Tim Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Taiwan as it prepares to celebrate its National Day on Monday. Double Ten Day, as it is known, marks the anniversary of the uprising on October 10, 1911, that led to the collapse of imperial rule in China. This year's commemoration takes on special meaning as Taiwan celebrates the 100th anniversary of this historic day. Over the years, we have seen Taiwan make a successful transition to democracy, holding elections and peacefully transferring power. As we look back on the achievements of the past century, we also look forward to a bright future for Taiwan. Taiwan is a valued ally of the United States. The United States has enjoyed a close friendship with Taiwan for many years, and I will continue working to strengthen this relationship. I wish the people of Taiwan sincere congratulations and best wishes on the 100th anniversary of their National Day.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Approximately one in six men will be diagnosed with this disease during their lifetime and it is estimated that over 240,000 men will be diagnosed with and over 33,000 men will die from the disease this year. While no cure has been found, early detection presents our best chance at saving lives. Public awareness of prostate cancer is improving but statistics demonstrate that more can be done to make awareness and early detection of this disease a national priority. The odds of successfully treating this disease improve with early detection, and health experts recommend that men begin receiving yearly screenings at age 50 or sooner for those men at high risk for the disease. In fact, studies have found that approximately 98 percent of men diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer are still living 10 years later, while only 18 percent of those diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease survive the first decade. More than 2 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives are still alive today. National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that early detection is vital in successfully treating this disease and, through screening, we truly can save lives. I am proud to add my voice to those who are working to fight prostate cancer, and I take this opportunity to recognize the families, professionals and advocates who work day after day to be a powerful voice for prostate cancer patients. I commend them on their tireless efforts to raise awareness of the risks, to promote early detection and treatment, and to further our efforts to understand and eliminate this disease. I urge all citizens to promote the use of early detection screening tests and to help advance the search for a cure of prostate cancer while supporting those individuals and families who face this devastating disease. I appreciate this opportunity to increase awareness about the importance of early detection in our efforts to defeat prostate cancer and express my support for those Americans fighting the battle against this disease.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and honor the service of Mrs. Margaret Edna Nachtigall upon her retirement as executive director of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association. Margaret was born on May 18, 1937, to parents Leslie and Edna Coates, in Edgemont, SD. She grew up and spent her childhood on the family ranch near Burdock, SD, which instilled in her a strong work ethic and a love of animals, especially horses and cattle. This love for animals blossomed into volunteer work with community agricultural education and outreach through the 4-H program. She could often be found showing her calves and lambs at the Fall River County Fair in Edgemont and the Western Junior Livestock Show in Rapid City. Her love for horses eventually led her to compete in barrel racing and break-away roping. In 1955, she even ended up fifth in break-away roping at the National High School Finals. Margaret's insatiable drive for learning, combined with her love of animals, eventually led her into the world of cattle breeding and the role that nutrition plays in reproduction. By the time she began her work for the American Breeder Service her business had grown to the point that she was booked solid during breeding season. That work ethic and passion extends into everything Margaret does. Margaret's service to the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association spans many years and has had a significant impact on the association and its members. I have always valued Margaret's insight and input on a number of issues impacting agriculture. She has offered a very important voice on behalf of South Dakota Stockgrowers and agriculture producers over the years and her knowledge, expertise and advice have helped guide me and my staff when it comes to general agriculture, farm and ranch, and trade policy. Her work helped us to finally get a country-of-origin labeling law in place in the 2008 farm bill and she helped to lay the groundwork for the livestock competition rule currently pending with USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration, GIPSA. In addition to the valuable input and guidance she has given me over the years, she also served as an effective and well-liked leader of the Stockgrowers Association. As just one testament to Margaret's leadership, Larry Nelson, past president of the organization, has this to say about her: ``Margaret has been an asset to