Blanche Lincoln

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Thank you, Mr. President. Well, I hope there is not too much order because it will make me feel a little bit out of place.

Mrs. LINCOLN. Thank you, Mr. President. As I said, I hope there is not too much order. I do not want this place to change too much.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, I am glad to be here with my colleagues to express my gratitude for the incredible, blessed life's journey I have experienced thus far and the wonderful contributions this place has made to that. I have been enormously blessed by the people of Arkansas to have represented them in the U.S. Congress, first as a Member of the House of Representatives and finally now as a U.S. Senator. Today, I rise as the daughter of two amazing parents, Martha and the late Jordan Lambert, the proud daughter of a seventh-generation Arkansas family, dirt farmers--not to be confused, we didn't farm dirt, but we were hardworking farmers who were not afraid to get dirty, to get our hands into the Earth and to do what it was we have done for generations in Arkansas. I am also the proud wife of Dr. Steve Lincoln and the very proud mother of two incredible young men, Reece and Bennett--great boys. You all have watched them grow up. It is the many unique life experiences each of us brings to this place and to this job that really and truly contribute to the mark we leave on this institution. When I came to the Senate, my boys were 2 and we were about to celebrate their third birthday. We didn't have any friends up here, so I looked around the Senate to see who had children, who could bring their kids to our birthday party, and there were a few. We kind of had to rent out some kids to come to the Moonbounce to have a great party and it was fun. I realized how important that experience was for me to bring to this body, to share with people. Patty Murray knows--she has been there--Mary Landrieu, Amy Klobuchar, and so many others who have had their children here in the Senate. What a difference that makes in your perspective on what you are doing here. It makes a big difference. Birthdays were a big deal when we first got here. In my household, you are allowed to celebrate your birthday for an entire week, and it is always a great time. My first birthday I celebrated in the Senate was unusual. We had just moved. My husband had moved his practice. The boys were here. They had just turned 3. It was hectic. It was a new Congress. We had all just come through an impeachment trial. There were many things going on. When my birthday came around, it kind of came and went. My husband noticed that. So we had gone to a spouse dinner shortly after my first birthday in the Senate. My good friend, Joe Biden, who was my seatmate before he left to become Vice President, and his wife Jill had reached out to us to make us feel comfortable. We were young parents. We had small children. We were both working very hard. The first spouse dinner we went to, we were sitting with Joe and Jill, and Jill produced a lovely birthday gift. It was a monogrammed box, obviously something that was thought about. It wasn't something she picked up and regifted from her closet at home. It meant so much to my husband and to me, that we were a part of a family who realized what we were going through--not just what they were going through but what we were going through. I looked at Jill and told her: You couldn't have done anything to make me or my husband more happy than to think of something that was important in our lives, and they did that. I have been a part of this family, and it has been a great time. As I glance back on my time here, I do so with great pride, knowing that each of my votes and actions were taken with the best interests of the people of Arkansas in mind. I have always attempted to conduct myself in a manner that would make Arkansans proud, and my tears today I hope are not going to affect that. Living by my mother's rule as we did growing up, if it was rude or dangerous, it was not allowed, and I hope I have definitely met that rule because Mother sent us off with it. As a farmer's daughter, I am honored to have helped craft three farm bills that were crucial to the economy of Arkansas. I was able to persuade my colleagues to understand the regional differences in production agriculture in our country but, most of all, I am proud I was able to impress upon my colleagues and others, hopefully, across this great Nation of ours the enormous blessing our Nation receives from farm and ranch families, what they bestow upon us, what they allow us and all the rest of the world to do each and every day; that is, to eat, to sustain ourselves, and to be able to grow. I am particularly honored to have become the first woman and the first Arkansan to serve as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. It has been a wonderful year I have had, and I will always be proud of what we have accomplished in that committee this year and certainly in years past. We passed historic child nutrition legislation. As a result, each meal served in schools will meet nutritional standards our children and future generations deserve, putting them on a path to wellness instead of obesity. As a result, we will see an increase in the reimbursement rate for schools for the first time since 1973--since I was in junior high, younger than my own children today--and we did so by not adding one penny to the national debt as well as doing it in a bipartisan way. We produced historic Wall Street reform legislation. When I became chairman of the committee, our economy was on the brink of collapse. Our legislation targeted the least transparent parts of the financial system and will bring them not only within the plain view of regulators but also in the view of hardworking Americans who want to know what is going on in our economy and in the marketplace. Throughout my time in the Senate, I have fought hard on behalf of rural communities and families. In the House, sitting next to Ed Markey on the Energy and Commerce Committee, he always called me Blanche ``Rural'' Lambert. He said: Blanche, every time your mouth opens, it says rural. I said: That is where I grew up, that is whom I represent, and you will always hear me speaking on behalf of the families in rural America. I wrote the legislation establishing the Delta Regional Authority, the only Federal agency designed to channel resources, aid, and technical