Dean Heller

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I rise to join this bipartisan group calling for support of the USA FREEDOM Act. I want to begin by thanking my friend and colleague from Utah for his hard work and effort on behalf of the American people on this, my friend from Vermont for his actions also, and other Members of this Chamber. Together, what we are trying to do is bring transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, freedom to the American people-- freedom from an unnecessary and what has now been declared an illegal invasion of American's privacy. I am talking specifically about section 215 under the PATRIOT Act. Just last week, a Federal appeals court ruled that this National Security Agency program that collects Americans' calls--these records are now illegal. Our national security and protection of our freedom as Americans are not mutually exclusive. Allowing the Federal Government to conduct vast domestic surveillance operations under section 215 provides the government with too much authority. This court's ruling only reaffirms that the NSA is out of control. Under section 215, the FBI can seek a court order directing a business to turn over certain records when they have reasonable grounds to believe the information asked for is ``relevant to an authorized investigation of international terrorism.'' However, the NSA has wrongly interpreted this to mean that all--all--telephone records are relevant. So they are collecting and storing large amounts of data in an attempt to find a small amount of information that might be relevant. If we reauthorize these laws without significant reforms, we are allowing millions of law-abiding U.S. citizens' call records to be held by the Federal Government. I see this as nothing but an egregious intrusion of Americans' privacy. So what does the NSA know? They know someone from my State in Elko, NV, got a call from the NRA and then called their Senator. So what does the NSA know? They know someone from Las Vegas called the suicide hotline for 20 minutes and then called a hospital right after. So what does the NSA know? They know you called your church or received a phone call from political action committees. So does the previous administration, does this administration or perhaps the next administration care about your party affiliation? Do they care about your religious beliefs? Do they care about your health concerns? How about your activities in nonprofit tax-exempt entities? Maybe not today, as the Senator from Utah said, but what about 5 years from now, what about 10 years from now and even 15 years from now? That is why I have been working with my colleagues since the last Congress to pass the USA FREEDOM Act, and I am proud to join as an original cosponsor of this bill in this new Congress. Those reforms are not just a pipeline dream that will die in the Senate. This is a substantive bill that carefully balances the privacy rights of Americans and the needs of the intelligence community as they work to keep us safe. That is why the House Judiciary Committee has passed this bill on a bipartisan basis and the full House of Representatives is expected to pass it later this week. Let me be clear. We are not here to strip the intelligence community of the tools needed to fight terrorism. To my colleagues who feel that the USA FREEDOM Act will do this, I would ask them to read this letter from our intelligence community. In my hand, I have a letter signed by the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence that was sent to Senator Leahy last year. I would like to read a portion of this. ``The intelligence community believes that your bill preserves essential intelligence community capabilities; and the Department of Justice and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence support your bill and believe that it is a reasonable compromise that enhances privacy and civil liberties and increases transparency.'' We are not here to harm the operational capabilities of the intelligence community who safeguard us every day. What we are here to do is provide the American people the certainty that the Federal Government is working without violating their constitutional rights. That is why I have also consistently opposed and voted against the PATRIOT Act during my time in Congress. I will do everything I can to end the PATRIOT Act, but if I cannot do that, I will work to gut the PATRIOT Act of the most egregious sections that infringe upon American citizens' privacy and their civil liberties. That is what the reforms of the USA FREEDOM Act begin to achieve. This legislation, among other things, will rein in the dragnet collection of data by the National Security Agency. It will stop the bulk collection of American communication records by ending the specific authorization under section 215 of the PATRIOT Act. We are reaching a critical deadline as several Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act provisions expire at the end of May. I want to be clear that I expect reforms to our surveillance programs, and I will not consent to a straight reauthorization of the illegal activities that occur under section 215 of the PATRIOT Act. It is time for our Nation to right this wrong, make significant changes necessary to restore America's faith in the Federal Government, and restore the civil liberties that make our Nation worth protecting. I want to again thank the Senator from Utah and my colleague from the State of Vermont for their hard work and effort on behalf of all Americans in protecting their privacies and their civil liberties. I will turn my time back over to the Senator from Utah.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Favil West, cofounder and president of the Foundation Assisting Seniors, on receiving Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year for 2015. It gives me great pleasure to recognize his years of hard work and dedication to Southern Nevada's senior community. Mr. West started the nonprofit organization in 2002, seeking to improve the quality of life for seniors. The foundation assists with challenges during times of illness, recovery, confinement at home, and coping with loss of a loved one, as well as provides assistance with everyday tasks such as household maintenance and transportation. Mr. West leads the board of trustees and also works with the foundation committees to ensure all seniors are being served effectively and efficiently. The individual committees provide transportation to drive seniors to health service appointments and to the grocery store, provide minor home maintenance services, deliver an inventory of durable medical equipment, and maintain a resource directory with information on free services. Each year, the foundation responds to thousands of requests to care for senior citizens in Southern Nevada. Mr. West's work in the local community is invaluable. He has contributed greatly to growing the foundation, which now serves multiple communities throughout Southern Nevada. He spearheaded a new program, the HowRU Program, which is designed to minimize risks of seniors living alone by maintaining contact with clients. Subscribers are contacted daily to eliminate unreported injuries in the senior community. He has also improved outreach to garner more volunteers and community support to aid in transportation, equipment, and home maintenance needs. Mr. West received the ``Premier Community Award for Making a Difference in Their Neighborhood'' from the city of Henderson in December of 2014. He also received 8 News Now Acts of Kindness recognition in October 2014 and FOX 5 News Shining Star recognition in 2013. It is not only Mr. West's work in the senior community that deserves recognition, but also his service to our great Nation as a Vietnam-era combat veteran. