Cory Gardner

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, I rise for the swift passage of bipartisan legislation I am leading with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand known as the Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. I will never forget the images of the brave men and women running into danger to save lives during the September 11 terrorist attacks. I never had the privilege or honor of going to New York City prior to September 11, 2001, but I will never forget my first visit after September 11, 2001, going to Ground Zero, watching the firetrucks, with their flag, heading to Ground Zero to continue to work, and now that has become absolutely emblazoned in the minds of the people of this country. The work they did wasn't just for those in Manhattan who suffered incredible loss but the work they carried forth for our country--they became symbols of our security, symbols of our freedoms, symbols of our country's willingness, effort, and tenacity to fight back. This legislation would ensure that all 9/11 first responders and survivors who have been injured by the toxins at Ground Zero would receive their full compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund now and into the future as more and more become ill with 9/11-related cancers. When I visited Ground Zero, I will never forget that smell--a burning, acrid odor. These men and women didn't just visit it once but time and again to carry out the cleanup of Ground Zero. Unfortunately, thousands of first responders and survivors, including many who reside in my home State of Colorado, now suffer from illnesses and diseases from the toxins they inhaled day after day during the recovery efforts at Ground Zero. It is unacceptable for this Congress to fail these heroes and their families. It is unacceptable to fail the families and heroes of September 11. There is no time to waste as Congress debates this issue. More and more people are becoming ill, more and more people are suffering. Today people such as Lou Alvarez came to Washington, DC, postponing a chemotherapy treatment to advocate for his fellow heroes. The fund expires at the end of this year if we do not act. These men and women have already been forced to reduce their compensation. We have seen a reduction of their compensation for 9/11 first responders due to the impending insolvency. Jon Stewart, a longtime advocate for the 9/11 responders, testified today before the House Judiciary Committee, expressing the urgency of making sure these first responders receive the care they deserve. He testified before members of the committee in the House about the need to act now because time is of the essence. He said that these men and women ``responded in 5 seconds. They did their jobs, with courage, grace, tenacity, humility . . . 18 years later'' it is time for Congress to do its job. That is what I hope my colleagues will do--our job. Pass this important bipartisan legislation, recognizing the service and the sacrifice of these great heroes of 9/11. Tomorrow the House companion legislation will be marked up in the Judiciary Committee. Congress must do the right thing. The Senate must do our job, and it must act on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to join this legislation to cosponsor the bill, to support this effort, and to support the effort in the House and Senate to swiftly pass this legislation to ensure these heroes receive the care they need and deserve. We didn't know what was going to happen on September 11, but for the thousands of people involved at Ground Zero, we know what will happen if Congress fails to act. It is unacceptable. That is why I urge my colleagues to pass this important legislation, to do the right thing and stand up for their fellow heroes who served our country so well. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, 75 years ago tomorrow, June 5, 1944, General Dwight D. Eisenhower gave a speech to U.S. soldiers the day before the invasion of Normandy. In that speech, he said this: Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. He ended his comments by saying: I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking. It was an undertaking not just remarkable for its logistical effort and massive supply planning but for what it meant to humanity: a mobilization in the name of freedom to stand against evil and a massive undertaking uncertain of outcome to fight oppression for a free world. I hope every American will take some time this week to reflect on that massive undertaking 75 years ago that ultimately led to the liberation of Europe, the destruction of Adolf Hitler, and the end of World War II and to reflect on the sacrifice and courage, the selfless acts of bravery, and the stories of families who never saw a loved one return. The decision to move forward with the invasion was reached in late 1943. By May of 1944, nearly 3 million Allied troops were amassed in southern England. Gathered along with the millions of soldiers was the largest armada in world history, with over 4,000 ships from Canada, the United States, and Great Britain. There were 11,000 airplanes that participated in the invasion, pounding the shores and Nazi positions, and delivering supplies and thousands of troops up and down the coast of France. The assault began shortly after midnight on June 6, 1944, with Allied bombers attacking targets along the coast and inland. More than 24,000 American, British, and Canadian airborne assault troops and 1,200 aircraft followed the air bombardment. At 1:30 a.m., the 101st Airborne Division began landing behind Utah Beach, and the 82nd Airborne Division began landing at 2:30 a.m. The second phase on the coast began at 5:30 a.m. when six Allied divisions and numerous small units began landing on five beaches. In total, the Allies landed more than 160,000 troops at Normandy--73,000 American, along with 83,115 British and Canadian forces--on Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches. By the end of the first day, Allied casualties were estimated at 10,000 killed, wounded, and missing in action: 6,603 Americans, 2,700 British, and 946 Canadians. From D-Day through August 21, the Allies landed more than 2 million men in northern France and suffered more than 226,000 casualties, with nearly 73,000 killed or missing. They paid the ultimate price to save the world from tyranny, and their average age was 26 years old. Etched in the pavement of the U.S. Armed Forces Memorial Garden in Normandy, France, are the words: ``From the heart of our land flows the blood of our youth, given to you in the name of freedom.'' Let us never forget the sacrifice of the greatest treasure this Nation has and what these men and women did for a free world and free people. I yield the floor.

