Joni Ernst

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 Mapleton Hometown Variety of Monona County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. After being honorably discharged from the Air National Guard, Jerry Koenigs returned to his hometown of Mapleton. In 1987, he acquired what was then a Ben Franklin Store from his aunt and uncle after working there for over 10 years. Just a few years later, Jerry married his wife Carol, and the couple took on the business together. In the early 2000s, the store was renamed to Mapleton Hometown Variety. The shop was established to serve the everyday needs of the Mapleton community through a welcoming, locally owned retail experience. Over the years, it has become a trusted destination for residents seeking a wide variety of products, including fabric, toys, gifts, home decor, craft supplies, greeting cards, and floral arrangements. Hometown Variety has earned a strong reputation for quality products, personalized customer service, and a shopping experience rooted in the values of small-town Iowa. For nearly four decades, Hometown Variety has consistently provided customers with both everyday essentials and thoughtful items for special occasions. After Jerry passed away in 2020, Carol continued his legacy by cultivating a loyal customer base and welcoming atmosphere that keeps families returning year after year. Supported by a dedicated team of under 10 employees, the business reflects the reliability and strong workplace culture often found in Iowa's most enduring small businesses. Beyond its retail offerings, Mapleton Hometown Variety reflects the strong entrepreneurial spirit that defines Iowa small businesses. Throughout its decades of operation, the business has supported community growth and local engagement through involvement in organizations such as the Mapleton Community Club, Rotary Club, and Maple Valley Development. The business was also recognized for their continued service and support at a local 4-H event. Carol remains actively engaged in the community through donations to local events, schools, churches, and charitable causes, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to supporting families and neighbors in Mapleton. Her appreciation for the loyal customers and strong local support that have sustained Hometown Variety reflects the enduring connection between Iowa small businesses and the communities they serve. I am pleased to recognize Carol Koenigs, along with the entire team at Mapleton Hometown Variety, for their dedication to Mapleton and Monona County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I ask consent that the reading of the numbers be waived.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the previously scheduled rollcall vote begin immediately.

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, folks, we all know energy security is national security. Right now, what is left of the brutal Iranian regime is holding the world hostage and targeting the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. That is unacceptable. Instead of Americans paying more at the expense of Iranian terrorists, we should be using every tool at our disposal to ensure price stability--especially at the gas pump. That is why I have been a longtime champion of unleashing domestic energy, including higher blends of homegrown ethanol, and giving retailers the choice of offering a lower cost, American-made fuel solution. Last night, the House, through the leadership of the entire Iowa delegation, passed commonsense legislation to unleash year-round E15, which will lower prices at the gas station and at the same time provide new markets for Iowa farmers. Folks, I have heard it over and over again: This is a mandate. This is not a mandate. E15 simply gives consumers yet another, more affordable choice at the pump. It is about choice. Again, it is not a mandate; it is just another choice at the pump. We have seen it work. Thanks to President Trump's approval of summertime sales of E15, this Memorial Day weekend, Americans are estimated to save $110 million just by using E15. That is real savings. And with the House's inclusion of my provision to cut redtape, we can completely avoid costly fuel infrastructure upgrades and unlock E15 at every gas station or truckstop across the country. Congress should be using all the tools at our disposal to give every family the chance to take part in those savings, deliver certainty and stability for consumers, and drive down prices for Americans from coast to coast. It is no surprise President Trump has long supported this ``America First'' policy that improves affordability and keeps our energy supply secure. Even dating back to 2016, President Trump championed the option for consumers to have access to