Tim Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of the DISCLOSE Act. The Citizens United case opened the floodgates to unprecedented spending from super PACs and outside interests. I am concerned this ruling has effectively given those with the deepest pockets the loudest voice. This is a situation that works to the detriment of our democracy because the flood of secret money is drowning out the voices of working families. In the elections following the Citizens United case, corporate and special-interest money has poured into our political system. In the 2010 midterm election, there was a fourfold increase in spending from these entities in comparison to 2006. During that same timeframe, anonymous spending by organizations rose from 1 percent in 2006 to 44 percent in 2010. In response to the surge in secret election spending by special interests, the DISCLOSE Act seeks to restore accountability and transparency in our country's elections. The bill represents an important first step in addressing the many problems created by the Citizens United ruling. Even the Supreme Court reckoned that greater transparency would likely be needed to mitigate the risk of corruption as a result of its ruling. Therefore, I am baffled by my colleagues who are dragging their heels on such a commonsense measure. Voters deserve to know who is making large donations to influence an election. The DISCLOSE Act would give Americans the information they need to take back control and hold elected officials and large corporations accountable. To those who remain opposed to this bill, I urge you to reconsider your position and support this critically important legislation.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Absolutely not. That section is intended to help public and private sector providers to better coordinate service and allow for more private investment in public transportation projects. Public providers of public transportation do our Nation a great service in providing affordable efficient service, lowering pollution, and easing traffic congestion. There is no reason to have a policy that favors private-public transportation service, and this language does not do so.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Absolutely. Nothing in this bill changes the fact that decisions to use public or private service should be up to local providers. We firmly believe that the public versus private question should be decided on the basis of local needs, not ideology. And most importantly, the Federal Government should remain neutral, and it should not intrude on local decisionmaking. The language in current 49 U.S.C. 5306 regarding private sector participation states that such issues are guided by local policies, criteria, and decisionmaking. This bill maintains this language, reaffirming Congress' commitment to local control on this issue.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to speak in support of the surface transportation conference report. As chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, which is responsible for authorizing the public transportation portion of the bill, I was proud to serve as one of the conferees. After intense and exhaustive negotiations our conference committee reached an agreement on a bill that will benefit every American. In my home State of South Dakota alone, this bill will support 10,000 jobs and across the country it will support nearly 3 million jobs. It will improve rural transit service and make our Nation's highways safer and more efficient. I am relieved that we will not let another construction season go by without certainty of Federal funding. From the start, the Banking Committee worked in a bipartisan fashion on the transit reauthorization which is why we were able to pass our portion of this bill out of committee by a unanimous voice vote. I am happy to say that most of our committee-passed bill is still intact in the final product we have before us today. This conference report will increase funding for public transportation through the end of fiscal year 2014 and deliver critical investments in the Nation's aging transit infrastructure. In addition, the bill will institute much needed reforms such as speeding the construction of public transportation projects. The bill also includes transit safety provisions that have been stalled for 3 years. Finally, our bill increases formula funding for all types of transit: additional urban and rural formula funds, new money for every State to address state of good repair needs, and more money for tribal transit. Our Nation's transit systems need more than $77 billion to address backlogged repairs. This bill can't address all of those needs, but it can ensure that our transit systems don't fall further behind. Americans make 35 million trips on public transportation every weekday. Many of these trips are in our cities, but in places like South Dakota, rural transit service connects seniors with their doctors and helps our workers travel long distances to get to jobs. Everyone benefits from public transportation, and this is a bill the American people deserve. This bill wouldn't have been possible without the hard work and determination of more people than I can name today. However, there are a few in particular that I must single out. We would not be at the finish line today if we didn't have Senator Boxer as our conference chairwoman. And Senator Menendez, our Transportation Subcommittee chairman, worked side-by-side with me on transit since we started work on this bill last year. I thank them for their support. And I would be remiss if I did not mention my staff. Homer Carlisle, my lead transit aide, did outstanding work in helping craft this bill. In the last year, he worked countless late nights that often lasted into the early morning. Additionally, Charles Yi and Dwight Fettig were instrumental in getting us to this point today. There is just so much credit to go around. We had four committees working on this bill and without such dedicated hard-working staffs we could not have reached this agreement. I am also pleased this conference report will provide stability to the Flood Insurance Program by reauthorizing it for 5 years. The National Flood Insurance Program protects millions of homeowners and is critically important to our Nation's housing market. As the people of South Dakota and others across the country have experienced firsthand, flooding is responsible for more damage and economic loss than any other type of natural disaster. It affects people across the Nation, in every State, which is why we are going to do the right thing today and pass this bipartisan legislation to provide stability and much needed reforms for the program. Since 2008, when our last long-term reauthorization expired, we have passed 18 short-term extensions of this program. During this time, the program has lapsed 5 times, for as long as 33 days, with detrimental effects on homeowners and the insurance and housing markets. By passing this bill, we will end the uncertainty of month-to-month extensions for the NFIP and the families and businesses that rely on its $1.2 trillion of coverage. This bill is not perfect, and no one has gotten everything that they wanted. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a bipartisan agreement on addressing the outstanding debt of the program that has accumulated since Hurricane Katrina. But we have found enough common ground to move critically important reforms forward. As part of that effort, I want to thank my colleagues on the Banking Committee and in the House for their cooperation and input. The flood insurance bill didn't just come together in one night. It came together in countless late nights worked by staff over the last year. So I want to take this opportunity to thank my committee staff-- Beth Cooper, Brett Hewitt, Chris Ledoux, Glen Sears, Laura Swanson, and Charles Yi for their work on this legislation. Additionally, I want to thank Alison Wright MacDonald and James Ollen-Smith from the Office of Legislative Counsel. Lastly, I am pleased that the conference report includes a provision to avert a catastrophic interest rate hike on student loans. If Congress had failed to act, over 7 million students, including an estimated 31,000 undergraduates in South Dakota, would have seen their interest rates double. Earlier this month, I talked with students at Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls. They told me a rate hike would make it harder for them to complete their schooling and would likely deter countless students from pursuing their higher education goals. At a time when too many students are graduating with enormous debt loads, we should not make it more difficult for students to finance their education and manage their debt. I am glad we have reached an agreement that prevents the rate hike from taking effect. This is an important victory for students across South Dakota and throughout our country. In passing this conference report we will send a clear message that it is still possible to work across the aisle and pass commonsense bipartisan legislation in the interest of the American people. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and I yield the floor.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 125th anniversary of the founding of Eureka, SD. Eureka is a town with a remarkable history deeply intertwined with the State of South Dakota and the country at large. At its founding in 1887, Eureka was merely the end of the line for one section of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad, but its bountiful water supply and strategic location between Bismark, ND and Pierre, SD assured that within just 5 years it would become the largest primary wheat shipping point in the entire world. It also became a haven for ethnic Germans who fled the oppression of Czarist Russia, a cultural heritage which is proudly maintained today. During World War II, Eureka again proved its worth to the country, as its proud farmers worked hard to make sure America's Armed Forces overseas were well fed. More modern town heroes include Kathryn Schulkoski, who served as the town's librarian for 42 years, and whose name is now borne by the library she dedicated her life to. The town has produced nationally known figures as well, including Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today, and Marlene Hagge, a founding member of the LPGA and inductee to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Today, Eureka keeps its heritage alive with events such as the annual Schmeckfest, first started by the town's Germans from Russia chapter in 1987, which continues to be a major draw for visitors; the Eureka Pioneer Museum, which gives visitors a wonderful look at the town's history and features a famous 37 foot tall wheat stalk statue; and of course kuchen, the delicious pastry dish which, after successful lobbying by the town, became the official dessert of the State of South Dakota. Eureka will celebrate its quasquicentennial with carnivals, a parade, concerts, and a fireworks display over Lake Eureka. These events will bring the town's residents together and remind them of their long and rich history. Once again, I congratulate Eureka on reaching this milestone and all it has accomplished in the process. I also join its residents in believing that the town's best days lie ahead.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Oliver Phillip Brown Wolf, a World War II veteran of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. Brown Wolf passed away on May 28, 2012. The community of Eagle Butte, SD and the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation has lost a war hero and friend. Oliver Brown Wolf was born on February 4, 1924 in Ziebach County, SD. At the age of 18 years old, Oliver enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 and served during World War II. Brown Wolf was a part of the U.S. Army 42nd Infantry Division and served as infantry scout and was involved in the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp. Oliver received three Bronze Stars for his service in World War II and was honorably discharged in March of 1946. Oliver Brown Wolf continued his service as an appointed tribal veterans service officer for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, which he held for more than 25 years. Brown Wolf also was a member of the American Legion Post #308 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Oliver dedicated his life to ensuring that veterans received the honor and recognition that they deserved for their military service. Throughout his life, Oliver was also committed to his culture and his family. Oliver was a member of many cultural organizations on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. He enjoyed sharing his Lakota way of life with the community. Oliver played a vital role in starting a cultural center and the International Sundance for the community. Oliver Brown Wolf's family is very proud of his service to his country, tribe, and fellow veterans. This untiring service will surely be missed by those who had the opportunity to meet and work with Oliver. At the center of each Tribal community, strong leaders are present to provide guidance and advice, and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe certainly benefited from Oliver's contributions.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of the founding of Orient, SD. Orient is a warm and tight knit community, and residents are proud of their town's legacy of accomplishment. The people of Orient will be celebrating the quasquicentennial anniversary of their community on the weekend of July 6-8. Orient was founded when a small group of Civil War veterans moved westward in hopes of establishing their own town in the Dakota Territory. Having fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, they originally hoped to name their new home Gettysburg, but soon realized that a town by that name was located less than three miles east. Although the exact origins of the name Orient are unknown, it is believed that Donald McKary and L. J. Jones decided on the final name for the nascent town. Orient was officially recognized as a town on October 3, 1887. Orient flourished as a result of the railroad that ran through the town at the time of its founding. In its first years as a small, vibrant community, it rightfully earned the nickname, ``The Metropolis of the Great Ree Valley.'' Early Orient was home to its own literary society, singing school, attorney, drug store, and many other small businesses, including the town newspaper, ``The Weekly Pioneer.'' The hardy community weathered many challenges, including fires, tornadoes, and some of the most severe blizzards in American history, but through these obstacles, Orient remained optimistic and determined. Residents of Orient plan to commemorate their town's anniversary with a weekend of events, including a school reunion, parade, softball tournament, and dance. The celebration will also include digging up the 1987 Time Capsule, buried on the centennial anniversary of Orient's founding, as well as a reflection of ``Life in Orient,'' which will bring together residents of the town from 25, 50, and 75 years ago. Orient was founded by a coalition of veterans, dreaming of a friendly and energetic community they could call home. To this day, that legacy lives on, and towns like Orient represent the foundation of South Dakota, embodying the values our State holds dear. I am proud to congratulate the people of Orient on reaching this historic milestone.