David Vitter

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I wish to honor the memory of Officer Daryle Holloway, a 22-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department who was killed in the line of duty Saturday, June 20, 2015. In 1992, Officer Holloway joined the New Orleans Police Department after graduating from St. Augustine High School. Throughout his career, he asked to remain a patrol officer in order to better interact with the residents of district 5 of New Orleans. Known for his sunny disposition, sincerity, and good nature, Officer Holloway truly cared about the neighborhoods he protected. Following the levee breaches after Hurricane Katrina, Officer Holloway remained in the city providing security at Charity Hospital. Later he performed water rescue missions, bravely rescuing numerous people trapped in their homes or on their rooftops. Besides his duty as a police officer, Officer Holloway remained an ardent supporter of his high school alma mater, St. Augustine, where he volunteered as a mentor to troubled students and continued to be a valuable part of the all-boys Catholic high school. For the past 22 years, Officer Holloway served the citizens of New Orleans, LA, with his professionalism, skill, enthusiasm, and leadership. He selflessly served his community as a guardian, mentor, and father of three children, Kalia, Cydni, and Dillion. It is with a heavy heart that I honor the esteemed life and career of Officer Daryle Holloway. I thank him for his years of service to our State and country and pray for his family and friends.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I rise again in support of my sanctuary cities amendment and to urge us to come together around sensible legislation that will stop jurisdictions around the country from opposing and not following what is already Federal law. As the Presiding Officer knows, Federal law is very clear. It says deportation and immigration enforcement is a Federal responsibility, but local law enforcement authorities need to properly cooperate with Federal authorities regarding that. It doesn't mean they need to take it over or take on huge burdens or unfunded mandates. It does mean they need to properly cooperate with Federal authorities. Well, for several years, as the Presiding Officer knows, there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of so-called sanctuary cities in other jurisdictions around the country that have a formal policy that is completely at odds with that. These policies in various jurisdictions, such as the city of San Francisco, say straight out: We are not going to cooperate in any meaningful way with Federal immigration enforcement. I think that is flatout ridiculous, and tragically it leads to dangerous situations and horrible results. We saw one of those dangerous situations and horrible results just in the last few weeks with the murder of a completely innocent woman in San Francisco by an illegal alien who had been convicted of felonies seven times, deported five times, and released onto the streets of San Francisco, in part, because of San Francisco's sanctuary city policy. This absurdness--political correctness gone haywire--is to the detriment and danger of American citizens, and it has to end. That is why several years ago I brought legislation to the Senate, beginning in 2009, to put teeth in what is already Federal law. My legislation will ensure that there are consequences when jurisdictions, such as San Francisco, don't properly cooperate with Federal authorities over immigration enforcement. Unfortunately, that has been blocked and blocked and blocked in the Senate. I brought the same proposal as an amendment to the education bill that is on the floor now to revisit this issue and to urge us to come together around sound, sensible policy that ends sanctuary cities flaunting Federal law and creating very dangerous situations. I urge my colleagues to come around to a commonsense solution to that. I have fully cooperated with Senator Alexander, who has been the floor leader on this important education bill. As part of that, I agreed not to demand a vote on that amendment on the floor this week if our Judiciary Committee, the appropriate committee of jurisdiction, takes up the issue in a timely way--we reached that agreement yesterday with Senator Grassley, the chair of the Judiciary Committee--and that a Vitter bill on this topic would be taken up appropriately at a markup of the Judiciary Committee this work period. Well, that is certainly progress, and so let's use this opportunity to make real progress and end sanctuary cities flaunting Federal law and not properly cooperating with immigration enforcement. Let's come together around a strong, meaningful bill that doesn't allow that, that puts consequences and teeth in present Federal law that says local law enforcement has to properly cooperate with Federal immigration enforcement. I very