James Risch

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ friends and neighbors, but they showcase Idaho's creativity and values. Idaho small businesses provide invaluable goods and services and are an intrinsic element of the Gem State. These small businesses deserve to be celebrated for the integral role they play in our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide initiative, on June 7, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor the Parma Motor-Vu as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2024. Susan Haaheim's grandparents Bill and Gladys Dobbs opened the Parma Motor-Vu in 1953, one of the first drive-in theaters in the Treasure Valley. Seventy-one years and three generations of owners later, the Parma Motor-Vu remains one of the few drive-in theaters in the State thanks to the support from the Parma community. Through the years, the Motor-Vu adapted to the changing film industry by projecting Spanish- speaking films in the 1960s, adding radio sound in the 1970s, showing more current films in the 1990s, and going digital in the 21st century. The Parma Motor-Vu leans into their long-standing history ensuring a family atmosphere, good entertainment, and the best popcorn popped by their over 65-year-old Manley popcorn machine. As long as it is dark, the Motor-Vu has even played Boise State football games on the big screen. The Parma Motor-Vu is a mainstay in the valley and remains fun for all ages, whether they are seeing their first drive-in movie or they remember when speakers hung from the car window. Congratulations to the Parma Motor Vu family and all of the employees for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2024. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ friends and neighbors, but they showcase Idaho's creativity and values. Idaho small businesses provide invaluable goods and services and are an intrinsic element of the Gem State. These small businesses deserve to be celebrated for the integral role they play in our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide initiative, on June 7, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor The Eddy as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2024. Ed Lodge opened The Eddy in July 2023. As a lifelong Idahoan and avid river-sport enthusiast, Ed aspired to create a place of rest and rejuvenation for the Marsing community. The Eddy, named after the calm waters after a rapid, offers locals or visitors pastries, beer, wine, and locally sourced coffee. Hundreds of cars pass by The Eddy along Highway 55 every day; whether it is the first or last stop for people visiting Idaho or traveling from neighboring States, Ed created a place that no one will forget. Ed's goal for The Eddy is to give back to the community and use his small business to support the small businesses around him. In addition to the local products they sell, all of the furniture, stools, and tables in the building were sourced and made by a local welder. Nearing the 1-year anniversary of The Eddy, Ed has big plans to create an outdoor concert space, covered patio with outdoor seating, and food truck hookups for local vendors to continue supporting an already thriving and growing community. Congratulations to Ed Lodge and all of the employees at The Eddy for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2024. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ friends and neighbors, but they showcase Idaho's creativity and values. Idaho small businesses provide invaluable goods and services and are an intrinsic element of the Gem State. These small businesses deserve to be celebrated for the integral role they play in our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide initiative, on June 7, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Axe Force One as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2024. Doug Duncan opened Axe Force One in 2019 following a business trip where he tried the thrilling sport of axe throwing for the first time. Doug knew this adrenaline-pumping pastime would be a hit in Coeur d'Alene. Axe Force One's nine throwing lanes, arcade, pool table, and corn hole set provide plenty of activities for both first-time axe throwers and axe throwing regulars. Expert instructors assist in axe throwers' pursuit of a bullseye, while ensuring a safe experience for everyone. Axe Force One is also a gathering place for the community and church groups and is an entertaining team-building experience for north Idaho. Congratulations to Doug Duncan and all of the employees at Axe Force One for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2024. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Greyloch, LLC as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for May 2024. Custom Oak Furnishing, a custom cabinet and furnishing shop, began in Shaun Fickes' father's garage in 1991. A few years later, Shaun renamed the business Greyloch Custom Cabinetry after a peak near Lowman, ID, where his grandfather worked as an Idaho forest ranger. Over 20 years, Greyloch grew from a two-man shop to more than 35 employees. In 2015, Shaun began to explore the potential for automation in the industry. While he visited manufacturing plants all over the world, his vision for a first-of-its-kind cabinet manufacturing facility in North America came to life. With a dream that became reality, Shaun rebranded once more to Greyloch, LLC, in anticipation of the unlimited potential for the company's