James Risch

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the Office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD 423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. I would like to amend.

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I thank Senator Booker for his kind words about the committee. I want to commit that we will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion. On the other hand, we have a disagreement here regarding this particular person. He is a well-qualified career State Department nominee. He has been nominated, of course, to be Ambassador of Pakistan. Ambassador Todd is a career member of senior executive service. He is well qualified to serve as the Ambassador. He is currently serving as the Deputy Under Secretary of State for Management. He has a wealth of experience, having previously served as Ambassador twice, to Cambodia and Brunei. His qualifications notwithstanding, now is really not the time to leave the ambassadorship and the mission in Islamabad vacant. The others we have are also good. I don't think that it is unfair to ask that we have a trade of five for one. In any event, we respectfully disagree at this point. I have no doubt, as we move forward, we will have other things we do agree on, but at this time, I am going to continue to object to the five.

Mr. RISCH. I object.

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, first of all, let me say to my dear friend from New Jersey, I fully agree with the five nominees he has put in front of the Senate. Indeed, we had good confirmation hearings on all five of those, and none of these five--other than the one I am going to the talk about in a second--are political appointments. These are career people who have had long and distinguished service with the Secretary of State, and they are all very legitimate appointees to the places they are appointed to, which I am going to reiterate here in just a minute. In any event, one was left off the list. I know Senator Booker had some issues with that, but I think, in the spirit of cooperation and in the spirit of bipartisanship, he offers five, and I will offer a compromise of one more. I think that is absolutely fair--five for one. But I object, and indeed I would ask unanimous consent that we do as suggested by Senator Booker, and that is discharge from the committee and approve the following six nominations: PN1938, Mr. Kevin Blackstone, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste; PN2024, Ms. Cynthia Kierscht, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania; PN2101, Mr. Brian D. McFeeters, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to Malaysia; PN2025, the Honorable Geeta Pasi, Class of Career Minister, to be Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; PN2030, the Honorable David Reimer, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone; and finally, William E. Todd, PN1598, to be Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. As I said, none of these are political. They have all had long and distinguished careers with the State Department. They all have great backgrounds to be Ambassadors, and I appreciate Senator Booker helping me move all six of these forward. With that, I ask unanimous consent that all six of those be discharged and be considered and passed.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Bonneville County Sheriff Paul Wilde and his more than 40 years of service to his community. Sheriff Wilde began his career in law enforcement following the Teton Dam disaster in 1976 as a reserve deputy in Jefferson County. Within a year, he transferred to Bonneville County where he would remain for the next four decades. Community service is deeply engrained in Sheriff Wilde. Throughout his time as a deputy in the Bonneville County sheriff's office, he also served on several boards and committees, including as a founding board member of D.A.R.E., president of the 7th Judicial Court Appointed Special Advocates, and on the governing boards of Help, Inc., Domestic Violence Intervention, and Rape Crisis. In addition, he holds an Executive Certification from the Police Officers Standards a Training Academy and currently chairs the Jail Standards Committee for the Idaho Sheriffs Association. Through these opportunities, he learned that effective law enforcement requires a firm and daily commitment to community and personal sacrifice. Over the course of his career, Sheriff Wilde clearly demonstrated this commitment. His colleagues were not the only people to recognize these qualities in Sheriff Wilde but also the residents of Bonneville County, who elected him to three consecutive terms as their sheriff. Sheriff Wilde leaves behind a legacy demonstrating the benefits of capable law enforcement, and we wish him and his wife Cindy the best as he transitions back to private life. His leadership and commitment to his community will be missed, but his legacy will benefit Eastern Idaho for years to come.