the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association as our Executive Director. Her strong work ethic and her commitment to the independent, family-owned ranches of South Dakota have shown through her work. I am grateful for her dedication to advancing the policies of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and her work to promote our livestock industry.'' Margaret's life work on issues that concern cattle producers and their operations has been done because of an intense love for the ranching industry. It is because of the work of people like Margaret that the cattle and ranching industry continues to thrive and maintain its crucial role throughout South Dakota. I am proud to recognize and honor Margaret's retirement from the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, and am delighted to join with her family and friends in congratulating her on this occasion.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and congratulate the Rapid City Harney All-Star Little League for their impressive teamwork and sportsmanship. In the past 4 years, 2 other South Dakotan teams have earned their way into the Little League World Series. Like the teams that have gone before them, I believe the Harney All-Stars stand as strong examples of the very best this sport has to offer. These dedicated young athletes worked together as a team and exhibited the kind of sportsmanship that can serve as a model for every American, including professional athletes playing in the major leagues, to emulate. There is no doubt in my mind these young athletes played to the best of their abilities and truly had both the hearts and their heads in the game. I offer my sincere appreciation to all of this year's exceptional team members: Tristan Deming, Justin Kraemer, Riley McSherry, Seth Brewer, Zach Solano, Cameron Fees, Madden Pikula, Erik Petry, Timmy Paris, Kyle Maguire, Hayden McGriff and Brett Beyer. I would also like to acknowledge Coach Kasey McGriff, who helped lead the Harney team to the Little League World Series. These young people represented Rapid City and the State of 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 well represent the very best of South Dakota's values.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I recognize a broadcasting pioneer in my home state of South Dakota. KOTA Radio is celebrating its 75th anniversary this November and I would like to commend the great work of the Duhamel family in building KOTA into a well-respected and recognized broadcasting entity in western South Dakota and parts of Wyoming, Nebraska, and Montana. On November 26, 1936, Black Hills Broadcasting began radio operations as KOBH--Kall of the Black Hills--and began broadcasting from the penthouse of the Alex Johnson Hotel. The station became known as KOTA in 1945. Helen Duhamel purchased a minority interest in Black Hills Broadcasting in 1943, expanded her holdings in 1948, and by 1954 she had purchased all remaining common stock and Duhamel Enterprises was formed. She helped pave the way for women in South Dakota business and was one of the first women in the Nation to have such an integral role in the broadcasting business. Over the years, many members of the Duhamel family were intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of KOTA and Duhamel Enterprises. Helen continued to serve as president and general manager of the station until 1976, when her son William F. Duhamel took over both positions. Bill Duhamel has served amiably and with the highest degree of professionalism and dedication for the past 35 years and shows no signs of slowing down. Bill grew up at his mother's side around the station learning the broadcasting and journalism professions, and he passed on that passion to his daughter Helene, who serves as a television anchor at the station, and other family members over the years who have been integrally involved in the family businesses. As part of their celebration this year, Duhamel Enterprises has broadcast a daily reflection, going back to the same day in 1936 and providing listeners with recollections of local, state and national news items from that year. They are transferred in time and are reminded of local businesses, some that have long since shuttered while others remain vibrant and strong to this day. They are reminded of the cost of a gallon of milk or loaf of bread. The stories have rekindled great memories for listeners of all ages. KOTA and Duhamel Broadcasting has won numerous awards for their broadcasting and journalistic excellence over the years. The Duhamel family and their family of employees have been very involved as well in community activities, most notably the KOTA Care and Share Food Drive, which has been organizing massive food and monetary donation drives to help feed the area's hungry for the past 27 years. Over the years, Duhamel Enterprises has expanded broadcasting coverage to include the eastern half of Wyoming and the northwestern portion of Nebraska. The radio and broadcasting professionals at KOTA have been well-recognized and awarded for their excellence and many of the KOTA broadcasters were journalistic pioneers who helped foster and produce styles of news gathering and presentation styles envied by many young broadcasters. I congratulate KOTA Radio and Duhamel Enterprises as well as Bill Duhamel, members of the Duhamel family and their broadcasting family on the occasion of the station's 75th anniversary, as well as their numerous contributions to the Rapid City and Black Hills communities through journalistic and broadcasting excellence as well as their community presence.