Cindy Hyde-Smith

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, it is an honor to pay tribute to Representative Becky Currie, a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, who authored the Gestational Age Act. It is this State law that underlies the U.S. Supreme Court's consideration of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization this term. When the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on Dobbs on December 1, 2021, it will hear a defense of the pro-life cause generating from the work of Becky Currie, my friend and my representative. In the Mississippi House, she represents district 92, which covers my hometown of Brookhaven. Becky's forethought in introducing this bill and shepherding it through the State legislature has led us to the point where the Supreme Court is considering a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade. By prohibiting most abortions after 15 weeks, the Gestational Age Act presents directly the question of whether Roe's viability standard remains good law. Becky's background as a nurse, her tenacious personality, and her heart for the unborn made her the perfect person to sponsor this important bill. She knows how to fight and isn't afraid of criticism. Her stubborn persistence in promoting policies to protect the unborn has made Mississippi a safer place for women and their babies. Through the Supreme Court's consideration of her bill, Becky Currie has the potential to do that for our entire Nation. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments in the Dobbs case, we are all indebted to Representative Currie's her courage and tenacity in sponsoring the Gestational Age Act. Praise God for bringing us this far. I also pray that He will continue to work through Representative Currie, using her law to overrule Roe v. Wade and make our Nation a safer place for the unborn and their mothers.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I rise to pay tribute to Pastor Mark Lee Dickson of Longview, TX, who founded the Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn Initiative in 2019. This innovative organization works to encourage cities and towns to adopt ordinances declaring themselves as Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn. Under Pastor Dickson's leadership, this grassroots Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn movement has saved many babies throughout the Nation in 41 towns and cities that have adopted these ordinances. This is not the only way that Pastor Dickson has dedicated himself to championing the pro-life movement. He also serves as the director of Grassroots for Right to Life of East Texas and as the senior pastor of Sovereign Love Church in Longview. Across our Nation, pro-life citizens of all ages and backgrounds represent the backbone of the grassroots movement to protect the unborn. Individuals like Pastor Dickson who take it on themselves to help promote life and prevent abortion in their own communities drive the passion in this movement. The Pastor Dickson and millions of other Americans have kept this issue salient for our political discourse and has led us to the place where the U.S. Supreme Court will be reconsidering its misguided abortion jurisprudence established by Roe v. Wade when it takes up a challenge to a Mississippi law banning most abortions after 15 weeks gestation. In Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the stage is set for the potential overturning of Roe and returning the issue of abortion to the States. I pray for Pastor Dickson and that God would raise up more like him. Pastor Dickson's example shows that the courage of one person can make a difference.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I am honored to pay tribute to former Governor Phil Bryant of Mississippi. While there are many things for which the Governor deserves praise, today I specifically want to speak about Governor Bryant's stalwart work during his term of office from 2012-2020 to protect and defend the most vulnerable of our society: unborn children. While running for office, Phil Bryant promised Mississippians that he would work tirelessly as Governor to protect the rights of the unborn. He fulfilled that promise. Throughout two terms in office, Governor Bryant was a driving force behind legislative efforts to protect life in Mississippi. In April 2012, Governor Bryant signed Mississippi House Bill 1390. This bill required abortion practitioners to be certified as obstetrician-gynecologists and to maintain admitting privileges at a local hospital. Through these requirements, this legislation sought to strengthen abortion regulations and ensure that women receive quality care for any complications following an abortion. In April 2014, Governor Bryant signed Mississippi House Bill 1400, banning abortions performed after 20 weeks. This legislation cited a plethora of medical evidence, showing that a baby can feel pain at this stage, and that pregnant women are at increased health risks, even death, when undergoing later-term abortion procedures. Additionally, Governor Bryant signed into law the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act in 2016, banning dismemberment abortions or those involving the practice known as D&E or ``dilation and evacuation.'' Dismemberment is the most prevalent method of second trimester abortion, accounting for 96 percent of all second trimester abortions. With the enactment of this law, Governor Bryant not only banned these violent dismemberment procedures from taking place in the Mississippi, he also prohibited the illegal trafficking of the bodies of aborted babies in Mississippi. Governor Bryant did not stop there and continued working to keep his promise to make Mississippi ``the safest place in America'' for unborn babies. In 2018, he signed the Gestational Age Act, which banned abortions after 15 weeks in most cases. It is this law being challenged at the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health. Throughout all of these laws, Governor Bryant maintained steadfast courage and held tightly to his promise to the people of Mississippi to fight continuously to protect the unborn. I love what he once said when groups threatened legal action against our State's pro-life legislation. He said, ``We will all answer to the good Lord one day. I will say in this instance, `I fought for the lives of innocent babies, even under threat of legal action.' '' That is indeed true. When his time comes, Governor Bryant can stand tall before the Lord, having fought the good fight to protect the unborn. And indeed, when the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the Dobbs case on December 1, Governor Bryant can smile in the knowledge that his work was not in vain. For all these reasons, I call attention to Governor Phil Bryant. He deserves laudable recognition for his 8-year fight to protect and defend the right to life for the unborn babies in the womb, reflecting the character and values of the people of our State, Mississippi.