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, Kendrick Castillo was an 18-year-old senior set to graduate high school at the end of the week when his life was tragically cut short. On Tuesday, May 7, Kendrick Castillo sat in his British literature class, just like any other day in school, when two schoolmates burst into a classroom at the STEM school in Highlands Ranch and opened fire. When faced with the unthinkable, Kendrick acted out of pure heroism as he put his classmates' lives before his own and charged the shooters. A classmate of Kendrick's described his heroism by telling NBC News about his actions, ``giving all of us enough time to get underneath our desks, to get ourselves safe, and to run across the room to escape.'' Brendan Bialy, a classmate who charged the assailants with Kendrick, told ABC News: Kendrick Castillo died a legend. He died a trooper. I know he will be with me for the rest of my life. John Castillo reflected on his son's actions by saying: He did what he had to do, and I knew that was my son's nature. That was who he was. Kendrick Castillo displayed courage well beyond his years. He was a member of the robotics club and wanted to study electrical engineering in college and loved spending his free time fishing and camping. Today, Colorado mourns the loss of a hero as we say good-bye to Kendrick Castillo. As his friends, family, and community all gather at Highlands Ranch for a final farewell, we must pledge to never forget this young man. Kendrick Castillo lost his life saving his fellow classmates. The students of the STEM school in Highlands Ranch experienced an absolute tragedy and showed fearlessness well beyond their years as they took charge in the face of danger. Now is the time to come together in tragedy to rise above it and remind every single student at that school that we love them, we are with them, and we will never forget them. I also want to take a moment to honor the first responders who, once again, displayed true bravery in their response to this tragedy. The deputies of the Douglas County Police Department, South Metro Fire Rescue, and all of the neighboring first responders on the scene acted quickly to help stabilize the situation and lead the students and faculty to safety. This week is National Police Week, a fitting time to reflect on those who protect our sons and daughters every day. National Police Week Mr. President, in Washington, DC, this week, we are celebrating National Police Week, a time we take each year to thank law enforcement for protecting our communities and to remember the cost of providing this comfort. Today, thousands of officers and their families will gather on the west front lawn of the Capitol to participate in the 38th Annual Peace Officers' Memorial Service, an event to honor all of those we have lost in the line of duty. I hope the camaraderie and support they have experienced during the ceremony and throughout the week will bring a bit of comfort to law enforcement and our law enforcement community. I also hope it demonstrates the tremendous gratitude that we all have for these sacrifices. Police Week also serves to show the law enforcement community that the lawmakers in Washington have their back. We will continue to help departments all over the country afford lifesaving equipment, like bulletproof vests to help as many officers as possible return home safely every day. In fact, just this week, the Senate is working on legislation to make sure we are providing lifesaving equipment through the Bulletproof Vest Grant Program. We are also working on legislation this week that will help address mental health needs, not just for law enforcement officers themselves but for their families, as well, because we know the pressure and strain that this duty can create and put upon the family. I know my colleagues in the Senate will join me in thanking the many officers who have joined us in Washington this week. Their bravery and courage allow all of us to enjoy the safety and security we so often take for granted. It should not take a tragedy for any of us to reach out to a police officer, EMS, or a firefighter, to thank them for their work, and to let them know their bravery does not go unnoticed. Yesterday I had the honor of joining the Colorado memorial ceremony at the fallen officers' memorial. There have been 320 Coloradans over the years who have been added to the fallen officers' memorial. That is 320 too many. Four were added this week: Adams County deputy Heath Gumm, El Paso County deputy Micah Flick, Las Animas County sergeant Matthew Moreno, and Littleton police officer Kevin Denner. One of the most poignant moments at the ceremony yesterday was the comment made by a police officer who spoke to a widow of a fallen officer, who said: Support for the law enforcement community is needed long after the bagpipes have played. I think that is what we have to do as colleagues together. While the pomp and ceremony memorials end, it is after the bagpipes have finished that we must continue to stand with the men and women on that blue line of service to our communities. Thank you. I yield the floor.

Mr. GARDNER

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

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I have a request for one committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committee is authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at 6 p.m., to conduct a hearing on pending military nominations.

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Thursday, May 16; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Vitter nomination.

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. If there is no business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, today I come to the floor to celebrate the life and career of Bruce Davey Benson or, as so many people know, Bruce D. Benson or, to all of us, just Bruce. I first met Bruce Benson in 1994. Now, he will not remember this at all, but I remember that I was a young college student at Colorado State University. We were in the parking lot before a game. I had the incredible honor of being one of the chosen ones to take the ram, our mascot, around the football team at the football game before sporting events throughout Colorado State University. I remember, in 1994, when the campaign for Governor began, Bruce Benson threw his hat in the ring to run against Roy Romer. He was working the crowd at this Colorado State football game, and he came up to those of us who were the ram handlers that were with the mascot, shook our hands, and introduced himself. So from that moment, the first chance I got to meet Bruce Benson in 1994, I knew it was going to be an incredible opportunity and relationship that would lead into years of public service for myself because of how incredible his public service had been to the State of Colorado and the legacy he built. This July, Bruce will be retiring as the president of the University of Colorado system, which currently oversees four campuses in Colorado: the University of Colorado Denver, CU Colorado Springs, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and the CU Boulder campus--the campus where I earned my law degree. He has a long history of bettering the lives of Coloradoans. Prior to his appointment as president of the University of Colorado, Bruce established himself in business, philanthropy, politics, and education. Bruce graduated from the University of Colorado in 1964 with a bachelor of arts in geology and founded the Benson Mineral Group. This is a great story of somebody pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps--taking the education he was able to earn himself and using it to build an incredible life of opportunity for his family and the people of Colorado. What started out as a $6,000 drilling rig on the back of his truck turned into a hugely successful operation, with a reach extending into banking, real estate, and even cable television. Bruce prioritized his community and the education of others within it. Over the next 20 years, he would serve on the Colorado Commission of Higher Education, the board of trustees for the Metro State College of Denver, P-20 Education Coordinating Council, and the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel for Higher Education for the 21st Century, all of which he chaired at one point. He was involved in Colorado politics, serving as the chair for the Colorado Republican Party, helping to identify candidates and being an instrumental part in candidates' campaigns over many decades. Bruce was appointed to the board of directors for the National Park Foundation and served on the National Endowment for the Humanities--a position that required his confirmation right here in front of the U.S. Senate. I remember the work he did on education issues--lobbying other Senators, fighting for Colorado dollars, fighting for policies that would help better Children's Hospital in Colorado, and fighting for more funding for children's healthcare. After nearly 45 years in business in Colorado, Bruce was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame in 2009. There is a saying about President Franklin Roosevelt, FDR. One time when somebody was asked if they knew President Roosevelt, they said no, but they felt President Roosevelt knew them. I think that saying can be applied to Bruce Benson because even if you didn't know him or don't know him in Colorado, odds are, if you are a Coloradan, he has had a positive impact on your life. He welcomed diversity in the classroom, not only in background but also in thought. He never wanted the university to teach people what to think; he wanted the university to teach them how to think. Bruce learned long ago that he didn't know everything, but if you surround yourself with the best, the rest will follow. A lot has changed over the last 10 years of his leadership, and so has the university and the State we both call home. We don't know where we would be today without Bruce's fierce work ethic and drive to educate those around him, but we know the future wouldn't be nearly as bright. For all this and so much more, we owe him a great many thanks. To President Benson, thank you for your service to our great State of Colorado, and thank you for your friendship. I yield the floor.