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the Export-Import Bank. Earlier today, I filed the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2011. This legislation was approved unanimously by the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs last Thursday. This legislation will ensure that the Bank remains able to continue to provide support for U.S. exporters and workers. The bill extends the authorization of the Bank for 4 years, and will increase the Bank's lending authority to $140 billion by 2015. It also strengthens transparency and accountability at the Bank, seeks to modernize the Bank's IT, encourages the Bank to increase projects designed to create renewable energies, and provides for greater oversight of the Bank's financing and any risks it might have to taxpayers. The Bank's current authorization expires on September 30, 2011, and I hope that this legislation will pass as soon as possible to ensure that the Bank continues to operate. 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. In Fiscal Year 2010, the Bank saw a 70 percent increase in authorizations from 2008. In fact, last year the Bank committed almost $25 billion in support of U.S. exports--a record. The Bank has been self-funding since 2008, regularly returning millions of dollars each year to the Treasury. This is a testament to the Bank's leadership under Chairman Fred Hochberg, as well as the good work of the dedicated staff and Board of the Bank. All of the Bank's transactions are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Therefore, I am pleased that this legislation will help ensure that the Bank is working as efficiently and effectively as possible to protect the taxpayers. Equally important is the Bank's goal to use exports to help create and maintain jobs here at home. This mission, embodied in the Bank's Charter, is at the very core of what Congress intended the Bank to do. I believe that while the Bank is doing a good job, it can--and must--do more. I believe this legislation will help the Bank reach that goal. This bill is a bipartisan effort and I thank Senator Shelby for his support. In addition, I thank Senator Warner, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Security and International Trade and Finance, Senator Bennet and Senator Hagan for their extremely important input into this legislation. I urge all my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the Export-Import Bank. Earlier today, I filed the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2011. This legislation was approved unanimously by the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs last Thursday. This legislation will ensure that the Bank remains able to continue to provide support for U.S. exporters and workers. The bill extends the authorization of the Bank for 4 years, and will increase the Bank's lending authority to $140 billion by 2015. It also strengthens transparency and accountability at the Bank, seeks to modernize the Bank's IT, encourages the Bank to increase projects designed to create renewable energies, and provides for greater oversight of the Bank's financing and any risks it might have to taxpayers. The Bank's current authorization expires on September 30, 2011, and I hope that this legislation will pass as soon as possible to ensure that the Bank continues to operate. 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. In Fiscal Year 2010, the Bank saw a 70 percent increase in authorizations from 2008. In fact, last year the Bank committed almost $25 billion in support of U.S. exports--a record. The Bank has been self-funding since 2008, regularly returning millions of dollars each year to the Treasury. This is a testament to the Bank's leadership under Chairman Fred Hochberg, as well as the good work of the dedicated staff and Board of the Bank. All of the Bank's transactions are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Therefore, I am pleased that this legislation will help ensure that the Bank is working as efficiently and effectively as possible to protect the taxpayers. Equally important is the Bank's goal to use exports to help create and maintain jobs here at home. This mission, embodied in the Bank's Charter, is at the very core of what Congress intended the Bank to do. I believe that while the Bank is doing a good job, it can--and must--do more. I believe this legislation will help the Bank reach that goal. This bill is a bipartisan effort and I thank Senator Shelby for his support. In addition, I thank Senator Warner, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Security and International Trade and Finance, Senator Bennet and Senator Hagan for their extremely important input into this legislation. I urge all my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 37th annual National Suicide Prevention Week, which began on September 4 and culminated with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. I take this opportunity to reflect on the destructive effects of suicide on families and communities and to raise awareness about the need for an effective national suicide prevention strategy to help communities address this serious public mental health threat. Suicide is a major cause of premature death, and we must do more to prevent it. The statistics about suicide are deeply concerning. In our