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a very important South Dakota business and visitor attraction that is observing its 75th anniversary this year. Reptile Gardens has been a main focal point for Black Hills area residents and the touring general public since 1937. It all began in 1935 when 19-year-old Earl Brockelsby discovered people's interest in snakes. As a young tour guide at a local Rapid City attraction, this fearless snake enthusiast would often end his tours by removing his hat and revealing a live rattlesnake coiled on top of his head. With the help of some friends, Earl built an 18-by-24-foot building at the top of a long hill outside of Rapid City and put a handful of specimens on display. Even then, the young entrepreneur knew the vital importance of location, location, location, as back in the 1930s cars would often overheat as they reached the top of a long hill. Earl's idea was to have the cars stop in Reptile Gardens' parking lot to cool their radiators and maybe stay to see the gardens. Admission when the doors opened on June 3, 1937, was 10 cents for adults and 5 cents for children. That first day of operation, Black Hills Reptile Gardens took in $3.85. For the next 2 days, no one visited, and on the following 2 days, the attraction took in only 40 cents and 50 cents respectively. Fortunately, business would improve quickly, and by 1941 the business had 15 employees and was showing a profit. Today, over a quarter million people visit Reptile Gardens each year. Brockelsby was an acute businessman and one of the true tourism pioneers of South Dakota. He was also quite the practical joker. One of the many interesting stories prepared by Joe Maierhauser of Reptile Gardens includes Earl propping open the mouth of a dead alligator with the Sunday newspaper inside and setting it outside a friend's home. That friend happened to be the publisher of the Rapid City Journal. The attraction would go through a move in 1965 with the construction of a new highway and a modernization that would give visitors the rare opportunity to walk amongst free-roaming reptiles and birds. It was one of the first such exhibits in the United States. Over the many decades, Earl would become well known for his many trips to obtain various specimens to showcase at his attraction. From a one-man show in 1937, Reptile Gardens has expanded into a world- renowned team of animal specialists and conservationists. Their goal is to educate the public about important environmental issues and work closely with facilities worldwide on the preservation and care of rare specimens, not to mention educating school-aged children and the visiting public about various species and how they influence our world. From crocodiles and alligators, lizards, snakes and spiders, birds, flowers and tortoises, Reptile Gardens offers a truly educational and entertaining experience. Decades of visitors can recall the facility's mascot Methuselah, a giant Galapagos tortoise that was brought to the facility in 1954 and passed away last summer, as well as Mac the Scarlet Macaw, who had been at the facility since the mid-1950s and could recite most of the 20-minute snake show word for word. Reptile Gardens has a worldwide reputation amongst visitors as well as among animal specialists. In addition to the various shows and specimens on site that entertain, educate, and inform people of all ages, their workers provide important research and preservation of numerous rare species. Reptile Gardens continues to be operated by the Brockelsby family, maintaining the attraction as one of the must-see sites among the touring public in South Dakota. I congratulate and commend the Brockelsby family for their many years of service to the Black Hills and to South Dakota, as well as to the many workers and specialists who have worked there over the past 75 years. Sons John and Jeff Brockelsby and daughters Judee Oldham and Janet Jacobs have preserved the legacy of Earl and Maude Brockelsby with eye-popping displays, hands-on exhibits, and shows with a flair for the dramatic, all the while educating visitors on the importance of preservation and care of various species. I know Reptile Gardens will continue to be one of the most popular visitor attractions in South Dakota for many years to come, and I applaud the Brockelsby family for their lasting contributions to tourism, education, and species preservation.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I was unavoidably detained and unable to vote on the Boxer amendment No. 2456 this morning. If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of this amendment. It is important that the use of overflights to monitor compliance with the Clean Water Act be limited to circumstances where ground inspections of large industrial agriculture operations would not be as cost effective or sufficiently protective of public health and safety.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the community of Monroe, SD, on reaching the 125th Anniversary of its founding. This tightly knit community will have a chance to reflect on its past and contemplate its future. I congratulate the people of Monroe for reaching this milestone in their history. The eastern South Dakota townsite that became Monroe was founded in 1887 while it was still the Dakota Territory. Its location along the Chicago and North Western Railroad fueled the town's growth, and it was incorporated as Monroe in 1901. The first building in the town was a grain house, which was soon followed by a general store, which included a post office. In the early 20th century Monroe experienced a great deal of development and growth and that energy is still evident to this day. Monroe sought to preserve their spirit of togetherness by constructing a community center in 1990. The center houses the senior center and city office and was built using community funds and donations from the alumni of Monroe High School. Many events are held at the center, and it is a point of pride for the community. The people of Monroe plan to commemorate their town's anniversary with many community events including a craft fair, poker run, all- school reunion alumni banquet, and fireworks display. In addition, the community will host a tractor drive and ethanol plant tour to conclude the celebration. Monroe and its residents embody the small town values that make South Dakota a great State to live and work in. I am proud to join with the community of Monroe in celebrating the last 125 years, and look forward to what is, no doubt, a promising future.