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I rise to pay tribute to Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch. My State has much to be proud of in Attorney General Fitch as the first Republican to hold this office in almost 150 years and as Mississippi's first female attorney general ever. Specifically today, I rise to honor her for her unwavering fight to defend Mississippi's pro-life laws. Attorney General Fitch is representing the State of Mississippi in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization at the U.S. Supreme Court this term. This case is the most anticipated abortion case to reach the Court since Casey v. Planned Parenthood in 1992, nearly 30 years ago. In the Dobbs case, Attorney General Fitch is defending a challenge to Mississippi House bill 1510, the Gestational Age Act Enacted in 2018, this legislation bans most abortions after 15 weeks gestation. By consistently defending this law all the way up to the Supreme Court, Attorney General Fitch has set the stage for the Court to consider overturning Roe v. Wade and return the issue of abortion to the States. The Dobbs case presents the strongest challenge to Roe in our lifetime. It is encouraging that the Supreme Court, with its first conservative majority in many years, will hear arguments on the merits of this Mississippi law. I am so proud that our female Mississippi Attorney General will be in the courtroom to defend our law in this case. In arguing for the Court to reconsider Roe in the State's brief in the case, Attorney General Fitch said, ``There are those who would like to believe that Roe v. Wade settled the issue of abortion once and for all. But all it did was establish a special-rules regime for abortion jurisprudence that has left these cases out of step with other Court decisions and neutral principles of law applied by the Court. As a result, state legislatures, and the people they represent, have lacked clarity in passing laws to protect legitimate public interests, and artificial guideposts have stunted important public debate on how we, as a society, care for the dignity of women and their children.'' I wholeheartedly agree. The unlimited-abortion regime created by the Roe decision was wrong when it was handed down, and it is wrong now. It is bad for the unborn, and it is bad for women. I hope the Supreme Court recognizes that when it hears oral arguments in the Dobbs case on December 1. I am confident Attorney General Fitch will make our State proud by steadfastly defending Mississippi's law to protect unborn. Mississippians are proud to have this champion for life representing our State in this landmark case. I am praying for General Fitch and for her staff as they prepare to continue the fight to defend life before the highest court in the land.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I also want to wish Woody a happy birthday as well. I just join my colleagues today to commemorate and honor some of the Nation's most admirable warfighters in the Second World War, and I so appreciate my colleagues bringing their personal stories to the floor today. This is something that all Americans should cherish--the stories of these heroes. We have very few of these brave heroes still among us today, and it is so important that they receive every ounce of recognition that we can give them for their selflessness and extraordinary heroism. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of Senator Manchin's legislation to provide a merited celebration and commemoration of the last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient, Woody Williams, who recently celebrated his 98th birthday. Medal of Honor recipients like Mr. Williams demonstrated a courageous and noble commitment to our Nation, and their exemplary actions deserve all the praise that we can give them. I am proud to represent a State that has several World War II Medal of Honor recipients of its own, in Mississippi: Van Thomas Barfoot of Edinburg, Robert T. Henry of Greenville, James Daniel Slaton of Gulfport, Louis Hugh Wilson of Brandon, and Jack Harold Lucas of Hattiesburg, whom I still remain friends with his family today. From Germany to Japan, these men served our Nation without hesitation in the height of the Second World War, defending our Nation, our allies, and the very principles of freedom. It fills my heart with great pride to call these late veterans my fellow Mississippians. The tributes we offer today for Mr. Williams in truth stand for our deep appreciation for all of those who fought in World War II. I thank my colleagues for their great work on this important recognition and the opportunity to be a part of this. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I call up my amendment No. 3568 and ask that it be reported by number.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, our Nation's communities and small businesses have had it rough these past 18 months as they struggle with the lasting effects of the pandemic. Today, they are also being victimized amid surging violent crime rates and progressive prosecutors who adopt nonprosecution policies. And, as a result, small businesses are left vulnerable and unassisted as they are burglarized, defaced, and destroyed. It is understandable for victimized small businesses, law enforcement, and the public to be dispirited as they are left to pick up the pieces while rogue prosecutors ignore their constitutional duty by refusing to prosecute violent crimes that affect the health, safety, or economy of our communities. Defying the rule of law and endangering the public has Mississippians and Americans across the country saying enough is enough. My amendment is simple and straightforward. Any city that purposely obstructs the rule of law by refusing to prosecute--