Nation, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death for all ages. Among young adults ages 15 through 24, there are approximately 100 to 200 attempts for every completed suicide. Suicide takes the lives of approximately 30,000 Americans each year, and a person dies by suicide almost every 15 minutes. Our Nation's veterans account for 20 percent of suicides and the Army recently suffered a record number of suicides this past July. In my State of South Dakota, suicide is the fourth-leading cause of death among all South Dakotans and the second-leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 10 and 24. The rate of youth suicide in my State is over three times the national average. These statistics place South Dakota among a group of Western States that consistently has a higher rate of suicide than the rest of the country. Youth suicide among American Indians in South Dakota is of particular concern. The suicide rate for American Indians ages 15 to 34 is more than two times higher than the national average and is the second leading cause of death for this age group. The suicide rate for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe is among the highest in the world. The loss of young people to suicide is a real crisis. On American Indian reservations in South Dakota, I have seen the catastrophic ripple effect that one suicide can have. Given the alarming occurrence of ``suicide clusters'' and imitative deaths that have occurred in Indian country in the past, it is imperative to provide support for those at risk. Substance abuse and violence, two accepted risk factors for suicide, are common on the reservation, and tribe members also face extreme poverty and geographic isolation. During the past few years, I have been encouraged by the increased recognition of the need for suicide prevention programs in tribal areas. Tribes now have more access to funds that will aid in the building of suicide prevention programs. However, we must continue to provide tribes with the resources they need to implement culturally sensitive suicide prevention programs. It is critical to strengthen the social fabric to help improve mental health. Youth suicide prevention programs have helped bridge this service gap, but further investments are necessary to sustain and expand these efforts. Decreasing the number of suicides in Indian country will require increased community awareness, developing effective prevention and intervention methods, and enhancing access to mental health service providers. Studies indicate the best way to prevent suicide is through early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychiatric illnesses. Depression goes unrecognized in half of the general population and in 80 percent of seniors. Over 90 percent of suicide victims have a significant psychiatric illness at the time of their death. These are often undiagnosed, untreated, or both. Furthermore, it is necessary to acknowledge the obstacles that individuals at risk of suicide face in accessing treatment. Lack of insurance coverage, limited access to affordable mental health care, as well as cultural stigmas and myths about suicide pose significant barriers to treatment. A serious effort to prevent suicide must break down those barriers and expand access to mental health services nationwide, with a special focus on increased mental health awareness and improving prevention and early intervention methods. In addition, investments in tools to evaluate intervention and prevention methods and training programs for health care professionals are needed to foster the development and implementation of evidence-based and emerging best practices in the prevention of suicide. National Suicide Prevention Week and World Suicide Prevention Day are reminders that suicide is a preventable cause of premature death that tears families and communities apart, and more can be done to prevent these tragedies. Each day, families and communities across the Nation suffer devastating losses as a result of suicide. It is estimated that for each suicide, seven other lives are altered forever. Every year, approximately 200,000 people become survivors due to this tragic loss of life. Many suicide survivors are left devastated, confused and weakened by their loss. Friends and family often experience depression, guilt, shock and anger. Unfortunately, there remains a stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness, and victims often shoulder some of the blame. I appreciate this opportunity to increase awareness about the destructive impact of suicide on America's families and communities and to raise awareness about the urgent need for an effective national suicide prevention strategy to help communities prevent future losses of life.