Mr. GARDNER. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I appreciate the words my colleague from Ohio has started with and shared and the work done by this Chamber not only to cut taxes and grow our economy for businesses and entrepreneurs around the country but for individuals, small towns, and families. I live in a town of about 3,000 people. It is a little, tiny town. Growing up, we had two stoplights, and thanks to some of the oil and gas development that took place around our town several years back, we now have a third stoplight. It is big time now. The reason it is, is because we allowed innovation to flourish. We allowed technology to develop new ways to develop our energy resources, but while the policies in the field and in commerce have advanced, sometimes the policies in this place have grown stale. That is why I was excited to support the tax cuts of last Congress that have energized our economy, that have created new opportunity for American workers and families, and that have led to billions of dollars being brought back into the United States from overseas. Of course, one of the provisions many of my colleagues have talked about today is the Opportunity Zones Program that was established in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. When we were getting the Opportunity Zones Program up and running, as a cosponsor of that legislation, my office heard complaints that there might not be enough money for the investments that would be utilized within these opportunity zones. In fact, we heard from people who were saying that no one would be interested in starting a business in struggling American communities. Other critics complained it would be too tempting to pick only census tracts that were already well-positioned for growth. What I am hearing and seeing in Colorado have proven both of those criticisms wrong. Clarity is the compass to navigating any new venture. Treasury has been actively working to make sure its regulations best position the Opportunity Zones Program for success. Real estate investments have experienced early success with this program; however, we need more than just real estate investments to make all of America and all of Colorado prosperous. Operational businesses and other entities will support the long-term successes of these communities as well--not just real estate, the operational side. With its second round of regulations recently released, operating businesses received much awaited, positive news from the Treasury. Industries like clean energy, new breweries, or other capital-heavy businesses received the clarification they need for opportunity zones to succeed. These critical tax provisions--those for accelerated depreciation--will encourage money to come off the sidelines and will translate into large investments in our communities. While we are still in the infancy of the Opportunity Zones Program, Colorado already has roughly 40 projects in the works. The Office of Economic Development and International Trade, which is the office tasked with implementing opportunity zones in Colorado, has been working alongside local and State entities to maximize its programs for Coloradans. It is in an effort to ensure that the 126 opportunity zones--of which about 60 percent are in rural areas--are successful. I am going to make sure we continue to fight to leave no part of Colorado behind, and the Investing in Opportunity Act will promote growth in all four corners of our great State. That little tiny town that I talked about is going to benefit from the opportunity zones that take place. Whether it is a new manufacturing plant, a pizza shop, or a movie theater, investments like these will make a world of difference to small communities. It is the difference between people staying in the town they love versus being forced to leave and find a different job. Let me give an example. There is a jewelry store in Wray, CO, Amos Jewelry. It is on the main street of this little town. My guess is that when this jewelry store leaves, if there is nobody to take over the business, maybe that will be just one more empty storefront in that town. Nobody will come in to take it over. There is no Zales or Kay Jewelers that is going to come in and replace this smalltown jewelry store. But through an opportunity zone and the chances we are giving people to invest in rural areas and underinvested areas, maybe there can be new life breathed into these small communities--that business, that jewelry store and others like it--to make sure that we don't lose businesses and to make sure that we grow active businesses and that we start new businesses as well. It is the difference between having access to services on our local Main Street--like that jewelry store; like fixing a watch--and being forced to travel to the next town over and taking the dollars out of that town and bringing them to a different city. It is the difference between going out at all and staying home. A boarded-up storefront tells people to go somewhere else; it is not a ``Welcome Home'' sign. When those boards are taken down, the town comes back to life--new spirit, new opportunity. Opportunity zones have the potential to take those boards down and to revive our Main Streets. Whether it is small towns, big cities, or midsized economies and communities, the zone shares one common trait: They are communities across America that have been left behind. These opportunity zones can unlock investment, rebuild infrastructure, and rebuild hope for so many struggling families who no longer feel they have the ability to climb America's economic ladder--those opportunities that were in reach for America's previous generations. Looking ahead, it will be important to ensure that these real estate and commercial developments are benefiting community members. We know that with new businesses comes new job opportunities, which in turn provide investments in struggling education systems and housing markets. It is a tide that lifts all ships. In the end, these investments are aimed to help all families who are working to pay rent, to become homeowners, and to pay down a mortgage. We need to work together across the aisle to ensure that we develop a pipeline for the next generation of workers to enter these new job markets, because each and every person in Colorado and everyone across our great Nation should have access to the American dream. I was pleased that not too long ago, at a White House conference hosted over at the White House, the mayor of Silt, CO, was able to join in the discussion at the Opportunity Zones Conference. Mayor Keith Richel and other officials from Colorado met in Washington, DC, to discuss opportunities, and I am very pleased they were able to do this. I hope my colleagues, instead of fighting to repeal the tax law, which included opportunity zones, will instead embrace the opportunity to invest, to grow, and to create more prosperous communities. I yield the floor.