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of Pierpont, SD. The residents of Pierpont exemplify the strong sense of community and welcoming spirit that are defining traits of South Dakotans. Pierpont is a tranquil town nestled at the foot of the Coteau Hills, in Day County. The early settlers of Pierpont tenaciously petitioned the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad for a side track, so that farmers would have a nearby market for their grain. Charles Sheldon, a homesteader who later became the second governor of South Dakota, was the spokesman for the Pierpont farmers. Sheldon's negotiation was successful, and the farmers paid $500 to the railroad for the construction of the side track. In 1887, the first structures of what would become the town of Pierpont were built by the Empire Elevator Company. By 1888, the Post Office had opened and families began settling in the town. The turn of the century found a thriving, booming community with businesses that lined Main Street. To celebrate Pierpont's historical achievement, residents will join together for a weekend full of fun activities. An all-school alumni reunion, parade, car show, and a children's carnival are just a few of the exciting events that will take place. I am proud to recognize Pierpont on reaching this milestone and wish them nothing but the best in the future. Pierpont continues to be a prime example of the successful pioneer spirit that built South Dakota.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today to talk about the critically important piece of legislation currently before the Senate, the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act. But first I would like to thank Senators Stabenow and Roberts for the great work they have done to get us to this point in the reauthorization process. The bill as reported out of the Agriculture Committee saves taxpayers more than $23 billion over the next 10 years and will support millions of jobs. With this bill, we are taking several important steps in making our farm support system more responsive to actual need rather than sending payments to producers no matter what they grow. We are long past due in eliminating direct payments. At the same time, we are maintaining a strong crop insurance program and creating a new system that makes assistance available to producers when they actually experience a loss. Another important area of reform in this bill is payment limitations and ensuring that actual farmers receive payments. Senator Grassley and I have worked for years to lower the caps on our farm program payments and to direct payments to family farmers. The new Agriculture Risk Coverage Program contains a cap of $50,000 and requires that program payment recipients contribute labor to the farm operation. Current law has enabled multiple farm managers in an operation to qualify for separate farm program payments with as little participation as one conference call a year. Not anymore under this bill. I am disappointed that there have been amendments filed to weaken this language. I don't understand how anyone can stand before this body and justify sending Federal farm program payments to people who aren't engaged in agriculture. Our country faces serious fiscal challenges, and it seems to me that limiting farm payments to real farmers is a reasonable concept. I urge my colleagues to oppose efforts to weaken this language. With this bill we are also taking important steps to combine and streamline our conservation programs, while still allowing us to continue meeting the same land, water, and wildlife goals. Additionally, this bill contains a sodsaver provision that will discourage the breaking of native sod for crop production. One area of the bill with which I am disappointed is that it does not contain a livestock title. However, I have joined with some of my colleagues in filing amendments to give our independent livestock producers a fair shake in the marketplace. Along with Senator Grassley and others, I have worked for more than a decade to prohibit the ownership of livestock by the big meatpackers for more than 14 days prior to slaughter. Additionally, I have joined with Senator Enzi in filing an amendment to require more transparency in the use of forward contracts in the livestock markets. These are important provisions that I hope my colleagues will support. I also applaud the committee's work on the energy and rural development titles, which strengthen our rural economies. The Rural Development water and wastewater program has been a critical funding source to help alleviate a severe water infrastructure need on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. I hope my colleagues will act favorably on Senator Brown's amendment that I have cosponsored to bolster this and other Rural Development programs. Finally, I would like to commend efforts to address the pine beetle epidemic in the forestry title of this bill. The underlying bill does good work to increase flexibility, and I support the efforts of Senator Mark Udall and others to increase the resources we are providing to the Forest Service to address this threat to our forest health and public safety. I understand that the Agriculture Committee leaders and Senate leadership have been making progress in their negotiations toward an agreement on a path forward. I hope we can avoid letting a small minority of Senators hold up progress on this bill. It is time that we act and that we give our producers certainty. Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of the founding of the town of Hosmer, SD. Located in Edmunds County, Hosmer is a close-knit community with a rich cultural heritage and a strong tradition of farming. Named after Stella Hosmer, the railroad agent's wife, the town was founded in 1887 and officially incorporated in 1904. Early settlers arrived in Hosmer shortly after the town's founding. Most were German- Russians, who persevered despite drought, poor land, and grasshopper infestations. Thanks in part to its location along the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, by the 1920s Hosmer was a flourishing community. Local businesses popped up, including general stores, cream stations, churches, a drug store, meat market, and a hotel. Today in Hosmer they still honor the traditions of their German- Russian ancestors. Kuchen, German-style noodles, and German-style sausage are just a few of their culinary specialties, available in local establishments. Many residents proudly make their own sausage, much like the intrepid settlers who founded Hosmer 125 years ago. The people of Hosmer will be celebrating their quasquicentennial June 29 to July 1 with a complete schedule of events. There will be entertainment for children in the park, a free meal, car show, parade, dances, music, and performances. It promises to be a weekend full of family fun. Mr. President, 125 years after its founding, Hosmer continues to be a small town that represents the best South Dakota has to offer. I am honored to congratulate the people of Hosmer on this memorable occasion.