assistance for economic development in the rural and impoverished Mississippi Delta region. I fought for tax relief for hardworking low- and middle-income Arkansas families, and I am most proud of the refundable child tax credit I worked on with Senator Olympia Snowe. I have also fought for the certainty for farmers and ranchers and small businesses in Arkansas with fair estate tax reforms with Senator Jon Kyl. I am proud of my work on behalf of Arkansas and our Nation's seniors, including my work on the prescription drug program for seniors, working with Senator Baucus and others on the Finance Committee; the Elder Justice Act that is now law, the first Federal law ever enacted to address elder abuse in a comprehensive manner. I was honored to be joined in that effort by Senators Orrin Hatch and Herb Kohl and the hard work we put toward that. Growing up in a family of infantrymen, I am proud to have fought for Arkansas servicemembers, veterans, and their families, specifically fighting for funding increases for the VA and the creation of the VA's Office of Rural Health, as well as better access to quality mental health care for all our veterans. I came to Congress to fight on behalf of our Nation's children, families, veterans, small businesses, and farmers, and I am honored and humbled that in each of these areas, I was able to achieve legislative success on their behalf. But as my mother would say, straighten up and pay attention to what this is about. This speech is not about yesterday, and it is not about today. What I would like for people to remember about this speech is that it was about our Nation's future and what we can achieve together. We have great work to do, great work. I may be leaving this body, but that doesn't mean I give up on my country. You all have much work to do. Colleagues, we have approached a fork in the road. This is not the first, nor do I suspect it will be the last, but we have within ourselves the ability in this Nation to choose a positive and uplifting path. Harry Reid teases me all the time: Do you smile at everything? You know what. There is a lot to smile about. We have great opportunities ahead of us in this country, but they are not going to happen by themselves. We have the opportunity to choose a path that respects differences of opinion. We have the opportunity to choose a path that sets aside short-term political gains, a path that maintains this body's historic rules that protect the views of the minority but also puts results ahead of obstruction. Again, I grew up in a family of four kids, and I am the youngest. You all wonder why I am so tough. I have been beat up on all my life. But my dad always said: It is results that count. It is what you finish and what you accomplish. It is not these little battles we fight; it is the war we are going to win, and it is not a war we are going to win without the Republicans or without the administration or without our constituents. It is a war on behalf of our Nation, and it has to be done together. Many of my colleagues have had the wonderful opportunity of meeting my husband. My husband doesn't like crowds a lot. I love crowds because I love being together. I love being a part of things. I love being a part of a team. My team is here, my Lincoln team. It is a great team. They have been a wonderful group to work with. You are a part of my team. You are my family in the Senate. Being together and working together is an incredible blessing, and we have to make sure we realize that. Our country is certainly at its best when we are collectively working together for a goal. All you have to do is listen to your parents or your grandparents talk about victory gardens or rationing nylons or anything else that happened during the war when people were working collectively together. Our country is facing many challenges. There is no doubt the American people are frustrated. They are frustrated with our lack of productivity, and they are so anxious to be a part of the solution that needs to happen here--the coming together, the finding of solutions to the problems we face and the results we need to have. I am confident that, together, we can overcome all these differences and continue to be the leader of the rest of the world as we have been and should be. I leave this body with confidence that we can provide our citizens with the type of government they deserve: a government that provides results and certainty about the future they so longingly want to be a part of and that they want to protect for their children, rather than obstruction and sound bites and confusion. With teenage children at home, it is a true blessing that we live in a day and in an age where information is available at a moment's notice. I have watched my children--I had to go borrow the encyclopedia from my cousins next door. My kids click on the computer and immediately there are incredible volumes of information. They teach me: Mom, come look at this. Did you ever know this? It is amazing what is available to us. It is equally as important, though, that we, the American people, take the time that is necessary to understand the solutions to the challenges and not succumb to the convenience of modern technologies to take the place of our own good judgment. We cannot do that. The minds of the people of this country, the minds of the body of this institution ensure that we use the good sense God has given us to know what those right solutions are. To all of America, myself included, we must all discern carefully the information that is provided to us. It is all extremely convenient, but convenience is not what this is about. It is not about convenience. It is all about doing the right thing. So I call on not only our good judgment but our collective love for this country so we can meet the challenges our Nation faces. I know I am teaching my children that at home. I am also blocking some of the things they can get on the Internet. But I am also teaching them to use their own minds, their own thoughts: What is it you would have for your fellow man? How would you want people to behave? It is absolutely critical in this day and age. To my colleagues on both sides of the political aisle, I implore each of you to set the example for our country by working together to move our Nation forward. We must start practicing greater civility toward one another, both privately and publicly. I can't forget when I first came to the House of Representatives, I called my