E15, and earlier this year, in Iowa, he called for Congress to pass E15 legislation and deliver it to his desk so he could sign it without delay. Mr. President, we are on it. The House got it done last night, and now it is the Senate's turn. Let me emphasize for all who are listening that our large oil companies, those truly small oil refineries, our fuel retailers, our ag associations, and the biofuel groups have all created and support this E15 agreement. That is from large oil companies all the way to the farmers--they support the deal that was passed in the House. And I want to thank everyone that has come forward to support the House legislation. There are a few folks out there that don't agree with this deal. These are the so-called midsize refineries. Those midsize refiners are the ones that are gaming the system and are falsely describing what the E15 deal will do. Again, large oil companies and those small oil companies--they agree with our biofuel producers and support the E15 legislation. The midsize refiners that are trying to kill this year-round E15--and I will tell you, there are only six midsize refiners. Six. Those six midsize fuel refiners that are trying to kill this bill made more--just six of these refiners made more in 2026 so far, and will continue this trend, than the 3.32 million family farms have made in 2026. Six. Six refiners are making more than the 3.32 million American family farms. Those are the six refiners--just six--that are trying to kill this bill in the U.S. Senate. So, again, I want to say thank you so much to those large oil companies, the truly small oil refiners, our fuel retailers, our ag associations, and our biofuel groups, and mostly to our American farmers. I want to say thank you so much for coming together to create sensible legislation on E15 year-round that will help every American consumer that is fueling at the pump have another choice--not a mandate but a choice. And I will tell you what--because I use ethanol back home in Iowa, when I am fueling my vehicle--that when I pull up to the pump, the choice I make is the cheaper alternative that supports our American farmers, and that is E15. And I am proud to support it. I am encouraging all of our Members here in the U.S. Senate to support this really commonsense legislation that has come forward from the House. Support our hard-working Americans. There should be absolutely no more delay. 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 Interpower Corporation of Mahaska County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1975, Bob Wersen founded Panel Components Corporation in Berkley, CA, that specialized in supplying power systems. During a recession in the electronics industry, Bob strategically shifted the business to a mid-size customer base and relocated to Oskaloosa, IA, in 1993. Over the next 10 years, the business steadily grew and opened additional offices in Ames, Lamoni, and the United Kingdom. In 2004, Bob renamed Panel Components Corporation to Interpower Corporation. Today, more than 50 years later, Interpower Corporation remains dedicated to simplifying how customers design, build, and maintain products across global markets. The company strives to meet all power sourcing needs, supplying country specific plugs to hospital-grade products. Their mission is to be the premier supplier of power system components for worldwide markets. Bob Wersen continues to serve as president, overseeing 50 employees who have gained a reputation of consistently meeting customer needs, regardless of how complicated a request may be. They take extra care in testing each product, seeing it as part of their responsibility to prioritize safety. As a businessowner, Bob has been involved with several professional organizations. He previously served as chair for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, ABI. The business is also a member of the Mahaska Chamber and Development Group. Bob takes immense pride in manufacturing in America because of the dedication to his staff and his community. He has been recognized for his commitment to fostering Iowa's business environment and has been presented with the ABI Advocacy in Action Award and Legends in Iowa Manufacturing Award. Outside of serving their clients, Interpower Corporation lends a helping hand in the Oskaloosa community. They host blood drives and provide students with internships through partnerships with Oskaloosa High School and William Penn University. They also participate in charities throughout the county showing their dedication to their community. It is my honor to recognize Bob Wersen and the entire Interpower Corporation team for their outstanding contributions and presence in their community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years to come.