much look forward to doing that in the Judiciary Committee-- the committee of jurisdiction--thanks to the work of Senator Alexander and the agreement of Senator Grassley to take up this measure to work with me and have a markup this work period. I very much look forward to that being a very constructive path forward. If for any reason it is not, I will certainly be back. I will certainly be back directly on the floor in the context of the highway bill or some other significant piece of legislation because we can't allow this ridiculous political correctness to continue to create truly dangerous situations in communities all over the country. Federal law requires local law enforcement to properly cooperate with Federal immigration enforcement. The problem is there are no teeth in that law, and that law is ignored and flaunted all the time by many jurisdictions which advertise and brag about their so-called sanctuary city policy and they will not cooperate with Federal immigration enforcement in any way. Really? A seven-time convicted felon, five times deported from the country. And once he was back in, still released onto the streets of San Francisco to commit murder? Really? That is really going to be your policy? If it is, is it really going to be our response that we do absolutely nothing about it? I urge appropriate action. I urge us to come together around commonsense change and reform to end this all-too-pervasive practice. I look forward to starting that very constructive path forward in the Judiciary Committee with the markup of the Vitter bill, and I am already working with Senator Grassley and his staff in this work period. I yield the floor.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I wish to honor Bishop Paul S. Morton. Bishop Morton was born in Windsor, Ontario, where he graduated from J.C. Patterson Collegiate Institute and St. Clair College. Despite his northern roots, Bishop Morton was called to New Orleans, LA, in 1972 to preach and spread the Gospel of the Lord. The Greater St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church was Morton's first home, where he was installed as senior pastor in January 1975. Under the pastor's leadership, the congregation grew dramatically, resulting in the need to expand to a 2,000 seat sanctuary in 1980 and a 4,000 seat sanctuary in 1988. In 1991, Greater St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church became Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church which preaches of the manifestation of miracles, healings, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. With his unique leadership skills and his care for the community, Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church grew from 647 members to more than 20,000 members requiring 3 locations in the Greater New Orleans area. In addition to this great local accomplishment, Bishop Morton is also the senior pastor of Changing a Generation Full Gospel Church in Atlanta, GA, as well as the founding presiding bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship represents thousands of church leaders and congregations around the world and focuses on cultivating positive values such as sustainability, holiness, innovation, family, and transcendence. Bishop Paul S. Morton's dedication to his congregation is seen in the services he provides to the community. In 1997, the Greater St. Stephen ministry purchased a former naval base and converted it into affordable housing for more than 125 families in the New Orleans area. In addition to being an accomplished Gospel singer, the bishop hosts ``Changing a Generation,'' a daily radio show and weekly TV broadcast with the goal of changing the way people view going to church. Bishop Morton also serves as president of the Paul S. Morton, Sr. Scholarship Foundation and president of the Paul S. Morton Bible College and School of Ministry. I am honored to share the accomplished career of Bishop Paul S. Morton, and I thank him for his services to the State of Louisiana.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I rise to discuss the very significant issue of sanctuary cities. Obviously, we have all been startled and saddened by the horrific murder in San Francisco that is a direct result of San Francisco's sanctuary city policy. As a result, I will be filing an amendment today on this bill to address sanctuary city policy. This is not a new idea for me. It is not a new issue. I have had legislation on this topic since 2009. I have tried to get the attention of the U.S. Senate and the attention of others on this topic numerous times since then. I have only been able to get one vote on an appropriations bill. Unfortunately, my amendment to try to end sanctuary city policy around the country was tabled, with every Democrat, sadly, voting to table the amendment, except my then- Democratic colleague Senator Mary Landrieu. I hope the very tragic murder of Kathryn Steinle in San