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 La Cabanita Mex in Ketchum as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for December 2020. Growing up, Rodolfo Armenta was captivated by his father's cooking and passion for traditional Mexican cuisine. Rodolfo knew he wanted serve his father's food as a career and dreamed of one day opening up his own Mexican restaurant. During a visit to Idaho's Wood River Valley, Rodolfo fell in love with the area's natural beauty and tight-knit community and soon relocated his family to the area. After years of hard work and determination, Rodolfo opened La Cabanita in Ketchum where it continues to thrive today. Since its 2009 opening, La Cabanita has become a beloved institution, garnering accolades for its exceptional food, family atmosphere, and dedicated service to the community. It has received multiple awards, including the gold medal for ``Best Mexican Restaurant'' in the Idaho Mountain Express's Best of Valley Survey for 5 years in a row, and continues to draw in locals and tourists alike. Thanks to the success of the Ketchum location, Rodolfo opened a second La Cabanita in Bellevue and a bakery in the Wood River Valley, providing dozens of jobs to the local community and giving Idahoans a true sense of the cultural vibrance that surrounds Mexican cuisine. Congratulations to Rodolfo, his family, and all of the employees of La Cabanita Mex on being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for December 2020. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, along with my colleague Senator Mike Crapo, I rise today to recognize Idaho State Senate President Pro Tempore Brent Hill's 19 years of service to the State of Idaho. In 2001, Brent Hill was appointed to lead Idaho's 34th District as a State senator. He quickly developed a reputation as a legislator who led with integrity, civility and kindness--characteristics that earned him reelection to serve nine consecutive terms in the Idaho State Senate. In the Idaho Senate and throughout the 34th District, Brent was known as a stalwart supporter of small businesses, family values, natural resources, and public education. Brent's expansive knowledge of the Federal and State tax codes from his experience as a CEO, CPA, and a financial planner allowed him to shape Idaho's tax policy and communicate complex tax legislation to fellow legislators and constituents. He considered tax dollars sacred and took great care in spending them responsibly. As he climbed the ranks of leadership to become president pro tempore, Brent never forgot the people he served in Madison and Bonneville Counties and always demonstrated true concern for their challenges and concerns. Despite the demands on his time, he continued to serve his community on the board of the Citizens Community Bank and as president of the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce and Rexburg Kiwanis Club. He never stopped advocating on behalf of his constituents, regularly contacting our offices to secure assistance for those needing help with Federal agencies. Senator Brent Hill leaves behind a legacy of service and integrity, and we wish him and his wife Julie, their children and grandchildren the best as he transitions back to private life. His steadfast leadership will be missed in the Idaho Senate, but we know his community and our State will continue to be blessed by his influence for years to come.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD--423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, along with my colleague Senator Mike Crapo, I rise today to honor our friend Dr. Mark Peters. Dr. Peters, who led the Idaho National Lab INL--for 5 extraordinary years, will be stepping down from his position as director of the INL to pursue a new role with Battelle Energy Alliance. Throughout his long and distinguished tenure at the INL, our national laboratories, and other highly respected research institutions, Dr. Peters has earned a reputation as a leading voice in the U.S. nuclear community. He is highly respected by Congress, the administration, industry, and stakeholders because of his knowledge and his engaging and inclusive style. Simply put, Dr. Peters is a giant in the nuclear industry. He has served as a senior advise to the U.S. Department of Energy on nuclear energy matters and as a fellow of the American Nuclear Society, a prestigious recognition for his outstanding accomplishments in nuclear science and technology. As INL director, Mark led the State's fifth largest employer and skillfully managed its team of more than 4,000 scientists, engineers, and support staff at our country's premiere nuclear, cybersecurity, and scientific research laboratory. Thanks to his leadership, the Lab is thriving and its future is bright. It would be difficult to list every one of Mark's many accomplishments at the Lab, but there are several key achievements that have propelled the INL to new heights. Mark played a pivotal role in getting the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act signed into law. He also succeeded in bringing the National Reactor Innovation Center to Idaho, ensuring that the Lab will continue to lead the development and deployment of advanced nuclear reactor designs well into the future. Furthermore, Dr. Peters was instrumental in growing the mission of the Lab. Mark invested time and energy into making the INL a world leader in industrial control systems cybersecurity to match its well- established reputation for nuclear energy. This research arm has helped ensure the safety and security of our Nation's critical infrastructure while acting as a boon to eastern Idaho's economy. Recognizing the inherent opportunity in its expanding cybersecurity practice, Dr. Peters worked closely with the Sate of Idaho to construct two new buildings at the Lab's Research and Education Campus. These world-class centers facilitate cutting-edge research by government and private industry, while providing Idaho students with opportunities to develop modeling, simulation, and cybersecurity skills for in-demand careers in Idaho and beyond. The Idaho Falls community not only benefited from Mark's leadership, but that of his wife, Ann Marie Peters. Her tireless efforts to expand programs and acquire the latest technologies at the College of Eastern Idaho have provided thousands of students with unprecedented high- quality educational opportunities. Throughout the community, Mark and Ann Marie are known for their willingness to take time out of their busy schedules to help young people navigate college and career opportunities and for their generous support of organizations like the Idaho Falls Arts Council and United Way. We wish Mark, Ann Marie, and their family the very best in their new endeavor. We thank them for their service and dedication to making the Lab and surrounding communities such a vibrant place to work and call home. Eastern Idaho is a better place because of the Peters family, and for that, all of Idaho is deeply grateful.

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 Idaho Sewing for Sports in Grangeville as the Idaho Small Business of the month for November 2020. Idaho Sewing for Sports--ISS--is a manufacturer of custom padding and coverings for ski resorts and summer recreation destinations throughout the globe. In 1986, founders Gail and Will Williams returned from a business trip to Canada and found themselves in Grangeville, ID. It was during this stop they were captivated by its natural beauty, lifestyle, and community. As a result of this experience, the Williams decided to relocate their family and business to Grangeville, where it has operated for nearly 25 years. ISS has developed a reputation for producing high-quality custom coverings for lift seats, wall and tower paddings, zip lines, and other resort infrastructure. Since its relocation to Idaho, ISS has grown to be one of the largest custom padding manufacturers in America. While the Williams have since retired from the business' day-to-day operations, their son Gunther and his wife Joy now manage the business. In addition to operating a successful business, ISS has been integral to aiding the community's COVID-19 relief efforts. As a board member of the Syringa Hospital in Grangeville, Gunther Williams learned that the hospital was experiencing a shortage of gowns and masks. In response, Gunther jumped into action and directed his staff to coordinate with the hospital to develop medical grade gowns and masks. Syringa Hospital supplied ISS with the patterns it needed to produce the gowns and provided surgical blankets to produce masks. Through their heroic collaboration, ISS produced thousands of gowns and masks at cost that were distributed to hospitals and first responders throughout the country. Congratulations to Gunther, Joy, and all of the hard-working employees of Idaho Sewing for Sports on being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for November 2020. Your commitment to service and community is humbling, and you make our great State proud. I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.