Tim Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I honor the board of directors and dedicated staff at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science in Sioux Falls, SD, on their accreditation by the American Associate of Museums. Since its creation in 1999, the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science has provided education and inspiration to those of all ages in the Sioux Falls region. The Washington Pavilion has three main program areas, all designed to make art and science a part of everyday life. The Kirby Science Discovery Center introduces visitors to things like hands-on archeology, weather, and space shuttles. The Wells Fargo CineDome Theatre allows viewers to travel the universe or witness nature in vivid detail. Lastly, the Visual Arts Center brings art to all generations with its six galleries and changing exhibits. I wish to congratulate the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science on reaching this milestone in their mission, and for their service to the community. Once again, I commend the individuals involved in this enterprise and am pleased to see them publicly honored with accreditation by the American Association of Museums.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, each November we celebrate American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month to honor the first inhabitants of this land and recognize the relationship this country has with American Indian people. In that same spirit, I would also like to specifically recognize the nine treaty tribes that I am honored to represent in South Dakota. American Indians are unique among other groups in this country because of the government-to-government relationship established through countless treaties--documents affirmed in article VI of our Constitution as the supreme law of the land. This special status and the strength of these age-old contracts have enabled American Indians to shape this country's history in profound ways, as tribal history is deeply entwined with America's. The continued fulfillment of our treaty and trust obligations along with a respect for the tenets of tribal sovereignty are thus essential responsibilities of this country. South Dakota's tribes have a special place in this history due to their proactive leadership in the Federal-tribal relationship. For example, the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie was entered into by Indian tribes in South Dakota that desired a peaceful relationship with the United States and a mutual recognition of sovereignty. In this treaty, like many others, the United States entered an agreement to end hostilities and for the cession of land, in return entering into a contract to provide assistance with education, health care, farming and other necessities; these responsibilities continue today. During this month of recognition and remembrance it is only appropriate to recognize the special status of the treaty tribes. In addition to this unique governmental relationship, American Indians actively enrich the fabric of our Nation's character in many ways. Tribal members have courageously served to protect America in every conflict since the Revolutionary War, and they have served at the highest rate of any group in the country. Tribal educational models are rapidly gaining respect for an approach that stresses the importance of history and culture as well as the skills necessary for students to prosper in an increasingly global world. American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month falls in the same month as Thanksgiving and I hope this affords us with the time to give thanks for the sacrifices of the first Americans. Once reduced to a population of less than 50,000, the American Indian population is now some 4.5 million strong. Their story, like that of the country as a whole, is a proud, resilient history and I am committed to supporting tribes as they continue to build a strong future. Observance of American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month honors the unique heritage of this country's first inhabitants, and most importantly reaffirms our responsibility to honor Indian treaties.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to speak in regards to the Blue Water Creek Massacre of 1855. On September 3, 1855, while camped near the Blue Water Creek in present day Nebraska, a group of Lakota were attacked by COL William S. Harney and his troops. According to Army records, 86 Lakota were killed and 70 captured. The Battle of Blue Water Creek is also known as the Battle of Ash Hollow or the Harney Massacre according to the Nebraska State Historical Society, which maintains a historical marker, along U.S. 26, 1\1/2\ miles west of Lewellen, NE. There are several historical accounts of what transpired that day in 1855 and the Little Thunder Tiospaye contacted me because they seek to commemorate and to preserve for future generations the history surrounding Mni To Wakpala--Blue Water Creek. They are the direct lineal descendants of Wakinyan Cikala--Little Thunder--a man who was amongst the leaders of that Lakota camp destroyed 153 years ago. Additional leaders who survived that morning include Iron Shell, Spotted Tail, and Red Leaf, each of whom also bore lineal descendants living upon Sicangu territories today. According to the family, oral history passed down through generations tells the story of the younger Little Thunder, a boy who survived the Massacre and subsequently journeyed to join his relatives once again. Without his survival, the Little Thunder Tiospaye would not exist today. I would like to recognize their work as they seek to honor their ancestors by collecting historical accounts, and locating important artifacts from this time in history. Accordingly, the Lakota language includes an expression that fits their mission: Hecel lena Oyate kin nipi kte, so that our people may live.