growth. Greyloch most recently opened a 96,909-square-foot advanced cabinet manufacturing facility in Star, ID. The new facility provides opportunities to establish relationships with schools and educators about technical training. Facility tours shed light on the advancements of automation in manufacturing and insight into where the classroom meets the real world. As a family-owned and operated business, Greyloch has made family a key aspect of its operations. Shaun's four children--Harrison Fickes, Brennon Fickes, Sydney Peel, and Tyler Moorhouse--grew up with Greyloch and now work full-time alongside their father. Shaun established a supportive work environment for his 73 employees and prioritizes the well-being of his employees who are proud of their work. Congratulations to the Fickes and all the employees at Greyloch, LLC on their selection as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for May 2024. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today, along with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, to honor the life and legacy of MG Benjamin Doty, a veteran and exceptional leader who recently passed away. Major General Doty, a native of Kellogg, ID, dedicated his life to serving our country and made significant contributions to both the military and civilian society. Major General Doty's journey began at the University of Idaho, where he set himself apart as the Army ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate in 1953. His commitment and talent led him to be inducted into the ROTC Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor reserved for exceptional graduates of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Throughout his military career, Major General Doty demonstrated exemplary leadership and served in multiple positions of increasing responsibility. He worked at the U.S. Army Military Assistance Command in Vietnam and was promoted to colonel in 1973. He then became the commander of the 3rd Armored Division Artillery in Europe and was later promoted to brigadier general. Major General Doty's dedication and expertise led to his appointment as the assistant division commander for the 2nd Armored Division. In 1984, after climbing the ranks to major general, Ben retired from Active Duty. During his service, he held the esteemed position of commanding general of TRADOC Combined Arms Test Activity at Fort Hood, TX. His commitment to excellence earned him numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Beyond his military achievements, Major General Doty had a profound impact in the field of journalism and mass media. He established the Ben and Patricia Doty Scholarship, which supports aspiring journalists and media professionals with financial need. This scholarship serves as a testament to his commitment to education and his belief in the media's power to shape society. Major General Doty's personal background and upbringing further exemplify his character and resilience. Born in 1931 during the Great Depression, he grew up in a humble mining town where money was scarce. Despite these challenges, he and his siblings all graduated from college, a testament to their determination and the values instilled by their parents. Throughout his life, Major General Doty remained committed to his family, his community, and his country. His legacy of leadership, dedication, and service will be felt for generations to come. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and achievements of MG Benjamin Doty. May his memory serve as an inspiration to us all, and may we strive to carry on his legacy of service and excellence.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor the Dunlap Hatchery as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for April 2024. The Dunlap Hatchery, which was established in 1918 by Oscar Dunlap, is one of the longest standing hatcheries, not just in Idaho but in the Nation. The Dunlaps moved the hatchery from Junction City, OR, to Caldwell, ID, early on in order to expand hatchery operations. Originally a chick hatchery and pullets operation, after more than 100 years in business, Dunlap Hatchery now hatches more than 50 varieties of chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and game birds. With 106 years of expertise in the poultry business under four generations of Dunlaps, the hatchery remains committed to providing quality products and exceptional service to their customers throughout the U.S. During peak season, their efforts guide the hatching of over 1 million chicks annually while operating a retail store to ensure customers have the supplies necessary to successfully raise chickens. Congratulations to the Dunlaps and the employees of the Dunlap Hatchery on their selection as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for April 2024. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Congressman Mike Simpson, I rise today to recognize the career and service of Connie Flohr, manager for the Idaho Cleanup Project. For more than 22 years, Flohr has been a key member of the Department of Energy--DOE--and the Idaho Cleanup Project, ICP. Flohr joined DOE's Office of Environmental Management--EM--in 2001 as a program analyst, before moving into positions as chief financial officer, EM budget director, and EM Deputy Assistant Secretary for Resource Management. In these roles, she managed the budget, planning, strategic analysis, human resources, and information technology activities for EM's 1,450 Federal employees and over 20,000 contractor employees. Since moving to Idaho in 2017 and taking on roles at the Idaho Cleanup Project, Flohr has served as deputy manager and as the ICP manager since March 2020. She consistently delivered results, saved taxpayers millions of dollars, protected the Snake River Plain Aquifer, and removed substantial risks for the people of Idaho. Along with these accomplishments as project manager, she is known as an agent of positive change for her influence in improving morale, developing and motivating staff to creatively identify and resolve issues, and effectively incentivizing contractors to make substantial and lasting progress in cleaning up the Department's legacy nuclear waste. Flohr is responsible for all management and disposition of high- level, transuranic, mixed low-level waste, and spent nuclear fuel-- SNF--at the Idaho National Laboratory--INL--Site, providing management oversight and leadership for an annual budget of $470 million, 52 Federal employees, and over 1,900 contractors. It is our great honor to congratulate Connie Flohr on this accomplishment, and thank her for her years of service. We wish her the best of luck following her retirement from DOE and the Idaho Cleanup Project.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor the Tracy General Store as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2024. For over a century, the Tracy General Store, the longest continuously operating store in Idaho, has called Almo home. Established in 1894 by William and Henry Eames, the general store offered food staples, dry goods, shoes, household and farm equipment, and a Post Office. The upstairs served as an amusement hall for the thriving Southern Idaho community where plays, dances, and weddings were performed. The building's unique brickwork, often of interest to tourists visiting the nearby City of Rocks National Reserve, demonstrates the building styles of two different cultures. The lower level was built in the English method of bricklaying. The upper floor with its decorative design was the handywork of two Swiss bricklayers who helped the brothers in the construction of the store's upper addition. In 1940, William Eames sold the store to his daughter Otella and her husband Josep Tracy, changing the name of the store from Eames to Tracy. The lively general store remained in the Tracy family until about 2007. Currently owned by Kent and Janis Durfee, the Tracy General Store boasts a wide selection of grocery items, as well as fresh and homemade food and ice cream. Scattered across the shelves, shoppers can find relics from the past; most notable is the original cash register which was in use until 2003. Today, the beloved Tracy General Store still houses the Post Office, plenty of goods for locals and travelers, and a community space where everyone can come together to appreciate the building's long history. Congratulations to the Durfees and the employees of the Tracy General Store on their selection as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2024. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, I rise today to honor and recognize the remarkable life and extraordinary service of Staff Sergeant Clinton McKinney, a true hero and distinguished World War II veteran. SSG McKinney's unwavering courage, sacrifice, and dedication to our Nation embody the spirit of the greatest generation. SSG McKinney celebrated his 100th birthday on January 21, 2024. The occasion was marked by heartfelt tributes from his family and the Idaho community. It is a testament to SSG McKinney's enduring legacy and his profound impact on all who have the privilege of knowing him. SSG McKinney fearlessly began his service in March 1943. He served with Company M of the 103rd Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge, a historic battle and turning point for World War II in the winter of 1944. SSG McKinney and company faced extreme conditions of bitter cold and isolation but never failed to demonstrate steadfast resolve and resilience. Sadly, 39 of his fellow infantrymen were lost in the battle, and SSG McKinney was taken prisoner. SSG McKinney escaped not once, but twice, only to be recaptured each time. His sheer determination and resourcefulness led to a successful third attempt with two other soldiers. For his exceptional bravery and selflessness, SSG McKinney was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and multiple Purple Hearts, recognizing his immense contribution to the Allied cause and his dedication to duty. Following the war, he returned home to his beloved wife Louise and devoted himself to public service by establishing a firefighting department in Washington State. His commitment to the safety and well- being of his fellow citizens extends far beyond his military service. I am privileged to reflect on the extraordinary life of SSG McKinney, honor his remarkable service, and learn from his example. SSG McKinney's courage and resilience serve as an inspiration, reminding us of the sacrifices made by the greatest generation and the debt of gratitude we owe them. SSG McKinney is a true American hero whose selfless actions and remarkable service have left an indelible mark on our Nation's history. May his legacy inspire future generations to serve with honor, courage, and unwavering commitment.