Maggie Hassan

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I will just say that I regret the objection. A Senate version of the reauthorization was, of course, included in the package that we all agreed on--bipartisan agreement in both the Senate and the House, after months and months of work, reauthorized through our committee process--and was stripped out, of course, on Wednesday at the instruction of Mr. Musk. So the House had already passed this bipartisan bill. It had huge and overwhelming bipartisan support there, and this is really unfortunate because, of course, the opioid epidemic--especially the fentanyl epidemic-- continues to devastate our communities, and it is truly unfortunate that the objection was made tonight.

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I rise today to urge my colleagues to pass into law lifesaving, bipartisan legislation that will enable us to keep fighting the opioid and fentanyl epidemic that has destroyed families and devastated communities across our country. New data from just this week found that drug overdose deaths dropped 17 percent from last summer to this summer. We now have a much better sense of what works to prevent and treat addiction, the resources we need to do so, and the light that exists on the other end of this terrible, terrible tunnel. But we can only get there if we keep up the fight. The SUPPORT Act of 2018 established vital addiction treatment infrastructure. Reauthorizing this law is essential to our addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. Just two of many examples include funding addiction treatment for pregnant women and supporting first responders. The original SUPPORT Act passed the Senate with 98 votes, and the bipartisan reauthorization passed the House with 386 votes. Now the Senate must send it to the President's desk before we adjourn for the year. This is not the time for complacency, nor is it time for despair. Nothing less than people's lives depend on us acting. So, Mr. President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4531 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration; further, that the bill be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize David Bugbee of Concord as December's Granite Stater of the Month. David, who is 71 years old, has been donating blood regularly since he was 17, helping countless Granite Staters and others in our region through this precious gift. David was first inspired to donate blood by his father. As a child, David remembers going with his dad to regular blood donation appointments, although at the time he didn't realize that is what his father was doing. Eventually, he grew curious about the little square bandage he noticed his dad sporting after these appointments and asked what the appointments were. When he was 17 years old, David saw a flyer for a blood drive at his Manchester college and, remembering his dad's frequent donations, decided to go. After his first donation, David knew that this would be a meaningful way in which he could help others--and since then, he has given blood more than 200 times. Donating blood is David's way of giving back to his community. Blood donations can be used for many different purposes in a hospital or emergency setting, and hospitals rely on volunteers like David to collect enough supply for patients in need. David has said that he counts himself lucky to have had jobs that have always allowed him to leave for blood donation appointments during the day. He does not find it a bother at all to give a pint of blood and has gotten used to the sensation, even saying that the period of rest that is required after donating can give him a little break in his day to sit down afterward and eat a snack. A lifelong Granite Stater, David regularly visits his donation center in Concord to give blood, and he appreciates the Red Cross workers who run the center. He has especially noticed that they always show their gratitude to those who donate. David's selfless commitment to regularly donating blood is a great example of the Granite State spirit of helping other people in any way possible. As we celebrate the holiday season and reflect on ways in which we can support our fellow Granite Staters, I am proud to name David December's Granite Stater of the Month.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Linda Sarette of Sanbornton as November's Granite Stater of the Month. Linda has been tending the gardens at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery since 2019, ensuring that the final resting place of fallen servicemembers is a place of beauty and calm. Linda was raised to understand the value of service. Her father served in the Coast Guard, and after his death in 2019, he was buried at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. The cemetery is a place that is deeply important to our State, where we can reflect on the brave Granite Staters who gave the words ``Live Free or Die'' true meaning. Linda noticed that there was no garden in the section that her father was buried in, and the staff told her that they would put one in if she would care for it--and she has been tending gardens at the cemetery ever since. Linda has been gardening for her entire life, and she uses her knowledge and skills to plant flowers, weed, and trim the hedges at the more than 100 gardens throughout the cemetery, working up to 4 days a week in the spring. Over the years, Linda has found a family of volunteers at the cemetery. She has gotten to know many of the people that come to visit loved ones at the cemetery. Throughout the years, different people have also joined Linda in volunteering to take care of the gardens, but regardless of whether other volunteers are there, she has remained a constant presence. Linda is there on quiet days, comforting families going through a difficult time, and she is there on holidays to place wreaths and flags at each grave. Linda's commitment to ensuring that all fallen servicemembers are shown dignity at their final resting place is a beautiful example of the Granite State spirit of showing respect toward those who serve, in life and in death. Her kindness in supporting the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery is why I am proud to name her November's Granite Stater of the Month.