colleague and neighbor, Bill Emerson from southern Missouri. I told him, I said: Bill, you know when you move into a new place, where I come from you bring somebody a cake or a pie, a batch of rolls or something. I said: I am not a bad cook, but I don't have a lot of time on my hands. I want to visit with you. You are a Republican, I am a Democrat, but you are my neighbor, and I am willing to bet you we agree on far more than we disagree on. As we visited for 45 minutes in that very first introduction, we came to the conclusion that we agreed far more on the same things than we disagreed. We decided to start the civility caucus. It lasted 3 months. The fact is, there is much work to be done there, and we can do it. Taking advantage of political gusts of wind is not what our constituents expect of us nor is it what they deserve. I urge you to have the courage to work across party lines. There is simply no other way to accomplish our Nation's objectives, nor should there be. Although you run the risk of being the center of attention for both political extremes, it is a far greater consequence to put personal or political success ahead of our country, and I know firsthand. We must have the courage to come out of our foxholes--the foxholes we dig into--to the middle, where the rest of America is and discuss our collective path forward. I am counting on each of you to do so in a way that respects the temporary position we have all been granted here and respect this institution of ours that we have been blessed to inherit. It is an amazing place. Each of you has seen it in your own right and you know it. To the young people of America, I think this is so important. I came here as the youngest woman in the history of our country to ever be elected to the Senate. I did so because I believed so strongly in the difference I could make. I still do. That is what this country is about. It is about making a difference, not for yourself but for others. I continue that journey now, as I leave this place, knowing there are still so many ways I will make a difference. But to those young people out there in this country, do not think this place is reserved just for age or experience. It is here that you could make a difference, whether you are elected or whether you are one of the incredible and phenomenal staff that helps to run this place, or whether you just simply choose to be out there and engaged in what is going on. There are many contributions to be made to this Nation by the young people of this country. I leave this body with no regrets and with many incredible friendships. You know the old adage, ``If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.'' You all know I have a very large dog. But I also have some wonderful friends, and I am very grateful for those friendships. When I first arrived, my friend Mary Landrieu had been in the hospital. I showed up at her house with a chicken spaghetti casserole, a bag of salad, and a bottle of wine. She said: What are you doing here? I said: You know, where I come from, when your neighbor or friend is sick, you take them dinner. She said: Blanche, we don't do that up here. I said: Let me tell you, if we forget where we come from, there is a big problem. I am grateful. I will not attempt to go one by one through each of you, but know that every one of you all have a special place in my heart. You have taught me something. You have enriched my life in such a way, it is amazing. You also know--many of you personally--that I follow in some very large footsteps, between so many Arkansans, most recent being McClellan and Fulbright, David Pryor, and Dale Bumpers, who is my immediate predecessor. I thank Dale for the incredible mentor he has been to me and for the wonderful things he has done for our State. I leave you with an unbelievable Senator, and that is my good friend Mark Pryor. He is a statesman. He follows in the footsteps of all of those giants from Arkansas. I am enormously grateful to him for his friendship and, more importantly, for his great service to the people of Arkansas. So I leave you in good hands, without a doubt, with my good friend, Senator Mark Pryor. I have been surrounded, both in the past and currently, by an unbelievably dedicated, loyal, and hard-working staff, in my personal Senate office both in Arkansas and Washington, and certainly in the Agriculture Committee. To my staff, they know how much I love them. Our State and this institution are better because of their hard work and dedication. Without a doubt, they are smart and they are a great group of people. I am so blessed to not only know them but to have worked with them. I have always been blessed with a loving and supportive family who have been my inspiration and bedrock all my life, and they continue to be. Finally, let me, once again, say thanks to the people of Arkansas. My roots have been and always will be in Arkansas. That will never change. When Steve and the boys and I left after Thanksgiving to come back for the lameduck session--of course, as you all know, traveling with your family and just getting back in time--we left at 5 in the morning. We drove to Memphis because it was faster. We were halfway between. We had been at the cabin duck hunting and celebrating Thanksgiving with family. We were headed to the Memphis Airport, and the Sun was rising over the Arkansas delta. Now, I am sure many of you all have never seen that, but it is a magnificent view. It reminded me of all of the great things I came here to do. It made me feel blessed with all of the things I was able to accomplish. But to know that I could go back to that same home and see that sunrise, it is unbelievable. I will always treasure the experiences of this chapter in my life and the thousands of Arkansans I have come to know and love. They are a great group of people. I thank you again from the bottom of my heart. To the people of Arkansas and this body, my good friends, I yield the floor. (Applause.)

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Madam President, I wish to note that on the last vote, vote No. 270, due to circumstances way beyond my control, I was unable to be here and wish to be recorded or considered as having voted on the reconsideration of the motion to proceed to S. 3454. I wish to be considered--I wish to have been recorded as voting ``yes.'' Apparently, I cannot be recorded, and I understand that. I just wanted to make note that had I been here I would have voted ``yes.''