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, first of all, I want the record to be absolutely clear. This is not a gift to Turkiye; this is a sale to Turkiye. They are going to pay for the munitions they are going to get, the aircraft they are going to get. As I stated when I started out, Turkiye is very, very less than a desired or good ally in the current NATO framework, and certainly, as I said, we have a long list of complaints with them. One thing I think that I would disagree with my good friend from Kentucky--the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO was a huge, huge matter. It wasn't something that was just a parenthetical thought. It added 800 miles of direct border against Russia, which is what NATO was created to push back against. And the same thing with Sweden. Sweden has a very, very robust defense system itself. With all due respect to my friend from Kentucky, I wouldn't put this in the vein or argument that we are going to come to the defense of Sweden. Sweden is going to come to the defense of NATO and in a very, very robust way. Yes, we wanted them, and yes, that is exactly why I withheld the F-16 sale and refurbishment--so that we could get those two. It was extremely important. Also, my good friend has reiterated some human rights violations that this country has. I would remind my good friend that Russia does the same thing. I have a resolution that came out of the Foreign Relations Committee that is on the floor that reiterates all those human rights and condemns Russia for those exact human rights things that my good friend reiterated, but he has a hold on it. There is one hold on that piece of legislation, and it is from the Senator from Kentucky, which I would respectfully request that he lift. In any event, I am not here to defend Turkiye or the other things that they do. What I am here to do is to defend the importance of NATO, the importance of adding Finland and Sweden to NATO, and the fact that negotiations are the way these things get done.

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to respond for up to 2 minutes, please.

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today in respect to S.J. Res. 60, which, as I understand it, will be up for vote here fairly quickly. And I rise in opposition to S.J. Res. 60. S.J. Res. 60, in essence, says that we would not keep the commitment that we have made to sell or refurbish the F-16 jets to Turkiye. I am not here to tell you that Turkiye is the best partner that we have had. Indeed, as former chairman and now ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee, I deal and have to deal with them regularly on a lot of issues. They are an ally in NATO. NATO, as we all know, is the strongest political and military alliance that has ever been created on the planet, and Turkiye is a member of that alliance. To be honest with you--and I tell them this face-to-face--they are not acting like a partner; they are not acting like an ally, and there are a long list of complaints that we have in that regard. This actually started with defense missiles that they wanted to buy, and we offered them the Patriot missiles, as we do to all of our NATO allies, and, indeed, instead, they chose to purchase Russian S-400 missiles. At the same time, they had purchased, or were in the process of purchasing, four F-35 of ours--which everybody wants, understandably. But at the time that they bought the S-400s, I told them they can't have S-400s in the same country as F-35s. If they are going to do business with Russia, so be it, but there are consequences for that. So as a result of that, I put a hold on the F-35s, and I was followed by the other three corners and that hold was successful and the F-35s have not been transferred to Turkiye. And that was the fight we had with them over the S-400s. We have made them a number of reasonable offers to try to resolve this, but they have not accepted any of those offers, and the result of that is they still got the S-400s, and we still got the four F-35s, which are going to stay here until the S-400s leave the country. So the next thing that happened was they came to us and said, well, their F-16s were aging. They needed to be refurbished, and they needed a number of new F-16s. About that time, they decided to put a hold on Sweden and Finland entering NATO. And as we all know, Finland and Sweden really, really wanted to enter NATO shortly after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and everybody in NATO agreed with that, with the exception of Turkiye and Hungary. Both used the accession to NATO by those two countries as a way to use leverage against other countries within NATO on some parochial disputes that they have. That is not the way you do business as an ally. When your allied, yes, you will always have issues that you have to deal with other allied countries, but you don't use the security of the whole. You don't use the good of the whole as a bargaining chip to try to get a leg up on those. So the result of that was for a long, long time, Turkiye held up the accession of those two countries into NATO. As a result of that, I held up the F-16 purchases that they wanted to make. Negotiations went on for a long time. We were made promise after promise. The promises were broken. But, finally, they did roll over earlier this year, late last year, and allowed the accession of both Sweden and Finland. The result of that was that we agreed that we would do what they wanted to do with the F-16s. This particular resolution, the S.J. Res. 60, really undoes that agreement, and I can fully understand Senators being upset with