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Matthew ``Matty'' Gregg of Nashua as October's Granite Stater of the Month. Matty ran the entire length of New Hampshire earlier this month--230 miles--to raise awareness about hunger in our state. Matty's run was motivated by his desire to draw attention to the thousands of Granite Staters who experience food insecurity, to inspire others to help those in need, and to encourage State government leaders to evaluate what more they could do to address hunger. He raised funds for NH Hunger Solutions, which connects Granite State families with resources, and also highlighted additional organizations that address food insecurity. For instance, Matty spotlighted White Mountains Community College, which allows all students to eat for free, and the Manchester Food Collaborative, which focuses on expanding access to healthy food for everyone in Manchester while reducing food waste. Matty is also focused on ending the stigma that can sometimes be associated with seeking help, whether it is receiving free lunch at school or visiting a food bank. Matty's 230-mile New Hampshire run took 8 days, and he made 11 stops. He was cheered on by students from local schools at his stops up and down the State--in his hometown of Nashua, 100 students from Mt. Pleasant Elementary came to his stop and even ran with him for a few minutes. Matty's run for hunger was not the first time that he has combined his love of running with his passion for making a difference. In 2018, he ran across America for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, running more than 5,245 miles and raising thousands of dollars. According to Matty, these extreme runs act like ``lightning rods'' to draw attention to a cause, and over the past decade, he has raised over $600,000 for different charities. He says that the support of his family--including from his wife Alicia and his children Noah, Ethan, and Emma--makes it easier to endure the grueling distances. Matty's dedication to ending hunger in our State is a true example of the New Hampshire spirit of taking action to address issues affecting our communities. His creativity and willingness to--literally--go the extra mile to help more people get the food that they need is why I am proud to name him Granite Stater of the Month.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I am honored to recognize Kimberly ``Kym'' Lozada of Manchester as September's Granite Stater of the Month. After her husband passed away, Kym felt a drive to find ways to support her community--and now, through her barbershop, Get Faded, Kym offers free haircuts and other events to support adults and kids alike. Kym, a mother of six, opened Get Faded in February 2023. When her husband passed away 6 months later, she wanted to find a way to help other single parents who might be struggling with the busy back-to- school season. She started an annual event with free haircuts for local students, and this year, the shop also gave out 150 backpacks filled with school supplies. The business has also hosted trunk-or-treat for kids on Halloween. Get Faded prioritizes ensuring that all children feel comfortable; it is a certified sensory-safe barbershop, where the barbers are trained to give haircuts to children with autism or sensory processing sensitivities that can make it difficult to experience a traditional haircut. Overall, Kym makes Get Faded a place where every child can feel supported--and, of course, get the haircut they want to feel stylish and confident. In addition, like many Granite State families, the Lozada family has experienced the effects of the fentanyl crisis. Kym's late husband dealt with addiction, and she is open about his experience in the hopes that she can inspire others to get treatment. In Kym's words, ``I will keep telling my story in the hope that it can save someone's life.'' Get Faded recently hosted free haircut events for adults at Hope for NH Recovery, a center that offers peer-based support for those dealing with addiction, and at AmeriHealth Caritas, an organization that works to bring healthcare to communities throughout the State. Kym's dedication to helping those in need is a true example of the Granite State spirit of pitching in to help our fellow citizens. Her family's experience is one that is not unique in our State, but her perseverance and commitment to helping Granite Staters in her own way can inspire all of us.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. In order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I would object to further proceeding.

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I understand that there is a bill at the desk that is due for a second reading.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 19; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Jenkins nomination; further, that the cloture motion with respect to the Jenkins nomination ripen at 1:45 p.m.; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Thursday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I further ask that the committee-reported substitute amendment be withdrawn; that the Peters substitute amendment, which is at the desk, be considered and agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 196, S. 1871.

Ms. HASSAN

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

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 829, which is at the desk.

