Brannon Monument Company moved again in 2021 to a new location and now includes Novak and Brannon Monuments in Marion, IA, and Manchester Monument Company in Manchester, IA. Vince Brannon passed away in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and dedication to the Dubuque community. Brannon Monument Company has been instrumental in building memorials to honor our Nation's veterans. They were a key partner in the construction of the Dubuque Veterans Memorial Plaza, which honors Dubuque veterans who fought in major military conflicts. On July 4, 2019, the Buchanan County Veterans Memorial opened with members of the Brannon family in attendance for the dedication. Brannon Monument Company has been involved in building veteran memorials in Central City and Kolona, IA, as well as Platteville, WI. In addition to providing memorials, Brannon Monument Company is also actively involved in the Dubuque community. Michael and Stasia Brannon are famous in the Dubuque community for their yearly Halloween decorations that were covered by the local newspaper. Michael is a member of the Monument Builders of North America, where he served as president from 1999 until 2000. He has also been a member and served as the president of the Monument Builders of Iowa. Brannon Monument Company has been involved with local philanthropic efforts in the Dubuque community, including Rotary International, Mercy Service Club, Alzheimer's Association, Oldorf Hospice House, and the Boys and Girls Club. In 2023, Brannon Monument Company celebrated its 97th business anniversary. Brannon Monument Company's commitment to providing high-quality memorials in northeast Iowa is clear. I want to congratulate Michael and Stasia Brannon, Mary Lou Brannon, and the entire team at Brannon Monument Company for their dedication to the Dubuque community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, the world is on fire because of Joe Biden's failed leadership and ongoing weakness. Our enemies are on the march. Our servicemembers are under attack by Iran-backed proxies. And our country is under greater threat than it has been in years. Innocent lives are on the line here at home and abroad. At home, the Biden DOD is waging a war on the unborn--a war that is immoral and unlawful. I am a mother. I have carried a baby girl in my womb who is now a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and my baby girl is now carrying a baby of her own. And I am proudly, adamantly, and unabashedly pro-life. I always will be. That is why I have--I have--led the legislation to overturn this woke Dodd policy and will not rest in this fight for life, especially as we work through this year's Defense bill. Abroad, our friend and ally Israel is under assault by ruthless Iran- backed Hamas. Jewish babies have been murdered, burned in ovens, and some even stripped from their mothers' wombs. As a 23-year combat veteran and retired lieutenant colonel of our great U.S. Army, I firmly believe the Pentagon should be focused on protecting innocent life, not destroying it. Joe Biden and Secretary Austin are weak and woke. The architects of this immoral policy should be held accountable. Anyone trying to insert their radical agenda into the military has no place in the Pentagon. No Senator should support any person or dollar that threatens the lethality of our warfighters. Catering to the far left does not win wars or keep Americans safe. Our servicemembers have been failed by their Commander in Chief, and we must do right by them and the security and protection of our own Nation. For over 9 months now, Chuck Schumer has used our military men and women as political pawns, refusing to allow the Senate to do its job of vetting and voting on military nominees. Only when Republicans forced the majority leader's hand did he finally relent and move on a few of those nominees. Tonight, we are once again standing up for valiant individuals who have answered the call to selfless service. Unlike in the past, when promotions were quietly approved en bloc with no discussion, tonight we will be highlighting the distinguished careers of each and then putting their nomination before the Senate for confirmation individually by voice vote. And with that, I will yield the floor.

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, I know this is a frustrating exercise, but we are going to flesh out some of these nominees tonight, truly incredible individuals who have served our Nation through thick and thin. These are folks who deserve to be promoted. So I rise today to talk about Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot on his promotion to the grade of General and his nomination to be the next Commander of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, also known as NORAD. General Guillot is from Tucson, AZ, and he is a proud graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. I am sorry he could not get into West Point. He has successfully commanded a flying squadron operations group, two flying wings, a numbered Air Force, and has admirably served on numbered Air Force, major command, and combatant command staffs. He is an expert in his field, as demonstrated by having been an Air Force Weapons School instructor and graduate of the National War College. General Guillot is a decorated warfighter and a senior air battle manager by training who is currently the Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command. He has been instrumental integrating air, missile, and drone defense systems across the Middle East--experience that is applicable to the challenges facing NORTHCOM's air and missile defenses. I believe that General Guillot's qualifications, his record, and his outstanding character make him the right nominee to serve in this important role. So we can confirm this nomination by voice vote right here, now, and therefore I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 236, Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot to be General; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that, if 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. Madam President, if I can just address this very briefly before we move to my colleague from Indiana, I have a discharge petition that was signed at our conference lunch the other day for Lt. Gen. General M. Guillot. That discharge petition was signed by Senator Tuberville, meaning that Senator Tuberville believed that we should be voting on General Guillot. I was asking for a voice vote for General Guillot this evening. I am not sure how we remedy this situation, but I can tell you we will keep working on these nominations, and we will get answers someday, and they will be confirmed someday if we have the intestinal fortitude to do what is right by our military men and women, who have absolutely nothing to do with the policy that was put in place by Secretary Lloyd Austin and President Joe Biden. I yield the floor.