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. West for his courageous contributions to the United States of America. His service to his country and his bravery earn him 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 Favil West, whose work is both noble and charitable. I am humbled and honored to recognize Mr. West for his tireless efforts in helping our senior community, and I wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to recognize the 150th birthday of the Silver State's oldest daily newspaper, the Nevada Appeal. I am proud to honor this publication that brings high-quality news to Nevada's capital. Growing up in Carson City, this newspaper has played a role in my life since I was a young boy. Each morning, two of my brothers would deliver the Nevada Appeal to the local community. Of course, I was their No. 1 substitute whenever they were unable to go. During this time, the paper was located at the Brewery Art Center. We went there each morning to fold the papers and take off to deliver them. These are memories I will never forget. It gives me great pleasure to see this publication celebrate 150 years, making it the longest continuously operating business in Carson City. The Nevada Appeal, originally called the Carson Daily Appeal, was founded on May 16, 1865, by local businessmen E.F. McElwin, J. Barrett, and Marshall Robinson. Original editor Harry Mighels joined the team only a few days later. Over the next 100 years, the Nevada Appeal would see about 30 competitors. By 1868, Mighels had bought a few of the other local publications, and in 1870, he sold to C.L. Perkins and H.S. Street. In February of 1872, John Boothe, a newsman of Gold Hill, Virginia City, and Unionville, bought the paper. Following this in September of 1872, Mighels re-bought the newspaper and kept it in the family until 1945, when it was bought by W.L. Davis. In 1947, the paper was sold to Arthur Suverkrup, who changed the name to Nevada Appeal. Donrey Media bought out the paper in 1951 and then sold it to an investor group in 1993. Finally, in 1995, the Nevada Appeal was sold to Swift Communications, which remains the owner today. The newspaper is delivered 6 days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, in the mornings and has a daily readership of over 25,000, including 35,000 on Sundays. It has been recognized by the Nevada Press Association, Associated Press, and Swift Communications, receiving numerous awards. The accolades are well deserved, recognizing the hard work of the staff and quality of the writing. Throughout its 150 years, the Nevada Appeal has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of journalism. I am both humbled and honored to call this publication a historic piece of Nevada. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Nevada Appeal on its 150th birthday.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate COL Joanne Farris on her recent selection as the first female brigade commander in the history of the Nevada National Guard. Colonel Farris assumed command of the 991st Multi-Functional Brigade, overseeing more than 700 soldiers, including the Nevada Army Guard's aviation assets. It gives me great pleasure to recognize her achievement in this historic moment. Colonel Farris joined the Guard over 25 years ago as a private first class and was later commissioned from the University of Nevada, Reno ROTC Program in 1991. She then continued her studies and earned her master's from Clayton College in 2004, the same year she graduated from the Commander and General Staff College. She is currently working towards completion of her second year of War College and is scheduled to graduate this summer. Colonel Farris formerly commanded the 1-69th Press Camp Headquarters, which deployed to Bosnia in 1999. She also served as command information officer for the State of Nevada, 1-421st Regional Training Institute executive officer, Joint Force Headquarters commander, and as the Nevada Guard State family program director. In 2011, she deployed to Afghanistan with the 401st Army Field Support Brigade. I extend my deepest gratitude to Colonel Farris for her courageous contributions to the United States of America. Her unwavering dedication to her career is commendable, and she stands as a role model to future generations of heroes. Colonel Farris' service to her country and her bravery earn her 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. Equally as important, it is crucial that female servicemembers and veterans have access to their specific health care needs. There are countless distinguished women who have made sacrifices beyond measure and deserve nothing but the best treatment. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation and will continue to fight until this becomes a reality. During her tenure, Colonel Farris has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of the Nevada Guard. I am both humbled and honored by her service and am proud to call her a fellow Nevadan. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Colonel Joanne Farris for all of her accomplishments and wish her well in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to recognize Jody Shervanick for her tireless efforts in supporting Nevada's veterans, active military members, and their families. Ms. Shervanick volunteers 7 days a week to give back to the brave men and women who defend our freedom and their families. She has contributed greatly to the Las Vegas military community and to the greater good of the Silver State. Having grown up as a military child, Ms. Shervanick understands the trials of a military family. She stands as a shining example of someone who has devoted her life to the betterment of others, selflessly serving to bring happiness to our Nation's heroes each day. It is important to thank not only the men and women serving this great Nation, but also their families who make so many sacrifices. Her service to these families is invaluable. Ms. Shervanick helps with care for veterans and military members with mental illness, such as post-traumatic stress, and aids in times of uncertainty for military families, providing food, financial aid, and childcare. She hosts special events for families stationed at Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases. Ms. Shervanick coordinates the ``World's Largest Baby Shower,'' for wives of active military or female members stationed at Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases, puts on multiple Christmas parties for the children at Nellis Air Force Base, spearheads an annual Easter party for the children at Nellis Air Force Base, and will be putting on a ``Mom''ster and Son Halloween bash in October. I have had the opportunity to attend one of Ms. Shervanick's Operation Showers of Appreciation Military Baby Showers in Las Vegas, and I know firsthand the positive impact her efforts have on military families. She works with volunteers to make pillow slips for deployed military members with pictures of their children. Her commitment to these families is without limit. She is truly a role model to all Nevadans. Ms. Shervanick's hard work has not gone without notice. She received ``Citizen of the Month'' from Mayor Carolyn Goodman of the city of Las Vegas in December 2014, a plaque recognizing her service from Governor Brian Sandoval, and has been recognized by News 3 KSNV, 8 News Now KLAS, and FOX 5 KVVU for her service to veterans and military families. I extend my deepest gratitude to Ms. Shervanick for her noble contributions to the Las Vegas military community. Her service to Nevada places her among the outstanding men and women of the State and her accolades are well deserved. Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing Ms. Shervanick and her work with active military members, veterans, and their families. Her efforts are both honorable and necessary. I wish her the best of luck in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to recognize WestCare Foundation, WestCare, for its commitment to providing important services to Nevadans across the State and specifically for its dedication to our veterans, military servicemembers, and their families. WestCare offers programs to help with substance use disorders, mental health disorders, domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness, criminal justice, and HIV and AIDS, and provides additional youth and veteran-specific programs. The foundation is located throughout the State, including campuses in Las Vegas and Pahrump, as well as centers offering specific services in Reno and Las Vegas. Its commitment to improving lives across Nevada does not go without notice. WestCare's veteran programs include assistance in transitional living and case management and offer support to veterans' and active military members' families. The foundation recognizes the increasing diversity of our veteran population and works to accommodate this change. The transitional living program provides separate facilities for both male and female veterans, as well as for their children. As our Nation's military continues to adapt to a new force, it is particularly important services offered also adapt to reflect these changes. There are countless distinguished women veterans who have made sacrifices beyond measure and deserve nothing but the best treatment and services that address specific female needs. I commend WestCare for its commitment in accommodating all veterans and their individual needs. WestCare also helps the families of those who have so bravely defended our freedoms. All too often, returning veterans and their families struggle with financial uncertainty. The foundation is a positive light in the Nevada community, working to change this reality by providing families with supportive services in times of need. Westcare stands as a shining example of an organization that has gone above and beyond to positively impact the lives of our heroes. It is important we thank not only the brave men and women that protect our freedom but also their families making so many sacrifices. 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 also 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 foundations, like WestCare, are committed to ensuring the needs of our veterans are met. Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing WestCare Foundation, an organization with a mission that is both noble and charitable. I am humbled and honored to recognize WestCare for its tireless efforts in helping our veteran community, and I wish it the best of luck in all of its future endeavors.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Steve Pitts on his retirement after over 35 years of service to the Reno Police Department. It gives me great pleasure to recognize his years of hard work and dedication to creating a safe environment in the local Reno community. Mr. Pitts stands as a shining example of someone who has devoted his life to serving his State. He earned his bachelor's degree in organizational studies from California State University, Long Beach, and later pursued his master's in public administration from Golden Gate University. He is also a graduate of the National Academy at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Leadership Program at the Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and the Naval Postgraduate School Homeland Security Program. His career in police services began in the early 1980s, building all the way to the top of the department in 2011. Mr. Pitts dedicated his work to major case and homicide investigations, emergency management, and crisis intervention. He also built upon his skills in special weapons and tactics over a span of 25 years, as well as gained command-level experience for over 15 years of his career. His unwavering work ethic is commendable, and his undeniable concern for the Reno community is greatly respected. During his tenure, Mr. Pitts was promoted to deputy chief in January of 2008. He then served as interim police chief from March 2010 until March 2011, at which point he accepted the permanent position of police chief. As the leading voice of the police department, Mr. Pitts emphasized the importance of moving the organization toward what best benefitted the community. His positive legacy will be felt for years to come. It is the brave men and women who serve in the local police department who keep our communities safe. These heroes selflessly put their lives on the line every day. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Pitts for his courageous contributions to the people of Reno and to the Silver State. His sacrifice and courage earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly put their lives on the line to benefit others. Mr. Pitts has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of the Reno Police Department. I am both humbled and honored by his service and am proud to call him a fellow Nevadan. Today I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Pitts on his retirement, and I give my deepest appreciation for all that he has done to make Nevada a safer place. I offer him my best wishes for many successful and fulfilling years to come.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate Galena High School on its team of students selected as a national winner in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest. The high school competition was judged based upon how well teams applied science, technology, engineering, and math, STEM, in helping the local community. Seventeen students competed on the core team; however, 85 students from Galena High School contributed to 21 projects that continue to develop as a result of the contest. The team competed with 3,100 other applicants, winning a total of $138,000 for its achievement in being selected as a national winner. This money will be used to purchase new technology for the high school, a contribution that will help future students for years to come. Galena High School students chose to address difficulties faced by fellow peers with disabilities. Specifically, they worked alongside two students with disabilities to bring firsthand experience and realistic application to the project. The students utilized their STEM knowledge to create innovative equipment capable of adapting to difficult scenarios relating to those with disabilities and motor skill restrictions. The students spent hours researching current technology and worked tirelessly, brainstorming and creating solutions to different scenarios and ultimately chose two successful projects. The first, a tool to help special-needs students with typing, and the second, a portable table space making it easier for students with disabilities to carry lunch. These are only 2 of 21 projects that continue to develop and will be distributed to the local community. The students are shining examples of how compassion and hard work can make a difference in the lives of others and stand as role models for future Galena Grizzlies. I am excited to see local students bringing recognition to both Nevada and to Galena High School for their advancement in a national competition. These students should be proud to call themselves top contenders in a competitive environment. I ask my colleagues to join me and all Nevadans in congratulating Galena High School for its success and honorable representation of Nevada.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate Grammy Award-winning musician Joe Vento on receiving the Century Award, an accolade well deserved in recognition of his many sacrifices. Mr. Vento has served both this great Nation and the city of Las Vegas throughout his life and is a true inspiration for all Nevadans. Mr. Vento's passion for music began at an early age and had him playing the piano and accordion in New York by age 4. He later used his talents in a different setting, bringing the joy of music to those around him in time of war. Mr. Vento was in the U.S. Army Band near the end of World War II and served in World War II, the Korean war, and Vietnam. He received a battlefield commission of three stars from Marine Commandant Lew Walt during his time in Vietnam at a special concert for U.S. troops. Mr. Vento not only deserves recognition for his bravery in serving our country but also for his determination in providing entertainment for those courageously fighting for our freedom alongside him. His actions prove his selflessness and compassion for others. There is no way to adequately thank the men and women who lay down their lives for our freedoms. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Vento for his courageous contributions to the United States of America. 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. Mr. Vento's service to others did not end on the battlefield. He spent the next 70 years bringing incredible music to the city of Las Vegas. In the 1950s, he began performing with the Three Sons and remained with the group for 27 years. He made numerous appearances on prestigious shows, appeared in command performances at the White House and Imperial Palaces in Tokyo and Beijing, and conducted performances with Victor Borge, Nelson Eddy, and the Veteran Tonight Show Big Band. He also performed at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas. Most recently, Mr. Vento has lent his musical talent to the Royal Resort just off the strip. Mr. Vento's unwavering commitment to the Las Vegas community will never be forgotten. His music will be legend for years to come. Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in congratulating Mr. Vento on his award and in recognizing his years of service to both the United States of America and the Las Vegas community. I wish him the best of luck in all of his musical years to come.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate Justice Best on being chosen as a second prize winner in C-SPAN's national 2015 StudentCam competition. Ms. Best is a junior at Spanish Springs High School in Sparks, NV, and was one of 5,000 students in 45 States to compete. This was the largest amount of participants to ever enter the contest since it began 11 years ago. The competition allowed for middle school and high school participants and required the students to make a 5- to 7-minute documentary responding to this statement: ``The Three Branches and You: tell a story that demonstrates how a policy, law, or action by either the executive, legislative, or judicial branch has affected you or your community.'' Students were chosen based upon how well their videos demonstrated research and planning and upon their ability to include a diverse range of expert interviews on the topic. Last, judges paid close attention to the students' ability to demonstrate critical thought on their topics. Ms. Best chose an important topic pertinent to Nevada on both a State and Federal level: the greater sage grouse endangered species listing. Throughout the documentary, she presented the two sides of the issue by interviewing professionals and locals with knowledge on the topic and concluded that listing the greater sage grouse as an endangered species would be detrimental to the Nevada economy. Ms. Best was one of 16 second prize winners, earning a total of $1,000. She is a shining example of how hard work and dedication result in success and stands as a role model for future Spanish Springs Cougars. I am excited to see a local student bringing recognition to both Nevada and to Spanish Springs High School for her advancement in a national competition. She should be proud to call herself a top contender in a competitive environment. I ask my colleagues to join me and all Nevadans in congratulating Ms. Best for her efforts and honorable representation of Nevada.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate Shirley McLee on being named Regional Magnet Teacher of the Year by the Magnet Schools of America. Ms. McLee was one of eight selected to receive the national award, recognizing her dedication to Ed W. Clark High School's magnet program. Her unwavering commitment to the program has grown it to be the success it is now, providing some of the best magnet courses in the Nation. Ms. McLee was chosen as the western region winner out of teachers from Nevada, California, Oregon, and Arizona. The award recognizes full-time teachers who are dedicated to providing innovative programs to students, as well as promoting equity and diversity among those involved in the program. Ms. McLee's hard work has had great influence at Ed W. Clark High School and has positively contributed to the three different magnet programs offered to students, including the Academy of Mathematics, Science and Applied Technology, the Academy of Finance, and the Teacher Education Academy. These programs focus on specific areas of study pertaining to future career work and are available to students as they move through their high school coursework. They also offer extra hours of school instruction and a reduced student to teacher ratio, as well as collaboration between Ed W. Clark High School and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the College of Southern Nevada to offer college credit. Ms. McLee is a shining example of how devotion to a program can truly impact the lives of students. Her accolade is well deserved. I am excited to see a local teacher bring recognition to both Nevada and to Ed W. Clark High School by receiving a prestigious national award. Ms. McLee should be proud to call herself a top national magnet teacher. I ask my colleagues to join me and all Nevadans in congratulating Ms. McLee for her steadfast effort and honorable representation of Nevada.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I congratulate Reno Police Officer German Rodriguez on receiving the Congressional Badge of Bravery, a well-deserved award after his extreme act of courage. On October 16, 2013, an armed robbery took place at a Bank of America in Reno, resulting in the death a patron. Mr. Rodriguez was off duty and unarmed when he witnessed the occurrence at the bank, but he called 911 and followed the suspect after he had fled the scene. Mr. Rodriguez then apprehended and disarmed the suspect at a nearby bus station to be sure the situation would not escalate or result in the suspect getting away. Responding officers arrived shortly after to take the suspect into custody. It gives me great pleasure to recognize Mr. Rodriguez for his unwavering commitment to protecting his community in both this instance and throughout his tenure as an officer. Mr. Rodriguez began his career as a Reno police officer in 1998 and has remained committed to his job and his community ever since. His dedication to keeping those around him safe is commendable, and his commitment to service above self is a shining example of heroism. The Reno community is safer because of Mr. Rodriguez. The Congressional Badge of Bravery is awarded to law enforcement officers who have sustained a physical injury or were at great risk of physical injury while protecting their community. Mr. Rodriguez's actions more than warrant this prestigious award and represent only the greatest of Nevada's values, including a sense of community and an obligation to help others. His actions prove that he consistently makes the safety and security of others a top priority and is always ready to respond at a moment's notice. He is a role model to future generations of Reno police officers and officers across the country. During his tenure, Mr. Rodriguez has demonstrated immeasurable bravery, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of the police force. I am both humbled and honored by his service and am proud to call him a fellow Nevadan. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Rodriguez for all of his accomplishments and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment to call up my amendments Nos. 453, 452, 457 and 456 en bloc.

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, before I begin, I thank all of those involved with this intricate process. Senate Budget Committee chairman Mike Enzi and ranking member Bernie Sanders have worked tirelessly leading up to this point. It certainly is not an easy process, and I do not want their efforts to go unnoticed. I stand here today to discuss many important issues that concern my constituents across the great State of Nevada. These are issues that I hope to address during this year's budget process to improve the quality of life in the Silver State. I have filed several amendments to this year's budget ranging from infrastructure and tourism, to medical care at VA facilities, and to protecting our way of life in Nevada with the support of the Second Amendment. These amendments will deliver needed solutions. Developing critical infrastructure for Nevada is a top priority of mine. It remains the first step toward long-term job growth and sustainability. Trucking, tourism, and trade needs are met when proper infrastructure is in place. In fact, I filed amendment No. 466 that would help promote travel and tourism here in the United States. Last year, over 40 million visitors came to the Silver State, supporting almost 400,000 jobs. The future Interstate 11, and the many other important highway projects throughout our Nation, have the potential to open more markets for tourism and trade, which will create jobs and improve our economy. In Nevada, we are a State that welcomes more visitors, both domestic and international, on a