Mr. GARDNER

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

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, it is an exciting day for Colorado. I have known David Bernhardt, our nominee for Secretary of the Interior-- and the seventh Secretary of the Interior from Colorado should he be confirmed today--personally and professionally for over two decades. His roots are deep on both sides of Colorado--in the High Plains and on the Western Slope. We share a lot of common interests in rural development and in saving our small towns. My experience stems from growing up in the agricultural community of Yuma, CO, in the Eastern Plains, and Mr. Bernhardt's formative years were spent on the Western Slope of Colorado--an area that is a microcosm of all of the things that we cherish about our great public lands. We both began our public service only 1 year apart when we worked for Colorado State Representative Russell George, who would later go on to become speaker of the Colorado House. That is when I first met David. Mr. Bernhardt worked with Jaime, my wife, at the Department of the Interior during the George W. Bush administration under another Colorado Secretary of the Interior. His personal background and public and private sector professional experiences prove he is a strong voice for the West and is extremely well-qualified for the nomination to be the Secretary. In fact, there are few others who have the kind of experience that he has that enables him to be qualified to be Secretary. Which Secretary of the Interior has had more experience than David Bernhardt or has been more qualified to become the Secretary of the Interior? He has extensive insight on Western water policy, natural resources policy, and on Indian affairs, just to name a few. Those who have worked with Mr. Bernhardt commend him for his integrity and wealth of knowledge on the issues under the Department of the Interior's jurisdiction. In 2008, after the Department of the Interior reached the largest Indian water rights settlement in our Nation's history, Secretary Kempthorne personally acknowledged Mr. Bernhardt's work as then-Solicitor and stated: ``His effective coordination--both within Interior as well as with the local, tribal, state and congressional leaders--was essential to the success we celebrate today.'' More recently, he worked to accommodate many Western States' requests for more flexibility under the Greater Sage-Grouse RMP Amendment. John Swartout, who as a senior policy adviser ran point on this issue for Colorado's Democratic Governor John Hickenlooper, had this to say in December 2018 once that process was completed: David Bernhardt is an honest man who puts all his cards on the table and keeps his word. I have worked with DOI for 25 years, and David is one of the finest people I have ever worked with. That didn't come from a partisan Republican or a partisan Democrat; that came from a person in the Democratic Governor's office who worked with him on natural resource issues. Dale Hall, the CEO of Ducks Unlimited, which is hardly a partisan Republican or Democratic organization but is an organization that does more real conservation work on the ground than most of the groups that have the word ``conservation'' in their names, had this to say when Mr. Bernhardt's nomination for Secretary was announced: I have known and worked with David Bernhardt for more than a decade, and we are excited to continue to work with him as the new Secretary of the Interior. His integrity in following the law is beyond reproach. David Bernhardt is a champion of conservation and the right person for the job. We urge the Senate to swiftly confirm him. Colleagues of his from his time spent working for Representative Scott McInnis, who represented Mr. Bernhardt's hometown in Colorado, swore he worked 40 hours a day, 8 days a week. Notably, during Mr. Bernhardt's tenure in his office, Representative McInnis was the House author of the bill that led to the designation of the Great Sand Dunes as being a national park. Having now worked at very senior levels in the Department of the Interior over the course of many years, there is zero question Mr. Bernhardt is qualified to do this job. Along with Mr. Bernhardt's professional career, I believe it is important to fully understand his background and the foundation of his interest in public lands, which further qualifies him for this role. Mr. Bernhardt is originally from the outskirts of the small town of Rifle, located on Colorado's Western Slope. Few places more fully embody the spirit and mission of the Agency he has been nominated to lead as Secretary with that understanding of this public land. Growing up in rural Colorado has instilled in him Western values and interests, and to this day, Mr. Bernhardt enjoys hunting, recreation, the outdoors, and fishing. Rifle is located in Garfield County, an area in which about 60 percent of the lands are public lands. Rifle was founded as a ranching community along the Colorado River, and it retains that heritage today, along with tremendous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, hiking, skiing, rafting, and rock climbing. It also sits at the edge of the Piceance Basin, an area in Colorado that has vast amounts of natural gas. Mr. Bernhardt grew up in the oil shale boom and bust and has said that the boom and bust ``has made [him] more sensitive to the potential benefits and the potential impacts, both environmental and social'' of energy development. In the 1980s, Rifle was hit by the State's oil shale crash, and he personally experienced some of the hard times that the Nation's rural communities often face in those boom and bust moments. Much like the Department of the Interior itself, Rifle is a community that is a product of its public lands and Western heritage. It is centrally located within a few miles of the iconic Grand Mesa--the world's largest flat-topped mountain--the Flat Tops Wilderness, and the Roan Plateau. It represents a home base among these public lands with there being virtually unmatched access to world-class outdoor experiences, which is why Mr. Bernhardt has such a passion for these issues. His previous experience at the Department of the Interior allowed him to fix a problem for Colorado that I was told for 8 years, under the Obama administration, was simply not fixable. As a result, in 2018, revenue that had been sitting in an account in the Federal Government for over a decade that had been owed to three counties in Colorado were distributed back to these Colorado counties and to the taxpayers who had been owed this money. How did this get solved after a decade of saying it could not be solved? It is because David Bernhardt believes you don't just push the problems that are on your front porch onto somebody else's; you find a solution and you fix it. Prior to his current position, his previous experience includes being tapped to be the Solicitor of the Department of the Interior. In 2006, by voice vote in the U.S. Senate, Mr. Bernhardt was confirmed to be Solicitor. In the last Congress, he earned bipartisan support during his confirmation process to be Deputy Secretary. His integrity and ability are assets that should bolster the case for his nomination, not detract from it. Yet, over the course of the last couple of months, the Washington, DC, political smear machine has been working overtime to sully a good man's name. None of what we have seen or heard in the pages of the New York Times and in other places has been new information. I guess the hope is that we will take it more seriously because this time around, the New York Times is the one writing about it. Mr. Bernhardt has undergone two separate and extensive FBI reviews for both his nomination to be Deputy Secretary and his nomination to be Secretary. These reviews occurred after the allegations were first raised, and he was cleared for both positions, which is probably something people didn't read in the New York Times. In understanding that these claims had been reviewed previously to the Senate's committee's satisfaction, Mr. Bernhardt's nomination was reported out last week by a bipartisan vote of 14 to 6. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record Chairman Murkowski's and Ranking Member Manchin's committee statements.

Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, let's talk about that story and ethics for a second. Mr. Bernhardt has spent more than 15 years of a 25-year career in public service, and most of that time has been spent at the Department of the Interior. While in his private law practice, he never lobbied the Department of the Interior--not once. During his time as Deputy Secretary, he has focused on the fundamental transformation of the Department and Bureau-level ethics programs to ingrain a culture of ethical compliance and reduce workplace misconduct. The reality is that the ethics program throughout the Department of the Interior had been, sadly, neglected by the previous administration. The Office of Inspector General and the Departmental Ethics Office had recommended significant resource changes that had fallen on deaf ears under the previous administration. Under Mr. Bernhardt's direction, the Department has hired a total of 42 career professional ethics advisers. By the end of fiscal year 2019, they will have doubled the number of career ethics officials that the previous administration had hired in its entire 8 years. The record shows that he has actively sought and consulted with the Department's designated Agency ethics officials regarding compliance with his ethics obligations recusals. In addition, he has installed a robust screening process to ensure that he does not meet with or engage in particular matters benefiting the former clients from which he is recused. Every proposed meeting is reviewed by career professionals to ensure compliance with not only his ethics agreement but ethics laws and to make sure his ethics pledge to the President is upheld. His work in natural resources law prior to joining the administration and related ethics agreements are very similar in scope and substance to the private work and ethics agreements of senior Interior officials who came before him in previous administrations. Let me say that again. The same kinds of ethics agreements and obligations that basically he is doing are what previous administrations did as well. I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record a letter from the Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official dated March 25, 2019.

Mr. GARDNER. This letter is in response to a letter from Senators Warren and Blumenthal and states that the Ethics Office has found that Mr. Bernhardt's actions as Deputy Secretary and Acting Secretary ``have complied with all applicable ethics laws, rules, and other obligations, including the requirements of President Trump's executive order 13770, entitled `Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Appointees.' '' This letter from the career head of the Department of Interior ethics professionals who served at the White House during the previous administration goes on to say: My experience has been that the Acting Secretary is very diligent about his ethics obligations and he has made ethics compliance and the creation of an ethical culture a top priority at the Department. That wasn't in the New York Times, either, but I think it should be. This is not about Mr. Bernhardt's ethics or his integrity or his qualifications; it is about the fact that he has been and will be effective at implementing an agenda that the other side doesn't agree with because they know he will be effective in protecting our great outdoors and our public lands. I am thankful there are qualified people out there like Mr. Bernhardt and his family who are still willing to wade through the muck and serve the people of the United States, knowing that they will be called a liar in front of their children at a U.S. Senate committee hearing despite letters from top officers in charge of our ethics laws at the Department of Interior saying otherwise. I am thankful for David, and I look forward to working with him and his team at the Department of the Interior. I hope my colleagues will see through the partisan rancor, see through the lens of blue or red, of party politics, and confirm a man who--if you go back to Colorado and talk to people like Russell George, you will learn that he has the greatest respect not only for our public lands but for the people of Colorado, and for that, I am grateful for him and my colleagues who will confirm him today. I yield the floor.

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, I rise today to honor an officer of the Colorado State Patrol who was killed in the line of duty on March 13. As other Members of this Chamber know, many parts of the country were hit hard by a bomb cyclone storm system last month. Again today, we are going through another spring storm. That storm caused flooding in much of the Midwest, as we have seen across the national news, and extremely hazardous road conditions in my State, which led to thousands of stranded drivers. State Patrol Corporal Daniel Howard Groves, like many first responders that day, was attempting to aid a driver in the Eastern Plains of Colorado on I-76 who had slid off the road, and he was struck by a passing vehicle. Corporal Groves was 52 years old. He leaves behind a large and loving family, including his parents, his partner Eddie, his four siblings, and many more. We know that his family will continue to honor his sacrifice and ensure that his legacy lives on. Corporal Groves joined the Colorado State Patrol in 2007 after leaving a career in the technology services industry in Chicago. His family and friends remember him as a man with a tremendous capacity to love and care for others. He was a man of humor who wasn't afraid to crack a joke just to make people smile. According to a fellow officer, he once arrived at training wearing pajamas instead of the required police sweats. At a memorial service honoring his life, a longtime friend spoke about the encouragement and advice that Dan was known for. He always encouraged others to follow their dreams, no matter how big. He often spoke of the importance of family and friendship and the need to make time to enjoy life with others. His fellow officers remembered him as a man who was drawn to service because of his desire to help, someone who always knew the risks inherent in the job but never let that deter him from doing what needed to be done. One colleague who spoke at the memorial remembered Corporal Groves as someone who frequently asked, where do you need me to be? He always wanted to be in the spot where he could be most effective, no matter the danger involved. Even on the morning of March 13, as the weather was taking a turn for the worse, Corporal Groves knew there were drivers on the road who needed his help, and, as many law enforcement officers did that day, he bravely ventured out to offer assistance. This quality makes for a great law enforcement officer but is sadly the quality that we most often take for granted. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Dan and to all first responders who are willing to put their lives on the line to assist those in times of need and a debt of gratitude to their families as well. I know my colleagues in the Senate will join me in offering our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Corporal Groves and all those who defend that thin blue line. As I have done too many times in this Chamber, I remember the words of LTC Dave Grossman, who said: ``American law enforcement is the loyal and brave sheep dog, always standing watch for the wolf that lurks in the dark.'' I drive by the spot where Corporal Groves was killed at least two or three times a week, and he will always be in my prayers, along with his family, for his sacrifice. It is my hope that the thoughts and prayers that we offer to those who wear the blue uniform will bring them comfort as they carry out their solemn duties. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I have two unanimous consent requests. I ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum call be waived.