Francisco--a wonderful 32-year-old woman--gets all of our attention and causes all of us to focus on this very serious issue. As we all know, her murderer was an illegal alien who was deported five times previously. As we all know, he was an illegal alien who was convicted of felonies seven times previously. As we all know, it is because of San Francisco's sanctuary city law, defying Federal law, that caused local police officials there not to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to hold this dangerous criminal for further deportation proceedings. Obviously, there are a lot of things wrong with our immigration system that this case illustrates. The fact that he could come back into the country so many times, having been deported, is a real red flag. But certainly this also underscores the truly dangerous nature of sanctuary cities policy. Unfortunately, San Francisco is not alone in promoting this ridiculous policy. There are over 200 cities now that defy Federal law and provide this safe haven to illegal immigrants, including very dangerous illegal immigrants such as the murderer of Kathryn Steinle. For years, leaders in this city have argued that providing such a sanctuary assists local law enforcement in doing their job. Really? Really? We are going to look at this case in San Francisco and keep up those ridiculous arguments? Let's get real. Let's call these policies to a halt. They are contrary to existing Federal law, but the problem is we have never put teeth in that existing Federal law. It is absolutely time we did so. This horrible murder in San Francisco isn't the only one of its kind. Just last week, an 18-year-old girl and her 4-year-old son were found shot and burned in their car. Right now, the top suspect is the woman's boyfriend, an illegal immigrant who was deported in 2014, who illegally reentered the country. In my home State of Louisiana, we have identified serious felons who have been released from jail and are now free to roam in Louisiana. We know of these cases. Now, I hope this recent incident in San Francisco does get some folks' attention. There is hopeful evidence about this. In a statement following the shooting, Hillary Clinton said that any city should listen to the Department of Homeland Security and fully cooperate with their law enforcement and deportation work. Even before the incident in a hearing before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Sarah Saldana described the adverse effects of sanctuary city policy. She said that a significant factor affecting efforts to deport illegal immigrants ``has been the increase in state and local jurisdictions that are limiting their partnership, or wholly refusing to cooperate with ICE immigration enforcement efforts. . . . [I]n certain circumstances we believe such a lack of cooperation may increase the risk that dangerous criminals are returned to the streets, putting the public and our officers at greater risk.'' Well, yes, we saw the direct result of that dangerous, reckless sanctuary city policy in San Francisco recently. Right now there are nearly 170,000 convicted criminal aliens who have been ordered deported who remain at large in our country. The question for sanctuary cities is, Are they going to continue to protect those people or are they going to finally cooperate with immigration enforcement officials to do something about rounding up those people, not allowing them to roam on our streets? We need to change our stance that allows sanctuary cities to get away with being accessories to murder. Let me repeat that. They are getting away with being accessories to murder, and we need to put an end to that. My legislation, first introduced in 2009, would do that by putting real teeth in Federal law, which does not exist now. My amendment on this bill, which I will be filing today, would do that by putting real teeth into Federal law, which does not exist now. We need to take this up and we need to do something to shut down over 200 sanctuary cities around the country that are clearly endangering the lives and well- being of American citizens. I urge all of my colleagues to come together to support this commonsense policy. We need to act. The tragic events in San Francisco prove that we need to act. Six years and waiting on this commonsense proposal from me and others is 6 years and waiting way too long. We need to act now. I urge all of our colleagues to join me and others in doing so. Thank you, Madam President. I yield the floor.