E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 113 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 160 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 No. 21 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was ical services and benefits to veterans and for Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, the called to order by the President pro other purposes. RECORD will indicate that I opened the tempore (Mr. LEAHY). SCHEDULE Senate in my role as President pro Mr. REID. Mr. President, following tempore, and now the distinguished PRAYER my remarks and those of the Repub- Senator from New Jersey is in the The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- lican leader, the Senate will resume Chair. fered the following prayer: consideration of the conference report I wish to respond to the distinguished Let us pray. to accompany H.R. 2642, the farm bill. senior Senator from Nevada and thank Eternal God, the fountain of every The time until 12:30 p.m. will be equal- him for what he said. blessing, we lift our hearts in praise to ly divided and controlled between the I was in Montpelier, which is our cap- You for You have done marvelous two leaders or their designees. ital, on Friday, and I spent some time things. You direct our steps each day, The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. with Governor Peter Shumlin, who did guiding us with Your powerful provi- until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly his State of the State message on this dence and showering us with caucus meetings. At approximately 2:35 subject, as the distinguished Senator undeserved mercies. You hear our pray- p.m. there will be a rollcall vote on the from Nevada has said. I talked to him ers and speedily supply our needs. Bless adoption of the farm bill conference re- about it. I will call him later this today the work of our lawmakers, em- port. morning and tell him what the leader powering them with unceasing aware- VISIONARY REMARKS said. I am also going to wear my hat as ness and openness of heart. Give them Mr. REID. While the President pro chair of the Judiciary Committee and wisdom and courage to glorify You tempore is here, I want to make a brief do a hearing on this issue. through their work. May their comment. Ours is a very special and very pre- thoughts, words, and actions be accept- The headlines over the last couple of cious State, but I think it points out able to You for You are our rock and days have been about the death—in my that every State in the Union can face our redeemer. Amen. opinion—of one of the great actors of this problem. While on the national our time, Philip Seymour Hoffman. He f news this morning, Governor Shumlin obviously died from a drug overdose of was great and focused the attention of PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE heroin. this issue on many States. The reason I wanted to say a word The President pro tempore led the I will close by saying to my dear while the President pro tempore is pre- Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: friend from Nevada that I appreciate siding is because the Governor of I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the his comments. He knows how precious Vermont was very visionary in direct- United States of America, and to the Repub- Vermont is to me and Governor ing his State of the State remarks this lic for which it stands, one nation under God, Shumlin, and I will make sure the Gov- year to the scourge of heroin addiction indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ernor knows what he said. that is sweeping the Nation. It really is f I yield the floor. a scourge. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY According to everything I have been jority leader. LEADER able to learn, it is kind of unique. We The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The have people who start off with some A MAN OF STATURE majority leader is recognized. kind of prescription drug and then Mr. REID. Mr. President, I had a meeting with a number of Senators f wind up with this stuff that has been prepared by purveyors of evil. They this morning, and one of the topics of COMPREHENSIVE VETERANS don’t know what is in it. There are conversation was the Presiding Offi- HEALTH AND BENEFITS AND some who believe they use baby lax- cer’s first speech—the so-called maiden MILITARY RETIREMENT PAY ative or other ingredients that look speech—he gave last night. It was stun- RESTORATION ACT OF 2014—MO- like heroin. It is a terrible shame. ningly good, substantive, and it came TION TO PROCEED I will send the Governor a letter, but from the heart. That is what many Mr. REID. I move to proceed to Cal- I want to make sure my good friend Senators told me this morning, and I endar No. 297. from Vermont personally tells the Gov- agree. As I told the Presiding Officer The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The ernor what a—I can’t find a better last night, I had to go to a quick meet- clerk will report. word—visionary he was in the remarks ing, so I watched most of it from my The legislative clerk read as follows: he gave a few weeks ago. office. The Senator’s speech was so im- Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 297, S. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. portant. The speech focused on dealing 1950, a bill to improve the provision of med- BOOKER). THE SENATOR FROM VERMONT. with people who are in need.

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.

S707

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VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.000 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S708 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 This good man, who is presiding over The article described the widespread class isn’t just a problem for families the Senate now, is a man of stature. He failure of businesses that cater to the in the middle; it is a problem for busi- is extremely talented academically. He middle class. I repeat that: The wide- nesses, large and small. It is a problem is a Stanford graduate and decided he spread failure of businesses that cater that should worry the top 1 percent of would do public service. In the process to the middle class. Why? Because the wealthy Americans as much as it wor- of doing public service, he identified middle class is going away. ries the 99 percent who are under that with the people who needed help. While high-end retailers such as Bar- 1 percent. Can we really recover when He moved into a neighborhood that neys and Nordstrom flourish, mid- so many of us are falling behind? It is you would not think a mayor of the priced retailers such as JCPenney and a fair question and an extremely trou- city would live in, but he did that be- Loehmann’s stumble. Loehmann’s ac- bling question. Our entire economy is cause he wanted to feel the pulse of the tually filed bankruptcy. While posh at risk unless we act now to protect people. It is obvious from the speech restaurant chains such as Capital and grow the middle class whose pur- given last night that the Presiding Of- Grille prosper, more modest eateries chase power is the backbone of our ficer does understand the pulse of the such as Red Lobster are sinking. economy. people of his State. The Times wrote: How can we do that? We can create We all admired him before he got As politicians and pundits in Washington some jobs which we as a Congress have here, and we admire him even more continue to spar over whether economic in- not done because every time we try, now. equality is in fact deepening, in corporate there is obstruction from the Repub- America there really is no debate at all. The MEASURE PLACED ON THE CALENDAR—S. 1982 licans. But to achieve this goal of pro- post-recession reality is that the customer tecting and growing the middle class, Mr. REID. Mr. President, I under- base for businesses that appeal to the middle stand there is a bill at the desk enti- class is shrinking as the top tier pulls even President Obama called for common- tled S. 1982 due for a second reading. farther away. sense investments in our future. He has The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Industry analysis says businesses called for investments in 21st century clerk will read the bill by title for the that sell luxury goods to the top 1 per- infrastructure—those old-fashioned second time. cent are booming. Over the past 30 structures such as roads and bridges The legislative clerk read as follows: years, the top 1 percent has had their and dams—as well as the new, includ- A bill (S. 1982) to improve the provision of wealth increase three times while dur- ing renewable energy projects such as medical services and benefits to veterans, solar, wind, and geothermal, which and for other purposes. ing that same 30-year period of time the earning capacity of the middle would create lots and lots of jobs; then Mr. REID. Mr. President, I object to class has been cut by 10 percent. cutting-edge technology such as the any further proceedings with respect to Sadly, businesses such as Family new Tesla vehicle, an all-electric vehi- this bill at this time. Dollar, which caters to the growing cle. I have spoken with Elon Musk who The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- ranks of working families barely scrap- is talking about building another big tion having been heard, the bill will be ing by, are also thriving. Why? Nord- factory someplace in the West. placed on the calendar. strom is a great place. I love Nord- Investment in universal preschool is THE ECONOMY strom. They have a great return policy. so important. Other countries are Mr. REID. Mr. President, last night I I am glad they are doing well. But doing it. Why don’t we have it manda- had the good fortune to spend some Family Dollar is thriving because tory for every 4-year-old? time with the President, along with many people who were middle class are And affordable college. Seated next MICHAEL BENNET and others. It was now poor. to me is the assistant leader. He identi- worth commenting on that meeting Families are not going out for spa- fied a problem years ago which is that with the President about the address ghetti and meatballs. They are not kids are being burdened with debt, try- he gave a week ago to the Congress and even going out for hamburgers like ing to go to college. Frankly, a lot of to the Nation. they used to. They are not buying their the money these young men and He addressed Congress and the Na- kids new jeans or backpacks. They pass women borrow goes to schools that tion and described the challenges fac- them down from child to child. don’t produce anything. ing families in America. Wages are far I can remember—it has been over a Investments in medical research. My too low, the cost of education is far too year ago—when I went to this program colleagues heard me cough. I, for the high, and there are simply far too few in North Las Vegas, NV. There are a first time in my life, a couple of weeks jobs. lot of poor people in North Las Vegas. ago got the flu. I never had the flu be- Each of these challenges places an- They were giving away backpacks with fore. I wasn’t very sympathetic with other stumbling block in front of some pencils and paper. It was before people who missed work because of the Americans striving to enter the middle school started. Those backpacks were flu. I am now sympathetic. The flu is class, as well as the middle class trying so—I don’t want to denigrate the won- devastating. I was so sick. At my home to do their best to hang on to their sta- derful things that people did—cheap. in Searchlight, we didn’t have a ther- tus as part of the middle class. The The backpacks had names of businesses mometer. By the time we had someone middle class is being squeezed. The rich on them. bring one over from Vegas, my fever are getting richer, the poor are getting These children lined up with their was very high. I started the medication poorer, and the middle class is being parents for as far as you could see. Tamiflu not as early as I should have, squeezed really hard. They were desperate for a backpack. It and it turned into bronchitis. Unless we open the doors of oppor- was not a very good one, but they The reason I mention this—again, tunity, every child in this Nation—our didn’t have one. So they are not buying speaking about my friend, the senior grandchildren—will no longer be able their kids backpacks like they used to. Senator from Illinois—he went yester- to do what we expect our grandchildren Purchases that once seemed to be mod- day to NIH, the National Institutes of to be able to accomplish. Every child in est treats have become unaffordable Health. I went there a couple of this Nation—our grandchildren—will luxuries. months ago. We should be embarrassed have to work longer and harder than While the economy is growing in by what we have done as a Congress to we did just to get by, let alone just to spite of this trend, economists worry NIH. We have cut them. And the reason get ahead. that the growth is unsustainable. One I mention my flu is because when I Yesterday I read a story with inter- economist told the Times: went there, I learned they are so close est. It was a long, well-researched It’s going to be hard to maintain strong to having a flu shot that covers all story in the New York Times. It was in economic growth with such a large propor- flu—everything. They are so close. the business section. That piece argued tion of the population falling behind. We What do they need to go the extra that the richest families and the most might be able to muddle along—but can we mile? More money. The devastation of successful corporations in America really recover? sequestration has hurt the National In- should be just as worried about these That is the question. stitutes of Health significantly. Chair- trends—the shrinking middle class—as In other words, our fortunes are man MURRAY did some good work to the Presiding Officer and I are. bound together. A shrinking middle help in the future, but money we have

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.002 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S709 lost because of sequestration is gone. EPA OVERREGULATION this straight: Protecting a fish from We have not been fair to the National Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, water? The radical environmentalists Institutes of Health. They are doing over the past several years, I have in the Obama administration don’t lifesaving work there, and other coun- often come to the floor of the Senate to want this fish to be exposed to too tries are trying to match what we have draw attention to the Obama adminis- much water? What is next, protecting done with the National Institutes of tration’s radical environmental agenda birds from too much sky? Health. They can’t; we are way ahead, and the deeply harmful effects it is Second, the administration took this but we will not remain ahead unless we having on the people of Kentucky. The action because raising the water put some money into the National In- Environmental Protection Agency’s could—could, not would—potentially— stitutes of Health. war on coal is the most obvious and potentially—have an adverse effect on We need to help companies that build tragic example. this poor little minnow. Of course, any- their products here in America. I go Today I wish to highlight this admin- thing in the universe could have an ad- out of my way to buy New Balance istration’s environmental agenda at verse effect on this minnow. To the shoes, running shoes. Why? They are perhaps its most absurd. At the heart people of southeastern Kentucky, the 1 1 made in America. The suit I am wear- of our story is a 2 ⁄2 inch minnow—a 2 ⁄2 President’s year of action is apparently ing, Hickey Freeman, is made in Amer- inch minnow called the duskytail dart- beneficial only if you have gills. er—a 21⁄2 inch minnow called the ica, and I am proud of that. The story of the darter would be hu- The President also called on Congress duskytail darter. Last week, the Obama administra- morous if it weren’t so harmful to the to increase the Federal minimum wage economic well-being of thousands of to $10.10 an hour—a huge step forward tion sided with this minnow over the economic well-being of thousands of southeastern Kentuckians. This mis- guaranteeing that no American work- guided policy will have deeply harmful ing full time lives in poverty as they people in southeastern Kentucky who live near or depend on Lake Cum- consequences for this region of Ken- now do, as the Presiding Officer so well tucky. illustrated last night. This proposal of berland as a major driver of commerce, Carolyn Mounce, who is responsible raising the minimum wage has been en- tourism, and recreation. The Obama for promoting tourism at Lake Cum- dorsed by seven Nobel Prize-winning administration did this by determining berland at the Somerset/Pulaski Con- economists. I don’t know the political that the presence of the darter in the vention and Visitors Bureau, put it persuasion of these Nobel Prize-win- lake’s tributaries meant that the rais- best when she said: ‘‘[This is] bureauc- ning economists, but they are all per- ing of the lake’s water level must be racy run amok!’’ Bureaucracy run suaded that what we have done to the further delayed. amok, said Carolyn Mounce. She just working poor is wrong and we have to Lake Cumberland is a signature tour- returned from attending travel and do something about it. The proposal ist destination in my State and one of tourism shows in Cincinnati and Louis- would raise millions of families out of the economic pillars of McCreary, Clin- ville 2 weeks ago. poverty and give tens of millions of ton, Laurel, Russell, Pulaski, and children a shot at graduating from col- Wayne Counties. The water level of the She said: lege, securing high-paying jobs, and lake was lowered back in January of The shows were crowded . . . people want- joining the middle class. 2007 due to problems with the dam ed to talk about Lake Cumberland. They There is something else Congress which feeds the lake. were excited about returning the lake to nor- should do to prevent hundreds of thou- The past 7 years of reduced water lev- mal operation. And now this. els have not only hurt small businesses sands of Americans from descending J.D. Hamilton, who operates Lee’s that rely on tourism but have also into poverty: Extend unemployment Ford Resort Marina in Lake Cum- strained local governments, as local benefits. In the month we have cut off berland in Nancy, KY, was also dis- towns have had to lower their water in- these benefits because of obstruction appointed to learn of this announce- take. Marinas have had to spend valu- by my Republican colleagues the coun- ment. Disappointed is an understate- able dollars on both ramp upgrades and try has lost more than $2 billion in pur- ment, as his business has been stifled dock relocations—dollars that could chasing; the State of Nevada $30 mil- by the lowering of water over the last have been spent on growing businesses, lion. So we could do something now to 7 years. In response to this announce- hiring new workers, and enhancing prevent hundreds of thousands of ment, he said, ‘‘The Corps is keeping local commerce. Americans from descending into pov- its word to the fish but not to the econ- In addition, the drawdown of water erty. A 57-year-old woman—I read a omy.’’ has deterred tourism, as a part of her letter yesterday—said: How misperception has been created among So, yesterday, my friend and col- do you think I feel going from friend to potential visitors that the lake is no league Senator RAND PAUL and I, along friend to sleep on their couch? Couch longer suitable for boating, fishing, and with our colleagues in the House, Con- surfing we call it. She said: That only water sports. gressman ROGERS and Congressman lasts so long. I am selling everything I Every year, Lake Cumberland brings WHITFIELD, wrote the administration have. I don’t have a home. I am trying to the local community $200 million in calling for an end to this intolerable to sell everything I have so if I get an economic activity and employs, on av- further delay. I hope the Obama admin- opportunity for a job interview, I can erage, 6,000 people. Understandably, istration will take heed and concern buy gas for my car. those in the local community have itself more with endangered jobs and We must extend unemployment bene- been anxious to see the water levels re- endangered livelihoods of actual Ken- fits because 1.6 million people have turned to their normal level, after 7 tuckians and Americans than with the been out of work for months. These years of reduced water level. possible endangerment of this appar- benefits will ensure that more than 2.3 2014 was supposed to be a great year ently water-averse minnow. million children have nutritious meals for Lake Cumberland, as Kentuckians HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES and a safe place to sleep while their would mark the end of 7 years’ worth LANCE CORPORAL ADAM D. PEAK parents hunt for jobs. Renewing emer- of repairs to the dam and, therefore, re- gency unemployment insurance would duced water levels and fewer visitors. Mr. President, I wish to speak about prevent Americans who have worked Now, suddenly, the Obama administra- a young man from my State who gave hard to get ahead from losing their tion has announced that the water his life while serving this Nation in grip on the ladder of success. Restoring level cannot be raised because it could uniform. LCpl Adam D. Peak of Flor- unemployment benefits is by no means potentially have a harmful effect on ence, KY, was tragically killed by an enough to secure our shrinking middle this minnow, the duskytail darter, improvised explosive device in class, but it certainly is a good first which is on the endangered species list. Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on step. The absurdity of the Obama adminis- February 21, 2010. A member of the U.S. RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER tration’s posture on this issue is mani- Marine Corps, he was 25 years old. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re- fest. First, the administration is pro- For his service in uniform, Lance publican leader is recognized. tecting a fish from water. Let me get Corporal Peak received many medals,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.003 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S710 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 awards, and decorations, including the of Camp Lejeune, NC. Sean accom- ployed people gather and listen to Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq panied his brother back home for bur- them. Campaign Medal, the National Defense ial, and Adam was laid to rest with full The point the Presiding Officer made Service Medal, the Global War on Ter- military honors in Taylor Mill, KY. so convincingly was those who dismiss rorism Service Medal, and the NATO Mr. President, we are thinking of the unemployed as just lazy people International Security Assistance Adam’s loved ones today, including his have never met them. They are not Force Medal. parents Bruce and Diana, his brother lazy. They are workers who want to Born on August 30, 1984, Adam was a Sean, his sisters Sara and Angela, his work again. What they are asking for native of Florence, where he grew up sister-in-law Robin, and many other is a helping hand, and the Presiding Of- with a reputation as a performer who beloved family members and friends. ficer made that point so eloquently made his friends and family laugh with The loss of LCpl Adam D. Peak is yesterday. his quick wit. He and his older sister tragic. Indeed, it is only appropriate What was particularly good for me, Sara would quote movie lines back and that this Senate pause to honor his having served in the Senate for a num- forth to each other in a blink of an eye, service and recognize his sacrifice. ber of years, was to hear a new Member and Adam especially liked to entertain I hope his family can take some com- of the Senate, in his first speech, really his younger sister Angela. ‘‘Adam was fort from the fact that both the Com- reach back to the values that inspired sarcastic with a dry sense of humor, monwealth of Kentucky and the coun- many of us to run for this position. It and could get people to laugh all the try as a whole are grateful for and hon- is easy to become jaded after you have time,’’ says Adam’s mother Diana. ‘‘I ored by the heroism and courage Adam been here for a while and been engaged guess what I loved most about him was displayed in his entirely too short life. in the petty political fights that take his love for his sister, who was born The example he set for his loved ones place here with some frequency. It is with Down Syndrome. He had unlim- and his country will not be forgotten. easy to forget why you asked your fam- ited patience with her, and I knew that I yield the floor. ily to stand behind you when you ran, when his dad and I were gone, he would RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME why you sacrificed to try to come to take care of Angela.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under this place, and why each of us—some Although Adam did not get a chance the previous order, the leadership time 1,200 or so who have had this distinct to have a family of his own, he loved is reserved. honor to serve in the Senate—should kids. ‘‘He was like a second father to a not miss the opportunity to bring our f lot of the other Marines’ kids,’’ says values and passion to the floor every his sister Sara. Adam’s mother cer- AGRICULTURAL ACT OF 2014— single day. tainly agrees. ‘‘He loved kids and CONFERENCE REPORT So I thank the Senator from New thought that someday he would have a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Jersey, our Presiding Officer, for an ex- large family,’’ she says. ‘‘He played traordinary maiden speech, first speech Santa every year for his friend’s fam- the previous order, the Senate will re- sume consideration of the conference on the floor of the U.S. Senate. It was ily, and the kids loved him.’’ one of the best. Adam attended Boone County High report to accompany H.R. 2642, which School, where he graduated in 2002. He the clerk will report. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY then attended Thomas More College in The legislative clerk read as follows: Secondly, I would like to address the Crestview Hills, KY. In school, he was Conference report to accompany H.R. 2642, issue that was raised by my colleague active in the Alpha Delta Gamma fra- a bill to provide for the reform and continu- from the State of Kentucky. The State ternity, the Saints Club, the Education ation of agricultural and other programs of of Kentucky is just south of Illinois. the Department of Agriculture through fis- We have coalfields too. Almost 75 per- Club, and the Villa Players Theater cal year 2018, and for other purposes. Club. His mother Diana particularly re- cent of our State has coal under the members Adam’s interest in theater. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under ground. We mine that coal—not like we ‘‘He developed a love for the stage the previous order, the time until 12:30 used to, but we still mine it and use it, while in college at Thomas More,’’ she p.m. will be equally divided and con- and we have coal miners and coal com- says. ‘‘He started out behind the trolled between the two leaders or panies, and coal is an important part of scenes, but his friends got him on stage their designees. the Illinois economy. for a play and he loved it. He appeared The assistant majority leader. The Senator from Kentucky came to in many productions while at school.’’ COMMENDING SENATOR BOOKER the floor today to really take exception Richard Shuey, a business adminis- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, before I to a decision by the Environmental tration professor at Thomas More, address the farm bill, I would like to Protection Agency as it affected coal taught Adam in three classes. Adam make two other points. The first is to country in Kentucky. I do not know ‘‘was one of those really nice, clean-cut commend the Presiding Officer. Yester- anything about the particulars of his northern Kentucky kids,’’ Richard day he gave his first speech on the complaint involving the Cumberland says. ‘‘Always polite and interested in floor of the U.S. Senate. About 20 of us Lake and the Endangered Species Act, doing well, and obviously a true pa- were here and listened carefully. I am so I will not address that, but I would triot.’’ glad I did. It was time well spent. It like to address one, more general topic. One of Adam’s fraternity brothers, was a speech which the Presiding Offi- To argue that the Environmental Caleb Finch, remembers him as ‘‘a big- cer clearly not only worked on but be- Protection Agency is the enemy of coal hearted, free-spirited, fun-loving guy lieves in, and it showed. He addressed country is to completely ignore what who would do anything for anybody.’’ the plight of working Americans, and has been in the newspapers for the last After graduation from Thomas More, particularly those who have lost their several weeks. There are 300,000 people Adam enlisted in the Marine Corps in jobs, and the responsibility of this Con- in the State of West Virginia who are July of 2007. By December of that year gress and this Nation to stand by these afraid to drink the water because of a he had been promoted to the rank of families while they are in transition leak from a tank that had a chemical lance corporal. Adam’s younger broth- looking for new opportunities. solution used for cleaning coal. These er Sean enlisted in the Marines as well, I sat here and listened and watched people worry that drinking this water, and the two brothers served together in as the Presiding Officer spoke to this cooking with this water, even bathing the same unit in Iraq in 2008. ‘‘Their subject, addressing specific people he in this water is a danger to them. And personalities were night and day,’’ says has met in his State who told him their where did they turn for some indica- Robin Peak, Adam’s sister-in-law. ‘‘But stories. I thought to myself: I have met tion of safety for their families? This they always had each other’s backs and quite a few in Illinois in like cir- part of America—West Virginia, coal were there together.’’ In October 2009, cumstances. I wish every Member of country, just like Kentucky and Illi- Adam and Sean were deployed to Af- the Senate would do what the Pre- nois—turned to the Environmental ghanistan, both as members of the 2nd siding Officer has done—visit the Protection Agency. Of course they did. Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Two towns, the restaurants, the veterans Is it safe? Can my child drink this Marine Expeditionary Force, based out centers, and other places where unem- water safely? Can I use it for cooking?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.005 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S711 So to argue that the Environmental elements of this bill and why it is so eral insurance programs, there is a Protection Agency is the enemy of coal critically important to Illinois and vir- massive Federal subsidy: 62 percent of country is to ignore the obvious. They tually every State in the Union. the reserves that are necessary to can make wrong decisions. We all do. I commend Senator STABENOW. As I make the program function are pro- Agencies do. But time and again, when said, she really poured her heart and vided by the Federal Treasury, not by we are in trouble, when it comes to soul into this document. There are pro- premiums paid by farmers. So it is a something as basic as the safety of our visions in here that many of us may good program. It is a valued program. drinking water, we turn to the Envi- never really appreciate that she fought It is critically important. But let’s ronmental Protection Agency and the for over a long period of time. I am keep our mind on the reality. It is Centers for Disease Control and ask going to acknowledge a few of those heavily subsidized by the Federal Gov- them to help us determine whether during the course of my formal re- ernment. that water is safe. marks. But while she is here on the Senator TOM COBURN of Oklahoma, a Let me add parenthetically, Mr. floor, let me give special credit to my very conservative Republican, and I de- President, your predecessor, Senator colleague. She really took on this task cided to offer an amendment which Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, was a and did it in an extraordinary way. said: If you are a farmer whose income leader, and I was happy to be his part- After years of expirations and short- is over $750,000 a year, we will reduce, ner in trying to get to the bottom of term extensions, primarily due to the slightly, the government’s subsidy of the danger of many of these chemicals. problems and inaction in the House of your crop insurance. Over $750,000 in in- Most Americans mistakenly believe Representatives, this bill finally is come, we will reduce, slightly, the 62- this government reviews the toxicity going to provide farmers in Illinois and percent Federal subsidy on your crop or danger of all the chemicals in use in across the Nation with some guarantee insurance. You will pay slightly more this country. In fact, only a small per- of certainty on their future. in premiums because you are able to. centage is ever reviewed by the govern- Compared to the presequester budget You are better off than most. ment. We, in fact, trust those who levels—that is budget talk around here This passed not once but twice on the make and sell these chemicals to do for past budgets—this bill is going to floor of the Senate. As it turned out, the right thing, and many times they save $23 billion over the next 10 years. the conferees, primarily from the betray that trust and sell something This conference report before us works House, hated this provision like the dangerous which we discover later to do four things: invest in energy and devil hates Holy water. So they struck after the damage has been done. research, help our rural communities this provision from the bill. That is un- Again, the role of the Environmental grow—those of us who represent fortunate. Not only did we pass it Protection Agency and the Centers for smalltown America know how impor- twice, the House had passed on the Disease Control, the role of the Federal tant that is—ensure stability for our floor an instruction to conferees to in- Government in monitoring these farmers who face the vicissitudes of clude it. Members wanted to be on chemicals for the safety of businesses weather and markets, and provides record saying they liked this idea. and families and individuals across food assistance for those most in need When the conferees got their hands on America is essential whether you live both here and overseas. it, they lopped it right out of the bill. in the cities of Newark or Chicago or These are amazing and important Let me ask the Presiding Officer to coal country, USA. So if we are going goals. I am glad Senator STABENOW and hold on to that thought for a moment to go to war against the Environ- all the conferees applied themselves to while I get into another section of the mental Protection Agency, let’s at make this happen. I am disappointed bill. The areas where the House con- least be honest about the critical role by one provision. I know Senator STA- ferees worked up an appetite was when they play. I hope that is remembered BENOW will not be surprised. Despite it came to the Supplemental Nutrition as we reflect on some of the things said modest reforms, we still provide ex- Assistance Program, the so-called Food on the floor this morning. traordinary outside premium support Stamp Program. Mr. President, this is the conference for many farmers who buy crop insur- Again, let me commend Senator STA- report for the Agricultural Act of 2014. ance. BENOW as chairman of the Agriculture Senator STABENOW was on the floor In fairness, this bill eliminates a Committee. She called me several earlier. She has stepped off now. She price support program that was no times to tell me about the battles she has poured her heart and soul into this longer defensible, a program that paid had to wage to protect the food stamp document and into this work. Two farmers in good times as well as bad. program. years ago we passed the farm bill on So it was not what it was designed to Let’s talk about the program for a the floor of the Senate—2 years ago. be, emergency help for farmers in need. minute. Almost 15 percent of house- She did it with Senator ROBERTS of She eliminated the direct payment pro- holds across America have trouble Kansas. I voted for it, and I thought it gram, by and large. That, to me, is a keeping food on the table. SNAP, the was an exceptional effort on her part. step forward. food program, provides 47 million It went to the U.S. House of Represent- Instead, this bill moves farmers to- Americans with essential food assist- atives—as is the custom under the Con- ward crop insurance. Most of us, step- ance. Eighty-three percent of the stitution—to wither and die 2 years ping back, say: That sounds like a re- households that receive food stamps in- ago. sponsible thing to do. A farmer buys an clude a child or a person with dis- Then a year ago they said let’s try insurance policy, so if things go bad on ability or a senior citizen. Nearly 1 again. Let’s pass the farm bill again in the farm, a flood, a drought, some million veterans use the Food Stamp the U.S. Senate in the hopes that the other problem, or the prices happen to Program each year in America. U.S. House of Representatives will take be disastrous when the farmer goes to In Illinois, over 2 million people, al- it up—a year ago. So a year ago Sen- market, the insurance policy will make most one in seven residents, rely on ator STABENOW and Senator ROBERTS sure they can live to plant again. That SNAP benefits to buy the food they sent this measure to the House of Rep- is a good thing. But as I have said sev- need. Who are these people? Who in the resentatives for consideration, and eral times, any time you put the two world needs food stamps in a great again it languished. It may have been words ‘‘Federal’’ and ‘‘insurance’’ in State such as the State of Illinois? Let one of the longest running conference the same sentence, I advise my col- me tell you about two or three of them. committees in the history of Congress, leagues to step back and ask some One of them was the elderly lady but thank goodness for the persever- questions. This is not insurance as you whom I met at the Irving Park Meth- ance of Senator STABENOW and many envision it. It is not a matter of auto- odist Church food pantry. She was on a others; they produced this document. mobile insurance, where the auto- walker. She had a very short haircut, For those who do not live in farm mobile owners pay enough in premiums suggesting that perhaps she had been country, this may seem like a foreign to create a reserve to cover the expo- through some chemotherapy or radi- text, but for those of us who do live in sure of accidents. ation. She soldiered her way right up farm country, just reading the table of This is different. Under the Crop In- there to get a bag of groceries. She sat contents will tell you the important surance Program, similar to many Fed- down and I talked to her.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.006 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S712 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 I said to her: Can you tell me a little said that farmers who make almost $1 agement tool that allows us to bit about how you are doing. million a year should not have any re- proactively reduce the risk of cata- Sure Senator. I am doing OK. I get duction in their subsidy for crop insur- strophic wildfires. It is one I have long $800 a month in Social Security. ance, but people such as the lady at the called for. While reforms to the liabil- I said: How in the world do you live Irving Park Methodist Church food ity requirements are also included, the in Chicago on $800 a month? pantry, being paid $800 a month, we report fails to include necessary flexi- Ain’t easy, Senator. Got to pay the ought to take a hard look at the $130 a bility on cancelation ceilings. That is rent. Got to pay the utility bills and month we give this lady. That is upside something I will continue to work on the basics. She said: I come to this food down. That does not reflect the values in the future. pantry and one other one. Each one of of this country or the priorities we Sadly, when it comes to the bad, them gives me 3 days’ worth of food. So need to face. there is not enough time to list all of I get about 1 month, 6 days’ worth of I thank the Senator from Michigan. the items in the report that should food, out of the two food pantries. I She worked long and hard, was a real make any lawmaker cringe who is con- thank them for that. I get food stamps champion when it came to SNAP, the cerned about our crushing national worth about $130 a month. Food Stamp Program. Incidentally, the debt or those of us trying to reform ag- That is it, folks. That is what she good news is, as the economy improves riculture policy. lives on, an elderly person. When the and people get back to work, the num- Rather than truthfully trimming the House Republicans said what we need ber of people on food stamps is going already generous agriculture safety to do is cut $40 billion—that was their down, which is what we want to see. net, taxpayers should prepare for yet original recommendation—$40 billion But does it not say something about us another round of entirely new alphabet out of food stamps, they apparently as a nation, a caring, compassionate soup subsidy programs. The Senator had never met this lady and what she Nation, that we are going to be there from Illinois explained very well the was up against or they might have met to help those families living in our Crop Insurance Program that is so a couple of workers whom I had a press towns and our States, going to our heavily subsidized, 62 percent. conference with on Sunday in Chicago, I think all of us with auto insurance churches, when they are struggling to working full time and qualifying for or other types of insurance would love put food on the table? food stamps. One was a fellow who Why was that such an inviting target to have that kind of contribution from worked on the west side of Chicago at for some of the House conferees? I do the Federal Government. This report a used car lot. Does it all, he said— not understand that. There is a lot of does not even provide commonsense re- cleans the cars, shovels the lot, sells forms that limit waste and largess to money that can be saved in govern- the cars, and gets paid $8.25 an hour, sustained hallmarks of agriculture sub- ment. We do not want to waste a penny which is our State minimum wage— sidies. The report also fails to limit ag- of it. But let’s focus primarily on those four kids, his wife is sick and cannot ricultural payments to those who are who can afford to pay and are getting a work. actually involved in farming. He gets food stamps. He needs them Federal subsidy as opposed to those It cannot even provide a reasonable to put food on the table for the kids, who are just struggling to get by and income limit, as was discussed by the for a full-time worker at a minimum are asking for a helping hand. This bill Senator from Illinois, for those who al- wage job. Then on the other side was a does so much. I could not even start to ready receive crop insurance subsidies. lady who is a waitress. She told the describe all of the different areas deal- Incomprehensibly, any renegotiation of story of being a single mom. Her son is ing with risk on the farm, key invest- the arrangement between crop insurers now 19. She is heading him off to the ments in energy and research, ag re- and the Federal Government would be City College of Chicago. That is a great search, programs to help rural commu- required to be revenue neutral, despite deal. But she works a job which has a nities grow, and helping those in need. billions of dollars in taxpayer savings guaranteed minimum wage in Illinois Most importantly, this reauthoriza- having been found in previous renegoti- of about $4.50 an hour. That is what tion gives Illinois farmers certainty ations. waitresses are guaranteed—tipped about farm programs. They need it. This bill is purported to be fiscally wage. Nationally, the tipped wage is That is something they have not had conservative because it saves $16 bil- $2.13 an hour. She said: I do not work in for the last 3 years. I am going to sup- lion or so in tax dollars. Before we pat a fancy restaurant. I am lucky to come port this bill. I wish we had been able each other on the back in this regard, home with $10 or $20 in tips in a day. to preserve the provision that Senator we need to remember that Congress has So do the math. She said: Some days COBURN and I included. But I believe, a pretty dismal record of actually they do not call me in to work. I get on balance, it is an important step for- knowing how much farm bills are going nothing. She relies on food stamps too, ward in farm country across America. to cost. a woman who is ready to work and I yield the floor. According to Taxpayers for Common works hard, standing all day, waiting The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Sense, ‘‘The last two farms bills are on tables. So in come the House Repub- ator from Arizona. pace to exceed their Congressional licans saying we need to come down Mr. FLAKE. Mr. President, as the Budget Office score by more than $400 hard on these people, these lazy people Senate turns its attention this week to billion, and there’s no assurance that on food stamps. I wish they would meet the farm bill conference report, my this farm bill will be any different.’’ some of those folks who use food thoughts turn to the Wild West to put Let’s get to the ugly. For years, di- stamps to get by, to survive. These its provisions in context. Frankly, its rect payments have been one of the people are our neighbors. They are 950 pages lend themselves to talking clearest signs of what needs to be hard-working people who lost their about the good, the bad, and the just changed in Federal spending. The Fed- jobs or got sick. They are seniors living plain ugly. eral Government has been handing out on a limited fixed income. I mention the good, because while roughly $5 billion a year to farmers re- This bill does cut $8 billion out of this farm bill falls far short of gaining gardless of whether they are farming SNAP, the Food Stamp Program. I un- my support, it is not entirely without the land. I want to pay tribute to the derstand the cuts that were made. I provisions worth highlighting. Con- Senator from Michigan who has fought think Senator STABENOW and others ferees, including a one-term extension to end these direct payments. have done these carefully. I do not of the Payments in Lieu of Taxes, or The Senate did a pretty good job want any fraud in this program. She the PILT Program. That gives tem- there, but the House did not. I myself does not either. We think we have porary predictability at least for coun- have long sought to end these direct tightened it so it will not affect the ties with low tax bases due to Federal payments. I was encouraged with the payments to those who are truly eligi- land ownership and provides Congress Senate action to end these payments ble and those who need the help. Yet it with time to chart a long-term solu- outright. But despite our fiscal situa- will make sure the taxpayers are treat- tion in this regard. tion, the best we could get in the House ed fairly as well. In addition, the bill authorizes per- was allowing direct payments to con- But look at the contrast. Some of the manently the stewardship contracting tinue, albeit slightly reduced for cot- conferees walked into this hearing and authority. This is a critical land man- ton, for 2014 and 2015.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.030 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S713 This conference report purports to I appreciate Senator FLAKE’s com- Risk Coverage Program, which was in- end direct payments but ends them in ments. I admire his integrity and his cluded in the commodity title. By re- name only for cotton. Let’s be clear. It focus on waste in government for the forming commodity programs to better simply renames direct payments for decade or so that I have known him— align with the market instead of sim- cotton for 2 years. They will now be longer than that. I think he makes ply sending out checks—even when called transition payments. Cotton good points in this legislation. We times were good and in many cases to growers will continue to receive pay- come down on different sides in the people who don’t need them—this bill ments until—wait for it—the other new end. Some of the things he had talked will provide farmers with increased subsidy programs created in this report about, eliminating a lot of direct pay- risk management tools while improv- come online. ments, were especially important and ing the integrity of these programs. Perhaps, instead of western movies, I were made possible by legislation Sen- The bill incorporates many portions should have conjured up images of ator THUNE and I introduced. of the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act Shakespeare to describe this fiscal This is an ongoing process to improve that I introduced. We know too many tragedy: a government-funded handout this bill every year. Every 5 years I am farmers struggle to find local markets by another name is still a government- hopeful we can do that. I thank Sen- for their products. Too many Ohioans funded handout. It is also worth recall- ator FLAKE for his comments. are also unable to access fresh and af- ing that when originally created in This bill is bipartisan. It reduces the fordable food. This legislation helps to 1996, in the 1996 farm bill, direct pay- deficit, it helps farms, helps families, put them together. Whether by improv- ments went by the name AMTA pay- helps our economy, and it helps our en- ing Farmers Market Promotion pro- ments or Agricultural Market Transi- vironment. It saves 23 billion taxpayer gram, or the Value Added Producers tion Assistance payments. dollars. It provides certainty and sup- grant, this bill makes a significant in- It would appear that for some com- port to one of the Nation’s largest job vestment in local and regional food modities, there will always be a transi- creators, agriculture. Food and agri- production and marketing. We know what has happened in rural tion from something to something else culture together are about one in seven America in terms of development. that will result in a taxpayer-funded jobs in Ohio. Agriculture-related busi- While agricultural prices have been handout. nesses such as food processing, fer- such that farmers have been prosperous According to the CBO score, the re- tilizer and feed sales also are part of enough and that many in rural Amer- port actually takes the zero cost from Ohio’s largest industry. the Senate proposal and the $443 mil- ica are doing OK, rural development is I thank Senator COCHRAN and Sen- lion cost from the House proposal and still an issue as people move out of the ator STABENOW for getting us to this compromises at a higher cost of $556 these communities looking for jobs. point. They have been dogged in their Whether it is bringing broadband to million in 2015. That is some com- support for our Nation’s farmers and promise, to go well above both the southeast Ohio or a water and sewer our rural communities. project in Henry County or a low-inter- House and the Senate numbers. I have spoken with Ohio’s corn and While the 10-year score for the tran- est loan to Buckeye Power, this bill soybean growers, as well as members of sition payments in the report is lower will make sure rural communities have the Ohio Farm Bureau. On Friday I than the House proposal, the first-year the tools, the programs, and capital spoke and met with a group of 300 costs are actually higher. It is at this that they need to succeed. farmers, members of the Ohio Farmers point that one can simply stop being My State is home to approximately Union, in Columbus. They have told me surprised at what will happen when it 130 companies that use agricultural the importance of passing a 5-year comes to farm subsidies. Sadly, rather crops to make new biobased products, farm bill. They especially emphasized than a blockbuster of fiscal sanity, tax- ranging from natural pet foods to payers are going to be saddled with the certainty, finally, of this bill. They paint, soy ink, toner, and plastics. Last what looks to be another rerun of can make the planning and planting week, USDA Secretary Vilsack and I missed opportunities to reform Federal decisions that business people and toured a Columbus plastics factory, agricultural policy. Although livestock farmers need. where they are working to make more I have traveled across Ohio’s 88 coun- groups have decried the absence of of their products with biobased feed- fixes to ongoing regulatory problems, ties and listened to farmers from Min- stocks instead of oil. We know what and fiscal conservatives are chafing at ster to Millersburg, who have told me that means for renewable energy in our the continued waste in spending, this they want a leaner, more efficient, and State. Our homegrown products can re- report is still likely to be adopted. market-oriented farm safety net. Tax- place imported oil in our everyday There are other issues addressed, and payers deserve that too. products. This is a win for our local I am pleased that some of this will end This bill is a reform farm bill. It economies and for Ohio farmers. up on the President’s desk, but I can- eliminates direct farm payments, links We also know the importance of help- not support this conference report. I crop insurance to conservation compli- ing young farmers. If someone goes to will continue to push for real fiscal dis- ance, and it reforms our risk manage- any farm organization meeting, farm- cipline and sound agricultural policy. ment programs—all important things ers are typically in their fifties, six- I should note I remember when I first in agriculture policy. ties, and seventies. We don’t see came to Congress, or about 1 year Ohio farmers were clear they wanted enough in their twenties, thirties, and after, I came to the floor of the House a farm bill that eliminated those direct forties. In this legislation, we will help to rail against the farm bill at that payments and provided the risk man- to recruit, train, and retrain the next time, the 2002 reauthorization. We had agement tools they needed when times generation of farmers. That is part of gone in the 1990s from the Freedom to are bad, but without the market-dis- this conference report. USDA needs to Farm Act to the Farm Security Act. torting policies that ensure farmers are redouble its efforts, particularly in For those of us conservatives who talk planting for the program and not the making capital available, and ensure about moving from freedom to security market. Unfortunately, that was hap- that young and beginning farmers are and all that means, that was actually pening far too often. able to succeed. in the title of the bill, and we haven’t In the last 6 or 7 years during my The bill streamlines and, in my opin- improved much since that time. That time in the Senate, leading up to the ion, improves USDA’s conservation was more than a decade ago. I have to 2007–2008 farm bill and the 2013–2014 programs. That is so important in the say we should have made progress that farm bill, I held some 25 roundtables western Lake Erie basin of the Great was simply not made in this bill. with farmers and rural development Lakes. We have seen what has hap- I yield the floor. people around my State. Working with pened with algae blooms east of Toledo The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. my colleagues Senator THUNE and Sen- along places like Port Clinton and San- SCHATZ). The Senator from Ohio. ator DURBIN, we were able to stream- dusky. It is reaching almost as far east Mr. BROWN. I rise today to discuss line the farm safety net and make it as Lorain. We are seeing the problems legislation that benefits all Americans, more market oriented. Our bill, the Ag- it causes to water quality, recreation, and particularly my home State of gregate Risk and Revenue Management tourism, and to development along the Ohio. Act, is the basis for the Agricultural lake that is so important.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.031 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S714 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 The House wanted, on the SNAP her family healthy fruits and vegeta- solely on the LIHEAP connection. issue, to slash food stamps by $40 bil- bles or ordering off the dollar menu at LIHEAP funds are very limited and at lion. We fought back. Our conference a fast food restaurant. Roxanne never this dollar level States would no longer committee rejected every proposal thought she would be in a situation be able to fund the broad-based benefits passed by the House to cut off the as- where she would have to rely on a food for SNAP households that some now sistance to workers and their families pantry to help her feed her family. offer. who have fallen on very hard times. I am proud that we were able to This change does not affect anyone in When we couple what some in this body maintain a robust and responsive nu- my State of Ohio, but I recognize that want to do with cutting unemploy- trition assistance program. The con- this will not be an easy adjustment for ment, failing to extend unemployment ference has rejected every proposal households that are affected. I expect insurance, failing to raise the min- passed by the House to cutoff assist- that the Department will ensure that imum wage, making huge cuts in Food ance to workers and their families who State agencies do not summarily deny Stamp Programs, this was a huge vic- have fallen on very hard times. Rather the standard allowance to households tory in our conference committee. than arbitrarily impose new and harsh- that received a nominal LIHEAP pay- This bill needs to pass. I urge my col- er time limits on how long unemployed ment. State agencies and the USDA leagues in the Senate to pass it and workers may receive SNAP benefits, must work with families so they can send it to President Obama so he can the bill strengthens SNAP employment determine whether they have any heat- sign this bill at the end of this week or and training program capacity. It pro- ing or cooling costs that would qualify the beginning of next week. vides modest but meaningful improve- for the standard allowance regardless Before I leave the floor, I do want to ments in program administration and of LIHEAP. These costs are most likely speak in great detail about the Supple- clarifies and codifies technical but im- a bill from a utility company, but mental Nutrition Assistance Program, portant aspects of eligibility policy. could be a charge from a landlord. SNAP, and the nutrition title of the The bill supports new anti-fraud initia- As I have said, this farm bill ends the bill. SNAP benefits are very modest tives, requires strong but efficient data policy whereby some States give $1 of and are essential part of our nation’s matching in program administration, payment to most if not all SNAP social safety net. The average SNAP and supports keeping program retail households. I am concerned that many household gets just over $9 a day in operations up-to-date with the evolving if not most of these households really benefits or $1.46 per person per meal. food retailing environment. do have heating and cooling costs and Yet, for people that are food insecure, There has been criticism about this need the standard allowance to get an SNAP is the difference between putting bill’s SNAP savings—which are far adequate and correct benefit. So I ex- food on the table or going hungry. more modest than the House’s proposal pect that USDA will work with State When there is an economic downturn, to cut $40 billion from SNAP. I appre- agencies to ensure that households SNAP responds to support those who ciate these concerns. This bill achieves have a meaningful opportunity to need assistance: the elderly, children, savings by correcting a quirk in the claim these costs so that they get the and working families. When we last SNAP benefit calculation that allows right amount of benefits. strengthened the program in the 2008 some State agencies to give households Finally, I’m concerned about the farm bill, we ensured that a strong higher benefits by allowing them to de- very quick implementation require- SNAP was there for families and com- duct more income from their shelter ment for this provision. If a State is munities. We saw the caseload rise costs. not able to implement within 30 days, I from 28 million people in 2008 to over 47 SNAP benefits are based on the size don’t think SNAP households should be million people today. of the household and how much money held responsible. I hope that my friend Too often, we forget that those who it has available to buy food. This Secretary Vilsack will find a way to rely on SNAP are real people, and not amount is determined by subtracting ensure that households who may con- just some statistic. I want to tell you out essential costs that households tinue to receive higher benefits be- about a couple of those people. Doris, must pay and cannot use to buy gro- cause the State agency was not able to from Reynoldsburg, is a 60-year-old ceries. For example, households with implement this policy change within 30 who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon high shelter costs relative to their in- days will not be held accountable for cancer in 2009. The doctors only gave come have less money for buying food. mistakes arising from such an aggres- her 6 months to live, but nearly 5 years Shelter costs include rent or mortgage sive implementation schedule. later, she continues to fight. Because payments and the cost of utilities such There are a number of other provi- of her illness, she had to quit her work as heating and cooling. Rather than sions that do not result in benefit cuts and she lost her health insurance. trying to document each household’s to households, but change eligibility Doris has worked all her life and saves utility costs over the course of a year, rules or codify common practices. I the little money she has to pay her the rules allow States to set a standard would like to turn to them now. bills and rent on time. Since she is on utility allowance, ‘‘standard allow- The title codifies longstanding SNAP disability, she is eligible to receive $16 ance,’’ for households with these ex- student eligibility policy. While SNAP a month in SNAP benefits. After the penses. This standardization enor- remains unavailable to most college cuts to the program that went into ef- mously reduces the time and paper- students, low-income people on SNAP fect on November 1, her benefit is now work required to calculate income. Al- who are trying to gain skills and cre- $10 per month. She’s too young to col- most every State uses the standard al- dentials needed for immediate employ- lect Social Security, so each week she lowance, and most require it to be used ment can access SNAP. and a friend drive to Columbus to the to budget utility costs and do not allow Historically, most college students Mid-Ohio food bank for fresh produce. any option to claim actual expenses. have not been eligible for SNAP and Roxanne lives in northeast Ohio and Program rules have long recognized this bill does nothing to expand their is a home-health aide. She’s a single that the receipt of Low Income House- eligibility. But at a time when workers mother and has four growing children hold Energy Assistance Program, or need to continually acquire new and under the age of 17. Roxanne works LIHEAP, aid is a simple method of de- better job skills, States have concluded more than 60 hours per week, but relies termining if households incur utility that many participants can be best on SNAP to help her make ends meet costs. A few States have authorized served by enhancing their vocational and ensure her children have enough to households to receive negligible skills through training offered by State eat. For the past 3 years she has re- LIHEAP assistance—generally only career and technical education net- ceived about $400 per month; after the $1—merely to get them higher benefits. works. These networks offer training November cut to SNAP, her family now This was not the intention of con- and education that aims at enabling receives $335 per month. Unfortunately, necting the standard allowance to students to keep or qualify for new this usually only lasts through the LIHEAP. This bill closes this loophole jobs. Many times the programs are of- third week of the month. As she has by requiring that a family’s LIHEAP fered by community colleges which are tried to stretch her income, she has payment must be at least $20 in order considered part of the higher education been forced to choose between serving to qualify for the standard allowance system. I want to be sure that SNAP

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.085 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S715 State education and training programs dinarily rare events such as a lottery needed prior to re-issuing a card. The can connect SNAP recipients to this windfall. This would run the risk of process must allow households the op- type of vocational education because in distracting participants from reporting portunity to immediately provide the the long run it has the greatest poten- much more frequent and important explanation because of the critical im- tial to help people achieve lasting self- events such as changes in income and portance of maintaining access to food sufficiency. Giving people a stark household membership. We want to assistance. Any delay in working with choice between putting food on the maintain reporting requirements that the household freezes their food pur- table today or getting a job credential are sharp, clear, focused, and short. We chasing. I expect the Department to that will help them get a job tomorrow do not intend for this provision to trig- monitor this process and examine how is counterproductive. By helping people ger any additional household reporting long households are going without stay in a vocational program, we can or require additional questions on ap- cards. Even if a State’s computer lists support them so they can better sup- plication and certification forms. the household as eligible, if it cannot port themselves. Another issue is regaining eligibility access its benefits, it might as well not The bill clearly stipulates that the for those who had enough winnings to be. Any policy that denies a household farm bill can support this type of edu- be disqualified from SNAP. The bill effective food assistance should be cation, and that students in these provides for applying the regular finan- treated as the equivalent of an eligi- courses can continue to get food assist- cial eligibility standards to these bility cut-off. ance. This reinforcement of current households if they apply for SNAP Replacement cards can be needed for policy is an opportunity for the De- again. We intend this to mean the nor- a wide range of legitimate reasons. partment to work more closely with mal gross and net income eligibility Cards can be stolen, damaged, or sim- State agencies to establish better guidelines and the dollar-limited re- ply lost. Some people may not under- connectivity with their State career source eligibility thresholds specified stand that the cards are reusable, or and technical networks to strengthen in the Food and Nutrition Act, and ex- may confuse a PIN problem with a card energy and training programs. We want pect that normal verification rules will problem. Because some people are par- worker training programs that will be applied. ticularly vulnerable to these problems, help people learn the skills necessary The bill reinforces policy on the eli- this bill requires that rules will estab- to get the good paying job they want so gibility of felons. Felons fleeing from lish protections for persons with dis- they will no longer need SNAP bene- law enforcement or violating their pa- abilities, homeless persons, and crime fits. In the long run, this is a much bet- role or probation are ineligible for victims. Some people with disabilities ter investment than supporting pro- SNAP. This bill highlights the ineligi- may require accommodations or au- grams that result in procedural sanc- bility of those felons convicted of thorized representatives. tions that churn households on and off crimes such as murder and armed rob- The bill does not allow for using this the program in the short run but do lit- bery who violate their parole or proba- process to suspend or terminate SNAP tle to improve self-sufficiency in the tion. Ex-offenders who have completed participation. Program rules spell out long run. Another provision tightens their sentences and comply with any procedural standards for acting on evi- eligibility policy to make sure that parole conditions placed on their re- dence of intentional program viola- people who enjoy substantial lottery or lease, and who are otherwise eligible tions. These standards enable State gambling winnings are ineligible for for food assistance through SNAP, re- agencies to pursue recipient fraud in a SNAP and will not become eligible main eligible for assistance. But per- manner that protects the due process until such time as they meet the nor- sons on the run from justice after com- rights of the accused. If a State be- mal income and resource standards for mitting one of these crimes should not lieves that its evidence about multiple SNAP. This provision responds to a few be eligible based solely on technical- card replacements indicates an inten- isolated instances in which a SNAP re- ities about how the crimes are des- tional program violation, it must re- cipient reaped a State lottery windfall. ignated under some jurisdiction’s place the card and use its established While such cases are extremely rare, criminal code. disqualification procedures such as ad- we want to be certain that they are This provision should not affect cur- ministrative disqualification hearings taken into account. rent application procedures which ask or court actions. It cannot force a I expect that the Department will applicants about fleeing felon and pro- household member to submit to an construct rules that will target these bation violation issues. Rather, we be- interview in order to get access to its extraordinary cases without burdening lieve that eligibility workers must re- benefits. State agency workers and recipients ceive clear guidance on especially seri- I want to highlight two areas where with unproductive reports. The first ous crimes that should be treated as the bill provides more resources to im- issue is how to define ‘‘substantial.’’ I felonies. prove program integrity. First, we are believe the intent of Congress was to The bill addresses program integrity giving the Department more resources identify really extraordinary windfalls concerns about multiple requests for to enhance its retail store monitoring that change lifestyles, and not electronic benefit transfer, EBT, card through more data mining and anal- winnings that reflect good fortune but replacements. EBT cards are routinely ysis. We recognize that the Department will be rapidly dissipated by paying replaced for a wide variety of valid rea- has been actively using its data base of major bills or addressing overdue car sons. State agencies need to be able to retailer transactions and want to en- or home repair issues. quickly replace them so families can able more activity in this area. Crucial to implementing this is how continue to buy food. A small number Second, we’re authorizing funding for the State SNAP agency learns about of households frequently request re- Federal-State partnerships to imple- these winnings. This bill requires State placement cards; we are concerned that ment pilot projects to combat traf- SNAP agencies to work with any in- a small subset of these households may ficking. I expect that the Department State gaming authorities to establish a be misusing their cards and benefits. will seek and select State agencies that mechanism to report substantial The bill aims to require States to seek demonstrate sound and fair procedures winnings. We envision a process that explanations from households with an for determining fraud. will rely entirely on agency-to-agency excessive number of card replacement The bill has several provisions that I reports. Our intent is twofold. First, requests while preserving strong proce- worked on that will better link SNAP the only truly reliable source of this dural protections for households. We retailer policy to evolutions in retail information will be the State gaming envision it to work as follows: USDA is technology and marketing. The Sec- or lottery commission. It will offer required to set a standard for excessive retary is authorized to test the use of much more dependable and authori- requests for card replacements. I think mobile technologies in SNAP. This tative information about winnings that the floor should not be fewer than could really help SNAP customers shop than recipient reports. Second, we 4 replacements over the course of a at retailers such as farmers markets want to avoid cluttering notices on re- year. States must seek explanations and vegetable stands that are unable to sponsibilities for reporting and action from households that exceed this install traditional debit card machines on changes with items about extraor- threshold as to why another card is but may be able to connect to smart

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.086 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S716 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 phone applications. This provision was major crash of the EBT system, par- cacy. E&T has afforded States substan- included in my Local Food, Farms, and ticipants may be in even greater need tial flexibility to design work pro- Jobs Act. But as we expand ways to ac- of assistance and must be able to use grams and leverage Federal matching cept benefits, we must maintain pro- their benefits to purchase food. This re- funds. The result has been a wide vari- gram integrity. That is why we are quires the capacity to quickly and effi- ation in the types and scope of services starting with a pilot project to test ciently issue manual vouchers to af- offered. While the most prevalent com- mobile technology in SNAP, including fected individuals. We expect USDA to ponents are job search and job search protections for recipients such as bans allow a switch to manual vouchers training, followed by workfare, more on any food price markups. We expect when EBT card use is undermined by States are offering career and tech- USDA to carefully examine program major systems failures or natural dis- nical education in recognition that integrity issues as part of a required asters. States must be able to under- many SNAP participants need signifi- feasibility report, and would not expect stand the criteria for issuing vouchers cant skill building and education. In any expansion of mobile technology so that they can act quickly when a terms of funding, some States invest unless the report shows a satisfactory problem threatens access to food as- substantial amount of State funds to level of integrity. The Department sistance, such as the cancellation of realize the Federal match, while many needs rock solid means of ensuring cards affected by a data breach. States rely exclusively on the 100 per- that mobile devices approved for a The bill requires State agencies to cent Federal grant to fund program seemingly legitimate retailer do not use the Department of Homeland Secu- components. So we have a program end up in disqualified or other dis- rity system to validate immigration with huge variations but we don’t honest retailers’ facilities. status. This system—the Systematic know what works. And because we are This bill also allows pilot projects to Alien Verification for Entitlements—is not confident that we are getting re- test the feasibility of allowing the on- already used by most State agencies. sults, fiscal support for the program line purchase of food with SNAP bene- This bill does not change immigrant has been tepid; the basic Federal grant fits. More retailers are offering food de- eligibility, or require anything new or was $75 million in 1987 and is only $79 livery based on an online transaction. different from applicants in the certifi- million today. What we do know is that SNAP Food delivery can make the program cation process. reaches a very large number of employ- more accessible to individuals who The bill also requires States to have able low-income people. E&T presents may have trouble getting out to shop. a system for verifying income and eli- a real opportunity to reach these Again, any new way of redeeming bene- gibility. SNAP has longstanding, rig- Americans with better services. And fits must meet high program integrity orous, and specific verification stand- this is a population we need to reach standards. The bill specifies that the ards. We intend that States have a sys- more effectively. A recent report by Department must stop any growth of tem for verification and believe that the Miller Center at the University of online transactions if we can’t achieve all now do. We are not mandating the Virginia shows that low-income work- the strong level of integrity that we imposition of any specific matching re- ers were much less likely to get skills expect. While the provision makes quirements such as the match require- training than better off workers. In clear that delivery fees associated with ments under section 1137 of the Social other words, the people who most need online purchases may not be paid with Security Act. These matches were re- training the most are the least likely SNAP benefits, I also expect USDA to quired 20 years ago and were not pro- to get it. So we need to do a better job set standards for the fees to ensure no ductive. We made them optional in the of reaching low-income workers with adverse effect on food security. If con- 1996 welfare reform legislation and in- training opportunities, and make sure sumers are paying an inordinate tend that they remain optional. We ex- that the services offered can help peo- amount for delivery or other fees this pect States will employ verification ple get ahead. could undermine food security. Most systems that employ timely and useful What we want to do here is test dif- SNAP recipients are expected to spend matches with reliable sources of data. ferent approaches to work and training a considerable amount of their own One of the most important measures programs and find which produce the money to buy a nutritionally adequate in the bill is authority and funding for best results. For far too long, we’ve re- diet, and if they are paying large deliv- pilot projects to enhance the Employ- authorized this program because we all ery fees they may not be able to do ment and Training Program. This bill want SNAP participants to be better that. provides support for up to ten projects off, but we haven’t invested in learning I would like to point out that in the and a rigorous independent evaluation if we are succeeding or how we can do mainstream retail environment these of the impact of the projects on SNAP better. new mobile and online technologies do receipt, employment, and earnings. We envision a comprehensive ap- not rely on photo identification or I know that all of my colleagues proach to choosing the pilot projects other biometric information to author- share the goal of seeing more Ameri- that will incorporate a range of serv- ize payments and maintain integrity, cans earning enough so they do not ices and serve a range of SNAP recipi- nor do standard credit or debit card need SNAP. I believe that this is best ents with different needs. This does not transactions. A longstanding principle achieved through strong work pro- mean that every pilot must serve a of SNAP benefit use has been that the grams, and not arbitrarily cutting off wide range of participants with a wide SNAP retail transaction should look food benefits to people who can’t find range of services, but rather that like any other debit card transaction jobs. People are not choosing unem- USDA will approve a group of pilot pro- to customers and retailers. I am con- ployment and SNAP over gainful em- posals that as a whole will provide dif- cerned that USDA has approved State ployment. There simply aren’t enough ferent services and reach different requirements for photos on SNAP cards jobs. The ratio of the number of unem- types of participants. The bill specifies to be presented at the point of pur- ployed persons to relative to the num- that the pilots as a whole must reach chase. This is not a condition for a reg- ber of job openings has been improving able-bodied adults without dependents, ular credit or debit transactions—in steadily but remains at historically people with low skills or very limited many if not most cases, cardholders high levels—about 3 unemployed people work experience, and people who are swipe their own cards without handing for every job opening. As a comparison, already employed. them over to a cashier. The SNAP re- when the recent recession started this Current law requires State E&T pro- tail environment should be consistent ratio was 1.8 unemployed people per grams to be coordinated with their with general practice. The Depart- job. So I think we need to do more to statewide workforce development sys- ment’s regulations provide that, and help SNAP participants successfully tems. We expect that these pilots will they ought to be enforced. compete for the increasing number of at least be coordinated, and hopefully While benefits have been issued and jobs that we hope will be there as the leverage existing infrastructure such used successfully through EBT cards economy continues to recover. as one-stop career centers and career for years, there have been a few in- Employment and Training, E&T, has and technical education networks. The stances when cards failed to operate. In been a component of SNAP since 1987, bill provides for contributing funds the event of a natural disaster or a but very little is known about its effi- from Federal, State, or private sources.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.087 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S717 I want to briefly touch on employed that address very specific criteria for to issue rules to set standards to en- persons who get SNAP. These are peo- when a sanction may be invoked in an sure that State matching practices are ple who have shown that they can get employment component. efficient and effective. As an example, a job but are not earning enough to To get the best results from pilot it would seem prudent to focus make ends meet without help from projects, I think that individual assess- matches on employable household SNAP. So we are interested in ap- ment of participants is going to be im- members and not spend time and proaches that can help the working portant to get people in the right com- money on matches with children, elder- poor improve their circumstances. ponent. Pilots need to assess people’s ly, and disabled members. The Sec- While hopefully many people will earn work history, education, skills, and retary should work with the Depart- enough to no longer need or qualify for child care and transportation situation ment of Health and Human Services to SNAP, others may increase their to understand which component can fashion rules that balance the poten- earned income but remain eligible for a help them the most. I expect the De- tial gains in payment accuracy with smaller SNAP benefit. But they will be partment to examine assessment proce- State administrative costs. better off, and program costs will be re- dures as part of its monitoring. We see More Federal programs are imple- duced. a strong independent evaluation as menting standards for exchanging in- In many cases, stronger work sup- critical to the success of these pilots. formation in an automated environ- ports could enable people to get a job The Department may use project funds ment. This bill requires SNAP to de- or work more hours at their current for this purpose, as well as for Federal velop these standards. More electronic job. For example, if some parents had costs of managing the projects and any data exchanges can help both partici- better childcare, they may be able to evaluation contracts. We expect that pants and administrators. However, the take jobs that offer longer hours or the evaluation will look at the impacts strong privacy and confidentiality re- better wages. Similarly, transportation of different interventions such as job quirements of the Food and Nutrition support such as bus or transit passes search, workfare, vocational training, Act must be preserved. may enable people to take a first job or and remedial education on different The bill tightens policy on using get a better job. In many cases, people types of SNAP recipients in different funds for program informational ac- may be able to qualify for jobs without local labor markets. Most importantly, tivities while preserving the authority further training, but can’t take the we expect that the study will identify to get information out so that people jobs because of issues like child care. impacts on SNAP receipt and impacts can make informed choices about the So I see work supports—particularly on employment and earnings, including program. Let us review a little history. child care—as a very promising E&T whether reductions in SNAP are attrib- In the 1996 welfare reform law, we pro- component that some pilot projects utable to higher earnings. The bill also hibited using Federal funds for recruit- could support. I also believe increasing allows the Department to authorize ment. The idea was that support for in- the minimum wage will help low-wage State-initiated reviews of their formation about the availability of workers, but I will speak more on that projects which can supplement the help for grocery bills was okay, but we issue at a later date. Federal evaluation. did not want to cross a line to persuade Pilots may also test private sector I am pleased that these pilots people to enroll if they already had employment as a component. This may strengthen the work component of learned about the program and decided be subsidized or unsubsidized employ- SNAP without creating incentives to to forego benefits. ment. We expect USDA to ensure that end assistance for people who can’t find Over the last decade, we have made any employment components adhere to work or curtailing the ability of States enormous strides to extend food assist- the full range of worker protection with struggling labor markets econo- ance to eligible families. USDA, standards in the Food and Nutrition mies to secure waivers of current time States, and a wide range of community Act and in other laws on issues such as limits. Pilot participation by partici- organizations have worked hard to in- workplace safety and health, wages and pants may be mandatory or voluntary. form low-income people about the hours, workman’s compensation, and It is my understanding that if partici- availability of SNAP. And as we have family leave. In addition, the Depart- pation is mandatory, an individual who changed the name of the program from ment should examine whether any ad- fails to comply with any work require- the Food Stamp Program to the Sup- ditional protections are needed. ments may lose his or her SNAP bene- plemental Nutrition Assistance Pro- If employment components are pre- fits under the same rules that would gram, and States have branded their sented as an E&T requirement, new have applied if she or he committed the own programs differently, the need to issues arise around sanctions because same acts while assigned to the E&T get out clear information has never the State agency may not know the program instead of the pilot. As the been greater. I want to commend circumstances when an assignment bill authorizes unsubsidized work as an USDA and its partners inside and out- does not work out. But the basic prin- allowable pilot activity for the first side government for helping to make ciple holds: no one should be sanc- time, we expect the Secretary to issue SNAP a more effective anti-hunger tioned unless he or she willfully re- guidance describing what I think are program. In this bill we have drawn fused an assignment without good very limited circumstances under some bright lines for the Secretary to cause. People may not be able to keep which a working person who loses a job use in funding information efforts. up with jobs because of changes in could be sanctioned. Only if a person First, no support for partnerships with schedules, transportation, child care, willfully refuses to continue a job with- foreign governments. Second, no con- or sometimes because they lack the out good cause should sanction policy tracts based on ‘‘bounties’’ that tie skills that an employer wants. None of come into play. compensation to the number of people these situations should lead to a sanc- I turn now to some other modest im- enrolled. And finally, re-affirmation tion. Current program rules have ad- provements in program implementa- that recruitment is not a legitimate dressed situations such as transpor- tion. activity for SNAP funding. I think the tation and child care problems. In an The bill requires State agencies to first points are clear and want to ex- employment component, a new issue use the Department of Health and pand on the last one. Giving people in- arises if people are dismissed for a lack Human Services’ National Directory of formation about the availability and of competence. There is a real dif- New Hires to check on whether SNAP benefits of the program to enable them ference between refusing to work and applicants have jobs. Currently States to make informed choices about man- not being able to work competently. If may use this data base to check on the aging family food budgets to put people are not working out in a job, employment of SNAP recipients. The enough food on the table is a legiti- maybe they need more training. Maybe bill requires States to check the Na- mate use of Federal funds. If it crosses they would be better in a different job. tional Directory data when a household over into pushing people who have They do not deserve a sanction. We ex- applies for SNAP to enhance eligibility made an informed choice not to apply pect that State agencies—not employ- determinations. There is no expecta- to apply, then we have a recruitment ers—will make these decisions based on tion of matching during the period of situation that the Conferees do not policies set out by the Department certification. We expect the Secretary support. As long as households have