Mr. GARDNER. And I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to complete my remarks before the vote.

Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I come to the floor to speak in support of Dan Domenico, the district judge we will be voting on shortly. I strongly support Dan Domenico for the district court position in the District of Colorado. Dan has impeccable academic and legal credentials. A native Coloradan, he is well known and well respected throughout the entire Colorado legal community. These characteristics make him very well suited to be on the bench. A native of Boulder, CO, Dan received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and his juris doctorate from the University of Virginia--it has been a good week for the University of Virginia: a new Federal judge and a national championship--where he graduated order of the coif and was the editor of the law review. After law school, Dan joined the respected firm of Hogan & Hartson and then clerked for Judge Tim Tymkovich, who is now the chief judge on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Following his clerkship, Dan continued his public service as a Special Assistant to the Solicitor in the U.S. Department of the Interior. There, he advised the Secretary and the Department on matters related to national parks, fish and wildlife, Bureau of Land Management issues, and Indian affairs. These are all areas that matter a great deal to Colorado and the West. Dan was then appointed to be the solicitor general for the State of Colorado. While he was the youngest person tapped for the position, he then became the longest serving solicitor general in our State's history, holding the position for 9 years. As solicitor general, Dan represented the State in both State and Federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He oversaw all major litigation for the State, and he provided legal advice to the Governor and State agencies. Dan is currently the founding and managing partner at the Kittredge LLC, where he represents clients in high-stakes, complex litigation and appeals. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Denver's College of Law, where he teaches courses in natural resources law and constitutional law. As impressive as this background is, it is also an insight into the type of judge Dan would be. I am particularly struck by Dan's service as the Colorado solicitor general. While the Democratic leader may object to Dan Domenico, two Democratic Governors in Colorado did not. In fact, they kept his service. In fact, Dan served as solicitor general for the State of Colorado during one Republican Governor and two Democratic Governors. He served, regardless of party, with competence and zeal. That is what the Colorado legal community would tell anyone who wishes to listen. His approach to the legal issues he confronted was the same regardless of the party in power. He looked to the law. And that is what we expect in every judge. That is what Colorado wants. That is what our country needs. We need experienced practitioners who are respected by their peers and who will faithfully apply the law regardless of politics or place in life. That is what I believe Dan will do, and that is why I enthusiastically support his nomination and hope my colleagues will follow suit as well. I yield the floor. Cloture Motion

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Yes, the statements Senator Cortez Masto and Senator McSally have made regarding the existing environmental compliance documents and actions contemplated in the DCP agreements and the Secretary's expected immediate implementation of those agreements once acted upon by the basin states are consistent with my understanding. This legislation is an important steppingstone to helping assure the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River. It enables the seven Colorado River Basin States to take advantage of flexible water management tools they have created under the Upper and Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plans to address variable water supply conditions in the face of an almost two-decades-long drought that has no end in sight. The Upper Basin Drought Contingency Plan involves planning for how to move water from the Initial Units of the Colorado River Storage Project Act, otherwise known as the CRSP Initial Units, to protect critical elevations at Lake Powell and subsequently recover storage at the Units. It also provides a mechanism for the upper basin to conserve water to help assure continued compliance with the Colorado River Compact which will improve the resiliency of the entire Colorado River System. In the Upper Basin DCP, the ``applicable Colorado River System reservoirs'' include and are limited to the Initial Units of the Colorado River Storage Project Act, which include the Glen Canyon, Flaming Gorge, Aspinall, and Navajo facilities. This legislation enables the goals of the DCP to be met by authorizing the storage and release of water in CRSP initial units, without charge, for a demand management plan approved by the Upper Division states and the Upper Colorado River Commission. This water will be delivered into such storage pursuant to the law of, and at the direction and control of, the State from which the water is delivered, subject to approval of the Upper Colorado River Commission. Development of the Demand Management Plan, which will include water accounting mechanisms and other operational factors, will require hard work by all four upper basin States, but once completed will be a critical tool for these states to improve their water security. I ask Senator Bennet, who has been involved throughout the development of this bill, does he agree with my characterization?

Mr. GARDNER

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

Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to complete the full duration of my remarks.