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today to mark the passing of a great public servant from South Dakota, Senator James Abdnor. Senator Abdnor is remembered across South Dakota as a man that never lost touch with the people who elected him. Throughout his life, no matter what office he achieved, he was in his heart the same small town South Dakotan he had always been. He traveled the world, but wherever he went, he always took his hometown, Kennebec, SD, with him. Before he was a U.S. Senator, Jim Abdnor served in the South Dakota State Senate in Pierre, and spent 3 years as Lieutenant Governor. In 1972, he was elected to Congress, where he served three terms in the U.S. House. In 1980, he defeated Senator George McGovern to serve in the Senate, and later headed the Small Business Administration for 2 years under President Reagan. Beyond his official titles, Senator Abdnor was also the son of a Lebanese immigrant, an Army veteran, a farmer and rancher, an avid follower of small town baseball, and a father-figure to many of his staff members, who continue to carry out his legacy to this day. Senator Abdnor was regarded as a decent and humble man, by both political supporters and opponents. He would be the first to admit that he was not a flashy speaker, but, one-on-one, he had a way of connecting with people. Plain spoken, straightforward, friendly, and accessible--there are few politicians like Senator Abdnor, and our Nation is poorer for it. As one South Dakotan recently wrote, I may have voted for someone else, but I never voted against Jim. His service inspired countless South Dakotans on both sides of the aisle, and we all mourn his passing.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to my alma mater, the University of South Dakota, on their 150th anniversary. Throughout its history, USD has been a shining example of excellence in education, research, and service. USD consistently produces extraordinary graduates, prepared for the complex challenges of modern-day society. Founded in 1862 in Vermillion, USD has the distinction of being South Dakota's oldest university. Since its founding, the campus has grown from one building to 63, serving a student population of nearly 10,000. USD offers a complete range of undergraduate and graduate programs of study, as well as the only schools of law and medicine in South Dakota. Students are well-served by USD's liberal arts tradition, which encourages interdisciplinary study. This produces adaptable, well- rounded graduates, prepared for the ever-changing world. USD students have been awarded some of the most prestigious honors in academia including Rhodes, Fulbright, Truman, Udall, and Goldwater Scholarships. Graduate and undergraduate students frequently collaborate one-on-one with USD's dedicated faculty to conduct research. This high degree of collaboration is enabled by the university's 15 1 student-faculty ratio. Athletics are an important part of university life, and USD is no exception. The iconic DakotaDome is the cornerstone of USD Coyote athletics. This multipurpose 145,000 square foot structure has brought fans and athletes together for more than 30 years. The Coyotes have made the jump to division I, bringing increased exposure and a higher level of competition to the athletic program. It is a great pleasure to have this opportunity to honor the University of South Dakota for 150 years of academic success. USD is a family tradition; it is where I met my wife, Barbara, and when it was time for our three children to attend college they all chose USD. The world-class education I received at USD gave me skills and knowledge that serve me well to this today. I congratulate my good friend, President Jim Abbott, and the entire USD community on this milestone in the rich history of the university. As an alumnus, I would be remiss if I didn't close my statement with, ``Go Yotes!''

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam President, I rise to discuss today's unanimous, bipartisan approval of the Senate Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Human Rights Act. With this action, we are adding additional tough, targeted sanctions against the Iranian Government, making it clear to the Iranian Government that they must stop their illicit pursuit of nuclear weapons or face increased pressure on their economy. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that a longer statement of mine on the bill plus a summary be included in the Record following my remarks.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam President, earlier today the Senate passed by Unanimous Consent S. 2101, the Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Human Rights Acts of 2012 (ISHRA). The bill significantly increases pressure on Iran's leaders and I thank my colleagues for their support of this important measure. As we begin negotiations with our counterparts in the House, I want to expand on my comments from my earlier statement. I do so in order to provide my colleagues some clarification regarding a few provisions in the bill. First, section 201 of the Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Human Rights Acts of 2012 will impose sanctions, for the first time, against entities involved in joint ventures to develop petroleum resources outside of Iran that are established on or after January 1, 2002. Those joint ventures which qualify are joint ventures which involve the Government of Iran as a substantial partner or investor, or through which Iran could receive technological knowledge or equipment not previously available to it that could contribute to its ability to develop domestic petroleum resources. Further, even if ancillary agreements to implement an existing pre 2002 joint venture are agreed to on or after January 1, 2002, sanctions are not authorized to be imposed against any third-party to that joint venture or against persons who provide goods, services, technology or information to such a joint venture, as a result of their participation in or dealings with such venture, by virtue of such ancillary agreements. In addition, this legislation seeks to continue the long-standing tradition of ensuring that humanitarian trade, including agricultural commodities, food, medicine and medical products is specifically exempted by Congress from sanctions, on the condition that such trade be licensed by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC. It is becoming more apparent that U.S. financial sanctions targeting Iran's banking sector are causing increased concern among businesses and banks of our allies. The fear is that engaging in humanitarian trade in the current sanctions environment might lead to sanctions for legitimately licensed humanitarian trade. However, it is not and has not been the intent of U.S. policy to harm the Iranian people by prohibiting humanitarian trade that is licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department. OFAC consistently issues many licenses, both general and specific, for this type of trade. The practical financing difficulties arising today between banks and those engaging in licensed humanitarian trade can be best addressed by U.S. Government officials, who should do more to make it clear that no U.S. sanctions will be imposed against third-country banks that facilitate OFAC-licensed or exempted humanitarian trade. The Administration must make that clear in public statements, in private meetings with foreign financial institutions, and elsewhere as appropriate. Misinterpretation of U.S. law by foreign financial institutions should no longer deny the people of Iran the benefit of OFAC-approved humanitarian trade. I want to close by again thanking my colleagues for their support of ISHRA. I think this action sends an important message to the Iranians and the world that the U.S. will continue to increase sanctions until Iran verifiably abandons its illicit nuclear program. As we begin our work with the House, I will continue to press for the strongest and most effective sanctions legislation possible. I yield the floor.