Ms. HASSAN. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Bayard Tracy of Spofford as August's Granite Stater of the Month. For almost 20 years, Bayard has volunteered with the Spofford Lake Association, helping to ensure that the community can use the lake for generations to come. Shortly after he moved to Spofford in 2006, Bayard got involved with the Spofford Lake Association, first by helping with water testing and then with obtaining grants and conducting studies to understand and improve the lake's water quality. The studies showed that stormwater runoff is the largest source of phosphorus and other pollutants entering the lake--and this can create an unsafe environment for fish and wildlife. Using the information from the studies, Bayard and his fellow association volunteers worked with the State, the town of Chesterfield, and property owners to develop a multiyear water management plan to improve Spofford Lake's water quality. As part of this plan, the town's select board established a watershed committee and created a wastewater management ordinance for the lake district. Additionally, they created a fund to help protect the lake in case of an invasive species infestation. All of these efforts will help make safe swimming, boating, and fishing on the lake. Bayard has also led efforts to raise awareness among Spofford residents about the importance of protecting Spofford Lake and to increase the role of the community in the stewardship of the lake. Understanding that everyone needs to have a stake in maintaining the water quality of the lake so that people can continue to enjoy it for years to come, Bayard has encouraged individual landowners to take steps to stop erosion and runoff from their property--which can lead to increased pollution in the lake--and has worked to inform the community about other steps that individuals can take in order to keep the lake clean. Bayard's commitment to protecting Spofford Lake by volunteering directly at the lake and by increasing community involvement in lake conservation efforts is a great example of the Granite State spirit of environmental stewardship and civic engagement. I am honored to name him August's Granite Stater of the Month.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Thank you very much, Chairman Wyden. Madam President, I rise to join my colleagues in urging Members from both parties to come together and pass the bipartisan Wyden-Smith package to lower taxes for working families and for small businesses. And I want to add my thanks to my colleague from Colorado for his remarks because this really is about making sure that our families and small businesses can get ahead and stay ahead. As you know, earlier this year, Members from both parties in the House overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan package to cut taxes. Like any legislative compromise, it may not have included everything that people wanted, but it included commonsense provisions that a majority of Americans agree on. And as my colleague from Colorado and the chairman have just said, it has provisions that not only the majority of Americans agree on, but a significant, really large, outsized majority of the U.S. House of Representatives agreed on. This bipartisan package to cut taxes includes provisions that would help keep our economy on the cutting edge by fully restoring critical research and development--R&D--deductions. This provision would give American creators and entrepreneurs the resources that they need to outcompete countries like China and help ensure that our country and our economy is second to none. I have been working on a bipartisan basis to pass this provision and have heard from small businesses in New Hampshire about the really tough financial decisions that they are making now that the full R&D deduction has expired. Not only would this tax cut package help us build a more innovative economy, it also helps make our economy work better for everyone through a bipartisan expansion of the child tax credit. We know that families are still struggling with the burdens of high costs. Expanding the child tax credit is a commonsense, practical way to put more money back into the pockets of hard-working families. And this child tax credit provision would have helped families who have the most children, the families who, because of their higher number of children, have the most costs. There is a reason that a majority of Americans support these proposals. It is because they are good ideas that will make a difference in people's lives. But despite what our constituents are telling us in support of this legislation, despite the good-faith bipartisan discussions that we have had, and despite the fact that the House was able to come together to overwhelmingly pass this bill, we still don't have an agreement on how to advance the bipartisan tax cut package this week. Unfortunately, some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have seemingly allowed partisan politics to interfere with good-faith efforts to find a path forward. Despite this setback, I am going to continue to work across party lines to pass the provisions of this bipartisan tax cut package. And I urge my colleagues to reconsider and come together to pass this legislation when it comes to a vote tomorrow. I understand that for some of my colleagues, this bipartisan tax cut package doesn't have everything that they might want, but we would be ill-advised to miss this window. We have the opportunity to lower taxes for the American people now. Hard-working families struggling to keep up with high costs, they aren't asking to expand the child tax credit a couple of years down the line. They want tax cuts so that they can keep more money in their pockets now. If we are serious about outcompeting China, we can't afford to simply hope that we pass legislation restoring the R&D tax credit in the future. No, we need to give American innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs the support that they need now. For many small businesses, even waiting another year will be too late, because, ultimately, the American people aren't asking for perfect legislation, nor do they care if an idea is red or blue. They care about results, and they don't want politics to get in the way of a good idea. So I urge my colleagues to come together and support this bipartisan tax cut package that will strengthen our economy, support our entrepreneurs, deliver for American families, and demonstrate that we can accomplish great things when we work together. Thank you, Madam President.