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 Green Real Estate & Auction Co. of Sac County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1872, Col. Festus J. Green emigrated from Somersetshire, England. At just 14 years old, he started building a career in farming, masonry, and auctioneering. In 1894, Col. F.J. Green & Son was officially founded and laid the groundwork for what would eventually become known as Green Real Estate & Auction Co. This five-generation family business is rooted in hard work, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to serving rural Iowa communities. Over the past 132 years, Green Real Estate & Auction Co. has grown alongside Iowa's agricultural economy while maintaining its family- centered values and exceptional customer service. Today, under the leadership of Jim Green, a fifth-generation auctioneer and real estate broker, the business continues to provide auctioneering, both farmland and residential real estate services, and farm consignment to clients across western Iowa. The company has become a trusted resource for families, farmers, and businesses navigating property sales, estate transitions, and agricultural transactions. With a team of under a dozen employees, the business supports local jobs while contributing to the vibrancy of Sac City and the broader Sac County community. In addition to its longstanding success, Green Real Estate & Auction Co. reflects the strong, civic-minded spirit that defines Iowa small businesses. The Green family supports local initiatives, including participation in county fair activities that remain central to the region's agricultural traditions. Beyond Sac County, Green Real Estate has active membership in the National Auctioneers Association, Iowa Auctioneers Association, and the United Counties Board of Realtors, demonstrating their continued involvement in the industry. This commitment to local and national engagement demonstrates Green Real Estate's dedication to entrepreneurship and economic growth in Sac County. The Greens' business also remains active with local charitable efforts. The business supports Pheasants Forever, local schools, and health-related community benefits. Green Real Estate has also held auctions benefiting the local 4-H program and other charitable causes throughout Sac County. Even as the business has expanded across generations, the Green family remains committed to preserving the personal service, trust, and community relationships that have defined the company for more than a century. I am pleased to recognize Jim Green, along with the entire team at Green Real Estate & Auction Co., for their dedication to Sac City and Sac County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order, following the remarks of my colleagues.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, for the information of all Senators, expect a vote on the motion to discharge S.J. Res. 184 at 1:45 tomorrow.

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 30; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each; further, that notwithstanding rule XXII, the cloture motion with respect to S. Res. 690 ripen at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow; finally, that if cloture is invoked on S. Res. 690, all postcloture time be expired and the Senate vote on adoption of the resolution at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the Democratic leader, no earlier than Friday, May 1.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc.

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following resolutions, which are at the desk: S. Res. 701, S. Res. 702, S. Res. 703, S. Res. 704, and S. Res. 705.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the committee- reported substitute amendment be considered and agreed to; that the bill, as amended, 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 ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 331, S. 2975.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I also would like to thank Ranking Member Markey for his great collaboration on these bills. It is another example of truly bipartisan work and collaboration to get these bills done, to get them off the floor of the Senate and on their way. So I really appreciate the consideration that you have given, Ranking Member. This is a major win for taxpayers who had their hard-earned money stolen by fraudsters. Now the investigators have been given the time they need to track down the thieves who stole taxpayer dollars and to build strong, prosecutable cases. Today's action also sends a clear message to fraudsters: You will be held accountable. You will not get away with your crimes. This is critical to ensure that this blatant fraud is stopped in its tracks. I look forward to working with the SBA, the IG, and the Department of Justice to track down every single crook who defrauded our taxpayers. Again, I thank the ranking member for the collaboration. I yield the floor.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. I ask that the committee-reported substitute amendment to S. 1199 be withdrawn; that the Ernst substitute amendment at the desk be considered; that the Markey amendment to the Ernst substitute be considered and agreed to; that the Ernst substitute, as amended, be agreed to; further, that the committee-reported substitute to S. 2232 be agreed to; finally, that the bills, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed en bloc and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc.

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, COVID-19 fraudsters stole at least $200 billion, but time is now running out to hold every single one accountable. Starting this week, crooks who defrauded pandemic relief programs are getting away. Both Republicans and Democrats should be working around the clock to send a clear message to fraudsters past, present, and future: There are real consequences to stealing from taxpayers. But Democrats have wanted to press ``snooze'' on passing my SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act. This is the third day fraudsters who stole millions in COVID relief funds have been able to escape justice. You heard me right, folks. Swindlers who took advantage of SBA COVID relief programs are already escaping justice. Every day that passes, another gets away. The clock is ticking, and the countdown is on. My bill simply gives investigators and prosecutors flexibility to do their jobs by extending the statutes of limitation for defrauding the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund by 5 years. Congress has already passed an extension of the statutes of limitation for SBA's other COVID relief programs with bipartisan support. This body came together against fraud, and we need to again. Pandemic program fraud investigations have already uncovered $57 billion in fraud and issued 1,200 indictments. The SBA is currently conducting a manual review of over $3 billion in Restaurant Revitalization Fund awards, but in this program alone, more than $9.5 billion of awards still require review. We can't allow swindlers, scammers, and con artists to run out the clock, because for fraudsters, time flies when you are having fun. Look no further than rapper Chris Brown, who exploited the SVOG Program to pay for his lavish $80,000 birthday party and paid himself $5.1 million in the process, and multilocation franchise CoreLife Eatery, which ignored location limits to feast on $7.8 million in taxpayer funds. Make no mistake, when it comes to fraud and abuse, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Thorough investigations take time, and investigators must be able to continue conducting this vital work on behalf of the American taxpayers. That is why I am urging my colleagues to support the SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act so fraudsters know the days of getting away with their scams are numbered. But if Congress continues to press ``snooze,'' taxpayers are the ones who lose billions. With that, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of the following bills en bloc: Calendar No. 134, S. 1199, and Calendar No. 135, S. 2232.

