Tom Harkin

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Floyd County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Floyd County worth over $600,000 and successfully acquire financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $9 million to the local economy. Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together is their work to combine several issues I care deeply about by renovating a former Carnegie Library to serve the community as the Charles City Art Center, and by making it accessible to people with disabilities. Among the highlights: Main Street Iowa: One of the greatest challenges we face--in Iowa and all across America--is preserving the character and vitality of our small towns and rural communities. This isn't just about economics. It is also about maintaining our identity as Iowans. Main Street Iowa helps preserve Iowa's heart and soul by providing funds to revitalize downtown business districts. This program has allowed towns like Charles City and Hampton to use that money to leverage other investments to jumpstart change and renewal. I am so pleased that Floyd County has earned $72,000 through this program. These grants build much more than buildings. They build up the spirit and morale of people in our small towns and local communities. School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Floyd County has received $538,648 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Floyd County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $55,000. Disaster mitigation and prevention: In 1993, when historic floods ripped through Iowa, it became clear to me that the national emergency- response infrastructure was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Iowans in flood-ravaged communities. I went to work dramatically expanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's hazard mitigation program, which helps communities reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery period. Disaster relief means more than helping people and businesses get back on their feet after a disaster, it means doing our best to prevent the same predictable flood or other catastrophe from recurring in the future. The hazard mitigation program that I helped create in 1993 provided critical support to Iowa communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2008. Floyd County has received over $2.8 million to remediate and prevent widespread destruction from natural disasters. Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Floyd County has received more than $4.8 million from a variety of farm bill programs. Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Floyd County's fire departments have received over $500,000 for firefighter safety and operations equipment. Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Floyd County, both those with and without disabilities. And they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Floyd County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Floyd County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being on objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being on objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, today I want to recognize an exceptional local leader in Iowa who has used her experience and expertise to help communities across America to become more resilient. Back home, we know Linda Langston as an effective and tireless county supervisor in Linn County. Over the past year, however, I have enjoyed partnering with Supervisor Langston in her role as president of the National Association of Counties. In this capacity, Supervisor Langston served as the principal spokesperson for our Nation's 3,069 counties and their nearly 40,000 elected officials. This is an important and demanding leadership post. Think about it: County governments employ almost 3.3 million people and invest nearly $500 billion each year in our local communities, especially in the areas of transportation and infrastructure, justice and public safety, and health and human services. As national president, Supervisor Langston has focused a tremendous amount of energy and attention this year on community, economic, and social resiliency, with a special focus on natural disaster preparedness and recovery. In addition, she has provided a local, midwestern perspective on national advisory committees with the National Academy of Sciences and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She has also convened numerous national and regional forums with public, private, and nonprofit leaders to address the urgent issue of natural disaster preparedness and recovery. Every day, it seems, we encounter news reports of extraordinary natural disasters, everything from droughts, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires, to hurricanes, ice storms and extreme temperatures. Thanks to Supervisor Langston's thoughtful and expert leadership at the National Association of Counties, we can be confident that America's counties are better prepared for the natural disasters that inevitably lie ahead.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I would like to take a few moments to recognize an innovative effort aimed at improving youth nutrition that took place at Muscatine High School in Iowa. Communities across the country are focusing on ways to build health and wellness into everyday life--in schools, workplaces, or elsewhere in the community--and this is one excellent example of just such an initiative. In a collaboration between the University of Iowa and the parent-led Muscatine booster club--``Muskie Boosters''--researchers and booster club members added new healthy items such as apples, carrots, granola bars, and grilled chicken to the concession stand's menu during high school athletic events. They didn't stop there--they also modified the ingredients in other items to make them healthier. For example, they eliminated the use of trans fats in the nachos. These menu changes had one main goal: give the Muscatine High School community access to fresh and healthy food, where previously only junk food could be found. And here is the really great news: The University of Iowa researchers who participated in this experiment found that selling healthier products had almost no impact on concession revenues and actually resulted in a slight increase in sales per football game with the introduction of healthier items and ingredient changes. Sales of some new items increased with each game, and--no surprise--parents were more satisfied with the healthier foods than they were with the less healthy food options. The results of this study are further evidence that offering healthy food can be good for both our Nation's physical and our Nation's fiscal health. In fact, these results show us that selling healthier foods can actually increase profits and customer satisfaction. The study also provides an exemplary model of how academic institutions can work collaboratively with local communities to improve nutrition and health. Given the alarming rates of childhood obesity, it is more important than ever that we continue to find creative and innovative solutions to confront the obesity epidemic. I commend the Muskie Boosters, the University of Iowa researchers, and other study authors who worked together to find innovative yet simple ways to improve the quality of food being offered to our kids in the Muscatine community. I hope we can expand the great work they have done to other communities in Iowa and all across the Nation.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Marion County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Marion County worth over $5 million and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $95 million to the local economy. Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together is working with Central College to provide $1.8 million for the Center for Math, Science, and Technology to expand its curriculum, increase technology training in teacher education, and provide distance learning for teachers in the field. Among the highlights: Investing in Iowa's economic development through targeted community projects: In Central Iowa, we have worked together to grow the economy by making targeted investments in important economic development projects, including improved roads and bridges, modernized sewer and water systems, and better housing options for residents of Marion County. In many cases, I have secured Federal funding that has leveraged local investments and served as a catalyst for a whole ripple effect of positive, creative changes. For example, working with mayors, city council members, and local economic development officials in Marion County, I have fought to resurrect the Des Moines River Greenbelt account which helped the Marion County Cordova Center on the Rock to build an environmental learning center, amphitheater, trails, and other outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as a 4-mile trail connecting the city of Pella with Cordova area. While there is more to do in the future, I am pleased that construction of the first phase of the project was complete in August 2013 at a cost of $3,100,000. School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Marion County has received $319,444 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Marion County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $249,844. Disaster mitigation and prevention: In 1993, when historic floods ripped through Iowa, it became clear to me that the national emergency- response infrastructure was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Iowans in flood-ravaged communities. I went to work dramatically expanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's hazard mitigation program, which helps communities reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery period. Disaster relief means more than helping people and businesses get back on their feet after a disaster; it means doing our best to prevent the same predictable flood or other catastrophe from recurring in the future. The hazard mitigation program that I helped create in 1993 provided critical support to Iowa communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2008. Marion County has received over $5 billion to remediate and prevent widespread destruction from natural disasters. Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Marion County has received more than $2.2 million from a variety of farm bill programs. Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Marion County's fire departments have received over $1.7 million for firefighter safety and operations equipment. Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Marion County has recognized this important issue by securing $264,000 for worksite wellness programs. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Marion County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Marion County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Winneshiek County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Winneshiek County worth over $2.7 million and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $15.6 million to the local economy. Of course my favorite memories of working together have to include working with community leaders to secure more than $22 million in federal funding for the Northeast Community College in recent years. The federal funding was directed towards various programs and renovations, including dairy research, farm safety, and renewable energy education. Among the highlights: School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Winneshiek County has received $274,120 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Winneshiek County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $35,000. Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Winneshiek County has received more than $2.2 million from a variety of farm bill programs. Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Winneshiek County's fire departments have received over $743,000 for firefighter safety and operations equipment, $65,500 in Byrne Justice Assistance grants, and more than $692,000 in other programs through the Department of Justice to keep the community safe and drug free. Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Winneshiek County has recognized this important issue by securing more than $113,000 to promote wellness, nutrition, and mental health in the community. Disability Rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Winneshiek County, both those with and without disabilities. And they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Winneshiek County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Winneshiek County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Warren County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Warren County worth over $6.8 million and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $9.5 million to the local economy. Of course, my favorite memories of working together include my support of the great work done by public safety entities in the county, working to improve local transportation infrastructure, as well as a strong partnership with Simpson College. Among the highlights: Investing in Iowa's economic development through targeted community projects: In Central Iowa, we have worked together to grow the economy by making targeted investments in important economic development projects, including improved roads and bridges, modernized sewer and water systems, and better housing options for residents of Warren County. In many cases, I have secured Federal funding that has leveraged local investments and served as a catalyst for a whole ripple effect of positive, creative changes. For example, working with mayors, city council members, and local economic development officials in Warren County, I have fought for more than $1.4 million for improvements to Highway 92, helping to create jobs and expand economic opportunities. School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Warren County has received over $4.6 million in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Warren County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $367,796. Disaster mitigation and prevention: In 1993, when historic floods ripped through Iowa, it became clear to me that the national emergency- response infrastructure was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Iowans in flood-ravaged communities. I went to work dramatically expanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's hazard mitigation program, which helps communities reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery period. Disaster relief means more than helping people and businesses get back on their feet after a disaster, it means doing our best to prevent the same predictable flood or other catastrophe from recurring in the future. The hazard mitigation program that I helped create in 1993 provided critical support to Iowa communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2008. Warren County has received over $1.1 million to remediate and prevent widespread destruction from natural disasters. Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Warren County has received more than $1.4 million from a variety of farm bill programs. Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Warren County's fire departments have received over $1.1 million for firefighter safety and operations equipment and $175,000 in Department of Justice funding to support law enforcement efforts in the county. Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed- captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Warren County, both those with and without disabilities. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Warren County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Warren County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Butler County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Butler County worth over $2.6 million and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $11 million to the local economy. Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together has been a terrific partnership with the Butler County Rural Electric Cooperative, REC, which has done a tremendous job at securing funds for a variety of local economic development projects. I am particularly proud of the work I have done with the Homeward, Inc. project to provide quality affordable housing to Iowans throughout the region. I am pleased to have secured more than $1.9 million over the years to assist in this important work. I should also single out the outstanding leadership and tireless leadership of the former CEO and general manager of the Butler County REC, Bob Bauman, for his years of service and vision. He is the kind of Iowan, who has done so much to help those that have so little, that makes me so proud to have served Iowa in the Senate. Among the highlights: School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Butler County has received $664,437 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Butler County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $115,000. Disaster mitigation and prevention: In 1993, when historic floods ripped through Iowa, it became clear to me that the national emergency- response infrastructure was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Iowans in flood-ravaged communities. I went to work dramatically expanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's hazard mitigation program, which helps communities reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery period. Disaster relief means more than helping people and businesses get back on their feet after a disaster, it means doing our best to prevent the same predictable flood or other catastrophe from recurring in the future. The hazard mitigation program that I helped create in 1993 provided critical support to Iowa communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2008. Butler County has received over $6 million to remediate and prevent widespread destruction from natural disasters. Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Butler County has received more than $5.8 million from a variety of farm bill programs. Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as the methamphetamine epidemic. For instance, Butler County has received $449,956 in Community Oriented Policing Services grants. Also, since 2001, Butler County's fire departments have received over $323,000 for firefighter safety and operations equipment. Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self- sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Butler County, both those with and without disabilities. And they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Butler County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Butler County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I wish to announce that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will meet in executive session on Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at 10 a.m., in room SD-430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to mark-up S. 2449, Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act, Autism CARES Act, of 2014; S. , a bill to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the nomination of William D. Adams, of Maine, to serve as Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities; and the nomination of Robert M. Gordon, of the District of Columbia, to serve as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, Department of Education; as well as any additional nominations cleared for action. For further information regarding this meeting, please contact the Committee at (202) 224-5375. subcommittee on water and power

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well-being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Boone County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Boone County worth over $5.7 million and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $7.3 million to the local economy. Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together is the community's tremendous success in obtaining more than $3.3 million from the Federal Aviation Administration for improvements to the airport. As a strong supporter of small community airports, I have long fought for funding from programs that support service to small communities and infrastructure support to keep these airports modern. Among the highlights: Investing in Iowa's economic development through targeted community projects: In Central Iowa, we have worked together to grow the economy by making targeted investments in important economic development projects including improved roads and bridges, modernized sewer and water systems, and better housing options for residents of Boone County. In many cases, I have secured Federal funding that has leveraged local investments and served as a catalyst for a whole ripple effect of positive, creative changes. For example, working with mayors, city council members, and local economic development officials in Boone County, I have fought for funding for more than $5.9 million in Defense Department funds for Iowa Thin Film Technology, helping to create jobs and expand economic opportunities. School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Boone County has received $339,299 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Boone County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $194,051. Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Boone County has received more than $2.5 million from a variety of farm bill programs. Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Boone County's fire departments have received over $699,392 for firefighter safety and operations equipment. Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Boone County has recognized this important issue by securing $236,000. Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Boone County, both those with and without disabilities. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Boone County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Boone County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Black Hawk County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Black Hawk County worth over $98 million and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $196 million to the local economy. Of course, my favorite memories of working together range from supporting a wide array of programs at the University of Northern Iowa, funding construction of the Avenue of the Saints and US-63, improving Waterloo's sewer treatment system, and cleaning up and developing blighted brownfield areas to create a tech jobs corridor. Among the highlights: Investing in Iowa's economic development through targeted community projects: In Northeast Iowa, we have worked together to grow the economy by making targeted investments in important economic development projects including improved roads and bridges, modernized sewer and water systems, and better housing options for residents of Black Hawk County. In many cases, I have secured Federal funding that has leveraged local investments and served as a catalyst for a whole ripple effect of positive, creative changes. For example, working with mayors, city council members, and local economic development officials in Black Hawk County, I have fought for over $100 million to construct the Avenue of the Saints, $10 million to improve US-63, $35 million to improve Waterloo's sewer system, and more than $1.9 million for the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields, helping to create jobs and expand economic opportunities. Main Street Iowa: One of the greatest challenges we face--in Iowa and all across America--is preserving the character and vitality of our small towns and rural communities. This isn't just about economics. It is also about maintaining our identity as Iowans. Main Street Iowa helps preserve Iowa's heart and soul by providing funds to revitalize downtown business districts. This program has allowed towns like Waterloo and Cedar Falls to use that money to leverage other investments