Dean Heller

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 150th anniversary of the founding of Stewart's 96 Ranch in Paradise Valley, NV, which serves as an example of the rich and prosperous history that makes the Silver State so unique. This year commemorates a very special year--not only for Stewart's 96 Ranch, but also in Nevada's history--during which we celebrate 150 years of statehood. From those days of bitter conflict, Nevada forged a State dedicated to preserving liberty and bettering America. Our dramatic entrance is why our State calls itself Battle Born and why Nevadans, over the past 150 years, have been entrepreneurial, fiercely independent, and as diverse as our terrain. It is an honor to recognize Stewart's 96 Ranch in conjunction with our great State's sesquicentennial here today. Founded in 1864 by William Stock, a German immigrant, Stewart's 96 Ranch is one of Nevada's most iconic ranching operations. Over the past 15 decades, the ranch has faced many obstacles, from aiding our country in World War II efforts to constantly maintaining and modernizing the operation to keep up with the current demands. Due to the ranch's long and fascinating history, it was chosen as the subject of a 1980 Library of Congress project called ``Buckaroos in Paradise.'' It is considered to be one of the most iconic cattle ranches in the West and one of the last true ``old time outfits'' still in original family ownership. Over the years, the ranch has grown and changed, but the original love of Paradise Valley and commitment to agriculture has never wavered. What started as a simple homestead has grown into a thriving ranch with a new cattle herd that has grown to nearly 800 mother cows and is continuing to flourish. Today, the ranch is still owned and operated by the fourth and fifth generations of William Stock's direct descendants. Fred Stewart, with the help of his wife Kris and daughter Patrice, currently manages the ranch. Fifth generation Patrice Stewart is now a young woman who owns and manages her own small herd of top commercial beef cattle on the ranch, actively helps her parents on the ranch and is involved in all ranch decisions. She also competes in youth and high school rodeo and takes a leadership role in her local Future Farmers of America. Patrice is the future of the ranch and one day aims to manage the same Paradise Valley ranch that her great-great-grandfather William Stock founded in 1864. Stewart's 96 Ranch truly exemplifies what it means to be a Nevadan, and I am proud to recognize it and the generations of Stewarts that have worked to ensure the survival of one of Nevada's oldest and largest family-owned ranches. Today, I ask my colleagues and residents of the Silver State to join me in recognizing Stewart's 96 Ranch for this great achievement and honor.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today my colleague Senator Leahy, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation that would amend the PATRIOT Act. This new legislation reflects a bicameral and bipartisan compromise that ends the bulk data collection practices currently being used. It also gives our intelligence officials specific rules to follow so they can keep the operational capabilities necessary to protect the United States from a terrorist attack without compromising the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. I thank Senator Leahy for his work, and I am grateful for his partnership. This important step is necessary for restoring Americans' privacy rights which were taken by a well-intended but overreaching Federal Government in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The expanded authority given to the National Security Agency through executive action and the PATRIOT Act was intended to prevent another attack on America. While I was not a Member of Congress on 9/11, I shared the horror all Nevadans felt watching the murder of thousands of innocent Americans, and the profound sadness as buildings in New York and Washington, DC, sat smoldering. I understand as well as anyone here the reason behind the actions our Nation's leaders took to ensure that another attack on America never materialized, and why our leaders felt that no limits should be imposed. No matter what the cost, Americans had to be protected against another attack. Viewing the situation from that lens, it is easy to understand how the Fourth Amendment was brushed aside as the Senate expanded law enforcement surveillance capabilities with just one dissenting vote. The Federal Bureau of Investigation then used section 215 of the PATRIOT Act to expand the scope of surveillance far beyond even what some of the authors believed they were authorizing. The FBI argued that section 215 provided authority to collect phone data of law-abiding citizens without their knowledge. Specifically, they could use the business records provision to force phone companies to turn over millions of telephone calls when there is a reasonable ground or relevance to believe that the information sought is relevant to an authorized investigation of international terrorism. As a result, we now have a bulk collection program in existence where telephone companies hand over millions of records to the NSA as part of a massive pre-collection database. As someone who voted against the PATRIOT Act time and time again, I believe such data collection practices are a massive intrusion of our privacy, which is why I partnered with the senior Senator from Vermont to end these programs. Our legislation tightens the definitions of ``specific selection term'' for section 215 of the PATRIOT Act and FISA pen register trap-and-trace devices so that the information requested is limited to specifically identifying a person, account, address, or a personal device. With this legislation, bulk collection will be eliminated and the records will stay with the telephone companies. The massive information grabs from the Federal Government based on geography or email service will no longer be permissible. And of the information that is collected, the legislation imposes new restrictions on its use and retention. These reforms will help shift the balance of privacy away from the Federal Government and back to the American people. I am proud that this bill also includes the Franken-Heller Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013. I was pleased to join Senator Franken on this legislation because, at the very least, Americans deserve to know the number of people whose information is housed by the NSA. For the first time in American history, the government is forced to disclose to the American people roughly how many of them have had their communications collected. Our provision calls for reports by the Director of National Intelligence detailing the requests for information authorized under the PATRIOT Act and the FISA Amendments Act. The reports would specify the total number of people whose information has been collected under these programs and how many people living in the United States have had their information collected. They would also permit the intelligence community to report on how many Americans actually had their information looked at by the NSA or any other intelligence agencies. Furthermore, these provisions would allow telephone and Internet companies to tell consumers basic information regarding FISA court orders they receive and the number of users whose information is turned over. The principles outlined in this bill to increase transparency for Americans and private companies would clear up a tremendous amount of confusion that exists within the programs. And our private companies need the added disclosure. The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation estimates that American cloud computing companies could lose $22 billion to $35 billion in the next 3 years because of concerns about their involvement with surveillance programs. The analytics firm Forrester put potential losses much higher, at $180 billion. I want to be clear: I share the concerns of all Americans that we must protect ourselves against threats to the homeland. I believe terrorism is very real and the United States is the target of those looking to undermine the freedoms we hold as the core of our national identity. If the bulk collection programs in existence were bearing so much information to protect the homeland, it would change my opinion on the need for the USA Freedom Act. However, the bulk collection program has simply not provided the tangible results that justify a privacy intrusion of this level. We know this because on October 2, 2013, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy, asked NSA Director Keith Alexander the following question: At our last hearing, deputy director Inglis stated that there's only really one example of a case where, but for the use of Section 215 bulk phone records collection, terrorist activity was stopped. Was Mr. Inglis right? To which Director Alexander responded: He's right. I believe he said two, Chairman. Congress has authorized the collection of millions of law-abiding citizens' telephone metadata for years and it has only solved two ongoing FBI investigations. Of those two investigations, the NSA has publicly identified one. In fact, that case could have easily been handled by obtaining a warrant and going to the telephone company. It is the case of an individual in San Diego who was convicted of sending $8,500 to Somalia in support of al-Shabaab, the terrorist organization claiming responsibility for the Kenyan mall attack. The American phone records allowed the NSA to determine that a U.S. phone was used to contact an individual associated with this terrorist organization. I am appreciative that the NSA was able to apprehend this individual, but it does not provide overwhelming evidence that this program is necessary. The Obama administration has come to the same conclusion and so has the intelligence community. The operational capabilities the intelligence community relies on to conduct their mission to keep us safe will not be impacted by the USA FREEDOM Act. If it were, the Intelligence Community and the administration would not have brokered this compromise legislation. Ending the bulk collection programs and giving Americans more transparency so they can determine for themselves whether they believe these programs should exist is an obligation we have to all of our constituents. We have a bill introduced today that would give our law enforcement authorities the tools they need to keep us safe and also stay true to the Fourth Amendment. I encourage my colleagues to support these important reforms and I hope it can quickly be considered by this Chamber.