Ms. ERNST. Madam President, we have got another incredible officer that we are bringing to the floor this evening for a voice vote, and I do hope my colleague from Alabama will explain to everyone out there who is watching why he has asked for individual votes, and, when given the opportunity, he is objecting to individual votes. I feel like we are in a holding pattern. But maybe he will care to explain that to us in a moment. But, right now, I do want to focus on this really incredible officer. I have had the opportunity to work with this officer, and I will talk about the most recent time that I interacted with him. I am bringing to the floor right now VADM Brad Cooper on his nomination to be the next Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command. I just saw Admiral Cooper in Bahrain. The day I saw him in Bahrain was October 7--October 7, the day that Hamas overran defenses that separated the Gaza Strip and Israel; the day that Hamas went into Israel and murdered babies, raped women, cut babies out of their mother's stomachs, killed innocent elderly men and women, abducted Americans and took them into the Gaza Strip. That is the last day that I saw Brad Cooper--October 7, the terrorist strikes against Israel. Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command--what region is that? That is the region where Israel is located. They need fine men and women at U.S. Central Command. This is an area where we have seen great terrorist threats. Our dear friends, the Israelis, are struggling under the weight of Iran-backed terrorist proxies. At U.S. Central Command, we need leadership. I am bringing forward VADM Brad Cooper. I will remind the body, just as I did with General Guillot, that I passed around the Republican conference the other day a discharge petition, which means we would have a vote on VADM Brad Cooper. One of the signatures on that petition is of my colleague from Alabama. He agreed to vote on this nominee, and we are giving him the opportunity to vote on this nominee, who will be the Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command, where we have what could be World War III brewing. Our friends the Israelis need every last good man and woman that the United States has serving in these important positions. A little bit about VADM Brad Cooper: He is the son of a career Army officer. He attended high school in Montgomery, AL. Vice Admiral Cooper joined the Navy and received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy. He is a career surface warfare officer. He served on guided missile cruisers, guided missile destroyers, aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and successfully commanded both the USS Russell and the USS Gettysburg. If anyone knows Admiral Cooper, he is a very humble man. He is very proud of the extraordinary men and women with whom he served on sea duty during his 9 deployments and 13 real-world operations all around our globe. He has served in a variety of positions throughout his career, and he has been nominated to serve in the U.S. Central Command as their Deputy Commander. He has been instrumental in maintaining the stability and security of the Middle East regions' maritime environment through NAVCENT. His skills and experience gained in this position at NAVCENT make him absolutely the right choice to be the Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command, and I am excited to see him confirmed. So, Madam President, we can confirm that nomination by voice vote tonight--tonight. We will vote on this man: 9 deployments, 13 real- world operations. He is a warrior. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 196, Charles B. Cooper, II, to be Vice Admiral; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that, if 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. Madam President, we see another one bite the dust. It is a good thing I still have that discharge petition, and we will see Vice Admiral Cooper on the floor once again, and I hope that my colleague will choose to support him. So I served in the Iowa Army National Guard, and I am really proud of that service. So I deployed overseas with the Iowa Army National Guard as a young Company Commander. I was the first female to command my unit. It was the same unit that my father had served in when he was a young Sergeant in the Iowa Army National Guard. He was a mechanic. He is the salt of the Earth. And I was so proud to grow up and serve alongside some really incredible Iowa Army National Guardsmen. They worked so hard. They worked so hard on that deployment, Operation Iraqi Freedom. Now, I was gone from 2003 to 2004. My daughter, she was 3 years old when I deployed, and she was nearly 5 years old when I returned home. So my daughter--again, she is a Second Lieutenant serving Active-Duty U.S. Army. And she told me--it has probably been a year ago--she had read an interesting statistic about children who have mothers that served in uniform. And she told me that that statistic was that 80 percent of the children who have mothers that wore the uniform will go into the service. She said: Mom, I didn't have a choice. So she did; she went into the U.S. Army. And I encouraged that, and I am so proud of her for her service. Again, she is a young officer. I know she is disappointed by what she sees today--in particular, this evening. And what I want the folks to know--and in a roundabout way I am coming to this. But all of these holds are affecting our men and women in the military. They are affecting the families of these men and women. Like I said, 80 percent of the children whose mothers wore the uniform are more likely to go in than those who didn't have a mother who served. But right now, today, 37 percent of Active-Duty families are likely to recommend military service--37 percent. They see what is going on today. And I have heard my colleague say we shouldn't be injecting politics into the military and that President Biden did that and Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense, did that. But what are we doing to these military men and women? Politics are being injected right here, today. We have men and women who deserve to be promoted, to serve where their country knows they are needed. And our military families today are saying: You know what, I don't want