to jumpstart change and renewal. I am so pleased that Black Hawk County has earned $440,000 through this program. These grants build much more than buildings. They build up the spirit and morale of people in our small towns and local communities. School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Black Hawk County has received over $7 million in Harkin grants. In addition, since 2001, I have helped to provide more than $80 million in Federal funds to the University of Northern Iowa, including support for projects such as a transit hub, the National Ag-Based Lubricants Center, Project SOAR, and many others. Disaster mitigation and prevention: In 1993, when historic floods ripped through Iowa, it became clear to me that the national emergency- response infrastructure was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Iowans in flood-ravaged communities. I went to work dramatically expanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's hazard mitigation program, which helps communities reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery period. Disaster relief means more than helping people and businesses get back on their feet after a disaster, it means doing our best to prevent the same predictable flood or other catastrophe from recurring in the future. The hazard mitigation program that I helped create in 1993 provided critical support to Iowa communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2008. Black Hawk County has received over $22.9 million to remediate and prevent widespread destruction from natural disasters. Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as the methamphetamine epidemic. Cities in Black Hawk County received over $2.3 million in Community Oriented Policing Services and Byrne Justice Assistance Grants. Since 2001, Black Hawk County's fire departments have received over $1.6 million for firefighter safety and operations equipment. Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Black Hawk County has recognized this important issue by securing more than $4 million to support the People's Community Health Clinic. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Black Hawk County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Black Hawk County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I wish to announce that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will meet on June 24, 2014, at 10 a.m., in room SD-430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``Falling Through the Cracks: The Challenges of Prevention and Identification in Child Trafficking and Private Re- homing.'' For further information regarding this meeting, please contact Ashley Eden of the committee staff on (202) 224-9243. committee on health, education, labor and pensions

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I wish to announce that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will meet on June 24, 2014, at 2:30 p.m., in room SD-106 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``Moving Toward Greater Community Inclusion--Olmstead at 15.'' For further information regarding this meeting, please contact Danielle Corley of the committee staff on (202) 224-2330. committee on commerce, science, and transportation

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well-being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State, and it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Des Moines County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Des Moines County worth over $45 million and successfully acquire financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $158 million to the local economy. Of course, my favorite memories of working together include helping to get compensation for sick former nuclear workers at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, improving transportation in the county, and helping area residents access to quality, affordable health care by building a Community Health Center. Investing in Iowa's economic development through targeted community projects: In Southeast Iowa, we have worked together to grow the economy by making targeted investments in important economic development projects including improved roads and bridges, modernized sewer and water systems, and better housing options for residents of Des Moines County. In many cases, I have secured Federal funding that has leveraged local investments and served as a catalyst for a whole ripple effect of positive, creative changes. For example, working with mayors, city council members, and local economic development officials in Des Moines County, I have fought for funding for important transportation projects, including $118 million for the Avenue of the Saints, more than $45 million for the four-lane highway from Des Moines to Burlington, another $45 million to replace the Burlington Northern bridge over the Mississippi River, and maintaining Essential Air Service funding to the community, helping to create jobs and expand economic opportunities. Main Street Iowa: One of the greatest challenges we face--in Iowa and all across America--is preserving the character and vitality of our small towns and rural communities. This isn't just about economics; it is also about maintaining our identity as Iowans. Main Street Iowa helps preserve Iowa's heart and soul by providing funds to revitalize downtown business districts. This program has allowed towns like Burlington to use that money to leverage other investments to jumpstart change and renewal. I am so pleased that Des Moines County has earned $130,000 through this program. These grants build much more than buildings; they build up the spirit and morale of people in our small towns and local communities. School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Des Moines County has received $717,400 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Des Moines County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $20,000. Disaster mitigation and prevention: In 1993, when historic floods ripped through Iowa, it became clear to me that the national emergency response infrastructure was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Iowans in flood-ravaged communities. I went to work dramatically expanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's hazard mitigation program, which helps communities reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery period. Disaster relief means more than helping people and businesses get back on their feet after a disaster, it means doing our best to prevent the same predictable flood or other catastrophe from recurring in the future. The hazard mitigation program that I helped create in 1993 provided critical support to Iowa communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2008. Des Moines County has received over $1 million to remediate and prevent widespread destruction from natural disasters. Iowa Army Ammunitions workers: When a constituent, Bob Anderson, wrote me a letter to saying that he was sick with lymphoma and believed it was because he had worked at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, which manufactured nuclear weapons during the Cold War, I began looking into his claims. Even though the Army initially denied these accusations, I continued to investigate the situation and discovered that workers there were in fact exposed to massive doses of radiation and that this wasn't an injustice unique to Iowa. Working to get compensation to Bob and thousands of other sick workers throughout the United States involved a massive bipartisan legislative and bureaucratic undertaking, starting with the passage of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Plan Act of 2000. To date, the Department of Labor has paid out over $10 billion in compensation to workers all over the United States, including over $239 million to the Burlington workers and more than $57 million to a special cohort of workers at the Ames Laboratory. Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Des Moines County's fire departments have received over $1.2 million for firefighter safety and operations equipment and more than $499,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grants. Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Des Moines County has worked with me to secure $2.9 million for the Community Health Center. Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. However, I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Des Moines County, both those with and without disabilities. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Des Moines County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Des Moines County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Scott County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Scott County worth over $299 million and successfully acquire financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $89.2 million to the local economy. Of course, in addition to numerous housing, transportation, defense, riverfront development, and arts projects we have worked on together over the years, one of my favorite memories of working with Scott County has to be the outstanding legal aid project in Davenport. Every American, regardless of his or her station in life, deserves equal access to our justice system. Having been a legal aid attorney myself, I can tell you that there are many, many people who would have no access to legal representation if it weren't for programs like this one. This funding will help legal aid lawyers reach out and serve those who otherwise would be disenfranchised from our justice system. That is why, throughout my career, I have fought to improve funding for Legal Aid Services, to expand their scope, and to offer loan forgiveness for attorneys who choose to serve their communities by becoming legal aid attorneys. Among the highlights: Investing in Iowa's economic development through targeted community projects: In Eastern Iowa, we have worked together to grow the economy by making targeted investments in important economic development projects, including improved roads and bridges, modernized sewer and water systems, and better housing options for residents of Scott County. In many cases, I have secured Federal funding that has leveraged local investments and served as a catalyst for a whole ripple effect of positive, creative changes. For example, working with mayors, city council members, and local economic development officials in Scott County, I have fought for over $256.9 million in defense projects through the Rock Island Arsenal, ALCOA, John Deere, Carleton Life Support Systems, and other local businesses, helping to create jobs and expand economic opportunities. School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Scott County has received $3.2 million in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Scott County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $336,600. Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Scott County's fire departments have received over $1.5 million for firefighter safety and operations equipment and over $521,000 for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants. Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office, but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Scott County has recognized this important issue by securing over $9.8 million for the Community Health Center. Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Scott County, both those with and without disabilities. And they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Scott County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Scott County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Clinton County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Clinton County worth over $25 million and has successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $26.5 million to the local economy. Of course, my favorite memories of working together include working tirelessly with local law enforcement, particularly with regard to funding to combat the scourge of drugs in the community, as well as numerous major projects to improve infrastructure and transportation in the community. Among the highlights: Investing in Iowa's economic development through targeted community projects: In Eastern Iowa, we have worked together to grow the economy by making targeted investments in important economic development projects including improved roads and bridges, modernized sewer and water systems, and better housing options for residents of Clinton County. In many cases, I have secured Federal funding that has leveraged local investments and served as a catalyst for a whole ripple effect of positive, creative changes. For example, working with mayors, city council members, and local economic development officials in Clinton County, I have fought for more than $13.3 million to redevelop Liberty Square, more than $2.6 million for the 19th Avenue Connector, $2.1 million for trails between Clinton and Comanche, and more than $4 million for sewer infrastructure, helping to create jobs and expand economic opportunities. School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Clinton County has received more than $1.6 million in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Clinton County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $145,000. Disaster mitigation and prevention: In 1993, when historic floods ripped through Iowa, it became clear to me that the national emergency- response infrastructure was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Iowans in flood-ravaged communities. I went to work dramatically expanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's hazard mitigation program, which helps communities reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery period. Disaster relief means more than helping people and businesses get back on their feet after a disaster, it means doing our best to prevent the same predictable flood or other catastrophe from recurring in the future. The hazard mitigation program that I helped create in 1993 provided critical support to Iowa communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2008. Clinton County has received over $2.5 million to prevent tragedy associated with natural disasters. Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Clinton County has received more than $1.5 million from a variety of farm bill programs. Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Clinton County's fire departments have received over $3.1 million for firefighter safety and operations equipment, and the law enforcement community has received more than $77,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance grants, $75,000 for drug free communities, $185,000 in funds dedicated to methamphetamine hot spots, and $15,000 to assist drug endangered children. Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Clinton County, both those with and without disabilities. They make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Clinton County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Clinton County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Worth County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to successfully acquire financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $95 million to the local economy. Of course my favorite memory of working together has to be the community's success in obtaining more than $93 million from funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to build the Barton Wind Power Project. Among the highlights: School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Worth County has received $234,876 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Worth County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $10,000. Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Worth County has received more than $740,000 from a variety of farm bill programs. Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as the methamphetamine epidemic. During the mid-to-late 1990's, cities in Worth County received $186,512 in Community Oriented Policing Services grants. Also, since 2001, Worth County's fire departments have received over $764,000 for firefighter safety and operations equipment. Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Worth County, both those with and without disabilities. And they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Worth County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Worth County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, today, June 12, 2014, is the day set aside by the International Labor Organization to bring attention to the tragic predicament of millions of children across the globe who continue to be trapped in forced and abusive labor, often in extremely hazardous conditions. So today is the World Day Against Child Labor. It is a day set aside every year globally for people to take a look at what is happening to kids around the globe who are forced into very abusive and exploitative labor conditions. I think we should obviously think about these children more than just 1 day a year. We should think about them every day. In my travels I have seen the scourge of forced and abusive child labor firsthand. Previously on the floor--going back for almost 20 years--I have spoken about how shocked I was to see the deplorable conditions under which some of these kids are forced to work. I have witnessed this personally in places from South Asia to Latin America, to Africa. These pictures I have in the Chamber are, as a matter of fact, pictures I took myself. This picture was taken in a rug-making place in Kathmandu, Nepal. We were told there were no children being forced into this kind of labor, but under the cover of darkness, on a Sunday night--it was probably after about 8 o'clock in the evening--we were able to make entry into one of these back-alley places, and this is what we came across: young people, girls and boys, some as young as 8 years of age, working at these looms. I remind you, this is at 8 p.m. on a Sunday night. They lived in barracks. They were housed, kind of stacked in barracks, so they could not leave, they could not go anywhere, they could not see their families. Here is another picture of some older girls. These are young teenage girls working at the same place. I did not take that picture because this is me in the picture. This picture was taken by Rosemary Gutierrez, my staff person. So I witnessed this firsthand. Even though we were told no such thing existed, we found it did exist. This witnessing I have done in all these places has also been a call to action, a call to become a voice for these kids. Since 1992, when I first introduced the first bill to ban all products made by abusive and exploitative child labor, I have been leading this effort in the Senate. Since the introduction of the bill in 1992, we have made progress in raising awareness about abusive and exploitive child labor, and we have significantly reduced the number of kids working in these hazardous conditions. This effort received a big boost through the International Labor Organization's Convention 182, a treaty calling for the elimination of the worst forms of child labor. In June 1999, President Clinton traveled to Geneva to support and sign this treaty. I was proud to accompany him on this historic trip when, for the first time in history, the world spoke with one voice in opposition to abusive and exploitative child labor. Countries from across the political, economic, and religious spectrum came together to proclaim unequivocally that abusive and exploitative child labor is a practice that will not be tolerated and must be abolished. After returning from that trip with President Clinton, I worked with Senator Jesse Helms in the Senate--he was then chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee--to bring this treaty before the full Senate. Just 5 months later, the Senate unanimously gave its advice and consent, in a 96-to-0 vote, to ratify this treaty. I have to digress for a minute. We have another treaty that hopefully we will be bringing up soon; that is, the U.N. treaty on the rights of people with disabilities--the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. There has been a lot of talk about sovereignty, that we can't give up our sovereignty. That is just a red herring. I would say that many Senators who are here today voted on that 96-to-0 vote and nobody ever raised an issue about sovereignty. Have we lost our sovereignty since we joined that treaty? Not one speck. So why is it we are so concerned about some sovereignty issue when it deals with people with disabilities but we weren't in 1999 when we voted unanimously, Republicans and Democrats, when it dealt with exploitative child labor? So I just want to make that point for people to consider when we, hopefully, bring up the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities sometime this summer. With that historic treaty on exploitative child labor, the global community rejected the argument that abusive and exploitative child labor is a practice that can be excused by a country's poor economic circumstances. In pushing the United States to lead by example, I worked with the Clinton administration to issue Executive order 13126, the ``Prohibition of Acquisition of Products Produced by Forced and Indentured Child Labor.'' This Executive order, in effect since 1999, prohibits the U.S. Government from procuring items made by forced or indentured child labor. I have always believed that trade agreements--on the right terms-- promise many broadly shared benefits and opportunities for all. That is why I have worked hard to improve the labor provisions in various trade measures, concentrating particularly on combating abusive and exploitative child labor. Thereafter, in 2000, during consideration of the Trade and Development Act, I again worked with Senator Helms to amend the Generalized System of Preferences--GSP--so that ``efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor'' would be included as a criterion and condition for receiving trade benefits. That is in the law. Additionally, that amendment also mandated that the Department of Labor's International Labor Affairs Bureau--called ILAB--the U.S. Government's foremost authority on child labor, must produce an annual report in which our government formally monitors and documents the effort or lack of effort of 144 countries and territories receiving U.S. trade benefits to meet their international commitments to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. This amendment enshrined into law something I had been working on for years through the previous Department of Labor reports. I intended for this report to bring countries to account, to shine a spotlight on their need to reform their national laws, and to put in place safety nets for those trapped in the worst forms of child labor. The aim is not punitive but, rather, to jump-start individual and collective action. I wanted this report to be equal in stature--and in impact--to the State Department's human rights report, and we are well on our way to achieving that status. On the technical assistance side, ILAB has funded 269 technical cooperation projects to combat exploitative child labor in over 90 countries around the world. Think about that. We have funded 269 projects to combat child labor in over 90 countries around the world. As a result of these efforts, about 1.7 million children have been rescued from child labor through the provision of education and training services and livelihood support for their families. Let's be clear. Whether we are talking about trafficking of children for sexual exploitation or for purposes of forced labor in dangerous, abusive circumstances, the outcome is the same. These children are robbed of their childhood, robbed of their education, robbed of their future. And in the countries where this takes place, the cycle of poverty is perpetuated. A nation can neither achieve nor sustain prosperity on the backs of its children. In the global economy, the exploitation of children must not be tolerated under any circumstances or for