Mrs. LINCOLN. Great. Thank you, Madam President. I yield the floor.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I honor Corporal Chad S. Wade, 22, of Bentonville, AR, who died December 1 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. My heart goes out to the family of CPL Wade who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our Nation. Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for his service and for the service and sacrifice of all of our military servicemembers and their families. More than 11,000 Arkansans on active duty and more than 10,000 Arkansas Reservists have served in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. These men and women have shown tremendous courage and perseverance through the most difficult of times. As neighbors, as Arkansans, and as Americans, it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to honor their service and to provide for them and their families, not only when they are in harm's way but also when they return home. It is the least we can do for those whom we owe so much. Corporal Wade was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I honor SPC David S. Robinson, 25, of Fort Smith, AR, who died November 20, 2010, in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to initial reports, Specialist Robinson died of injuries sustained when his military vehicle overturned. My heart goes out to the family of Specialist Robinson, who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our Nation. Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for his service and for the service and sacrifice of all of our military servicemembers and their families. More than 11,000 Arkansans on Active Duty and more than 10,000 Arkansas reservists have served in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. These men and women have shown tremendous courage and perseverance through the most difficult of times. As neighbors, as Arkansans, and as Americans, it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to honor their service and to provide for them and their families, not only when they are in harm's way but also when they return home. It is the least we can do for those whom we owe so much. Specialist Robinson was assigned to A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, V Corps, Vilseck, Germany. His mother resides in Fort Smith, AR, and his father in Canton, PA. His wife and children reside in Clarksville, TN. Staff Sergeant Kevin Matthew Pape

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I honor of LCpl Irvin M. Ceniceros, 21, of Clarksville, who died on October 14, 2010, while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. My heart goes out to the family of Lance Corporal Ceniceros, who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our Nation. Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for his service and for the sacrifice he and his family have made. I am committed to ensuring that all of our veterans always have the full support they need and deserve, and I can assure our brave soldiers and their families that our grateful Nation will not forget them when their military service is complete. More than 11,000 Arkansans on active duty and more than 10,000 Arkansas Reservists have served in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. These men and women have shown tremendous courage and perseverance through the most difficult of times. As neighbors, as Arkansans, and as Americans, it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to honor their service and to provide for them and their families, not only when they are in harm's way but also when they return home. It is the least we can do for those whom we owe so much. Lance Corporal Ceniceros was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. Staff Sergeant Carlos A. Benitez

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I recognize McGehee residents and their families who were recently honored by the McGehee Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding efforts for their community. Honorees are: Man of the Year: Mr. Jim Daniels. Woman of the Year: Ms. Cindy Smith. Volunteer of the Year: JW Lehman Community Service Award, Ms. Helen Linn Conway. Business of the Year: Delta Pest Control, Bill and Doris Lawrence. Educator of the Year: Ms. Yogi Denton, McGehee High School. Desha County Farm Family: Norris and Jamie Sims. Mr. President, we should all embrace the spirit of service and volunteerism on display by these deserving individuals. I send my heartfelt congratulations to the entire McGehee community.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I recognize the West Family of Prairie Grove as they celebrate 150 years in Arkansas farming. I commend them for achieving this significant milestone. As a seventh- generation Arkansan and farmer's daughter, and as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I understand firsthand and appreciate the hard work and contributions of our farm families. I am proud to share the story of the West Family Farm with you today. One hundred and fifty years ago, Robert J. West homesteaded land two miles north of Prairie Grove, AR, in a community called Viney Grove after moving to Arkansas from Tennessee in 1860. On December 7, 1862, the family watched from the hilltop of their farm as the Battle of Prairie Grove played out in the valley less than a mile away. Union soldiers used their home as a make-shift hospital following the bloody battle. Historical records indicate that the West Farm was even considered as a location for the University of Arkansas before it was founded in Fayetteville in 1871. Generation after generation, the West family has dedicated itself to becoming a successful Arkansas farming operation. Current owner and operator Randy West has lived and worked on the farm his whole life, just as his father, grandfather and great grandfather did before him. He has committed his life to improving the farm's profitability, sustainability and efficiency while raising a family with the lessons and values of rural living. Randy and his wife Cheryl work together on the farm as they operate a Bermuda grass hay business that produces between 50,000 and 70,000 square bales annually on the farm's 455 total acres. They also run a poultry operation consisting of three broiler houses. In 1991, the farm was recognized as the Washington County Farm Family of the Year and the Northwest District Farm Family of the Year. In 2003, the farm was recognized by Tyson Foods as one of five national Environmental Stewardship Award winners for its commitment to best management practices. Tyson Foods continually uses the farm as a model for environmental stewardship. A lot has changed in Prairie Grove and in northwest Arkansas over the past 150 years, but the West Family Farm remains a constant. From the time Robert J. West founded the farm on the dawn of the Civil War, through the great depression in the 1930s, to the modern age of agriculture in the 2000s, the West Farm has withstood the test of time and has remained committed to preserving the farming way of life. Arkansas's farm families are critical to our nation's economic stability. We must work to continue the farm family tradition, so families such as the West Family are able to maintain their livelihoods and continue to help provide the safe, abundant, and affordable food supply that feeds our own country and the world and that is essential to our own economic stability. I salute the West Family and all Arkansas farm families for their hard work and dedication.