Tim Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I offer my heartfelt congratulations to a South Dakotan who has dedicated his life to educating students in my State. At the close of this school year, Frank Seiler will retire as superintendent of the Timber Lake School District, concluding a nearly 50-year career as an educator in South Dakota. Frank began teaching in North Dakota in 1964. In 1967, he moved to Kadoka, SD, to serve as the high school principal and coach before moving to McIntosh, where he served as superintendent for 15 years. In 1991, Frank took over as superintendent of the Timber Lake School District, where he has worked for 20 years. Frank has been involved with the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, NAFIS, since 1975. As one of the founders of the Senate Impact Aid Caucus, I am deeply appreciative of Frank's leadership in the Impact Aid community and for his responsible administering of the Impact Aid Program in the school districts where he has worked. In May 2010, I was pleased to announce that the Timber Lake School District would receive a $5 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, known to many as the economic stimulus package, so that the community could replace its existing high school facility. Frank has shown tremendous leadership in helping make the dream of a new school become a reality. Over the years, Frank has served as a tremendous advocate for his school district and for the importance of a strong education system. My staff and I have greatly valued Frank's insight and expertise over the years. It has been my pleasure working with him to ensure that the many children in South Dakota living in rural and federally impacted schools receive a quality education. On the occasion of his retirement from the Timber Lake School District, I congratulate and thank Frank for his service as an educator and mentor to thousands of students in South Dakota. He has truly been an inspiration to many of his friends and colleagues. As Impact Aid leaders from across our country gather this week for the annual NAFIS conference, I want to take the time to recognize Frank for responsible management of the Impact Aid Program. On behalf of all South Dakotans, I thank Frank for his years of tireless dedication to students in our State and for the lasting legacy he leaves. I also thank his wife Donna for her continued support. I wish them both a happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, as we pass the 1-year anniversary since health care reform was signed into law, I rise to recognize how much it has benefitted thousands in my State. South Dakotans now have a fair shake when it comes to buying health coverage and increased protections from some of the worst abuses of the health insurance industry. I have heard from far too many who thought they were protected by their health insurance, only to find they faced arbitrary annual or lifetime limits on benefits. Some were even dropped entirely from their coverage when they needed it the most. Health reform has already put an end to these practices, and is giving hard-working Americans the security of reliable coverage. Commonsense changes that had been supported by Republicans and Democrats in Congress for years are also now in effect. Children are no longer at risk for being denied coverage due to a preexisting condition like asthma or diabetes. Young adults are now able to stay on their parent's health care plan until age 26, extending coverage as many transition from education to the workforce. Over 129,000 South Dakota seniors are already seeing improvements to Medicare, including eliminated copayments for preventive care like immunizations and annual wellness visits. Last year over 11,945 Medicare beneficiaries in our State reached the gap in prescription drug coverage, known as the donut hole, and received a one-time $250 rebate to help pay for prescriptions. These beneficiaries will continue to receive deep discounts until the donut hole is completely closed in the years ahead. Health reform also expands Medicare beneficiaries' access to care by providing a 10-percent Medicare bonus payment for primary care providers and for general surgeons practicing in health professional shortage areas. It also puts in place important changes to our health care delivery system to ensure we are paying for the quality of patient care and health outcomes, rather than quantity of tests and procedures performed. Not only has this law benefited South Dakotans, but these improvements have taken place without harming our economic recovery. Since the President signed the Affordable Care Act into law a year ago, the economy has grown at an average rate of 2.7 percent, and nearly 1.4 million private sector jobs have been created. As Congress looks for ways to get our deficit in line, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office recently estimated that reform will reduce the deficit by a total of $210 billion over the next 10 years and by more than $1 trillion over the next 20 years. We must be realistic about this law in that it cannot fix all the problems with our health care delivery system overnight. But I supported reform to give our Nation the best chance at improving the system while reigning in costs. There is room for improvements, and if there is a good idea out there, I want to hear it. What we cannot afford, however, is to turn back the clock on all the improvements the American people have seen in the last year, and will continue to experience as this law is fully implemented in the coming years.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I wish to speak today to honor the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Oglala Lakota College. In a society where education has been the cornerstone for generations, the Oglala Lakota College has been providing students with a high quality education in Indian Country for decades. Graduates have gone on to be extraordinary community and professional leaders working to improve the lives of all those around them. The Oglala Lakota College, headquartered in Kyle, SD, first opened its doors in 1971 with the goal of bringing hope to the people on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation--home of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. This small college was a great risk when it began, as it was one of the first tribally owned and operated colleges in the United States, but the founders believed in the importance of bringing education to Indian country. Although the name of the school has changed, throughout the years the idea that the benefit of higher education is of vital importance to the community has stayed constant. Since its inception, the Oglala Lakota College has expanded course offerings to establish online courses and satellite classes, providing easier accessibility to students. From the very beginning, the Oglala Lakota College faced challenges: The faculty and students worked and studied in old building basements, worked around kitchen tables, and used old trailers as makeshift classrooms. The college finally moved to a group of government surplus buildings. Despite an environment ill-suited for education, the students and professors triumphed under the challenging circumstances, and today provide hope for the future of the students. In 1991, after years of educators striving to provide an education in a difficult learning environment, the school began a 10-year capital campaign to construct new buildings for the students. In 2005 and 2009, the Oglala Lakota College received grants from the Labor, Health Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee to assist funding recruitment, curriculum development, and program infrastructure for the nursing degree offered by the Oglala Lakota College. More than 40 percent of graduates work at Indian Health Services hospitals, making the Oglala Lakota College the primary tribal college producer of health care providers for the Indian Health Service. In addition, in the past decade, Oglala Lakota College has received several grants to improve the learning environment on its campuses. The Oglala Lakota College has grown considerably since starting as a small community college. Today it is a thriving campus offering baccalaureate degrees--including a master's degree in Lakota leadership. Under the guidance of my good friend, President Tom Shortbull, the Oglala Lakota College increased its enrollment to 1,400 students, a record number of students focusing on their goal to further their education. I congratulate the great legacy and triumphs over adversity of the Oglala Lakota College on the occasion of its 40th anniversary and commend the work and commitment, past and present, of the administrators, faculty, alumni and students. I wish them well in the upcoming year of observances and celebrations.