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I recognize and commend the service of Lynn Carpenter of South Dakota. Mr. Carpenter is retiring from the Department of Veterans Affairs after over 34 years of honorable service to the agency. Lynn began his career with the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1974 after serving with the United States Army for 2 years. He continued his service in the National Guard for 18 more years, retiring in 2005. Lynn has served in various positions within the VA system, most recently as the Veterans Service Center Manager at the Sioux Falls VA Regional Office. During his tenure with the VA, Lynn has been an invaluable resource for veterans and their families. He has provided important counsel and advice to VA officials, veterans service officers and congressional members and their staff on a range of issues. Throughout his time with the VA, he has seen many changes in the system and was able to address the ever changing needs and concerns of veterans and their families. I have appreciated Lynn's willingness to take the time to answer questions and concerns from my staff members. I commend his dedication and commitment to making sure every veteran's case or question was always handled in a timely manner. Lynn can take great pride in his work during his Federal service career. In his retirement, he will spend more time fishing at his lake home in Big Stone. I wish Lynn, his wife Debbie, and their family all the best in retirement. It is with great honor that I share his impressive accomplishments with my colleagues, and I thank him for his service to this Nation and its veterans.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, it is no exaggeration to say that our economy is currently undergoing a period of extraordinary stress and volatility. South Dakota has not seen the highs and lows of the housing market in the same way as other areas of the country, and South Dakotans exercised strong personal responsibility when it came to buying their homes, which is why this mess is all so frustrating. It is very unfortunate that greedy, Wall Street investors brought us to this point, and that the regulators were asleep at the switch when we needed them most. There is no question that something must be done to address this situation. But, throughout this process, I have made clear that while this may be a necessary evil, it cannot be a gift that puts undue burden on the American taxpayer. I have struggled with this decision, as has the entire Congress. There is no question that there are reasonable people on both sides of this issue, and that the package before the Senate tonight is an improved version of the proposal the administration sent to Congress 2 weeks ago. However, despite the fact that this proposal has merits, I continue to have concerns that it lacks the necessary protections to fix the abuses that caused this problem, provides little direct assistance to American families, does not go far enough to cut the golden parachutes of irresponsible CEOs, and does not do enough to address American tax dollars benefiting foreign banks. The inclusion of the tax extenders package, a bill which I wholly support, and increases in Federal deposit insurance are important additions, but they do not address the underlying risk the $700 billion package is to our taxpayers. If we are to ask the American people to shoulder such a large and enduring burden because of the irresponsible and greedy actions of Wall Street then it is important that we get it right. This is closer, but it is not close enough. Consequently, I will vote against this bill tonight.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bob DeMersseman of Rapid City, SD, for over 22 years of service with the Rapid City Economic Development Partnership. Mr. DeMersseman is retiring this December after an impressive career of service with the Economic Development Partnership. For 19 of the 22 years, Bob served as president of the organization. During his tenure, Bob and his staff and the city's economic development groups have created and expanded two industrial parks, set up the low-interest Rapid Fund loan fund, developed the Western Research Alliance to promote a growing technology community and created the Black Hills Business Development Center, an incubator to help researchers, inventors and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into commercial ventures. Bob has been instrumental in forging vital and important relationships and partnerships with area Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, universities and community officials. There was a time when local communities didn't foster such working relationships and with the guidance and advice of leaders like Bob, this improved tremendously. Today, when one Black Hills community attracts or expands a business, other communities realize that they also benefit. While developing partnerships and relationships between communities and their leaders, Bob has also realized that economic development and attracting businesses and industries to the local area has become increasingly competitive. Bob along with other Rapid City and Black Hills leaders have done a commendable job in creating and developing more tools for the tool box to promote Rapid City and the Black Hills to national and international prospects. He has helped to acquire and expand land tracts for business and industrial parks, worked hard to promote and market Rapid City and the Black Hills communities and provided valuable guidance on issues impacting the future promotion and growth of Rapid City and the Black Hills region. He has worked hard to expand Rapid City's economic base. Here is what a