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I am honored to recognize Samuel ``Sam'' Demeritt of Nottingham as July's Granite Stater of the Month. For 60 years, Sam has been a dedicated volunteer with numerous New Hampshire organizations to advance responsible stewardship of the outdoors. Service is at the center of everything that Sam does in his life. As a young adult, he answered our country's call and entered the Army, completing his service in 1964. Like many veterans, his commitment to finding ways to serve his fellow Americans did not end there. That same year, Sam joined his father in volunteering for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. He has now volunteered with Fish and Game for 60 years and doesn't plan to stop anytime soon; he is always looking for new ways to give back to Granite Staters who share his passion for our beautiful outdoors. In his work with Fish and Game, Sam teaches the mandatory hunter safety and ethics education course for Granite Staters who are seeking a hunting license. He is a champion of our New Hampshire values of responsible stewardship and respecting our wildlife. Sam is also deeply involved in environmental preservation in his community. In addition to his long history of volunteering with the Fish and Game Department, Sam serves as chair of the Nottingham Conservation Commission and on the board of the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation. Granite Staters know that the natural splendor of our State is not maintained on its own, and through the volunteer efforts of Sam and others like him, Granite Staters will be able to enjoy New Hampshire's woods, rivers, and mountains for years to come. Sam's decades of volunteering for Fish and Game, the Nottingham Conservation Commission, and the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation exemplify the New Hampshire spirit of respecting and honoring our beautiful natural resources. Through his life's work, he has reminded us that it is nothing less than a privilege to call beautiful New Hampshire our home. For his commitment to our environment, our State, and our country, I am honored to name him July's Granite Stater of the Month.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Sergeant Sherry Vestal as she begins her retirement after over 20 years of service as a New Hampshire State Trooper. A New Hampshire native, Sherry taught English at the New Hampton School before joining the New Hampshire State Police in November 2003, spending 10 years protecting and serving the North Country. In 2013, Sherry joined the small team tasked with protecting the Governor of New Hampshire, a role in which she remained until her retirement. During my time as Governor, Sherry usually worked the evening shift, often dropping me off at home after my family--and a good portion of the rest of the State--was asleep. There is a special bond between leaders and members of their protection teams, and this is particularly true in New Hampshire, where the team for most of my time in office was only two people. I saw firsthand how Sherry could defuse tense situations with a little bit of humor and a whole lot of composure. And over the course of our many long hours together, I also saw how Sherry kept not only my safety in mind, but the safety of everyone around her. While Sherry's primary duty as a member of the Governor's detail was the Governor's safety, Sherry was still a New Hampshire State Trooper; and if I wasn't in the car with her, she would routinely stop the car when there was an emergency to respond to. And because, in New Hampshire, State troopers can be spread pretty thin, sometimes she would need to stop for an emergency even if I was in the car with her. In fact, once while we were returning from a commencement ceremony at White Mountains Community College in Berlin, we passed a motorist who had struck a moose. Sherry asked my permission to turn around, and while waiting for additional help, she called for assistance for the motorist, helped provide first-aid to--thankfully--minor wounds, and searched for the injured moose while also managing a growing number of passersby and onlookers. No matter the situation, Sherry was laser focused on protecting the safety not only of the Governor, but of every Granite Stater. Sherry's dedication to public service is not surprising for anyone who knows her. It is what has come to define her entire career--taking on tough challenges to keep Granite Staters safe. Sherry first became a State trooper when it was less common to see women serving in law enforcement. After a decade of patrolling the North Country alone in a police cruiser, she traveled up and down the Granite State for 11 years on the executive protection detail. In each of these roles, she not only met every challenge head on, but she raised the standards while doing it. New Hampshire is safer thanks to Sergeant Sherry Vestal's service to our State. On behalf of all Granite Staters, I offer her our sincere gratitude and a congratulations on her retirement.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Mike Folan of Alton as June's Granite Stater of the Month. Mike is honoring the memory of New Hampshire servicemembers through his volunteer efforts at the Wright Museum of World War II in Wolfeboro and through his work as a high school teacher inspiring the next generation to learn about the remarkable sacrifices that Granite Staters who lost their lives on D-Day made. His dedication to these efforts is particularly important now, as we have just marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day. During World War II, Mike's father and uncle served in the Navy and the Army, and he grew up hearing from veterans who lived in his neighborhood about what they experienced during the war. Learning about their heroism inspired Mike to study the war and work to honor the legacy of these servicemembers. At the Wright Museum and at Prospect Mountain High School, Mike has helped Granite Staters of all ages learn more about World War II and its ongoing significance today. As a docent at the Wright Museum for more than 25 years, he