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.088 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S718 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 the knowledge and access to partici- geted way of strengthening the pro- When we experience extreme cold pate if they so desire, what they actu- gram, and with other modest improve- like we have had the last few weeks, ally decide is up to them. ments, makes the title worth sup- everyone in their right mind takes a Providing positive information about porting. I urge my colleagues to sup- step back and wonders if global warm- the program and why or how to apply port the bill. ing is really happening. When you look or assisting them in navigating a com- I yield the floor and suggest the ab- at the facts, you just have to wonder. plex application process is not recruit- sence of a quorum. Consider this quote from the journal ment and remains an allowable activ- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Nature, which stated that over the last ity and cost. We expect SNAP to con- clerk will call the roll. 15 years, ‘‘the observed [temperature] tinue to provide people with the infor- The assistant legislative clerk pro- trend is . . . not significantly different mation they need to make informed de- ceeded to call the roll. from zero [and] suggests a temporary cisions about participation, while en- Mr. INHOFE. I ask unanimous con- ‘hiatus’ in global warming.’’ suring that all funds for public infor- sent that the order for the quorum call This is something that has been a mation are used responsibly and judi- be rescinded. pattern for a long period of time. I can ciously. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without recall—and I am going from memory Finally, I would like to raise a prob- objection, it is so ordered. now—from the time they started keep- lem about issuance that this legisla- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, it is my ing these temperatures, we started the tion does not address—because we understanding Senator BENNET is going first cold spell of recent history in 1895, thought that earlier legislation did. to be due here shortly. I should be done and that lasted until 1918; 1918 turned Staggered issuance refers to spreading by that time and ask unanimous con- into another warming area that went the issuance dates for loading benefits sent that I take about 15 minutes of to 1945; and 1945 to 1975 was again an- on to EBT cards over a period of time— Senator CORNYN’s time. other cooling spell and, of course, from generally 10 but sometimes 15 days or The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 1975 to 2000. So we know what has been more. This way you don’t have so many objection, it is so ordered. happening. SNAP households shopping on the Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, January The President has not acknowledged same day. It benefits both retailers and 2014 may go down on record as the cold- this fact. In fact, on multiple occasions their customers because stores are less est of the months in United States his- he has said—and this is something he crowded. The Food and Nutrition Act tory. Between the freezing tempera- has said over and over—‘‘the tempera- provides two key participant safe- tures from last week’s polar vortex ture around the globe is increasing guards when a State agency moves to storms, much of the Nation experi- faster than was predicted even 10 years staggered issuance: first, no household enced record cold weather at least once ago.’’ Unfortunately for his talking can go beyond 40 days without an allot- or twice, and this has been going on points, the data that has been reported ment, and, second, no household’s al- now for the last 3 years. While we in Nature magazine, the Economist, lotment may be reduced for any period. won’t have official nationwide tem- and even in the United Nations IPCC I have become aware that the Depart- perature data for January for a few report shows that is just simply not ment has been approving plans that more weeks, we do have preliminary true. Two weeks ago, in a hearing we had recognize only one of these provisions; figures. Throughout the entire month, in the Environment and Public Works plans simply extend some households over 2,387 daily cold temperature Committee, my friend Senator SES- for 40 days between issuances. This records were set around the country, SIONS pressed EPA Administrator Gina means that an allotment designed to and many of those were in my State of McCarthy on this point, asking her cover 30 days must now cover 40 days. Oklahoma. At least 49 of these daily whether the President’s statement was Benefits are simply inadequate to records occurred on January 6 and 7 true. Ultimately, after running around when the first round of the polar vor- stretch this far. the question for a few minutes, she When a 30 day benefit must be tex hit. In Tulsa yesterday it went said, ‘‘I can’t answer that.’’ You may stretched over 40 days, the daily ben- down to 2 below zero. That was a rec- not think this is an important fact, but efit is clearly reduced. And since we ordbreaker—that had held since 1912. it is. The President’s entire climate ac- eat every day, the daily benefit is a That was the last time it got that cold. tion plan and efforts to regulate carbon meaningful measure of benefit reduc- The same day in Enid, OK, it got down dioxide and other greenhouse gases are tion. I am troubled that this important to minus 3. In Bartlesville—and this built fully on the fact that global protection in issuance law is seemingly may be wrong, but the figure showed it warming is happening and that we are being ignored, and urge the Depart- was actually minus 14, making it even all going to die if we don’t do some- ment to re-examine this situation and colder than the South Pole, where it thing about it. require supplemental issuances when was only minus 11. What we all need to be aware of is States are implementing staggered The cold weather is continuing into that the impact of the President’s cli- issuance. Staggered issuance should be February. Many schools canceled class- mate action plan, when implemented, beneficial to all concerned. It should es today around the State of Oklahoma will be stunning. It will completely not increase hunger during transition because of the cold weather. It snowed adopt global warming policies and the months. Referrals to food banks during more than 21⁄2 inches in Tulsa yester- implementation of regulations like cap those months are a poor use of food day, 5.2 inches in Henryetta, just south and trade. The President has already bank resources and completely unnec- of Tulsa. done a stunning amount of this work essary given the act’s requirement that There was an article in the Daily already. We have been able to uncover households not suffer a loss of bene- Oklahoman. They have a great zoo over that in the first 4 years he was in of- fits—which having to stretch the same there, but they reported that the griz- fice, he actually spent—and people are allotment over a longer period cer- zly bears refused to go outside their not aware of this—$110 billion of tax- tainly is. Food banks are already being habitat yesterday because it was too payer money on global warming-re- stretched thin and it should not be pol- cold. lated activities. icy for SNAP recipients to rely on local I know many in the media cry foul The cap-and-trade legislation we food banks because benefits are when I talk about global warming have debated over the last 10 years car- stretched over this longer time period. when it gets cold outside, but is this ries a price tag of $300 billion to $400 All in all, this farm bill represents 2 really any different from the President billion a year. It would have been the years of hard work by both Agricul- talking about global warming on a hot largest tax increase in American his- tural Committees. The nutrition title day in June of last year when he an- tory. It was soundly defeated—a bill in is not my ideal; the benefit reductions nounced his climate action plan? No the Senate—but through the climate obtained by requiring significant util- one seemed to mind that, but there action plan the President is now trying ity assistance in order to qualify for seems to be a different set of rules to accomplish by regulation what he the standard utility allowance will be when we talk about how cold it has couldn’t achieve through legislation. painful for those households affected been, which it has been for the last 3 We have heard the term ‘‘the impe- by it. But I believe it is a narrowly tar- years. rial President’’ being used recently.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.089 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S719 Well, listen to what was stated in the will put a drag on the economy, and present when we wrote that legislation, State of the Union Message, and these now that we are starting to see strains and we thought it was clear enough are the words he used: ‘‘We are going to of our electricity markets develop, the that we didn’t clarify it, thinking that set new standards on carbon pollution cost is becoming real to consumers. even the Supreme Court was not stupid from power plants.’’ What he is saying Consider American Electric Power, enough to make that finding.’’ is this: We couldn’t pass it for 12 years one of the country’s largest electric That is a direct quote from JOHN DIN- with four bills to do that. We can’t get companies. They are the ones that ac- GELL. So I wish the Supreme Court more than 25 percent of the Members tually supply the power for my State of would have sided with Congressman to vote for it, so we are going to do it Oklahoma. Last week, during the re- DINGELL. through regulation. cent cold weather, they reported they As things now stand, the EPA is The first round of greenhouse gas were running 89 percent of the coal poised to put the Nation out of busi- regulations was proposed in the first generation they scheduled to retire in ness with greenhouse gas regulations week in January. These regulations, if 2015. But these coal-fired powerplants, that would cost the entire economy finalized, would impose strict regula- which were critical to keeping homes some $300 billion to $400 billion. tions on new powerplants that would all around the country warm during Every year I always calculate the make it impossible to build a coal-fired these cold temperatures, are going to number of people in my State of Okla- powerplant. You may wonder: Do we be shut down because of President homa who file Federal income taxes. really need coal anymore with all the Obama’s environmental regulations. This $300 billion to $400 billion cost new energy we have coming onto the American Electric Power said: What would mean about $3,000 per family of market, with the natural gas and the it should make everyone think about those who file Federal income tax re- shale deposits and all that? The answer is, what are we going to do when the turns. So it is a huge amount, and it is yes. generation is not available? We need to would be the largest tax increase in Before I go into that discussion, I be thinking about reliability and resil- history. Out of this concern, I am in- think it is important to point out a ience in extreme times, not just the troducing a commonsense bill today, problem with the timing of the new status quo. the Electricity Reliability and Afford- rules proposal. I had a chart here—I If this recent cold weather occurs ability Act, which will allow States to don’t have it with me right now—that again in a year or two from now, once keep their powerplants open if they be- showed that when I was ranking mem- these plants are shut down, there sim- lieve it is necessary to maintain elec- ber of the Environment and Public ply will not be enough electricity tricity, reliability, and affordability. Works Committee—and this would available to keep homes and businesses In other words, the States can opt out. have been way back in October 2012— warm. If cold weather pushes elec- American Electric Power’s announce- we released a report highlighting the tricity demand up to the point where ment should cause all of us great con- administration’s actions to delay the remaining powerplants are over- cern, but the EPA is not listening. finalization of costly environmental loaded—the ones that haven’t been States have long protected and con- regulations until after the 2012 Presi- shut down by the President—it could served their environments with great dential elections. Whether it was the result in massive blackouts, and when success, and State governments are in farm dust rule or the ozone standard, Americans need their electricity it a much better position to determine the President punted regulation after won’t be there. It would be as if we which powerplants should and should regulation until after the election to were living in the 1600s and everyone not remain open, despite the regula- minimize the influence it would have will be cold. Again, the annual cost of tions. on voters. It appears that is exactly this would be in excess of $300 billion to I know my friend from Colorado is what is happening today with the first $400 billion that would be a hit on the waiting to take the floor, so the last round of greenhouse gas regulations for GDP. And this does not even begin to thing I will say is that in the State of the construction of new powerplants. measure the suffering we would have to the Union Message, the President made As we know, under the Clean Air Act experience. the statement that he is going to go new rules for powerplants must be fi- The President, as he has done with ahead and do this, regardless of the nalized within 1 year of the proposal’s ObamaCare, may just say that these fact that we have killed this legisla- publication in the Federal Register— plants can stay open, that he won’t en- tion four times over the last 12 years. that is what kicks it off, when it is force these new rules he is creating, And at that time, I was talking about written in the Federal Register—or the but I don’t think that is realistic. $300 billion to $400 billion as the cost, proposed rule is invalidated. This is American Electric Power’s warning but that would have been the cost if important because after announcing comes in the wake of regulations the this had been legislation. Specifically, his climate action plan, the President President has already finalized. The talking about legislation such as the ordered the EPA to ‘‘issue a new pro- new ones that are being developed will Lieberman-Warner act and several of posal by no later than September 20, make things even worse by making the others, that would regulate sources 2013.’’ The EPA proposed a new rule on coal-fired powerplants impossible to with at least 10,000 tons of CO2 emis- September 20, but it did not publish in build or keep open. What has been a sions. However, if you do it by regula- the Federal Register until January 8, steady source of cheap electricity will tion and not legislation, that would 2014—this past January. Had the EPA be gone in just a few short years. have to be under the Clean Air Act, published this rule in the Register on I have long said the Clean Air Act which would regulate systems of 250 the same day they proposed it on Sep- was never intended to regulate green- tons of CO2 a year. So while the legisla- tember 20, 2013, they would have been house gas emissions; it was written tion would have regulated the CO2 forced to finalize the rule by Sep- only to include the most egregious, emissions for powerplants, refineries, tember 20, 2014, which would be 6 weeks harmful air pollutants, not carbon di- and major factories, if the President is before the 2014 elections. oxide and other harmless greenhouse able to do it through regulations, that This reveals an astounding double gases. would cover every school, every standard and is consistent with the re- Surprisingly, even some Democrats church, and every apartment house in marks made at the State of the Union. are starting to publicly agree with me. the Nation. So it is very significant. On the one hand, the President says we Last week, at an Energy and Com- I know that right now we are on the don’t have time to delay action on merce Committee meeting over in the farm bill, but we have to remind people global warming. He says we must act House, Congressman JOHN DINGELL that this is something that has been before it is too late. But on the other from Michigan, a staunch Democrat, just announced that they are going to hand, his actions show that it is OK to said, ‘‘Like most members of this com- be doing. wait to finalize rules that will harm mittee, I think the Supreme Court I remember when Lisa Jackson was the economy until after the elections. came up with a very much erroneous the Director of the EPA. She was ap- Ultimately, this hypocrisy reveals that decision on whether the Clean Air Act pointed by President Obama. I asked the administration is fully aware that covers greenhouse gases. Like many her the question: If we are to regulate the EPA’s greenhouse gas regulations members of this committee, I was this and one of these bills would pass,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.007 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S720 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 which means we would be regulating insurance to help hedge risk, will help This bill makes commonsense reforms, CO2 emissions, would this have the ef- our producers as we move into a new reduces the deficit, and will bring cer- fect of reducing CO2 worldwide? normal of a drier American West. tainty and continued prosperity to She said: No, because that would The conservation title programs help rural America. It passed the House last only apply to the United States of producers, but they also help the fish week with broad bipartisan support. America. in our rivers and the wildlife on our I strongly urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote when we That is not where the problem is. The lands. vote on the farm bill conference report problem is in China, India, in Mexico, Here is a great illustration of why later today. With all the uncertainty and other places. sportsmen groups support this bill. our farmers and ranchers are facing in So I remind my fellow Members this This is a photo taken of my friend these tough times, in these drought is something very serious and worthy John Gale hunting pheasants in Yuma times, it is the least we can do. of consideration at this time. County, CO. The Conservation Reserve I yield the floor. I yield the floor. Program, CRP—a program reauthor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ized through this farm bill—provides ator from Arkansas. ator from Colorado. important habitat for pheasants and Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, I thank Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I thank other upland birds all across the coun- my colleague and friend from Colorado my friend from Oklahoma for yielding. try. The land surrounding this photo is for his words about the farm bill. He I wish to speak about the farm bill all CRP land. and I are an example of how this bill is which, thanks to months and months The program protects habitat but important to every region of the coun- and actually years of tireless work by also helps hold highly erodible soils in try. His kind of farming is very dif- Chairwoman STABENOW, Ranking Mem- place—such as the soil in Baca County, ferent than our kind of farming, but ber COCHRAN, and other conferees on CO, where over 250,000 acres are en- they are equally important to our the bill, Democrats and Republicans in rolled in CRP. As the Presiding Officer States. both Houses of Congress—thanks to all may know, Baca County in many ways I rise to talk about the farm bill. of this work, we are going to be able to was the epicenter of the area dev- This bill is a long time coming. There pass this bill this afternoon. astated by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. has been back-and-forth between the There are 16 million people working Thanks to CRP, Baca County has two Chambers, the House and Senate, in agriculture in our country. These weathered recent droughts a lot better and between various regions, probably workers and our rural communities are than their forefathers did. Healthy most famous, South versus Midwest demanding the certainty which comes grasslands, open landscapes, and abun- farming, but that is not the only one— with a long-term bill. I am pleased to dant wildlife are a fundamental part of different types of crops and different say we are passing not a 2-month ex- the West, to be a part of the West, and types of farm products. It may be tension, not a 10-minute extension, not we need to preserve those grasslands, sugar, milk, soybeans or corn. Who an ‘‘I hope we get it done tomorrow be- those open spaces, and our species. knows what it is going to be. fore we leave town’’ extension but a That is what the conservation title of Nonetheless, I am happy to report genuine 5-year farm bill, which is going the farm bill does. A lot of people don’t that finally this bill overcame the par- to give us a lot of certainty. know about it, but it is a very impor- tisan gridlock we have seen in Wash- This bill eliminates direct payments tant part of the farm bill. ington. I am sorry it took so long. I made to farmers regardless of market As a result, this farm bill is sup- know last year the House basically conditions or what they planted and ported by over 250 conservation and en- blew up this bill on kind of ‘‘my way or prioritizes what is working for pro- vironmental organizations—groups the highway’’ politics. I thought that ducers; namely, crop insurance. such as Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants was very unfortunate. But here we are I have spoken on the floor before Forever, National Wildlife Federation, with a bipartisan farm bill, one that about Colorado’s battle against his- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and got a huge vote in the House and I hope toric drought conditions. Some of our the National Rifle Association, among will get a huge vote in the Senate. farmers lost half their corn yields in others. I am glad this cut, cut, cut ideology 2012. It is hard to imagine any business This legislation not only ensures we did not prevail, because when we look losing half its production in 1 year, but have healthy croplands and grasslands at this bill and how important it is, not that is what has happened to many but also prioritizes the health of our just to my State but to every State in Colorado corn producers. Mr. Presi- forests—an issue of huge importance to the Union and so important to the U.S. dent, 2013 was a little better for corn in western States as we deal with our economy—this bill is very important to our State, but it is hard to celebrate massive wildfires. the Nation’s economy and to the future when producers still face significant Here we can see the Waldo Canyon of our Nation. losses fighting against this dry soil. fire from 2012. I chair the agriculture Agriculture is something we do in The Crop Insurance Program is what is subcommittee on forestry, and we held this country better than anybody else keeping these farmers and rural econo- a hearing on wildfires not too long ago. in the world. We do a lot of things mies in business during these tough We looked at the terrible fires which great in this country, and we should be times. That is why it is a priority. have raged across the West, the budg- proud of those, but no one does agri- That is why we should have passed it etary nightmare they have caused, and culture better than the good old United 1 year ago, 2 years ago, but today we fi- Washington’s inability to understand States of America. Our farmers, our nally have the chance to do it. what we are actually facing out there. producers, our agribusiness do incred- Beyond crop insurance, another key My clearest takeaway from this hear- ible work. We literally are the envy of highlight of this bill is its conservation ing was that when it comes to our for- the world. It is a core strength of the title. I spoke last week on the floor ests, an ounce of prevention is worth a U.S. economy. about the revamped easement pro- pound of cure. It is critical to keeping our Nation’s grams, and the important linkage be- If we prioritize the fuel mitigation economy strong that we have a strong tween conservation practices and crop work on the front end, we will save on agricultural sector. It is critical to our insurance which has been preserved in fire suppression and recovery costs on Nation that we have strong rural com- this conference agreement. the back end. If we don’t, we will break munities and to a large extent—not But beyond those highlights, the bill our budget and not preserve our for- completely but a lot of what this bill is places a new emphasis on water con- ests. The Congressional Budget Office about is helping rural communities. servation, which is so important to the has found that for every $1 we invest in Not everyone in this country lives in West. Programs such as EQIP and the forest health, we save $5 in costs asso- the big cities or lives in the suburbs. Regional Conservation Partnerships ciated with wildfire. This bill will help every American in Program are going to be critical as the This farm bill conference report lots of ways, no matter where they West faces record drought conditions makes these investments and gives the live, whether they live in the biggest brought on by climate change. New Forest Service new tools to treat areas city in the country or the smallest conservation tools, coupled with crop in need of restoration and mitigation. town out in the countryside. But it will

