Jim Inhofe

Mr. INHOFE

Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, I wish to remember the life and sacrifice of a remarkable young man, Army SPC Ryan J. Grady. Ryan died July 1, 2010 in Bagram, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom due to injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Ryan was born May 30, 1985 in Marion, KS and later moved to Bristow, OK. After graduating from Thunderbird Military Academy in 2003, he joined the Army as a combat engineer. He was awarded a Purple Heart from shrapnel wounds he received when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device during his first deployment to Iraq in 2005-2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After returning home in 2006, he joined the Vermont National Guard. In 2008 he transferred to the Oklahoma National Guard and then returned to the Vermont National Guard in 2009 because he heard the unit was deploying to Afghanistan. Ryan grew up in a military family, with his father and brothers serving in the Army as well. On the day of the incident, Ryan shared a meal with his brother, Kevin Grady, who was also deployed to Afghanistan with the Vermont National Guard. Jim Grady, Jr. said Ryan's size 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds sometimes intimidated people, but said anyone who met him quickly could tell he had a warm heart. As a soldier, he would sign off on notes with the words ``saving the world one mission at a time,'' his brother said. At the grand opening of the Grady Dining Facility on Bargram Airfield's Camp Warrior, acting director of the Army National Guard, MG Raymond Carpenter, said ``Specialist Ryan Grady represents to us what the modern National Guard is. He joined the guard because he wanted to serve his country.'' Ryan was posthumously promoted from private first class to specialist and was laid to rest in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in St. Johnsbury, VT. Ryan is survived by his wife Heaven, of Bristow, OK, his daughter Alexis, his father SFC James A. Grady of West Burke, VT, his mother Debbie Hudacek of Bristow, OK, stepfather Tom Hudacek of Bristow, OK, and his brothers: Kevin Grady of St. Johnsbury, VT and James Grady of Muskogee, OK. Today we remember Army SPC Ryan J. Grady, a young man who loved his family and country, and gave his life as a sacrifice for freedom. Sergeant Charles S. Jirtle Madam President, today I also wish to remember the life and sacrifice of a remarkable young man, Army SGT Charles S. Jirtle. Along with four other soldiers, Scott died June 7, 2010 of injuries he sustained from an improvised explosive device in Dangam district of Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Scott was born September 13, 1980 in Lawton, OK and graduated from MacArthur High School. After graduating, he served in the Navy Reserves in Oklahoma City. The son of an Active Duty Army master sergeant, he enlisted in the Army in 2007. After completing basic training at Fort Benning, GA, he was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY as an indirect fire infantryman. Scott, who served a tour in Iraq in 2007 and 2008, knew the impact the deployments had on his family. His final posting on Facebook read: ``Savannah is having a real problem with this deployment, and I pray to God that He will watch over her and my children.'' Pastor Trey Smart said Scott's four older brothers would recruit him when they heard the ice cream truck coming down the street. ``They always knew if they sent Scott to ask Terry and Virginia for money, they wouldn't turn him down because he was the youngest,'' Smart said. His parents said, ``Our son Charles Scott Jirtle joined the Army because he wanted to take care of his children. He extended his enlistment for this deployment, knowing that he was going to a very hot spot.'' Those thanking Scott for his ultimate sacrifice for the protection of this great country say John 15:13 describes his selfless virtues perfectly: ``greater love hath not man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.'' On June 16, 2010, the family held church services at First Baptist Church East in Lawton, OK. He is survived by his wife Savannah, daughters: Chelsie and Cheyenne, a son Jordan, unborn son Charles Scott Jirtle, Jr., stepdaughter Rylee Jo Jirtle, parents, MSG (Retired) Terry L. and Virginia Jirtle, Lawton, OK; 4 brothers: Joseph Elkins and wife Tammy, James Jirtle, Kendall Jirtle and wife Brandi, all of Lawton and AME2 (AW) Anthony Jirtle, Oak Harbor, WA; stepbrother, Danny Henry and wife Shauna; several nieces and nephews: Ashley, Kayla, Starr, Alexis, Skyler, Payton, Preston, Morgan, Bryce and Kolby. Today we remember Army SGT Charles S. Jirtle, a young man who loved his family and country, and gave his life as a sacrifice for freedom. Specialist Augustus J. Vicari Madam President, I now wish to pay tribute to a true American hero, Army SPC Augustus ``Augy'' J. Vicari of Broken Arrow, OK who died on July 29th, 2011 serving our Nation in Paktia Province, Afghanistan. Specialist Vicari was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard. Specialist Vicari died of injuries sustained when his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device while on patrol in the town of Janak Kheyl. He was 22 years old. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those in his family he left behind: his wife Holly, parents Michael and Evelyn Vicari, and siblings: Joseph, Michael, Emily, and Mollie. A native of Lowell, IN, Augy graduated from Lowell High School in 2008. After graduation, he and his wife then moved to Broken Arrow to be close to his father-in-law. Augy then enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard and attended basic training and advanced individual training in 2009. In addition to being a soldier, Augy enjoyed working on cars and spending time with family and friends. As evident by reading through some quotes from family and friends, he consistently impressed and touched the lives of those he interacted with on a daily basis: John and Barb Slankard said ``Augy's smile lit up every room he was in . . . a truly amazing person that was taken far too soon. We thank him for his courage and sacrifice and we are honored to have known him.'' MG Myles Deering, the Oklahoma National Guard Adjutant General said, ``This loss of life has shaken every member of the Oklahoma National Guard to their core. We have lost a very brave man who once raised his hand and took an oath to defend our nation. He courageously gave everything he had to ensure our freedom and safety and his sacrifice will not be forgotten.'' SSG Kyle Wachtendorf of the Oklahoma National Guard praised Augy by saying, ``He was a Oklahoman who chose to stand up and fight for what was right. Chose to leave his family in order to fight for others and made the ultimate sacrifice for God and their country.'' Reverend Tony Janik said ``Augy wanted to see the world. He wanted to see justice in the world.'' U.S. Congressman Peter Visclosky from Indiana's 1st District honored and paid tribute to Augy on the floor of the House of Representatives on September 7, 2011. A true warrior, Augy died while participating in a patrol in the town of Janak Kheyl of Paktia Province on his way back to the U.S. combat outpost just barely over a month after arriving in Afghanistan. This tough fight took Augy from us prematurely, but make no mistake; it is a fight we will win. We must continue our unwavering support for the men and women protecting our Nation and allies. I extend our deepest gratitude and condolences to Augy's family and friends. Augy lived a life of love for his wife and daughter, family, friends, and country. He will be remembered for his commitment to and belief in the greatness of our Nation. I am honored to pay tribute to this true American hero who volunteered to go into the fight and made the ultimate sacrifice for our protection and freedom.