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses are often on the forefront of innovation and safety. American entrepreneurs create and take advantage of opportunities to transform the ways in which we secure our property, aid in natural disasters, and protect our families. This week I would like to recognize Safe Haven Enterprises of Jennings, LA as Small Business of the Week. In 1998, Alta Baker founded Safe Haven Enterprises, SHE, with the goal of providing strong buildings and mobile units that would protect folks and their property in times of disaster. Today, SHE has grown into an enterprise that produces 22 different types of structures ranging from office complexes to ballistic-resistant doors to first response units for natural disasters. In order to ensure that SHE's manufacturing can withstand various environments, including hurricane- strength weather and direct RPG attacks, each product has been field tested since 2003, providing exceptional security and peace of mind for U.S. embassies, government facilities, off-shore oil rigs, electric companies, and private homes in Louisiana and around the world. Most recently, SHE buildings have been tested in conflict areas in the Middle East--protecting scores of American military personnel and property. Safe Haven Enterprises is located in a U.S. Small Business Administration Historically Underutilized Business Zone, or HUBZone, and has aided the local economy through the creation of high-quality, technical jobs in Southwest Louisiana. SHE president and CEO Alta Baker has received numerous recognitions, including the 2014 Women in Construction NYC's Outstanding Woman Business of the Year award and the 2010 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Faces of Trade Award. SHE also holds numerous certifications from institutions such as the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Canadian Standards Association certifications for many of its technical structures. Congratulations again to Safe Haven Enterprises for being selected as Small Business of the Week. Thank you for your commitment to producing safe, reliable shelters for the greatest times of need.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses can often influence American culture and provide rich traditions that we celebrate for decades to come. Born out of the unique features of their hometowns, these businesses have become an important part of our history. The ``Throwback Thursday'' Small Business of the Week, Haspel of New Orleans, LA has created an all-American brand of clothing that has supported domestic enterprise and manufacturing. In 1909, Joseph Haspel Sr. created his namesake seersucker brand to help Louisianians cope with the Mighty Mississippi's heat and humidity. Haspel recognized the need for versatile, lightweight clothing that could be worn during both the summer days and evenings. He based the puckered cloth off of a similar design used by workers in India, where the fabric was originally used to make overalls and laboring clothes. Haspel soon realized that a wide variety of folks could benefit from the innovative design--not simply just the day laborers for which the design was initially intended. From here, the seersucker business suit was born and quickly became a popular icon of the southern gentleman, worn at jazz concerts and cocktail parties alike. The style spread farther north and eventually solidified its place as an emblem of sophistication, having outfitted nearly every President since Calvin Coolidge. Haspel is now in its fourth generation as a family-owned business and continues to provide lightweight and stylish clothing across the country. Joseph Haspel centered his brand on the unique culture of New Orleans and southern Louisiana. In addition to providing a cloth that would help people stay cool throughout the summer, he was committed to crafting clothes that were enjoyable to wear. To demonstrate his wash- and-wear fabric, Haspel supposedly jumped into the Atlantic Ocean in his suit, hung it up to dry, and wore it to an event later that evening. His commitment to durable, comfortable clothing has attracted loyal customers for over 100 years. This wash-and-wear material is used today for everything from suits to shorts. Congratulations again to Haspel for being selected as the ``Throwback Thursday'' Small Business of the Week. Thank you for your continued embodiment of Louisiana culture and dedication to 100 percent made-in- America quality clothing.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses have the unique ability to recognize emerging service gaps in their local economies. Often, these small businesses fill these unique service gaps in targeted, innovative ways. One such entity is this week's Small Business of the Week, Conversations of New Orleans, LA. In 2010, Megan Hargroder noticed a lack in social media and online engagement consulting for startups, small businesses, and nonprofits in the greater New Orleans area. Eager to fill the niche, Hargroder founded the media consulting company Conversations. Through Conversations, Hargroder's team provides targeted, easy-to- implement strategies for entities to connect with clients and future clients across a variety of online media platforms. Conversations has been an integral component in the online presence of hundreds of local organizations, businesses, and