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam President, today I pay tribute to MG Steven R. Doohen, who will be retiring at the end of the month as adjutant general for the South Dakota National Guard. General Doohen joined the South Dakota Air National Guard in January 1971, later receiving his commission from the Academy of Military Sciences at McGhee Tyson, TN. He graduated from the University of Sioux Falls in 1987 with a bachelor of arts in organizational behavior management. Over the course of his distinguished 40-year career, General Doohen has become highly decorated and amassed more than 4,500 hours of tactical flight time. General Doohen was appointed adjutant general of the South Dakota National Guard on September 16, 2007, by then-Governor M. Michael Rounds. In this role, General Doohen oversees 4,400 Air and Army National Guard citizen soldiers and airmen, in addition to 950 Federal and State employees. General Doohen has also served in the Governor's cabinet as the Secretary of Military and Veteran Affairs. South Dakota's Army National Guard ranks No. 2 in the Nation in recruiting and retention of soldiers, largely due to General Doohen's drive and eagerness to serve our State. The South Dakota Army and Air National Guard have always produced and provided highly skilled, professional, and dedicated citizen soldiers and airmen. Their skills and expertise have complemented our Nation's military efforts, both overseas and on the homefront, and assisted South Dakota's efforts when fighting natural disasters. Another result of producing such great soldiers and airmen has been the ongoing development of great leaders for both the Army and Air National Guard, and that has been reflected in the expert oversight and leadership of General Doohen. Under General Doohen's leadership, the South Dakota Army National Guard has deployed over 3,000 soldiers in support of military operations in the Middle East. General Doohen and I share a commitment to the family members of our military and know how deployments impact the entire family. He ensures that mobilizations, as well as welcome- home ceremonies, are the best possible, bringing the Governor, congressional delegation, and community members together to honor our National Guard. General Doohen also makes sure all soldiers and airmen have access to the best chaplains and family readiness professionals. His leadership in these areas has meant a lot to the men and women of our National Guard and their families. In addition to the contributions General Doohen has made to the State of South Dakota, his wife Gloria has also played a vital role in supporting our service men and women and their families. She has spearheaded efforts to send thousands of care packages to deployed South Dakotans over the past decade and led efforts to recognize and honor the greatest sacrifice of our South Dakota men and women through the Fallen Heroes Banner project. I thank her for her advocacy and work alongside General Doohen. I commend General Doohen for the work and many years of service he has given the State of South Dakota and our Nation. General Doohen clearly cares deeply about each member of the South Dakota National Guard, and it shows in his every action. His dedicated service to our grateful Nation will not be forgotten.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam President, today I wish to publicly commend Mary Jo May of Kyle, SD, on her impressive research and dedication to the preservation of Native American service members' history. Mary Jo May, a student at Black Hills State University, was a proud participant in the prestigious Washington Internship for Native Students, WINS, program. While in Washington, DC, Mary Jo worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs to preserve the great history of Native American service members through detailed research and analysis. She conducted research at the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the Women's Memorial Archives, and many other museums. Through her research, the VA produced an exhibit detailing the stories and groundbreaking actions of several Native American service women, including the challenges and hardships the women overcame to achieve greatness in their military careers. Mary Jo's exhibit was selected for display at the Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery and soon will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of the American Indian. Mary Jo was awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship for her academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership ability. Mary Jo's goal is to bring her exhibit and research to South Dakota and have it be displayed at the VA Black Hills Health Care System in Hot Springs and Sturgis. She hopes to someday share her passion for learning as a teacher. It is with great honor that I share her impressive accomplishments with my colleagues. Mary Jo's commitment to her history embodies what is great about South Dakota. I am proud to recognize her, and I look forward to seeing what else this remarkable young woman accomplishes.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam President, today I recognize Sara Elton, director of the Black Hills National Cemetery at Sturgis, SD. Sara has served as director of the Black Hills facility for 3 years and has recently been named the chief of operations for Memorial Service Network III in Denver, CO, for the National Cemetery Administration. Ms. Elton's Federal service career spans 12 years, and I have been most impressed with her work and leadership at the Black Hills National Cemetery. She has provided oversight for numerous changes at the facility, and she and her staff have provided great service to veterans and their families as well as South Dakota veterans organizations. She has initiated many opportunities to recognize veterans, including the traditional Memorial Day and Four Chaplains Services. She also oversaw the Unaccompanied Veterans Memorial Service, in which veterans with no surviving family members are honored in a special service. Sara's greatest efforts have been overseeing the daily tasks of maintaining the grounds and gravesites of the thousands of veterans and family members interred at the Black Hills National Cemetery, as well as counseling family members in times of grief and working to facilitate the burials of veterans when issues arise with discharge and eligibility. She has approached her public service with a high degree of professionalism, dedication, and commitment to our Nation's veterans. I applaud her for her service and wish her well in her new endeavors.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today to reintroduce legislation with my friend, Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho, that will exempt Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, VMLRP, awards from federal income taxation. I drafted this bipartisan bill with the intention of increasing veterinary services in underserved shortage areas that lack adequate veterinary expertise. The United States Department of Agriculture's, USDA, Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program was authorized in 2003 by the National Veterinary Medical Services Act, NVMSA, to help qualified veterinarians offset a significant amount of the debt they accrue while pursuing their degrees if they in turn serve in high-priority veterinary shortage areas for a certain length of time. However, the awards are currently taxed at a rate of 39 percent. This taxation is counterproductive and only delays delivery of veterinary services to areas that are in desperate need. In determining whether an area is eligible for assistance under the VMLRP, USDA has the ability to declare ``shortage situations,'' in which the Department makes declarations of veterinary shortage areas. Currently, there are two circumstances that lead to such designations. The first is by geography, when a given geographic area suffers a shortage of veterinarians overall. The second occurs when areas suffer a shortage of veterinarians who practice in a particular field of veterinary specialty. My home State of South Dakota currently has four designated shortage situations. Two of these designations are statewide designations noting a shortage of practitioners in veterinary specialties. On a national scale, there are 1,300 counties in the United States that have less than one food animal veterinarian per 25,000 farm animals. Additionally, there are 500 counties that have at least 5,000 farm animals and not a single veterinarian. Bear in mind, the demand for veterinarians across our country could increase 14 percent by 2016. South Dakota is truly a wonderful place to call home, but it is not always an easy place to earn a living. This is especially true for young people who are just starting out and are saddled with crushing levels of school debt. I have long fought for legislation that makes it easier for students to pay off their loans and to encourage others who may be reluctant to pursue higher education degrees, due to a lack of financial resources, especially when it comes to costly professional degrees including veterinary medicine. My legislation will help students pursue their educational goals, while also providing important services to underserved rural areas by enhancing the assistance veterinary graduates receive in exchange for meaningful public