any reason. When children are exploited for the economic gains of others, everybody loses--the children lose, their families lose, their country loses, the world loses. When even one child is exploited, every one of us is diminished. That is why in 2001, after reading investigative reports by Knight-Ridder exposing the magnitude of forced child labor on cocoa farms in West Africa, I resolved to do what we could to end this tragic exploitation of children. Together with Congressman Eliot Engel of New York, we engaged the major chocolate companies in lengthy, intense negotiations. The result is what has become known as the Harkin-Engel Protocol--a public-private partnership to tackle the problem of child labor on nearly 1.5 million small cocoa farms in four African countries, beginning with Ghana and the Ivory Coast. One might ask why we are so interested in that. Think about this: 60 percent of all of the chocolate consumed in America--think about our Hershey bars, the chocolates we eat, the cocoa we make, chocolate that goes into cakes, whatever it is--60 percent of all of that we consume in America comes from two countries: the Ivory Coast and Ghana. How many people, when they bite into that chocolate or eat that chocolate bar or that piece of chocolate cake or drink some cocoa in the morning, know they got that through abusive child labor--kids 10 years of age with knife cuts, machetes taking off their fingers, not being allowed to go to school, forced to work in terrible conditions in these cocoa fields just so we can have chocolate to eat. Is that something we are proud of? So we developed this protocol to begin the process of getting them out of this kind of work. Again, we have made some progress. The joint efforts of the stakeholders failed to rise to a level to match the magnitude of the challenge. This is what an independent study by Tulane University in 2010 concluded: Despite the concerted efforts of the various stakeholders-- One of them being us-- it is evident that much more work is required and the majority of children exposed to the worst forms of child labor remains unreached by the remediation activities currently in place. That was reported by Tulane University. The study noted that over 1 million children were trapped in exploitative labor in the cocoa sector of just those two countries. I was determined to take steps to accelerate our progress. To that end, in September of 2010 we worked--again with ILAB--to develop a framework of action that sets the goal of reducing the worst forms of child labor in the cocoa industry in those two countries, Ivory Coast and Ghana, to reduce it by 70 percent by 2020. The framework is a cooperative effort by the governments of the United States, Ivory Coast, Ghana, the international labor organizations, the cocoa industry, and civil society groups, including labor unions. To initially fund this effort, the U.S. Government agreed to provide $10 million in new funding. In turn, the international chocolate and cocoa industry has committed an additional $20 million toward this endeavor. This is truly a historic step with the key stakeholders--the national governments, the industry, the Department of Labor--working as partners to intensify efforts to combat the scourge of child labor in the cocoa fields. Together, key stakeholders have undertaken a sustainable remediation process that includes better schooling and training opportunities for these young people, measures to improve occupational safety and health related to cocoa production, and livelihood services to vulnerable families. Additionally, the framework creates true accountability. It establishes benchmarks with audits and puts in place a credible, transparent monitoring system in 100 percent of cocoa-growing regions in the two countries. The stakeholders also produce an annual report documenting programs in the field. I am proud of ILAB's determined work in reducing the worst forms of child labor. We should all be proud of these efforts. We and our partners around the world have made significant progress in the monumental task of eliminating this scourge of child labor. Since the year 2000, we have reduced the number of child laborers from 246 million to 168 million--a reduction of almost one-third, or 78 million. I especially wish to thank former Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis for her great leadership during this period of time that we were hammering out these agreements and these frameworks. I also thank the present Secretary of Labor Tom Perez for his continued support and leadership of ILAB. I might also mention Carol Pier, who heads the International Labor Affairs Bureau, for her dynamic leadership in working to reduce these worst forms of child labor not just in Ghana and the Ivory Coast but around the world. I might also add that we began, annually--actually, sometimes semiannually--with the governments of Ghana and the Ivory Coast, as well as with the cocoa industry--and I must say I am very encouraged by both of these countries. I might especially point out Ghana. Ghana has done remarkably well. They are moving in the right direction in reducing this child labor and providing support for education. The Ivory Coast has now come--Cote d'Ivoire, as they call it, is now coming along really well. They have had some problems in the past. They have had some civil wars, disruptions in their economy. Now the new President and especially the First Lady of the Ivory Coast have really taken on this goal of reducing child labor in the Ivory Coast. I compliment both countries for their work with us and with the cocoa industry. I compliment the cocoa industry as well. They are working as a true partner to try to meet that goal of reducing child labor by 70 percent by the year 2020. I thank Tulane University for their investigations--for their monitoring, I should say, more than investigations--their monitoring of this process and getting us the true picture of what is happening. I think all of this demonstrates that when we work together in a bipartisan way, we can confront some of the worst human rights abuses that exist. On the issue of forced and abusive child labor, we are resolved to act without regard to party affiliation and with high regard for the interests of children trapped in abusive labor. As we are all aware, I am retiring from the Senate next year, but I assure my colleagues that I am not retiring from this fight. I will find some way to continue to be involved, to help make sure we reach those goals of reducing child labor by 70 percent by 2020 in both of those countries, and to use that also as a springboard for further kinds of cooperative efforts with governments around the world to get kids out of this terrible scourge of child labor. Again, we have to ensure that ILAB has the resources to continue effective U.S. efforts. I look forward to working with my colleagues later this year to finally authorize ILAB so that it has the tools it needs to get children out of these abusive circumstances and into schools where they can gain the knowledge and skills they need not only to build a decent life for themselves but to break the cycle of poverty in the countries in which they live. It has been a vicious cycle of poverty and using and exploiting these kids. They don't learn, they don't go to school, they become impoverished, and the cycle just continues and continues. We have to break that. In countries where they break that cycle, we have seen they then enter a virtuous cycle where the kids go to school. They learn. They become educated. They are then able to perform jobs with higher skills. They then bring in people to do some of these jobs that are paid a decent wage. They are adults. And we find that the whole country progresses because it is a virtuous cycle, not a vicious cycle. Again, on this day, June 12, which is, as I said, called World Day Against Child Labor, it is good for us to pause and think about our own policies in this country and what we are doing to help the rest of the world, not in a punitive way of hitting