few of Bob's peers say about his impact on economic development in the Rapid City area. ``In my opinion, Bob has been at the front end of developing a very diversified economic development program for Rapid City, and he will be remembered for putting a lot of great things in place,'' said Mark Merchen, chairman of Black Hills Vision, a group working to create a regional technology corridor. ``Bob has been such a key part of our team effort to create economic development in Rapid City,'' said Pat Burchill, chairman of the Rapid City Economic Development Foundation, the partnership's real estate arm. ``Our success has a lot to do with Bob's efforts.'' I commend Bob for his passionate dedication and tireless work to expand and enhance Rapid City's economic potential as well as helping to develop and promote that same potential in the Black Hills region. I wish him all the best in his retirement and know that he will bring a high level of enthusiasm, energy, dedication and commitment to his retirement endeavors.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, I wish today to recognize and commend George Strandell of South Dakota for his nearly 40 years of service to Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. George is retiring after serving the past 8 years as general manager and chief executive officer of Golden West. George worked for 19 years as a primary engineering consultant for the Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative before being hired as the company's outside plant engineer. He served in that capacity for 4 years before serving 8 years as district manager and then 8 years as general manager of Golden West. Throughout his career, George had dedicated himself to building effective relationships and partnerships on behalf of Golden West and the independent telecommunications industry. He is well-respected throughout South Dakota, the region and Nation as an effective communicator, an administrator willing to tackle and resolve personnel and industry challenges and issues. He is able to effectively communicate to elected leaders and officials on issues affecting Golden West customers, employees, and the independent industry. Throughout his career, he has always worked hard to put the customer first. He has helped expand and enhance Golden West's role in the industry, among allies and associates, but also improved the company's ability to serve rural communities and customers and the overall general public. George provided steadfast oversight to the South Dakota Network, which was formed by a number of South Dakota independent telecommunications firms to offer customers more choice in long distance service. George spent considerable time and effort working with other managers to ensure the network's success to move voice, data, and video over 20,000 miles of fiber optics throughout the region. Access lines have increased under George from 31,000 in 2000 to 43,000 in 2008, as well as Internet access increasing from 5,000 to 23,000 in the same period. On a national level, George has been a stalwart advocate in promoting and assisting the independent industry. He has served on numerous boards and committees that have advanced the promotion and understanding of the issues affecting the independent telecommunications firms and their customers. Over the years, I have relied on George's guidance and understanding of the many issues affecting the telecommunications industry. I have appreciated his insight and input and I want to wish him all the best in this well-deserved retirement. I know that whatever his pursuits in retirement, he will approach them with the same level-headed, calm, and committed approach that earned him deep respect over his accomplished career with Golden West.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, I wish today to recognize Rose Larson of Rapid City, SD. This summer, Rose retired from Federal service after a career spanning over 21 years. Rose worked as an office manager in the Rapid City district office for Senator Tom Daschle for approximately 18 years and joined my district office staff in March 2005. Over her years of service, she provided consistent and commendable service to both myself and Senator Daschle. Her expertise with the various office technologies often kept the offices up and running efficiently. She was also able to effectively serve as a front line of communication for the general public when they contacted my office with comments on issues of importance. Over 11 years ago, Rose was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought cancer with a steadfast passion and commitment to beat the disease. Her success has served as inspiration to others who have battled and are currently battling cancer. She has worked tirelessly to educate friends, family, and the general public on cancer prevention, treatment, and how to fight the disease. She has worked with the American Cancer Society on Relay for Life events in western South Dakota and helped develop teams to raise money to fight cancer. Rose is a beacon of hope and help to many South Dakotans fighting cancer. I want to congratulate Rose Larson for her many years of public service. Often she worked behind the scenes with little or no credit, but her dedicated service and knowledge of her duties was instrumental in the successful operation of the congressional offices she worked in. I want to wish Rose all the best in her retirement. I want to thank her for her great work ethic, her professionalism but most of all, her friendship.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I would like to ask the Senator from Vermont, the chairman of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, if he would enter into a colloquy with me about the Cooperative Development Program which is funded in his bill?