campaigns, such as the Junior League of New Orleans, the League of Women Voters, Tobacco Free Living, and former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason. Additionally, the Conversations team maintains an online journal and steady calendar of speaking engagements in their quest to continually educate and engage folks in social media outreach techniques. Like many startups, Hargroder initially struggled with transforming her innovative ideas into a profitable, effective business. She turned to the Greater New Orleans Region's Louisiana Small Business Development Center, LSBDC, which helped her navigate the nuances of starting and maintaining a healthy, thriving business. In the years since, Conversations' five-person team of bright and driven innovators in the realm of media consulting has transformed online media engagement in the State--creating economic opportunities for scores of businesses in Louisiana and beyond. Congratulations again to Conversations for being selected as Small Business of the Week. Thank you for your commitment to help local small businesses connect with clients and customers and foster economic growth.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses are often vital in driving rural economies. The success of these entities provides crucial job creation and economic opportunity--especially among low-income and minority populations. This week I am proud to recognize Delta Fuel of Ferriday, LA, as Small Business of the Week. In 1977, a small bulk fuel distributor serving ranchers and farmers was founded in the heart of the Louisiana and Mississippi Delta region. Today, Delta Fuel has grown to employ over 65 workers between their eight operations--7 in Louisiana and 1 in Mississippi--serving a cross- section of the agriculture, construction, aviation, marine, government, manufacturing, automotive, emergency response, and trucking industries with a variety of fuels, lubes, tanks, trailers, oil stations, and lube equipment. In a State known for its robust energy and natural resource industries, Delta Fuel's reputation for dependability, reliability, and exceptional service standards has helped it become one of the fastest growing distributors in the southeast. In rural east Louisiana, Clint Vegas, president of Delta Fuel, has led the company to exponential growth, earning the company numerous recognitions as one of the most successful Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States. Vegas' business skills have led to crucial job creation for the region. Delta Fuel's success can be attributed in part to their being located in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone, or HUBZone. The Small Business Administration's HUBZone program was created to spur economic activity in economically disadvantaged areas-- helping small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to government contracting opportunities. By using the resources at hand, including the HUBZone program, Delta Fuel has been able to expand, resulting in the addition of numerous jobs and service centers throughout the rural east Louisiana region. Congratulations again to Delta Fuel for being selected as Small Business of the Week. Thank you for your continued commitment to creating quality jobs and advancing economic opportunity in East Louisiana.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Will the Senator yield for a question?

Mr. VITTER. I thank the Senator for yielding. I would just ask whether the underlying bill doesn't do exactly the same sort of thing in other categories, such as minimum numbers of aircraft carriers in the Navy, such as minimum numbers of certain key equipment in the Air Force, which I agree with. But I don't see any difference between those provisions of the underlying bill and what this provision would constitute with regard to a key element of Army brigade combat teams. That is the first question. The second question is, Did the Senator know that in the resubmitted version of the amendment, there is a noncontroversial sense-of-the- Senate regarding an offset for this to be put forward? Finally, I would certainly agree with the Senator about trying to fix the top-line numbers and the top-line situation with regard to sequestration, and, as I am sure he knows, I support that.

Mr. VITTER. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Environment and Public Works be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on June 11, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., in room SD-406 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on June 11, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Blowing the Whistle on Retaliation: Accounts of Current and Former Federal Agency Whistleblowers.''

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on June 11, 2015, at 2:30 p.m.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that my amendment No. 1473 be modified with the changes at the desk.

Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I discussed this amendment yesterday on the floor. It deals with brigade combat teams in the Army, making sure we don't cut through fat and into meat and bone with regard to that essential part of our force. I urge bipartisan support of this commonsense amendment. There is already language in the underlying bill that takes similar action on the Air Force side and on the Navy side with regard to major, significant key units in those forces, and it is the same principle that would be applied to the Army's brigade combat teams. This amendment is strongly supported by the national organizations built around both the Army National Guard and the Regular Army. Madam President, I yield the floor.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses are able to recognize what their neighbors and communities need, and what is even more impressive is that they are able to meet those needs quickly and efficiently. This is especially important when a natural disaster strikes. That is why this week's Small Business of the Week is Mainstreet Self Storage of Shreveport, LA. Northwest Louisiana is currently struggling with major flooding, which has driven families out of their homes and shut down small businesses. In response, Mainstreet Self Storage is doing its part to help those affected by offering free storage space for the next 3 months. Through this program, Mainstreet aims to provide folks a safe, secure space to store their belongings--truly a fine example of Louisiana's ingenuity and generosity. In May of 2009, the Delaney family opened a facility offering storage and moving solutions for Shreveport-Bossier city residents. Mainstreet Self Storage's complex is comprised of climate-controlled units, nonclimate controlled-units, car garages, cover RV storage, and open or closed storage for boats and vehicles. Mainstreet's top-of-the-line security system and humidity-controlled units give clients a peace of mind in the stowing of their belongings. Shortly after opening, Mainstreet partnered with the U-Haul company in order to offer moving and transportation equipment to their customers. In the years since, Mainstreet Self Storage has become a Top 100 U-Haul Dealer and was recently named the eighth in the Nation for customer service. Congratulations to MainStreet Storage for being selected as the Small Business of the Week. We appreciate and recognize your generosity and commitment to aiding your neighbors in Northwest Louisiana during these times of need.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I rise to speak about amendment No. 1473 that is pending. I will be modifying it, not now but later today, in a technical way. The majority and the minority have been notified of this modification, so I will be making that later, and I am going to talk about the substance of the amendment. This amendment is very significant in terms of our Army force structure. It would limit any additional reductions the Army can make to Army BCTs, which have already been drastically reduced from 48 brigade combat teams in 2008 to 45 in 2013, to now 33 in 2015--so in just 7 years, from 48 to 33. Obviously, it was a dramatic reduction. This is important because brigade combat teams are a very significant element of Army force structure, and many experts all across the spectrum would acknowledge that and would acknowledge that further significant reductions would be very dangerous. To clarify, my amendment would require the Army to trim its force structure. It doesn't stop that trend, but it also offers protections for that primary core unit of the brigade combat team without mandating additional money, additional requirements, et cetera. There is a serious and urgent need for Congress to act quickly so the Defense Department has the authority and support it needs to defend our Nation. This specific amendment protecting those core, required brigade combat teams is supported by the National Guard Association of the United States and the Association of the United States Army, the two key national groups that support the direct Army and the National Guard. Some Members may argue that we don't want to micromanage the Army and how it deals with force structure. I certainly agree with that generally, but this is certainly not getting into the fine weeds. This is a major issue, and brigade combat teams are a major tool of their force structure. Furthermore, exactly this sort of limitation has been done in this bill, in the underlying bill, both with regard to the Air Force and with regard to the Navy. The bill, as it stands on the floor coming out of committee, includes numerous provisions to block the elimination of certain weapons systems, such as the Air Force fighter inventory, the A-10, EC-130 Compass Call aircraft. So it is very similar on the Air Force side to justify blocking these eliminations. The chairman's report states: The committee believes further reductions in fighter force capacity, in light of ongoing and anticipated operations in Iraq and Syria against the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, coupled with a potential delay of force withdrawals from Afghanistan, poses excessive risk to the Air Force's ability to execute the National Defense Strategy, causes remaining fighter squadrons to deploy more frequently, and drives even lower readiness rates across the combat air forces. Exactly that same sort of rationale which is in the bill with regard to limitations of what the Air Force can do also applies to the Army and brigade combat teams. In addition, the same sort of thing is already in this underlying bill with regard to the Navy. There is specific language blocking certain further reductions of aircraft carriers--again, a major element of force structure; again, Congress saying: No, don't go below this number. That is not justified. That will weaken our overall capability, and that will weaken force structure. So again on the Navy side on this bill the chairman and the committee have done exactly the same thing. My