Dean Heller

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Michael Brown on his retirement after serving the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, NLTFPD, for over 26 years. It gives me great pleasure to recognize his years of hard work and dedication to creating a safe environment for the communities of Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Mr. Brown began his career in fire services 37 years ago. In 1986, he joined the NLTFPD as a firefighter and paramedic. Throughout his tenure, he worked diligently, moving up the chain of command, until he left the NLTFPD to serve the Nevada Division of Forestry. He returned to the district in 2003, assuming the role of assistant fire chief. In 2007, Mr. Brown was named fire chief, taking full responsibility for the department and leading his colleagues in fighting fires and providing emergency services. Mr. Brown commanded the department with over 20 years of experience as a paramedic, serving the local communities with unparalleled knowledge. His years of service in responding to all types of emergency and public service situations are invaluable to residents across the Lake Tahoe community. Mr. Brown truly went above and beyond in his role with the NLTFPD. It is the brave men and women who serve in our local fire departments that help keep our communities safe. These heroes selflessly put their lives on the line every day. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Brown for his courageous contributions to the people of Lake Tahoe. 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. For the last 50 years, the NLTFPD has provided risk services to residents of Incline Village and Crystal Bay. The department has three stations and provides two staffed ambulances and two reserve ambulances to address needs within the local community. All firefighters serving the NLTFPD are Nevada emergency medical technicians. In addition, the department has over 20 paramedics ready to assist at any time. This department serves as a special resource to the community with the ability to rescue residents in all types of scenarios, including emergencies in snow, water, or in backcountry, in addition to protecting local residents in incidents of fire. In 1982, it also began providing transportation of the sick and injured to various hospitals. This department has shown unwavering dedication to keeping Nevadans of this community safe. We are lucky to have had someone like Mr. Brown leading the way in the department's efforts. Mr. Brown has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of the NLTFPD. 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. Brown on his retirement, and I give my deepest appreciation for all 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 recognize Rossi Ralenkotter for his hard work and dedication to the State of Nevada. I would also like to congratulate him on his induction into the Nevada Business Hall of Fame. Mr. Ralenkotter has gone above and beyond in his role with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, LVCVA, contributing greatly to the touristic success of our great State. Mr. Ralenkotter earned his bachelor of science in marketing from Arizona State University in 1969 and obtained his master's degree in business administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1971. Prior to working with LVCVA, Mr. Ralenkotter served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force with the 468th Medical Service Flight. No words can adequately thank him for his service and sacrifices in protecting our freedoms. He began his career with LVCVA more than 40 years ago, starting his lengthy tenure as a research analyst. From there, Mr. Ralenkotter worked diligently, ascending the chain to the very top. He was named the authority's executive vice president and senior vice president of marketing before taking the role of president and CEO in 2004. As president and CEO, Mr. Ralenkotter launched the LVCVA's ``What happens here, stays here'' branding campaign, one of the most successful in Nevada tourism history. He also spearheaded the Las Vegas Convention Center District project, further expanding the convention center and increasing Las Vegas's reputation as the leading business destination in the world. He is truly a role model to the local business community, going above and beyond to grow Nevada tourism. As our State continues to flourish as one of the Nation's top destinations, I remain committed to introducing new policies and strengthening existing ones that positively affect Nevada tourism. I am grateful to have allies like Mr. Ralenkotter working toward a similar goal. Over the past decade, Mr. Ralenkotter has been recognized for his efforts. He was named Co-Brand Marketer of the Year in 2004 by Brandweek Magazine, as one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Meeting News in 2005, and as Employer of the Year by the Employee Service Management Association in 2006. He was also recognized by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events with the Pinnacle Award, as well as being inducted into both the U.S. Travel's Hall of Leaders and the Destination Marketing Association International Hall of Fame in 2014. These awards are given to those individuals who have gone to great lengths to grow business and tourism in their communities, and without a doubt, Mr. Ralenkotter's efforts merit each one of these prestigious awards. For the last 40 years, Mr. Ralenkotter has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to growing Nevada's tourism industry and further establishing its prestige. The State of Nevada is fortunate to have someone of such commitment working towards these goals. Today I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Ralenkotter on his induction into the Nevada Business Hall of Fame, and I wish him well as he continues in his efforts for the Silver State.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today we honor the life and public service of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, whose passing signifies a great loss for our country. Justice Scalia was a devoted family man, scholar, and tireless public servant. He faithfully served Nevadans and all Americans for over 30 years on our Nation's highest Court. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to his wife, Maureen, and the entire Scalia family. Born on March 11, 1936, to Salvatore and Catherine Scalia, Justice Scalia was a disciplined, intellectual conservative from a young age. A diligent student who studied his way to become valedictorian at Georgetown University and graduating magna cum laude at Harvard Law School, Justice Scalia began his legal career in Cleveland, OH in 1961. After practicing law for 6 years in Cleveland, Justice Scalia accepted a position teaching administrative law at the University of Virginia. Justice Scalia entered public service in 1972, during which he served as general counsel for the Office of Telecommunications Policy and chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States. In these positions, he expanded his expertise in administrative law, a topic that interested him throughout his career. In 1974, Justice Scalia became the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel. It was here that Justice Scalia would argue and later win his first case before the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan appointed Justice Scalia to the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Justice Scalia's originalist mindset, keen perception, and witty writing caught the attention of President Reagan, making Justice Scalia a top prospect to fill a potential Supreme Court vacancy. In 1986, Justice Scalia was confirmed by the Senate upon the retirement of Chief Justice Warren Burger. As a Supreme Court Justice, Justice Scalia would dramatically change the Court through his powerful dissents and sharp oral arguments. Throughout his over 30-year tenure on the bench, Justice Scalia never strayed from his conservative principles and steadfast dedication to upholding the Constitution. His prominent leadership and originalist philosophy will never be forgotten as his legacy will live on through generations. I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me today in remembering and celebrating the life of Justice Antonin Scalia.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Paula Francis on her retirement after bringing the great State of Nevada accurate and reliable news coverage for the last 30 years. Ms. Francis was an important icon in Nevada journalism, bringing local residents nightly news at 5, 6, and 11 p.m. Her passionate and in-depth coverage of southern Nevada's news will be sorely missed. Ms. Francis's career began in Madison, WI, immediately after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1985, she moved to Las Vegas, beginning her experience in broadcast journalism for southern Nevada at KTNV. In 1988, Ms. Francis joined KLAS's news team, initially starting her extended tenure with the news station as a health reporter. After proving to be an invaluable resource to the news team, she moved into the anchor chair. During her time on air, Ms. Francis placed a special emphasis on health care issues, familiarizing viewers with important health information, in addition to bringing southern Nevada breaking news coverage. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Francis was recognized as Best TV Anchor in Las Vegas by Las Vegas Review Journal readers more than 15 times and was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Association hall of fame and the KLAS TV Hall of Fame. Ms. Francis went above and beyond in her ambitions to bring Nevadans up-to-date and truthful news coverage. The accolades she has received are awarded to only the greatest of Nevada journalists, and without a doubt, she deserves each one. For the past 30 years, Ms. Francis has been a tremendous contributor to southern Nevada journalism. Her commitment to the local community is without question, creating a great amount of trust between the viewers and the station. She stands as a role model to journalists across Nevada with her unwavering dedication to familiarizing herself with the local issues. The knowledge she gained throughout her tenure is irreplaceable to the newsroom. Ms. Francis's legacy both at KLAS and within Nevada journalism will be felt for years to come. Outside of her career, Ms. Francis continues to be highly involved in a number of activities for the betterment of the local community. She is a founding member of the Nevada chapter of the International Women's Forum and serves as a member of the board of trustees for the Shade Tree Endowment Fund. She has also received numerous humanitarian awards for her efforts and spearheaded Buddy Check 8, a campaign to increase breast cancer awareness. I extend my deepest gratitude for all of her efforts on behalf of the Silver State. I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in thanking Ms. Francis for her tireless dedication to bringing southern Nevada excellent news coverage and in congratulating her on her retirement. I wish her well in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Len Stevens on his retirement after serving as CEO of the Chamber for nearly 14 years. It gives me great pleasure to recognize his years of dedication to creating growth and success for northern Nevada's business community. Before joining the Chamber, Mr. Stevens served as a basketball coach for 34 years, guiding teams at both Washington State University and the University of Nevada, Reno successfully through numerous seasons. In 2002, he was chosen for the role of CEO at the Chamber, and he served the State of Nevada in this position for over a decade. As CEO, Mr. Stevens led the Chamber through challenging times, including the merger of chambers of commerce in Reno and Sparks. This merger, which was one of the largest and most complex mergers in northern Nevada history, led to creation of the Chamber in 2011. This incredible organization has helped businesses through times of economic downturn to stay on their feet and succeed. Through the incredible work of the Chamber, northern Nevada's business community continues to thrive and maintain a high quality of life for residents. We are fortunate to have had someone like Mr. Stevens leading the way at this important establishment. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Stevens served as a powerful voice, advocating for businesses across northern Nevada. His hard work brought greater attention to the needs of this community, and I am grateful for everything he has done to support it. Under his leadership, the Chamber saw consistent growth in membership, as well as additional opportunities for business leaders to come together. He also implemented new programs to helps residents, including the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, which is a yearlong program that teaches middle school and high school students the mechanics of operating a business. His work for northern Nevada is invaluable. Mr. Stevens has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards during his tenure at the Chamber. 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. Stevens on his retirement from the Chamber and in wishing him well in his future endeavors. I give my deepest appreciation for all that he has done for the Silver State.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this particular piece of legislation. I know there is a lot of passion behind this, and there should be, and I do believe at the end of the day there will be an appropriate authorization and spending level so we can get this bill passed, which is something I support. I also want to thank Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Leahy, and all those who have been involved in this particular topic of bringing opioid abuse to the forefront. Opioid abuse is an issue every Member of the Senate hears about when they go home. For many Nevadans, substance abuse is an issue that hits close. It is an issue I read about in constituents' letters and hear in far too many calls that come in to my office on this issue. Like many of my colleagues, I have heard from those who are struggling with addiction or who have lost a loved one to this epidemic. In my home State of Nevada, there were 545 drug overdose deaths in 2014 alone. I have heard countless stories from young Nevadans who have experienced addiction themselves or seen their friends slip into this scary spiral of abuse. I recently met a young man from Reno who was advocating on behalf of multiple friends whom he had lost to heroin overdose. He said it started with experimenting with leftover painkillers in his friend's parents' medicine cabinet. Eventually, the pills were gone, and the group of friends started experimenting with harder and cheaper drugs. Some of their friends fell into the juvenile court system after being caught with illegal drugs. Unfortunately, the court system wasn't equipped to adequately treat their addiction. They slipped back into their old habits, and the young man from Reno has now gone to multiple funerals. I am glad he had the courage to tell his friends' stories. Opioid abuse and addiction has stolen the lives of far too many Nevadans, and it is time we do something about it. I know my colleagues also hear the same stories in their offices on a daily basis. In 2014, opioids were involved in almost 30,000 American deaths. That means more Americans now die each year from drug overdoses than they do from car crashes. The unfortunate reality of opioid abuse has become a major public health concern, and something needs to be done. We know this epidemic hits all ages, all socioeconomic levels, all races, and all genders. Opioid use often starts with treating legitimate pain needs. There are two groups of Nevadans that are extremely important, and I have focused my efforts today on these two very important populations: our veterans and our seniors. First, I have two amendments that improve access to treatment for our Nation's veterans. My first amendment, Heller amendment No. 3346, would include veterans service organizations in the Pain Management Best Practices Interagency Task Force. Giving VSOs a seat at the table on this task force will help us better understand the unique circumstances our Nation's veterans face that drive them to use opioids in the first place. My second amendment, Heller amendment No. 3351, would allow veterans nonprofit organizations to be eligible for grants from the Building Communities of Recovery program. The Building Communities of Recovery program is designed to pool community resources to help those affected by opioid abuse seek the proper treatment to recover from these highly addictive pain medications and avoid slipping into a cycle of chronic drug abuse. Including veterans nonprofit organizations in this grant program will allow places like Veterans Village in Las Vegas to access more resources to treat the servicemen and -women in our State. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am concerned about how opioid abuse impacts America's heroes. Some of these veterans are in severe pain due to the injuries they sustained during service to our Nation, and numerous veterans have reached out to my office for help when the VA's policies are negatively impacting them. As we debate the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, it is critical for Congress to ensure VSOs have a voice. These organizations understand the unique challenges veterans face with opioids and how to resolve these issues. That is why I have filed two amendments to allow this important stakeholder to come to the table and help reduce opioid abuse. I encourage my colleagues to accept these amendments, and I would like to continue to work with the bill managers as we find a path forward on them. The senior population is another group of Nevadans that face unique circumstances on how they become dependent on opioids. They are prescribed opioids to cope with chronic pain and discomfort after surgery and, obviously, rightfully so. In fact, about 40 percent of Nevada's seniors are on some type of opioid, but opioids have qualities that make them highly addictive and prone to abuse. Pain is a highly complex issue, and there are many barriers to pain management. Just recently I had a constituent reach out to my office because they were being denied access to a lifesaving opioid pain medication for a very rare and serious condition. Fortunately, we were able to help resolve the situation, but it was disappointing that this Nevadan had to go to such extremes to receive the treatment they deserved. No doubt Congress should play a role in addressing opioid addiction and this epidemic, and I think there are ways to accomplish this goal while ensuring that seniors in Nevada and throughout the United States continue to receive the care they need. One of those ways is to permanently repeal the Medicare caps on therapy services. Right now, current law places an annual per-beneficiary payment limit of $1,880 for all outpatient therapy services. I firmly believe that if patients had better access to physical therapy, they would not be as dependent on highly addictive pain medication. Seniors would also have a higher quality of life by treating the sources of the pain and rebuilding their strength. With proper access to care, seniors will be able to enjoy a happy and healthy retirement rather than cope with the pain through highly addictive medication that only masks their discomfort. Senator Cardin and I have been working on a responsible alternative to the Medicare's therapy cap. I believe more work needs to be done to ensure that these proposals will solve the problem and ensure that these seniors have access to the therapies and treatments they need. Right now, the cap has been lifted until March of 2017. We have until early next year to come up with a permanent solution to the therapy cap issue, and I have no doubt that Senator Cardin and I will be able to deliver results for seniors across this country. The American people want us to put partisan politics aside and come up with solutions to the problems we see every day. CARA is an example that Congress can, and should, come together to solve these problems. The epidemic of opioid abuse has reached a serious point in our debate. I believe the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act is a step in the right direction. I encourage my colleagues to pass this important legislation, and I am hopeful that we can do it this week, showing Nevadans and all Americans that we are serious about addressing this problem. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize an individual who has gone above and beyond to save lives in the State of Nevada, Donna Miller. Ms. Miller's drive to provide a dependable health care option to the people of Tonopah is commendable. Her actions warrant only the greatest gratitude and recognition, and I am proud to honor her for her invaluable work for people across the Silver State. Ms. Miller was born in Romania and immigrated to the United States in 1991. In 1996, she graduated from nursing school and moved to Las Vegas 3 years later. She obtained her flight nurse wings in 2001, beginning her career caring for others. In 2002, she helped found Life Guard International Air Ambulance, and in 2007, she reorganized it into Life Guard International--Flying ICU, Flying ICU. This incredible organization serves as a flying intensive care unit, transporting critically ill and injured patients from one hospital to another that offers more resources in a different location. Beginning in 2009, Flying ICU served as a necessary resource to the Tonopah community, transporting all ill and injured patients from the Nye Regional Medical Center to facilities in Las Vegas and Reno. Unfortunately, last fall, the Nye Regional Medical Center closed its doors, leaving this rural community with a devastating lack of access to health care. After the medical center's closing, Ms. Miller courageously decided to keep Flying ICU's Tonopah location, changing the organization to an emergency medical service, which treats and transports patients by plane while traveling to the closest hospital in Las Vegas or Reno. This service currently is the only resource in the region for the critically ill and injured to receive lifesaving care. Ms. Miller also took the initiative to relocate a second plane to Tonopah and increase staff with additional critical care nurses, paramedics, and pilots to provide greater services to the local community. In order to minimize the amount of time that Tonopah's flight crews were away from the Tonopah station, Ms. Miller organized additional Flying ICU flight crews on standby at Nevada airports to allow patients to be further transported by the standby crew, allowing the flight crew to return to the station in a timely manner. Ms. Miller's work on this organization is one of a kind, and I am thankful for her work in saving the lives of Nevadans. Her decision to step up to the plate and provide the Tonopah community many medical resources it would otherwise be without remains invaluable for our State. Today Flying ICU's services reach across the State, saving lives with four aircraft, a hangar at McCarran International Airport, and operation bases in Las Vegas and Tonopah. The organization employs over 50 medical and aviation professionals to help those in need. Flying ICU's reputation of safe and quality care is well deserved. In 2014, Ms. Miller was elected as the president of the Nevada Nurses Association, district Three. She has received many awards for her actions, including being recognized as Ambassador for Peace by the International Women's Federation for World Peace in 2014, SBA's Nevada Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award in 2014, the 2014 Women of Distinction Awards--Entrepreneur of the Year, and as one of Las Vegas's 2015 Top 100 Women of Influence. These accolades are given only to those who have done extraordinary acts to earn them, and Ms. Miller without a doubt deserves each one. Nevada is fortunate to have someone like Ms. Miller representing our State. She is a shining example of selflessness for myself and others. Ms. Miller has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our State, saving lives and providing care to Nevadans in need. Her drive to help those around her is inspiring, and I thank her for all of her hard work. I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in thanking Ms. Miller for her many contributions to our State. I wish her well as she continues her efforts to help those in need and in servicing the city of Tonopah and those across central Nevada.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Jennifer Sprout on her retirement after serving as CEO of the Elko Area Chamber of Commerce for 6 years. It gives me great pleasure to recognize her years of service to the city of Elko's business community. Ms. Sprout grew up in California and moved to Elko when she was 19 years old. Prior to working for the chamber, she served as account manager and general manager for Holiday Broadcasting of Elko. In 2009, Ms. Sprout accepted the position of CEO at the Elko Area Chamber of Commerce. As CEO, she served as a powerful voice for Elko businesses, working to bring awareness to issues affecting this community. She also spearheaded efforts to grow outside recognition of the resources the city has to offer and provided opportunities for business leaders to come together. The city of Elko is recognized as a tourist destination and economic hub for the northeastern part of Nevada, due in part to Ms. Sprout's hard work and unwavering dedication to growing the community. To say she has had a positive impact on the city of Elko would be an understatement. The strong foundation she has built throughout her tenure will be felt for years to come. The Elko Area Chamber of Commerce was established on April 1, 1907, to support the local business community and promote the city of Elko. Today the chamber has over 700 businesses represented through various members. This incredible organization has helped businesses through times of economic downturn and recovery to stay on their feet and succeed. Through the incredible work of the Elko Area Chamber of Commerce, Elko's business community continues to thrive and maintain a high quality of life for residents. The city of Elko is fortunate to have had someone like Ms. Sprout leading the way at this important chamber. Ms. Sprout has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards during her tenure at the Elko Area Chamber of Commerce. I am both humbled and honored by her service and am proud to call her a fellow Nevadan. Today I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Sprout on her retirement from the chamber and in wishing her well at her new position with Design Concepts. I give my deepest appreciation for all that she has done for the city of Elko.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate two students, Miss Miranda Cross and Miss Kate Krolicki, who have gone above and beyond in their academic pursuits and were selected to represent the Silver State as delegates of the 54th annual United States Senate Youth Program, USSYP. This is an incredible accolade, recognizing the very best students across the Nation, and I extend my most sincere congratulations to these two Nevadans. USSYP was created in 1962 to bring excellent students to our Nation's Capital to gain knowledge and insight on the three branches of government. Every year, this program brings 104 outstanding students to Washington, DC, for a weeklong program highlighting the Federal Government. Students also receive a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship to encourage them to continue on in their scholastic pursuits. Students selected for the program generally fall in the top 1 percent academically within their State. Both Miss Krolicki and Miss Cross have excelled in their academic ambitions and are certainly deserving of the opportunity to attend this weeklong program. Miss Cross is a student at Reno High School and serves on the Washoe County School District's student advisory board. She is a proud member of the Future Business Leaders of America, taking three State championship titles and serving as a national finalist. She is also the founder of Girls in STEM. Miss Cross is a role model to her peers, and I am thankful to have such an ambitious Nevadan representing our State at this prestigious event. Miss Krolicki attends George Whitell High School and serves her peers in a number of student activities. She is president of her senior class, a member of the student issues committee, president of the National Honor Society and Key Club, and captain of the varsity soccer team. I am grateful that Miss Krolicki served the State of Nevada as an intern in my office last summer. She is truly an inspiration to her peers and future generations of Nevadans. Both students are shining examples of what hard work and determination can accomplish. They should be proud of their selection in this competitive process. Today I ask my colleagues to join me and all Nevadans in congratulating both Miss Cross and Miss Krolicki in this achievement and in wishing them well as they represent Nevada at USSYP 2016.