helps welcome visitors and answer any questions they may have about World War II or the exhibits. Mike has brought what he has learned at the museum to his work at Prospect Mountain High School, where he has taught social studies for 18 years. Mike first learned at the museum that when servicemembers were killed overseas, they were often buried immediately without much, if any, knowledge of their background or personal history. During the postwar process, a series of documents--called an individual deceased personnel file--was created for each servicemember. Mike ordered the individual deceased personnel files of 10 Granite Staters, including four who died on D- Day, and gathered 10 students at Prospect Mountain High School who were interested in independently researching the lives of the servicemembers. The students reconstructed the lives of the Granite Staters and honored their memories on the 80th anniversary of D-Day in a presentation at the Wright Museum. As the daughter of a World War II veteran, I am particularly grateful for Mike's mission to honor the legacy of those who served and keep their memories alive. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike and some of his students earlier this month, after I returned from a bipartisan congressional delegation trip to Normandy to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day. It was inspiring to hear the students' enthusiasm for their projects and what they learned about the war during their studies. The students discussed the connection that they felt to the men whom they studied and were particularly interested to hear that, on our delegation trip, Senator Jeanne Shaheen and I were able to pay our respects at the grave of Private First Class Raymond Cole, one of the men whom the students studied. It was clear from my conversation with the students that Mike's leadership in creating this research project sparked even deeper appreciation for everything that servicemembers did to win World War II and save the world from Hitler. Mike's commitment to honoring the lives of Granite Staters who fought for freedom in World War II exemplifies the Granite State spirit of recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those who serve. His dedication to keeping history alive and inspiring new generations to do the same is why I am honored to recognize him as Granite Stater of the Month.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize a Granite Stater whose leadership and innovations have helped make higher education more affordable and accessible to people around the world, Southern New Hampshire University president Paul LeBlanc. After 20 years of leadership, Paul has now moved on from SNHU, but his legacy of modernizing higher education and making it more accessible will endure far beyond his tenure as president. Under his leadership, SNHU transformed from a small regional school to the largest nonprofit provider of online higher education in the country, growing from 2,500 students to more than 225,000. As an immigrant and a first-generation college graduate himself, Paul knew as well as anyone that, too often, college is out of reach for many people. Many students have the talent, the drive, and the ambition that is required for college, but simply lack the means. As Paul often says, ``Talent is distributed equally throughout the world, but opportunity is not.'' From the very beginning of his career, Paul knew that in a country like ours, where we believe that our democracy's promise belongs to everyone, we have to do better to expand opportunity to more students. With this challenge in mind, Paul helped revolutionize the modern classroom through innovative online and hybrid programs, giving more students the tools that they need to embark on exciting new careers. SNHU has not only opened doors of opportunity for Granite Staters and other Americans, but for students all across the world. Under his leadership, SNHU even began offering courses to students living in refugee camps or who have been displaced. During my time as Governor and now as Senator, I have had the privilege to work with Paul in his mission to make education more accessible. I have seen firsthand his vision and ability, traits that have made him one of the most respected voices in higher education. His creativity is boundless, and his care for his students is at the center of all that he does. Through his pioneering spirit, he is always trying to find ways to give more students the chance to gain an education, learn more about our world, and build better lives. When taking measure of his achievements, it can be easy to get lost in a sea of statistics--the number of students who earned a degree under his tenure, the number of countries that have students enrolled at SNHU, the honors and recognitions won by SNHU, and more. But behind these statistics are people whose lives have been made better, in part, thanks to Paul and SNHU. Across the country--and indeed, the world-- there are people who were able to follow their dream to start their own business, become a nurse, serve as a teacher, and build a better life for themselves and their family because of Paul LeBlanc and SNHU. By modernizing higher education and making it more accessible, Paul and SNHU have helped give hope to countless learners of all ages, helping them understand that higher education is a dream that can belong to them, too. In so doing, Paul has not only helped strengthen higher education in America; he has helped expand our democracy's promise to more Americans. For his innovative work in revolutionizing higher education, for his commitment to tearing down barriers and expanding opportunity, and for the countless lives he has helped transform, I am honored to recognize Paul LeBlanc and to thank him for his incredible service to New Hampshire and our country. I have no doubt that, with the same pioneering spirit that defined his tenure as president, Paul will continue to find ways to give more people a chance to pursue higher education and follow their highest aspirations. Paul represents the Granite State's--and our Nation's--spirit at its very best.