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 Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. of Winneshiek County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Toppling Goliath Brewing was founded with a simple yet ambitious goal: to craft beers that could not be found anywhere else in northeast Iowa. In its early days, founders Clark and Barbara Lewey balanced building the business while still maintaining full-time jobs, steadily growing the company from the ground up. What began as a small, passion- driven microbrewery expanded through hard work, persistence, and commitment to quality. As it grew, Toppling Goliath established itself as a staple in the Decorah community. After securing the necessary licenses and a property in downtown Decorah, the business moved into its current facility in 2017 and opened its taproom the following spring. Today, the brewery employs approximately 160 individuals and has evolved into a nationally and internationally recognized brand. In addition to its award-winning craft beer, the company has expanded into distilling whiskey, vodka, and gin, further diversifying its offerings and strengthening its presence in the beverage industry. Notably, the company has built a strong customer base overseas, demonstrating the global demand for high-quality, Iowa-brewed craft products. Even with this growth, the business remains deeply rooted in Iowa and continues to maintain the values that guided its early success. The brewery is actively engaged in local and industry organizations, including the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce, the Brewers Association, and the Iowa Brewers Guild. In addition to its business success, Toppling Goliath has made significant contributions to charitable causes. The company supports initiatives focused on improving water quality and protecting local watersheds, even dedicating specific products to raise funds for these efforts. They have also contributed to organizations such as the Field Museum in Chicago and local fire departments, demonstrating a strong commitment to giving back locally and beyond. Toppling Goliath has been recognized numerous times nationally for its premier craft beers. In 2021, the business was named the Grand National Champion by the U.S. Open Beer Championship. Beer Advocate named Toppling Goliath as the No. 2 brewery in the world. Since 2015, their Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout has frequently held the title for the No. 1 beer in the world. The company continues to strive toward becoming a destination for craft beer enthusiasts, while expressing deep gratitude to the consumers who have supported its journey from the very beginning. I am pleased to recognize Clark and Barbara Lewey along with the entire team at Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. for their dedication to the Decorah and Winneshiek County communities. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a fellow Iowan, a friend, and an extraordinary leader GEN Randy A. George, upon his retirement from the U.S. Army after more than four decades of distinguished service to our Nation. General George has devoted his life to the defense of the United States of America and her people. Born to Robert and Lorraine George and raised in Alden--a beautiful, rural community in north central Iowa--Randy's folks instilled in him solid Iowa values that would take him on an incredible journey from the rolling countryside of our heartland to the highest ranks of the U.S. Army. Randy was raised humble, hard-working, courageous, and patriotic. Randy enlisted in the U.S. Army before his 18th birthday, and he focused his eyes on the future. Two years after his enlistment, Randy received a nomination for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point from my distinguished colleague Senator Chuck Grassley. Randy then received his appointment to West Point and joined the distinguished ``Long Gray Line.'' He was commissioned from West Point as an infantry officer in 1988 and served as a lieutenant in the vaunted 101st Airborne Division and rose through the ranks in many illustrious units, including the 4th Infantry Division, 173rd Airborne Brigade, and I Corps. Randy has served in multiple deployments through several eras of American warfare--from Operation Desert Shield-Desert Storm to the Global War on Terrorism. His boots tread soil and sand in many countries--Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and many more around the globe in his most senior positions with the United States Army. He literally commanded at every level of the Army, and our Army is so much stronger, agile, and lethal because of his leadership. Randy advanced to the role of Vice Chief of Staff of the Army from 2022 to 2023 and most recently served as our 41st Chief of Staff of the Army. As Chief of Staff, Randy readied our Army for the future battlefield, capitalizing on the innovative spirit of our soldiers to