service. Agriculture is the top contributor to our South Dakota economy. For those farmers and ranchers who make their living in agriculture, this is more than a job; it is a way of life. Our ranchers, many of whom operate in very rural areas, rely on the access they have to qualified veterinarians to care for their livestock. Adequate access to veterinary care in rural areas is critical for both human and animal health, as well as animal welfare, disease surveillance, public safety and economic development across America. Everyone in America benefits from the veterinary services provided in even the most remote areas of our nation. As such, I am committed to doing all I can to help bring veterinarians to underserved parts of our state. I am proud to have fought for the establishment of the VMLRP program, and through my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have worked year after year to secure its proper funding. Unfortunately, however, the taxes assessed on these benefits prevent us from using congressionally appropriated funding to the fullest extent. For every three veterinarians selected for the loan repayment awards, an additional veterinarian could also be selected to serve in an underserved shortage area if the program was made exempt from taxes. Such a tax exemption is not without precedent; Congress exempted from taxation the assistance received by participants in the National Health Services Corps, NHSC, in 2004, and I hope that my colleagues will join me in extending this same type of assistance to veterinarians participating in the VMLRP program. It should be noted that nearly 140 organizations from across the nation have announced their support for a tax exemption for VMLRP, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Sheep Industry Association, the National Farmers Union, and the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association, South Dakota Farm Bureau, South Dakota Farmers Union, South Dakota Cattlemen's Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and many, many others. Agriculture is the economic engine that drives our rural communities, and without viable family farms and ranchers, our small towns and Main Street businesses throughout South Dakota and our nation would face significant hardships. It is absolutely essential that our agricultural producers have access to the services they need to be successful and responsible, and the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act will help make that possible. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a letter of support be printed in the Record.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today to reintroduce legislation with my friend, Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho, that will exempt Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, VMLRP, awards from federal income taxation. I drafted this bipartisan bill with the intention of increasing veterinary services in underserved shortage areas that lack adequate veterinary expertise. The United States Department of Agriculture's, USDA, Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program was authorized in 2003 by the National Veterinary Medical Services Act, NVMSA, to help qualified veterinarians offset a significant amount of the debt they accrue while pursuing their degrees if they in turn serve in high-priority veterinary shortage areas for a certain length of time. However, the awards are currently taxed at a rate of 39 percent. This taxation is counterproductive and only delays delivery of veterinary services to areas that are in desperate need. In determining whether an area is eligible for assistance under the VMLRP, USDA has the ability to declare ``shortage situations,'' in which the Department makes declarations of veterinary shortage areas. Currently, there are two circumstances that lead to such designations. The first is by geography, when a given geographic area suffers a shortage of veterinarians overall. The second occurs when areas suffer a shortage of veterinarians who practice in a particular field of veterinary specialty. My home State of South Dakota currently has four designated shortage situations. Two of these designations are statewide designations noting a shortage of practitioners in veterinary specialties. On a national scale, there are 1,300 counties in the United States that have less than one food animal veterinarian per 25,000 farm animals. Additionally, there are 500 counties that have at least 5,000 farm animals and not a single veterinarian. Bear in mind, the demand for veterinarians across our country could increase 14 percent by 2016. South Dakota is truly a wonderful place to call home, but it is not always an easy place to earn a living. This is especially true for young people who are just starting out and are saddled with crushing levels of school debt. I have long fought for legislation that makes it easier for students to pay off their loans and to encourage others who may be reluctant to pursue higher education degrees, due to a lack of financial resources, especially when it comes to costly professional degrees including veterinary medicine. My legislation will help students pursue their educational goals, while also providing important services to underserved rural areas by enhancing the assistance veterinary graduates receive in exchange for meaningful public service. Agriculture is the top contributor to our South Dakota economy. For those farmers and ranchers who make their living in agriculture, this is more than a job; it is a way of life. Our ranchers, many of whom operate in very rural areas, rely on the access they have to qualified veterinarians to care for their livestock. Adequate access to veterinary care in rural areas is critical for both human and animal health, as well as animal welfare, disease surveillance, public safety and economic development across America. Everyone in America benefits from the veterinary services provided in even the most remote areas of our nation. As such, I am committed to doing all I can to help bring veterinarians to underserved parts of our state. I am proud to have fought for the establishment of the VMLRP program, and through my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have worked year after year to secure its proper funding. Unfortunately, however, the taxes assessed on these benefits prevent us from using congressionally appropriated funding to the fullest extent. For every three veterinarians selected for the loan repayment awards, an additional veterinarian could also be selected to serve in an underserved shortage area if the program was made exempt from taxes. Such a tax exemption is not without precedent; Congress exempted from taxation the assistance received by participants in the National Health Services Corps, NHSC, in 2004, and I hope that my colleagues will join me in extending this same type of assistance to veterinarians participating in the VMLRP program. It should be noted that nearly 140 organizations from across the nation have announced their support for a tax exemption for VMLRP, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Sheep Industry Association, the National Farmers Union, and the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association, South Dakota Farm Bureau, South Dakota Farmers Union, South Dakota Cattlemen's Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and many, many others. Agriculture is the economic engine that drives our rural communities, and without viable family farms and ranchers, our small towns and Main Street businesses throughout South Dakota and our nation would face significant hardships. It is absolutely essential that our agricultural producers have access to the services they need to be successful and responsible, and the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act will help make that possible. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a letter of support be printed in the Record.