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I recognize the city of Eureka Springs in my home State of Arkansas as local residents celebrate two major awards for their community. The American Planning Association recently designated Spring Street in Eureka Springs as one of the 10 Great Streets for 2010 under the organization's Great Places in America program. According to the association, Spring Street exemplifies ``exceptional character in a community of lasting value.'' The street was singled out for its originality and unique characteristics. Eureka Springs was also recognized nationally as a 2010 Top 25 Arts Destination by American Style Magazine. This is the sixth year the community has received this honor, which recognizes public support for artists, arts institutions, galleries and festivals, and the contribution of the arts to the local community. I salute the residents of Eureka Springs for their efforts to maintain the heritage, culture, and history of their community. I have been proud to visit Eureka Springs and Spring Street, and I join all my fellow Arkansans to express our pride in this jewel of our State.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I commemorate the 15th anniversary of the opening of the Jones Center For Families in my home State of Arkansas. The Jones Center, located in Springdale, is a 220,000 square foot facility that provides educational, recreational, health, and community programs and various services to individuals and families across northwest Arkansas. The center will celebrate its 15th birthday with a public festival on Sunday, October 24, featuring a proclamation by Springdale mayor Doug Sprouse and family activities including children's crafts and games, pumpkin painting, live music, birthday cake, and ice cream. The event will be open to the community free of charge, including access to all swimming pools and the ice skating rink. The Jones Center opened in 1995 as a gift to the community from the late Mrs. Bernice Young Jones, wife of Harvey Jones, founder of the Jones Truck Lines. According to its mission statement, the center is proud to provide a place where ``all are welcome'' in the heart of northwest Arkansas. In keeping with Mrs. Jones' wish that no one be turned away, the center offers facilities and services at minimal or no cost to everyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or economic status. Under the leadership of Rick McCullough, executive director, the Jones Center welcomes more than 1 million visitors per year, with an operating budget of $2.4 million. Programs and amenities at the center include an ice rink, junior Olympic competition swimming pool, fun pool with slide, fitness room, a chapel/auditorium, a computer center, and numerous other meeting rooms, playgrounds, and athletic courts. I have visited the Jones Center often, and I commend the staff and volunteers for their efforts to better their community and provide recreational and social opportunities in a safe, modern facility. I salute the entire Springdale community as they celebrate the 15th anniversary of this unique gathering place in the heart of northwest Arkansas.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today, I recognize of retired MSG Michael P. Cline for his years of distinguished service with the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, EANGUS. His efforts as one of the longest serving executive directors in the military association community are to be commended, and I thank him for his 38-plus years of military service to this country. Mike has held the position of EANGUS executive director since 1990 and was selected as an honorary chief master Sergeant for the Air National Guard in 1999. For the previous 11 years, he has also served on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Education. Over the years, he has also remained very active in the Military Coalition, TMC, a consortium of nationally prominent uniformed services and veterans associations representing over 5.5 million members. In addition to being a founder of the TMC Guard and Reserve Committee, he served as president of TMC for 5 years and codirector for 8 years. Throughout his career of advocacy, Mike has worked tirelessly on behalf of the U.S. military, as well as our servicemembers, veterans, and their families. In particular, he has frequently led the fight to ensure that the men and women of our National Guard and Reserves receive enhanced care and benefits that are more commensurate with their increased service to our Nation. In recent years, Mike and EANGUS have been at the forefront of efforts to provide larger military pay increases, health care that is more affordable for servicemembers and military retirees, enhanced educational benefits for servicemembers and veterans, and expanded access to retirement benefits for the men and women of the National Guard. He also played an active role in securing legislation providing burial and retirement flags for reservists, drill pay for funeral honors duty, increased health care benefits for reservists and retirees, and special compensation for severely disabled retirees. Over the years, it has been a pleasure for me and my staff to work closely with Mike on a number of issues of great importance to our National Guard. In particular, we have worked to improve the readiness of our National Guard by providing greater access to medical, dental, and mental care for Selected Reservists. We have also called for an increase in the Montgomery GI Bill rate for members of the Reserve components and in the travel reimbursement for those traveling to drill duty. Additionally, we have championed legislation that would justly grant full veteran status to members of the Reserve components who have 20 years or more of service and do not otherwise qualify under law. The list goes on and on. Due in large part to the dedication, counsel, and passion of advocates such as Mike Cline, the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces and their families have seen a number of significant improvements to their way of life in recent years. These efforts have also strengthened our ability to recruit and retain more quality men and women to serve in uniform and have increased their readiness as an operational force in the continued defense of our Nation. I am extremely proud of Mike's long record of distinction and will always be grateful for his service to our Nation and our military. Along with my colleagues, I wish him all the very best in his retirement, and to EANGUS for its continued success.