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.009 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S721 also help millions and millions of hard- that in the agricultural economy. Our should make changes. A public, working people and their families in farmers, producers, and others deserve thoughtful and thorough discussion of rural America. Why in the world would that same certainty and stability, and those alternatives needs to take place, we want to let ideological fights and this bill provides that. guided by nonbiased people who are fo- partisan bickering jeopardize this eco- In closing, I would read a quick pas- cused on the goal of creating the best nomic powerhouse we built for our- sage from James 5:7. I was going to policy. selves? Nonetheless, today we have read it from King James, but I will par- Mr. KING. I thank the Senator for overcome that. aphrase it. Be patient, therefore, broth- her response. The dairy producers in This legislation is a win-win for ev- ers . . . see how the farmer waits for Maine have told me that they believe eryone. We have seen Democrats and the precious fruit of the Earth, being that it will take just such a thorough Republicans from all regions of the patient about it, until it receives the review of proposals from interested country come to the floor to talk about early and late rains. parties, to help address concerns from this farm bill, why it is important to Our agricultural producers have been industry, assist with the stabilization them and why it is important that it patient long enough. They have waited of the price of milk and provide greater pass. and waited and waited on this legisla- certainty for dairy producers. Just a few of the provisions in there: tion. I sincerely hope all of us will give Does the Senator agree that the Sec- There are market protections for our this bill strong consideration. This bill retary has the authority and ability to farmers and ranchers all over the coun- provides good common ground. It pro- conduct a prehearing procedure to con- try. vides economic security. It continues sider alternative pricing formulas for The PILT Program is so critical to a the safe and abundant food supply that class III and class IV milk products? number of western States but certainly we have in this Nation. Ms. STABENOW. Yes, I believe that a number of our counties in Arkansas. I hope Members on both sides of the not only does the Secretary have the We have counties in our State where aisle will join me in voting yes for this authority to act upon a petition, but as literally half or more of their land is conference report today. was said earlier, the USDA has the Federal. They can’t get any tax base I yield the floor. ability to conduct a thoroughly re- off of it, so PILT helps to fix that. MILK PRICING FORMULA searched prehearing procedure to con- The Catfish Inspection Program. We Mr. KING. Mr. President, I commend sider alternative pricing formulas for don’t subsidize catfish, but we have the the Senator from Michigan, her com- class III and class IV milk products and inspection program to make sure im- mittee and staff for their tireless work that would be welcomed by the Senate ported catfish meet U.S. standards. that has brought this farm bill to fru- Agriculture Committee. This is critical. We want a safe and ition. Further, I greatly appreciate the Mr. KING. I understand that the good food supply. There is a big empha- Senator’s willingness to discuss an Dairy Industry Advisory Committee sis on exports. We all know we have a issue that is absolutely critical for has recommended that the Secretary terrible trade deficit. Our trade deficit dairy farmers in the Northeast: take such action and review interested would be horrendous if it wasn’t for ag- prehearings to review the Federal pric- party proposals to address class III and riculture. ing formula for class III and class IV class IV pricing formula changes in a Of course, there is nutritional assist- milk. participatory and transparent manner. ance for hard-working families in this Ms. STABENOW. I want to thank the Ms. STABENOW. Yes, that is correct; country. We have the richest, most Senator from Maine. This legislation the Dairy Industry Advisory Com- bountiful, most blessed Nation in the addresses many aspects of agriculture mittee has recommended such action. history of the world, and we have peo- including dairy. During our delibera- Further, I believe that a study of pric- ple who are hungry. These nutrition tions we heard clearly from various ing alternatives, followed by a rigorous programs in many cases are the dif- dairy stakeholders who argued that the prehearing process, would cut to the ference between life and death. class III and class IV milk product heart of the issue. This would not only This bill also focuses on conserva- pricing systems are outdated and not clear the air on many of the disagree- tion. Not everyone is a farmer, but responsive to the needs of producers or ments that plagued the farm bill de- there are millions of people all over consumers. bates but might even reduce the reli- this country who love to enjoy the Mr. KING. The senior Senator from ance on temporary stopgap government great outdoors. They like to go hunt- Maine and the junior Senator from supports through better financial con- ing, they like to go fishing, and other New York authored the provision in- nections for all sectors of the dairy in- activities. Conservation programs are cluded in the Senate farm bill which dustry with the consumer value of critical to keep habitat where it is and required USDA to address the pricing dairy products. critical for large sections of our econ- formula for class III and class IV milk Mr. KING. The dairy producers that I omy. Hunting and fishing is a huge through a public, transparent pre- have spoken with are calling on the part of our economy, not just in Ar- hearing process. Their work has been USDA Secretary to undertake a study kansas but all over the country. essential in moving this conversation of alternatives and to agree to hold The rural development programs are forward. prehearings on such alternatives as a essential for rural America. We know As the Senator from Michigan well basic component of the USDA’s funda- there is everything from wastewater knows, milk pricing policy is a com- mental mission to the dairy industry. programs in here to rural housing, to plex, convoluted, and controversial They believe it is time for Congress to all kinds of programs. But rural devel- business and challenging to handle in a direct the USDA to take the bull by opment programs are critical for the package such as the farm bill. Does the the horns and to ensure that all regions quality of life in rural America. Senator believe that the USDA, which of the United States can sustain viable I am the first to say this bill isn’t is charged with stabilizing farm in- dairy sectors and meet local, national perfect. I think all of us agree this is a come; conserving soil, water, and other and international demand for high series of compromises. There are prob- natural resources, and ensuring the quality U.S. dairy products. ably things each one of us would do dif- availability and quality of food and Ms. STABENOW. I am happy to as- ferently if we could change a provision fiber products, should provide an op- sist dairy farmers in their efforts and or two in the bill, but it is a good bill. portunity for a thoughtful, balanced will contact the Secretary to ask that It is going to provide and stabilize good process for addressing essential dairy he take action on a prehearing request. jobs and economic security for our pricing structure? Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today, I country. Ms. STABENOW. Yes, the USDA has will vote nay on the Agricultural Act Our agricultural producers not only the economists and experts that can of 2014, also known as the farm bill. feed us and clothe us, but they feed and analyze various alternatives to the cur- Florida’s economy and the liveli- clothe the world. In the Senate we hear rent system of pricing milk—and if the hoods of many family-owned businesses every day from the business commu- system is not working well for most of and workers rely on a vibrant agricul- nity. They want more certainty. They the players in the dairy industry, espe- tural industry. Unfortunately, this want more stability. This bill provides cially the farmers, the Department farm bill goes far beyond agricultural

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.010 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S722 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 programs and includes antipoverty pro- close collaboration between the U.S. I am particularly pleased that the grams and renewable energy programs, Department of Agriculture, the citrus conference report includes language among other spending measures that industry stakeholders, and the relevant nearly identical to my bipartisan legis- total nearly $1 trillion. entities engaged in scientific research lation, the Oilheat Efficiency, Renew- With Washington facing a $17 trillion under this program. The farm bill di- able Fuel Research and Jobs Training debt and another debt ceiling increase rects the U.S. Department of Agri- Act. in a few weeks, this bill does not under- culture to consult closely and regu- This important provision will reau- take any fundamental reforms to en- larly with the industry stakeholders in thorize the widely supported National sure every taxpayer dollar is being the formulation, consideration, and ap- Oilheat Research Alliance, NORA, the properly spent to secure our Nation’s proval of research projects and grants oilheat industry’s national program for food supply instead of needlessly grow- performed under this program and will research and development, consumer ing government or continuing the sta- give great weight to input from these education and technical training. It tus quo on programs that need reform. stakeholders. This close coordination will allow the industry to continue For example, Food Stamp Programs will ensure the research program will funding vital national oilheat efforts are an important part of our safety advance the research for citrus green- for 5 years—at no cost to local, State net, but we should have a separate de- ing and other threats to the U.S. citrus or Federal governments. bate on these and other antipoverty industry. Consumers will benefit from the de- programs with the goal of empowering Because of the devastating nature of velopment of improved and efficient States to better design these programs the citrus greening disease, I worked to equipment, increased safety through to help their people escape poverty. make sure the citrus program estab- technical training, and the availability While energy innovation is an impor- lished guaranteed funding in the farm of up-to-date information regarding tant debate and will be a key economic bill. Senator STABENOW agreed and safety practices and fuel conservation. growth driver in the 21st century, we worked with other members of the Importantly, these objectives will be should be discussing renewable energy farm bill conference to include $125 achieved without raising consumer and biofuels programs in the context of million in mandatory funding for the costs. NORA provides a direct path for energy policy, not lumping them in to citrus research program. Money in this responsible, domestically produced and this bill that is supposed to be about grant program will go toward scientific efficient energy consumption without securing our Nation’s food supply. research aimed at addressing diseases, raising consumer costs. Its inclusion in Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, today domestic and invasive pests, and other the farm bill is good for consumers, we will pass the final conference report challenges to the U.S. citrus industry, American businesses, and the environ- for the farm bill, called the Federal Ag- helping to also disseminate the re- ment and will provide tangible value riculture Reform and Risk Manage- search findings to growers. for the country for many years to ment Act of 2013. This important bipar- In this age of economic uncertainty, come. tisan bill protects jobs and identifies Congress should be doing everything it I also thank Chairwoman STABENOW new reforms that will ensure the long- can to improve our economic situation. and Senator WYDEN for working with term success of our Nation’s agricul- In this case, we are doing just that by me to preserve the Environmental Pro- tural industry. I would like to thank saving an industry that is vital to not tection Agency’s treatment of regu- Chairman STABENOW for her leadership only Florida’s economy but to Texas, lating forest roads as nonpoint sources and commitment to getting this bill California, Louisiana, Alabama, Ari- through State-adopted best-manage- passed. In addition, I would like to zona, Georgia, and the Nation as a ment practices. This approach will thank Senator COCHRAN for his work on whole. this bipartisan bill. Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, while allow for the continued sustainable de- The U.S. citrus industry is facing a this is far from a perfect bill, I am velopment of working forests in New devastating disease called greening, for pleased that the Senate will pass the Hampshire. which we know no cure and which kills Agriculture Act of 2014. This legisla- In New Hampshire, more than 100,000 the citrus tree within 5 years. The dis- tion—a result of more than 2 years of people rely on the Supplemental Nutri- ease is spread by an insect called the deliberation—reaches a compromise tion Assistance Program each month Asian citrus psyllid. Citrus greening that protects small farmers, fights to keep from going hungry. The farm spreads quickly and, because of its dor- hunger, and saves taxpayers more than bill reauthorizes SNAP and other crit- mancy period, has often already de- $16 billion. ical programs that help millions of stroyed surrounding groves once it has I thank Chairwoman STABENOW and American families put food on the been discovered. Ranking Member COCHRAN, along with table. The bill also contains important In a 2012 report, University of Florida leaders in the House of Representa- reforms that will provide food for our researchers found that the disease cost tives, for their hard work in reaching Nation’s food banks and improve low- Florida’s economy $4.5 billion and 8,000 this agreement. income Americans’ access to fruits and jobs between 2006 and 2012. Florida was This year’s farm bill makes targeted vegetables and other healthy foods. ground zero, but the disease is spread- investments in our Nation’s agricul- The legislation also improves con- ing to every citrus-producing State, in- tural and nutrition sectors while elimi- sumer access to local foods with in- cluding Texas, California, and Arizona. nating some of the wasteful subsidies creased funding for farmers’ markets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture that cost taxpayers billions of dollars. In recent years, interest in supporting has already affirmed this emergency The bill supports our rural economies local agriculture has grown signifi- with the citrus quarantine for Florida, and helps protect our farmland and for- cantly. New Hampshire currently has Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, ests for generations to come. And it more than 70 farmers markets across and Mississippi as well as parts of Cali- makes historic investments in fruit the State, with nearly 30 open through fornia, South Carolina, and Arizona in and vegetable farming and in organic the winter. Americans want to know October 2012. If we don’t do something, agriculture. where their food comes from, and farm- soon we won’t have a domestic citrus During negotiations on this bill, I ers want to be able to sell their prod- industry. worked with Chairwoman STABENOW ucts in their communities. The farm bill sets up a new research and Senator LEAHY to ensure that new The farm bill significantly increases initiative especially for the citrus in- dairy programs will adequately protect funding for programs that support dustry within the existing Special Crop New Hampshire’s small farms, which small and beginning farmers, including Research Initiative, which is called the are struggling to deal with high feed greater support for grant programs Citrus Disease Research and Extension costs and volatility in milk prices. I that enable small farmers to invest in Program. The primary goal of this pro- am hopeful that the new dairy program improving the value of their products. gram is to help fund research to find a will provide stability for New Hamp- One dairy farmer from Landaff, NH, cure to citrus greening and save the shire’s dairies and create an environ- accessed these programs to help her U.S. citrus industry. ment in which these family-owned grow her cheese-making business. Be- The new Citrus Disease Research and businesses that are so important to our cause of the grant, she was able to hire Extension Program will ensure the State’s economy can grow and thrive. two full-time employees and several

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.054 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S723 part-time employees, and her second- cluded in the bill before us today fall This program would require seafood generation farm now sells award-win- much too short. processors to comply with USDA regu- ning cheeses in stores and restaurants Most troubling is that the bill cuts lations for catfish while the FDA would around the country. These are the kind more than $8 billion from the Supple- continue to oversee inspections for all of job-creating investments we need to mental Nutrition Assistance Program. other seafood. According to the GAO, be making in rural America. I cannot support reducing hunger as- repealing this program would avoid du- However, while the legislation imple- sistance for the most vulnerable Amer- plication of Federal programs and save ments some reforms to subsidy pro- icans while creating new crop insur- taxpayers millions of dollars annually. grams that will save taxpayer dollars, ance programs, increasing crop insur- We should be finding ways to make it does not go far enough in cutting ance spending by $5.7 billion, and con- government processes more efficient, wasteful spending. tinuing to subsidize the wealthiest not less. Senator MCCAIN and I worked to re- farmers. As such, I will oppose this bill. While I am unable to support the peal a duplicative catfish inspection The nutrition cuts are particularly conference report because of the deep program at the U.S. Department of Ag- challenging in my State, where rough- cuts to SNAP and inadequate reforms riculture, which has already cost tax- ly 1 in 6 Rhode Islanders receive SNAP to crop insurance and farm subsidy payers $20 million over the past 5 years benefits—a reflection of the chal- payments, I would like to acknowledge and has yet to inspect a single fish. Un- lenging economic times in our State, several provisions in this bill, includ- fortunately, this bill does nothing to where the unemployment rate remains ing several that will support the devel- end this unnecessary and wasteful pro- above 9 percent, the highest in the opment of local and regional food sys- gram. country. According to a survey by the tems and improve the affordability of I am also disappointed that this bill U.S. Department of Agriculture, more and access to fresh fruits and vegeta- continues the Federal Sugar Program than 15 percent of Rhode Islanders are bles for low-income families. I am par- with no changes. Taxpayers were food insecure, meaning they do not al- ticularly pleased that the bill includes forced to pay nearly $300 million last ways know where they will find their many measures from a bill that I co- year to bail out the sugar industry, in next meal and thus are at risk of hun- sponsored, Senator BROWN’s Local addition to the $14 billion this wasteful ger. And this number has grown over Farms, Food and Jobs Act, that will in- program has cost consumers and busi- the last 5 years, from 58,000 households crease funding for specialty crop block nesses over the past 5 years. The high to more than 66,500 today. Many local grants to support research and pro- price supports and strict trade restric- food banks like the Rhode Island Com- motion of fruits, vegetables, and other tions continued with no reform in this munity Food Bank—are struggling to specialty crops. Another measure is the bill will ensure that sugar remains the keep pace as the need for food assist- enhancement of the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program to most tightly controlled commodity in ance grows. The SNAP cuts in this bill aid direct producer-to-consumer mar- America. cannot be easily made up by food banks keting channels and local food sales to This bill also continues the wasteful and other charitable organizations practice of providing subsidies to large retailers and institutions. even with increased funding for the The bill also allows Community Sup- and wealthy farm businesses with no Emergency Food Assistance Program. ported Agriculture operations to re- meaningful payment limits. Some pro- While the conference agreement does deem SNAP benefits and creates Food grams in the bill will allow huge farm- not include the far more damaging pol- Insecurity Nutrition Incentive grants, icy changes proposed by the House, it ing operations to receive unlimited providing $100 million over 5 years for will reduce benefits for about 850,000 subsidies, and the new crop insurance a national pilot to incentivize the pur- low-income households by an average program includes no individual caps or chase of fruits and vegetables at farm- of $90 a month, according to the Con- means testing requirements. ers markets by SNAP participants. A The Senate-passed bill would have re- gressional Budget Office. This is on top similar program has already been suc- duced subsidy payments for the of the across-the-board cut that hit all cessfully implemented in Rhode Island. wealthiest farmers, but this provision SNAP households last November when Farm Fresh Rhode Island runs the was removed from the final conference the benefit boost under the 2009 Recov- ‘‘Bonus Bucks’’ program where every $5 report. And there was no consideration ery Act expired. When these cuts went in SNAP benefits spent at a farmers of implementing a provision I offered into effect, families of 4 lost an average market allows low-income individuals with Senator TOOMEY to place a rea- of $36 a month, while single-person to receive an additional $2 to spend on sonable cap on crop insurance subsidies households lost an average of $11. With- fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, fish, that would have saved taxpayers $3.4 out the Recovery Act boost, SNAP ben- meats, and cheeses produced by local billion over the next 10 years. efits