transform the service from the ground up. His determination yielded generational investments in the Army's Organic Industrial Base and a long overdue slashing of unnecessary waste and bureaucracy, equipping our soldiers with the training and the technology they need to survive and dominate on the battlefield. Those who served with him describe him as a consistent leader, steady in even the most trying of times. He is a man who loves and respects his soldiers and built winning, capable teams. He is a soldier's soldier, which in the Army is the highest of compliments. He will be remembered for that. He is a man of character, who placed the Army's responsibility to our great Nation above all else. Now, as a Senator, I am very privileged to travel to many communities across Iowa every single year. As I recently passed through the little, tiny communities in Hardin County, I asked the farmers and the small business owners if they knew Randy George, and, of course, they did. I received answers of ``I played basketball in high school with Randy,'' or ``My sister used to babysit Randy,'' and ``Randy's dad inspired me to go into agriculture.'' They all had kind words, and they spoke those words with pride. Most were proud that Randy was serving in the Army. They all knew that he had an important job, but their eyes would pop open when I explained that he was the highest ranking officer in the U.S. Army: Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. Honestly, Randy's job title didn't matter to them because, in Alden, IA, he--simply known as Randy George--was doing great work to keep them all safe. Randy represents the very best of Iowa and of our Nation. I would also like to express my thanks to Randy's wife and his West Point classmate Mrs. Patty George. She has served Army families for nearly 40 years and whose energy--endless energy--and dedication were reflected in every single formation that Randy led. The Georges raised two incredible kids Grant and Andrea, and they recently welcomed two grandchildren to their family as well. We wish Randy and his entire family continued success and fulfillment. GEN Randy George's legacy will endure through the thousands and thousands of soldiers that were shaped by his mentorship and example. I know he will continue to serve our Nation. Sir, General George, I am honored to be your Senator. So today, as I hold the floor of the Senate in the heart of the Nation's Capital, on behalf of an extremely grateful nation, I extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to GEN Randy A. George for his extraordinary service, sacrifice, and leadership. Randy and Patty, ``No Task Too Great.'' You have demonstrated this well to all of America. God bless you, and Godspeed. I yield the floor.

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 Sievert's Furniture & Floors of Emmet County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1970, John Raymond ``Doc'' Sievert and his wife Judy opened Sievert's Refrigeration, an appliance store that they ran out of their garage. After years of hard work, the Sieverts grew and expanded the business into a furniture and flooring store, adopting their current namesake Sievert's Furniture & Floors. Through Doc's entrepreneurial tenacity and support from his family, he created a successful business in Estherville that has steadily evolved into a trusted local institution, and his legacy lives on today. In 2015, Doc and Judy's son Jeff became the full owner of Sievert's Furniture & Floors after serving as co-owner for 14 years. Jeff takes pride in running his family business because it allows him to work with his children and grandchildren, just like his parents did. Today, Sievert's Furniture & Floors is occupying its fourth location after moving to a bigger store to meet rising demand for their flooring services. The business offers a wide selection of mattresses, furniture, recliners, sofas, flooring, and decorative home furnishings. A dedicated team of 12 employees provides exemplary customer service, making customers feel like a part of the family. Under Jeff's leadership, the business has continued to grow while maintaining its family-centered approach, ensuring that each generation continues the values that built the company. Sievert's Furniture & Floors is also active in various communities within Emmet County. They are members of the Estherville Chamber of Commerce, consistent donors to local sports teams, the Special Olympics, and Pheasants Forever. Every year, Sievert's sets aside funds for 10 charitable causes. This continued investment in local organizations highlights their commitment not just to their business success, but to giving back to the community that has supported them for decades. It is my honor to recognize the Sievert family and the entire team at Sievert's Furniture & Floors for their outstanding contributions and presence in their community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years to come.