yearly basis. We want more people to experience all our State has to offer and strive to provide the best services to those already visiting Nevada. I recognize there are limited resources dedicated for transportation and infrastructure. I believe it is important we prioritize roads and bridges that give us the biggest bang for our buck. It is important we expand high priority corridors and projects of regional and national significance, because those are the types of projects that will spur long-term economic development. One example of these critical projects is the proposed I-11 corridor. This future highway would connect Phoenix and Las Vegas, the two largest cities in the Nation not connected by an interstate, cutting the travel time by over 1 hour. It would provide new economic development opportunities in the Southwest and would play a large role in boosting the global competitiveness of the region. My amendment, amendment No. 453 would prioritize Federal investments in infrastructure projects with national and regional significance such as the I-11 corridor. In Nevada, we have a local resident called the sage grouse. Listing the sage grouse as an endangered species would have a devastating impact on Nevada's economy. Like many of the other States, Nevada's Ecosystem Council has spent years diligently developing a robust action plan to avoid a listing. Further collaboration between the Federal Government, the State, and local stakeholders will go a much longer way to protect and balance both Nevadans' way of life and the sage grouse population. My amendment, amendment No. 452, says the Department of the Interior should enter into State conservation agreements with each of the 11 States with sage grouse populations. State plans should be given the opportunity to show results before the Federal Government intervenes. If the Federal Government adds the sage grouse to the endangered species list, it would devastate rural economies across these affected States, including Nevada. States must be given an opportunity to show they can foster a sustainable sage grouse population. Since becoming a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, addressing the backlog of disability claims has remained one of my top priorities. The fact that Nevada's veterans continue to have one of the longest waiting times in the Nation at 257 days on average is unacceptable. That is why I invited VA Secretary Robert McDonald to come and see what is going on in the Silver State. It is also why I offered amendment No. 457. This amendment says we should prohibit bonuses for certain VA executives until the backlog of veterans' disability claims is eliminated. Our veterans have been waiting too long, and my amendment brings us one step closer to eradicating the backlog. Furthermore, ensuring America's veterans receive timely and quality health care is also a promise our nation must keep. And as our military continues to have more women in uniform, VA facilities must adapt to the meet their specific health care requirements. That is why my amendment No. 456 is so important because it keeps this promise by ensuring VA medical facilities properly meet the needs of women veterans. Safety, privacy, and dignity should be accounted for in every VA hospital and clinic. As I continue holding the VA accountable in my role on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, quality health care and timely benefits will remain a priority of mine, and it is a priority now as we consider the budget resolution. As an avid sportsman and gun-owner, I enjoy our way of life in Nevada, but I am concerned by actions from this administration that would directly infringe on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. Recently, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, ATF, issued a proposal that would ban popular .223 caliber ammunitions, severely limiting access to one of the most widely used cartridges in America for sporting purposes. That is why I filed amendment No. 454 to protect law-abiding American citizens' Second Amendment rights and prohibit the ATF from reclassifying ammunition primarily intended for sporting purposes. This issue is important to Nevadans, and it is important to me. Amendment No. 454 makes sure that the constitutional rights of Nevadans are protected. There are an estimated 400,000 untested rape kits sitting in law enforcement and crime lab storage facilities across the Nation. Each one of these untested rape kits represents a missed opportunity to help bring justice and healing to a survivor of sexual assault. That is why I filed amendment No. 455. This amendment prioritizes the elimination of the rape kit backlog to hold perpetrators accountable and help prevent these despicable crimes from happening in the first place. Finally, I would like to discuss a sense of the Senate amendment I filed regarding the bipartisan principles of no budget, no pay legislation, Amendment No. 45l. My sense of the Senate would endorse the solutions in No Budget, No Pay that would encourage Members of Congress to come to the table and work together to pass their own budget and appropriations bills on time in order to receive pay. It just makes sense--if Members of Congress do not do their jobs, they should not get paid. And by the way, we also say pay is not retroactive. My amendments take the needs of Nevadans into consideration and make them a national priority. I look forward to working with my colleagues in order to make them a reality.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I wish to congratulate Bill Brewer on his retirement after serving the great State of Nevada for over 30 years. It gives me great pleasure to recognize his years of hard work and dedication to enhancing the lives of many across rural Nevada. Mr. Brewer stands as a shining example of someone who has devoted his life to serving his State and his local community. After earning his degree from Oklahoma State University, Mr. Brewer started working in the housing industry for the Farmers Home Administration, FmHA. In 1994, he became the first housing program director for the new Nevada State office of FmHA. This was later named the State office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, Rural Development. During his tenure as program director for the USDA, Mr. Brewer invested more than $1 billion in rural Nevada, assisting hundreds of families and seniors in home ownership and affordable rental housing. Mr. Brewer spent recent years continuing his work in public service as leader of the senior management team of Nevada Rural Housing Authority, working to make goals of the organization a reality. His positive legacy in the rural Nevada housing industry will be felt for years to come. His unwavering commitment to the State is noble and has not gone without notice. Mr. Brewer was appointed to the Nevada Housing Division Advisory Committee and the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee as a result of his accomplishments. His hard work earned him the County Supervisor of the Year for Nevada and the State Director's Going the Extra Mile Award in 2011. His accolades are well deserved. It is not only Mr. Brewer's commitment to his local community in the housing sector that places him amongst the most notable in his community but also his devotion to charitable service. Mr. Brewer has served on the board of directors for the Nevada Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America for 10 years and is a longtime member of the organization. In 2004, he received the Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award in recognition of his service and was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2009. I am grateful for his dedication to the people of Nevada. He exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and community service and should be proud of his long and meaningful career. Today, I ask that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Brewer on his retirement, and I give my deepest appreciation for all that he has done to make Nevada a better place. I offer him my best wishes for many successful and fulfilling years to come.