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH.--certain violent crimes will not be subsidized by the American taxpayers. I urge my colleagues to vote yes.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I rise to join my colleagues in expressing my grave concern over the nomination of Ms. Tracy Stone- Manning to be the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. The Office of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management is tasked with an enormous responsibility. As it manages an eighth of our Nation's land, its leadership should be held to the highest standards. Every nominee referred to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee must complete and submit the statement for completion by Presidential nominees, which is the standard committee questionnaire. In the sworn statement, Ms. Stone-Manning told the committee that she has never been arrested or charged and, to her knowledge, has never been the target of an investigation. Unfortunately, as many of us are now aware, Ms. Stone-Manning's responses were not forthcoming nor fully accurate. I am particularly disturbed by Ms. Stone-Manning's involvement with the ecoterrorist organization Earth First!, which organized the tree- spiking plot in Idaho. As you all may know, tree spiking involves hammering a metal or ceramic rod into a tree trunk in order to prevent loggers from harvesting the timber. If the saw makes contact with a spike, it can result in severe injury or even the logger's death. Make no mistake, the people who put these spikes into the trees are well aware of the potential consequences of their actions. These schemes are carried out with intent to harm or even, at the very least, the intent to frighten the loggers who are carrying out their daily jobs. I want to be clear, no one is claiming that Ms. Stone-Manning put any spikes in any trees herself. However, it is undisputed that Ms. Stone- Manning assisted the people who did. Ms. Stone-Manning wrote a letter laced with vulgarities to the U.S. Forest Service, threatening loggers who were simply carrying out their jobs, doing what they do for a living. In the aftermath of this tree-spiking conspiracy, Ms. Stone-Manning was investigated and subpoenaed by a Federal grand jury. Ms. Stone- Manning was silent about her involvement in the plot, but when new evidence came to light 4 years later, she struck a deal for immunity in 1993. Tracy Stone-Manning's involvement in ecoterrorism as well as her dishonesty to the Senate is more than alarming. There are questions that need to be revisited and answered. The statements from the former lead investigator of the Idaho tree-spiking scheme as well as the actions of the Federal grand jury tell a different tale than what Ms. Stone-Manning led the committee to believe. These discrepancies must not be cast aside. I am concerned about the precedent that will be set for future nominees if my colleagues simply agree to accept or disregard these inconsistencies. I am very disappointed that my Democratic colleagues on the Energy Committee moved forward with Ms. Stone-Manning's nomination. There are serious unanswered questions about her voracity and her qualifications to lead. I applaud my colleagues who have sought the truth, and I am disheartened that those efforts have met with resistance. The American people deserve transparency. I cannot support this nominee, and I would urge my colleagues to do the same. Thank you, Madam President.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I appreciate the opportunity to join a number of my colleagues representing farm States to sound the alarm to the millions of rural Americans who will be harmed by proposed tax changes outlined in the American Families Plan. Described as a plan to help American families, it would do the exact opposite for farm families across the United States. The most concerning changes to the Tax Code include decreasing the estate tax exemption, increasing capital gains tax rates on transfers of property to heirs, and increasing taxes on appreciated assets, such as farmland, which has increased in value very significantly in recent years. These misguided proposals fail to take into consideration the fact that farmers in general are highly vulnerable to these types of tax changes, as land and equipment comprise most of the farmer's net worth. If enacted, these tax provisions would strongly discourage and make it more difficult for our next generation to get into farming. The provisions would create significant hurdles from a financial perspective, to say the least. With the average age of U.S. farmers being nearly 60 years old, do we really want to force surviving spouses or heirs to sell half of the farm they inherited simply to continue farming the land that has been passed down for generations? Family farms are the backbone of American agriculture. Roughly 98 percent of all U.S. farms are family owned and operated. Whether you like large family farming operations or not, they account for 44 percent of total U.S. farm production annually. That is a staggering figure, given that American farmers contributed $136 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product in 2019. These people who put food on our table and clothes on our back do not need to go out of business because they are being taxed at every turn, punished for their achievements and sacrifices. Initial reports from the Biden administration suggested that the proposed tax changes I am discussing would have very little impact on America's farmers and ranchers. However, recent research and analysis conducted by Texas A&M University paints a very different picture. For instance, should the proposed capital gains tax changes and generational transfers become enacted into law, nearly all U.S. family farms would face higher taxes. Nationwide, the average additional tax liability per farm under the capital gains tax change would be $726,104. Mississippi would be the State most heavily affected, with an average additional tax liability per farm of $2.1 million. It is totally unbelievable. Should the estate tax changes become law, recent analysis also determined that nearly half of all U.S. family farms would face higher taxes. The average additional tax liability per farm nationwide would be $2.2 million, and the fifth most heavily impacted State would again be Mississippi, with an average additional tax liability per farm of $4.6 million. That is totally incredible. As a former ag commissioner of Mississippi, I personally know these farmers and their families. This is truly unbelievable. More than 3 years of net cash farm income would be needed to meet these additional tax obligations alone. That