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize September 9, 2011, as National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, FASD, is an umbrella term describing the varied range of alcohol-related birth defects that may result from the use of alcohol during pregnancy. The effects of this disorder may involve mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities. FASD is the leading known cause of preventable cognitive impairment in America. It is estimated FASD effects 1 in 100 live births each year. Unfortunately, my State of South Dakota suffers from one of the highest incidences of FASDs in the Nation. While I applaud the ongoing efforts of local organizations, State governments and federal agencies to address the public health threat of FASD, I continue to have great concern about this disorder's impact in South Dakota and across the country. We must move past the stigma of this devastating disease to truly help those and their families who are affected by FASD get the health, education, counseling and support services they need and deserve. We must also address the tragedy of FASD at the source, by increasing awareness that any amount of alcohol during pregnancy can have heartbreaking, lifelong effects. Education and outreach efforts must continue their focus of ensuring this message is understood by all women of child-bearing age and ensuring access to treatment and counseling services for those at risk of substance abuse. One of the most distressing facts regarding FASD is that it is entirely preventable. I have joined my colleagues in the Senate to introduce and pass a resolution designating September 9, 2011 as National FASD Awareness Day. It is my hope these efforts progress towards global awareness of FASD and an end to this destructive disease.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute SPC Dennis G. Jensen and his heroic service to our country. A member of the South Dakota National Guard, Spc. Jensen was serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On August 16, 2011, he died of injuries sustained as a result of a bridge construction accident in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. A 2009 graduate of Vermillion High School, SPC Jensen enlisted in the National Guard's 211th Engineer Company in May 2008. In May 2011, SPC Jensen volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan with the National Guard's 200th Engineer Company. It is a special person who is willing to deploy outside of his unit; SPC Jensen's courage and personal sacrifice is commendable. SPC Jensen's service commendations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global ar on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon. SPC Jensen will be remembered for his selfless service to our country and his willingness to put the needs of others before his own. He will be deeply missed by those who survive him: his father Glenn Jensen, mother Christine Bestgen, and sister Melissa Jensen. SPC Jensen made the ultimate sacrifice for his soldiers and his country. Our Nation owes him a debt of gratitude, and the best way to honor his life is to emulate his commitment to our country. Mr. President, I join with all South Dakotans in expressing my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of SPC Dennis Jensen. He will be missed, but his service to our Nation will never be forgotten.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I wish to commend the team at Raven-Aerostar of Sioux Falls, SD, for their service and dedication to excellence in supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Aerostar employees have designed, built, and serviced tethered aerostats for the U.S. military's Persistent Ground Surveillance System, PGSS, since its inception less than 2 years ago, rapidly fielding the first systems for use in the protection of U.S. and coalition troops. This summer, Aerostar deployed three of their own employees to Afghanistan to provide technical support and analysis of current aerostat systems. Pat Thies, Walter Halbleib, and Ryan Casey recently returned safely to South Dakota after having traveled to numerous remote Forward Operating Bases throughout the war zone. During their 6-week mission they traversed Afghanistan with U.S. and coalition forces via fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, and ground convoy. Their mission was an immediate success as they offered real-time, on-site technical expertise to PGSS operators and maintenance personnel. In addition, they were able to provide instant recommendations to Aerostar engineers in Sioux Falls for improved designs and processes. Raven-Aerostar is a proven manufacturer of high-performance tethered aerostat systems used in persistent surveillance and communication relays. In Afghanistan, these lighter-than-air blimps hover above military outposts in hostile areas and provide continuous imagery used in the detection of improvised explosive devices, IEDs, and other insurgent activity. Ultimately, Aerostar's products save lives, while also saving money for U.S. taxpayers. I applaud Pat, Walter, and Ryan on a job well done, and for their dedication. They and their fellow Aerostar employees represent the commitment to service so prevalent throughout our great State of South Dakota.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of the founding of the community of Delmont, SD. I am proud to honor the people of Delmont and extend my congratulations to them on this memorable occasion. Delmont was a railroad town along the Milwaukee Road even before South Dakota achieved statehood. An investor named Thomas Ball built the town at the top of a hill overlooking the East Choteau Creek Valley. Its railroad depot served the people of Douglas County. Many of the people who originally settled Delmont were Germans from Russia. Today they still celebrate their heritage with the annual Old- time Harvest Festival. The residents use the celebration to honor their heritage with kuchen, a sweet German pastry with a custard topping, South Dakota's official dessert. This year's festival will be special in honor of the 125th anniversary. The 2-day festivities will include tractor pulls, demonstrations of frontier-era harvesting equipment, fireworks, and plenty of kuchen. A hundred twenty-five years after its founding, Delmont continues to celebrate its rich heritage through the Old-time Harvest Festival. Though the railroad is gone, the community remains an important historical and cultural asset to South Dakota. I am proud to honor the achievements of Delmont on this memorable occasion.