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I am pleased that the appropriations package which the Senate is now considering incorporates a trio of security-related funding measures, including the fiscal year 2009 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. This bill is important to the Nation's military forces and their families and to the military veterans who have served their country so valiantly. By passing this legislation, we will fulfill the promise we have made to support our veterans and military families by providing historic levels of funding for military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill totals a record $119.6 billion dollars, of which $72.8 billion is discretionary funding. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, discretionary funding totals $47.6 billion, $2.8 billion over the President's request and $4 billion above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level. This is a landmark level of funding which will greatly enhance the VA's ability to deliver veterans' benefits in a timely manner and to provide first-rate medical care in first-class medical facilities to veterans throughout the country. Within the VA budget, the funding for veterans health care also set a new benchmark at nearly $41 billion, almost $2 billion above the President's request. A key focus of this funding is medical research. Not only does this bill flatly reject the cuts in research funding proposed by the President, but it also provides a healthy increase over last year's funding level. This is crucial to ensure that the VA is on the forefront in providing innovative treatment for service-related diseases and complex combat injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, polytrauma injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I am also pleased that the bill establishes a $250 million rural health initiative targeted toward meeting the unique needs of veterans who live in remote and rural areas. South Dakota is a prime example of the need for this type of initiative. Many veterans in South Dakota are scattered in sparsely populated rural areas, and many others live on Native American reservations. These veterans must drive long distances in many cases hundreds of miles--to access medical care. Through the rural health care initiative, the VA can greatly expand its current rural health outreach and devote more resources to such programs as mobile clinics, telemedicine, community clinics, and shared health care services. Significantly, the Department will be able to implement targeted health care for rural areas without having to compete for funding with urban hospitals and clinics. For military construction, the bill provides $25 billion. This funding will provide for the most critical construction needs of our Nation's military, improving safety and security on our military bases in the United States and abroad, and enhancing the living conditions of our soldiers and their families. Mr. President, it is vitally important that the Senate act quickly on this spending package and see it signed into law before the end of the fiscal year so that we may speed this funding to the many programs that are essential to the health and well-being of our military forces, their families, and our Nation's veterans.

Mr. JOHNSON. I thank the chairman for his support and leadership on this issue. Ddg--1000 Zumwalt Destroyer Program

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. Chairman, I would like to commend your committee and all the work it has done to promote responsible international development. As you know, our Nation's cooperatives have played a significant role in our international development efforts for over 40 years. Mr. Chairman, your committee has been very supportive of the Cooperative Development Programs, and I applaud you for it. I am, however, concerned that the program may suffer due to the continuing resolution. The request for applications for the 5-year competitively bid Cooperative Development Program is set to be reissued this fall. For a number of years, you and the committee have worked to encourage the U.S. Agency for International Development to continue the program's successes by providing needed increased funding. As currently configured, this small program provides funding for eight grants that are on average less than $700,000 per year. I am concerned that under the continuing resolution, the new grants under this program will not be able to grow in accordance with intent of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee. Cooperatives have had a long and beneficial impact on the economy of my State, and I strongly support the Cooperative Development Program as it supports the growth of cooperatives as a means of spreading inclusive businesses in the developing world. This small but effective program enables U.S. cooperative development organizations to expand the use of this practical and beneficial development tool in our foreign assistance portfolio, and I hope that you can provide some insight on this issue.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 125th anniversary of the founding of University of Sioux Falls. Over the course of its history, USF has continuously produced extraordinary graduates with a Christian liberal arts education. In the modern, high- tech, and competitive environment in which we live, USF students are equipped with the skills that are essential for success. In education, technology, and research, USF is at the forefront of academic and cultural achievement, with enrollment now at 1,700 and a diverse student body from over 20 States. For 125 years, the university has helped students realize their potential by offering them a quality education and a positive social and religious environment. USF graduates are well-equipped to succeed in a competitive world, delivering countless benefits to organizations and communities close to home and around the globe. I am proud to have this opportunity to honor the University of Sioux Falls for its 125 years of outstanding service. I strongly commend their hard work and dedication, and I am very pleased that their substantial efforts are being publicly honored and celebrated.