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Madam President, I rise today in support of the bill that is currently pending before us, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. I commend the chairman for his hard work and effort on this piece of legislation and for ushering it through the Senate. I also thank and commend the senior Senators from Texas and Minnesota for coming together in a bipartisan fashion on this vitally important human rights legislation. Because this is such a bipartisan bill--frankly, a nonpartisan issue--I am frustrated that we are at an impasse on moving this bill forward with an open debate. Let me repeat. This is a nonpartisan issue. I encourage my colleagues across the aisle to move forward with an open debate on this vitally important human rights legislation. Every day countless innocent victims are bought and sold into modern- day slavery in America. All too often, many of these victims are children. As the father of four and a grandfather of two, I believe every child should have the opportunity to grow up in a loving and safe environment. I know the Presiding Officer agrees with that. I know everybody in this Chamber agrees with that today. Unfortunately, that is not the case for too many children. Recognizing this is an important issue. My home State of Nevada has taken action over the past several years not only to assist victims of trafficking but also to ensure these victims have the opportunity to seek compensation for their traffickers. Given Nevada's unique location, especially southern Nevada, this is a crime that is all too prevalent within my home State. Just to give us an idea, 2 years ago the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported that 2,144 sex trafficking victims under the age of 18 were rescued in Las Vegas since 1994. That is an average of 126 per year. Even more daunting, that is 1 person rescued every 3 days. This is one city in one State. More than half of these victims were from Nevada, and the rest of them were trafficked through the State. While Nevada is taking important steps forward in providing restitution of victims of trafficking, much more needs to be done to stop this crime from occurring in the first place. All too often, trafficking is a crime that is hidden from plain sight. It occurs in every single State. That is why it is vitally important to recognize the warning signs of someone who may be a victim of human trafficking, as well as those who are committing these crimes. I am pleased to see this underlying bill recognizes this need, especially for local law enforcement, especially for health providers, and especially for first responders. The bill, however, fails to recognize the important role of our Nation's ports of entry and how they play into our Nation's domestic and international transportation system, and the opportunity they provide for human trafficking. That is why I filed an amendment to this legislation, to ensure that victims of human trafficking and perpetrators of this crime will not be able to pass through such places without additional law enforcement awareness. My amendment requires the Department of Homeland Security to train TSA, CBP, and other relevant departments' personnel to effectively deter, detect, and disrupt human trafficking. Recognizing the different needs of States and the critical role of local law enforcement in combatting human trafficking, it also allows DHS to provide training to any State, local or tribal government or private organization in order to establish a human trafficking awareness training program. Finally, this amendment requires DHS to keep records of the number of human trafficking cases reported or confirmed and to report these numbers annually to Congress. That way we can measure progress in our efforts to end human trafficking. Instead of creating another layer of bureaucracy, my amendment simply complements and enhances the current efforts by DHS to equip its personnel with effective strategies to combat human trafficking at our Nation's ports of entry and other high-risk areas. Earlier this year, I was pleased to see similar legislation pass the House of Representatives with unanimous support. I think most of us can agree that this issue of human trafficking is not a partisan issue; it is a human rights issue. Whether one is a parent, a sibling, a child or a relative, this issue is real. That is why I am so pleased to see this Chamber come together in a bipartisan manner to bring this bill to the floor. Once again, I only hope we can come together and move this debate forward. As I tell Nevadans back home, I came to Washington, DC, to work. I work with Republicans and I work with Democrats. There are issues we may at times have to agree to disagree on, but moving forward on a bipartisan bill such as this should not be one of them. We need to do all we can to end this disgraceful and disgusting crime once and for all. We should move forward in providing much needed help to these victims, including children. There is more work to do on this bill and ways to make it a better product through the amendment process, but we should be moving forward instead of stalling out. I hope I have the opportunity to call up my amendment, and I would urge my colleagues to support my amendment so we can ensure that DHS personnel are properly trained to prevent the serious threat of human trafficking. Help is almost there for these victims. I hope we can come to a resolution today to move forward on this bill. Madam President, I yield the floor.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I wish to recognize Goodwill of Southern Nevada for its commitment and dedication to providing our veterans, military servicemembers, and their families with supportive services to aid in securing a job and financial solidarity. The Veterans Integration Program, VIP, is a unique service that assists our Nation's bravest as they return from the battlefield and readjust to life in their communities. These heroes who served the United States and fought to protect our freedom frequently arrive home to a struggling economy. All too often, returning veterans and their families are unable to find a job and struggle with financial uncertainty. Goodwill of Southern Nevada is a positive light in the local Las Vegas community, working to change this reality. As of the end of January 2015, VIP has helped 507 local veterans in southern Nevada and their immediate families find work. The program offers help in job training and job placement and provides necessary tools to fluidly transition from the military back into the local community successfully. Although there is no way to ever adequately thank our military men and women, Goodwill of Southern Nevada stands as a shining example of an organization that has gone above and beyond to positively impact the lives of our heroes who so bravely fought for our freedom. 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 also 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 Goodwill of Southern Nevada 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 Goodwill of Southern Nevada, an organization with a mission that is both noble and charitable. I am humbled and honored to recognize the Goodwill of Southern Nevada and its tireless efforts in providing veterans with the skills necessary to reintegrate into the local community. This organization's commitment to helping veterans, military servicemembers, and their families get back on their feet is admirable, and I wish it the best of luck in all of its future endeavors.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, we honor the life and service of Paul Christensen, whose passing signifies a great loss for Nevada. I send my condolences and prayers to his wife Norma and the entire family in this time of mourning. Mr. Christensen was a man committed to his country, his State, and his community. He will be sorely missed. Mr. Christensen moved with his father and mother to Las Vegas in 1939 when his father started the family's jewelry business. He graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1950 and continued his studies at Brigham Young University, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot, serving in the Korean war. As one of our Nation's servicemembers, he made exceptional sacrifices for our country. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Christensen for his courageous contributions to the United States of America. His service to his country and his bravery earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation and will never be forgotten. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Christensen returned to Las Vegas in 1957 and worked in the family jewelry store. It was during this time that he married Mrs. Christensen and began his lifelong legacy of commitment to his local community. He served in the Nevada Assembly in the 1950s and then the Nevada Senate in the 1960s. In 1977 and 1981, Christensen was elected to the Las Vegas City Council, during which time he focused on the safety of southern Nevada communities by improving police presence and increasing the number of firefighters. He also worked to improve road conditions, specifically widening Jones Boulevard. Mr. Christensen then continued his service to the great State of Nevada by working tirelessly on the Clark County Commission until 1996. During his decades spent working to better the Silver State, he was also chairman of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, president of the Las Vegas Valley Water District, and was appointed by Governor Kenny Guinn to serve on the Transportation Services Authority. In October of 2013, the Paul J. Christensen Bridge was named after him in honor of his work in his local community, a distinction well deserved. Mr. Christensen continued philanthropic work for the Las Vegas community until his health declined. Throughout his life, Mr. Christensen worked tirelessly to make southern Nevada the best it could be, which I am honored to commend. He was a role model and his legacy will live on. Today, I join the Las Vegas community and citizens of the Silver State to celebrate the life of an upstanding Nevadan, Paul Christensen.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I wish to congratulate Donaldo McIntosh on his retirement after 58 years of service to Nevada and to the country. His hard work and dedication throughout the years is honorable. Mr. McIntosh started his career in 1957 as a military police officer in the U.S. Army. His service extended for 3 years, protecting those in his local community, as well as his country. After serving in the Army, Mr. McIntosh then spent the rest of his career working in the transportation industry for the city of Las Vegas. In 1970, he worked as safety director for the Las Vegas Transit System and Greyline Tours and then for Transportation Unlimited. His final years of service were spent as a transportation escort for the Pahrump Senior Center. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. McIntosh for his courageous contributions to the United States of America. 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 after their service. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation. The Las Vegas community has greatly benefitted from the hard work of Mr. McIntosh. Today, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. McIntosh on his retirement. I offer my deepest appreciation for all that he has done to make the Silver State a better place and for his service to this country, and I give my best wishes for many successful and fulfilling years to come.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I wish to congratulate Jeffrey Shaw on his retirement after serving Southwest Gas Corporation, Southwest Gas, for 27 years. It gives me great pleasure to recognize his years of hard work and dedication to a company that services thousands across Nevada. Mr. Shaw stands as a shining example of someone who has devoted his life to serving his State and community. After earning his bachelor of science in accounting from the University of Utah, Mr. Shaw worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. in its Dallas and Las Vegas offices in the audit division. In 1988, he began his career at Southwest Gas as director of internal audit. From there, Mr. Shaw worked to move higher in the company, climbing from controller and chief accounting officer all the way to president and chief executive officer of Southwest Gas. Today, the company services over 1 million homes across the country. Mr. Shaw is not only driven in his endeavors with Southwest Gas, but within the local Las Vegas community as well. He is a member of the Nevada Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Leadership Las Vegas Alumni Association. He also serves on the boards of the Council for a Better Nevada and the UNLV Foundation, and he is a past president and a current board member of both the Western Energy Institute and the Las Vegas Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. His work throughout these many organizations demonstrates his dedication to honorably representing Nevada on multiple fronts. Although he is retiring, his legacy within these organizations will continue for years to come. It is not only Mr. Shaw's commitment and drive to excel that places him among the most notable in his community, but also his genuine good nature in helping others. He has served Las Vegas by contributing to higher education and the local Boy Scout community, and by working to improve the quality of life across the State. His commitment to helping those around him is unwavering. I am very grateful for his dedication to the people of Las Vegas and to the State of Nevada. He exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and community service and should be proud of his long and meaningful career. Today, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Shaw on his retirement, and I give my deepest appreciation for all that he has done to make Nevada a better place. I offer him my best wishes for many successful and fulfilling years to come.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I congratulate David Morton on his retirement after 26 years of service with the Housing Authority of the City of Reno. It gives me great pleasure to recognize the years of hard work and dedication he has committed to the City of Reno and the Silver State. Mr. Morton earned his bachelor of arts from Auburn University in Alabama and then went on to complete his graduate studies in history and political science at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Upon completion of his studies, Mr. Morton began his career as a community organization officer at the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency in Nashville. After 20 years of working for two successful housing agencies in Nashville and Dallas, TX, Mr. Morton moved to the city of Reno to utilize his experience in a new location, benefitting the great State of Nevada. His work within the community shines as an outstanding example of true commitment to bettering the State. During his tenure, Mr. Morton also served as president of the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association, secretary and treasurer of the board of directors of the Housing Authorities Risk Retention Pool, trustee of the Legislative Committee for the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association, and member of the Housing Committee for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. His work throughout these many organizations demonstrates his dedication to honorably representing Nevada on a larger scale. He currently serves as president of the Washoe Affordable Housing Corporation, which administers project-based contracts with the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the State of Nevada. Although he is retiring, his legacy within these organizations will continue for years to come. The Reno community has greatly benefitted from the hard work of Mr. Morton. He exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and community service and should be proud of his long and meaningful career. Today, I ask that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating David Morton on his retirement, and I offer my deepest appreciation for all that he has done to make Nevada an even better place. I offer my best wishes for many successful and fulfilling years to come.