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Tina Quigley for all of her hard work and dedication to the State of Nevada. Ms. Quigley has gone above and beyond in her role with the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, RTC, bringing efficient transportation methods to the region and driving economic development. Ms. Quigley was raised in Petaluma, CA, and initially planned to have a career in aviation. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in aviation business and planning from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, she moved to Las Vegas and began working for former Clark County director of aviation Bob Broadbent at McCarran International Airport. Ms. Quigley began her career with RTC in 2005, accepting the position of deputy general manager. In 2012, she was selected to lead the commission as general manager. Since accepting the position, Ms. Quigley has led numerous projects at RTC that have greatly benefitted the State. These projects have led to vast improvements to the area's transit system, bringing greater accessibility to the local community and the many tourists traveling throughout the region. Under her leadership, RTC launched a transit pass program for university students and staff, eight new rapid transit and express bus routes, and a residential route. The commission has also added hundreds of new bus shelters, three transit terminals with commuter parking lots, and a platinum LEED-certified transit hub in Las Vegas. As a result of her successful initiatives, RTC was named one of the most efficient transit providers in the Nation. She has also served as a voice to the Nevada legislature, advocating on behalf of southern Nevada's transportation and infrastructure needs. Recently, Ms. Quigley spearheaded work within the State to move forward on the future Interstate 11, I-11. I am proud to have led the way in Washington, DC, on legislation including the extension of I-11, which was signed into law. Developing critical infrastructure in our State is the first step toward long-term job growth and sustainability, and I am thankful to have Nevadans like Ms. Quigley working as an ally in the fight to complete this initiative. Over the last decade, Ms. Quigley has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to bringing southern Nevada the transportation and infrastructure tools it needs. The Silver State is fortunate to have Ms. Quigley working to build a greater and more accessible Nevada. I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in thanking Ms. Quigley for her many contributions to our State. I wish her well as she continues her efforts to address southern Nevada's transportation needs.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Col. Jeannie Leavitt on her recent selection as commander of the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base. Colonel Leavitt is the first woman to command the wing, making her the highest ranking female officer to command at Nellis AFB. It gives me great pleasure to recognize her achievement in this historic moment. Colonel Leavitt joined the U.S. Air Force in 1992 after earning her bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas and her master's degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford University. She completed pilot training at the top of her class in 1992, kicking off the start of her successful career. Since then, she has logged over 300 hours of combat, serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as Operation Southern Watch. In 1993, Colonel Leavitt became the first female fighter pilot and later the service's first woman to graduate from the Air Force Weapons School at Nellis AFB. In addition, in 2012, she became the Nation's first female fighter wing commander when she assumed command of the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, and she will now be the first woman to assume command of the 57th Wing at the Silver State's Nellis AFB. She is truly a role model, demonstrating a great amount of strength and courage. I extend my deepest gratitude to Colonel Leavitt for her courageous contributions to the United States of America. Her unwavering dedication to her career is commendable, and she stands as a shining example for future generations of heroes. Colonel Leavitt's 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 Leavitt has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of the Air Force. I am both humbled and honored by her service and am proud to have such a distinguished member of the Air Force serving in the State of Nevada. Today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Colonel Leavitt 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 congratulate a true role model in the Nevada Wolf Pack community, women's basketball coach Jane Albright, on reaching a significant milestone of 500 collegiate basketball wins. This is a tremendous accomplishment for Ms. Albright, who has dedicated eight seasons to making Nevada women's basketball the best it can be. Ms. Albright began her career coaching collegiate basketball in 1981, when she served as a graduate assistant for the University of Tennessee. She later spent one season as an assistant coach at the University of Cincinnati before taking on her first role as head coach at Northern Illinois. During her 10 seasons with this university, Ms. Albright led the women's basketball team in its most successful run in Northern Illinois history with a record of 188 wins to 110 losses from 1984-94. Following her tenure at Northern Illinois, Ms. Albright coached the women's basketball team at the University of Wisconsin, where she revitalized the program. Ms. Albright led this team, which previously had experienced nine losing seasons, to eight consecutive winning seasons. Prior to her tenure with the University of Nevada, Reno, UNR, Ms. Albright served as head coach at Wichita State. Beginning in 2008, Ms. Albright became a member of the Pack, taking on the role of UNR's head women's basketball coach. Throughout her first year at Nevada, Ms. Albright achieved the most wins as a first- year coach, with an overall record of 18 wins to 14 losses. In that same season, she also picked up her 400th career win when Nevada defeated Northern Iowa. In the 2013-14 season, Ms. Albright led the Wolf Pack in winning 12 Mountain West games, setting a program record for most conference wins in a single season and securing the number three seed for the Mountain West Championships. She was also awarded the 2014 Carol Eckman Award this season, recognizing her for her commitment to the incredible student athletes on her team. On January 27, 2016, Ms. Albright reached her 500th career win, leading the Pack against San Diego State. Her ability as a coach is remarkable, and we are lucky to have someone like Ms. Albright representing UNR. Aside from her incredible record as a coach, Ms. Albright also goes above and beyond to keep her team involved in the community, as well as in the classroom. In 2009-10 alone, UNR logged more than 530 hours of service to the city of Reno. Ms. Albright is a shining example of true leadership for our community. Ms. Albright is an inspiration to many across northern Nevada both on and off the basketball court. Her enthusiasm and passion for her team have not gone unnoticed. Today I join citizens across the Silver State in congratulating Ms. Albright on this incredible achievement and wish her well as she continues to lead the Nevada Wolf Pack.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the bill before us. Energy and mineral development has been one of the central pillars of the Nevada economy, even before it joined the Union. The discovery of the Comstock Lode transformed the State as miners rushed in and boom towns like Virginia City and Austin were born. Today we are a world leader in mineral production while being at the forefront of national efforts to implement a 21st century ``all of the above'' energy strategy. The Silver State produces over 80 percent of the gold and nearly 25 percent of the silver mined domestically. Mining contributes more than 13,500 jobs in Nevada alone, adding $6.4 billion for our State's gross domestic product annually. Nevada's renewable energy resources are among the best our Nation has to offer. Over 2,300 megawatts of renewable energy projects have come online, roughly enough electricity to power over 4.6 million homes. In total, more than 23 percent of the State's total electricity generation comes from renewables. Our State is not only leading the way on clean energy production, it is a hot bed for the research and development on energy efficiency and other alternative technologies that are critical to our Nation's energy future. Tesla's development of its battery gigafactory at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center and Faraday Future's recent announcement to build its automotive manufacturing facility in North Las Vegas ensure that our State will be at the forefront of energy storage technologies and electric vehicles for years to come. Energy is not only one of Nevada's but, overall, one of our Nation's greatest assets. But Congress has not enacted comprehensive energy legislation in a decade, so it is time to reform Federal policies to reflect the energy and natural resource challenges of the 21st century. I commend the majority leader and the chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee who have made energy policy modernization a focus for the 114th Congress. In our first week, we advanced the Keystone XL Pipeline legislation and energy efficiency legislation. In the final days of 2015, we enacted a tax deal which included important policies I fought for and which facilitated renewable energy production while lifting the crude oil export ban. And this week we are focusing on a bipartisan Energy Policy Modernization Act. I appreciate the hard work of the bill managers, Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Cantwell, who have put the time in to bring this proposal to the