my kid serving in the military because they will be used as political pawns. That is dishonorable, and it is abhorrent. So I served. Col. Dan Sullivan served. We understand the significance of service and being willing to lay down your life for a fellow countryman. This next gentleman that I am bringing forward, we have something in common because this gentleman is a native of Spencer, IA. He enlisted into the Iowa Army National Guard. OK? He enlisted in 1981. He also was salt of the Earth, just like my father, who enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard. This gentleman is LTG James J. Mingus. He has been appointed to the grade of General and nominated to be the next Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. Again, he enlisted into the Iowa Army National Guard in 1981. He graduated from Winona State University in Minnesota, our neighbor to the north, and he commissioned into the Army infantry. During more than 38 years of service, Lieutenant General Mingus has commanded at every echelon from company to brigade in addition to working in key staff positions in both Army, Special Operations Forces, and joint units. He is a decorated warfighter with extensive combat service. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom 12 times from 2001 to 2012. Lieutenant General Mingus has distinguished himself with honor, having been awarded for meritorious achievement in a combat zone. He is a hard-working public servant who knows the needs of our soldiers and their families. I have full confidence that he will continue to modernize the Army and maintain our highly trained and lethal force to fight and win our Nation's wars. The problem is, he can't do it if he is not serving in that position. I firmly believe that his qualifications, record, and character--and, of course, his great home State of Iowa--make him the right nominee to serve in this important role. Therefore, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: War hero Executive Calendar No. 288, James J. Mingus, to be General and Vice Chief of Staff of the Army; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that, if 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. Madam President, now, I have the honor and privilege of talking about MG John W. Brennan, Jr., on his appointment to the grade of Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army and his nomination to be the Deputy Commander of U.S. Africa Command. Major General Brennan is currently serving as Special Assistant to the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. This is no paper pusher, Madam President--and I have heard that phrase. Army Special Operations play a crucial role in competition and deterring great power war. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure this deserving officer, who earned this promotion, is confirmed to this key national security position. The good Major General is a decorated warfighter with extensive combat service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and in the Inherent Resolve Campaign, having recently served as Commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve just last year. He distinguished himself with honor, having been awarded a Bronze Star with ``V'' for valor. I firmly believe that Major General Brennan's qualifications, record, and character make him exceptionally eligible for this promotion, and I look forward to confirming him to be the Deputy Commander of U.S. Africa Command, a very important position. Again, ``V'' for valor. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 130, John W. Brennan, Jr., to be Lieutenant General and Deputy Commander, U.S. Africa Command; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that, if 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. Madam President, another great, decorated officer--and we are going to keep going because these men and women deserve to be confirmed. Madam President, I am going to talk now about CAPT Frank Schlereth on his appointment to the grade of Rear Admiral, lower half, in the U.S. Navy. CAPT Frank Schlereth is currently serving as the Senior Defense Official and Defense Attache within the U.S. Embassy, Israel. It is crucial at this time in history to ensure this deserving officer, who earned this promotion, is recognized for serving in a key position to national security and regional stability. The Captain is a two-time Naval Attache, having served in Athens, Greece; and Tel-Aviv, Israel. He has extensive experience within the Defense Intelligence Agency Directorate of Operations, having served as the Chief of Operations for the DIA, Defense Attache Service, and the East Asia Division Chief. He is a decorated warfighter with extensive combat service, having deployed to Afghanistan in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a team leader in support of a sensitive collection mission. Captain Schlereth distinguished himself with honor, having been awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ``V'' for valorous achievement in a combat zone during his deployment. I also believe that the Captain's qualifications, record, and character make him exceptionally eligible for this appointment and promotion. Therefore, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 103, Frank G. Schlereth, III, to be Rear Admiral (lower half); that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that, if 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. Madam President, we will proceed to COL Peter G. Hart. I call to the floor Executive Calendar No. 94, COL Peter G. Hart, to the grade of Brigadier General. Colonel Hart is currently fulfilling a crucial role as an Army Strategist for the U.S. Central Command. As a 23-year combat veteran and retired Lieutenant Colonel of our great U.S. Army, I am proud to stand up for this valiant officer who has answered the selfless call to service and earned this promotion in the U.S. Army. Again, I want to talk about making these individuals political pawns in the grand scheme. So the VFW had recently done a survey. And they did surveys in every State and overseas territory of their members. These are veterans. Polls indicate there is a growing wedge between the veteran community and the colleagues on this side of the aisle and ``political decisions that harm