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today in advance of the Third Annual National Association of Chain Drug Stores RxIMPACT Day to recognize pharmacy contributions to the American health care system. Over the course of the next 2 days, over 300 members of the pharmacy community, including practicing pharmacists, pharmacy school faculty and students, State pharmacy leaders and pharmacy company executives, will visit Capitol Hill to share their views with Congress about the importance of protecting access to neighborhood pharmacies and utilizing pharmacists to improve quality and reduce health costs. Pharmacists play an important role in improving our health care system by providing services and expertise that help patients manage their medications and overall health. In many communities, pharmacists are the most accessible health care provider group. Today's pharmacies offer a variety of preventive healthcare services including immunizations and vaccinations, health screening services, disease management services and routine advice on the best and most effective over-the-counter products for patients' specific needs. Through medication therapy management, MTM, pharmacists reduce medical errors and help patients manage and adhere to their prescribed therapies. Drug therapy management services can play a critical role in improving the quality of care and containing health care costs, as these services help patients make the best possible use of their medications. MTM services require a partnership of the pharmacist, the patient or their caregiver, and other health professionals to promote the safe and effective use of medications and help patients achieve targeted health outcomes. I am pleased the Affordable Care Act recognized the health benefits and cost savings associated with MTM and includes a series of grant programs to encourage MTM as part of coordinated care models and chronic disease initiatives. Reform also improves the MTM benefit in Medicare Part D and establishes a bonus payment for Medicare Advantage plans that promote MTM. Analysis conducted by the New England Healthcare Institute estimates that the overall cost of incorrect use of medication is as much as $290 billion per year, not to mention the avoidable loss of quality of life for patients and their loved ones. With increasing evidence this benefit can improve patient health outcomes, I support community pharmacy's efforts to strengthen the MTM benefit. I joined colleagues earlier this year in introducing the Medication Therapy Management Empowerment Act. In addition to extending MTM services to seniors and others struggling with chronic conditions, this bill provides appropriate reimbursement for pharmacists' time and service. The bill also establishes standards for data collection to evaluate and improve the Part D MTM benefit. Throughout my service in Congress, I have been a strong supporter of pharmacies and recognize their important role in our health care system. Today, I celebrate the value of pharmacy and support efforts to protect access to neighborhood pharmacies and utilize pharmacies to improve the quality and reduce the costs of health care. I commend pharmacy leaders, pharmacists, students, and executives and the pharmacy community for their contributions to improving the health of the American people.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I submitted a resolution with my friend, Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi, to recognize and celebrate the importance of cooperatives to our economy, and our rural communities in particular. In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared 2012 as ``The International Year of Cooperatives'' through a resolution calling on governments to recognize the important role cooperatives play in providing economic opportunity for millions of people in the United States and throughout the world. Our resolution highlights the impact of cooperatives and encourages the development of programs, both here and abroad, for cooperative development. The Capper-Volstead Act of 1922 was the first legal protection for the cooperative business model in which a business is democratically controlled and owned by its members and operates for the mutual benefit of its members. The membership of a cooperative is comprised of the individuals who use the business' services or buy its goods. The Capper-Volstead Act was originally enacted with the purpose of legally empowering farmers to pool their marketing resources and to improve farmers' bargaining power with the buyers of their products. The cooperative business model has since expanded to other areas of the economy, and has contributed significantly to economic growth in rural communities. A recent study from the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives found that today, 29,000 U.S. cooperatives operate at 73,000 places of business throughout the country. They have a significant impact on the economy, employing around 2 million people and generating more than $650 billion in revenue annually. Additionally, the member-owned and controlled nature of cooperatives, particularly in rural States like South Dakota, helps to ensure that economic activity remains in the community. Having a membership stake in a local business tends to make one more likely to buy goods or services from that business, thereby contributing to local economic development. Research has even shown that when consumers find out a business is organized as a cooperative, they are more likely to do business with that entity. Overall, Americans hold 350 million memberships in cooperatives. A majority of our Nation's farmers are members of nearly 3,000 farmer- owned cooperatives, which provide more than 250 thousand jobs in our economy. There are more than 900 rural electric cooperatives servicing 42 million people in almost every State, and over 91 million people bank at more than 7,500 credit unions throughout the country. In South Dakota alone, 81 farm supply and marketing cooperatives claim 65,000 memberships, generating $5.3 billion in annual revenue. The 50 credit unions located in my home State hold 24,600 memberships and generate $2.2 billion in assets. Additionally, there are 125,000 members of the 30 electric cooperatives and 49,000 members of 11 telephone cooperatives throughout the State. Cooperatives clearly take many different forms in our communities, providing jobs and opportunities for rural residents, and in the case of agriculture, provide new markets for the products they produce. My resolution will officially include the United States in recognizing 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives, and encourage the growth and development of businesses throughout the world. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of cooperatives and pass this important resolution this year.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I recognize Youth Art Month and congratulate Samantha Kenaston of Mitchell, SD, on designing the winning State entry for the national student flag design program. Each March, the Council for Art Education sponsors National Youth Art Month. I appreciate the importance of arts education for children of all ages and am pleased with the work being done across South Dakota to promote and spotlight student artwork. This year marks the 50th anniversary of National Youth Art Month. This month, schools across our country will partner with local businesses and communities to support the arts and display students' art work. In South Dakota, the Dakota Discovery Museum in Mitchell, the Aberdeen Recreation and Culture Center, and Presentation College in Aberdeen are just a few of the partners that will be hosting galleries and shows to display the artwork of South Dakota's many talented student artists. This is the first year South Dakota has participated in the Youth Art Month flag design competition. Students from across our State designed flags to creatively represent the essence of our great State. I congratulate Samantha ``Sam'' Kenaston on designing the winning flag for the inaugural South Dakota Youth Art Month flag design competition. Sam is a seventh grade student at Mitchell Middle School. According to Sam's teacher, Ms. Renee Berg, Sam is a talented student and art is her favorite class. Sam also has a love for animals, which is often reflected in her artwork, and she aspires to become a veterinarian when she grows up. Sam's winning flag features a drawing of a pheasant, the State bird of South Dakota. Sam's flag will be displayed on March 9, 2011, at a ceremony in Washington, DC, to honor the winners of the State flag competition, and her flag will then be displayed in Seattle, WA, at the National Art Education Conference. As a member of the Senate Cultural Caucus, I recognize the importance of promoting arts and humanities in our communities and schools. I am pleased that Youth Art Month activities in South Dakota and across our country are highlighting the importance of art for our children's education. I am proud of Sam and the many talented student artists in our State.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I recognize a devoted and dedicated public servant in my home State of South Dakota. Sue Roust has served as Minnehaha County auditor for five terms and is retiring. During her tenure of public service in Minnehaha County, the number of registered voters in the county has grown from 75,000 to over 108,000. She has effectively managed 24 county elections as well as Sioux Falls city and school elections. In total, she has overseen the counting of over 1.3 million ballots. Additionally, Sue manages the accounting functions for the county. During her 20 years of service, the county budget has quadrupled. She has provided oversight and counsel on a number of important issues impacting the county. She has also utilized her position as county auditor to educate the general public on numerous issues. She has maintained a high level of professionalism and commitment to community service during her two decades of service. In addition to her elected service, Sue has served in various leadership capacities for many community organizations, including the PTA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, United Way, the Sioux Falls Washington High School Booster Club, the Dow Rummel Village board of trustees, the Sioux Falls Business and Professional Women, and the First Congregational Church. She currently serves on the board of Here4Youth, an organization which provides day care and out-of-school care to children ages 3-21 with a special emphasis on children with special needs. I commend Sue for her great dedication and commitment to the people of Minnehaha County and the State of South Dakota. She can take great pride in her service. I want to wish Sue and her family all the best in retirement and good luck in all future endeavors.