Mr. INHOFE

Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, I wish to remember the life and sacrifice of a remarkable young man, Army SPC Dylan J. Johnson. Dylan died 3 years ago today, June 26, 2011, of injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device in Diyala Province, Iraq, in support of Operation New Dawn. Dylan was born November 07, 1990, in Tulsa, OK. His father Jeff Johnson said Dylan ``had aspired to military service for years and dressed as a soldier for Halloween six years running.'' After Dylan graduated from Jenks High School, he joined the military in August 2009, largely inspired by the men on both sides of his family who served with the military during World War II and Korea. After completing basic training at Fort Knox, KY, Dylan was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, TX. Specialist Johnson departed on Memorial Day 2011 for his first overseas deployment and arrived in Iraq June 2. On June 26, 2011, Dylan tragically died of injuries he sustained when insurgents attacked his armored vehicle with an improvised explosive device. One other soldier in the vehicle was killed alongside of Dylan. ``Dylan possessed a kind spirit and was a bit reserved in my world literature class,'' said teacher, Ron Acebo. ``We all ache for the loss of this young life and grieve with his family. As teachers, we all hold hopes and dreams for our students. We do not know what he could have achieved but we are humbled that he had made the supreme sacrifice for his country. . . . and that is how he will be remembered.'' A memorial service was held July 6, 2011, at Kirk of the Hills Church in Tulsa, OK and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on August 9, 2011. At a ceremony on his birthday in 2013, the State of Oklahoma dedicated to his memory the bridge on U.S. 75 across Polecat Creek, just south of Main Street in Jenks, OK. A sign reading ``Specialist Dylan Johnson Memorial Bridge'' was emplaced on the structure, and his father asked those gathered to remember Oklahoma's other fallen soldiers when they cross it. Dylans's military honors include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Combat Service Star. In addition to his father, Dylan is survived by his mother Joy Sehl; his stepmother Lynda Johnson; two sisters, Alexandra Johnson and Kathryn Sehl; and two stepsisters, Brittany Dinan and Brooke Dinan. All are of Tulsa, OK. Today we remember Army SPC Dylan J. Johnson, a young man who loved his family and country and gave his life as a sacrifice for freedom. Specialist Jordan M. Morris Madam President, I now wish to remember the life and sacrifice of a remarkable young man, Army SPC Jordan M. Morris. Along with 4 other soldiers, Jordan died August 11, 2011 of injuries he sustained from an improvised explosive device in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Jordan was born in Elk City, OK on February 12, 1988, and later moved to Ripley, OK. While attending Ripley High School, he was a member of the baseball team, National Honor Society, 4-H, and served as Student Council president. He was concurrently enrolled and graduated from the Oklahoma School of Science and Math. As an active member of the Hillcrest Baptist Church, he was very involved with the youth group and enjoyed spending time serving others on various mission trips. After graduating as class valedictorian from Ripley High School in 2006, he fulfilled a dream he had from the age of 8 as he was accepted to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Jordan spent 4 years at West Point, majoring in mechanical engineering. Friend Caleb Eytcheson said Jordan ``wanted to be the best, and he knew West Point is where they trained the best. He wanted to serve his country,'' he said. Jordan joined the Army in January 2011, serving as an infantryman. After completing training at Fort Benning, GA he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY. On May 5, 2011, Jordan deployed to Afghanistan. Doug Scott, assistant principal of Ripley High School said Morris was intelligent, had a great sense of humor and was very popular in school. ``He showed his unselfish side by going overseas,'' Scott said. Jordan's baseball coach, Donnie Hoffman said: ``The world is not as good a place, when you lose people with the character that he was. The legacy he leaves behind was the way he led his life, the character, the discipline, the dedication, the honor.'' Jordan was buried August 20, 2011 at Palmer Marler Funeral Home in Stillwater, OK. Jordan is survived by his parents Brett and Nita (Faber) Morris of Stillwater; two brothers Levi James and Jesse Isaac Morris of Stillwater; grandparents Wilma Faber, of Tulsa, James and Patricia Morris, of Broken Arrow; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, as well as his former West Point classmates and fellow soldiers in the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Today we remember Army SPC Jordan M. Morris, a young man who loved his family and country, and gave his life as a sacrifice for freedom. Specialist Joshua M. Seals Madam President, I also wish to remember the life and sacrifice of a remarkable young man, Army SPC Joshua M. Seals. Specialist Seals died August 16, 2011 of non-combat injuries at Forward Operating Base Lightening in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard. Joshua was born April 10, 1990, in Glendale, AZ and later moved to Porter, OK. While attending Porter High School he played football, was an honor roll student and a member of the academic team. He was also active in Wagoner County 4-H and showed Dutch rabbits. He joined the military as a truck driver in 2008 while still in high school. Aunt Trina Seals said ``his mother and father served in the Army, and he felt it was just something he wanted to do.'' ``My thoughts and prayers go out to the Seals family and friends,'' said Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, Oklahoma's adjutant general. ``As we mourn his loss in the days ahead, we will be forever honored and proud that he chose to serve his country and the people of Oklahoma in the National Guard.'' Principal Larry Shackelford described him as a great student and a wonderful young man with a bright outlook. A memorial and burial service was held August 27, 2011 at Greenwood Cemetery in Porter, OK. Specialist Seals is survived by his parents Rhonda and Stanley; wife Andrina; and siblings Jeremy, Sarah and James. Today we remember Army SPC Joshua M. Seals, a young man who loved his family and country, and gave his life as a sacrifice for freedom. Specialist James T. Wickliff-Chacin Madam President, I pay tribute to a true American hero, Army SPC James T. Wickliff-Chacin of Edmond, OK who died on September 20, 2013 serving our nation in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan. Specialist Wickliff- Chacin was assigned to 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, GA. James died at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol during combat operations in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan on August 12, 2013. He was 22 years old. Born February 18, 1991 in Venezuela, James moved to Oklahoma with his family in 2006. He graduated from Edmond Santa Fe High School in 2010. After graduation, he enlisted as an infantryman in the Army in June 2010 and arrived at his unit in October 2010. ``He had a good future,'' his father said. ``He had all the scores to go to whatever college he wanted.'' But James wanted to join the Army. Friends said he was proud of his service even before he graduated from high school. ``I remember him as a young man who very much wanted to go into the military,'' said his former high school principal Jason Brown. The following year, before graduation, James had asked ahead of time if the school was going to do anything to recognize students who would be serving in the military. ``I told him he would have to wait but he was in for a surprise,'' Brown said. ``During graduation we always asked for those individuals to stand up who wanted to go into the military. I distinctly remember looking for and finding him in the audience and he was smiling ear to ear.'' This was his second deployment; he previously deployed to Iraq from March to June 2011. In May 2013, James wrote on his Facebook page ``I am proud to carry the legacy of my family. We are warriors at heart that fight against all odds to protect those who need us. There is nothing else that I would rather be doing with my life.'' James was laid to rest at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, OK on October 3, 2013. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal of Valor. Today we remember Army SPC James T. Wickliff-Chacin, a young man who loved his family and country, and gave his life as a sacrifice for freedom.