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I congratulate the residents of Sheridan in my home State of Arkansas as they celebrate Timberfest, a time-honored tradition that commemorates Sheridan and Grant County's long-standing involvement with the timber industry. As many as 12,000 visitors are expected in Sheridan during the event, which will take place Friday and Saturday, October 1-2. Timberfest began in 1984 when members of the local Chamber of Commerce decided to combine the annual bluegrass festival and merchants' fair into one event. Centered on the Grant County Courthouse Square, Timberfest offers a variety of events for the entire family, including a parade, 5K Run and 2K Walk, horseshoe tournament, talent show, games, petting zoo, Dutch Oven cookoff, music, and pancake breakfast. The highlight of Timberfest is the Arkansas State Lumberjack Championships. Lumberjacks from across the country travel to Sheridan to compete in the championship, where competitors battle it out with ax and chainsaw to see who is fastest at cutting wood. I salute the entire community of Sheridan and Grant County as they celebrate Timberfest 2010. I commend them for keeping the history and heritage of their community alive.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I recognize four Arkansas business leaders who will be inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame early next year. They are L. Dickson Flake, cofounder and chairman of Colliers International-Arkansas in Little Rock; Wallace Fowler, chairman and chief executive officer of Liberty Bank of Arkansas and also Fowler Foods, both based in Jonesboro; Donald Soderquist, retired senior vice chairman of Wal-Mart Stores of Bentonville; and Leland Tollett, former chairman and chief executive of Tyson Foods of Springdale. The Sam M. Walton College of Business established the first ever Arkansas Business Hall of Fame recognizing Arkansans--by birth or by choice--who have been successful business leaders. The Arkansas Business Hall of Fame is designed to honor, preserve and perpetuate the names and outstanding accomplishments of business leaders who have brought lasting fame to Arkansas. This year's Hall of Fame class represents the best of our State, and I am proud to see them receive this significant achievement. Not only do they exemplify excellence in their chosen field, they also represent the highest standards of ethics and community service. I thank them for their contributions, along with the contributions of all business leaders in our great State.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I recognize Phil E. Matthews for his dedicated years of service at the Arkansas Hospital Association. His efforts on behalf of our State's hospitals are to be commended, and I thank him for his efforts to maintain high-quality hospital care for the citizens of Arkansas. Phil has been a part of the Arkansas Hospital Association, known as AHA, since 1969 and was named president in 2005. During his tenure, he has worked hard to cultivate constructive relationships with State and Federal legislators in order to achieve great results for Arkansas. He has reinforced the AHA as a trusted partner for Arkansas hospitals and other health care providers and entities from all across the State. In recent years, the AHA has helped to pass laws on the State level that will enhance the health of and health care services for Arkansans, including for the development of a statewide trauma care system, expansion of health insurance coverage for more than 6,000 additional children through ARKids, and public health initiatives that will increase seatbelt usage and decrease tobacco use in the State. On the Federal level, it has been my pleasure to work closely with Phil and the AHA to develop and pass policies to expand health insurance coverage to more than 400,000 Arkansans, grow the health care workforce in Arkansas, modernize health care delivery and the use of health information technologies, and preserve the viability and valuable role of Arkansas's community hospitals. Together, we have fought back on policies that might have had a negative impact or unintended consequence for Arkansas hospitals, providers, and patients, and we have worked to advance policies that are best for our great State. I am extremely proud of Phil's and the AHA's efforts to help Arkansas hospitals provide quality care to their patients, provide charity care for those in need, serve refugees of gulf coast hurricanes and other natural disasters, and play an active role in improving health care coverage and quality in Arkansas. I wish Phil all the very best in his retirement, and to Bo Ryall, who will serve as his successor as president of the AHA.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I honor Billy and Diann Simmons from my home State of Arkansas for their exemplary efforts to support foster children in our State. I am proud to recognize them as my choice for this year's ``Angel in Adoption'' for Arkansas. They join adoption advocates from across the Nation who have received this prestigious recognition. The Angels in Adoption program, sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, provides Members of Congress the opportunity to honor those who have made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes. The Simmons are certainly worthy of this recognition. Diann Simmons became a therapeutic foster parent in 1997 and persuaded her soon-to-be spouse to join her in this noble endeavor prior to their marriage in 1998. The Simmons' have now been therapeutic foster parents for 13 years and have significant experience fostering children with difficult behaviors. Despite their experiences with children with challenging emotional and behavioral difficulties, they love children and maintain a sense of strong family values. These values have resulted in the adoption of seven children, including two sibling groups of two. Their most recent adoption was finalized this year. Because of their experience, flexibility, strong family values and their belief in the potential for every child, they have been successful in changing the lives of numerous children. According to those who know them best, the Simmons have developed a strong bond with every child placed in their home. In fact, four of their adopted children were in their home as foster children prior to adoption. Affectionately called ``Mama Diann'' and ``Daddy Billy,'' the Simmons' commitment, genuine concern and caring for their foster children has endeared them to many of these children's birth families, including families of their own adopted children. I commend both Diann and Billy for their dedication and perseverance helping children in need. They represent the best of Arkansas, and I commend them for their work on behalf of Arkansas's children.