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary educator and champion for our democracy--Exeter, NH's Kevin Fleming, who is retiring from Winnacunnet High School after 45 years of teaching. Kevin is the kind of teacher everyone wishes that they had when they were a student. Year after year, class after class, Kevin gave each student the care and attention that they needed and helped push them to reach their full potential. He saw clearly the promise and talents in each student, recognizing gifts that they often did not fully realize they possessed. This was perhaps best exemplified through his years of coaching his school's Granite State Challenge, a televised academic competition between New Hampshire students. Not only did he prepare his students for success in the competition, he also helped build their confidence in their ability to take on hard challenges. As a social studies teacher, he was committed to giving his students a hands-on education and encouraging them to take seriously their responsibilities as citizens. In New Hampshire, we prize our commitment to civic engagement, embodied in both our citizen legislature and our first in the Nation Presidential primary. A true Granite Stater, Kevin regularly invited elected leaders and political candidates to visit Winnacunnet High School and talk to his students as part of their civic education. I have had the privilege of meeting many of Kevin's students over the years and was honored to speak at their graduation in 2017. Kevin even brought to his class leaders from across the country, including some of my own colleagues in the Senate, as well as candidates running in New Hampshire's Presidential primary, including President Clinton, President Bush, and Secretary Clinton. These visits from candidates running for offices up and down the ballot gave Kevin's students a remarkable view into public office, unlike any most students receive. Kevin has also always practiced what he teaches, so his influence goes well beyond the classroom. Aspiring public officials across New Hampshire know that Kevin has deep and lasting experience as a volunteer and that he has valuable advice and counsel to provide, insights that often stem from the questions and concerns he hears from his students. His role as informal adviser is particularly appreciated because he counsels with a light touch, appreciation for the very human challenge represented by any grassroots effort, and a great sense of humor. Kevin's experience and commitment has also made him a champion for public education in New Hampshire and for encouraging more people to become involved in the democratic process. Particularly in debates around education, Granite Staters respect Kevin's voice and his passion, whether or not they always agree with him. They know--as I know--that he cares deeply about our democracy and is willing to do the hard work of keeping it strong. Our democracy depends, in part, on people like Kevin--citizens who are willing to work for something bigger than themselves. Kevin and others like him know that citizenship can't be a passive exercise; they understand that our democracy is not sustained on its own and depends on each of us getting involved, speaking out, becoming better informed, and working to expand our country's promise to more Americans. Beyond that, our democracy depends not only on us, but on future generations assuming the mantle of leadership so that they can safeguard our freedoms for years to come. By educating 45 years' worth of students and instilling in them the importance of civic engagement, Kevin has helped raise future citizen leaders. In short, Kevin Fleming has made our democracy stronger. For touching the lives of students for nearly half a century, for pushing young people to reach their full potential, and for doing the hard, essential work of keeping our democracy strong, I am honored to recognize Kevin Fleming for everything that he has done, and I congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement. Our State and our country are better places because he chose to teach, both in the classroom and by example.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I am honored to recognize Flo Dapice of Hopkinton as May's Granite Stater of the Month. At just 16 years old, Flo is working to improve environmental sustainability at her school and in her town by leading her school's Environmental Action Club efforts and by serving in local government positions. Flo's long-time interest in sustainability made her a perfect fit for the Environmental Action Club at her high school. She led the club in applying for grants from the New Hampshire Energy Education Project and the Hopkinton Public Schools Foundation. The club was awarded more than $11,000, which allowed it to start a compost program at their school for lunch food waste. The club has evaluated the program and already found a decrease in how much compostable waste is ending up in the trash from last year to this year. Now, Flo and her fellow club members are continuing to work to strengthen the program and, in turn, lead to less food waste at the school. The next project that Flo and the club are planning is a transition to using metal silverware in the school's cafeteria, instead of disposable plastic utensils. They have already purchased the silverware through more grant funding and are recruiting students to help wash the extra dishes. Flo is also planning to continue her involvement with the New Hampshire Energy Education Project, which works with students and teachers to build a deeper understanding of energy and climate; she recently helped lead a middle school summit with the program. In addition to sustainability efforts at school, Flo has sought out additional opportunities for public service so that she can make more of a difference. She became interested in local government in middle school during the Covid-19 pandemic, and she now serves as one of two student representatives on the Hopkinton School Board and as a member of Hopkinton's Energy Steering Committee. Her service on the school board strengthened her efforts to apply for grants for her school's compost program, and on both the School Board and the Energy Committee, she has pushed for more ways to reduce carbon emissions. Flo's dedication to serving her community through combating climate change is a great example of the Granite State spirit of working to make a difference, no matter your age. Her passion for bettering her school and her town is why I am honored to recognize her as Granite Stater of the Month.