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to Sisseton resident Tammy Chase and her dedicated service to the South Dakota National Guard. Serving as the family readiness group leader, Tammy provides support to units, servicemembers, and families throughout South Dakota. When a soldier serves overseas, his or her family and friends must assume additional responsibilities and sacrifices. Thanks to the work of Tammy, and the family readiness group, South Dakota National Guard families are provided with an extended network of support and resources to help them through their time apart. Among her many tasks, Tammy maintains the telephone tree, publishes newsletters, provides baked goods to soldiers at monthly drills, organizes family events, and prepares families for possible deployments. Countless lives have been touched by her efforts. Tammy is dedicated and committed to her volunteer work; she has been the family readiness group leader for the past 11 years. She was recently recognized for her efforts when she was presented with the AMVETS PNC John S. Lorec National Guard Volunteer of the Year award at the National Guard Family Program conference in St. Louis, MO. I am pleased that Tammy's efforts are being publicly honored and celebrated with this prestigious award. I applaud her for her years of hard work. Tammy's work in our communities and State is a testament to her selfless service to our country. Tammy's efforts on behalf of all those that are currently serving in the National Guard are a shining example of patriotism, and we can all be inspired by her dedication and service.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I honor the board of directors and dedicated staff at Horizon Health Care on its 30th anniversary. In three decades, Horizon Health Care has been transformed into a pillar of the community by providing affordable health care to residents of rural South Dakota. Beginning as a group of concerned citizens with hopes of providing quality, affordable health care in rural southwest South Dakota, Horizon Health Care began in 1978 as Miner-Hamlin Health Care and Tri- County Health Care. With the help of Federal funding and a steady influx of various physicians, the separate health care entities in the area finally merged in 1998, continuing their mission to serve the area. Horizon Health Care is governed by a volunteer board of directors, comprised of 16 members representing the community, with John Mengenhausen being hired as the chief executive officer in 1983. I wish to congratulate the current and past directors and caregivers of Horizon Health Care on reaching this milestone for their business, and for their years of service to the community. Once again, I commend the individuals involved in this enterprise and am pleased to see them publicly honored.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, it is with great honor that today I recognize the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, for which the reunion is being held in Rapid City, SD. The Berlin Airlift Veterans Association will be holding the reunion September 29 through October 3, 2008. The first skirmishes of the Cold War began with the Soviet blockade of Berlin in 1948, which prevented residents of West Berlin from accessing food and fuel from outside the city indefinitely. Later deemed ``the greatest humanitarian airlift in history,'' American, British, and French Allies supplied the 2 million residents of West Berlin with coal, food, medicine, and other supplies. Through nearly 300,000 flights, 2.5 million tons of supplies were delivered before the USSR lifted the blockade in 1949. I am proud to have this opportunity to honor those involved in the Berlin Airlift, and their outstanding service to those in a most dire situation. The 50th anniversary reunion was held in Berlin in 1998, with President Clinton in attendance. Due to the deployment of B-29s from Ellsworth Air Force Base during the airlift, the 60th anniversary celebrations will be held in Rapid City, SD. Again, I commend the hard work and dedication of the American, British, and French pilots involved, and I am very pleased that their substantial efforts are being publicly honored and celebrated.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and congratulate the Rapid City Canyon Lake All-Star Little League baseball team. The Canyon Lake All-Stars, under coaches Doug Simons, Steve Nolan, and Jeff Minnick, have the honor of being the first South Dakota team to make it to the Little League World Series, held this year in Williamsport, PA. The Rapid City Canyon Lake All-Stars went through the Central Regional Tournament with wins over such teams as Kansas, with a final score 15-3, and Iowa, 9-8. They advanced to the Little League World Series where they played the Southeast, New England, and West teams. These young people represented Rapid City and South Dakota in an extraordinary fashion. While the final outcome of the Little League World Series was not what these young athletes had hoped for, their hard work and sportsmanship is representative of South Dakota. I would like to give credit to the coaches, parents, supporters, though especially the dedication of these young players. The community of Rapid City will recognize the hard work and sportsmanship this team has shown during the tournament with a welcome home celebration and parade Saturday. This is a well deserved victory and the team merits acknowledgment for their extraordinary achievement. I want to recognize Manager Doug Simons, Coach Steve Nolan, and Coach Jeff Minnick for their guidance and support to help make this year's team so successful. I also want to congratulate all of this year's team members: Logan Anderson, Cale Fierro, Tanner Hagen, Jonah Hanson, William Hendricks, Matthew Minnick, TJ Nolan, Mark Petereit, Jesse Riddle, Tanner Simons, Carter Wevik, Matthew Wilson, and Alec Winter. Again, congratulations to the Rapid City Canyon Lake All-Stars on fighting their way to the Little League World Series.