Senate floor. My colleagues all have a wide range of ideas on energy and environmental policy, and often these debates can become bitterly partisan. So both Senators should be commended for approving a bill out of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee by a bipartisan vote of 18 to 4. In the committee process, I worked with both Senators to incorporate a couple of my stand-alone bills focused on streamlining mine permitting and the exploration of geothermal resources, the Public Land Job Creation Act, S. 113, and the Geothermal Exploration Opportunities Act, S. 562, into this bill. I thank them for that, and I hope to continue to process amendments that modernize Federal energy policy. I have filed a variety of amendments aimed at spurring innovation, boosting job creation, increasing domestic energy and mineral production, and rolling back some of these burdensome regulations. One has already passed the Senate, and I hope the others will be included as well. I have put forth two bipartisan proposals with my colleague from Rhode Island, Senator Jack Reed, focused on energy storage. Technological developments in energy storage have the potential to be a game changer for the electric grid, benefiting the reliability and efficiency of the overall system. Our first amendment simply adds energy storage systems to a list of strategies that States should consider in an effort to promote energy conservation and promote greater use of domestic energy. The second, which passed the Senate by voice vote on Monday night, enhances the Department of Energy's ability to use existing research dollars to develop state of the art technology that can make our electricity grid faster and much more reliable. Energy storage will play an important role in our Nation's long-term energy strategy. My Public Lands Renewable Energy Development amendment, which I filed along with Senators Heinrich, Gardner, Risch, Tester, Wyden, Udall, and Bennet, is an initiative I have been working on for many years. It recognizes that in our Western States, there are millions of acres of public lands suitable for the development of renewable energy projects, but uncertainty in the permitting process impedes or delays our ability to harness their potential. In a State like Nevada, where over 85 percent of our land is controlled by Federal landlords, improving this permitting process is vitally essential. Our amendment does just that. It streamlines and improves the permitting process for utility-scale geothermal, wind, and solar energy on Federal lands so that the West can continue to lead the Nation in clean energy production. To advance this amendment, Senator Heinrich and I had to drop one of the important components of the proposal--provisions that would repurpose revenues generated by these projects to ensure our local communities benefit and to support conservation projects that increase outdoor recreation activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. In the West, where Federal lands are not taxable and outdoor recreation is an important part of our way of life, these provisions are vital, and I hope we can find a path forward for this concept in the near future. While recent developments on battery storage, renewable energy production, and alternative fuel vehicles is exciting, I want to remind my colleagues that without a domestic supply of critical minerals like gold, silver, copper, and lithium, they all would not be possible. Far too often we take for granted that we need these important resources to manufacture those technologies and devices that are now part of our everyday lives, such as our smartphones, our computers, and our tablets. I have worked with Chairman Murkowski and others on comprehensive mining legislation over the past few years, and I believe it is key to our economy and our Nation's security that those policies are part of this comprehensive package. I appreciate that our American Mineral Security Act is one of the titles of the bill that is now before the Senate. One of the biggest issues facing domestic mining--not just mining but all natural resource development--is overly burdensome regulations. If our Nation is truly going to capitalize on our domestic production potential, we need to rein in the Environmental Protection Agency. Outside of the IRS, the two Federal agencies that draw the most ire from my constituents are the EPA and the BLM. Under this administration, the EPA is continuing down a path of destroying the balance between appropriate environmental oversight and overreaching regulations that lead to further economic gridlock. That is why I put forth an amendment that would block the EPA from finalizing one of their biggest attacks on domestic resources production, a rule to impose new financial assurance fees. If implemented, these requirements would further deincentivize capital investment in the domestic mining industry. New Federal requirements would be duplicative of financial assurance programs already in place at both the State and Federal level. The EPA has made it clear that their push on hard rock mining is the first of many of its plans to develop on various natural resources industries, such as chemicals, coal, oil, and gas development. My amendment would prohibit the EPA from developing, proposing, finalizing, implementing, enforcing or administering new financial assurance regulations on natural resources development. I have also teamed up with my friend and colleague, Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe, on my EPA accountability amendment. This amendment mirrors a bill that I introduced in the first weeks of this Congress and was adopted by voice vote as part of the House Energy bill--the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. The EPA often ignores longstanding statutes that require them to improve their own regulatory coordination, planning, and review. Simply put, my amendment asks the EPA to abide by its own rules. Without oversight, the EPA has the authority to issue unprecedented regulations that could wreak havoc on our energy policy and prices. Energy costs seep into every aspect of American life, and it is past time we stopped the EPA in its tracks. Again, I want to thank Leader McConnell. I want to thank Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Cantwell for working with me on my comprehensive Energy bill policies. I hope we can take up these amendments and have them included in the final version of the bill, which I am confident will pass the Senate. These commonsense initiatives will go a long way toward ensuring an affordable, secure, and reliable energy supply for our country. Mr. President, thank you, and I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Ranna Daud, executive director for the After-School All-Stars Las Vegas, ASASLV, for her tireless efforts in helping Las Vegas's youth achieve prosperous futures. Ms. Daud has contributed greatly to her community by working to make ASASLV the best it can be. ASASLV was initially organized in 2003 to provide Las Vegas's youth with a variety of free academic, athletic, and cultural afterschool programs, encouraging Nevada's students to maintain a successful and healthy lifestyle during afterschool hours. These programs are offered to students in prekindergarten through 8th grade at 13 different schools across the Clark County School District. To help students academically, ASASLV offers homework assistance, test preparation, and tutoring from certified teachers. It also offers classes in art, music leadership, cooking, business, and dance. Aside from educational aid, the organization also emphasizes health and fitness. Activities such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, martial arts, yoga, and hiking are offered to students. Our State is fortunate to have someone such as Mrs. Daud leading this organization, which is critical in helping students across Las Vegas maintain a positive lifestyle. Ms. Daud began working for ASASLV in 2004 as a program manager. She later returned to the organization in 2009 and served for 4 years before being selected as the executive director. In this role, Ms. Daud leads the organization in pursuit of its mission to help Nevada's youth. She also serves as the main voice in the community, working to build recognition for the program. Ms. Daud's work with ASASLV has contributed greatly in making the organization an invaluable resource to Las Vegas's youth. She has gone above and beyond to build a positive base for Nevada's future generations. I extend my deepest gratitude to Ms. Daud for all of her hard work in encouraging our youth to have successful and active futures. She is a shining example of someone who strives for the betterment of her community and displays true selflessness in her work. I am thankful to have Ms. Daud serving as an ally to Las Vegas's students, providing them a safe, healthy, and ambitious environment. I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing Ms. Daud and her work for ASASLV, a program that is so important for Nevada's youth. I wish Ms. Daud the best of luck in all of her future endeavors working to help students across southern Nevada.