Mr. INHOFE

Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to a true American hero, Army 2LT Joe Cunningham of Kingston, OK who died on August 13, 2011 serving our Nation in Laghman Province, Afghanistan. Lieutenant Cunningham was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Army National Guard, Stillwater, OK. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2001 and joined the Army Reserves as a military policeman. He volunteered to deploy to Iraq in 2005 where he served as a team leader. After returning from Iraq, he served as a weapons instructor for deploying soldiers. In 2008, Joe switched to the Oklahoma National Guard, serving 18 months in the Air Guard before moving on to the Army Guard, where he was accepted to Officer Candidate School. In August 2010, Joe was commissioned as a second lieutenant and deployed in June 2011 to Afghanistan as the executive officer of B Co 1/179 Infantry. Joe leaves behind his father Kirk Tucker, from Kingston, and siblings Tracy, Terri, Bethany, Ashton, Ricky and Taylor. He was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Cunningham. He touched the lives of many as evidenced by comments written on his online guest book. ``I knew Joe he was an inspiration to the soldiers of Bco. 1/179 he always put soldiers first he is what a soldier wanted to be professional thru and thru in the short time I had to work with him he truly opened my eyes and changed my views on things he was and always will be a great friend and a soldier that will be greatly missed. God Bless Joe Cunningham may god watch and protect you thru ``through'' the gates of heaven you shall be missed. '' You will be missed by all. It was pleasure and an honor to have you as troop under my supervision while assigned to the 138th Security Forces Squadron. RIP friend and brother.'' Joe lived a life of love for his family, friends, and country. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports. Joe was a big Oklahoma Sooners fan and held season tickets for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He loved kids, and one of his greatest joys was spending time with Korlee Cunningham. Joe will be remembered for his commitment to and belief in the greatness of our Nation. I am honored to pay tribute to this true American hero who volunteered to go into the fight and made the ultimate sacrifice of his life for our freedom. Sergeant Bret D. Isenhower Mr. President, I now wish to pay tribute to a true American hero, Army SGT Bret D. Isenhower of Lamar, OK, who died on September 9, 2011, serving our nation in Paktya Province, Afghanistan. Sergeant Isenhower was assigned to 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard. Sergeant Isenhower was killed by enemy small arms fire when his team was attacked while conducting combat operations in Zurmat District. He was 26 years old. Our prayers go out to those in his family he left behind: father Kevin Isenhower; mother Janet Dawsey; sisters Bridgette Hall and Krysten Isenhower; and nephew Jackson Hall. Bret graduated from Seminole High School in 2003 and then attended East Central University and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter. Determined to be a soldier, he joined the Oklahoma National Guard in 2006 as an infantryman. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for a yearlong deployment in 2007-08. He rose to the rank of sergeant and team leader. Bret actively looked for ways to serve his community and his fellow citizens. On one occasion, he and a friend were enroute to school to take a final and noticed a woman pulled over on the side of the road with a flat tire. Bret pulled the car over and helped change the tire without regard to the time that it took. Needless to say, he missed his final exam, but didn't care because it was the ``right thing to do.'' Bret also served as a volunteer firefighter at the Seminole Fire Department and the Seminole County 911 dispatcher. Bret cared deeply for his family and would often let his 3-year-old nephew Jackson use him as a human jungle gym. He was full of kindness and yet very brave under fire. It is clearly evident how much this young man impacted his family, community and fellow citizens and soldiers by reading through some of the following quotes. Laura Rose, a former teacher at Seminole High said, ``Not only did he give the ultimate sacrifice for his country, but he was a good person too. Some students go on their way and you never see them again, but Bret would come and visit and let me know how he was doing.'' Specialist Randen Allison credits Bret with saving his life in Afghanistan by reacting quickly and placing a tourniquet on his arm. When Specialist Allison thanked Bret for helping, Bret responded by saying, ``Don't worry about it. I'm just doing my job.'' A warrior indeed, Bret died in the heat of a firefight. These tough fights took the life of Bret from us prematurely, but make no mistake; it is a fight we will win. We must continue our unwavering support for the men and women protecting our Nation and allies. I extend our deepest gratitude and condolences to Bret's family. He lived a life of love for his family, friends, and our country. He will be remembered for his commitment to and belief in the greatness of our Nation. I am honored