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of the founding of the city of Epiphany, SD. After 125 years, this progressive community will have a chance to reflect on its past and future, and I congratulate the people of Epiphany for all that they have accomplished. Dating back to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the establishment of the Dakota Territory in 1861, and the Homestead Act of 1862, Epiphany is located in Hanson County in northeast South Dakota. The town witnessed an influx of residents after the arrival of Father William Kroeger in 1893, who was known for his medical studies and work to build the Church of Epiphany. This grand, historic landmark continues to be a beautiful and inspirational symbol of pride to the community and its residents. Epiphany originally featured several local businesses, including the J.P. Zeihen General Store, a blacksmith, saloon, barbershop, and cream station. Today, the town claims the Coonhunter Inn, the Village Hair Design, J & H Construction, and Denis & Evie Wingen's Appliance Shop. Epiphany commemorated its anniversary with a celebration on the weekend of August 1-3. Even 125 years after its founding, Epiphany continues to be a vibrant community. I am proud to honor the accomplishments of the people of Epiphany, and congratulate them on this impressive achievement.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, it is with great honor that today I recognize the 100th anniversary of Scandia Lutheran Church in Centerville, SD. This anniversary holds special meaning for my family and I, as my grandfather was previously blessed to be minister of Scandia Lutheran Church. For many years, the Scandia Lutheran Church has provided extraordinary spiritual assistance to individuals throughout the Centerville community. The church's religious leadership and commitment to education serve to inspire others, and its efforts in providing compassionate and spiritual guidance have enhanced the lives of countless South Dakotans. I am proud to have this opportunity to honor those, including my grandfather, who have made Scandia Lutheran Church what it is today. The celebration will be held September 13 and 14 with Bishop David Zellmer of the South Dakota Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church of America in attendance. Again, I commend the hard work and dedication of the pastors and congregation of Scandia Lutheran Church, and congratulate them on 100 years of worship.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish to recognize and congratulate Derek Miles, assistant coach of track and field at the University of South Dakota. As part of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, Derek will be traveling to Beijing to compete in the Men's Pole Vaulting Competition. Derek leads the students at the University of South Dakota in an extraordinary fashion. After graduating from USD, Derek has continued to exemplify and instill his work ethic and integrity in those he coaches. Derek has an amazing record in the pole vaulting community, finishing seventh at the 2004 Olympic games in Greece. It is wonderful that Derek is so motivated to enjoy athletic competition at such a high level. His positive attitude and strong motivation serve as a model for talented young athletes throughout South Dakota and the Nation to emulate. As a fellow University of South Dakota alum, I want to wish Derek congratulations and the best of luck in the upcoming 2008 Olympics.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I recognize a very important and historical event in South Dakota: the Missouri River reaching the Pine Ridge Reservation. On August 20, 2008, a celebration will be held in Wanblee, SD, to commemorate such a monumental milestone in the history of Pine Ridge. It has been nearly 20 years since Congress adopted the Mni Wiconi Act to bring clean water sources to the Pine Ridge Reservation. Bringing the Missouri River to the people of Pine Ridge will have an enormous impact in the overall quality of life of tribes and residents in the area. I have been pleased to work on this project with tribal leaders and residents during my tenure in Congress. I commend the Oglala Sioux Tribe Rural Water Supply System, the concerned tribal officials, and residents who have worked tirelessly, some since the 1960s, to bring a clean drinking water source to the people of the Pine Ridge Reservation. The event on August 20 is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the hard work and commitment involved in making this dream a reality, while looking forward to the great results that Missouri River water will bring to future generations. The impacts will be positive, they will be far-reaching, and they will be impressive. Again, congratulations to the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Rural Water Supply System on this historic event. People have waited a long time for this day to come, and I am glad it is finally a reality.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the Winner School District for its exceptional support to their National Guard and Reserve Employees. The Winner School District is one of 15 employers selected from across the Nation to receive top honors as a 2008 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the Department of Defense under the auspices of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to an employer for their outstanding support to their National Guard and Reserve employees. The school district was nominated by 2LT Derris Buus of the 155th Engineer Company, South Dakota Army National Guard. Buus had glowing remarks for his employer, ``The School District has always supported me and my family during times of deployment or training. Mary Fischer and Jim Drake have all made it a point to ensure that my family had everything they needed during my absence. They always made it very easy for me to pursue my career in the SDARNG as well as my career as an educator.'' The Winner School District provides a pay supplement for the entire length of deployment for its Guard and Reserve employees. Deployed employees received numerous care packages from the school board and the students. Daily e-mails were sent to deployed employees from students, teachers, principals, and the superintendent. Returning servicemembers teach the same grade and in the same classroom as they did prior to a deployment. School board members also aid the families of deployed employees. School board members mowed lawns, took children to athletic events, and in one instance, tended to an expectant mother throughout her pregnancy. The Winner School District is a shining example of patriotism, and it sets a golden example for all employers to follow. I hope we all may take to heart the excellence and dedication of the Winner School District.