is simply unmanageable. I am perplexed as to why Democrats want to place the highest tax burden on one of the most economically challenged and socially disadvantaged States in the Nation, my home State of Mississippi. Let's not forget that in rural America, the primary source of jobs and income are often associated with agriculture. It is the No. 1 industry in Mississippi, employing more than 17 percent of the State's workforce either directly or indirectly. If family farms are taxed out of business, far more than the farmers will suffer. Low-income and minority populations across rural America will lose jobs and be forced to rely on government support. I hope this is not the underlying plan of my Democratic colleagues. Let me be clear. For those who are willing to pay for reckless spending by punishing America's farmers and ranchers and everyone who relies on them, you will be doing far more than just that. You will be running off our next generation of farmers. You will be making it easier for large corporations owned by foreign adversaries, such as China, to buy up available farmland, and you will be ensuring that every American pays more for the food they eat and the clothes they wear. The list goes on. I know there is a deep desire on the other side of the aisle to enact a reckless tax-and-spending spree that makes Americans more dependent on the Federal Government, but family farms cannot be caught up in the administration's punitive dragnet to find ways to pay for it. Any changes to the Federal Tax Code should be geared toward supporting economic growth and helping the next generation keep these family-owned operations alive. I hope that we can all come to our senses on this. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I am so pleased to join my colleague in congratulating Mississippi State University's baseball team on its recent 2021 NCAA College World Series championship, the first NCAA championship in school history. Mississippi State capped off its extraordinary season by defeating an incredibly talented Vanderbilt University team 9 to 0 in game 3. My house was full. We were all cheering. Their impressive and remarkable run through this year's College World Series is a testament to the rich tradition of the MSU baseball program, which has now appeared in 12 NCAA College World Series in its history, including most recently 3 consecutive series. The inspiring performance of this baseball team continues to be celebrated all over our State. Maroon is everywhere. I truly appreciate the hard work, skill, and dedication that earned these athletes the first NCAA Division I baseball championship for Mississippi State, which are aptly described in the accompanying resolution. We take pride in the legacy and inspiring example of these young men and their coaches. Thank you for such a wonderful and historic season. Hail State. (Rings cowbell.) I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I join my colleagues today in defense of our longtime friend and trusted ally, Israel, and to argue that absolutely no American taxpayer dollars should be spent to benefit terrorist organizations. Israel has no greater friend than the United States, and the Israeli people have long relied on assistance from the American people and other allies. It is an unshakeable bond based on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and common interests that existed long before the modern State of Israel was founded. We must continue to support and foster that relationship with everything we have as Israel faces growing threats from Hamas and other terrorist groups in the region. As the annual appropriations process moves along, I am concerned, as are many of my colleagues, that foreign aid--U.S. taxpayer dollars-- could end up in the hands of those who have boldly proclaimed that their intent is to do harm to Israel and our interests in the region. The most recent wave of violence in the Middle East makes it clear that our resources must be responsibly spent and kept out of the coffers of terrorist organizations and bad actors whose violence can be bankrolled by commandeering U.S. foreign aid. The Biden administration admitted recently ``there are no guarantees'' our humanitarian assistance will reach the intended recipients. I believe it is our duty to guarantee this. It is imperative that we are certain that not a single cent of taxpayer money is spent to fund Hamas and its military arsenal. In this effort, my colleagues and I have teamed up to ensure that safeguards are in place to make sure anti-American and anti-Israel groups do not continue down this dangerous path of radicalization and indoctrination at the expense of hard-working Americans. The Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act, introduced by my friend Senator Scott of Florida, is commonsense legislation. It protects American assets and allies, while ensuring that not a penny of foreign aid is spent indoctrinating students abroad and bankrolling terrorist activities. This is a nonpartisan issue. Americans do not support terrorism, so they certainly should not have to subsidize terrorism. We must take a stand against this barbarism and the harm it poses to most innocent civilians. I simply cannot imagine why any of my colleagues--Republican, Democrat, or Independent--would oppose legislation that is fiscally responsible, morally sound, and in the best interest of our allies, servicemembers, and our future generations. Finally, I believe we should recognize that American citizens feel the painful effects from the recent flareup of violence toward Israel. In tandem with the global unrest, we have witnessed the significant rise in anti-Semitic attacks largely fueled by old prejudices and accelerated by harmful political rhetoric. It is my fervent hope that we would dedicate ourselves to stopping anti-Semitic violence, to fortifying our determination to protect the State of Israel, and to promoting peaceful relations in the Middle East. Thank you. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I rise to pay tribute to Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper John Martin Harris, who was killed in the line of duty on May 28, 2021. Harris was conducting a routine traffic stop on Highway 16 in Madison County when a vehicle struck and killed him. I honor Trooper Harris' service, extend my deepest condolences to his family, and reiterate my unwavering support for our law enforcement personnel. A Clarksdale native, Harris knew from a young age he wanted to serve his community as a law enforcement officer. Trooper Harris began his law enforcement career in 1997 in Webb, MS. He earned his first Law Enforcement Purple Heart while serving on the police force in Friars Point and earned a second Purple Heart while serving at the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Harris then continued his career at the Richland Police Department. In 2018, Harris achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a Mississippi Highway Patrolman and graduated from Trooper School as part of Cadet Class No. 62. In addition to the Purple Heart medals, Harris received dozens of awards, too numerous to mention here, for valor and bravery. Several were commendations for his work on narcotics teams and with K-9 units. Trooper Harris is survived by his wife Katie Parker Harris of Madison, his two children Parker and Cooper, and his parents Jean and Jimmy Harris of Clarksdale. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and to all who knew him. May God grant them comfort, grace, and peace in these unspeakably difficult times. Law enforcement officers across our Nation face many challenges in their mission to protect and serve. Trooper Harris's death shows us that our law enforcement officers face tremendous danger to ensure public safety, and I greatly admire those who remain steadfast amiss the dangers of their noble profession. Let us commemorate Trooper Harris's life by redoubling our commitment to support and advocate for those in law enforcement. I will continue to honor the legacy of Trooper Harris and all of those officers who have lost their life in the line of duty by doing all I can to support our law enforcement officers.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, AAPD, last month named Dr. Heber Simmons, Jr., of Jackson, MS, as its 2021 Pediatric Dentist of the Year. I commend him for his decades of service and for the significant contributions he has made to the dental profession. His lifetime commitment to the specialty of pediatric dentistry has helped advance children's health in Mississippi and around the country. Dr. Simmons' many years of clinical practice, his dedication to improving academic dentistry, and his passion for public policy make him a deserving recipient of the Pediatric Dentist of the Year honor. Dr. Simmons received his dental degree from the University of Tennessee and completed his pediatric dentistry training there after serving our Nation for 3 years in the U.S. Army Dental Corps. Following his training and military service, Dr. Simmons practiced for 57 years in Jackson before retiring recently from active practice. His passion and dedication have made him a national leader in dentistry, proven by his past presidencies of the AAPD, the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the Mississippi Dental Association. Furthermore, he received the AAPD Distinguished Service Award in 1994 and the Ann Page Griffin Humanitarian Award in 2011. For many years, he served on the Board of Trustees of the American Dental Association, ADA, serving as a spokesperson for the ADA from 1981 to 2019. In this role, he was featured on nationally televised programs such as ``60 Minutes'' and ``Good Morning, America.'' Dr. Simmons currently serves as a special consultant to the AAPD Board of Trustees after serving as the academy's congressional liaison since 1997. As AAPD Congressional Liaison, he helped educate Members of Congress and their staffs concerning oral health issues for children, testified before Congress, and served in a key leadership role in AAPD advocacy efforts. This includes helping to allocate more than $158 million for pediatric dentistry to the title VII program at the Health Resources and Services Administration. For this work, Heber was awarded an AAPD Presidential Citation in 2001, and more recently, his alma mater, the College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, recreated an endowed professorship in his name. Last year, at the AAPD Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference, Dr. Simmons was the keynote speaker and received another Presidential citation in recognition of and appreciation for his tireless and dedicated national advocacy for his profession and the oral health of America's children. I commend Dr. Heber Simmons, Jr., for his many accomplishments and well-deserved recognition of his advocacy, dedication, and leadership. My State is fortunate to have him as a leader focused on the health and wellness of all Mississippians. I congratulate him on being recognized for his many years of service by being named the 2021 Pediatric Dentist of the Year.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I am pleased to commend Mr. Paul Hollis of Rollingi Fork, MS, for his service and contributions to the State of Mississippi while serving as the 85th president of Delta Council. Organized in 1935, Delta Council plays an important role in uniting the agricultural, business, and economic development leadership to solve problems and promote greater opportunities in the Mississippi Delta region, which encompasses 19 counties in Northwest Mississippi. Mr. Hollis has selflessly committed himself this year to the standing priorities of Delta Council's agenda, namely flood control, among other major issues the council addresses. As the owner and operator of Hollis Farms in Anguilla, MS, for over 30 years, he knows all too well the unjust history and devastation the incomplete Yazoo Backwater Pumps flood control project has brought to his community. There are few proponents of the Yazoo Backwater Pump Project who have volunteered the time, loyalty, attention, and leadership as fervently as Paul Hollis. Mr. Hollis assumed the role of Delta Council president in a nontraditional fashion by way of the first-ever virtual meeting of Delta Council, due to the unprecedented challenges we faced during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Despite the hardships the virus brought upon our State and Delta Council, Mr. Hollis led this organization admirably through the rest of 2020 to restore the traditional Delta Council Day at the 86th annual meeting, at which I am honored to serve as the keynote speaker. Outside of his time spent working on his farm and serving Delta Council, Mr. Hollis contributes his leadership skills to many valuable community organizations. He serves as commissioner for the Mississippi Levee Board and chairman of the Delta Council Flood Control Committee. He is president of his local Rotary Club, president of the Sharkey Country Club, serves on the board for Sharkey-Issaquena Academy, as well as Sharkey County School Board, chairman of the Board for Central Mississippi Walk to Emmaus, and a board member for the Lower Delta Partnership. He has also served as past chairman of Farm Service Agency for Sharkey County and is chairman of Trustees for Rolling Fork United Methodist Church. It is my pleasure to join the citizens throughout the great State of Mississippi in offering congratulations to Mr. Paul C. Hollis and sharing our appreciation with his wife Laura Boykin Hollis, their four adult children, and six grandchildren. His input over his year of service has undoubtedly contributed to the overall success of this highly respected 86-year-old organization, Delta Council.