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 Port Neal Welding Company of Woodbury County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1994, Dan Lee created a welding business out of his home, specializing in industrial fabrication of stairs, catwalks, and agricultural products. As Port Neal Welding undertook more regional projects, Lee moved the business into a new facility in 2011. The team also began to create custom artwork and sculptures using their steel products. With a team of 17 employees, including four of Dan's sons, the company takes pride in their high-quality craftsmanship and ability to fix any issue, whether something is bent, broken, or cracked. Dan Lee and Port Neal Welding are active in various community initiatives. Lee currently serves on the Westwood Community School District Board, as well as his church board. The business is a member of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce and played a key part in constructing a replica of the Korean War Memorial at Siouxland Freedom Park. In their charitable endeavors, they support the Woodbury County Sheriff's Office and local fire departments and schools. The business is also involved in charity auctions where they offer fabricated items. Their role as a central figure in the community was reflected in 2023, when multiple candidates for the Republican Presidential nomination visited the business. Their work on various fronts highlights the role of small businesses in American towns, both economically and socially. It is my honor to recognize Dan Lee and the whole team at Port Neal Welding Company for their outstanding contributions and presence in their community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years to come.

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 Zeb's Smokehouse of Taylor County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. After moving back home to Bedford, IA, Zeb Schuelke and his wife Andrea converted a vacant building into a meat processing facility. Zeb's Smokehouse was officially opened just in time for hunting season in 2015. Starting as a dream, the small wild game processing operation soon grew as farmers, hunters, and families across the country relied on a butcher they could trust. Today, Zeb's Smokehouse offers custom meat and wild game processing, retail cuts of locally raised beef and pork, and an exclusive farm to table service. Zeb's brings a refrigerated reefer trailer straight to the farm to harvest the beef or pork. The animal is processed on the property, then taken back to the locker to be finished. By working directly with area farmers and livestock producers, the shop connects customers with food raised close to home and helps keep Iowa's agricultural traditions strong. Over the past decade, Zeb's Smokehouse has expanded its product range and now distributes smoked meats and specialty products through additional retail outlets throughout the country. In 2023 and 2025, Zeb's was the winner of the Best of Southwest Iowa Best Meat Locker Award. I have been delighted to see how this team worked together to serve their community and continue the success of Zeb's Smokehouse. Zeb's Smokehouse is a proud member of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, and Andrea has participated in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in Iowa, a nationally recognized initiative that champions entrepreneurship and small business growth. Beyond serving local farmers and customers, Zeb's processes wild game for hunters and donates venison to help feed families in need. Their commitment to community runs deep: from contributing to charity auctions to raising money for cancer patients and participating in other local initiatives. In communities like Bedford, businesses such as Zeb's Smokehouse do more than process meat; they help neighbors fill their freezers, support local producers, and preserve traditions that have been part of rural life for generations. I am pleased to recognize Zeb and Andrea Schuelke, along with the entire team at Zeb's Smokehouse, for their dedication to Taylor County and beyond. 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 Mill Creek Cafe of Cedar County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 2010 by Jamie Wilhau and Marcia Syring, Mill Creek Cafe is a welcoming, locally owned spot where the Clarence community gathers over quality, home-cooked meals. Over the years, this woman-owned small business has grown into a hub for families, friends, and neighbors, known for its consistency, hospitality, and made-from-scratch dishes. The cafe offers a wide variety of dining options on a rotating 6-week menu, including sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts with daily specials displayed on a restored schoolhouse chalkboard. Out of the many delicious choices, in typical Iowa fashion, the tenderloin is easily the crowd favorite. In addition to their work at Mill Creek Cafe, Jamie and Marcia also run an event management business together at their Highpoint Event Center venue that includes catering services and on-site overnight accommodation. They are actively engaged members of Clarence