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today my colleague Senator Leahy, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation that would amend the PATRIOT Act. This new legislation reflects a bicameral and bipartisan compromise that ends the bulk data collection practices currently being used. It also gives our intelligence officials specific rules to follow so they can keep the operational capabilities necessary to protect the United States from a terrorist attack without compromising the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. I thank Senator Leahy for his work, and I am grateful for his partnership. This important step is necessary for restoring Americans' privacy rights which were taken by a well-intended but overreaching Federal Government in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The expanded authority given to the National Security Agency through executive action and the PATRIOT Act was intended to prevent another attack on America. While I was not a Member of Congress on 9/11, I shared the horror all Nevadans felt watching the murder of thousands of innocent Americans, and the profound sadness as buildings in New York and Washington, DC, sat smoldering. I understand as well as anyone here the reason behind the actions our Nation's leaders took to ensure that another attack on America never materialized, and why our leaders felt that no limits should be imposed. No matter what the cost, Americans had to be protected against another attack. Viewing the situation from that lens, it is easy to understand how the Fourth Amendment was brushed aside as the Senate expanded law enforcement surveillance capabilities with just one dissenting vote. The Federal Bureau of Investigation then used section 215 of the PATRIOT Act to expand the scope of surveillance far beyond even what some of the authors believed they were authorizing. The FBI argued that section 215 provided authority to collect phone data of law-abiding citizens without their knowledge. Specifically, they could use the business records provision to force phone companies to turn over millions of telephone calls when there is a reasonable ground or relevance to believe that the information sought is relevant to an authorized investigation of international terrorism. As a result, we now have a bulk collection program in existence where telephone companies hand over millions of records to the NSA as part of a massive pre-collection database. As someone who voted against the PATRIOT Act time and time again, I believe such data collection practices are a massive intrusion of our privacy, which is why I partnered with the senior Senator from Vermont to end these programs. Our legislation tightens the definitions of ``specific selection term'' for section 215 of the PATRIOT Act and FISA pen register trap-and-trace devices so that the information requested is limited to specifically identifying a person, account, address, or a personal device. With this legislation, bulk collection will be eliminated and the records will stay with the telephone companies. The massive information grabs from the Federal Government based on geography or email service will no longer be permissible. And of the information that is collected, the legislation imposes new restrictions on its use and retention. These reforms will help shift the balance of privacy away from the Federal Government and back to the American people. I am proud that this bill also includes the Franken-Heller Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013. I was pleased to join Senator Franken on this legislation because, at the very least, Americans deserve to know the number of people whose information is housed by the NSA. For the first time in American history, the government is forced to disclose to the American people roughly how many of them have had their communications collected. Our provision calls for reports by the Director of National Intelligence detailing the requests for information authorized under the PATRIOT Act and the FISA Amendments Act. The reports would specify the total number of people whose information has been collected under these programs and how many people living in the United States have had their information collected. They would also permit the intelligence community to report on how many Americans actually had their information looked at by the NSA or any other intelligence agencies. Furthermore, these provisions would allow telephone and Internet companies to tell consumers basic information regarding FISA court orders they receive and the number of users whose information is turned over. The principles outlined in this bill to increase transparency for Americans and private companies would clear up a tremendous amount of confusion that exists within the programs. And our private companies need the added disclosure. The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation estimates that American cloud computing companies could lose $22 billion to $35 billion in the next 3 years because of concerns about their involvement with surveillance programs. The analytics firm Forrester put potential losses much higher, at $180 billion. I want to be clear: I share the concerns of all Americans that we must protect ourselves against threats to the homeland. I believe terrorism is very real and the United States is the target of those looking to undermine the freedoms we hold as the core of our national identity. If the bulk collection programs in existence were bearing so much information to protect the homeland, it would change my opinion on the need for the USA Freedom Act. However, the bulk collection program has simply not provided the tangible results that justify a privacy intrusion of this level. We know this because on October 2, 2013, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy, asked NSA Director Keith Alexander the following question: At our last hearing, deputy director Inglis stated that there's only really one example of a case where, but for the use of Section 215 bulk phone records collection, terrorist activity was stopped. Was Mr. Inglis right? To which Director Alexander responded: He's right. I believe he said two, Chairman. Congress has authorized the collection of millions of law-abiding citizens' telephone metadata for years and it has only solved two ongoing FBI investigations. Of those two investigations, the NSA has publicly identified one. In fact, that case could have easily been handled by obtaining a warrant and going to the telephone company. It is the case of an individual in San Diego who was convicted of sending $8,500 to Somalia in support of al-Shabaab, the terrorist organization claiming responsibility for the Kenyan mall attack. The American phone records allowed the NSA to determine that a U.S. phone was used to contact an individual associated with this terrorist organization. I am appreciative that the NSA was able to apprehend this individual, but it does not provide overwhelming evidence that this program is necessary. The Obama administration has come to the same conclusion and so has the intelligence community. The operational capabilities the intelligence community relies on to conduct their mission to keep us safe will not be impacted by the USA FREEDOM Act. If it were, the Intelligence Community and the administration would not have brokered this compromise legislation. Ending the bulk collection programs and giving Americans more transparency so they can determine for themselves whether they believe these programs should exist is an obligation we have to all of our constituents. We have a bill introduced today that would give our law enforcement authorities the tools they need to keep us safe and also stay true to the Fourth Amendment. I encourage my colleagues to support these important reforms and I hope it can quickly be considered by this Chamber.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, I wish to congratulate one of Nevada's brightest students--Rebecca Espinoza --for being chosen to participate in the United Health Foundation's Diverse Scholars Forum in Washington, DC. The United Health Foundation named scholars from 28 States throughout the Nation this year, and I am proud that Rebecca Espinoza, who attends the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is among them. The Diverse Scholars Initiative serves to improve our Nation's health care system by increasing the number of health care professionals from multicultural backgrounds. Rebecca's academic achievements thus far and her continued commitment to serving her community have made her a qualified candidate for the forum. In an effort to continue her dedication and service to her community, Rebecca is currently majoring in social work at UNLV and hopes to one day become a clinical social worker operating a non-profit to help disadvantaged youth in the community. I commend Rebecca for her mission and recognize that professional social workers provide valuable mental health therapy, caregiver and family counseling, health education, program coordination, and case management services. They also seek to ensure full participation of all members of society by working with millions of individuals, their families, and communities to combat a range of social problems so that we may improve our Nation's health and potential. Rebecca has been presented with the opportunity to pursue her career as a health care professional, and I am confident that great things will come from her in all of her future endeavors. On behalf of the residents of the Silver State, I am proud to recognize Rebecca for her accomplishments and contributions to our State. She undoubtedly represents Nevada's best and brightest. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this exceptional young Nevadan.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, I wish to recognize a veterans education program within Las Vegas known as Veterans Support Network for its continued dedication to helping its fellow servicemembers gain training and certifications that will assist them in becoming self- sufficient. This unique program works to improve the lives of disabled, visually impaired, and homeless veterans by providing educational classes and trainings, funding for on-the-job training, as well as professional talking books and Braille books to assist those with disabilities. The brave men and women who served the United States and fought to protect our freedom have often come home to a struggling economy. A number of veterans are unable to find a job or afford to buy or rent a home. As the demographics of our Armed Forces have changed throughout the years, so too have the needs of homeless veterans. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, this is an issue I have been personally involved with and have introduced legislation to address. Organizations like the Veterans Support Network serve to help those in need in the Las Vegas community. This organization is a shining example of the kind of initiatives that will help to get our veterans off of the streets. There is no way to adequately thank the men and women that lay down their lives for our freedoms, but the founders and volunteers at the Veterans Support Network are working to assist our Nation's veterans by giving them the opportunity to start a new career. The organization was founded by Ed Manley, a brave veteran who has selflessly been working toward the betterment of the homeless veteran community by teaching certification classes and working tirelessly to find funds to assist the homeless and wounded veterans within the community. This organization's continued dedication to serving veterans needing to learn new skills, build resume experience and earn wages through work assistance programs is commendable. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I know the struggles that our veterans face after returning home from the battlefield. Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals, but to ensure they receive the quality care they have earned and deserve. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation. I am very pleased that veterans service organizations like the Veterans Support Network are committed to ensuring that the needs of our veterans are being met. Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing the Veterans Support Network, an organization whose mission is both noble and charitable. I am both humbled and honored to recognize the Veteran's Support Network's mission of providing veterans with the skills that will allow them the opportunity to change their circumstances. This organization's commitment to helping struggling veterans get back on their feet is admirable, and I wish them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the current bill before this body, the Bring Jobs Home Act. At a time when Washington is stuck in political gridlock, I believe Democrats and Republicans should work together on policies that will create jobs not only in Nevada but, of course, across this country. I have filed five amendments on policies I have been working on here in the Senate this Congress that will spur natural resources jobs throughout the West, and I stand before this body today to urge action on what I consider to be commonsense proposals. As the Presiding Officer knows, roughly 85 percent of the land in Nevada is controlled by the Federal Government. Other Western States range somewhere between 50 percent and 80 percent. This situation presents our local and State governments with a lot of unique challenges. Our communities' economic vitality is directly tied to the way the Federal Government manages our Federal lands. As a result, one of my top priorities in the Senate is to implement reforms that streamline bureaucratic redtape that gets in the way of natural resources job creation. I have five amendments I have filed to deal with public land issues that specifically directly affect rural Nevada and rural America. I encourage my colleagues across the aisle to work with me so we can consider my amendments and other job-related amendments. If given the opportunity, we could spur natural resources-related economic development across this country and especially across the West. My first amendment, the Lyon County Economic Development and Conservation Act, is a Nevada-centric jobs bill which I have been focusing on for years which, to the disappointment of my constituents, has been held up through Senate gridlock. The Lyon County Economic Development and Conservation Act could transform the local economy of the county in my State that is struggling the most during this current recession. The bill allows the city of Yerington to partner with Nevada Copper to develop roughly 12,500 acres of land surrounding the Nevada Copper Pumpkin Hollow project site. The intent of this legislation is economic growth, and the land purchased by the city will be used for mining activities, industrial and renewable energy development, recreation, and open space. Enactment of this legislation is the last obstacle in the way of the company moving forward in the creation of over 1,000 jobs. For a rural county such as Lyon County, 1,000 jobs truly is a game changer. My second amendment, the Public Lands Job Creation Act, will create jobs by streamlining the bureaucratic process, cutting redtape, and ensuring that the BLM reviews Federal Register notices in a timely manner. The permitting and approval process for energy and mining projects on Federal lands takes several years, largely because of unnecessary delays, which costs businesses valuable time, resources, and jobs. This amendment, which I have also introduced as stand-alone legislation, streamlines the process by holding these agencies accountable to work effectively and timely to limit the negative effects of bureaucratic delays. Specifically, if BLM does not review a Federal Register notice by 45 days, the notice will be considered to be approved and the State BLM office will immediately forward the notice to be published in the Federal Register. This type of work is basically the transfer of paperwork but a transfer that is consistently holding up important job-creating projects. Earlier this year I facilitated a meeting between a local company going through the process to start a large hard rock mineral mine in Elko County and the local BLM to break this bureaucratic logjam. This mine will create hundreds of new jobs. While we were able to get the ball rolling in this particular instance--and I greatly appreciated the agency's work to move forward--it also shouldn't require congressional interaction to spur prompt action. My legislation will provide certainty to our local job creators. My third amendment, the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act, is an initiative we have been working on for many years. This legislation is a strong bipartisan proposal that will help create jobs, progress toward energy independence, and preserve our Nation's natural wonders by spurring renewable energy development on public lands. Energy is one of Nevada's greatest assets, and I believe continuing to develop renewable and alternative sources is important for Nevada's economic future. Geothermal and solar production in my State is a major part of the U.S. ``all the above'' energy strategy. In 2013 Nevada ranked second in the Nation for geothermal energy production and third for solar production. Eighteen percent of our total electricity generated came from renewable, compared to the national average of 13 percent. Our Nation's public lands can play a critical role in that mission, but uncertainty in the permitting process impedes or delays our ability to harness the renewable energy potential. Under current law, permits for wind and solar development are completed under the same process for other surface uses, such as pipelines, roads, and power lines. The BLM and Forest Service need a permitting process tailored to the unique characteristics and impacts of renewable energy projects. This initiative develops a straightforward process that will drive investment toward the highest quality renewable sources. In addition, the legislation ensures a fair return for public lands communities. Since Federal lands are not taxable, State and local governments deserve a share of the revenues from the sales of energy production on public lands that are within their county or State borders. These resources will help local governments deliver critical services and develop much needed capital improvement projects--projects such as roadways, public safety, and, of course, law enforcement. In my opinion, this proposal is a win-win situation. It is good for economic development while at the same time protecting the natural treasures out West that all of us value most. My fourth amendment, the Energy Consumers Relief Act, gets the government out of the way of our private sector natural resources job creators. Instead of advocating for policies that will put people back to work, this administration's EPA continues to develop rules that will increase Americans' utility bills, cause companies to lay off employees, and stifle economic growth. My amendment will specifically require the EPA to be transparent when proposing and issuing energy-related regulations with an economic impact of more than $1 billion. Additionally, it prohibits the EPA from finalizing a rule if the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with other relevant agencies, determines the rule would cause significant adverse effects to the economy. Finally, my final amendment, the Emergency Fuel Reduction Act, tackles a major problem many of our communities out West are facing right now; that is, catastrophic wildfires. One of the greatest challenges facing our western forests and rangelands is the growing severity and length of the fire season. Nevada is one of a handful of Western States that seemingly keeps enduring recordbreaking fire seasons year after year. We are always going to have fires out West, but we must be proactive in treating our forests and rangelands so that we can reduce the size, the frequency, and the intensity of these forest fires. My amendment streamlines the bureaucratic process for fire prevention projects, where a dangerous density of fuels threatens critical infrastructure such as power lines, schools, and water delivery canals, private property owners who live adjacent to Federal lands, and areas that threaten endangered species candidates such as the greater sage- grouse. Every year I hear from ranchers who live in northern Nevada's rural counties, such as Humboldt County, where, through no fault of their own, fires on Federal lands spread onto their private property. The Federal agencies have to prioritize proactive preventive work in these areas. My constituents should not have to suffer because the Federal Government is simply not doing their job to properly manage our own lands. I think nearly everyone can agree on a commonsense proposal such as the Emergency Fuel Reduction Act. If this body adopts my five amendments, Congress could go a long way toward spurring economic development and job creation within the mining, energy development, ranching, timber, and outdoor recreational industries. These types of jobs are the bedrock of our Western way of life, and concurrently these fields are struggling the most under this administration's restrictive Federal land management policies. It is no coincidence that our western rural communities are suffering from unemployment rates well above the national average. Let's get the government off their backs and allow them to do what they do best; that is, create jobs. At a time when the American public continues to lose faith in Congress, I hope the Senate can put partisan politics aside and restore order to the traditional amendment process this deliberative body has been known for over time. We should break through the political gridlock and have an open amendment process in the Senate. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, last week the Washington Post ran an opinion piece titled ``Moral clarity in Gaza.'' The thesis of the article states that Israel is not interested in cross-border violence; rather, the goal of the current military action is to establish peace. I believe the writer correctly suggests that Israel has been left with no choice but to act in order to defend herself from the terrorist organization Hamas. The piece also made the important conclusion that Hamas wants to provoke a fight with Israel and that this group is willing to sacrifice their own people in order to win international support and ultimately undermine Israel's legitimacy and right to defend itself. There is no question regarding Israel's legitimacy, and there is also no question regarding Israel's right to defend itself. The international community has affirmed this principle. Further, this body affirmed Israel's right to defend itself when the Senate recently passed Senator Graham's resolution on this matter. As a cosponsor, I believe this resolution speaks in clear terms: The Senate stands with Israel's right to defend itself, and it demands that Hamas immediately--immediately--stop attacking Israel. While the Senate has made its position on this issue clear, Israel has been forced to take matters into its own hands. As we speak, Israeli defense forces are engaged in Operation Protective Edge, working to identify and destroy the infrastructure Hamas has used to execute attacks and move artillery underneath Gaza City. Recent reports have stated that the IDF has destroyed more than 20 tunnels and identified many more as ground troops moved from building to building. They are utilizing air, ground, and sea to strike designated targets and provide support as IDF works its way through Gaza City. The fighting will likely continue and more casualties on both sides will increase until either a cease-fire can be negotiated or Israel believes the tunnel system has been successfully negated. I believe Israel has been left with no choice but to defend herself. Israel has faced a barrage of rocket attacks from Gaza Strip, and according to Secretary of State Kerry Hamas has attempted to sedate and kidnap Israelis through the network of tunnels used to stage cross- border raids. Prime Minister Netanyahu cannot tolerate rocket attacks and cannot tolerate kidnappings aimed at Israelis. Their right to defend themselves is without question. But through the process, innocent Palestinians are being killed. This tragic loss of innocent life must not go unnoticed, but we must acknowledge Hamas's role in risking the lives of their own through their own actions. Hamas stores and launches rockets from heavily populated areas. They do this because they know it will draw return fire from Israel, and even if some Palestinians are killed, the coverage aired worldwide will be favorable to Hamas and therefore well worth the loss. Hamas is sacrificing its own to win a media war against Israel. In contrast, in the lead-up to military action, Israel dropped thousands of leaflets explaining to Palestinians where they can go to be safe. There is no clearer picture of right versus wrong than Israel fighting to protect its citizens against a terrorist operation operating underground and using Palestinians they live with as human shields. Hamas is a terrorist organization willing to let women and children die if there is a possibility it advances international sympathy for them and underscores Israel in any way. The footage of innocent Palestinians dying in Gaza is tragic, but the blame is not at the foot of Israel; it is on Hamas. Over the next weeks and months, the military action in Gaza may escalate. If a cease-fire is not negotiated, the United States cannot turn its back on Israel. We must continue to stand with them and allow them to eradicate this terrorist threat and shut down these underground tunnels. It is their right as a nation, and the United States must stand with them. I thank the Presiding Officer and yield the floor.

Mr. HELLER

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

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I rise to speak on S. 2244, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. This is a bill I have worked on closely with my colleagues Senators Schumer, Kirk, and Reed from Rhode Island. I also want to thank Chairman Johnson and Ranking Member Crapo, who have been instrumental in getting this bill to this point. Without their leadership, we would not be here today. The terrorist attacks on September 11 caused a sudden and dramatic shock in the domestic market for terrorism insurance. After the attack there was a tremendous amount of uncertainty about the frequency and potential size of future attacks. Insurers quickly withdrew from the terrorist coverage market, and a new threat to our economy emerged. In response, Congress passed TRIA, to provide a Federal insurance backstop for terrorism coverage. Since the passage in 2002, TRIA has helped ensure the widespread availability of affordable insurance against terrorism. This helped spur new development and protected existing real estate throughout our country. TRIA was reauthorized in 2005 and reauthorized again in 2007. It is currently set to expire at the end of this year unless Congress acts. Unfortunately, the tragic bombing in Boston last year has shown that even years after September 11, the threat of terrorism still exists and we must continue our efforts to prevent, respond, and recover from any possible attacks in the future. I wish to remind my colleagues that terrorism is not only an issue for big cities in New Jersey, on the east coast, in the Midwest, Chicago, terrorism is a real threat in both rural and urban areas, north, south, east, and west. That is why I have been so involved in trying to get TRIA extended. In my home State, Las Vegas is considered one of the leading international business and tourism destination cities in the world. Southern Nevada welcomes almost 40 million tourists annually and has a population of nearly 2 million people. We have 35 major hotels along the Las Vegas strip. Many of them could have up to 15,000 occupants at any given time. According to the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, in 2013, the total economic impact of tourism was $45.2 billion, supporting 47 percent of the region's gross product, and 383,000 jobs, nearly half of the total workforce in southern Nevada. My point in citing these statistics is if a terrorist attack were to occur in Las Vegas, our entire State economy would be devastated without TRIA. It is not just about Las Vegas. In northern Nevada, our tourism and gaming industry is the largest private employer in Washoe County, which also includes Reno. They know that unless they have access to affordable terrorism coverage, they will have difficulty starting new capital projects and creating new jobs. You will find similar stories across our Nation in every State. Currently, there is no evidence that the terrorism risk insurance market is prepared to provide coverage without TRIA. Without TRIA, most developments would halt because businesses would not be able to access and afford the necessary insurance that is often required to secure a loan. TRIA has helped many hotels, hospitals, office complexes, shopping centers, colleges, and universities have access to terrorism insurance coverage. The bill before us today is truly a bipartisan bill. It received a unanimous 22-to-0 vote in the banking committee. Such a strong vote only reinforces the bipartisan work that went into crafting this legislation. I, along with my colleagues on the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, agreed to several key reforms that would increase the insurance industry's aggregate retention level and coinsurance levels, which will significantly reduce the potential cost to taxpayers. It is my hope that we can easily pass this important legislation with a strong bipartisan vote and send this bill to the House as soon as possible. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and let's not wait until the end of the year to extend this critical program. With that, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Nevada Battleship. I am proud to be able to honor Nevada's namesake battleship today and all of the Americans that served aboard her. The anniversary of the battleship USS Nevada comes on the heels of Nevada celebrating its 150th year of statehood. Through her years of service, the Nevada suffered many blows and casualties, but remained dedicated to defending her country. The crew that served aboard her have all earned a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation. I, along with my fellow Nevadans, feel a great sense of pride that our State has been chosen as the namesake for this ship that is arguably one of the greatest of our navy or of any Navy. Launched on July 11, 1914, at the Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation in Quincy, MA, the USS Nevada was the most-advanced battleship in the U.S. Navy at the time. The USS Nevada saw both World Wars during her time in active service. During the final months of World War I, she was based in Bantry Bay, County Cork, Ireland, to ensure that the supply convoys that were sailing to and from Great Britain were protected. In World War II, she was the only ship to get underway during the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor. After receiving one torpedo hit and several bomb hits, the USS Nevada had to be beached, but after vigorous salvage work, repairs and improvements, she was able to return to combat. Highly decorated for the numerous battles that she was a part of, the USS Nevada was present at the Attu landings against the Japanese, fired against German defenses during the Normandy landings, and supported operations in Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After over 30 years of service, the USS Nevada was deemed too old for retention and was assigned to serve as a target in the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll. The experience left her radioactive and badly damaged, leading to her being decommissioned and eventually sunk during naval gunfire practice. It is an honor to be able to commemorate this day on behalf of my fellow Nevadans as we remember those who have risked their lives to defend freedom. Our Navy's commitment to this country, as well as their dedication to their families and communities, exemplified why the legacy of all veterans must be preserved for generations to come. These heroes selflessly served not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals, but to ensure they are cared for after their return home. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation. I ask that we recognize the commissioning of the USS Nevada and honor all that sailed aboard her. I am both humbled and honored to commemorate the brave men and women who dedicated their lives to serving our country and recognize them here today. May we never forget the legacy of this great battleship and her gallant crew.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I wish to congratulate COL James Walker of Las Vegas, Nevada on his upcoming retirement from the Nevada Army National Guard. I am proud to honor a Nevadan who has dedicated his life to serving our country. Born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, Colonel Walker's desire to serve came when he was studying psychology in college. On scholarship for soccer at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he decided he wanted to enlist and become a combat medic. Upon joining the Army in 1979, Colonel Walker rose through the ranks and eventually became the highest ranking African-American Army National Guard officer in Nevada history. Colonel Walker's career from private to colonel over the course of 35 years is both commendable and admirable. Throughout his career, Colonel Walker continued to pursue all of the educational training that the Army National Guard had to offer. With the support of his wife Doris Colonel Walker decided to pursue three NCO professional development schools, earning him the prestigious NCO Ribbon. Colonel Walker also participated in an Officer Candidate School at Clear Creek near Carson City and was a pioneering student in the Nevada primary leadership development course, graduating at the top of his class with honors. After his success there, he served as a training officer for the next graduating class. His ability to give back to the National Guard and his community was also exemplified during his 3 years of teaching ROTC at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Upon his retirement from the National Guard, Colonel Walker plans to continue working for National Security Technologies as the company's facility manager at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. I extend my deepest gratitude to Colonel Walker for his courageous contributions to the United States of America and to freedom-loving nations around the world. His service to his country and his bravery and dedication earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals who serve our Nation but also to ensure they are cared for when they return home. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation. Throughout his tenure, Colonel Walker has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of the Army National Guard. I am both humbled and honored by his service and am proud to call him a fellow Nevadan. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing COL James Walker for all of his accomplishments and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and congratulate Ms. Lammiman for being awarded the National Association of Agricultural Educators Agriscience Teacher of the Year award. Ms. Lammiman will receive her award at the NAAE convention in Las Vegas on December 5, along with a grant to purchase supplies and equipment for her classes. I am humbled and honored to congratulate her on being presented this prestigious award. The National Association of Agricultural Educators named only six educators throughout the United States this year, and Ms. Lammiman, who is a teacher at Douglas High School in Minden, NV, is among the select few chosen. The National Agriscience Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers who have inspired and enlightened their students through engaging and interactive lessons in the science of agriculture. Ms. Lammiman, who has taught at Douglas High School for the past 9 years, exemplifies these qualities. During her tenure, she has created several hands-on courses that allow students to apply in-class lessons to real-life situations in agricultural science. Her mission to teach her students to think, rather than what to think, is displayed in the courses that she has available for students. Ms. Lammiman's students are truly receiving a hands-on education through her classes in floriculture, where children learn to operate a self-sufficient floriculture business; equine science, where they aided in the training and care of an adopted, orphaned foal named ``Flash;'' and natural resources, where the students create trails, raise Lahontan Cutthroat trout, and collect data on Nevada's wild horse population. Ms. Lammiman is not only an advocate for agriculture in the classroom, but is also a co-advisor for the local Future Farmers of America chapter. Through her role as a co-advisor, she recruits volunteers from the community to coach FFA teams, teaches the students to train horses, provides placements for the individualized work experience internship courses, and helps the students to raise livestock. The FFA serves to provide students the opportunity to become well-educated, skilled, and productive citizens through agricultural education. It is no secret that teaching is one of the hardest jobs in the world and one of the most important. As a father of four children who attended Nevada's public schools, and as the husband of a lifelong teacher, I understand the important role that teachers play in enriching the lives of Nevada's students. Ensuring that America's youth are prepared to compete in the 21st century is critical for the future of our country. The State of Nevada is fortunate to be home to an educator like Ms. Lammiman, whose mission to educate children extends far beyond the walls of the classroom. I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in thanking Ms. Lammiman for dedication to enriching the lives of Nevada's students and congratulating her on this great achievement.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to recognize the Nevada National Guard's 45th Detachment of the Operational Support Airlift Agency, DET 45 OSAA, located at Reno-Stead airport. On June 6th, this unit departed for Joint Base Bagram, Afghanistan, where they will be serving for the next 9 months. While tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, I am both humbled and honored that these brave men and women are willing to go into harm's way to put the needs of our country before their own. We owe our respect and gratitude to these soldiers, who are sacrificing so much to defend our freedoms. The DET 45 OSAA unit has a flawless reputation for providing safely executed flight operations both nationally and internationally without any accidents for the past 20 years, which has earned them a spot among the top 10 units for the past 10 years. I, along with my fellow Nevadans are honored that the DET 45 OSAA Unit call Nevada home. We as a nation are fortunate to have men and women, like those in the DET 45 OSAA unit, to serve and protect us. The Nevada National Guard's 45th Detachment plays an integral role within the Operational Support Airlift Agency's mission by providing high priority, short notice fixed wing air transport support to passengers and cargo for all components and members of the Department of Defense. DET 45 OSAA has supported many missions both nationally and abroad. From 2003 to 2010 the unit flew missions in Cuba in support of Special Forces operations, and were deployed to Iraq and Kuwait supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the United States Africa Command. The DET 45 OSAA unit has also supported ground forces by flying an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission with the King Air 300 series Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System aircraft. Most recently, the State of Nevada has contributed to a new intelligence mission by providing soldiers working as Aerial Electronic Sensor Operators to perform their newest intelligence mission. I would like to thank the courageous men and women in DET 45 OSAA for their contributions to the United States of America and to freedom- loving nations around the world. Their service to our country and their bravery and dedication to their families and communities earn all of these heroes a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation. I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing and thanking these heroes for their selfless service both at home and abroad. May they have another successful mission and a safe return home.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to recognize a veterans volunteer program within Las Vegas known as Squadbay for their continued dedication to help their fellow servicemembers transition back from the battlefield to their communities. This unique program comprised of Marine Corps combat veterans provides recently discharged veterans with a mission, which uses newly acquired battlefield skills, and provides housing and other resources. There is no way to adequately thank the men and women who lay down their lives for our freedoms, but the founders and volunteers at Squadbay have developed a way to assist our Nation's veterans in need by affording them various ways to use their training to benefit others. I commend this organization's continued dedication to serving Marine combat veterans needing to process traumatic experiences while simultaneously affecting a positive change in the lives of those in need of humanitarian assistance. Squadbay was founded by Lu Lobello, a brave veteran living in Las Vegas who realized the importance of having a mission after returning home from combat in Baghdad. Lu serves as a shining example of putting one's community before oneself. With its first mission in 2013 to the Philippines after Typhoon Yolanda, Squadbay's service extends far beyond our Nation's borders. By allowing veterans the ability to continue using their combat training in a new environment, with a new mission that mirrors the values of their military experience, Squadbay is working to create a seamless transition to civilian life for our veterans. By providing a safe and social space for combat veterans to come together and the opportunity to embark on humanitarian aid missions, they are affording these brave men and women an opportunity to work through any issues brought on by experiencing combat. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I know the struggles that our veterans face after returning home from the battlefield. Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals but to ensure they receive the quality care they have earned and deserve. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation. I am very pleased that veterans service organizations like Squadbay are committed to ensuring that the needs of our veterans are being met. Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing Squadbay, an organization whose mission is both noble and charitable. Their commitment to helping rehabilitate our veterans by giving them an outlet to embark on humanitarian aid missions in a positive life- changing scenario is admirable, and I wish them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Thank you, Madam President. I also thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in both Chambers of Congress for their efforts on this important piece of legislation that is before us. I especially thank Senators Isakson, Murray, Alexander, and Harkin for their leadership on this issue and for working together with our colleagues in the House to craft this compromise. I am pleased that Congress has come together in a bipartisan manner to address the most pressing issue we face in the country, which is the need to restore our country's economic health. We have a responsibility here in Washington to ensure that the needs of American workers, businesses, and job seekers are all being met. I believe we need a two-pronged approach to this problem: first, a full- fledged effort to grow the economy and create new jobs; and second, a temporary safety net that helps people unable to secure a job in this current economic environment. The bill now in front of us is a much- needed effort to reauthorize and streamline the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which is the primary Federal law concerning job training and workforce development programs. The services offered through the WIA Program--job search assistance, career counseling, skills training, and on-the-job training--are a critical part of the effort to grow our economy and to ensure that workers are prepared for the job market. Importantly, these programs are coordinated at the State and local levels to ensure that the unique needs of our communities are appropriately addressed. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act takes some long overdue steps to modernize our workforce investment system. It eliminates 15 programs that have been identified as duplicative or ineffective. It removes 21 burdensome Federal mandates on States and local workforce boards. It promotes State and local control and improves flexibility so we can better respond to changes in our workforce or the economy. It also improves accountability and transparency measures to guarantee that these programs are operating efficiently and effectively. Given that this law has been due for reauthorization for more than 10 years, providing States and local communities the flexibility they need is vital to ensuring economic stability. We clearly cannot depend on the Federal Government to provide workers and businesses with timely solutions to help our workforce, so I am pleased this legislation puts much of that control back where it belongs. The need to reauthorize these important programs is perhaps no more apparent than in my home State of Nevada. Our State is one of the States hit hardest by the economic downturn, and although we are slowly recovering, we still have a long way to go. Industries that thrived for many years suddenly stalled, leaving thousands of workers out of jobs. Nevada had a double-digit unemployment rate for 4\1/2\ years, unfortunately topping the charts at nearly 14 percent for several months. Over the past few years, I have spoken with employers and job seekers in Nevada to look for ways to restore the health of our economy and get Nevadans back to work. Surprisingly, I heard from many employers that they have job opportunities available, they want to hire more employees and grow their businesses, but they are having difficulty finding workers with the necessary skill sets. The skills gap problem isn't unique to Nevada. In fact, there are millions of unfilled jobs throughout the country. With nearly 10 million Americans still unemployed and looking for work, we must take steps to connect job seekers with employment opportunities in in-demand sectors. I was proud to join Senator Joe Donnelly from Indiana in introducing the Skills Gap Strategy Act to develop a solution to this particular issue, and I am glad the manager's amendment before us today also reinforces some of these principles. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is a bipartisan, bicameral piece of legislation that represents real efforts to get our economy back on track. Although no bill is perfect and the nature of compromise means not everyone gets everything they want, I am grateful for the work my colleagues have done in writing this bill. Although I would have preferred to include efforts to provide stability for uemployed job seekers by temporarily extending unemployment insurance benefits, I also recognize that these job training and workforce investment programs are essential in getting Americans back to work. I still firmly believe that our economic recovery needs a two-pronged approach that grows the economy and provides stability for job seekers, and this bill is an important part of that equation. While the Senate is in session, I call constituents back in my State and ask them to join me for a telephone town hall meeting. During one of the calls just last night, I asked Nevadans if they felt as though the economy was improving. Of those participating, 26 percent said yes, they do think the economy is improving; 13 percent said they were unsure; and 60 percent said no, they do not think the economy is getting any better. On a ratio of 2 to 1, Nevadans feel that the economic growth is lagging. We need to fix this and pass policies to help turn this economy around. In the meantime, we cannot forget about the most important safety net available to Americans. Make no mistake. I have every intention of continuing to work with my colleague from Rhode Island to temporarily extend unemployment benefits for those who are seeking to work. I was proud to once again team up with the Senator from Rhode Island yesterday to reintroduce a new unemployment extension bill that would provide 5 months of benefits with retroactive eligibility. We will continue to work with our colleagues here in the Senate, the House, and this administration to pass this legislation to ensure that we continue to provide this temporary safety net while still looking for work. Again, I thank my friends in both the Senate and the House for their work on this much-needed legislation. This compromise effort proves that Congress is capable of working together on legislation to help our economy. I am hopeful this experience will encourage all of us to continue to work together to pass more bills, grow our economy, and create new jobs for people in Nevada and for all of the United States.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, I thank my colleagues on the floor for their healthy debate on advancing traffic safety. I am sure we will hear a lot more about it, and I look forward to continued debate. I also thank my colleague from Missouri for his support on the amendment I am about to offer and talk about. The amendment I am speaking of is the Heller amendment No. 3269 to H.R. 4660. While I commend the chairwoman and the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee for all of their hard work in putting together the appropriations minibus to be considered on the floor, this is only the first of the appropriations bills that Congress needs to, and should, consider before the end of the fiscal year. This will not surprise the American public, but this Congress is once again facing another October 1 deadline to complete all of the current fiscal year appropriations bills. We are now well into the year and only now are we starting to bring appropriations bills to the Senate floor. By our own calendar there are only 8 full legislative weeks left to avoid yet another continuing resolution. Missed deadline after missed deadline has been a staple of this Congress. Without even a basic budget process, we have failed to pass any of the current fiscal year appropriations bills on time so far this year. I know the Appropriations Committee has been working hard to pass each of their spending bills in committee, but all too often these bills end up being rolled into one large omnibus measure or a continuing resolution that is not subject to any amendments. As our Nation faces a rising national debt, the American people can no longer afford Congress's failure to tackle our Nation's spending addiction. I must admit that since coming to Washington back in 2006, I have never seen Congress pass all 12 appropriations bills on time. In fact, I am certain most of my colleagues who serve with me today have not experienced a normal appropriations process, and there are probably even more Members who don't think it is even a realistic expectation to pass all 12 appropriations bills on time anymore. So I am here to remind everyone that Congress has been able to accomplish its regular budget and appropriations process before in recent history. A couple examples: It happened under President Clinton with a Republican Congress in 1996. It happened under President Reagan with a Democratic Congress in 1988. These are just two examples, but the fact remains that these deadlines have been met before, and now is the time to start meeting those deadlines again. I have always said Washington, DC, is a pain-free zone that faces no consequences--zero consequences--if Members fail to do their jobs. I think it is time we start requiring accountability for Members of Congress in order to get things done. I know many of my colleagues have heard me talk about my legislation, No Budget, No Pay. It is pretty simple: If Members of Congress do not pass