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to mark the 70th anniversary of Ellsworth Air Force Base. For the past seven decades, my home State of South Dakota has had the distinct honor of being home to Ellsworth Air Force Base. This weekend, I will gather in Rapid City with Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz, 28th Bomb Wing Commander Colonel Mark Weatherington, Governor Dennis Daugaard, Senator John Thune, Congresswoman Kristi Noem, past and present Airmen, and proud South Dakotans to celebrate this anniversary. A lot has changed since the Rapid City Army Air Base opened in 1942. At the time, the base served as a training location for B 17 Flying Fortress crews and thousands of pilots, navigators, radio operators, and gunners trained there during World War II. Over the years, the base has adapted and grown to support new missions but a reminder of its early days remains in the PRIDE hangar. This historic building was completed in 1949 to house the RB 36 Peacemakers and later was home to the 44th Strategic Missile Wing and the 77th Bomb Squadron. The 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base has been home to such impressive aircraft as the B 17 Flying Fortress, B 29 Superfortress, the RB 36 Peacemaker, the B 52 Stratofortress, and, for the past 25 years, the B 1B Lancer. All these planes have graced the skies of western South Dakota, offering South Dakotans a visual and audial reminder of the power of the United States Air Force. Ellsworth has played an important role in every major conflict since World War II, including flying over 6,000 combat sorties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom. On March 20, 2011, history was made as the first ever B 1B combat sorties launched directly from the United States to strike targets overseas were launched at Ellsworth and hit targets in Libya. Ellsworth continues to evolve and as we reflect on the past, we also look to a bright future for the base, including the arrival later this year of the MQ 9 Reaper mission. Ellsworth Air Force Base is the largest employer in western South Dakota and has had a significant economic impact on our State. The impact of the base on our State goes beyond the economic, however; the base and its personnel are a part of the fabric of our state. Rapid City, Box Elder, and communities throughout the Black Hills have enjoyed a friendly and mutually beneficial relationship with the base. This is something that, unfortunately, cannot be said at every military installation. This symbiotic relationship has displayed itself in numerous ways, such as in 1972 when base personnel assisted in the recovery and relief efforts when historic flooding struck Rapid City. When snowstorms crippled the region in 1949 and 1950, Ellsworth personnel airlifted food and hay bales to stranded ranchers and livestock. Today, personnel from Ellsworth contribute to many charitable efforts in the community, such as helping with the United Way's annual Day of Caring and the Children's Miracle Network. As I reflect on this anniversary, I'm reminded of all of the dedicated Airmen, past and present, that have served at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The Air Force is only as strong as its members, and Ellsworth has seen many talented, patriotic individuals over the past 70 years. Many former Wing Commanders have gone on to serve in top positions in the Air Force, including as commanders of U.S. Transportation Command, Air Education and Training Command, and Air Force Global Strike Command. Mr. President, for the past 70 years Ellsworth Air Force Base has made significant contributions to the State of South Dakota and the security of the United States. I commend Ellsworth Air Force Base on this occasion and know that the base, and the brave men and women who serve there, will continue to make invaluable contributions for decades to come. S. Res. 465

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. I rise today in support of H.R. 2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2012. After too much delay, it is time for the Senate to pass this bill. The Export-Import Bank supports nearly 290,000 jobs a year, assists thousands of American businesses, and helps reduce the Federal budget deficit. It shouldn't be surprising, then, to hear that the bank has the approval of labor unions, the chamber of commerce, the Business Roundtable, and the National Association of Manufacturers. Indeed, the bank is supported by a wide majority in both Houses of Congress. The bill before us today passed with an overwhelming vote of 330 to 93 in the House of Representatives last week as Republicans and Democrats came together in support of truly bipartisan legislation. When we passed a similar bill out of the Senate Banking Committee last year, it had unanimous bipartisan support. Despite the urgent need for passage of the bill, there are several Republican amendments. I urge all of my colleagues to vote against those amendments and pass this bill without delay. We are at the finish line today with a bill that has already been approved in the House and has bipartisan support in the Senate. Unless we pass this bill, the Ex- Im Bank's authorization will lapse on May 31 and nearly 300,000 American jobs will be at risk. Unless we pass this bill, American exporters will be put at a disadvantage with their foreign competitors, who, in many cases, receive far greater assistance from their own nations' export credit agencies. Let's come together and pass this bipartisan bill and score a victory for the hundreds of thousands of American workers whose jobs are supported by the Ex-Im Bank. I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendments and support reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank today so we can send this bill to the President and have it signed into law without delay. I yield the floor and note the absence of a quorum.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam President, I urge all Senators to support final passage of the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act. Passing this bill today will make sure American exporters will not be put at a disadvantage to their foreign competitors, that nearly 300,000 American jobs will not be put at risk, and that the Ex-Im Bank will continue to return hundreds of millions of dollars to the Treasury. I want to thank many of my colleagues for their leadership on this issue, including Ranking Member Shelby, Senator Warner, Senator Cantwell, and Majority Leader Reid. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize my staff for their hard work and important contributions to building bipartisan support for the reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank. In particular, I want to say a special thanks to Patrick Grant, Colin McGinnis, Adam Healy, Lev Bagramian, and Charles Yi, who did exceptional work in the Banking Committee to help us get to this point today. I am also pleased this bill, which passed out of the Banking Committee with unanimous bipartisan support, served as the framework for the House bill before us today. Once again, I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote on this important jobs legislation. I yield the floor.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize American agricultural producers on the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln signing legislation establishing the U.S. Department of Agriculture on May 15, 1862. As President Lincoln said in his last annual address to Congress, ``[The Department of Agriculture] is precisely the people's Department, in which they feel more directly concerned than in any other.'' Many don't realize it, but USDA plays a unique role in the daily lives of every single American, ranging from the programs available that assist rural small businesses to providing the support system that makes it possible for our farmers and ranchers to produce the most affordable and abundant food supply of any country in the world. As the main economic pillar and No. 1 industry in my State of South Dakota, it is important that we acknowledge and celebrate the economic importance of agriculture and the role that the USDA has played in implementing and supporting policies that have assisted our farmers and ranchers in becoming a leader in feeding, fueling, and clothing the world. USDA's work on food, agriculture, economic development, science, risk management, natural resources conservation, and a whole host of other issues has enabled the agriculture industry to establish itself as a critical component in our economic success while having an influence on the lives of every single American. The Department, in coordination with our Nation's farmers and ranchers, has helped allow families to put nutritious, healthy food on their tables at a lower cost than almost anywhere else in the world. On average, less than 10 percent of American consumers' disposable income is spent on food. Moreover, agriculture is the economic engine that drives our rural communities. Without viable family farms and ranches our small towns and Main Street businesses throughout South Dakota and our Nation would face significant hardships. According to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, the agriculture industry has a $20 billion economic impact each year, accounting for one-third of the State's economic activity. The 46,000 agricultural producers on 31,500 farms combine with associated industries to employ more than 143,000 South Dakotans. But the value of America's farmers and ranchers goes far beyond economic activity. Our producers are also the most productive in the world, providing the food, fuel, and fiber necessary to sustain us and millions of others throughout the world. Each year, just one South Dakota producer raises enough food to feed 155 people both here at home and abroad. As the world's population continues to grow to a projected 9 billion people by 2050, the demand for our agricultural products will only increase, and we will have to continue improving our productive capacity to double food production on fewer acres. The increased yields needed to overcome the challenges ahead cannot be accomplished without the full use of sound science and innovative technology. In providing public land for the establishment of colleges to further agricultural research and education, the Morrill Land Grant College Act, which was also signed into law by President Lincoln in 1862, gave us such institutions as South Dakota State University and will remain a lasting achievement for the ongoing progress of production agriculture. Therefore, on the 150th anniversary of its establishment, I commend USDA, and the American agricultural producers they assist, for providing the food, fuel, and fiber that we each rely on. I congratulate them and wish a happy birthday to USDA and those throughout the food chain. Senator KOHL. Mr. President, in the fall of 1859, just two years prior to his election to the presidency, Abraham Lincoln spoke to the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society in my hometown of Milwaukee, WI. Lincoln concluded his speech saying, ``Let us hope . . . that by the best cultivation of the physical world, beneath and around us, and the intellectual and moral world within us, we shall secure an individual, social, and political prosperity and happiness.'' Just 3 years later, President Lincoln created the Department of Agriculture with these words in mind. May 15, 2012 marks the 150th year of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA. Perhaps more than any other department, USDA connects Americans to the land and to each other in ways seen and unseen. From its formation in 1862 through today, the Department has served millions of American's in a multitude of innovative ways. From the earliest years of our Nation, agricultural production has been front and center. Today, roughly 1 out of every 12 Americans is employed in an agriculture related industry. Whether a producer, researcher, conservationist, food safety official, or one of many other agricultural professions, each person, including those who work in USDA, plays an important role in producing and delivering a safe and healthy food supply to the United States and the world. Colleges and universities around the country have produced research that has improved crop yields, plant and livestock health, and soil quality, among others. Research has also led to the widespread use of conservation practices on farmland. While there are many different types of conservation efforts supported by USDA, they all share the same goal--to maintain the health and vitality of American farmland for future years and future generations. Once research and conservation efforts have been applied it becomes the job of agricultural producers to efficiently harvest and deliver their product to markets around the corner, or across the country. I believe American agricultural producers are the best in the world at what they do. To help Americans sort through the incredible variety of their food choices at grocery stores or farmers markets, USDA provides critical guidance for nutrition assistance. Through the My Plate program and other nutrition education initiatives, USDA works to ensure that children, low-income individuals, seniors and the disabled not only understand what makes up a nutritious, healthy meal--but they create access to such meals year round, through programs such as the Special Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. These programs and others help feed those who have trouble accessing healthy foods, but they do so in a way that reinvests in agricultural producers and their rural communities. I believe USDA's most important achievement has been the fulfillment of Lincoln's vision--harmoniously using all the tools, resources and programs at its disposal to contribute to social prosperity and happiness through the cultivation of the American land and its people. It is with pride and respect that I honor USDA and our Nation's agriculture industry today.