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish today to recognize and congratulate Brian Beaman of Selby, SD. As part of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, Brian will be travelling to Beijing to compete in the Men's 10M Air Pistol competition. Brian represents Selby and the citizens of South Dakota in an extraordinary fashion. Spending 2 years at South Dakota State University and finishing at Jacksonville State University, Brian has continued to exemplify the work ethic and integrity that originate in his South Dakotan roots. Brian is currently ranked second in the United States in the Men's 10M Air Pistol competition, and placed second at Nationals in 2007. This prestigious honor is a reflection of Brian's extraordinary talent and commitment to shooting. It is wonderful that he is so motivated to enjoy athletic competition at such a high level. Again, congratulations to Brian Beaman on fighting his way to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and I eagerly look forward to following his story of success throughout the games.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, the Red Cloud Indian School is worthy of much acclaim. Founded by Franciscan Sisters and Jesuits in 1888 as the Holy Rosary Mission, they strove to teach and maintain Oglala and western knowledge for the youth of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and its surrounding areas. In 1969 the school changed its name to Red Cloud Indian School out of respect and appreciation for the great Chief Red Cloud who petitioned the government to allow the establishment of the school. Today nearly 600 students are enrolled in classes spanning every grade from kindergarten through twelfth. The school is private and 97 percent of its funds come from private donors, as students are required to pay only a minimal fee to attend. Classes include a wide range of subjects, such as math, science, history, ethics, and Lakota culture. Combining this wide range of education helps retain the Lakota heritage while preparing students to enter the larger society. Red Cloud Indian School has made postsecondary education a priority and has done an exceptional job educating and preparing its students for the world. Seeking 100 percent college matriculation, the high school proudly touts that, in 2004, 94 percent of its graduating class pursued post-secondary education, the highest rate of any Indian school in the country. Since 1999, 32 Red Cloud students have received the Gates Millennium Scholarship. The Gates Millennium Scholarship Program was originally funded through a $1 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 1999. The program has two main goals: to encourage academic success and to provide absolute financial support to excellent minority students who have financial constraints that could otherwise inhibit their ability to attend college. To date, over 12,000 people have been awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship. The recent Gates Scholarship recipients of Red Cloud Indian School are as follows: 1999--Candace Brings Plenty; 2001--Sarah Yellow Boy and Lawrence Vigil; 2003--Donnel Ecoffey; 2004--Carmen Fourd, John Cross Dog, and Marie Zephier; 2005--Jason Clifford, Blue Dawn Little, Shayna Richards, and Sarah White; 2006--Rianna Albers, Jordan Herman, Larissa Little Moon, Dallas Nelson, Marissa O'Bryan, and Brandi Shortman; 2007--Monique Claymore, Sammi Herman, Samantha Janis, Tanner O'Daniel, Matthew Shoulders, Kaylynn Two Bulls, and Allison Weston; and 2008--David Anaya, Dylan Fills Pipe, Season Frank, Danielle Hudspeth, Chante Knight, Stevie Tobacco, Vern White Butterfly Jr., and Audrey White. Congratulations to the Red Cloud Indian School staff, students, and families. Their sustained success is very admirable and is worthy of the highest praise!

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish to speak today to recognize the Cheyenne River Youth Project in Eagle Butte, SD. This year, the Cheyenne River Youth Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary. From its beginnings in 1988, it has sought to assist the Lakota youth and families on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation by providing them with a nurturing environment and a sense of hope about their future. I am so proud of this project and the positive impact that it has had on those youth. Over the years, hundreds of volunteers from around the world have crossed the threshold at the Cheyenne River Youth Project and offered their time and their hearts to influence the lives of the Lakota youth. The project serves youth from as young as 4 years old to young adults of 18 years old. As we all know, these are critical years in development of young men and women. Combined with traditional customs and contemporary programs, the CRYP is a success story for other fledgling grassroots youth programs. I am so proud to have helped guide Federal resources to help with the construction and programming for the project. Julie Garreau, who has served as the executive director of the projects, has been a tireless advocate and deserves high praise for the love, hard work, and dedication she has shown for her community. I would also like to thank Olympic Gold Medal winner Billy Mills and his organization, Running Strong for American Indian Youth, for his work in his home State and across the Nation to help Native youth. His dedication to the Cheyenne River Youth is particularly evident in his efforts to assist the Cheyenne River Youth Project. On more than one occasion, I have had the opportunity to visit the Cheyenne River Youth Project, at its facilities in Eagle Butte, at ``The Main'' and the new Cokata Wiconi Teen Center. I couldn't be prouder of the accomplishments of its staff and its many volunteers of the past two decades! Congratulations and best wishes for many more years of service in the future!