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Western Governors University, WGU Nevada. I am proud to honor this institution that offers Nevadans a unique opportunity to learn and achieve successful and positive futures. Established in 1997, WGU Nevada is an online institution designed to offer greater access and flexibility to higher education. This university provides 50 accredited bachelor's and master's degrees in business, information technology, K-12 teacher education, and health professions, along with a variety of other tracks. WGU Nevada's mission to provide Silver State citizens with an opportunity to obtain an academic degree at their own pace will help enhance the lives of thousands of students, while also ensuring the needs of Nevada's employers are met. WGU Nevada has gone above and beyond to help Nevadans obtain the tools they need to succeed. Recently, this institution provided 10 students in Nevada with the financial support needed to earn a degree that will advance their careers. I am grateful that WGU Nevada is working to create a brighter future for many across the Silver State. As the husband of a teacher, I understand the important role academic institutions play in enriching the lives of Nevadans. Ensuring that students throughout Nevada 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 WGU Nevada. I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing WGU Nevada. This institution is truly dedicated to enriching the lives of Nevadans, and I am honored to recognize its efforts.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today we honor the life and service of Glen Edward Martin, whose passing signifies a great loss to Nevada. I send my condolences and prayers to his wife and all of Mr. Martin's family in this difficult time. Mr. Martin was a man truly committed to his family, country, State, and community. He will be sorely missed. Mr. Martin was born in May 1918 in Council Bluffs, IA, where he remained until after graduation from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1937. He later received his bachelor's degree in economics from Colorado College in 1941 and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Southern California in 1984. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Martin had four careers, all working in support of his country and local community. Mr. Martin first served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer from 1938 to 1968. During this time, he served in World War II, the Korean war, and the Vietnam war, receiving numerous Silver and Bronze Stars for his efforts. He was also decorated with a Navy Cross in 1944 at the Battle of Eniwetok. His bravery and service to our country are invaluable. After retiring from the military, Mr. Martin turned his attention to serving the people of Nevada by working as a Nevada State employee. In 1968, Mr. Martin accepted his first role working for the State in comprehensive health planning and later focused on the extension service in civil defense. I am grateful that Mr. Martin dedicated more than a decade of service toward bettering the State of Nevada. In his final career, beginning in 1983, Mr. Martin served Nevada's seniors, working as an advocate, teacher, and trainer for exercise and resistance training. In 2002, he received the Governor's Point of Lights Award for his unwavering dedication to seniors in Nevada who he helped keep strong and healthy. He also led a 40-participant resistance exercise class 3 days a week at the Carson City Senior Center to help those in need. Mr. Martin was a true role model, demonstrating genuine care for those around him. No words can adequately thank Mr. Martin, who served not for recognition but because it was the right thing to do for both his country and community. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize Congress has a responsibility not only to honor the brave individuals protecting our freedoms, 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. Mr. Martin's service to his country and dedication to his family and community earned him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation. I am honored to commend all of Mr. Martin's hard work. His patriotism and drive will never be forgotten. Today I join the Carson City community and citizens of the Silver State to celebrate the life of an upstanding Nevadan, Mr. Glen Edward Martin.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate my longtime staffer Margot Allen on her retirement. Margot has been an essential part of my team since I became a U.S. Senator in 2011, and I am thankful for all of her hard work on behalf of the people of Nevada. For the past 5 years, Margot has gone above and beyond not only working hard to help achieve my goals for Nevada's military community, but also to bring southern Nevada's active military members, veterans, and their families an unwavering ally in fighting bureaucratic red tape and various issues that often occur when working with the Department of Veterans Affairs. From helping Nevadans receive the benefits they deserve, to personally meeting many serving at both Nellis Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base, to welcoming a variety of veterans living throughout the southern Nevada community, Margot has been there to support those that have given so much for our freedoms. I extend my deepest gratitude to Margot for working with Nevada's military community and representing my office with such a genuine concern for Nevada's brave men and women. Not only has she gained my respect, but the respect of the military community across southern Nevada through her tireless resolve to bring these men and women the support they deserve. Margot also served as my statewide coordinator for Nevada's U.S. service academies. It was through her efforts in working with Nevada's youth who were interested in attending these important institutions that many achieved this goal and were accepted into the academies. Along with helping Nevada's veterans and active military members, Margot also served as a point of contact to seniors across southern Nevada struggling with Social Security, Medicare, and other programs available to help our aging population. Throughout the last 5 years, Margot worked diligently to help seniors in need receive the help necessary to remain healthy and happy. This community is fortunate that Margot led the way to help southern Nevada's seniors. Margot also contributed greatly to my team by utilizing a completely different skill set--a love of grammar and writing. Prior to working on behalf of the people of Nevada in my office, she served as a professor at the University of Alabama, as well as taught English-language skills in Panama while her husband, Leonard, worked abroad for the Department of Defense. To say I was privileged to have her in my office would be an understatement. Above all else, I want to thank Margot for all of her hard work and devotion to the people of our great State. She wore many hats, working with veterans, seniors, and a variety of other Nevadans struggling to work with Federal agencies--we are very fortunate to have had someone willing to put forth such effort and compassion to help those in need. Her legacy of resilience and determination will never be forgotten. Today I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in congratulating Margot on her retirement and in thanking her for all she has done for the people of our State.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Ross Bryant, the director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, UNLV, military and veteran services center. It gives me great pleasure to recognize Mr. Bryant who does so much for Nevada's veterans, active military members, and their families pursuing academic degrees. Mr. Bryant served in the U.S. Army for 24 years before beginning his career to help fellow veterans and active servicemembers. He began working at UNLV 14 years ago, starting as commander of the UNLV Army ROTC program. He later took on the position of deputy director of the Institute for Security Studies before accepting his current role as director of the military and veteran services center. As director, Mr. Bryant works to help active military members and veterans experience a fluid transition from the battlefield to college life. He also developed numerous university and community outreach programs for UNLV to help active military and veteran students be successful in their academic pursuits. Through his tireless efforts, Mr. Bryant has contributed greatly to UNLV's achievement of being named a military friendly school by GI Jobs for 5 consecutive years, as well as making the Military Advanced Education's list of top military-friendly colleges in 2015. UNLV now educates over 1,475 Active-Duty military members, Reservists, National Guard members, veterans, and their families, in part due to the efforts of Mr. Bryant. I am grateful to have Mr. Bryant working on behalf of Nevada's brave men and women. Through collaborative efforts during the last legislative session, Mr. Bryant was a key contributor in attaining passage of legislation for UNLV to waive fees for Active-Duty military members. The program also reinforces UNLV's presence at Nellis Air Force Base, where a classroom is available for Active-Duty military members and their families to take courses. His efforts have brought southern Nevada's military community the academic support that it deserves. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I have had no greater honor than the opportunity to engage with the men and women who served in our Nation's military. I recognize Congress has a responsibility not only to honor the brave individuals who serve our Nation, 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. I am grateful to have allies like Mr. Bryant working towards a common goal: fighting to ensure the needs of our veterans and Active-Duty military members are met. Today I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing Mr. Bryant for all that he does for UNLV's military community.