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Ed Guthrie, executive director at Opportunity Village, for his tireless efforts to enhance the lives of those around him. Mr. Guthrie has dedicated 20 years to working for Opportunity Village, helping thousands with disabilities. The organization gives students a positive social environment and provides support to families and loved ones. Mr. Guthrie has contributed greatly to the city of Las Vegas by working to make Opportunity Village the best it can be. He stands as a shining example of someone who has devoted his life to the betterment of others. Throughout his 20 years with Opportunity Village, Guthrie has grown the organization to be recognized internationally, receiving numerous awards. It was named one of the country's top five rehabilitation service providers in the United States by the Social Security Administration and was distinguished as Las Vegas' Best Community Organization. Mr. Guthrie has had great influence in expanding the facilities over the years, pushing to open the Walters Family Campus of Opportunity Village and the North Campus of Opportunity Village. I have personally taken a tour of the Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus and witnessed the importance of space specifically laid out for the needs of the organization. Opportunity Village now has three employment training center campuses and a thrift store, and it services 1,990 people every day. Mr. Guthrie's dedication to these students and families is without limit and stands as a pristine example of selflessness. Opportunity Village offers vocational training, community employment, day services, advocacy, arts, and social recreation, creating a productive environment for those who participate. This gives students the opportunity to create friendships and pursue independence to become part of the local community. I have seen firsthand, after attending Opportunity Village events such as the 10th annual Job Discovery Program graduation ceremony and hosting meetings with Mr. Guthrie, the positive atmosphere that the organization offers to the community. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Guthrie for his noble contributions to the Las Vegas community and to the individuals that have benefited from Opportunity Village. His service to Nevada places him among the outstanding men and women of the State. Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing Mr. Guthrie and his work for Opportunity Village, a program with a mission that is both honorable and necessary. I wish the program the best of luck in all of its future endeavors.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate the Lee Business School of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, UNLV, for receiving top honors at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, AICPA, Accounting Competition. UNLV's Accounting REBEL- ation team included Annegenelle Figueroa, Kayla Shim, Brett Sebastian, and Kevin Curry. The students won a total of $5,000 to benefit the school's accounting department, a contribution that will help future students for years to come. The annual AICPA Competition assesses students' capabilities in making decisions on management, operations, finance, and strategy. This year's competition drew 140 teams to represent schools across the country and required the students to create a cost-accounting system for a fictional business called Humble Pies, Inc. The UNLV accounting team worked over a 3-month period before advancing to the finals and presenting its ideas to a panel of accounting executives. Teams were judged based upon persuasiveness, technical detail, and creativity. The students representing UNLV were specifically applauded for their real- world business application. These Nevada students are shining examples of how hard work and dedication lead to success and stand as role models for future Rebels. I am excited to see local students bringing recognition to both Nevada and to UNLV for their advancement in a national competition. The Lee Business School should be proud to call itself a top contender in a competitive environment. I ask my colleagues to join me and all Nevadans in congratulating these students from UNLV's Lee Business School for their unwavering effort and honorable representation of Nevada.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate the Mountain Ridge Little League team from Las Vegas for receiving first place in the Little League World Series U.S. Championships. This series began back in 1947 and for the first time, in 2014, a team from Nevada represented the greatest Little League team in the Nation. Today, I would like to honor the players and coaches for their tireless efforts in reaching their goals and for representing Nevada with integrity and hard work. The Mountain Ridge team, with players aged 12 to 13 years old, entered the Little League World Series U.S. Championship game with a 16-0 record in four tournaments, outscoring opponents 184-29. The team showed its true dedication to the State by traveling for weeks, spending time away from family and friends. Its journey began at the Western Regionals Competition on August 1 in San Bernardino, CA, and ended on August 25, after competing in the Little League World Series U.S. Championship game. Austin Kryszczuk, most noted for his batting skills, was labeled best player in the Little League World Series U.S. Championships. All of the players are role models for future generations of Nevada baseball, and the coaches serve as shining examples of leadership. The Mountain Ridge Little League team's accomplishment should be noted as a special moment to Nevada, after being called the second-most successful sports team in Las Vegas' history after the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' men's basketball national championship team in 1990. This team did more for Nevada than just represent the State on the field. It revealed the strong community that Nevada has to offer with many groups of friends and families coming together to watch the games. I am excited to see local athletes bringing recognition to Nevada and the Las Vegas community. The Mountain Ridge Little League team should be proud to call itself the top baseball team in the country. I ask my colleagues to join me and all Nevadans in congratulating this team from northwest Las Vegas for their unwavering dedication and honorable representation of Nevada.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I wish to recognize Jon Ponder for his tireless effort in giving others hope for a brighter future. Mr. Ponder has dedicated many years to helping adults exiting various segments of the judicial system successfully reenter the workforce and their local communities, as well as rekindle relationships with their families. He has contributed greatly to the city of Las Vegas by founding HOPE for Prisoners, Inc., HOPE, which gives ex-offenders the support necessary to reduce the likelihood of returning to prison. Mr. Ponder stands as a shining example of someone who has devoted his life to the betterment of others. He founded HOPE in January of 2012 and has since worked to create a strong program to successfully streamline men and women back into society. The program has graduated over 800 people through its leadership workshop who have gone on to successfully obtain full-time jobs. As founder and CEO, Mr. Ponder has contributed greatly to the success of the program. HOPE services 12 agencies and offers life-skills training, work- readiness training, and job-development opportunities, encouraging those in the program to work hard to become a positive, contributing member of the community. Mr. Ponder has taken his own life experiences and used them in a positive manner to truly transform the lives of others. His ambition to help others is invaluable. He recently received the Leadership Award from the International Church of Las Vegas, a well-deserved honor for all of his hard work. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Ponder for his selfless contributions to the Las Vegas community and the individuals that have benefited from HOPE. His service to Nevada places him among the outstanding men and women of the State. Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing Mr. Ponder and his work for HOPE, a program with a mission that is both noble and necessary. I am honored to acknowledge Mr. Ponder and his tireless efforts to give others a second chance in Nevada. Giving these men and women the skills to allow them to change their circumstances is admirable, and I wish the program the best of luck in all of its future endeavors.