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize a great citizen of the State of Colorado and a dear friend of mine, Sam Mamet. Sam is retiring at the end of March after 40 years of working with the Colorado Municipal League. CML is an organization that is dedicated to representing the best interests of cities and towns throughout the State of Colorado. In 1979, shortly after receiving a master's in public administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Sam began his tenure at CML. For 26 years, he worked diligently to make sure that local communities had the proper tools to better serve themselves. In 2005 he was appointed executive director of the organization. From this unique position, Sam was at the forefront of developing the organization's policies and executing vital programs with the overarching purpose of helping those who oversee communities become more effective leaders. It is clear to the people of Colorado that Sam has excelled in this position from day one. It is unlikely you will find someone in Colorado government or politics who doesn't know Sam or hasn't worked with Sam, and there is no shortage of recognition for the incredible work he has done. If you need proof, you can look through the abundance of awards he has received, including a lifetime achievement award from the Colorado City & County Management Association earlier this year. It is also not surprising that Sam has his own day, Sam Mamet Day, on February 4, which was dedicated by the city of Greenwood Village as a thank-you for his years of sincere dedication to them. These are just a few of the many examples of appreciation that showcase the passion and zeal Sam has for the cities and communities across our great State. I can't stress enough how Colorado communities have benefited and how the State of Colorado has benefited from the work of Sam Mamet. His years of persistence and dedication in his work have had a tremendous and monumental impact. His work transcends beyond partisanship, and I think that is the most important thing to talk about. When you see Sam Mamet, you don't think of left or right or red or blue. You see nonpartisanship in the work he does. He cautions leaders to avoid demeaning an issue or individual on the other side, something so important in today's political environment, and to focus more on cultivating policies that will simply benefit each and every community based on the specific needs and requirements of the people. We need more leaders like Sam. Sam has long believed public service is the highest calling. He recognizes the gravity the position holds and why it is so important that public servants are given the tools necessary to better the streets and neighborhoods and communities they belong to. This is what each and every citizen expects of their leaders and what he has dedicated his life to accomplish. ``Empowered Cities and Towns, United for a Strong Colorado,'' is CML's vision statement, and Sam is the embodiment of these words. Each and every day he worked to give the cities and towns around him the tools and knowledge to empower them, and for 40 years he helped to unite a stronger Colorado. While CML and the local municipalities they serve will be losing an exceptional, talented, and impassioned civil servant, I have every confidence Sam will continue to better the lives of the people of Colorado in his work going forward. On a personal note, there are many times when Sam and I were on the same side of an issue and were able to work together and accomplish great things. There were also times when Sam and I were on opposite sides of an issue, and some of my most glorious defeats were at the hands of Sam Mamet. As legislation went down in flames of glory, thanks to work he was able to lead, I never took it personally because Sam Mamet never took it personally. I remember meeting Sam through my father and his work on the city council years ago. When a leader like Sam steps down, he will be missed. He has big shoes to fill, but I know Kevin Bommer, the next executive director, will do an outstanding job. I know we all wish for Sam to stay involved in his next endeavors that will continue to benefit our great people of Colorado. Thank you. With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. GARDNER

Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, today I want to recognize Junior Achievement USA, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. In 1919, Junior Achievement opened its doors to young people, with the simple goal of helping students succeed in their future careers. This was accomplished by helping students develop skills necessary to make smart choices in their academic and economic futures. Junior Achievement strives to positively impact students by providing skills centered on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. They focus on preparing tomorrow's workforce by bridging the gap between traditional education and the obtaining of career skills and competencies needed to succeed beyond a student's high school years. Junior Achievement provides classroom programs, capstone educational experiences, and entrepreneurship summits, all while partnering with companies who value relevant hands-on learning. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Junior Achievement impacts a diverse population in all 50 States. Today Junior Achievement USA reaches almost 5 million students in over 22,000 classrooms across the country. It employs nearly 1,600 people and approximately 250,000 volunteers help inspire students along the way. Throughout its history, Junior Achievement USA has had an impact on more than 110 million students, making them one of the Nation's most accomplished organizations dedicated to providing young people the skills necessary to plan for the future and create their own economic success. We need more organizations like Junior Achievement that work to empower young people and help them recognize the opportunities and realities of life and work in the 21st century. Junior Achievement USA has and will continue to be valued and appreciated for their significant contributions to the State of Colorado and to the country as well.