to pay tribute to this true American hero who volunteered to go into the fight and made the ultimate sacrifice of his life for our freedom. First Lieutenant Damon T. Leehan Mr. President, I also pay tribute to a true American hero, Army 1LT Damon T. Leehan of Moore, OK, who died on August 14, 2011 serving our Nation in Laghman Province, Afghanistan. Lieutenant Leehan was assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard. Lieutenant Leehan died of injuries sustained when the vehicle in which he was riding was attacked with an improvised explosive device in the Alingar District while conducting combat operations. He was 30 years old. Damon graduated from Edmond High School and enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard in 1998 at the age of 17. He had previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2003 as a combat medic. In 2008, he successfully completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. In his civilian role, Damon served his community as an Xray technician since 2001 at the Integris Southwest Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Damon consistently impressed and touched the lives of those around him. This is evident by reading through some quotes. Ashely Hale, his supervisor at the hospital said, ``He was a hard- working, outgoing, well-known, well-liked co-worker . . . he had many friends here.'' Major General Myles Deering, the Adjutant General of Oklahoma said, ``LT Leehan served his nation and our state with great honor and distinction for more than a decade. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.'' Wendy Deatsch, of Edmond said, ``I was one of his high school teachers. He was one of my very favorite students. He always had a smile on his face and had a saying that always put one on mine. He would say, `Miss Wilks, turn that frown upside down!' It always worked!'' Curtis Meloy, of Cushing said, ``Damon was a great soldier, and a better man. I am truly better for having known him.'' Members of Damon's platoon posted, ``LT, we miss you and you were a true friend and leader. Our platoon will never be the same without you! Your leadership will be missed.'' I extend our deepest gratitude and condolences to Damon's family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those in his family he left behind: his wife Audrey, children, Emma and Ethan, father Dennis, and mother Marina Blevins. Damon lived a life of love for his wife and two children, family, friends, and country. He will be remembered for his commitment to and belief in the greatness of our Nation. I am honored to pay tribute to this true American hero who volunteered to go into the fight and made the ultimate sacrifice for our protection and freedom. Private First Class Tony J. Potter Jr. Mr. President, I pay tribute to a true American hero, Army PFC Tony J. ``TJ'' Potter Jr. of Okmulgee, OK, who died on September 9, 2011, serving our Nation in Paktya Province, Afghanistan. Private First Class Potter was assigned to 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard. TJ was killed by enemy small arms fire when his team was attacked while conducting combat operations in Zurmat District. He was 20 years old. Born 3 months early, TJ wasn't the biggest kid growing up, but he more than compensated for it in drive and enthusiasm. TJ graduated from Okmulgee High School in 2010 after leading his football team to a state championship. Determined to be a soldier and join the Oklahoma National Guard, even over his parents' reservations, TJ enlisted as an infantryman prior to graduation in April 2010. In such a short time on this earth, TJ had an incredible impact on his family, his community and his brothers in arms. TJ's friend Samuel Trout said, ``Everybody knew him, everybody got along with him, you could talk to him.'' Fellow co-worker Jon Skinner said, ``He was always a great guy, he was always a hard worker, down to earth, great guy to kick it with.'' Fellow high school student Earnest Woodruff said, ``He tried to help everybody at practice. He always wanted us to run harder so we would do better when we went out to the games. He was always going 100 percent. I just know that he's going to be in a better place.'' Football coach Shane Page said TJ could do anything that he put his mind to and ``Just every day we have to be thankful for the fact that we do have the soldiers out there fighting to protect us and everything. I mean it's an honor to know that he was a part of that but it's a very, very sad day.'' His mother, Yvonne said, ``He was the rock of our family. He held everything together.'' His father, Tony Sr. added, ``If he felt we were drifting apart, he would bring us back together. He was our glue. You could always count on him for everything.'' TJ lived a life of love for his family, friends, and our country. I extend our deepest gratitude and condolences to TJ's family, his wife and high school sweetheart Emily, his son Tony James `TJ' Potter who was born after his death, and parents Tony and Yvonne Potter. He will be remembered for his commitment to and belief in the greatness of our Nation. I am honored to pay tribute to this true American hero who volunteered to go into the fight and made the ultimate sacrifice of his life for our freedom.

