mr. boozman: thank you, mr. president. as the son of a master sergeant in the air force, i grew up in a family that had values rooted in military tradition and patriotism. but you certainly don't have to be from a military family to love our country. we are encouraged to have a sense of american pride in our daily lives. i remember reciting the pledge of allegiance and singing patriotic songs that reflect the love of our country. students continue to do this and learn these values passed down from generations of americans before us. we have special days that recognize the people and symbols important to our country. two weeks ago, we celebrated flag day, and next week we celebrate independence day. the three weeks between these patriotic holidays is known as honor america days. you most likely won't find this on your calendar, but congress established these days and adopted it into u.s. code to encourage gatherings and activities that celebrate and honor our country. while these days are not widely recognized, one of the w

mr. boozman: thank you, mr. president.given that it's election year, the american people are going to hear a lot of highly charged political rhetoric over the next few months. they are likely already tired of what they have heard. the arkansans i talked with during the last week while traveling the state certainly have told me that much. they don't want to see the finger pointing. they want us to fix the problems that we face. they are tired of the back and forth. they are tired of us seeking credit and placing blame. they see an economy in shambles and nobody willing to take responsibility. to put it bluntly, they're frustrated. i think we all hear that message when we go home. i think we can all agree that more can and needs to be done. the jobs report that came out last friday certainly reinforces that. when the president pushed through his massive stimulus package in 2009, he claimed unemployment would be below 6% today, with a national employment rate of 8.2%, we're not even close to 6%, much less below it. and to mak

mr. boozman, proposes amendment numbered 2355. mr. boozman: mr. president, the farms and ranches and forests of the united states are impacted by complex and rapidly evolveling web of international, federal, state and local laws, the vast agricultural community of the united states including farmers, ranchers, foresters, attorneys, policymakers and extension personnel need access to agricultural and food law research and information provided by an objective, scholarly and neutral source. this amendment includes the secretary of ag acting through the national agricultural library to get the information out by entering into partnerships with institutions of higher education that have expertise in this area. the amendment does not authorize a new program or increase the authorization for the national ag library. again, c.b.o. says it has no cost and i would urge a voice vote in the affirmative. i yield back. ms. stabenow: mr. president? the presiding officer: the senator from michigan. ms. stabenow: i strongly support this amendment, as does our -- m