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the Dolan-Justice family on the 100th anniversary of owning the Grant County Review of Milbank, SD. This occasion highlights the Dolan-Justice family commitment to the newspaper industry and to the Grant County community. On February 11, 1911, 24-year-old William S. Dolan acquired the Grant County Review. This started a 46-year adventure as editor of the small town weekly newspaper. In a time with virtually no access to television or radio, the local newspaper was the only source of news for small town South Dakota. With no experience in news media, William quickly learned the ropes. The Grant County Review became a family affair. William's wife, Christine Olson, was a trusted adviser to the paper, and his sister-in-law, Victoria Olson, even set the type on the linograph machine by hand. While other surrounding newspapers folded, William's accounting background and hard work enabled the Grant County Review to continue through the 20th century. A fierce rivalry began between the Grant County Review and the Herald Review, pitting each paper against each other for advertisers and breaking news stories. Often Dolan and the editor of the Herald Review would trade blows in the editorial section of their papers. Sticking with the family tradition for journalism, William's daughter Phyllis pursued a journalism degree at South Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota. She then came back to write for the paper and help her father run the day-to-day activities. The family paper soon hired a printer, Clarence Justice. Clarence worked for many papers before coming to the Grant County Review, including the Miller Gazette, the Interlakes Daily, and the Miller Press. After William S. Dolan passed away, his family took over operation of the Grant County Review, with his wife Christine served as the new publisher, and his daughter Phyllis as the new editor. William always fought for small business and rural farmers, and served as the president for the Board of Regents, overseeing South Dakota's public universities. In 1962, William S. Dolan was elected to the South Dakota Newspaper Hall of Fame. In 1982, Phyllis was elected as the first female president of the South Dakota Press Association, and in 1988 she joined her father in the South Dakota Newspaper Hall of Fame. Phyllis' boundary breaking honors serve as an inspiration to women in journalism. Clarence and Phyllis both received distinguished service awards for their work in journalism for the South Dakota Newspaper Association. In 1997, the Grant County Review received the distinguished Bishop Dudley award from the Diocese of Sioux Falls, for Clarence and Phyllis' dedication to integrity and religious values. The Grant County Review has the largest readership of any weekly newspaper in the State. This achievement highlights the incredible devotion this family and the paper's employees have to the responsibility of disseminating the news. I am proud to honor the Dolan-Justice family on reaching this hallmark, and on being reliable, responsible members of the journalism community.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish, with great honor and pride, to pay tribute to a member of the Fourth estate in my home State of South Dakota. Terry Woster's career in journalism has spanned 44 years--an impressive mark in any profession, most certainly in the newspaper field. Terry was born to Henry and Marie Woster and grew up on a farm near Reliance in Lyman County. He graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1962 and from South Dakota State University in 1966 with a degree in journalism. Terry grew up with two brothers and two sisters, fondly known as the Woster clan. Terry married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Gust, after finishing college. Together they raised three children in Pierre. Terry began his journalism career in 1967 at the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. He covered sports, wrote features, and was a photographer for 2 years before he went to work for the Associated Press in Pierre. After 9 years with the AP covering the Capitol and politics, Terry became editor of the Pierre Times and then managing editor for the Daily Capitol Journal. He became the Capitol reporter for the Argus Leader, a position he held for 22 years. Readers of the Argus Leader, as well as other South Dakota newspapers, have become acquainted with Terry and his chosen topics through his weekly human interest columns. His writings accurately reflect life in South Dakota and have sometimes earned him the title of South Dakota's poet laureate. South Dakotans have come to know the man who treasures his family, recounting many stories of growing up near Reliance, playing basketball for Chamberlain High, and boating on the Missouri River. He loves history, politics, and enjoyed going to work every day in Pierre where he got to know the Governors, legislators, and all who worked in the South Dakota State Capitol Building. His strong sense of community service was reflected in many ways including service on the Pierre Library Board. Terry's journalism skills have earned him many prestigious awards over the years. The Argus Leader, South Dakota Farmers' Union, South Dakota Newspaper Association, and South Dakota Press Association have all presented him awards. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from South Dakota State University. Terry has authored and published three books, including ``South Dakota 100,'' ``The Woster Brothers' Brand,'' written with his brothers, Kevin and Jim, and ``The Spirit of Sioux Falls.'' South Dakotans of all political persuasions know Terry Woster as a fair and well-respected reporter. I am among those who have long valued Terry's political reporting, wit, and wisdom. I also am proud to call Terry a friend. We have shared our experience with prostate cancer and are proud of our wives who are breast cancer survivors. Thank you, Terry, for sharing your career and personal life with the newspaper readers and the citizens of South Dakota, and congratulations on a career filled with professionalism and dedication. You can take great pride in your career achievements and accomplishments, and you are a true credit to the State of South Dakota.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 45th anniversary of Youth and Family Services, YFS, a wonderful nonprofit organization based in Rapid City, SD, that provides support services for children and families. YFS has steadily grown in the last 45 years to become a thriving center of support to more than 11,000 children and their families every year. Beginning in 1965, the organization was known as Girls Club and was one of many organizations offering programs and services to children and families. With hard work and a devotion to serving others, Girls Club evolved into Youth and Family Services, growing dramatically to incorporate several programs that offered similar services. YFS is one of the most comprehensive youth development organizations in western South Dakota. The available programs have been consistently expanded to encompass more of the community. Working closely with other organizations, YFS remains focused on fulfilling its mission statement to help children and their families be capable, caring, and contributing members of their communities. YFS is working to serve an additional 3,000 to 5,000 children and families by expanding programs within child obesity prevention, healthy eating, and fatherhood programming, along with many others. In these hard economic times, the programs offered are even more critical, and YFS is building a strong endowment to ensure that they can continue to serve. I am proud to recognize Youth and Family Services and all the people who have made reaching its 45th anniversary a success. The goals of Youth and Family Services are praiseworthy. This organization plays a vitally important role in western South Dakota, and I am thankful for all the devoted citizens who make the programs possible.