someone over the head but by working together to solve what people thought was an intractable problem of kids not going to school, being forced into terrible labor conditions. It is time for us to think about how we work with other countries to help solve this problem. If we read the history of the United States, we know we had terrible child labor problems in this country back in the 19th century. In the 1800s we can see all kinds of pictures of kids working in our mills, working on road crews. Again, when we finally stopped it--and it is amazing that the arguments we heard then against stopping child labor are some of the same arguments we hear now about stopping it in other countries. We entered a virtuous cycle of educating our youth, getting them into schools. That led to higher incomes, led to a better gross national product, enabled us to become the most powerful, well-educated country in the history of the world. There are so many countries that would like to do that. They need our help. They need our support. Through our Department of Labor and the International Labor Affairs Bureau we can give them that kind of help and that kind of support so other countries can finally put an end to this scourge of child labor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Todd A. Batta of Iowa on his confirmation as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional Relations. I can personally attest that he is very well qualified and will undoubtedly do an outstanding job in his new position. It has been a pleasure for me to know Todd and his family for many years. He grew up in Lanesboro, IA, where his parents, Rick and Wanda, currently reside. His aunt, Bev Schroeder, was a member of my staff for over 20 years, both in Iowa and here in Washington, working on education policy and other matters. In fact, Todd's first political work was to help hand out Harkin information at parades when he was just three or 4 years old. Todd began serving on my staff as an intern in the summer of 2001, after receiving his B.A. from Winona State University, and later worked for me as a researcher, deputy scheduler, and scheduler. In 2005, he moved from my personal office to work as a professional staff member on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, during the time I served as either ranking member or chairman. It is Todd's good fortune to be married to Adrianna Logalbo. They began dating when Todd was on my staff. So, as I say, Todd and his family have been good friends to me for a very long time From 2009 to 2011, Todd was a legislative assistant on the staff of Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin, handling agriculture and agriculture appropriations for Senator Kohl. He then served as special assistant in the Office of Congressional Relations at the Department of Agriculture, and since 2012, Todd has been senior advisor to the Secretary of Agriculture. In this role, he provides strategic advice and guidance to the Secretary regarding USDA's budget, legislative, and regulatory agenda. Given Todd's strong personal qualities, experience, and proven abilities, I could not have been happier when I learned that President Obama had chosen him to serve as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture. I look forward to continuing to work with Todd and know that he will do a tremendous job in this new role. Vote on McCord Nomination

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State, and it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills, but I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Jefferson County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Jefferson County worth over $5 million and successfully acquire financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $11 million to the local economy. Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together is the community's success in obtaining over $10 million for airport improvements since 2001. As a strong supporter of small community airports, I have long fought for funding from programs that support service to small communities and infrastructure support to keep these airports modern. Among the highlights: School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Jefferson County has received $171,231 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Jefferson County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $227,000. Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Jefferson County has received more than $2 million from a variety of farm bill programs. Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Jefferson County has recognized this important issue by securing $358,847 for community wellness activities. Disability Rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf, but I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly one-quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Jefferson County, both those with and without disabilities, and they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Jefferson County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Jefferson County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives, and, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State, and it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts. I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills, but I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State. Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Washington County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community. Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Washington County worth over $2 million and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $10 million to the local economy. Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together is the great work the community has done revitalizing the Triune Block building and to make way for a new fitness center in downtown Washington. Among the highlights: Main Street Iowa: One of the greatest challenges we face--in Iowa and all across America--is preserving the character and vitality of our small towns and rural communities. This isn't just about economics. It is also about maintaining our identity as Iowans. Main Street Iowa helps preserve Iowa's heart and soul by providing funds to revitalize downtown business districts. This program has allowed towns like Washington to use that money to leverage other investments to jump- start change and renewal. I am so pleased that Washington County has earned $70,500 through this program. These grants build much more than buildings. They build up the spirit and morale of people in our small towns and local communities. School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Washington County has received $1,971,496 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Washington County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $367,796. Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Washington County has received more than $3 million from a variety of farm bill programs. Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Washington County's fire departments have received over $776,144 for firefighter safety and operations equipment and over $335,967 in assistance to law enforcement. Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Washington County has recognized this important issue by securing $35,549. Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf, but I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly one-quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Washington County, both those with and without disabilities, and they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens. This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Washington County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Washington County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives, and, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Elizabeth Larson, Casey Brynn DiNino, and Jackson O'Brien, interns in my office, be granted floor privileges for the remainder of today's session.