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Wendy Damonte for her years of dedication to bringing northern Nevada in- depth news coverage. Wendy was an upstanding member of KTVN's news team for 21 years and an important face in Nevada journalism. While she will be departing from the anchor desk, Wendy's tireless dedication to the Reno community will continue as she embarks on a new journey as vice president of advocacy and community partnership at Renown Health. Wendy joined KTVN's news team in 1994, shortly after graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno with a broadcast journalism degree. Her passion in the newsroom quickly moved her up the ranks and led to her anchoring KTVN's evening news program, as well as reporting on medical information on her ``Health Watch'' segment. As part of KTVN's news team, Wendy went above and beyond in her career to bring Nevadans the most up-to-date and accurate news. Her work in our community is invaluable. Throughout her tenure with KTVN, Wendy covered a variety of stories, including medical breakthroughs in Nevada, breaking news stories, and personal health stories. Specifically, Wendy shared an extremely personal story, covering the challenges her mother faced while fighting breast cancer. Wendy's coverage led to significant legislative changes in the fight against breast cancer. She was a key contributor in helping push legislation in Nevada mandating that doctors inform women about their breast density. As someone whose family has been touched by cancer, I understand the difficulties that come with this terrible disease and am thankful to have people like Wendy working to eradicate cancer and increase awareness. I am pleased to say that I have worked with Wendy to raise awareness of the Breast Density and Mammography Act of 2015. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation, which similarly requires mammography facilities to include up-to-date information about breast density. Wendy's work has truly touched the lives of many across northern Nevada, and we can't thank her enough. I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in thanking Wendy for her years with KTVN and for her work to create a healthier northern Nevada. Although her time at KTVN may be coming to an end, her efforts to pursue her goals will continue. I wish her well in all of her future endeavors and at her new position at Renown Health.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to offer my strong support for the legislation we are debating today that would finally audit the Federal Reserve. Since I came to Congress, I have supported auditing the Fed. When I was first elected to the House of Representatives, I would attend briefings hosted by Congressman Ron Paul, Senator Paul's father, and I learned why more accountability and transparency was needed at the Fed. I remember talking to Congressman Paul on the House floor about various issues at the Fed, and that is when I started to support this bill to audit the Fed, just as I am supporting his son's bill today. I thank Senator Paul for continuing to take up this cause and for building the momentum to audit the Fed that has led us to where we are today. Since its founding, the Federal Reserve has often operated in secrecy, even though it is the biggest influence on our country's economy. The Fed's actions affect every American family and their hard- earned income. I am fortunate to be chairman of the Economic Policy Subcommittee on the Senate banking committee, where I have direct oversight over the Federal Reserve's monetary policies. I can say that the Federal Reserve's actions warrant passage of this legislation. For several years we have seen unprecedented monetary and regulatory policies come from the Fed. One of the riskiest policies I have ever seen is the Fed's stimulus program of quantitative easing. The Federal Reserve essentially turned on their computers, fired up their electronic printing presses, created new money out of thin air, and started to buy assets. Now, we may ask ourselves this: How big is this stimulus program? It is an unbelievable number. As of today, it is nearly $4.5 trillion. Let me say that again: $4.5 trillion. And that is with a ``t.'' That is more than four times the cost of President Obama's own failed stimulus program. And who has benefited from this quantitative easing? I can tell you in two words: It is Wall Street. That is right. Wall Street hit the jackpot because the Fed's easy money policies drove everybody into the equities market to get any return they possibly could on their investments. Wall Street won, and Main Street, savers, and workers lost. The scary part is the Fed won't rule out buying more assets in the future. If we ask the Fed today when or how they would begin to reduce their $4.5 trillion balance sheet, there is nothing but silence. Is that being transparent? Is that accountability? No, absolutely not. This is just one of the reasons why we must pass this bill to audit the Fed. I find it ironic that the Federal Reserve is so opposed to being audited, because they themselves go around auditing lending institutions all the time. I frequently hear from community lenders in Nevada who have either the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, the National Credit Union Administration or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau knocking on their door all the time. These community lenders have not caused the financial crisis, yet they are the ones feeling the brunt of all these audits. Why should there be a double standard that government agencies can examine every American's bank account but the American public can't examine those same agencies back? Again, this is why we must pass this legislation to audit the Fed. I remind my colleagues that even though most of the news about the Fed revolves around interest rates and the Fed's monetary policy, the Fed is also responsible for major regulations that touch on almost every aspect of our financial system. Now, I support reasonable regulations, but only after thoughtful and careful evaluations. I think it should be mandated that the Fed conduct a cost-benefit analysis of all their proposed regulations and always allow for public comment on proposed regulations. I am also very concerned that the Fed is getting involved in financial sectors in which they have not been in the past. We have a long tradition here in the United States of having a time-tested and effective State-based insurance regulatory system. Unfortunately, Dodd- Frank has changed all that, and now the Federal Reserve has new authorities over the insurance sector. Right now, as we speak, the Fed is attempting to regulate capital standard requirements for insurance companies in the United States. This will be the first time the Federal Government imposes domestic Federal capital standards on the State-regulated insurance industry. I worked very hard to ensure bank-centric standards are not inappropriately applied to the insurance industry by the Fed. But not only does the Fed want to add their own domestic layer of rules on top of State-based insurance regulations, they even want another layer of one-size-fits-all international capital standards on top of that. I almost have to laugh, because it is only in Washington, DC, where a Federal agency can put the trailer in front of the truck. Unfortunately, that is exactly what the Fed is doing by working on international capital standards before they complete their own domestic standards. I have serious concerns about these international efforts. Together with Senator Tester of Montana, we introduced the bipartisan International Insurance Capital Standards Accountability Act, which would compel the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department to complete a study on consumers and markets in the United States before supporting any international insurance proposal or international insurance capital standard. These are just a few of the examples of some of the Fed's questionable actions. As I said earlier, this legislation to audit the Fed is critical to bring transparency and accountability to the Fed, but even more fundamental changes need to be made. A few months ago, Chairman Shelby put together an impressive bill that the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee passed with my support, which would make important reforms to the Fed. One provision would establish a commission to study the potential restructuring of the districts in the Federal Reserve System. Chairman Shelby's bill would also require the Fed's Federal Open Market Committee to make more frequent and detailed reporting requirements to Congress and to increase transparency by reducing the time lag for Federal Open Market Committee transcripts from 5 years to 3 years. These are very reasonable changes that I think Democrats and Republicans alike can support, and I hope that Chairman Shelby's bill will be brought to the Senate floor soon. The Federal Reserve recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, and in many aspects the Fed has not changed much since Woodrow Wilson's time. As most of us know, a few months ago we cut a very specific dividend that banks receive for buying stock of the Federal Reserve System in order to pay for the highway bill. While the debate mostly centered on how to cut the dividend, I was trying to figure out why the Federal Reserve requires banks to buy these so-called stocks to begin with. After all, it doesn't look like the Fed is in desperate need of funds, because over the past half dozen years the Fed has sent nearly half a trillion dollars of profits to the U.S. Treasury. One hundred years ago, these stock purchases and dividends were meant to incentivize banks to join the Federal Reserve System. Since that time, laws have been passed that essentially don't give a bank the choice as to whether or not they want to be supervised by the Federal Reserve System because, by law, the Fed has gained authority over all banks that are eligible for FDIC insurance. Just because something was standard practice over 100 years ago does not mean it is still needed today. I think it is time to review and examine these Federal Reserve membership requirements even further. My colleagues, it is essential that Congress exercise its constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight and scrutinize of the Federal Reserve in an open and transparent way, which is why I will proudly vote today to move forward with auditing the Fed, and I encourage my colleagues to join me. I yield the floor.