Turkiye for this and a long list of other complaints that we have. But a deal is a deal and we made this agreement and they kept their side of the bargain--admittedly not very timely, but they did keep their side of the bargain. And now Finland is in, and Sweden is about to come in so that will be the state of play. I would urge a ``no'' vote on this simply because it is imperative to the United States, when we give our word on something, that we keep our word, and so that is where we are. Having said that, I have urged Turkiye on a number of occasions to examine their conscience and really think about what their commitment means to NATO. That commitment to NATO all the rest of us have is very, very strong, and Turkiye and Hungary have not been behaving the way the rest of us in the coalition behave. One of the most troubling things to me is both of them hold hands with Putin under the table, and that is a very, very bad state of affairs as far as what is going on in Europe, as far as NATO's relationship with Russia, and just the overall situation. So although we have a lot of things to complain about with Turkiye, on this particular occasion, I am going to urge that we defeat S.J. Res. 60 and actually keep the agreement that we made regarding the F- 16s. I yield the floor.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Arnzen Building Construction as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for February 2024. Arnzen Building Construction was established in Cottonwood, Idaho in 1987 by Morris B. Arnzen. After attending the University of Idaho, Arnzen entered the construction business in 1979 and began his career at Enneking Building Construction. Following the retirement of George Enneking, Morris purchased Enneking Building Construction and, in 1995, renamed the firm Arnzen Building Construction. Arnzen Building Construction has played a crucial role in the changing face of North Central Idaho. Their builds and remodels of residential, commercial, educational, medical, and public works projects throughout the region are a testament to their commitment to high-quality construction and workmanship. The Arnzen's leadership and support of the Idaho and Lewis County Fairs, local 4-H chapters, Cottonwood Fire Department, St. Mary's Youth Group, and local hospitals and schools demonstrates their loyalty to constructing not only sturdy buildings, but a strong community. Congratulations to the Arnzens and all of the employees at Arnzen Building Construction on their selection as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for February 2024. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise in opposition. Israel is a long and close ally. And it remains the only democracy in the Middle East. This resolution is a blatant effort to undermine Israel's right to self defense. Let us not forget the facts. Israel has experienced the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust and the largest hostage crisis--including Americans--since 1979. The Obama and Biden administrations' failed policies toward the Iranian regime have allowed billions in resources to flow to Iran's terror proxies, including Hamas. We cannot ignore bad U.S. policy that helped create this mess and then sideline our support for the ally who must deal with their consequences. Instead, this resolution doubles down on those failed policies and represents a troubling Democrat trend: chide our closest allies and fail to confront our most dangerous adversaries. Hamas and Iran are our enemies, not Israel. It is Iran that provides Hamas with weapons, training, and intelligence. It is Hamas that chose to rampage across the border, killing over 1,200 Israelis and 13 Americans. It is Hamas that kidnapped over 240 innocent people for leverage. It is Hamas that hides its warfighting capability under hospitals, mosques, and other protected sites. And it is Hamas that uses human shields, including women and children. Where is the outrage for this behavior? I find the silence deafening. I encourage my colleagues across the aisle to focus on Iran, Hamas, and our adversaries and oppose this misguided resolution.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Collet's Pub as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for January 2024. Collet's opened in 1930 during Prohibition as a pool hall in Firth, ID. Generations of the Collet family owned the smalltown bar before closing for 2 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2022, Holly and Brian Johnson purchased the business and brought Collet's back to life. Despite much-needed repairs to the building, Holly and Brian's fond memories of eating hamburgers there as children encouraged them to preserve the original look and feel of Collet's, including the iconic teal sign. Customers who have frequented Collet's for 20 or even 30 years still admire the original sketches and engravings etched into the bar by the former owner. Collet's was the first bar in Idaho to serve Budweiser Beer on tap, and today, the pub is a family-friendly restaurant known for good food, burgers, and karaoke on the weekends. As the only dining establishment in Firth, Holly and Brian have given the community a place to grab lunch, meet up with friends, play cards or pool, and visit. Congratulations to the Johnsons and all of the employees at Collet's Pub on their selection as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for January 2024. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Uranium.