Main Street and the Cedar County Economic Development Group, where they support local economic growth and strengthen the small business community by hosting fundraising meals that benefit local businesses and schools. Through this involvement, they continue to invest in the long-term vitality of Main Street while preserving the character of their community by hosting fundraising meals that benefit local businesses and schools. Mill Creek Cafe has earned statewide recognition, representing Cedar County on a list of 99 Must Try Iowa Restaurants, as well as the Warren Coleman Honorary Award from the Stanwood Lions Club for their exceptional catering services. Beyond accolades for their dining service, Jamie and Marcia also received the Friends of Iowa Renovation Award for their event venue. Run solely by Jamie and Marica from the beginning, their business supports the home-style dining needs of Iowans while contributing to the vibrancy of Clarence and the broader Cedar County area. Mill Creek Cafe exemplifies the spirit of American entrepreneurship through its commitment to service and community. I am pleased to recognize Jamie Wilhau and Marcia Syring from Mill Street Cafe for their dedication to Cedar County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Ms. ERNST

Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, for 41 days, Democrats have kept the Department of Homeland Security shut down--41 days. This is on top of Chuck Schumer's 43-day shutdown last fall. Thanks to Senate Democrats, right now, 50,000 TSA agents have been working without pay since February 14. No wonder they are quitting: So far, 480 and counting. Democrats walked out on TSA. Because of them, it hasn't been a surprise that TSA agents have walked out of their jobs. An agent in Indiana hasn't seen a full paycheck since Valentine's Day. She is now doing her grocery shopping at a food pantry. One married couple who both work as TSA agents at the Orlando International Airport have two young children. When faced with no income coming in, the husband started working as a DoorDash driver in his spare time and is considering resigning from TSA. These are just a few of the hard-working folks whom this shutdown is hurting. My Democrat colleagues seem to forget that bills are due and expenses must be paid each month, regardless of the political games they want to play with government funding, all because Democrats wanted to create chaos under President Trump. It is sad, folks. They hate this President more than they love America and the men and women who protect our homeland. It is clear Democrat priorities have been all wrong. My Democrat colleague Chris Murphy said the quiet part out loud the other day. He said: [T]he people we care about most--the undocumented . . . Folks, the people every elected Representative should care the most for should be their constituents--the American people. But that sums up Democrats' DHS shutdown. They would rather make a political point than to do their jobs. While we have been waiting on them to come to their senses, Democrats have created the longest wait times in TSA history and have also caused 660 canceled flights. So, if you have been stuck standing in line at the airport for a few extra hours, call Chuck Schumer. We have literally been waiting on him to pass this bill. Angry? tired? frustrated because of delays? Call Chuck Schumer. Missed a flight? Call Chuck Schumer. And if you missed a paycheck because of Democrats' shutdown--right here, folks--call Chuck Schumer because Republicans presented him with compromises to make sure folks get paid and we can keep Americans safe, but he has been like Lucy with Charlie Brown's football. Democrats have claimed they just want a few reforms, but when a deal is right in front of them, Schumer moves the ball. Well, not today, Charlie. Look, folks. We need to get this done not only because it is the right thing to do for hard-working Americans who have earned their paychecks but because safety and security are on the line. After Democrats shut down DHS, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, an American company faced a cyber attack from Iran. Meanwhile, teens brought explosives to a New York City protest--Schumer's home State--and were charged with attempting to provide materiel support to ISIS. If that isn't a wake-up call, I don't know what is. But while Schumer has his own bodyguards and Members of Congress have funding for personal security, Democrats are leaving our homeland and our communities vulnerable. Enough of the Washington double standards. Republicans have stood ready and willing to fund DHS. We have voted for it--Republicans have voted for it--11 times. Meanwhile, Democrats have voted down our efforts every single time. While our Democrat colleagues have refused to join us to end unnecessary pain for thousands of Americans, President Trump is pushing through the politics and is paying our TSA agents, bringing wait times down, and keeping our citizens safe. Now Democrats must join us in doing their jobs and actually fund the rest of DHS to fully protect our homeland. There is no time to delay. I suggest the absence of a quorum.