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill which will protect the great American traditions of hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting from actions that will drive up the costs of participation and directly impact employment across the country. Recently, extremist groups have filed a petition with the U.S. EPA to prohibit the use of lead in the manufacturing of ammunition and fishing tackle. This effort would not only drive up the cost of ammunition and fishing tackle, but would, as a direct result, drive down the number of people able to participate in these activities and directly hurt the millions of Americans who depend on the hunting, fishing, and shooting industries for part of their livelihoods. Hunters and anglers are ardent conservationists and have proven themselves willing to consider lead alternatives when the data justifies it. For instance, since 1991, waterfowl hunters have been required to use non-lead ammunition to protect waterfowl species which have been scientifically proven to be vulnerable to exposure. However, EPA found in 1994 no scientific basis to proceed with a lead ban in fishing tackle. EPA rightly and quickly rejected the petition with regard to ammunition, stating that they did not have the authority to regulate ammunition under the Toxic Substances Control Act. However, EPA is still considering a ban on lead fishing tackle. This ban would drive up costs on a sport that's appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility to the broad American public. Lead sinkers are critical to both salt and freshwater anglers, and are frequently used in the types of fishing that attracts young people to this sport. Moreover, a ban such as this would be a blow to thousands of people who depend on fishing tackle and ammunition manufacturing for their livelihoods. Companies like Remington in Lonoke, Arkansas employ over 20,000 Arkansans. The 5,500 manufacturers of firearms and ammunition and almost one million people working in sport fishing do not need EPA taking aim at their industry. My bill simply clarifies that the components used in manufacturing shells, cartridges, and fishing tackle are exempt from EPA regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Taking this simple step will provide certainty to these critical industries and prevent EPA and activist litigators from dragging this issue out through the courts for years. I am confident that the sporting community will continue to work with the Fish and Wildlife Service and State Fish and Wildlife agencies to address issues around lead ammunition where and when the facts warrant it. But Congress must act to preserve our hunting and fishing traditions by ensuring access to affordable, vital tools our hunters and anglers rely on.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill which will protect the great American traditions of hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting from actions that will drive up the costs of participation and directly impact employment across the country. Recently, extremist groups have filed a petition with the U.S. EPA to prohibit the use of lead in the manufacturing of ammunition and fishing tackle. This effort would not only drive up the cost of ammunition and fishing tackle, but would, as a direct result, drive down the number of people able to participate in these activities and directly hurt the millions of Americans who depend on the hunting, fishing, and shooting industries for part of their livelihoods. Hunters and anglers are ardent conservationists and have proven themselves willing to consider lead alternatives when the data justifies it. For instance, since 1991, waterfowl hunters have been required to use non-lead ammunition to protect waterfowl species which have been scientifically proven to be vulnerable to exposure. However, EPA found in 1994 no scientific basis to proceed with a lead ban in fishing tackle. EPA rightly and quickly rejected the petition with regard to ammunition, stating that they did not have the authority to regulate ammunition under the Toxic Substances Control Act. However, EPA is still considering a ban on lead fishing tackle. This ban would drive up costs on a sport that's appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility to the broad American public. Lead sinkers are critical to both salt and freshwater anglers, and are frequently used in the types of fishing that attracts young people to this sport. Moreover, a ban such as this would be a blow to thousands of people who depend on fishing tackle and ammunition manufacturing for their livelihoods. Companies like Remington in Lonoke, Arkansas employ over 20,000 Arkansans. The 5,500 manufacturers of firearms and ammunition and almost one million people working in sport fishing do not need EPA taking aim at their industry. My bill simply clarifies that the components used in manufacturing shells, cartridges, and fishing tackle are exempt from EPA regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Taking this simple step will provide certainty to these critical industries and prevent EPA and activist litigators from dragging this issue out through the courts for years. I am confident that the sporting community will continue to work with the Fish and Wildlife Service and State Fish and Wildlife agencies to address issues around lead ammunition where and when the facts warrant it. But Congress must act to preserve our hunting and fishing traditions by ensuring access to affordable, vital tools our hunters and anglers rely on.