Mr. INHOFE

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

Mr. INHOFE

Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I do appreciate that. I might elaborate a little bit. Oklahoma is not just the place where they first started hydraulic fracturing, it was done in Oklahoma in 1948, and, according to Lisa Jackson, who was the Obama-appointed EPA Director, never has there been a confirmed case of groundwater contamination. I know we are getting strapped for time here and I regret that. I draw the Presiding Officer's attention to the chart I am holding up here. It happens that Cushing, OK, is considered to be the crossroads of the pipelines throughout the United States. In Cushing, OK, we had I guess the only trip President Obama has ever made to Oklahoma. He came to Oklahoma. Looking in the background, there are all the tubes up there to dramatically make a statement. And that statement: I'm directing my administration to cut through the red tape, break through the bureaucratic hurdles, and make this project a priority, to go ahead and get it done. That is what the President said in Oklahoma. I wasn't there, but that is what he said. That is a direct quote. Then he did everything he could do to destroy the Keystone Pipeline. He made the statement down there: I'm not going to do anything to create a problem for the southern leg that goes from Cushing down into Texas. Well, there is a reason for that. The reason is, he couldn't do it. The reason he is stopping up there, because it crosses the country line from Canada into the United States. He has some jurisdiction there. But there is nothing he could do to stop it. So he came down to tell us that he wasn't going to do that. I have to say to the President: People in Oklahoma aren't that dumb. They know you didn't have that authority or you would have stopped it. The portion between Canada and Cushing is the part that remains stalled. At this point I think the reason is one guy named Tom Steyer. Let me introduce him. First, we always hear a lot of things about the Koch brothers and other people who are putting money in or are concerned about it. This actually is a statement made by this very wealthy person. I am sure he is a nice person. Tom Steyer is a multibillionaire. He is very liberal. He is from the State of California. He is a good friend of the junior Senator from California, and he has made the statement that he is going to put up $100 million to spend in campaigns of people who would do two things: one, try to resurrect the issue of global warming--which is dead. I can remember when global warming would be polled as the No. 1 or No. 2 problem in the country. Right now, according to last week's Gallup poll, it is No. 14 out of 15. So that is a dead issue. But $100 million would do two things: first, to resurrect that issue; secondly, to stop the Keystone Pipeline. A few weeks ago he said explicitly--and these are his words, not mine: It is true that we expect to be heavily involved in midterm elections. We are looking at a bunch of races. My guess is that we will end up being involved in eight or more races. We just learned this week that as the President marks his 1-year anniversary of his climate action plan, Tom Steyer is going to meet personally with him. So there is $100 million at work right there, if that is what it takes for a meeting. And we all know what the cost would be. This is very important. One thing that has not been refuted, way back in the beginning of the whole global warming thing they talked about the cost is going to be somewhere between $300 billion and $400 billion a year. The Wharton Economics Foundation, MIT, Charles Rivers, everyone agreed with that. The Keystone Pipeline, which Tom Steyer wants to stop, would create 42,000 jobs, and tens of thousands more would be supported in the manufacturing sector. But Keystone is just the tip of the iceberg. If we look at this chart, No. 3, we can see all of the domestic energy resources being developed around the country right now. We are going through a shale revolution in America, and the only thing that is getting in the way is the Federal Government. This is interesting: In the last 6 years, oil production on private and State lands is up 61 percent. On Federal land, however, oil production is down 6 percent. Now how could that be? This map shows throughout the United States--not all in the western part. Look at New York and Pennsylvania. This is where the development is coming from, all of it on State and private land, an increase in 5 years, 5\1/2\ years, of 61 percent. At the same time, on Federal land it is down by 6 percent. The IFC International, a well-respected consulting firm, released a report last month which said U.S. companies would need to invest $641 billion of infrastructure over the next 20 years to keep up with the growing oil and gas production. What does it mean for jobs? According to the analysis, the spending on these new pipelines alone will create 432,000 direct jobs. And that is based on a conservative estimate. That does not assume we develop all of the resources in our country. If that were included, it would be a lot more. So keeping this from happening would be a great impact for imposing anti-energy, global warming policies. We need to build the Keystone Pipeline and provide regulatory certainty for the entire energy infrastructure sector. Without it, we will never reach energy independence.

Mr. INHOFE. How much time is remaining on our side?

Mr. INHOFE. I ask unanimous consent I be given 4 more minutes.

Mr. INHOFE. If I could ask my friend if we could compromise: 2 minutes.

Mr. INHOFE. I appreciate my good friend from California thinking it over. Anyway, 432,000 direct jobs. And when we stop and think about it, keeping it from happening would have the impact and effect of stopping us from becoming oil independent. We could do that. The Keystone Pipeline needs to be built. We all know about the jobs. More importantly, there is not a single good reason why it shouldn't happen. Tom Steyer's goal is to stop the oil in Canada from being developed, but he can't do it. We have seen this just in the last week. The Canadians have conversations going with China to have them accept it if we don't complete our Keystone Pipeline. With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. INHOFE. Would the Senator yield to that point, because I was a cosponsor of that act.

Mr. INHOFE. A parliamentary inquiry, I ask of the Chair.

Mr. INHOFE. Our point is, I believe the distinguished Senator from California is reserving the right to object. I would ask her does she object.

Mr. INHOFE. A further parliamentary inquiry: Is the time unlimited to finish remarks before objecting or not objecting?

Mr. INHOFE. Reserving the right to object.

Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I do reserve the right to object. I have listened carefully to my very good friend from California, and it affects my decision as to whether to object. The reason the American people are no longer interested in all the hype and all the world coming to an end on global warming is for four reasons. No. 1, according to the IPCC--let's keep in mind, the IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, is the science that is behind this opinion. They even admit today that there has been no warming in the last 14 years. This is not just a report from the IPCC but Nature magazine.

Mr. INHOFE. I am reserving the right to object.

Mr. INHOFE. I recall that a few minutes ago, the distinguished Senator from California reserved the right to object and gave her reasons. Is that incorrect?

Mr. INHOFE. Very well. I object.