Mr. RISCH. Thank you, Senator. I want to join my good friend from Wyoming in this really important issue. We are talking here today about enriched uranium, a commodity that is absolutely critical to America. Not only is it an energy security issue, it is a national security imperative. Right now, we get about one-fifth of our enriched uranium out of Russia. What is that doing? It is doing a number of things. No. 1, it gives Russia control over the supply, but just as importantly, at the same time, it is helping finance Russia's war against Ukraine. It is past time that we end this dependence on or even use of any kind of Russian-enriched uranium. Congress took a tremendous step by passing the Nuclear Fuel Security Act, which Senator Barrasso, Senator Manchin, and I introduced to enhance domestic uranium conversion and enrichment capacity, which is desperately needed. Now we have to provide a pathway to enhance domestic nuclear fuel production. We need to provide certainty both here at home and to the world that a reliance on Russian fuel is over, once and for all. This is our opportunity to do it here. Russia is going to suffer consequences from its attack on Ukraine for generations to come. I don't think they have fully figured that out yet. But this is just a tip of the iceberg as to what is coming for them. We need to cut it off. I strongly urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 1042, which, as the Senator from Wyoming mentioned, was unanimously passed out of the House of Representatives earlier this week. It will be a companion to the bill that we passed earlier this year. This is a really, really good step forward and an incredibly good step forward. With that, I will yield to Senator Manchin.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise in opposition to this resolution. First, this resolution obscures the facts and alleges that American troops are involved in hostilities in Syria. American troops have remained in Syria across multiple administrations to ensure the lasting defeat of the Islamic State. Our presence is authorized under the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force, the legal cornerstone of our counterterrorism operations around the world. The Islamic State remains a threat to Americans and our partners. According to the State Department's latest reports on terrorism, the Islamic State ``remains resilient and determined to attack.'' Senator Paul no doubt recalls the Islamic State's attacks across the region--the depraved videos of slaves, beheadings, the Yazidi genocide, and the attacks against civilians in France and into the heart of Europe. As recently as last year, we saw the Islamic State conduct a prison break in northern Syria and witnessed an uptick in attacks. Despite the fact that we shattered their caliphate, the group is down, but not out. Our troop presence is a critical element to maintaining pressure on the Islamic State and keeping Americans safe. Senator Paul's resolution points to the numerous Iranian-sponsored attacks against our troops in Iraq and Syria. I share these concerns and urge the administration to do more to establish deterrence against Iran. The House went through this exercise as recently as March and voted down a similar effort to pull our troops by a wide margin. I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities, but rising costs and inflation have brought increased challenges to Main Street establishments across our State. This holiday season, I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems All Season Long, a holiday revival of the statewide Support Local Gems initiative, which encourages Idahoans to do their holiday shopping at the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Council Mountain Coffee & Laundromat as one of Idaho's Local Gems. Council Mountain Coffee & Laundromat is a staple in the Council community. Owned and operated by Jacob and Samantha Sturlin since 2021, the coffee shop and laundromat are popular among locals for daily cups of coffee and visitors passing through town. The Sturlins moved to Council and bought Council Mountain Coffee & Laundromat in pursuit of a more rural lifestyle and an opportunity to get involved in the community. Council Mountain Coffee features an eclectic menu of coffees, teas, Italian sodas, pastries, seasonal specials, and all are served by the friendliest staff. The Sturlins' passion for the community shines through in their sponsorship of the local rodeo, vacation Bible school, and the annual Fourth of July fireworks show. They encourage even the youngest community members to get involved, allowing Council Elementary School students to decorate coffee sleeves to brighten customers' morning joe. Congratulations to Jacob and Samantha Sturlin and the employees at Council Mountain Coffee & Laundromat. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities, but rising costs and inflation have brought increased challenges to Main Street establishments across our state. This holiday season, I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems All Season Long, a holiday revival of the statewide Support Local Gems initiative, which encourages Idahoans to do their holiday shopping at the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Royal Theaters as one of Idaho's Local Gems. With two locations in Idaho Falls and one in Blackfoot, Royal Theaters is beloved by southeast Idaho's moviegoers. Kent and Ingrid Lott purchased the Centre Theater, originally a 1913 Vaudeville Theater, in 1993. Once a single-screen theater, the Lotts turned the balcony into a second theater 3 years after its opening. Royal Theaters' second Idaho Falls location boasts four screens, while the Lotts' Blackfoot location houses seven. The Lotts' passion for the movie business is evident in their renovation projects throughout the years. In 2013, Royal Theaters upgraded the 35mm film projectors to digital projectors. In their latest project, the Lotts remodeled both Idaho Falls locations with stadium seating and VIP seats. For more than 30 years, Royal Theaters has offered a special moviegoing experience for southeast Idaho. Congratulations to the Lott family and the employees at Royal Theaters. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities, but rising costs and inflation have brought increased challenges to Main Street establishments across our State. This holiday season, I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems All Season Long, a holiday revival of the statewide Support Local Gems initiative, which encourages Idahoans to do their holiday shopping at the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor 2nd South Market as one of Idaho's Local Gems. Idaho's first food hall was born in 2019, when owners Dave and Lisa Buddecke purchased the historic 1926 Krengel Machine Company building. Paying homage to its location in Twin Falls' historic warehouse district, 2nd South Market hosts six locally owned food vendors and full bar, which together employ more than 50 people. The food hall features 14,700 square feet of outdoor space, known as the Yard, which provides additional seating, live music, cornhole, firepits, and space for private events. 2nd South Market is a space where the Magic Valley can gather, work, socialize, and eat--a place where the Magic Valley can build community. The Buddeckes embraced the history of the former blacksmith, boilermaker, welding, hardware, and most recently, thrift store building, to create a vibrant epicenter for the Magic Valley. During the restoration of the building, original wood and metal paneling, doors, windows, signage, and old whiskey bottles dating back to Prohibition were recovered. A wall at the entrance of the food hall highlights many of these materials and shares the land and building's unique story since 1907. Congratulations to Dave and Lisa Buddecke and the vendors at 2nd South Market. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities, but rising costs and inflation have brought increased challenges to Main Street establishments across our State. This holiday season, I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems All Season Long, a holiday revival of the statewide Support Local Gems initiative, to encourage Idahoans to do their holiday shopping at the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Seven Ridges Ag Service LLC as one of Idaho's Local Gems. Tad and Kayce Brown, of Kendrick, opened Seven Ridges Ag Services in 2019. After working as a service technician for a John Deere dealer for more than 11 years, Tad decided to explore his own off-road equipment repair service for the local agricultural, construction, and forestry industries. Seven Ridges originally operated out of a single truck and garage. Each year of operation, demand grew. The Browns continue to find new facilities to accommodate their customers' demand. Most recently, Tad and Kayce joined Jimmie and Cindy Breckenridge to purchase a local parts and repair shop--Kendrick Ag & Supply--where Seven Ridges Ag Services can grow and expand. Aside from Seven Ridges' service repairs, Tad and Kayce actively support Kendrick's youth through the JK Baseball Association and the Kendrick FFA. The Browns proudly support the annual Juliaetta Blackberry Festival Car Show and the University of Idaho Vandal Cheer Team. Congratulations to Tad and Kayce Brown at Seven Ridges Ag Service LLC. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities, but rising costs and inflation have brought increased challenges to Main Street establishments across our state. This holiday season, I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems All Season Long, a holiday revival of the statewide Support Local Gems initiative, to encourage Idahoans to do their holiday shopping at the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Vickers Western Store as one of Idaho's Local Gems. Vickers Western Store has outfitted southeast Idaho cowboys and cowgirls since 1976. Bill Vickers, an Idaho State University alum, opened the western wear store in Pocatello, which offers a vast inventory of apparel, accessories, home decor, a pawn shop, and boot repair operation. Vickers' 22 employees