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise in support of H.R. 2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2012. I believe this jobs legislation will help provide U.S. exporters and workers with an important tool to compete in the global marketplace. The Export-Import Bank is the official export credit agency of the United States, and it assists in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets. Following the financial crisis, the bank experienced a dramatic increase in its activities as many companies struggled to find financing in the private market. Last year, the bank committed almost $33 billion in support of U.S. exports, a new record. The bank has been self-funding since 2008, returning nearly $2 billion to the Treasury. In fiscal year 2011 alone, the bank generated $400 million to offset Federal spending and bring down the budget deficit. When other countries are helping their own companies with export financing, we cannot afford to unilaterally disarm in the face of this global competition. The Export-Import Bank's charter directs it to use exports to support American jobs, and last year the Export-Import Bank supported almost 290,000 Americans jobs. These are jobs in cities and towns across the Nation, at large companies as well as small businesses. In fact, last year the Export-Import Bank financed more than $6 billion in exports by small businesses. In my home State of South Dakota, Ex-Im has worked with large and small businesses to help export goods all over the world. Last September, there was unanimous bipartisan support when we passed a 4-year reauthorization bill out of the Banking Committee. Unfortunately, that measure was blocked on the Senate floor in March. The legislation before us today reflects a bipartisan compromise developed in the House. While this bill is not perfect, I believe it is important to pass this legislation and ensure that the Export-Import Bank is able to continue providing financing assistance to American exporters and workers. This is a jobs bill. Earlier this week, the House passed this bill by an overwhelming majority, 330 to 93. This bill extends the authorization of the bank until 2014. Like the Senate bill, this legislation will increase the bank's lending authority to $140 billion. This is a significant improvement over earlier drafts in the House to only increase the cap to $113 billion. Adopting the Senate's proposed lending authority limit helped to improve this bill. There are also additional provisions in the House bill similar to provisions in the Senate bill that will add transparency and accountability requirements for the bank, improve the bank's information technology infrastructure, extend the bank's Sub-Saharan African Advisory Panel, and provide for greater oversight of the bank's financing and any risks it might have to taxpayers. I am also pleased the House included language that strengthens restrictions against companies doing business with Iran. These provisions, which reflect an earlier agreement by the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction, are vital to our efforts to increase the pressure on Iran's illicit nuclear program. I believe they are important provisions that strengthen the bill, and I am glad the House included them. Lastly, the legislation includes the Senate's language on domestic content. This language, which is supported by labor groups, has important protections in it to ensure that goods exported by the bank continue to be made in America. Although there were efforts in the House to weaken this provision, I am pleased to see the House accepted the Senate's position on this important issue. After multiple short-term extensions, I am relieved to see that this Congress will finally reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. I believe by reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank, we are taking an important step in supporting American businesses and workers. I commend Minority Whip Hoyer and Majority Leader Cantor in the House for coming to an agreement. I also thank Majority Leader Reid for his tireless efforts in working to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank. As chairman of the Banking Committee over the next few years, I will continue to closely monitor the efforts of the Ex-Im Bank to ensure that it is effectively and efficiently supporting American exporters and workers. Today I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and honor the public service of Rick Lee Mossman, who is retiring from the National Park Service after 35 years of dedicated service to protecting our nation's treasures and the people who visit them. Rick was born on April 30, 1955, to Dick and Carolyn Mossman in Topeka, KS. By the time he was 7 years old, Rick knew he wanted to become a park ranger. His life's work began in May of 1975, when he started his first job with the National Park Service as a seasonal GS 3 general ranger at Buffalo National River in Arkansas. In a career spanning more than 3 decades, Rick Mossman served at nine National Park Service units from Washington, DC to Alaska. During this time, he was an interpreter, front country and backcountry patrol ranger, a district ranger, and finally a Chief Ranger at his current location of Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. For the last 12 years, he has served on an All-Risk Incident Management Team tasked with responding to disasters such as Hurricanes Isabel and Rita or to managing the search effort for lost hikers. He has been the team's incident commander since September of 2009. Rick earned a degree in Wildlife Biology at Kansas State University. He and his wife Julie of 21 years have two sons, Thomas 18 and Jackson 16. Rick has passionately protected many of the special places that help define the United States of America. He has done this with a strong sense of dedication to duty and commitment to excellence. His work on the Intermountain Incident Management Team speaks to this. When a disaster befalls a National Park Service unit in the Intermountain Region or elsewhere in the Nation, the first call from the Regional Office is to Rick and his team to respond and help park service employees in peril. It is this dedication to helping others at a moment's notice that defines Rick's work ethic. The focus of Rick's life work has been the protection of public lands and the resources contained therein. He has accomplished this duty with an intense love for the places he worked. It is because of the service of people like Rick Mossman that visitors, past and present and future, enjoy the scenic beauty and heritage that make up the National Park Service. I am proud to recognize and honor Rick's service to the National Park Service and am delighted to join with his family and friends in congratulating him on his retirement. I wish Rick and Julie all the best as they begin a new chapter in their lives.