Mr. INHOFE

Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, I wish to remember the life and sacrifice of a remarkable young man, Army CW2 Randy L. Billings. Randy died December 17, 2013, of injuries he sustained when his helicopter crashed in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Randy was born September 1, 1979, in Poteau, OK, and later moved to Heavener, OK. After graduating Heavener High School in 1997, he joined the military and served our country for 16 years. While attending flight school to Rucker, AL, Randy met his wife Ashley. Bonding through a mutual enjoyment of the outdoors, they were married in 2008. In September 2009, Randy transferred to the 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, and 1st Infantry Division in Fort Riley, KS. The couple made a home in Manhattan, KS, but they planned to move south after he retired from the military and start a family. Ashley and her family are suffering their second loss to war. Ashley Billings' brother died in a 2004 helicopter crash in Iraq. ``It's much harder because we've been through this before,'' she said. However, they were comforted by the knowledge that Randy ``loved what he did and was going to do it right.'' On December 17, 2013, Randy tragically died of injuries he sustained when his Black Hawk U-60 helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan. Five other soldiers on board were killed alongside of Randy. His uncle Hurschel Billings said, ``He really loved it. Every time he came back, he couldn't wait to go back.'' He served two tours in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. ``He died loving what he does. Serving the country.'' ``He was just one of the nicest people you could possibly be around . . . He was the definition of what a hero is. He served his country well,'' said Amanda Morrison, Billings' cousin. A memorial service was held January 4, 2014, at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Inverness, FL, and he was buried at Florida National Cemetery. Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin ordered flags on State property to fly at half-staff from 3-6 January, 2014. ``He's pushed me to be a better person for myself every single day of my life,'' his wife Ashley said. ``That's the kind of person he was.'' Chief Warrant Officer Billings' wife Ashley Billings resides in Manhattan, KS; mother Eva Cooper in Poteau, OK; and father Robert Billings in Heavener, OK. Today we remember Army CW2 Randy L. Billings, a young man who loved his family and country and gave his life as a sacrifice for freedom.

Mr. INHOFE

Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to speak until the arrival of the Senator from Alabama, Mr. Sessions.

Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, the subject today, of course, is the failed foreign policy of this President and this administration. It is really hard to do it in a limited period of time because once something happens like Benghazi, and we get into the middle of that thing, then all of a sudden you turn around and this President turns loose arguably the five most heinous terrorists from Gitmo. At the same time, we have a policy that was going so well in Iraq, and now we find out that is not working out either. If I have time, I will touch on that. But the first thing I want to do is just mention this Benghazi thing. Being the ranking member on the Armed Services Committee, I had the opportunity to really be in there and see as it was happening. It happens that Chris Stevens--the Ambassador who was sent over there and who was killed, one of the four who was killed in Benghazi--was a friend of mine. He was in my office. We spent time together. We talked about the threats that were out there. Then, as we got closer to this time, he realized and started sending messages to the President, to the White House, to us, to send security over there. He said that right now the terrorists are actually training in Benghazi. They actually had their flags flying. They knew they were organizing something, probably for an anniversary of 9/11. So he knew that. He had requested it, and the President elected not to send help at that time. The question a lot of people have is--they will say: Inhofe, how do you know the President knew that was an organized attack? Well, I can tell you how. In our system of government, we have four people who are responsible for advising the President on threats, on intelligence. They are the CIA Director--at that time it was John Brennan. The Director of National Intelligence was James Clapper. The Secretary of Defense at that time was Leon Panetta. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was General Dempsey. Now, all of them acknowledged, when the annex was hit in Benghazi, that it was an organized--that same day--an organized terrorist attack. They all knew it. They expected it, but then they knew for a fact it was. So you are talking about the individuals who are responsible for advising the President. All of them were well aware that on the day of the annex attack in Benghazi that it was an organized terrorist attack. It was several days later that they sent Susan Rice to all of these shows in order to try to make it sound like it was some video that somebody had. Now, why would the President not want to admit that this was an organized terrorist attack? It was right before the election and the polls showed a lot of the people thought--Osama bin Laden having been captured--there was no longer that big threat out there in the Middle East and that would inure to his benefit. So it was for political reasons, and we ended up losing four lives. Then, just recently, they are saying, oh, they have now found this Abu Khattala. This is someone who has been around for 2 years. The press has been talking to him for 2 years. Why, all of a sudden, are they saying--now of all times--this is the guy who perpetrated Benghazi, when, in fact, this all came from the White House? I just think it is just covering it up, and I am very much offended by that. But the one thing I wanted to talk about--and I know some of the other Members are going to be here, and I will not abuse the time that has been given to me--but it is having to do with the release of the five Taliban terrorists on the American people. Let me tell you a side of this that people are not talking about that I feel strongly is the reason for it. First of all, this President is in the last half of his second term-- or approaching the last half of his second term. As is always the case, when you get down toward the end of your term, you start looking for a legacy. What was his legacy? One of his legacies is closing Gitmo. This President has been talking about closing Gitmo for as long as I can remember, certainly longer than he has been President. Now, you wonder why. I go back and I tell people in Oklahoma--they say: Why does he want to close Gitmo? You cannot answer that. We have had Gitmo since 1903. It is one of the few good deals we have in government. We only pay $4,000 a year for that, and half the time the Cubans do not cash the check. So we have this thing. We had actually 778 people there incarcerated and being interrogated prior to the time that Barack Obama became the President of the United States. Now we are down to 149. But as far as Gitmo--that resource--no one argues with the fact that the humane treatment is beyond anyone's expectation. There is no place else in the world they can do that. They are fully compliant with the Geneva Convention. They have had people go in there and look at the maximum security prison, and it is attested to. Human