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, on May 31, 2020, Mr. Tom Gresham of Indianola, MS, concluded his term as the 84th president of Delta Council. I am pleased to commend him for his service and contributions to the Delta region and the State of Mississippi. Organized in 1935, Delta Council plays an important role in uniting the agricultural, business, and economic development leadership to solve problems and promote greater opportunities in the Mississippi Delta region, which encompasses 19 counties in Northwest Mississippi. Mr. Gresham's tenure began on the heels of the devastating and historical Yazoo Backwater Flood of 2019, which destroyed thousands of acres, hundreds of homes, and took two lives. As a Delta native, business owner, and servant to his community, his leadership helped bring tremendous attention and change to a new plan proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address this critical flood control issue. He also met challenges unlike any other Delta Council president in the unprecedented times we faced during the onset of the global pandemic of COVID-19. In leading Delta Council throughout his presidency, he navigated the way for the council to continue its devoted work to the region, despite the difficulties the virus brought us. This included the first-ever virtual meeting of Delta Council. I also applaud Mr. Gresham, as a longtime former chairman of Delta Council's Development Department, along with Delta Strong leadership, on bringing hundreds of jobs to the Delta through the Delta Strong industrial recruitment initiative. As the president of Double Quick, Inc., for over 35 years, Tom Gresham knows what it takes to grow a successful business in the Delta. Despite the time spent dedicated to his presidency and career, Mr. Gresham still finds time to serve in a multitude of capacities locally and regionally. He has served in leadership roles as cochairman of the Indianola Promise Community, director of Northwest Mississippi Community Foundation, past chairman of Mississippi Economic Council past president of Mississippi Association of Convenience Stores, Indianola Educational Foundation, Indianola Rotary Flub, Mid-Delta Arts Association, Society of Independent Gas Marketers of America, and more. I am pleased to join the citizens throughout the State of Mississippi in commending Thomas G. Gresham and sharing our appreciation with his wife Louise Houseman Gresham and their three adult children and four grandchildren. His input over his year of service has undoubtedly contributed to the overall success of this highly respected 86-year-old organization, Delta Council.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, it is a solemn honor to recognize National Police Week. Each year, we dedicate this week to express our admiration and gratitude to all of the law enforcement officers working to keep us safe. We also take this time to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past year.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I rise to discuss the importance of the American energy sector and my concern about President Biden's Executive orders regarding domestic energy policy. In the first hours of the Biden administration, the President signed an Executive order revoking the Presidential permit of the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project projected to add 11,000 American jobs this year and pump $1.6 billion in wages into our economy. The new administration's actions ceased construction work, nullified contracts issued last October to hire an estimated 7,000 union construction workers, and disappointed our Canadian ally. It is deeply concerning that our national energy policy should take such a dramatic turn away from pro-jobs and pro-American energy independence. Americans' unemployment rate is already in a precarious situation due to the ongoing global pandemic, and I fail to see how destroying more jobs unifies our Nation. Mississippians and Americans in the energy industry have worked tirelessly for our Nation, and in 2019 America became energy independent for the first time in 60 years. It is thanks to our energy workers that we are no longer forced to rely on foreign powers who do not wish America well. Terminating the Keystone XL Pipeline was just the start of what we now recognize to be a concerted effort to bring down fossil fuel resources in our Nation. The administration's subsequent ban on new oil and gas leases on Federal lands will result in an estimated $33.5 billion in lost GDP across Western States in President Biden's first term and risk over $8.8 billion annually in conservation funding. Oil and natural gas from Federal lands accounted for 6.4 percent and 9.2 percent, respectively, of the Nation's total production. Jobs and economic opportunity are being carelessly stripped away. And while my State may not be burned by the Federal leasing ban as badly as Wyoming, New Mexico, and other Western States, Mississippi will certainly feel the heat from this. Mississippi has a significant energy infrastructure which provides thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic output. The Gulf of Mexico is one of the Nation's most important regions for energy resources and accounts for a large portion of our crude oil and Federal offshore natural gas production. My State is home to the 1,443-megawatt Grand Gulf nuclear power station in Port Gibson, MS, which is the largest reactor in terms of generating capacity in the United States. We host a large petroleum refinery, a natural gas processing plant, and a liquefied natural gas terminal located along the State's Gulf of Mexico coastline. Additionally, the Red Hills