Mr. GARDNER

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

Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, today we are making some great progress on a bill that is very important to so many Members in this Chamber and particularly important to the American people--a public lands package that, in some cases, has taken years for these bills to process through the Senate and hopefully are on their way to passage in the House and to the President's desk. For 4 years, since being in the Senate, I have worked to permanently reauthorize the crown jewel of our conservation programs, and we are about to have that crown jewel success, permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund--the passage of the public lands bill. The Senate will finally take an up-or-down vote and move forward on permanent authorization of LWCF. I have championed this program with so many of my colleagues in a bipartisan way, Republicans and Democrats. It is time for this body to act and make sure that we do what is right for the people of Colorado and beyond with this reauthorization. This program has an incredible direct impact on public lands in Colorado and will be used to protect our State's amazing natural beauty for generations to come. Outdoor recreation opportunities in Colorado abound. The outdoor recreation opportunities in Colorado make it the destination for recreation, for adventure, for opportunity. You can hike in the summer, hunt in the fall, ski in the winter, raft in the spring. We have it all. Those activities and more have led to an incredible outdoor economy that is booming like never before. It generates the outdoor economy. It generates something like $28 billion in consumer spending in the State and $2 billion in State and local tax revenue. That is people coming in to camp, to hunt, to fish, to ski--incredible employment opportunities. Up to 230,000 people in Colorado alone are employed in the outdoor recreation economy. We don't just have this economy by chance. We have it because of our public lands and the extensive efforts that so many in this Chamber have undertaken over the years to conserve them in a condition that the next generation will also get to enjoy. One of our best tools to conserve and protect the public's lands has lapsed, though--it goes back to the very beginning of our conversation today--the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It has been over 100 days since the Land and Water Conservation Fund expired, a fund, a program, a conservation tool that has broad bipartisan support. It is an access program. LWCF is an access program. It is there to sustain access to land that may otherwise be cut off from public enjoyment, to provide access to land that has been closed off to recreationists, to environmentalists. The opportunities we have to enjoy this land, the LWCF restores. In the days leading up to the expiration of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a report was published by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and it published some figures on public land acreage that is inaccessible to the American public. It identified over 9.5 million acres in the Western United States alone that is inaccessible to the public because of the surrounding public lands; that is, 9.5 million acres of land that belongs to the American people that the American people have no access to because it is surrounded. The Land and Water and Conservation Fund is used to help give access to land that the American people already own, to enjoy, to benefit from, to create economic opportunities, and, more importantly, to create the opportunity just to be in our amazing, wonderful outdoors. In Colorado alone, there are over 250,000 acres that are closed off to the public. These are 250,000 acres of publicly held lands that are closed off because you don't have access. That translates into just shy of 400 square miles of public land in Colorado--basically, the same amount of land of the entire Rocky Mountain National Park--that can't be used to hike, to hunt, and to fish, even though it belongs to the American people to hike, to hunt, to fish, to think, to hope, to dream, to plan, to resolve. They are those things that we admire and need our public lands for--the opportunity to think, to hope, to admire, to plan, to rest, to resolve. Since its creation, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided more than $258 million in support for Colorado public lands projects. Again, the opportunity to have this permanent reauthorization today is incredible. It is supported by this Chamber, and it is supported, certainly, by people across the political spectrum in Colorado. It is a great day for Colorado. It is a great day for public lands. I want to show and share some of the incredible beauty we are talking about. This is a picture of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado. You can see the Gunnison River through the canyon, and you can see the rim of the canyon. If you go to the next shot, though, you will see some of the land that was purchased by the Land and Water Conservation Fund. You can see the top of the rim looking down over the river. The top of the canyon was owned by a family. It was privately held land. They could have sold it off. They could have developed the land. You can see Bruce Noble, the park superintendent, pointing at the rim of the canyon, the land that was purchased using Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars. That land belonged to a family that, thanks to LWCF, was purchased and held for the National Park Service so that it doesn't risk development and we don't risk losing access and so that somebody is not going to put barriers to access this incredible majestic place. You see that land right there, and that is just one example of how important the Land and Water Conservation Fund is. The Black Canyon LWCF purchase was about 2,494 acres. Imagine that-- private land, nearly 2,500 acres of land, held within the national park, that could have been sold off to a developer. Imagine what could have happened. But this land allows us to continue to have access to gold medal fly fishing on the Gunnison River. It creates potential opportunities for the National Park Service to provide more family- friendly hiking closer to the visitor center, and it serves as a potential source of water to the South Rim, which will reduce the operational costs of hauling water to meet visitor and staff need. It was a win for everyone--for the family who wanted to sell their land but not have it developed and certainly for the American people, who now have an incredible addition to their national park. If we go to the next picture. This next picture is a picture in the distance of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. You can see the light- colored sand at the foot of the mountain range. There is a 12,000-acre ranch, the Medano Zapata Ranch, which borders the sand dunes on three sides. These are some of the highest sand dunes in North America. It has been bought by the Nature Conservancy, one of the great conservation partners of the LWCF, and it is going through the process to be incorporated into the park by using Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars. This is so important. This access with this purchase is so important because it will help us to have access, once again, to existing public lands, keeping these incredibly beautiful working lands conserved for healthy wildlife habitat. This is an inholding purchase. Inholding purchases are not the only way LWCF benefits the outdoors, however. The National Park Service, through LWCF State and local assistance programs, provides matching grants for State and local park projects that aren't inside the national park borders. LWCF isn't just about our forests, either, or BLM land, or national parks. It is also about local parks, bike trails, playgrounds--these little slices of Heaven among concrete and the chaos that provide us that respite in our daily lives to plan, to hope, to think, and to rest. In addition to the permanent reauthorization of LWCF, this package includes legislation that I supported, authored, and worked very hard the last several years to be included. For Colorado, it includes the Crags, Colorado Land Exchange Act. This will allow us and the U.S. Forest Service to have better access to the Barr Trail, working to allow greater public use of their public lands. The Bolts Ditch Access and Use Act. In Congress, when we have legislation like this, sometimes our colleagues, particularly in the East, don't necessarily have this problem that they are dealing with each and every day. We have a community in the mountains where their water supply goes through a wilderness area. As a result, you can't take mechanized, motorized equipment to fix this water project, this waterway. So Congress has to pass a bill to allow this city to have the ability to fix its water system. That is exactly what we do in the Bolts Ditch Access and Use Act. The 1980 Holy Cross Wilderness Area didn't address this problem. Here we are, nearly 40 years later, addressing this challenge and allowing the community to move forward to fix its water system. We included in this legislation a bill to update the map and modify the maximum acreage available for inclusion in the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. The park is currently restricted--this incredible national monument--to 6,000 acres. However, somebody wanted to give some of their land to the national monument. So we have added 280 acres of land to this incredible national monument. We have reauthorized the Endangered Fish Recovery Program. This was originally created in 1988, over concern for four endangered fish in the Upper Colorado River. The Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Implementation Program has been extended multiple times over the last 30 years, most recently in 2013. It is a science-based, basin-wide approach to make sure that we recover these species and to make sure that this program has taken to preclude any lawsuits being filed, despite the diverse stakeholder group involved. This legislation will extend the authorization of the program through 2023. It also creates a feasibility study to look into whether or not we should designate Amache, the site of a Japanese-American internment site in southeastern Colorado, as a national park. During World War II, tens of thousands of Japanese-Americans were wrongfully removed from their homes and held in internment centers. One such internment center, located in the eastern plains of Colorado, near the town of Granada, and that became known as Amache, was designated as a national historic landmark in 2005. This internment site is the best preserved among the entire system of internment sites that were used during World War II. To name this a national park--to have that recognition--is an important reminder of a very dark period in our history that we would never repeat the internment of Japanese-Americans. This is a study to do just that. I have also been part as cosponsor and original sponsor of other legislation: the Arapaho National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act and the Fowler and Boskoff Peaks Designation Act. Charlie Fowler and Christine Boskoff, who tragically lost their lives in China in an avalanche in 2006, were world-renowned climbers. We are naming two peaks after them in Colorado. This bill authorizes a feasibility study for the Pike National Historic Trail. It authorizes a bill that we worked on with Senator Cantwell--the Wildfire Management Technology Advancement Act of 2017, a bill designed to protect men and women in firefighting from harm and injury and to give them greater tools on the behavior of fire. Every single one of these bills in the package has undergone extensive public review in the Senate and the House. They have gone through a lot of legislative process. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for getting to this moment as we pass this very critically important piece of legislation. I yield the floor.