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Virgil Courneya on being selected as National President of the Fleet Reserve Association, FRA. It gives me great pleasure to recognize his achievement in being selected to lead an organization that does so much for our Nation's military community. Mr. Courneya enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1972 and served his country for nearly a quarter century. Throughout his military career, he received numerous assignments across the country, where he served in California, Nevada, North Carolina, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania. He also served overseas in Japan and Bolivia. Before retiring in 1996, he achieved the rank of master gunnery sergeant. Mr. Courneya's service is invaluable to our country, and I am grateful for the sacrifices he made for our freedoms. The FRA is a congressionally chartered military and veterans service organization that serves active members and veterans of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. In his new role, Mr. Courneya will work to strengthen the organization and increase national recognition of the work being done by the FRA on behalf of our Nation's heroes. He will also serve as an advocate for the issues important to sea service members and their families. Mr. Courneya has been a member of the FRA since 1982 and is currently a member of the FRA Branch 274 in Reno. Throughout his service to this organization, he has held numerous important roles on the local, regional, and national levels, including serving as both the association's west coast regional president from 2004 to 2006 and national vice president from 2012 to 2013. I am grateful for Mr. Courneya's many contributions to sea service members and veterans throughout our Nation and State. His actions represent only the greatest of Nevada's values and place him among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation. I would also like to recognize his wife, Helen, who was selected as the national president of the auxiliary. Our State is fortunate to have role models such as Mr. and Mrs. Courneya serving Nevada's brave. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize Congress has a responsibility not only to honor the 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 veterans in our State and across the country. I am grateful to have Nevadans like Mr. Courneya working towards a common goal: fighting to ensure the needs of our military community are met. Mr. Courneya has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of the U.S. Marine Corps. I extend my greatest gratitude for his service to defending our freedom and his work on behalf of the FRA. I am 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. Courneya on being selected as national president of this important organization.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Clark County School District Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky on being named National Superintendent of the Year by Jobs for America's Graduates, JAG. This award is truly prestigious and attained by only the most influential educators across the country. JAG is a nonprofit organization that is focused on improving the educational outcome of America's youth to ensure they are equipped to succeed in higher education and the workforce. The Nevada chapter of this State-based national organization has been a driving force to help integrate the JAG program into 19 schools in the Clark County School District, assisting the needs of more than 700 students in 37 schools across the State. Mr. Skorkowsky played a significant role in implementing this program after a successful pilot trial at several schools across our State. Over 25 years ago, Mr. Skorkowsky began working as an educator for the Clark County School District. Throughout his tenure, he has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, academic manager, deputy superintendent, and now as superintendent. Mr. Skorkowsky spearheaded the idea that drives the nation's fifth largest school district: ``Every student in every classroom, without exceptions, without excuses.'' During his time as superintendent, Mr. Skorkowsky has upheld this philosophy, implementing strategies to improve the academic experience for every student who attends a Clark County School. Southern Nevada is fortunate to have someone of such great experience working on behalf of the future of Nevada's youth. As a father of four children who attended Nevada's public schools and as the husband of a teacher, I understand the important role that educators 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. Mr. Skorkowsky has worked tirelessly to help prepare students across southern Nevada to be career and college ready, and I am grateful to have him serving as an ally to future generations of Nevadans. I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in thanking Mr. Skorkowsky for his dedication to enriching the lives of Nevada's students and in congratulating him on receiving this award. I wish him well as he continues creating success for all students who enter the Clark County School District.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 10th anniversary of Carson Tahoe Health's, CTH, acclaimed regional medical center. Over the past decade, this center has grown to be one of northern Nevada's leading health care facilities. Most recently, the Carson Tahoe Sierra Surgery department of the regional medical center received the HealthInsight Hospital Quality Award for its top-tier care and patient satisfaction. The center has been recognized through a variety of accolades for its cutting-edge medical expertise and incredible patient care. I am proud to see this facility in Nevada recognized on a national level for its high-quality medical treatment. Since the Medical Center's opening, those working within the facility have gone above and beyond to provide northern Nevadans with the best health care. The staff has spent countless hours further expanding health care services for Nevadans. The medical center has developed a premier open heart and endovascular surgery program and a women and children's center with a five-star rating. The facility has also secured an affiliation with the University of Utah Health Care and Huntsman Cancer Institute, which significantly increases care options for Nevadans. The center is acknowledged for its complete cancer treatment, intervention, support, and aftercare and provides 153 beds for Silver State residents. The staff is comprised of 240 board- certified physicians that cover an array of 35 medical specialties. The northern Nevada community is fortunate to have this incredible Medical Center ready to help with its medical needs. For the past decade, CTH's regional medical center has provided residents across northern Nevada with top-notch and innovative health care options. The hard work of those that have helped grow this facility is greatly appreciated. Today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the regional medical center on its 10th anniversary and in thanking those that work within the facility helping to save lives.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate the southern Nevada chapter of the Military Officers Association of America on reaching a significant milestone of 50 years of service in our State. It gives me great pleasure to recognize this entity that does so much for Nevada's veterans, active military members, and their families. For half a century, the southern Nevada chapter has provided southern Nevada's military community with an incredible support system to address a diverse range of veterans and active military members' issues. The organization offers our Nation's brave men and women advice and guidance on compensation and benefits, as well as raises money to benefit Wounded Warriors, ROTC scholarships, and other entities helping our heroes who have defended our freedoms. The southern Nevada chapter spearheaded the Veterans Court Program, which gives veterans a second chance and helps to expunge misdemeanors from their records, so long as they participate in a rehabilitation program, perform community service, and maintain a positive lifestyle. Southern Nevada's military community is fortunate to have this chapter working as an ally to improve the lives of veterans. The organization also advocates on behalf of America's national defense, an issue I believe is crucial for our country. I am grateful to each and every member of this organization for their service and sacrifice in defending our Nation. There is no way to adequately thank the men and women who sacrifice their lives for our freedoms. Their service is invaluable to our country. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I have had no greater honor than the opportunity to engage with the men and women who served in our Nation's military. I recognize Congress has a responsibility not only to honor the 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. I am grateful to have organizations like the southern Nevada chapter working towards a common goal: fighting to ensure the needs of our veterans are met. Today I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing the southern Nevada chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, an organization with a noble and charitable mission. I am humbled and honored to recognize its 50th anniversary, and I wish to thank all of the hard-working members for everything they do.

Mr. HELLER

Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to enter into a colloquy with my colleague, the Senator from New Mexico.