surface coal mine provides lignite coal to the Red Hills Power Plant, creating jobs and generation capacity in North Mississippi. Along with these great sources, Mississippi has growing investments in natural gas and in solar power. Destructive policies that make fuel sources more difficult to obtain could greatly harm economic growth and raise the cost of energy prices, which will ultimately harm low-income families and many small businesses, not just in Mississippi but across the entire Nation. My concerns are not based on any objections to green or renewable energy sources. I believe the American people want balanced national energy policies that promote growth and price stability. However, the early actions of the Biden administration are cause for concern and not a source of unity. They signal a troubling willingness to sacrifice strategic industries that are important to our economy and for the jobs that they provide. This body should take into consideration important legislation such as the POWER Act and the Conservation Funding Protection Act, which would allow Congress to enact responsible energy policies and move away from policies landed in executive edits. During a time when America's energy businesses are seeking recovery from this global pandemic, losing precious jobs that keep the lights on for the constituents and feed their families cannot and should not be the route this administration is taking. Tribute to Sarah Thomas Mr. President, now on a more positive note, I would like to speak on a separate and special matter. As Americans and people around the world settle in front of their televisions this Sunday to watch the 55th annual Super Bowl, they will be tuning in to a historic event. I am not speaking about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the game or Tom Brady's record Super Bowl appearances. Instead, I am focused on the history that will be made by an exceptional woman from Mississippi, my good friend Sarah Thomas. Sarah Thomas, a native of Pascagoula, MS, will go down in sports history on Sunday as the first woman to officiate the Super Bowl. Sarah has always had a passion for athletics. She made a name for herself in high school sports. She became an Academic All-American in basketball at the University of Mobile, where she amassed a career record of 779 points, 441 rebounds, 108 assists, and 192 steals-- accomplishments that illustrate her determination to perform at the highest levels. While the news of a female officiant for the Super Bowl is a historic first, Sarah is no stranger to making history. Following college, Sarah's attention shifted to football--namely, officiating games. She quickly earned a reputation as an elite referee while officiating high school games. Sarah became the first woman to officiate a Division 1A high school game in Mississippi. Sarah continued to do so well in her craft that it caught the attention of renowned NFL official Gerry Austin, who invited her to an officials' camp. Here again, Sarah's talents proved impressive, and she soon became the first woman to officiate a college football game and the first woman to officiate a college bowl game. The NFL hired Sarah as its first female official in 2015, and in 2019 she became the first woman to officiate an NFL playoff game. To me and many others, Sarah's selection to officiate at Super Bowl LV is just a natural progression for a talented professional. I can assure you, anyone who knows Sarah as I do will not be surprised by her successful career. Sarah--a mother, a career woman--has all the qualities I imagine the NFL wants in a good official: smart, confident, decisive, reliable, and committed. My State of Mississippi is extremely proud of Sarah Thomas, and we look forward to watching her latest history-making appearance at the Super Bowl. And to Sarah's children--these precious children: Bridley, Brady, and Bailey--congratulations to you on this historic achievement, and you can be so proud of your mother. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, it is an honor to speak in strong support of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. After careful review of her record and her outstanding testimony during her confirmation hearing, it is clear that Judge Barrett is well suited for a lifetime appointment on the Court. Last week, Judge Barrett firmly held her own during hours and hours of questioning from my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee. She did not once falter during her hearing. In fact, she excelled. Judge Barrett proved to the American people that she is prepared, talented, compassionate, and, not to mention, brilliant. Judge Barrett demonstrated that she is an independent individual who can think for herself. She made it clear that she is an originalist who will follow the law. Without a single note or binder in front of her, Judge Barrett repeatedly affirmed that she would interpret the Constitution and laws passed by Congress as they were written--no more, no less. During her hearing, Judge Barrett testified: I apply the law. I follow the law. You make the policy. The judge kept pointing out that we, the Senate, are the legislators. She stressed that she has no mission or agenda to change the law as she would want it. Judge Barrett made it abundantly clear that in her role as a jurist, she has no issues with setting aside her personal beliefs when applying the letter of the law. This mindset and legal philosophy is exactly the type of jurist we need on our Nation's highest Court. Not only did we hear from Judge Barrett, but we heard from her former professors, colleagues, and students. These are the people who know her best. These individuals were witnesses not only to her intellect but her character as well. The testimonies on her behalf only proved her absolute readiness for this position. Americans should be celebrating the nomination of Judge Barrett. She is brilliant, hard working, ambitious, and a proud mother and wife. In a time when we need role models for our youth, Judge Barrett fills that role. The judge is a family-oriented woman who reveres the Constitution. She is a representative for working women across the country and a testament that women can have a career and family and be stunningly successful at both. I also appreciate that she has displayed great strength in withstanding affronts to her faith and her family during the confirmation process. If confirmed--and I am confident that she will be--Amy Coney Barrett will have the honor to be the fifth woman in history to serve on the Supreme Court. The first judge as a mother of school-aged children, she will be the only sitting judge on the Court to not have attended an Ivy League law school. We must continue to ensure that women like Judge Barrett are represented in the highest levels of our judicial system. Judge Barrett's life experiences as a judge, lawyer, teacher, wife, and mother will bring a valuable and much needed perspective to the Supreme Court. I am proud to support Judge Barrett. Now the Senate must do its constitutional duty and confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett as soon as possible. I yield the floor.