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the memory of U.S. Army SSG Harold ``George'' Bennett. In the jungles of Vietnam, this young Arkansan displayed courage and honor while serving his Nation in uniform. Tragically, he became the first American prisoner of war executed by the Viet Cong. This year marks the 45th anniversary of his death, and I am proud to join his family later this month to posthumously honor him with the Silver Star, the third highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. George Bennett was born on October 16, 1940, in Perryville, AR, a small town that rests just northwest of Little Rock in the foothills of the Ozarks. His father, Gordon, was a veteran of World War I, and he instilled in his sons the values and rewards of service to country. All four would follow his footsteps into the U.S. Army. SGT George Bennett was trained in the Army as an airborne infantryman and served with the famed 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, made up of some of the finest soldiers in the world. He earned his Master Parachute Wings and Expert Infantry Badge before volunteering in 1964 for service in what was a relatively unknown area of Southeast Asia called Vietnam. While deployed, Sergeant Bennett served as an infantry advisor to the 33rd Ranger Battalion, one of South Vietnam's best trained and toughest units. On December 29, 1964, they were airlifted to the village of Binh Gia after it had been overrun by a division of Viet Cong. Immediately upon landing, Sergeant Bennett's unit was confronted by a well-dug-in regiment of enemy forces, and despite fighting furiously and courageously throughout the afternoon, their unit was decimated and overrun. Sergeant Bennett and his radio operator, PFC Charles Crafts, fell into the hands of the Viet Cong. Before being captured, Sergeant Bennett twice called off American helicopter pilots who were attempting to navigate through the combat zone to rescue him and his radioman. Displaying a remarkably calm demeanor, his focus seemed to be on their safety and not his own. His last words to his would-be rescuers were, ``Well, they are here now. My little people [his term for the South Vietnamese soldiers under his command] are laying down their weapons and they want me to turn off my radio. Thanks a lot for your help and God Bless You.'' As a prisoner of war, the only thing more remarkable than the courageous resistance he displayed throughout his captivity was his steadfast devotion to duty, honor, and country. His faith in God and the trust of his fellow prisoners was unshakable. Sadly, the only way his captors could break his spirit of resistance was to execute him. Today, Sergeant Bennett lies in an unmarked grave known only to God, somewhere in the jungles of Vietnam. Mr. President, Sergeant Bennett was a selfless young man who answered his Nation's call to service and placed duty and honor above all else. Although he may no longer be with us, the example and selflessness of this brave young Arkansan will forever live on in our hearts. While a grateful nation could never adequately express their debt to men like George Bennett, it should take every opportunity to honor them and their families for the sacrifice they have paid on our behalf.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I congratulate 14 Arkansas teachers who were recently named regional finalists for Arkansas Teacher of the Year. These educators represent the best of our State, and I join all Arkansans to thank them for their efforts to educate and inspire our Arkansas youth. These teachers devote themselves to ensuring a bright, successful future for their students, and I commend them for their pursuit of professional excellence and their dedication to learning and knowledge. The finalists are Blair Ballard, Walnut Ridge Elementary; Vickie Beene, an English teacher at Nashville High School; Julie Boyd, Hurricane Creek Elementary in Bryant; Jeannette Dempsey, College Hill Elementary, Texarkana; Oretha Faye Ferguson, an English teacher at Fort Smith Southside High School; Karen S. Hart, a biology teacher at Jonesboro High School; Kristy Parish, Westside Elementary, Searcy; Mary Katherine Parson, a biology teacher at Little Rock Central; Kathy A. Powers, Simon Intermediate School, Conway; Therese Thompson, John Tyson Elementary, Springdale; Rebecca Vaughn, Wedlock Elementary, West Memphis; Maryann Walker, M.A. Hardin Elementary, White Hall; Carolyn Whisenant, Mountain Home Kindergarten; and Emily Kathryn White, Monticello Elementary.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, a beloved, time-honored tradition in my hometown of Helena, AR. The Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival, is one of the Nation's foremost showcases of blues music. Held for 3 days annually in October, tens of thousands of blues enthusiasts converge on historic downtown Helena. This year's festival features legendary blues musician B.B. King, along with nearly 50 other blues performances. The event will be held October 7 to 9, with projected attendance figures of nearly 80,000. I have often joined my fellow Helena residents to celebrate and enjoy this annual tradition, and I am proud of the community's efforts to keep alive the history and heritage of blues music. Founded in 1986, the first festival was a 1-day event, with a small gathering of local residents and a flatbed truck as a stage. Since then, the festival has grown to a 3-day event, with three stages and several activities, such as the Kenneth Freemyer 5K Run, the Blues in Schools program, and the Tour da' Delta bicycle tour. I congratulate the organizers and leadership of the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, along with all my fellow Helena residents. I wish them all the best as they celebrate 25 years of the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I congratulate the North Little Rock Visitors Bureau for being chosen as the Small Convention Visitors Bureau of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society, which represents 12 States. The North Little Rock bureau topped the category for visitors bureaus with a budget of less than $1 million. The Shining Example Award the North Little Rock agency received highlights ``some of the best work in travel and tourism,'' and sets ``examples that others in the industry can follow,'' according to the Southeast Tourism Society. I salute the North Little Rock Visitors Bureau and the entire North Little Rock community for their efforts to build and grow their community. As my fellow Arkansans know, our state is a beautiful one, filled with countless opportunities for recreation, outdoor pursuits, and other leisure activities. I am proud to see North Little Rock receive this prestigious recognition.

Mrs. LINCOLN

Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I congratulate the Fort Smith Housing Authority for winning the Agency of the Year Award from the Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Rehabilitation Officials. According to the Awards Committee, the Fort Smith Authority stood out in its achievements through its Neighborhood Stabilization Program and its recently gained status as a redevelopment agency, a status that will enable it to do even more good work in the future. The Fort Smith Housing Authority does tremendous work in its local Arkansas community, serving people with disabilities, seniors, and low income families by providing quality, affordable housing that creates positive living environments. I commend the Authority's long-standing efforts to increase the availability of safe, affordable housing and to improve quality of life and economic vitality. I salute the Authority and the entire Fort Smith community for achieving this prestigious recognition.