an annual bipartisan budget resolution and all 12 spending bills on time each year, then they simply should not be paid. I wish to repeat that last part: If Congress fails to pass all 12 spending bills on time each year, they should not get paid. We have honest, hardworking Americans in the gallery and across this country who play by the rules. That rule says: If people do their job, they get paid. Why shouldn't it be the same for us as Members of Congress? We need to be honest. We also need to recognize that both Democrats and Republicans are at fault. Governing from crisis to crisis while our long-term debt continues to grow is now the new normal in Washington. We need bipartisan solutions, but nothing will happen if Members of Congress don't start feeling some pain. Instead of playing another game of brinkmanship, let's start working now on a plan that will place our Nation on sound fiscal footing or cultivate a progrowth economy that will produce jobs in the long term. I have filed No Budget, No Pay as an amendment to this appropriations minibus to highlight that we have to end this cycle of inaction and indecision. Let's show the American people their elected officials are ready to lead and make the tough decisions these times deserve. While I am not a betting man, I am from Nevada so I would bet that once again we will fail on passing any appropriations bills into law before October 1, and we will once again punt our responsibilities by doing another CR or omnibus. I ask my colleagues--if you are sick and tired of this broken budget and appropriations process as much as I am, support No Budget, No Pay, and let's fix this problem once and for all. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to recognize the 95th year of the Annual Reno Rodeo, the ``Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West''. Revered by some as the greatest outdoor rodeo in the world, I, along with my fellow Nevadans, are proud that it has called the great State of Nevada home for so many years. The Reno Rodeo was started in 1919 by local community leaders and has grown exponentially in the past 95 years, offering Nevadans and rodeo goers nationwide a place to truly experience the gritty, energetic entertainment that the Wild West is best known for. For generations fans have been flocking to Reno to see some of our Nation's toughest cowboys and cowgirls compete in ten days of competition, showcasing their amazing talents, from roping to bull riding. This event has become a yearly tradition for many Nevada families, including my own, and is the source of many cherished memories. As rodeo lovers, my wife Lynne and I have proudly ridden in the Reno Rodeo Parade on our horses, Jackson and Cruise, and Lynne has had the privilege of singing the National Anthem at the Rodeo's opening several times. From its start as a charitable organization in 1986, the Reno Rodeo Foundation has focused its mission on benefitting and enriching the lives of Nevada families in need. With the help of over 500 dedicated volunteers in the community, the Reno Rodeo Foundation has made a tradition of giving the annual proceeds of the event back to the residents of Nevada in a variety of ways. The organization has used the proceeds to build a horseback riding facility for Marvin Piccolo, a school for children with special physical or mental needs in Reno, and has created a recreation center on the Kids' Kampus to benefit abused and neglected children in protective custody. These are just a few examples of how the rodeo gives back to the Silver State. I am both humbled and honored to recognize the Reno Rodeo here today for donating over $1 million in the form of scholarships, children's charities, high school rodeo, literacy programs, and much more. I ask my colleagues to join me and all Nevadans in recognizing Reno Rodeo, a special event that has proudly called Nevada home for the past 95 years, and I would like to offer the best of luck to all who are participating in this year's events.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, Today I recognize one of Nevada's brightest students--Karthik Rohatgi--for earning the prestigious title of Presidential Scholar from the U.S. Department of Education. Presidential Scholars are chosen for outstanding test scores, essays, grades, and community service commitments. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars named only 141 scholars throughout the United States this year, and Karthik Rohatgi, who attends the Davidson Institute for Talent Development at the University of Nevada, Reno is among them. Each Presidential Scholar will receive a medallion at a ceremony on June 22 in Washington, DC. This young man's academic accomplishments serve to reinforce the important role of education in our State. As the father of four and husband to a lifelong teacher, ensuring that all of Nevada's students have access to a high-quality education is important to me. I strongly believe higher education opens the door to more job opportunities and professional fulfillment, as well as increased earning power. For this reason, I will continue working to support educators and students to ensure that Nevadans are well prepared to enter the workforce and begin successful careers. On behalf of the residents of the Silver State, I am proud to recognize Karthik for his accomplishments and contributions to our State. He undoubtedly represents Nevada's best and brightest. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this exceptional young Nevadan.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, I would like to begin by thanking my colleague from Pennsylvania Senator Casey for his dedication in working with me in a bipartisan manner to resolve the backlog of veterans' benefits claims. The care of our Nation's veterans is truly a bipartisan issue. I would also like to take this moment to commend my colleagues, the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee Senator Sanders and also the senior Senator from Arizona for bringing together ideas from both sides of the aisle to address the problems facing appointment wait times, VA scheduling practices, accountability, and the overall quality of our care provided at VA medical facilities across our Nation. A recent VA audit of VA facilities across the Nation found that appointment wait times for new patients at hospitals and clinics were up to several months. No veteran should have to wait that long to get their first appointment. I have talked with the Las Vegas VA Director, Isabel Duff, about plans to reduce their wait times. I am confident the proposals in the veterans bill passed yesterday will help these facilities make immediate improvements in progress to provide the necessary care to these Nevada veterans. Addressing the serious concerns of health care at the VA is an urgent issue, one that needs quick action from Congress. I am pleased we were able to pass that bipartisan legislation, but there is another side of the coin separate from the Veterans Health Administration; that is, the Veterans Benefits Administration. It is the responsibility of VBA to administer benefits to our veterans. The VHA has undergone intense scrutiny in the last few weeks, but the veterans disability claims backlog is another urgent issue that needs action from this Congress. The legislation we passed helped get the VHA system in order, but this will do no good. It will not do good unless the veterans can actually get their benefits and utilize these hospitals. The problems with accountability, management, and efficiency with the VA health care nationwide are the same problems the Veterans Benefits Administration is facing. As we speak, nearly 287,000 veterans across this country and nearly 3,700 veterans in the State of Nevada have waited over 125 days for their claims to be processed. In fact, veterans in Nevada have the longest waiting time in the Nation at 346 days. This week the VA inspector general released its report on the inspection of the Reno VA regional office, which processes claims for veterans in our State. The inspection found that 50 percent of the claims the IG reviewed were not accurately processed. Furthermore, many of these inaccuracies were the result of a lack of proper management. The problems at the Reno VARO are a prime example of why Congress needs to act now to bring reforms and accountability to the VBA. Just as it is unacceptable for veterans to wait months for appointments, it is just as unacceptable for them to wait months for the benefits they have earned. To address this issue, Senator Casey and I introduced the VA backlog working group report along with a bipartisan group of our colleagues, which included Senators Moran, Heinrich, Vitter, and Tester. This report outlines the claims process, explains the history of the VA claims backlog, and offers targeted solutions to help the VA develop an efficient benefit delivery system. To put the report's targeted solutions into action, our working group introduced the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act. This comprehensive, bipartisan piece of legislation addresses three areas of the claims process: claims submission, VA regional office practices, and Federal agencies' responses to VA requests. I am pleased 18 of our Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle have cosponsored this legislation and that it has gained the support of the veterans service organizations such as the VFW, DAV, the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America and the AUSN. Senator Casey and I recognize that the claims process is complex. There is no easy answer. There is no silver bullet that is going to solve this particular problem, but the VA's current efforts will not eliminate this backlog. So just as we worked to address the issues at the VHA, I encourage colleagues to work to address some of these issues at the VBA. I was pleased to see the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs try to move forward with examining our proposal just last week. While I understand that the committee had to cancel this hearing, I encourage the chairman of the committee to reschedule it. Our proposal can no longer afford to wait in the backlog of bills to be considered by this Chamber. Practical, targeted solutions are needed to address inefficiencies that are keeping veterans from receiving timely decisions on their benefit plans. After all our veterans have sacrificed in service to our country, we owe this to them. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to move this commonsense proposal forward. With that, I yield for my friend and colleague from Pennsylvania, Senator Casey.