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I would like to recognize Misty Britt, an ICU nurse at Kings Daughters Medical Center in my hometown of Brookhaven, MS. During the pandemic, Misty has truly stepped up to be a leader in the hospital. She manages the nurses on her rotation, picks up extra shifts; reads, studies, and learns about the virus; and has helped streamline the workflow to make the environment in the hospital more manageable for health care workers and patients. Misty cares for her patients with compassion and empathy. She holds their hand when they are afraid, assists with family FaceTime calls when family isn't allowed to visit, and forms close relationships with each patient by offering love and encouragement. No matter the circumstance, Misty is by her patient's side helping them fight every day for their lives. It is nurses like Misty who do the mundane and the heroic work with tender loving care and are able to provide patients more comfort during difficult times. For nurses all over our Nation, it is overwhelming to witness what COVID is doing to their patients. The physical, emotional, and mental stress of their work continues to mount. Every day, they go to work knowing they may lose another patient and endure more emotional strain. I am grateful for the hard work and personal sacrifice Misty and other ICU nurses undertake. They have my admiration.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I would like to recognize, Larue Lambert, who has worked for Kings Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven, MS, for over 20 years. Mr. Lambert worked as an ICU nurse before moving into the house coordinator position, where he monitors admissions and discharges, staffing needs, patient census, responds to emergencies, and compiles detailed reports for the chief nurse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Lambert has picked up additional responsibilities to ensure the hospital is functioning smoothly on a daily basis. Personal protective equipment was a huge concern for all hospitals at the beginning of the pandemic. Mr. Lambert closely monitors the hospital's PPE inventory and would distribute it to units that were in need. Additionally, he picked up extra shifts when staffing levels were low. As a frontline healthcare worker, Mr. Lambert selflessly puts his life in danger each day to care for his fellow Mississippians. Larue risks not only his personal health, but the health of his close friends and family each day while he assists in the fight against this pandemic. I commend Larue Lambert for bravely stepping up to the fight against COVID-19 for the past several months, and I pray that he may be granted safety and good health as he continues to serve others. He is a hero in our Brookhaven community, and I am grateful for what he has meant to so many during the pandemic.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I commend Christina Miller, a healthcare hero and someone who puts her life in danger every day to help save lives. Christina is an emergency room nurse at Kings Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven, MS. Christina demonstrates a remarkable selflessness and level of compassion for her patients and coworkers. As more Americans became infected with COVID-19, hospitals began to fill up and staffing became a challenge. Christina immediately stepped up and volunteered to orient on the ICU floor to help with staffing needs to help care and treat the sickest patients. Not only does Christina give the utmost care to her patients, she also realizes the physical and emotional strain all healthcare workers are feeling during these unprecedented times. Christina wanted to help encourage her colleagues, so she began an employee appreciation program among the emergency room nurses. This gave the nurses something to look forward to when they arrived at work. Throughout our Nation's history, everyday Americans bravely emerge in times of turmoil to aid their neighbors. In the case of Christina, she has fought on the frontlines as a nurse by stepping into harm's way to provide care for patients affected by the virus. Mississippi first responders and healthcare providers have experienced a drastic change not only in their professional life but also in their home life. The COVID-19 pandemic has been demanding of their time, taken them away from their loved ones, and caused their worlds to totally change. These heroes, such as Christina, are walking examples of what selfless service looks like.

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Dr. Jeffrey Ross of Kings Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven. Dr. Ross has both served and cared for his community since he first started practicing medicine in Brookhaven in 1990 and has risen to the challenge of COVID-19 with great distinction. Doctors like Dr. Jeff Ross are working through both physical and mental exhaustion during this pandemic. They have the burden of having the ``final say'' and a team of healthcare providers relying on their instruction daily. The stress presented in these situations is not something healthcare providers can simply turn off when they go off the clock. Despite all of this pressure, these doctors continue to do their job, selflessly managing the care of their fellow Mississippians. Originally from Whitfield, MS, Dr. Ross earned his medical degree in Jackson before pursuing his residency in Kentucky. He returned to Mississippi, where he has dedicated nearly all of his adult life to serving his neighbors. Dr. Ross and his wife, Susan, have raised three children in the Brookhaven community. I commend Dr. Jeffrey Ross for his personal sacrifice, dedication to his community, and his leadership. My State is fortunate to have doctors such as him who are focused on the health and wellness of all Mississippians.