amendment would simply do something very similar and equally as important and justified on the Army side with regard to brigade combat teams. Because of the significance of brigade combat teams to Army readiness and operations, because of the enormous cuts that have already been made in those numbers in the last 7 years--from 48 to 33--I urge all of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, to support this commonsense amendment. Again, Madam President, to underscore, I will be returning to the floor sometime today to modify my amendment in a technical way. Everyone--certainly including the majority and minority leaders on this bill--has been given those modifications. They are not controversial. I will simply wait for them to be on the floor to make that modification, which is within my right and purview and does not require unanimous consent, and then I am very hopeful this amendment will be teed up in the next group of votes, perhaps around 3:30. Madam President, with that, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I honor Dr. Leodrey Williams, chancellor of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, on his retirement after 50 years of public service. Dr. Williams is a 1961 graduate of Southern University of Louisiana in vocational agriculture education. Immediately upon graduation, he began his distinguished career by joining the U.S. Army and training as an oral x-ray technician and hygienist. He then began working for cooperative extension, where he helped to build the new curriculum by assisting and launching the program throughout the State of Louisiana. He earned a master of science degree in 1970 and doctor of education degree in 1975 from Louisiana State University. After 5 years as an agriculture specialist, Dr. Williams returned to Louisiana State University as an associate professor and director of equal employment opportunity and civil rights. In 1991, Dr. Williams co-chaired a national task force that studied America's cooperative extension system. He was subsequently appointed Special Assistant to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Extension Administrator, and he was later named the National Director of Extension. Besides his active involvement in agriculture, Dr. Williams has served as a consultant to the governments of Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and Republic of South Africa in the areas of extension administration and adult and continuing education. During his visits to China, Honduras, and Liberia, he assisted in developing strategies for university collaboration and exchange, along with addressing concerns and issues facing urban populations. For the past 14 years, Dr. Williams has been the first chancellor for the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. He has served the citizens of Louisiana, Louisiana State University, and the Southern University System with his knowledge, skill, enthusiasm, and leadership. I am pleased to honor the esteemed career of Dr. Leodrey Williams. I thank him for his years of service to our state and country and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment in order to call up amendment No. 1473.

Mr. VITTER. I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I will return to the floor soon to lay out more fully what this amendment does. Fundamentally, it tries to protect our force structure, our personnel and, in particular, the core component of brigade combat teams as the Pentagon--the Defense Department--deals with curtailed resources. I am very concerned, as are so many of us, that as defense budgets are cut, personnel and core resources in terms of end strength, including brigade combat teams, will suffer cuts that go well beyond fat and into meat and bone. We need to limit that. We need to avoid that. This amendment would do that with regard to brigade combat teams. It does not increase spending. It retains as much flexibility as possible for the Department of Defense. I think it meets an important goal in a balanced and reasonable way. I look forward to continuing this discussion toward a vote in favor of this amendment. I yield the floor.

Mr. VITTER

Mr. VITTER. Mr. President. Louisiana has a rich culture and history known for fostering artistic and musical creativity. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, two Louisiana entrepreneurs opened a small business to provide their friends and neighbors with a safe and fun distraction during the recovery and rebuilding process. This week's ``Throwback Thursday'' honorary Small Business of the Week is Painting with a Twist of Mandeville, LA. In 2007, longtime friends Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney became business partners after seeing a need in the greater New Orleans area for a distraction and relief after Hurricane Katrina. The pair opened a small painting studio, Painting with a Twist, formerly known as Corks N Canvas, where folks could learn to paint and enjoy a glass of wine at the same time. Today, Painting with a Twist has expanded to over 210 franchise locations across the country, with Deano and Maloney retaining ownership of four locations while also maintaining the franchise headquarters in Mandeville. Painting with a Twist owns copyrights to over 3,500 pieces of art and is also the country's largest employer of aspiring artists. When they first started their small business, Deano and Maloney set aside one day's salary each week per month to donate to local charities, in order to support the recovery and restoration efforts in southeast Louisiana. Today, that tradition continues with their campaign ``Painting with a Purpose.'' Held monthly at all Painting with a Twist locations, this event raises funds for charities and nonprofits in each franchise's area. Congratulations again to Painting with a Twist for being selected as this week's ``Throwback Thursday'' honorary Small Business of the Week. Thank you for your commitment to advancing the arts in Louisiana and for your continued dedication to giving back to your community.