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to Frank Woodruff Buckles on the occasion of his 110th birthday. Frank has gained fame as the last living World War I veteran in the United States and has humbly accepted praise on behalf of the veterans who have gone before him. His story, like that of so many of the doughboys, is one of patriotism. As a 16-year-old in 1917, Frank lied to a military recruiter about his age so that he could join the Army. Once overseas, Frank served as an ambulance driver in England and France. Following the Armistice, Frank was part of a company returning prisoners of war back to Germany. During World War II, while working for a private shipping company in Manila, Frank spent 3 years and 2 months as a Japanese prisoner-of-war. He still has, to this day, the small tin cup that he ate his paltry meals out of during that time period. While we appropriately honor Frank for his service to our country, we should also recognize him for his longevity. His 110 years of life are no doubt due to his dedication to fitness and his love of learning. Well into his hundreds, Frank was still doing 50 situps a day and driving both his car and his tractor. Frank's love of learning has led him to learn numerous foreign languages and read countless books. Frank never intended to have the distinction of being the last American World War I veteran. As he has said, ``I knew it would happen to somebody, but I didn't necessarily think it was going to be me.'' Mr. President, I think you will agree with me that Mr. Buckles has accepted this honor with grace and humility. We salute you today, Frank Buckles, and wish you the best on this special occasion.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I recognize a public servant from my home State of South Dakota. Greg Harmon is retiring from the National Weather Service, NWS, after 37 years of Federal service, including the last 20 years as the meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, SD. During his many years at the National Weather Service, Greg always displayed a steadfast awareness of the effect the weather has on everyone. Greg began his career as a summer intern with the NWS in Eugene, OR, before becoming the fire weather program manager for the western region in Salt Lake, UT. During his many years at the National Weather Service, Greg always displayed a steadfast awareness of the impact of weather on the citizens of South Dakota. Greg and his staff have utilized their collective expertise to educate and inform South Dakotans on the general aspects of the weather but have also provided expert guidance in times of extreme weather events, from tornadoes and hail to floods and blizzards. As an example of Greg's work and leadership, I recall the events of May 30, 1998, when a violent tornado struck the small town of Spencer, SD. The event killed six residents and almost destroyed the entire community. Just before the tornado hit Spencer, the warning siren was silenced when electrical power to the community was cut off. Following the tornado, I initiated efforts at the Federal level to fund a weather radio network to cover much of South Dakota's population and geography. The NOAA weather radio can be the most effective warning system, but at the time of the Spencer event only a few larger communities had the system. Greg became my partner in helping to educate the general public on the importance of the weather radio and in helping to expand the communications system so that most of the State could receive the weather radio signal. During his years of public service, Greg has witnessed many changes in the development of weather observation and climate forecasts. His skills, professional attitude and dedication to his work has been a shining example to our community and our state. It is my hope that Greg leaves the National Weather Service post knowing he greatly impacted the lives of many people by the protection of life and property during adverse weather conditions. I wish Greg all the best in his retirement.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I recognize the public service career of Clarion ``Clem'' Felchle, who will retire from the U.S. Postal Service on January 3, 2011, after 36 years of Federal service. Clem's career with the U.S. Postal Service began as a distribution clerk in Grand Forks, ND, followed by tour supervisor of mails in Bismarck, ND; superintendent of postal operations in St. Cloud, MN; director of city operations, director of mail processing and manager of processing & distribution, Fargo, ND; postmaster, processing & distribution manager in Sioux Falls, SD; bulk main center manager, Kansas City, KS, with his final assignment as Dakotas district manager in Sioux Falls. He received PCES Superior Achievement awards in 2006 and 2007, as well as the ``Above and Beyond'' award given by the National Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve for his strong support of our Nation's military. Clem has witnessed numerous changes within the Postal Service during his career. He provided dedicated and tireless service and contributed greatly to the betterment of the organization. Throughout his service, he has always been committed to those tried and true missions and mottos of the Postal Service: ``To provide postal services to bind the nation together through the personal, educational, literary and business correspondence of the people. It shall provide prompt, reliable and efficient services to patrons and render services to all communities'' and ``Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.''As Dakotas district manager, Clem has helped guide postal customers and postal employees through various challenges. Technological advances have put the emphasis of some postal duties on machines rather than manpower and many small community post offices have been forced to close or reduce services. Clem has approached these challenges and changing times with the utmost level of professionalism, dedication and a sense of humor. I have appreciated the level of response from Clem and his staff over the years and I commend him for his great public service career. I wish Clem all the best in his retirement and again thank him for his dedicated service to the U.S. Postal Service.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, each November we set aside a day of healing for those who have lost someone to suicide. I rise today to again recognize Saturday, November 20 as National Survivors of Suicide Day. In 1999, a Senate resolution created this annual event through the efforts of Senator Harry Reid who lost his father to suicide. This year, on November 20, over 270 conferences will take place in the U.S. and around the world to allow survivors of suicide the opportunity to connect with others who have experienced the tragedy of suicide loss and to allow for healing interactions. The importance of this day is amplified by the shocking statistics on suicide--suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. Nationwide, approximately 90 lives are lost to suicide each day and over 34,000 die by suicide each year. Suicide is truly an epidemic that devastates thousands of families in the United States each year. In my State of South Dakota, one suicide occurs every 3 to 4 days and 107 lives are lost each year. These statistics place South Dakota among a group of Western States that consistently has a higher rate of suicide than the rest of the country. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among all South Dakotans and is the second leading cause of death of South Dakotans between the ages of 15-34. Suicide among American Indians in South Dakota is of particular concern--the suicide rate for American Indians ages 15-34 is more than three times higher than the national average and the suicide rate for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe is the highest in the world. Last year, 16-year-old Dana Lee Jetty, a tribal member from the Spirit Lake Dakotah Nation in North Dakota, who lost her 14-year-old sister to suicide spoke before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs: We need to make sure that our communities and our people know how to reach out for help if they need it and we need to make sure that the help is there when they ask. We must take Ms. Jetty's words to heart and provide tribes with the resources they need to implement effective suicide prevention programs. It is critical to strengthen the social fabric to help improve mental health with effective and culturally sensitive prevention programs. It is necessary to expand access to mental health services nationwide, including a focus on education, prevention and intervention. Furthermore, we need to acknowledge the obstacles that suicide survivors face during their grieving and encourage the involvement of survivors in healing activities and prevention programs. I believe with appropriate support and treatment, suicide survivors can lead effective advocacy efforts to reduce the incidence of suicide and find healing themselves. The loss of so many lives to suicide is truly a crisis, and it is imperative to provide support for all those left behind. It is my hope that National Suicide Survivors Day will promote the broad based support that each survivor deserves and increase awareness of the need for greater efforts in addressing the root causes of suicide in Indian Country and throughout the Nation.