rights organizations, the Red Cross, and everyone else agrees that it is a very humane place while they are interrogating. As I said, there is no place else they can do this. Because if you start doing this in our court system, obviously, they get Miranda rights, constitutional rights, and people are pretty offended when they find out. That keeps us from getting information that would affect some of the others. We have an expeditionary legal complex there. It is the only one like this in the world, where they can actually do this. So this is a place where we can actually get in there, interrogate, get information, incarcerate people, not intermingle the terrorists with the prison population in this country, which is what the President has been talking about doing. Why do I say that? I say that because these guys are terrorists. They are not criminals. You put them in our prison system, and by definition their job is to train other people to become terrorists, and that is what they would be doing in training the prison population to become terrorists. I have to say this too. All of the talk about Osama bin Laden and the fact that we do have him--and I am very glad we were able to bring him down. But how did we do it? We did it through information that we received through interrogation at Gitmo, Guantanamo Bay. So I only say that because people wonder, why in the world would he be wanting to do this? And how does he want to fulfill this expectation or this legacy he has? Let me tell you, tell you how I think. If he would take, out of the 149 individuals who are left there, the 5 most heinous terrorists, most dangerous Taliban terrorists, and turn them loose, that would put him in a position, then, to get rid of the rest of them, with the exception of those who are awaiting war crimes trials. So what happened? He turned them loose, No. 1. No. 2, he told the Taliban exactly when the United States is going to leave, regardless of the conditions on the ground. And then, thirdly, he has said that he is going to declare an ``end of hostilities.'' That is a proper phrase, ``end of hostilities.'' This is not a war, it is a hostility. If he does that, that would then give him the justification for opening the gates, turning everyone loose from Gitmo and closing Gitmo. That, in my opinion, is the estimation. What are the threats we are facing as a result of that? We are in a position right now where we have five people who are turned loose. Even if we trusted Qatar to hold these five guys for a period of 1 year, still the philosophy there would be: All right, we will turn you loose if you few promise not to kill Americans for 1 year. That does not make sense. So this is something that should not have happened. We now have the people there making decisions, and they are celebrating as we speak. One of the five individual's name is named Fazl. I will end with this: There is a guy named Mullah Salem Khan. He is a Taliban commander over in Afghanistan. Listen to this. He is talking about Fazl, one of the five guys. He said: His return is like putting 10,000 Taliban fighters into the battle on the side of jihad. Now the Taliban have the right lion to lead them in the final moment before victory in Afghanistan. That is what happened with these guys. That is how it is viewed over there. It is an atrocity that it did happen. I yield the floor for Senator Cornyn.

Mr. INHOFE

Mr. INHOFE. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. INHOFE

Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, which appropriations bill is this that we just announced?

Mr. INHOFE. I thank the Chair. Let me make two comments on two amendments actually to the THUD appropriations bill having to do with CNG, natural gas vehicles. If I could speak very briefly on two amendments, the first is amendment No. 3245. That amendment is the regulatory streamlining for the use of compressed natural gas. This will allow us to give some of the same treatment to natural gas vehicles that are given to other alternative fuel vehicles. In fact, I am joined with Senator Carl Levin on this amendment, which also gives access to HOV lanes for certain vehicles that are using natural gas and other alternative fuel vehicles. The other one is amendment No. 3275 having to do with light semi trucks that use natural gas, because of the additional weight of the equipment, we would give some leniency--up to 2,000 pounds--in terms of the total weight to allow them and encourage them to use compressed natural gas without facing a freight-weight competitive disadvantage. Those are the two amendments, when the time comes, that I wanted to get into the Record that I will be proposing at that time. I thank the Senator from Maine for yielding me a few minutes of her time, and I yield the floor.

Mr. INHOFE

Mr. INHOFE. Reserving the right to object, let me inquire of the Senator if it is his intent to speak on that tonight.