the troops will affect the decisions of BFW members in upcoming elections.'' People don't like men and women who are used as political pawns, especially those who are sworn to be apolitical. Those are the men and women who serve in uniform. There is a growing division. It will continue to grow wider. So, therefore, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: Colonel Peter G. Hart to be Brigadier General in the U.S. Army, under Executive Calendar No. 94; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that if 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. Madam President, we have another opportunity to vote on another outstanding officer. This one is COL Scott D. Wilkinson, and he has been promoted to the grade of Brigadier General. As an Army veteran myself, I know and I understand the importance of recognizing this deserving officer who earned his promotion in the U.S. Army. He is a decorated warfighter. He distinguished himself with honor for meritorious achievement in a combat zone during his deployment. As a Captain--a young O3 is what we call them in the Army--Colonel Wilkinson provided precision close air support over a 6-hour period using night vision goggles, with zero illumination, in a complex urban environment, enabling the assault and exfiltration of a combined joint task force under heavy enemy fire. I am proud to be here on this floor as well standing shoulder to shoulder with my Marine Corps friend, Col. Dan Sullivan of Alaska. You can read through this little, brief description of COL Scott D. Wilkinson. For those of us who have served and have been part of a team and have been deployed, we understand the significance of having close air support. I served as a Transportation Company Commander when I deployed, and I will tell you that having close air support--knowing they were a phone call away--always made my drivers and me feel a lot better about things. I know Colonel Sullivan, as an infantryman, also understands what it is to have that close air support and how important those men and women overhead are during battle. So, COL Scott D. Wilkinson, I am really glad to give you close air support tonight. Those of us who have worked on a team understand how significant it is to have one another's back and make sure these men and women are protected. With this close air support, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: COL Scott D. Wilkinson to be Brigadier General in the U.S. Army under Executive Calendar No. 94; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; and that if 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. Madam President, we are going to move next to COL Joseph W. Wortham II. I call to the floor Executive Calendar No. 94, COL Joseph W. Wortham II to the grade of Brigadier General. Again, we are seeing a pattern. We have Colonel Wortham. He is a decorated warfighter and, again, as a Captain, as an O3, his brave and decisive actions saved the life of a severely wounded American and defeated a large enemy force in Iraq in 2005. My colleague Colonel Sullivan, Senator Sullivan from Alaska--we have been talking about what it is to serve and the way these heroes have reacted in combat. Because of Colonel Wortham's actions in combat, he saved the life of a fellow countryman, saved the life of an individual willing to lay down his life for his country. Colonel Wortham was willing to do the same. He saved the life of a severely wounded American, and he defeated a large enemy force in Iraq in 2005. Again, he was part of an incredible team. He didn't turn his back on his teammate; he saved his life. It is crucial to ensure that this deserving officer, who earned this promotion, is afforded the opportunity to be recognized. Colonel Wortham, again, is part of a glorious team and was first commissioned into the Army in 1996 through Auburn University's Reserve Officer Training Corps. During his 25 years of service, he participated in operations in Egypt, Israel, and Lebanon, as well as combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. His understanding of Kurdish culture and training in the Turkish language proved essential for his repeated deployments to the Kurdish regions of Iraq and Syria. I firmly believe that Colonel Wortham's qualifications, record, and character make him exceptionally eligible for this promotion, and by the fact that he went through Auburn University's ROTC Program. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: War hero who saved the life of a fellow soldier, COL Joseph W. Wortham II, to be Brigadier General in the United States Army under Executive Calendar No. 94; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that if 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. Next, Madam President, we will move on to CAPT Thomas A. Donovan--CAPT Thomas A. Donovan, for appointment to Rear Admiral (lower half). Captain Donovan is currently serving as the Executive Officer to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I know Captain Donovan, and I know of his service. I will not go into details tonight on this floor. I will explain it to Members who are on this floor, off the floor, if they would like to talk about Captain Donovan. I truly believe that we must stand up for the security and protection of our Nation, and I am proud to recognize this deserving officer, who earned this promotion, and highlight his selfless call to serve. I firmly believe that Captain Donovan's qualifications, record, and character make him exceptionally eligible for this appointment and promotion. Now, again, I know Captain Donovan. I know him quite well. There may be mumblings over some of these younger officers. We have spent just a brief time talking about them on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Those who are out watching on C-SPAN, or maybe in clips tomorrow, will understand why some of these presentations are very brief. For those in this Chamber that don't understand why these presentations are very brief, they shouldn't be here objecting to these nominations. I will let that sink in. OK, CAPT Thomas A. Donovan. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: CAPT Thomas A. Donovan to be Rear Admiral (lower half) in the Navy, under Executive Calendar No. 97; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.