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of November as American Diabetes Month. National studies estimate 23.6 million Americans have diabetes and a quarter of people with diabetes do not know they have this disease. The State of South Dakota is home to nearly 40,000 diabetic adults, a figure which does not take into account the number of people who are undiagnosed, who are living with prediabetes, or those under age 18 who have child-onset diabetes, which is a growing problem linked to the increase of childhood obesity. American Diabetes Month focuses on increased awareness of the disease and its risks. The disease carries with it an increased rate of heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation of the lower extremities, among other associated health problems. As the prevalence of diabetes increases, we are beginning to understand the costs to both our citizens' health and to our economy. The high costs to our government in direct medical and indirect costs, coupled with the personal costs of rising health care coverage and treatment, make diabetes control and prevention a national priority. Throughout my career in the U.S. House and Senate, I have strongly supported initiatives that would advance research, funding and education about diabetes, such as those conducted at the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two special funding programs hold great promise in our efforts to prevent and cure diabetes among South Dakotans and our Nation at large. The Special Funding Program for Type One Diabetes Research provides additional funding for the National Institutes of Health to expand its juvenile diabetes research efforts. The program has funded clinical trials to test various drugs and therapies, increased understanding about reversing complications from the disease, improving our ability to predict risk of development, and helped develop new technologies for treatment. I also am a proud supporter of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, SDPI, which has addressed the high incidence of diabetes among Native Americans for the past 13 years by providing grants to tribal and urban Indian programs to create or enhance diabetes prevention and treatment efforts. Through SDPI, the Indian Health Service has helped reduce diabetes-related complications, improve glucose and blood pressure levels and increase participation in treatment programs throughout the Native American population. Despite these advances, SDPI has found the incidence of type 2 diabetes among Indian children is steadily rising; as a result, they have developed plans to increase early education and prevention efforts in schools. This year, Congress achieved comprehensive reform of our Nation's health care system. This historic legislation will improve access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans and help our country better manage the treatment and cost of chronic diseases. Given the cost of diabetes to American's personal finances and our economy, it is clear that increased awareness and funding for diabetes education and prevention should be a priority. I am pleased health care reform recognizes the significant impact of diabetes to our nation and includes efforts to specifically target the disease, including the creation of a National Diabetes Prevention Program. American Diabetes Month provides us an opportunity to learn more about this disease, raise awareness about effective prevention strategies, encourage additional funding for research, and address the overall impact of diabetes on our Nation and our families.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I introduce legislation that will enable livestock producers who have been affected by excessive precipitation to have access to emergency feed stocks. The rain producers faced last fall, coupled with the abnormal snowfall this winter and the subsequent rain this spring and summer, has led to major flooding throughout South Dakota, particularly in the northeastern part of our State. Unfortunately, there are many areas in which land that would normally be available for planting was not available because of the wet conditions. As a result of the flooding earlier this year, many producers claimed prevented planting coverage through their crop insurance policies. A side effect of the flooding was that many producers have faced a shortage of forage for their livestock. I have spoken with many producers who would like to be able to plant a secondary crop on land that has qualified for prevented planting coverage for the purposes of providing emergency feed for their own livestock. As currently provided by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000, in States like South Dakota, which are not permitted to plant two crops during a single year, a producer loses 65 percent of their prevented planting compensation if they plant a secondary crop and harvest or graze that crop before the end of the crop year, which is interpreted as November 1 by the Risk Management Agency, RMA. The actual production history, APH, of the land is also reduced to 60 percent of the normal yield for that year. Given the suffering producers in my State have experienced this year because of flooding, it is necessary to provide them the flexibility they need to stay in business. My legislation would permit producers to plant and harvest or graze a secondary crop before November 1 for the purposes of ensuring sufficient feed for their livestock without penalty of a reduction in prevented planting coverage and benefits. In order to ensure accountability, my legislation would require producers to own livestock, to have suffered from excessive precipitation which prohibited the first crop from being planted by the Risk Management Agency's final planting date for that crop, and the producer must use the second crop only for feed for their own livestock. The producer would not be permitted to sell the crop. Additionally, any revenue generated from the second planting would be taken into account when calculating the producer's benefits from Federal disaster programs, like the Supplemental Revenue, SURE, Assistance Program. Ultimately, this legislation is very fiscally responsible as it would encourage a reduction in Federal dollars spent on disaster assistance. Agriculture is a vital industry in South Dakota. Year after year, our producers continue to provide the world with a cheap, safe, and abundant source of food, fuel, and fiber. In fact, according to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, each year on average, one South Dakota producer raises enough food to feed 144 people. Our farmers and ranchers are absolutely essential to ensuring we can feed an ever- growing world population and to the continued growth of our State's economy, and my legislation would help them through rough times when factors outside of their control, like the weather, would otherwise force them out of business.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I introduce legislation that will enable livestock producers who have been affected by excessive precipitation to have access to emergency feed stocks. The rain producers faced last fall, coupled with the abnormal snowfall this winter and the subsequent rain this spring and summer, has led to major flooding throughout South Dakota, particularly in the northeastern part of our State. Unfortunately, there are many areas in which land that would normally be available for planting was not available because of the wet conditions. As a result of the flooding earlier this year, many producers claimed prevented planting coverage through their crop insurance policies. A side effect of the flooding was that many producers have faced a shortage of forage for their livestock. I have spoken with many producers who would like to be able to plant a secondary crop on land that has qualified for prevented planting coverage for the purposes of providing emergency feed for their own livestock. As currently provided by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000, in States like South Dakota, which are not permitted to plant two crops during a single year, a producer loses 65 percent of their prevented planting compensation if they plant a secondary crop and harvest or graze that crop before the end of the crop year, which is interpreted as November 1 by the Risk Management Agency, RMA. The actual production history, APH, of the land is also reduced to 60 percent of the normal yield for that year. Given the suffering producers in my State have experienced this year because of flooding, it is necessary to provide them the flexibility they need to stay in business. My legislation would permit producers to plant and harvest or graze a secondary crop before November 1 for the purposes of ensuring sufficient feed for their livestock without penalty of a reduction in prevented planting coverage and benefits. In order to ensure accountability, my legislation would require producers to own livestock, to have suffered from excessive precipitation which prohibited the first crop from being planted by the Risk Management Agency's final planting date for that crop, and the producer must use the second crop only for feed for their own livestock. The producer would not be permitted to sell the crop. Additionally, any revenue generated from the second planting would be taken into account when calculating the producer's benefits from Federal disaster programs, like the Supplemental Revenue, SURE, Assistance Program. Ultimately, this legislation is very fiscally responsible as it would encourage a reduction in Federal dollars spent on disaster assistance. Agriculture is a vital industry in South Dakota. Year after year, our producers continue to provide the world with a cheap, safe, and abundant source of food, fuel, and fiber. In fact, according to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, each year on average, one South Dakota producer raises enough food to feed 144 people. Our farmers and ranchers are absolutely essential to ensuring we can feed an ever- growing world population and to the continued growth of our State's economy, and my legislation would help them through rough times when factors outside of their control, like the weather, would otherwise force them out of business.