Mr. HELLER

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

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, I wish to congratulate Nevada's own, Nia Sanchez from Las Vegas, on being crowned Miss USA 2014. Nia is the first beauty queen in the competition's history to ever win from the great State of Nevada, and I am truly honored to congratulate her on this great achievement. The Miss USA pageant had its start in 1952 as a local ``bathing beauty'' competition that transformed into an international and annual tradition that has been a part of American history for the past 62 years. The women who are awarded the crown and named Miss USA are goal- oriented, knowledgeable and aware of what is going on at home and abroad. These characteristics are exemplified in Nia's everyday life, as a woman who is constantly seeking to improve the lives of others and her local community. Nia truly is an example of a person who overcame great obstacles to achieve her dreams. When she was 8 years old, she and her mother were forced to live in a women's shelter, and that is one of the driving forces behind her choice to dedicate her life to serving others. As a fourth-degree black belt and instructor, Nia spends her time teaching martial arts to women and ``Stranger Danger'' classes to children in the community. She also volunteers her time teaching Sunday school at the Shade Tree shelter in Las Vegas, which serves the needs of women, children, and their pets in Southern Nevada. Her volunteerism within the community is just one part of how she serves others. Her service extends far beyond our Nation's borders through her travels to work on mission trips to Mexico, Thailand, and the Great Wall of China. She is an exemplary Nevadan, and we are honored that she calls the Silver State home. I know the citizens of the Silver State are proud to see a fellow Nevadan succeed in making their dream of winning Miss USA come true. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Nia Sanchez on this incredible honor and wish her the best of luck as she pursues the crown for Miss Universe and serves as a global ambassador.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize artist Ron Spears for sharing his talents to create the Nevada Statehood Forever Stamp, almost 150 years following Nevada's entrance into the war-torn union. This year commemorates a very special year in Nevada's history during which we celebrate 150 years of statehood. From those days of bitter conflict, Nevada forged a State dedicated to preserving liberty and bettering America. Our dramatic entrance is why our State calls itself Battle Born and why Nevadans, over the past 150 years, have been entrepreneurial, fiercely independent, and as diverse as our terrain. It is an honor to recognize the artist who painted and captured the essence of the Nevada statehood in the Forever Stamp. A resident of Reno, NV, Ron Spears is a university professor with a master's in fine art. His career is decorated with many different projects, ranging from illustrations on casino games, book covers, magazine articles, and even illustrations for Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, Harry Potter Card Game, Upper Deck, Blizzard Entertainment, and others. Now, Ron can add the Nevada Statehood Forever Stamp to his long list of works of art. His contribution to our State's history is something to be both commended and applauded. Ron's creativity glows from this stamp commemorating Nevada's sesquicentennial. The brilliance and the vision that Ron discovered on his 2-year travels throughout this great State exemplifies the very inspiration that was born on October 31, 1864. Just beyond the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip sits the stunning red rocks and bright blue skies that set the stage for a destination that is hard to miss, the Valley of Fire, Nevada's oldest State park. The magnificent formations of sandstone and dunes are what make this park a truly unique and brilliant place, one that I am glad was captured for our stamp. To say that I was struck by Ron's workmanship and vision would be an understatement. I am truly proud that we are able to showcase this incredible achievement that I am sure will serve as a model for other artists and pioneers, right here in Nevada. Today I ask my colleagues and residents of the Silver State to join me in recognizing Ron for this great achievement and honor.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, before I begin, I would like to take a moment to address the unsettling events that occurred yesterday when two members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and an innocent civilian were victims of a terrible act of violence. While words offer little comfort at this difficult time, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the victims' families. The Las Vegas community is grateful to these police officers for their service and joins their families in mourning their loss. I would also like to thank the men and women of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department who sprung into action following the tragic events, even after losing members of the law enforcement community.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to congratulate two of Nevada's own, MSG Davis B. Leonard and Private Gaetano R. Benza, for being awarded the National Order of the French Legion of Honor in the rank of chevalier. Their service to our country and dedication to ensuring freedom beyond America's borders earn them a unique place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation. As we approach the anniversary of D-day, nearly 70 years after World War II, these heroes are being honored with the Legion of Honor, France's highest distinction. Veterans who risked their lives during World War II and fought on French territory have this award bestowed upon them as a token of gratitude from France for defending liberty on their soil. The sacrifices these brave soldiers made set America and the world on a path to peace, freedom, and liberty that we as Americans enjoy today. Master Sergeant Leonard and Private Benza are joining the ranks of other notable Americans, such as GEN Dwight D. Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur and even, as an institution, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, by receiving this honorable recognition. A highly decorated veteran from Henderson, NV, MSG Davis Leonard served in the U.S. Army Air Force Reserve as part of the 8th Air Force. He was transferred to England, where he flew his first of 64 combat missions as a bombardier and navigator. Master Sergeant Leonard was active in the Battle of Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. For his service, he earned several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with two bronze and one silver oak leaf medal. Upon his return home, he worked to rebuild our country working for Pacific Telephone Company for 30 years. Now retired at the age of 91, Master Sergeant Leonard resides in Henderson with his wife. Private Gaetano Benza from Las Vegas, NV, spent 4 months transporting supplies and ammunition to the men on Omaha Beach as a longshoreman for the Port Battalion 297th Port Company. During the invasion of Normandy, Private Benza worked tirelessly, while under heavy enemy fire, to ensure that the soldiers that landed were equipped for battle. After spending 4 months at Omaha Beach, he moved to La Havre, France, where he would remain until the end of the war. Awarded for his service to our country, Private Benza received the World War II Victory medal. Once he returned home, he continued his education and became a barber at Nellis Air Force Base. While retired from the Armed Forces, 89-year- old Private Benza refuses to retire from his active lifestyle and is still a barber in the Las Vegas area. Their commitment to this country, as well as their dedication to their families and communities, exemplified why the legacy of all World War II veterans must be preserved for generations to come. These veterans truly are the ``greatest generation''--selflessly serving not for recognition but because it was the right thing to do. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals but to ensure they are cared for when they return home. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation. Please join me in congratulating these men for their acts of heroism and valor that helped to defend France from the greatest enemy they or we have ever faced. May we never forget the brave actions by these heroes that allowed the Allied troops to begin a march across Europe and defeat tyranny. Today, I join the Clark County community and citizens of the Silver State to congratulate these courageous men and honorable Nevadans.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to congratulate Nicholas ``Cole'' Carothers Nimmo, on obtaining one of the Boy Scouts of America's highest ranks of Eagle Scout. Cole began his journey to the rank of Eagle Scout when he became a Boy Scout in 2008. Throughout his time in the Boy Scouts, he has tirelessly worked to achieve this next rank and honor. He completed his Eagle project this past fall by leading a team of friends, family, and leaders in raising money for the materials and building a large storage shed for a local girls summer camp. Becoming an Eagle Scout enabled Cole to develop an appreciation and love of the outdoors. Biking in the Acadia National Forest with Troop 388, canoeing on the Susquehanna River, and earning his favorite merit badge in camping were highlights of his tenure in the scouts thus far. As one of tomorrow's leaders, Cole's dedication to his local community enhances my faith in our great Nation's future. His training has enabled him to develop skills and knowledge that will help him serve those around him his whole life. It is truly an honor for me to help in celebrating his advancement to Eagle Scout. Continuing at this level of accomplishment, with such a strong commitment to civic duty, Cole will become a strong, contributing citizen of this great Nation. He knows that achieving the rank of Eagle is just the beginning of a life filled with leadership and service opportunities. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Cole on his loyal service and contributions to his troop and community.