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I recognize the community of White River, SD, on reaching the 100th anniversary of its founding. White River serves as the county seat for Mellette County and is the oldest town in the county. White River will be celebrating its centennial during the month of August 2011. White River was named by members of the Western Townsite Company of Dallas, SD, and COL C.P. Jordan. White River was referred to as the place ``where prairie skies meet western life.'' Since 1912, White River has been home to the annual Frontier Days festival. Which includes a rodeo, South Dakota's State sport, every year during the celebration. White River will celebrate its 100th anniversary during the 2011 Frontier Days and plans to hold a White River High School reunion during the celebration along with the annual Frontier Days powwow. White River is a close-knit community that has small town values. After 100 years, White River still maintains the spirit of independence of which South Dakotans are fiercely proud. I am honored to publicly recognize White River on this memorable occasion, and congratulate the people of White River on their achievements.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the founding of Wood, SD. This community in Mellette County in western South Dakota, has a rich and proud history of representing our State's frontier spirit. Wood, named for its founder, Albert Kirk Wood, was organized in 1911 a few miles north of Albert's trading post. In just 2 years it was home to a newspaper, a bank, and daily mail service. Thousands of people came to Wood for its renowned Fourth of July celebrations, as well as the Mellette County Fair. Like many towns in South Dakota, the railroad served as a major lifeline to the town of Wood. This first train from the Chicago Northwestern Railroad rolled into Wood from Winner on October 19, 1929. Wood claims many exceptional residents including James Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve South Dakota in the U.S. Senate. Today, Wood stands as a testament to the steadfast commitment of the residents to their small town. Wood still maintains close ties to the rich agricultural heritage of South Dakota. Small communities like Wood are a vital part of the economy of South Dakota and a reminder of the hard struggles endured by our frontier-era forefathers. One hundred years after its founding, Wood remains a strong community and a great asset to the State of South Dakota. I am proud to honor Wood on this historic milestone.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I recognize the community of Isabel, SD, on reaching the 100th anniversary of its founding. Located in Dewey County, Isabel has a strong farming and ranching tradition, which has been passed on through the generations. Isabel will celebrate its centennial August 2-7, 2011. Isabel began its settlement in the spring of 1910 along the Milwaukee Railroad and the town became a legal corporation on March 13, 1911. Isabel was named for the daughter of President Earling of the Milwaukee Railroad. With its vast prairie, Isabel was a prime location for cattle and sheep ranching. The Homestead Act of 1908 encouraged pioneers to move West and these pioneers built the first stores and businesses in Isabel. Businesses allowed local farmers and ranchers to thrive and became hallmarks of the community. Isabel will celebrate its 100th anniversary with an All School Reunion, a parade, two rodeos, powwows, and dances. Isabel's centennial celebration will also include a wagon train and trail ride, which will retrace an old wagon route to neighboring settlements. Isabel's strong sense of community helped the town endure challenges in its early settlement, including the severe drought of 1911. Isabel continues to be a steadfast farming and ranching community today. I am proud to honor Isabel on its 100th anniversary. Isabel holds the virtues and values that lay at the very heart of South Dakota.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to SSG Lex Lewis and his heroic service to our country. As a cavalry scout in the B Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, of Fort Carson, CO, Staff Sergeant Lewis was serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On July 15, 2011, he died of injuries sustained when his dismounted patrol received small arms fire in Farah Province, Afghanistan. A graduate of Rapid City Central High School, Staff Sergeant Lewis began his military career in the Navy, where he was stationed in Japan. He joined the Army in 1999 and was on his third deployment, having previously served two tours in Iraq. From 2006-2007 Staff Sergeant Lewis served in Rapid City as a member of the South Dakota Army National Guard. During his military career, his awards and decorations included two Army Commendation Medals and five Army Achievement Medals. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and awarded a Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart. Staff Sergeant Lewis will be remembered as a dedicated soldier and a good friend. He demonstrated professionalism in his job and was known as a reliable man who you could count on. Former colleague Sgt. Dwayne Graves recalls, ``He was just a real likeable guy. He'd do anything for you. You definitely want him watching your back.'' As a young man, Staff Sergeant Lewis knew he wanted to serve his country. His mother remembers his childhood spent playing soldier. He will be deeply missed by those who survive him: his wife Molly, step-daughter Ariel, stepbrother Frank, half-sister, Lacy, and his mother, Betty. Staff Sergeant Lewis gave his all for his soldiers and his country. Our Nation owes him a debt of gratitude, and the best way to honor his life is to emulate his commitment to our country. Mr. President, I join with all South Dakotans in expressing my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of SSG Lex Lewis. He will be missed, but his service to our Nation will never be forgotten.

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, what is the pending business?

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I am hopeful that the Senate will be able to complete action on the MILCON-VA appropriations bill today. Members have had ample opportunity to offer amendments, staff has been working to clear them, and I believe we now have a clear path to final passage. I would like to spend a few minutes today talking about the military construction portion of this bill, which is so important to our troops and their families. The bill includes $13.7 billion for MILCON, which is $1 billion below the budget request. In drafting this bill, we took a hard look at the projects submitted by the administration and made strategic reductions in order to make wise use of our MILCON dollars without sacrificing key military priorities. I believe this bill is a prudent approach to addressing our military construction needs at home and abroad. The bill fully funds the administration's request of $1.2 billion for Guard and Reserve projects. Typically, Congress adds funds for our Guard and Reserve components; however, given the current budget pressures, that option was not available to us this year. It is my hope the services will acknowledge and address the chronic backlog of construction requirements for the Guard and Reserve forces in future budget requests. Of note, this bill includes $550 million to construct or modify 15 Department of Defense schools at home and overseas. As Newsweek magazine pointed out last month, a shocking number of DOD schools are crumbling and in need of replacing. The administration has made upgrading DOD schools a priority, and the committee wholeheartedly supports that goal. DOD school funding in this bill represents a significant downpayment on the estimated $3.1 billion requirement for DOD school recapitalization. The administration's request included funding for the move of Marines from Japan to Guam. While the committee recognizes the need to restructure force posture in the Pacific, we remain concerned about the ballooning cost of this plan and the lack of forward progress on the part of our Japanese allies. The report accompanying this bill directs the Navy to provide Congress with detailed information on the cost and prognosis of the Guam relocation initiative. Additionally, the committee is concerned with the potential cost of related troop realignments in Korea and the long-term impact of troop reductions in Europe. The report accompanying this bill addresses these concerns in depth. As I have said before, this is a sound and responsible bill. Senator Kirk and I have worked hand in hand to forge a bipartisan approach for the MILCON-VA bill, and I believe we have succeeded. I urge my colleagues to support final passage of the bill today. I yield the floor.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, the Vitter amendment pending before the Senate is another attempt to derail the progress we have made in a bipartisan fashion on the MilCon/VA bill. The Senate has voted twice on this issue during consideration of this bill. At the outset of debate, the ranking member of the Budget Committee raised a point of order against consideration of this bill without prior adoption of a budget resolution. I made a motion to waive that budget point of order and the Senate voted 71 to 26 to cut off debate on the motion to waive. The Senate then agreed to waive the point of order 56 to 40. Now we have an amendment that says none of the critical funding provided in the bill can be obligated in excess of a budget resolution that does not exist. The strictest interpretation of this means the VA can't spend money on benefits for vets, and our military can't construct new training, housing, or other critical facilities until we have a budget agreement. I don't disagree that it is important to pass a budget, but the Senate has overwhelmingly voted to move this bill so as to not delay essential funding for our troops and vets while negotiations on the debt ceiling and budget continue. I remind my colleagues this bill is $618 million below the current level, $1.25 billion below the President's budget request, and $2.6 million below the House-passed bill. This is a responsible and bipartisan bill, and the pending amendment would stop all progress we have made. Therefore, I move to table the amendment No. 568, and I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to a period of morning business until 2:15 p.m., with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.