offer the highest quality customer service, enticing customers to come back time and time again. In 2001, Vickers' booming success encouraged Bill to expand and open a second store in Idaho Falls. Bill Vickers operated Vickers Western Store until he passed away in 2013. Bill enjoyed rodeo, winning All-Around Champion at the Idaho State High School Rodeo Finals, and announcing rodeos throughout the West. Bill was later inducted into the Idaho Cowboy Hall of Fame. In memory of Bill, the Vickers family founded the Billy D. Vickers Memorial Endowment for Idaho State University students passionate about rodeo. Even after Bill's passing, Vickers continues to provide the high-quality, phenomenal customer service he championed and founded the store on. Bill's memory lives on through his family and his store. The Vickers family continues to operate the store in southeast Idaho. Congratulations to the Vickers family and all of the employees at Vickers Western Store. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great state proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities, but rising costs and inflation have brought increased challenges to Main Street establishments across our State. This holiday season, I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems All Season Long, a holiday revival of the statewide Support Local Gems initiative, to encourage Idahoans to do their holiday shopping at the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor White Cross Pharmacy and Compounding as one of Idaho's Local Gems. In 1922, White Cross Pharmacy opened its first location in Priest River. In its 101-year history, only five owners have ever operated the store, which shows their strong commitment to helping keep our communities happy, healthy, and well-informed. Since 1922, the pharmacy has grown to serve Sandpoint, Oldtown, and Spirit Lake. Today, Gary de Blaquiere, Rich de Blaquiere, and Shannon McGlashan own and operate the pharmacy, which truly stands out by providing student work positions under hard-working pharmacy staff, who diligently serve the community. Due to its rural Idaho location, White Cross Pharmacy, like many rural pharmacies, plays a vital role in providing healthcare for residents, including the elderly. Rural pharmacies are often the only healthcare facility for miles around. In these towns, the pharmacy employees treat customers like family, and in turn, customers trust pharmacists with critical healthcare services. This is the niche filled by White Cross Pharmacy in Oldtown, Priest River, Spirit Lake, and Sandpoint. White Cross Pharmacy offers patient services ranging from treatment protocols for minor and self-limiting ailments to advice on over-the- counter remedies to guidance on prescription medication. But the pharmacy is not stopping there because it is looking to add new services to better serve the community. It works to help those in need by donating money to assist those who cannot afford their medications and actively participating in community events and donating to local food banks. Congratulations to de Blaquiere Enterprises, Inc., and all of the employees at White Cross Pharmacy. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Idaho's Ginger ``Mama'' Passarelli and the Soup Ladies, a nonprofit organization she founded to serve first responders fresh meals following Hurricane Katrina. Since 2004, the Soup Ladies have served countless meals to those responding to tragedies across the country. From hurricanes on the East Coast, wildfires across the West, and tornadoes in the South, Ginger and the Soup Ladies provide fresh meals to first responders, police and fire departments, search and rescue teams, and military personnel. Most recently, the Soup Ladies' pink trucks and trailers traveled to the southern border, where they cooked fresh meals for Border Patrol agents working the frontlines of our illegal immigration crisis. When the Soup Ladies are not responding to national emergencies, they support emergency personnel and law enforcement agents in their local communities. They recognize the important sacrifices first responders make to selflessly serve their communities and support them as they support us. The Soup Ladies now consist of more than 80 volunteers across the country and serve countless meals each year. All Soup Ladies are certified in crisis management because they meet first responders where they are, on the frontlines. When the Soup Ladies answer a call, they aim to feed at least 100 people on site within an hour. Their favorite recipes include soup, stroganoff, and chicken pot pie for their nutritional value and convenience. In addition to recognition by communities across the country, the Soup Ladies's honorable work has received national attention from Mike Rowe on ``Returning the Favor'' and the Today Show. Thank you, Mama Passarelli, for your commitment to supporting the emergency personnel, search and rescue teams, military personnel, and law enforcement officials who selflessly serve and protect our citizens. You are truly ``warming the world, one bowl at a time.''