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a public servant from my home State of South Dakota. Sheryl Miller is retiring from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, after 33 years of Federal service, including 32 with HUD and the last dozen years as the field director of the South Dakota HUD office. During her years at HUD, she has always displayed a steadfast awareness of the housing needs of South Dakotans and a commitment to share and convey agency policies and information. When confronted with congressional and public inquiries, she always handled issues in a timely manner and networked well within the agency to provide complete and concise answers to questions. By all accounts, Sheryl always displayed a pleasant demeanor and was a true professional in her work ethic and dedication to public service. Sheryl has an extensive background working with HUD programs in single and multi-family housing, public housing and community planning and development. She has served in HUD positions in the Denver and San Francisco regional offices. She has definitely satisfied the credentials earned with her master degree in public administration from Drake University. During her years of service, Sheryl has witnessed many changes in public housing policies and priorities. Because of her dedicated work, countless families in South Dakota have been helped immensely in obtaining or maintaining public housing. This has a dramatic impact on the livelihood of the individual family, but also has a dramatic positive impact on the community and State. It is my hope that Sheryl leaves her HUD post knowing that she greatly impacted the lives of many people and there can be fewer greater rewards in a public service career. I wish Sheryl all the best in her retirement.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of Dakota Wesleyan University, DWU, in Mitchell, SD. DWU has provided a well-rounded education that emphasizes learning, leadership, faith, and service to its students since its founding 125 years ago. Graduates of the university have gone on to become great community and professional leaders. Today, under the leadership of President Robert Duffett, DWU strives to connect its proud heritage with its promising future. In 1883, a group of Methodist settlers received a charter to found the Dakota Wesleyan University. DWU serves as the university for the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Soon after the university opened, Dakota Wesleyan students demonstrated their success through their excellent oratorical skills. They participated in the Intercollegiate Oratorical Contest and won 5 of its first 11 competitions. This is just one of many examples of DWU students' ability to excel. With a student body just larger than 750 people, the university offers a very personalized experience. The university is composed of three colleges: the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Healthcare, Fitness and Sciences, and the College of Leadership and Public Service. These colleges allow for students to pursue an education in both liberal arts and professional programs. In addition to academic programs, students also participate in service work to aid people in South Dakota and around the world. Recent mission trip locations have included Tanzania and Mexico, where students served those living in extreme poverty. Through the Leadership and Public Service Program, students have the opportunity to study contemporary issues and perform public service through internship placements. Such broad educational opportunities provided by DWU help students explore citizenry locally and internationally. On Saturday, October 2, 2010, DWU will celebrate its Blue and White Bash at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. Dakota Wesleyan University has provided our State quality education and a positive social environment. DWU students are well equipped to succeed in a competitive world, delivering countless benefits to organizations and communities close to home and around the globe. With alumni as accomplished as former U.S. Senator George McGovern and his wife Eleanor McGovern, DWU continues to live up to its mission of being ``a leading university that educates students to identify and develop their individual talents for successful lives in service to God and the common good.''

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize an important milestone in the effort of delivering meaningful health reform for all Americans. Six months ago, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law, and the first major patient protections now take effect to help Americans obtain and keep meaningful health care coverage. I am reminded of all the South Dakotan families and businesses that have contacted me to voice their thoughts about health care, share their personal experiences, and find out how reform will help them. Reforms in place today end some of the worst insurance industry abuses by implementing a Patient's Bill of Rights. These provisions protect children with a preexisting condition from being denied coverage, allow parents to provide insurance for their children through their young adult years, prohibit profit-driven insurance companies from rescinding benefits as soon as someone becomes sick and eliminate lifetime limits and restrict annual limits on benefits. As more provisions of the Affordable Care Act are implemented, it is important we do not forget the health care crisis facing our Nation and the consequences of inaction. The latest U.S. Census report confirms that, while some were spinning mistruths about a government takeover of health care, more and more Americans were losing their health insurance coverage. Last year, the number of insured individuals and families dropped for the first time the Census starting tracking that data in 1987. Nearly 51 million Americans are uninsured, compared to 46 million the previous year. The Affordable Care Act puts in place assurances that no more Americans will be priced out of the private health insurance market or denied coverage by discriminatory insurance practices. Americans will no longer pay more every year for fewer benefits, be denied coverage for a preexisting medical condition, or lose coverage altogether just for getting sick. The Patient's Bill of Rights taking effect today eliminates the worst practices of the insurance industry that took advantage of American families for far too long. But insurance market reforms alone will not address all shortcomings of our health care system. The Affordable Care Act also includes important investments in strengthening and growing our health care workforce, improving access to preventive and wellness programs, and addressing waste, fraud and abuse. I supported health care reform to give our Nation the best chance of improving our system and reigning in costs. One of our biggest challenges remains the fact that we spend more on health care than any other country, 50 percent more per capita than the next highest spender, and yet have poorer health outcomes than most. Health reform cannot change that fact overnight, but it does provide us with a path forward and the tools to improve the way our system works for everyone. Health economists have noted that reform finally implements a myriad of bipartisan proposals to rein in costs that have been circulating for decades. These commonsense changes to our health care delivery system will ensure we are getting our money's worth and ensure citizens have access to affordable health care. Health reform has made a significant step forward in addressing the drivers behind increasing health care costs and placing us in a more fiscally sustainable direction. The new law isn't perfect--few major pieces of legislation are--and the work is not finished in delivering meaningful health reform for all Americans. But with inaction not an option, the passage of the Affordable Care Act laid the foundation for improving the American health care system. The new law is a product of compromise and in that same spirit I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure health reform is delivering for South Dakotans and all Americans.