will average less than $1.40 per farmers and fishermen. Within the first As we confront our Federal debt and person per meal in 2014. Now we are year that ‘‘Bonus Bucks’’ was imple- deficit and as millions of families asking some of our most vulnerable mented, Farm Fresh Rhode Island saw across the country are tightening their constituents to get by with even less— a 675 percent increase in the amount of belts, we cannot justify unlimited sub- all while growing the safety net for the SNAP spent at their markets. In 2013, sidies for wealthy farmers and giant wealthiest farmers and the crop insur- 22 Rhode Island farmers markets up agribusinesses. ance industry. This is unacceptable. from 8 in 2008, have booths that can ac- While I will continue working to end As I noted, these remain trying eco- cept EBT cards. wasteful farm bill programs and pro- nomic times, with many Americans It is exciting to see the ingenuity of tect taxpayers, I support this legisla- still struggling to find work or working our States replicated at the national tion because it supports New Hamp- low-wage jobs that do not provide the level in ways to help ensure that low- shire farmers and our State’s rural resources necessary to meet basic income families have access to nutri- communities, reduces the deficit, in- needs like food. This is not the time to tious local foods. These types of pro- vests in healthy foods, and helps pre- cut a lifeline benefit like SNAP. I am grams also help grow local food econo- vent low-income Americans from going deeply disappointed that some of the mies by encouraging purchases from hungry. savings generated in this bill were not local producers. A win-win. Mr. REED. Mr. President, reauthor- reinvested into SNAP to help meet the The bill also makes several changes ization of the farm bill presented an need for food assistance across this to enhance and promote conservation. opportunity to make much needed country. Requiring farmers to comply with con- changes in our agriculture policy to Unfortunately, the conference agree- servation practices in order to receive rein in taxpayer subsidies for big agri- ment also maintains the duplicative taxpayer-supported subsidies on crop business, support the growth of small USDA catfish program—a program insurance will help further the con- farms and local food systems, and en- that both the House and the Senate servation of natural resources and en- sure that our constituents in need do have voted to repeal, the Government sure that our farmers remain good not go hungry. Unfortunately, despite Accountability Office has called waste- stewards of the land. the extraordinary efforts of Chair- ful, and the administration proposed Thankfully, the conferees rejected a woman STABENOW, the reforms in- defunding in its fiscal year 2014 budget. harmful amendment included in the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.083 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S724 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 House bill that would have had far- chicken farmers will continue to get whose husband was laid off through no reaching consequences by prohibiting disaster payments. The bill also con- fault of his own when the steel plant in States from regulating agricultural tinues to allow farm operating loans Baltimore closed last year. Tracey has products within their jurisdiction. This for poultry growers who do not qualify three kids, including a daughter with bill also makes it a federal crime to at- for operating credit at other lenders. special needs. She shouldn’t have to tend or bring a child under the age of This farm bill requires country-of-or- choose between her son’s asthma medi- 16 to an animal fighting event—a igin labeling, which I have long sup- cation and a family meal. Tracey had slightly modified version of a bill I co- ported. Every consumer has the right nowhere else to turn. She signed up for sponsored that was introduced by Sen- to know where their food comes from SNAP benefits to keep food on the din- ator BLUMENTHAL. on their dinner table. I acknowledge ner table for her family. The conference report also includes there are some in the poultry industry I personally thank Senator STABE- legislation to reauthorize the National that oppose these requirements. I NOW for working so hard to protect Oilheat Research Alliance, NORA. I think it is the right thing to do. SNAP families in this bill. She fought have cosponsored bills to reauthorize For Maryland’s 500 dairy farms, the off the House Republicans that wanted this program during the last several bill creates two new price and income to gut the program, cutting $40 billion Congresses and am glad it will now be- support programs. The Dairy Produc- from SNAP and axing SNAP benefits come law. NORA seeks to strengthen tion Margin Protection Program takes for 4 million people, including putting and improve the oil heating industry into consideration the high price of 77,000 Marylanders at risk. I am happy through education and training and feed costs. This is a first for dairy pro- to report no American will lose their improving home heating efficiency. grams and a win for dairy farmers benefits under this bill—not one. Most With more than 1 in 3 Rhode Islanders struggling to survive with escalating important to me, no Marylander will dependent on fuel oil to heat their variable and fixed operation costs. The see their benefits reduced from the re- homes this winter and heating oil premium cost to participate in this forms in this bill. prices on the rise, it is important to re- program will be very low for Mary- I know some of my colleagues are authorize NORA. land’s small dairy farmers. The Dairy going to vote against the bill because While Chairwoman STABENOW’s ef- Production Donation Program will of the changes to the standard utility forts helped to ensure some positive guarantee a profit for dairy farmers allowance calculation that will reduce provisions and reforms, the bill simply when the market becomes over satu- benefits for their constituents. I under- does not go far enough. It wisely elimi- rated. stand. But what we all have to under- This legislation is important to the nates direct payments but restores stand is that a compromise is a com- Chesapeake Bay conservation efforts. some of those cuts by creating new promise and Senator STABENOW fended It includes the Regional Conservation crop insurance programs, while not off the worst. I was recently in her Partnership Program, a new competi- going far enough to limit commodity shoes negotiating the appropriations tive program. The bill provides $100 and crop insurance subsidy payouts. bill with the House. It is tough. million annually for this program. The The bill does not even include an I commend Senators STABENOW and Bay Watershed will compete with eight amendment that I cosponsored and was COCHRAN for their hard work on this other regions for these critical con- passed in the Senate to set income lim- bill. I urge all my colleagues to support servation dollars. This bill also ties itations for crop insurance making a this bill. It is good news for American farmers’ conservation compliance to very modest 5 percent reduction for farmers and consumers. crop insurance. This means if your land farmers making over $750,000 annually. Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, today I is not compliant, you will not receive a We must do more to ensure that farm will support final passage of the con- premium subsidy. ference report of the Federal Agri- subsidies are available to the small and For sugar producers and refineries, medium-sized farms that need it most the bill continues the existing Sugar culture Reform and Risk Management and rein in the taxpayer subsidies to Program. The U.S. Sugar Program sup- Act of 2013. The conference report is large, wealthy farming operations. And ports over 140,000 American jobs, in- particularly important to my home we certainly should not be paying for cluding 500 jobs at Domino Sugar lo- State of Michigan, where agriculture, expensive farm programs by cutting cated at the Port of Baltimore. Signifi- the State’s second-largest industry, SNAP, thereby placing additional bur- cant reforms to this program will put supports one in four jobs. dens on those who are struggling to these jobs at risk and they may be While the legislation presented con- make ends meet. shipped overseas. tains many laudable provisions, I am Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise This bill helps Maryland’s growing deeply disappointed that the final con- in support of the bipartisan farm bill specialty crop and organic farmers by ference report includes cuts to the Sup- conference agreement before us today. gradually increasing specialty crops plemental Nutrition Assistance Pro- This 5 year bill provides certainty to block grants from $55 million a year in gram, SNAP. SNAP benefits provide both the producer and the consumer. 2014 to $85 million in 2018. Maryland re- nutrition assistance to millions of fam- It’s a jobs bill supporting 16 million ceives more than $1.7 million from this ilies. It is distressing that we are re- jobs across the Nation. It also is a re- program. The bill also increases or- ducing food stamp support for those form bill that cracks down on fraud ganic research funding to assist farm- families. and abuse and ends direct payments. ers transitioning to organics. While I oppose the SNAP cuts, the Agriculture is the No. 1 industry in The bill makes modest reforms to the positives of this legislation are impor- Maryland. We have 12,800 farms and food aid program following a similar tant enough that it deserves support. I 350,000 Marylanders employed in the in- path as the Consolidated Appropria- applaud the work of my colleague from dustry. Poultry is Maryland’s largest tions Act of 2014. I support the reforms Michigan, Senator STABENOW, whose agricultural industry followed by nurs- in the bill and believe this is another leadership as the chair of the Agri- ery grown plants and dairy. step in the right direction to allow culture Committee helped craft this Maryland’s Eastern Shore is home to more locally purchased food. important compromise. This legisla- a $1.4 billion poultry industry respon- Finally, I would like to address food tion makes critical reforms, reduces sible for over 5,000 jobs. There are near- stamps, now called SNAP. I am for food our deficit, and brings certainty to ly 1,000 chicken farms and three proc- stamps and always will be. We have ap- farmers and business owners. essing plants. In fact, one in seven jobs proximately 800,000 Marylanders re- This legislation is more than just a on the Eastern Shore is poultry re- ceiving food stamp benefits. In Novem- farm bill. This legislation covers con- lated. ber, I visited the Maryland Food Bank servation, nutrition assistance, crop For poultry growers, this bill con- with my House Democratic colleagues. insurance, international food aid, for- tinues the supplemental agriculture in- We announced that we were standing estry and so much more. surance assistance which provides dis- up for SNAP and opposing the House’s This legislation makes significant aster aid. This program lapsed in 2011, harmful cuts to the program. modifications to help farmers better and this bill makes the program retro- During my visit, I met Tracey Cole- manage their risk by eliminating di- active to 2012. This means Maryland’s man, a hard-working Marylander rect payments to farmers and replacing

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:44 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.034 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S725 it with two new risk management pro- One of the most challenging issues conservation programs. The bill con- grams. This will ensure farmers receive for lawmakers was addressing nutri- solidates and streamlines those pro- support only when there is a drop in tion assistance programs, which com- grams, providing landowners with in- farmers’ income. This legislation also prise 80 percent of the farm bill’s total centives and assistance to protect and creates a new and voluntary insurance spending. With one in every seven improve our land, our water, and our program to protect dairy farmers from Americans receiving supplemental nu- air. losses. It also includes valuable re- trition assistance, it is important to Agriculture continues to be a bright forms to disaster assistance. Of note is strengthen the program’s integrity and spot for U.S. trade, thanks in part to the creation of a permanent livestock its accountability, while better tar- the successful export promotion pro- disaster assistance program and retro- geting programs to serve those in need. grams, and those are reauthorized in active coverage for orchardists and I am also pleased the bill empowers this bill as well. An independent study nursery growers who have recently States to help capable adults enroll in conducted for USDA in 2010 found that been affected by droughts and winter work programs to reduce reliance on for every dollar expended by govern- storms. taxpayer assistance. The bill provides ment and industry on market develop- Importantly, this legislation also tools to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, ment, U.S. food and agricultural ex- strengthens agriculture research pro- including cracking down on trafficking ports increased by $35. Through the grams, such as the Specialty Crop through data mining, terminal ID, and Market Access Program and the For- Block Grant Program. This investment other measures. eign Market Development Program, we in specialty crops is vital to Michigan, While these are all steps in the right can expect increased demand for U.S.- which leads the nation in growing a direction, it is disappointing that the grown agricultural products and com- wide variety of specialty crops includ- bill will not achieve additional savings modities. ing tart cherries, blueberries, cucum- from nutrition programs, which are This farm bill also continues invest- bers, dry black and red beans, and projected to cost more than $756 billion ment in rural development, providing cranberries. over the next decade. assistance to communities to build I am pleased the conference agree- True farm programs—the commodity that very critical infrastructure and ment retains important conservation programs and crop insurance—only access to credit to help grow small provisions that will help protect our comprise about 14 percent of all of the businesses. water and air quality, restore fish and farm bill spending, but they account Also supported by this farm bill are wildlife habitat, and improve flood con- for more than half of the savings under critical agricultural research initia- trol. The agreement consolidates 23 ex- this proposed bill. In fact, the com- tives which allow American producers isting conservation programs into 13 modity title contributes more savings to innovate, to become more efficient programs which should streamline im- than any other title in the entire farm and productive with fewer and fewer re- plementation. Further, conservation bill. sources. Moreover, the bill also pro- compliance is tied to crop insurance, The legislation makes significant re- vides support for developing tech- which should ensure that basic con- forms to farm policy. Direct payments nologies that reduce our dependence on servation practices are implemented are repealed and replaced with risk foreign oil. more broadly. Conservation provisions management that offers protection Finally, this bill provides some need- only when warranted by significant in the farm bill will help prevent soil ed regulatory relief for the agricultural erosion, reduce water runoff and pollu- price or revenue declines. In Nebraska, industry. I am very pleased the bill in- tion, and shift production away from agriculture is our No. 1 industry, and it cludes an amendment I offered to fix sensitive lands. In addition, the con- is one of which we are very proud. Our bureaucratic hurdles impacting farm- ference agreement retains the Regional farmers and ranchers take on an enor- ers’ access to seeds. This bipartisan Conservation Partnership Program, mous amount of risk. They endure the amendment, cosponsored by Senator which should benefit Great Lakes elements every day as they work to CARPER, ensures that EPA does not water quality and improve fish and feed the world and responsibly take treat biotech seeds as pesticides when wildlife habitat. care of our natural resources. The bill also includes a 1-year exten- I am pleased this farm bill maintains those shipments are imported. sion of the Payments in Lieu of and strengthens one of the most impor- I was disappointed, though, that the Taxes—PILT—Program, which pro- tant risk management tools for our conference did not include language to vides funding to rural communities to farmers, and that is crop insurance. address one of the worst regulatory help offset losses in property taxes due This is a very successful public-private challenges confronting farmers: EPA’s to nontaxable Federal lands within partnership that helps farmers invest overregulation of on-farm fuel storage their boundaries. Each year, Michigan in their own risk management by pur- under its Spill Prevention Control and typically receives about $2.5 million chasing insurance policies so they are Countermeasure Program. under PILT, funding that is vital for protected from adverse weather or The House farm bill included an providing essential services such as market conditions. SPCC relief provision, and the Senate education, law enforcement, and emer- This legislation also provides needed unanimously passed a similar amend- gency response. disaster assistance to livestock pro- ment which I cosponsored to reduce The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ducers. Unfortunately, the Livestock farmers’ SPCC compliance burdens ator from Nebraska. Forage Program and the Livestock In- during consideration of the Water Re- Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I too demnity Program both expired in 2011 sources Development Act. There is bi- rise to speak on the farm bill. under the last farm bill. In 2012, live- partisan agreement on both sides of the Similar to many Nebraskans, I am stock producers experienced the most dome that this regulation needs to be relieved that a final conference agree- devastating loss of pasture, rangeland, fixed. The farm bill did provide the per- ment has been reached and will provide and forage in decades due to wide- fect opportunity for getting this relief much needed certainty for both pro- spread drought, affecting approxi- enacted into law, but that chance was ducers and consumers. This legislation mately 80 percent of our country. missed. However, I stand ready to work accomplishes a great deal. It provides Then, in October of 2013, an unex- with my colleagues to ensure we don’t risk management and disaster assist- pected early fall blizzard killed more miss another opportunity to address ance programs. It promotes environ- than 20,000 cattle, sheep, horses, and this issue—to fix this issue—and we mental stewardship. It bolsters export bison in the Dakotas and in my State can do that during the WRDA con- opportunities. It encourages rural de- of Nebraska. While those affected by ference. velopment, advances research, helps these hardships have been without as- As I said, this bill is not perfect, but beginning farmers and ranchers, and sistance for more than 2 years, this on balance this farm bill goes a long delivers nutrition assistance to our farm bill will now help producers to re- way in promoting opportunity and pro- needy families. build those herds and sustain their viding certainty for both producers and While the bill is not perfect, it is the ranching operations. consumers. I encourage my colleagues result of compromise and a long col- I also appreciate that this farm bill to join me in supporting the final pas- laborative legislative process. continues our commitment to strong sage of the farm bill.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.025 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S726 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the it not be more distorting? The PLC cannot yet fix the errors. Roughly 22,000 floor. program is designed to trigger more Americans have filed appeals with the gov- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- often and pay out larger amounts than ernment to try to get mistakes corrected. ator from Iowa. the old countercyclical program for ... Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I certain crops in the 2008 farm bill. Those mistakes, according to the come to the floor for the third time to That is just a plain, simple fact. I am Post, include being overcharged for express my opposition to the farm sorry if proponents are having a tough health insurance, being directed to the bill—obviously not in total, but to cer- time acknowledging that publicly, but wrong insurance program or being tain provisions of it, particularly pro- that is what this bill actually does. wrongly denied coverage. visions I had a hand in writing—and to Their bill does lots of things, but bril- So what is the status of those ap- set the record straight, once again. liantly reforming Title I is not one of peals? I come here because several of my them. The Post reports: colleagues have approached me indi- I am sure we have been told that this For now, the appeals are sitting, un- cating confusion on whether the pay- bill reforms. It is like some of the op- touched, inside a government computer. And ment limits provisions I fought for are ponents of payment limits still think- an unknown number of consumers who are trying to get help through less formal in this bill or not in this bill. People ing this is 1975 or some year back then. means—by calling the health-care market- are going to tell colleagues there are Back then, the national debt was still place directly—are told that payment limitations in this bill, but I measured in billions and the WTO HealthCare.gov’s computer system is not yet am here to set the record straight with didn’t even exist. Unfortunately for allowing federal workers to go into enroll- facts. They don’t accomplish what I them, things are very different today. ment records and change them. . . . tried to accomplish, and they are even Recently, the WTO declared our cotton So let me summarize here. Mr. Presi- much more liberal than in existing law program noncompliant, and we happen dent, 22,000 Americans are either with- in regard to my amendment. to have a $17 trillion national debt. But out insurance or are paying too much My original payment limit provisions worse than this, I say to my col- for insurance as a result of mistakes included a $50,000 individual/$100,000 leagues, is the fact that these amend- made by the Federal health exchange. married couple cap for the shallow loss ments were adopted on the floor of the Healthcare.gov contains no appeals programs shown as Price Loss Cov- Senate, and they were adopted in the process. Attempts to find recourse by erage—PLC—and the Agricultural Risk House of Representatives by a 230-to- other means have been unsuccessful, Coverage—ARC—programs. In this bill 194 vote. They should not have even and the administration’s response is farmers will have to pick one of those been subject to negotiations. basically: Tough luck. programs for the next 5 years. The moral authority of the people of President Obama was interviewed by The conference report allows indi- the United States was behind what FOX News’ Bill O’Reilly this weekend. vidual farmers to get $125,000 and mar- both Houses did. Because we have a $17 One of the topics they covered was ried couples to get $250,000 from the trillion national debt, we ought to be healthcare.gov’s problems. PLC and the ARC programs. able to save this $387 million that this The President said: This is where this has really exploded amendment would have saved. It had The goods news is that right away we de- because what I just referenced is a 150- the moral authority of a majority of cided how we’re going to fix it. It got fixed percent increase over what my limits the House and the Senate, which moral within a month and a half. It was up and allowed—the limits that passed the authority should not have been over- running, and now it’s working the way it’s Senate without discussion and limits ridden by a handful of people sitting in supposed to. . . . adopted in the House of Representa- conference. Let me repeat that The President of tives on a 230-to-194 vote. That is just a I stress this latter point for one sim- the United States said: ‘‘ . . . now it’s plain, simple fact—a 150-percent in- ple reason: Rule XXVIII of the Senate working the way it’s supposed to. . . .’’ crease over what my limits allowed. says if things are the same in both Well, tell that to the 22,000 people The conference report allows the PLC Houses, they should not be wondering why there is no appeals and ARC programs to pay out 150 per- conferenceable. I say this to my process on the Web site or why their cent more than my limits did. friends, not that this bill is going to go paper appeals are stuck in a computer This intentional change by the con- down to defeat and we start over again system at the Centers for Medicare and ference committee allows each farmer and maybe accomplish what I want to Medicaid Services, where, the Post to get significantly more from these accomplish, but to make sure other says, the appeals process is currently new countercyclical programs that are conferences do not abuse the Senate stopped because ‘‘the part of the com- not even World Trade Organization— rule like this conference abused the puter system that would allow agency or, as we say around here, WTO—com- Senate rule; and also to tell my col- workers to read and handle appeals has pliant. leagues here that, both working with not been built.’’ Another way of looking at this, what rules maybe we can get through When Bill O’Reilly asked President under the 2008 farm bill, an individual the U.S. Department of Agriculture or Obama about the Web site problems, farmer could only get $65,000 from the on some other piece of legislation, I in- the President responded by saying countercyclical program. Under this tend to pursue these goals that I that—and I quote again—‘‘I don’t think bill, they can get $125,000 from the sought, and I intend to keep reminding anybody anticipated the degree of countercyclical program. That means my colleagues of Senate rules being problems that you had on they almost doubled what the counter- violated by conferees that should not healthcare.gov.’’ cyclical program will pay out com- have been violated. That is not an excuse. It was the pared to current law. I yield the floor. President’s job to ensure that people in Furthermore, some university anal- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the administration were anticipating ysis has already shown the high target ator from South Dakota. the problems that would occur, and the prices for certain crops in this bill will Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I come to President owes the American people an likely have a 70- to 80-percent chance the floor today to discuss the many explanation of why he did not because of triggering payments through the ways ObamaCare continues to nega- this is not just a story of bureaucratic PLC program any given year of this tively affect Americans. incompetence. It is the stories of the farm bill. Yesterday, the Washington Post pub- tens of thousands of individual Ameri- So, I say to my colleagues, please lished an article exposing yet another cans who are suffering as a result of don’t buy what my opponents are sell- problem with healthcare.gov. I would the Web site glitches and who are won- ing on this issue, or at least trying to like to share a couple of excerpts from dering how they will afford their sell. My payment limits are not in this that article. The article begins: health care under ObamaCare—Ameri- bill. The result of that is going to be a Tens of thousands of people who discovered cans like Addie Wilson, whose story is countercyclical program that will be that HealthCare.gov made mistakes as they highlighted in the Post article. much more market-distorting than the were signing up for a health plan are con- Addie is a 27-year-old who makes just current ones for a few crops. How can fronting a new roadblock: The government $22,000 a year. She was sure she would

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:53 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.013 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S727 qualify for a subsidy on the exchanges, supported and wholeheartedly endorsed that there was no discussion of the ma- and she was absolutely right. She did— ObamaCare when it passed coming out jority leader’s antitrade comments last only healthcare.gov did not tell her now and saying ‘‘[i]t would be a sad week. that. irony’’—and I am quoting from a letter Given this legislation’s importance So Addie phoned one of the call cen- that went out from several of the labor for increasing American jobs, it is dif- ters, which told her to sign up at the unions—‘‘[i]t would be a sad irony in- ficult to understand why the President more expensive price she was quoted deed if the signature legislative accom- would not bring this bill up at that and to appeal the decision later. plishment of an Administration com- meeting. Since her old insurance plan was on mitted to reducing income inequality Finally, the President of the United its way out and she needed surgery in cut living standards for middle income States also should join the vast bipar- January, that is what she did. Now she and low wage workers.’’ The letter also tisan majority in the Senate that sup- is stuck paying $100 more a month than says that the ObamaCare law ‘‘under- ports repeal of the job-killing she should be paying, along with a de- mines fair marketplace competition’’ ObamaCare medical device tax, which ductible that is $4,000 higher than it and that they are ‘‘bitterly dis- is forcing American companies to send should be. That too-high of a deduct- appointed.’’ This comes from labor jobs overseas. ible is of particular concern since she unions in this country that whole- The President will be visiting the incurred huge hospital bills in January heartedly endorsed this law when it Democrats’ retreat tomorrow, which when she was forced to have surgery. If passed several years ago. would be a prime opportunity for him she does not get relief from the appeals The American people have endured 5 to get on the same page with his party process, she could end up paying $4,000 years of economic stagnation, and in support of these bipartisan meas- in medical bills that she should not ObamaCare has been making things ures. have to pay and cannot afford. worse. Republicans are ready and willing to But it is not just the Web site that is The President has called for 2014 to work with the President and with driving up Americans’ medical bills—it be a year of action, but I have seen no Democrats, and we hope we will have is the law itself. As awful as Addie’s evidence that he plans to address the willing partners to do the things that situation is, at least maybe she will get causes of our sluggish growth or pro- are necessary to get people back to help eventually. For millions of other vide relief for the millions of Ameri- work, to create jobs, to grow our econ- Americans, their high deductibles are cans struggling with crippling health omy, and to help provide and build a no mistake. care costs. better future for middle class families For too many Americans on and off Republicans have a number of health in this country. the exchanges, the reality of the so- care proposals, from comprehensive The American people should not have called Affordable Care Act has been a plans like that proposed by Senators to wait any longer. staggering increase in health care COBURN, HATCH, and BURR, to common- I yield the floor. costs. sense ideas to lower costs by allowing The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re- Some family plans on the exchanges businesses to pool together to nego- publican whip. carry deductibles of almost $13,000. tiate lower rates, and by allowing in- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, once That is more than some families will surance companies to sell health care again, the President of the United spend this year on their mortgage. plans across State lines to promote States has failed to meet the statutory Upper-income families may be able more competition and give people more deadline to propose a budget. In fact, to absorb these costs—and some lim- choices. he has missed the deadline so many ited help is available for lower-income If the President really wanted to times that people hardly notice any- families—but what middle-class family make health care more affordable and more. Failure seems to become the can afford $13,000 a year in medical accessible, he would abandon this gov- rule, not the exception. The President costs? ernment takeover of one-sixth of our has now missed the budget deadline Too many families around the coun- economy and work with Republicans to five times since he took office in 2009. try will be putting on hold their plans pass real health care reform. But given By comparison, his three White House to buy a home or send their kids to col- the President’s record, I am not hold- predecessors missed the deadline a lege because they have to devote every ing my breath that is going to happen. total of four times in 20 years. Five spare dollar to paying their health care But at the very least—the very times under President Obama; four bills. least—I hope the President will see his times in the last 20 years under his On top of crippling cost hikes, many way to supporting bipartisan proposals three immediate predecessors. of these same families are facing the to improve the economy and to open All totaled, it is now the 18th time loss of doctors and hospitals, as insur- new jobs and opportunities to strug- that the Obama administration has ance companies narrow their networks gling Americans. missed a legal deadline related to the in response to ObamaCare’s mandates. Just last Friday, the Obama State Federal budget. I guess the President So far I have only mentioned the per- Department released its fifth environ- and his administration consider the sonal devastation ObamaCare is caus- mental impact study on the Keystone law purely an advisory matter not ing. But ObamaCare is not just affect- XL Pipeline. Once again, the review binding on them. The law is for other ing families’ pocketbooks; it is affect- found that the pipeline would have no people, not for this President and for ing the economy as a whole. significant impact on global carbon his administration, seems to be their In response to ObamaCare’s burden- emissions. Senators and Representa- attitude. some mandates and new taxes, busi- tives of both parties support this job- The reason this is so important is be- nesses are cutting employees’ hours, creating measure. It is high time for cause, as we all know—whether it a declining to hire new employees, and the President to approve the pipeline family budget or a budget for your abandoning their plans to expand. That and open the 42,000 shovel-ready jobs it business—setting a budget is where you means fewer jobs available for the mil- will support. establish your priorities: the things lions of Americans looking for work He should also pick up the phone you have to have, the things you would and fewer opportunities for career that he keeps talking about to call the like to have but maybe need to put off, growth and advancement. Senate majority leader to tell him to and then those things you really can- In fact, just this morning, there was stop obstructing bipartisan trade pro- not afford. That is how you budget. a story in the Wall Street Journal, and motion authority legislation that That is why it is so important. it references the Congressional Budget would help American farmers, ranch- But if your budget includes massive Office report that estimates now that ers, entrepreneurs, and job creators amounts of new spending, along with the impact of this law through the year gain access to a billion new consumers firm opposition to major reforms, you 2024 will mean 2.5 million fewer jobs— around the globe. would have no choice but to ask for a 2.5 million in job losses as a result of The President and the majority lead- huge tax increase. The President, I do ObamaCare. It is so much so that you er held a White House meeting yester- not think, wants to put himself on see many of the very labor unions that day, we are told, yet an aide reported record again, like he did last year, for

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:53 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.014 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S728 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 another huge tax increase, nor does he what the prospects look like for the On Tuesday, the agency released a more want his party’s members, who are run- President’s remaining term in office. detailed estimate that includes how ordinary ning for election in 2014, to have to The Congressional Budget Office does Americans would react to those changes by cast the hard vote on the President’s not see unemployment falling below 6 employers. Some would choose to keep Med- icaid rather than take a job at reduced own budget. percent for the rest of President wages. Others, who typically do not work Last year, his 2014 budget proposal Obama’s term—6 percent for the re- full-time, would delay returning to work in would have raised taxes by roughly $1 mainder of his term. order to keep subsidies for private insurance trillion—a trillion-dollar tax increase. Yet, despite all of this, the President that are provided under the law. That is on top of the $1.7 trillion that still will not get behind genuine As a result, by 2021, the number of full- taxes have gone up during the last 5 progrowth reforms. He will not support time positions would be reduced by 2.3 mil- years under this administration. genuine reforms of our existing pro- lion, the agency said. It looks as if the President’s prior- The reduction in employment from the grams such as Medicare and Social Se- health care law ‘‘includes some people choos- ities are more taxes, more spending, curity that would actually save them ing not to work at all and other people and more debt. and put them on a fiscally sustainable choosing to work fewer hours than they But if those sorts of priorities led to path. He has no plan for controlling would have in the absence of the law,’’ the robust economic growth and job cre- our national debt. CBO said. ation, we would see one of the strong- I went back and looked. Last time The law also estimated that the botched est economic recoveries in American Congress came within one vote of pass- rollout of the health law’s Web site may re- history. But the truth is more taxes, ing a balanced budget amendment, do duce the number of people who will sign up more spending, and more debt are not a for coverage by 1 million through March 31, you know what the national debt was the CB0 estimated. Initially, the agency pre- recipe for economic growth and job cre- then? It was $4.85 trillion. Do you know dicted 7 million would have signed up by ation—just the opposite. what it is today? It is in excess of $17 then. We are seeing the evidence of that trillion, with no end in sight. So the In its new analysis, the CBO said it had re- right now. We are suffering through truth is Republicans have put forward duced its estimate of how many Americans the weakest economic recovery since ideas for streamlining Federal regula- would sign up for the insurance through the the great recession in modern history. tions, for mitigating the negative ef- online marketplaces ‘‘in light of technical Actually, we are seeing the weakest fects of the Affordable Care Act and for problems that impeded many people’s enroll- economic recovery since the Great De- ment in exchanges in the first months of the replacing ObamaCare with patient-cen- open enrollment period.’’ pression right now. There are a lot of tered reforms that would cut costs, The CBO said that the program would reasons, but the Congressional Budget broaden quality insurance coverage, catch up over time, with a total of 13 million Office has given us some reasons that I and improve patient access. But so far, Americans signing up in 2015 and 24 million want to talk about just briefly. the majority leader and the President by 2017. They talk about ObamaCare and its have shown zero interest in trying to Late last month, the Obama administra- impact on job growth and economic work with Republicans to solve our Na- tion announced that about 3 million Ameri- cans had signed up for private health plans growth. As a matter of fact, the Afford- tion’s most serious economic chal- able Care Act, the President’s signa- so far under the federal health exchange and lenges, which are having a direct im- separate exchanges that are being run by 14 ture legislative accomplishment—the pact on the American people. states. Congressional Budget Office said the Instead, the President said he is The administration and the CBO agree number of full-time workers will go going to go it alone. He has a pen; he there should be a surge of sign-ups near the down by 2 million in the coming years has a phone. But as I have suggested March deadline to apply for coverage in 2014. as a result of the Affordable Care Act. before, one of the things he could do The CBO estimated that 84 percent of the So in addition to people getting can- that would put Americans back to U.S. population would have health insurance celled policies or sticker shock and in 2014, rising to 89 percent within a few work almost immediately and make us years. Medicaid, the program for the poor ex- finding out that their health care costs more North American energy-inde- panded under the law, should add 6 million did not go down, they went up, or find- pendent would be to sign the Keystone more people this year. ing if you like your doctors you cannot XL Pipeline. At the same time, the CB0 reported that keep them, what we are finding is that I know my time is expired. I ask the federal budget is rapidly shrinking and is these same people may find themselves unanimous consent that the three arti- projected to decline to $514 billion this year, out of work as a result of the policies cles I was referring to on the CBO re- providing fresh evidence that the problem that has been Washington’s obsession for the in the Affordable Care Act. port be printed in the RECORD. The Congressional Budget Office past several years has become far less ur- There being no objection, the mate- gent. looked primarily at how employers rial was ordered to be printed in the Tax hikes, spending cuts and faster eco- would respond to a new penalty for RECORD, as follows: nomic growth have helped close the deficit, failing to offer insurance to employees [From the Washington Post, Feb. 4, 2014] which topped $1 trillion for several years fol- who worked more than 30 hours. That CBO: HEALTH-CARE LAW WILL REDUCE JOBS lowing the onset of the Great Recession. The budget deficit would equal 3 percent of response would include cutting people’s BY TWO MILLION the total size of the nation’s economy this hours, hiring fewer workers, and low- (By Zachary A. Goldfarb and Sarah Kliff) ering wages for new jobs. I know my year—what many economists see as a The Affordable Care Act will reduce the healthy level. The deficit is expected to de- friends on the other side of the aisle number of full-time workers by more than crease to $478 billion next year, or 2.6 percent agree with the President when he said two million in coming years, congressional of the size of the economy. we ought to raise the minimum wage. budget analysts said Tuesday in the most de- One of the more troubling aspects of the Well, one of the problems is the tailed analysis of the law’s impact on jobs. CBO report was its assessment of long-term President’s own health care policy that After obtaining coverage through the economic growth. they all voted for is killing full-time health law, some workers may forgo employ- The CBO said that the economy will con- work and putting people in part-time ment, while others may reduce hours, ac- tinue to enjoy a solid recovery for the next work, meaning that their weekly wages cording to a report by the Congressional several years, but will slow to a pace of ex- Budget Office. Low-wage workers are the pansion of 2.2 percent a year from 2018 to have been depressed. For them the an- most likely to drop out of the workforce as 2024. swer is not to deal with the source of a result of the law, it said. The CB0 said the Much of the slowdown has to do with fewer that problem, which is ObamaCare, but law’s impact on jobs mostly would be felt workers active in the economy—mainly a re- to fix wages at 40 percent higher than after 2016. sult of baby boomers retiring. they currently are per hour, which we The agency previously estimated that the The slow growth the economy will reduce know—economists tell us and it is in- economy would have 800,000 fewer jobs in 2021 taxes by $1.4 trillion of the next years, lead- tuitively true—is going to put more as a result of the law. In that analysis, the ing to a larger than expected deficit by 2024 CBO looked primarily at how employers people out of work, put more pressure $1.07 trillion, or 4 percent of the size of the would respond to a new penalty for failing to economy. on workers. offer insurance to employees who work more The CBO said it would still take until 2017 Perhaps one of the most distressing than 30 hours a week. That response would for the unemployment rate, currently at 6.7 things about the Congressional Budget include cutting people’s hours, hiring fewer percent, to fall to 5.8 percent, and may not Office’s report today is what they said, workers and lowering wages for new jobs. reach 5.5 percent until 2024.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.015 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S729 Today, the agency said the economy is the Chair of the Agriculture Com- on two fronts: First, American con- about six million jobs short of where it mittee, for her unbelievable work on sumers want to buy their products di- should be. this very important policy for Amer- rectly from the farms in their commu- ica. I know she understands these nities, so that means the farms are cre- [From The Hill, Feb. 4, 2014] issues well because, while everybody ating products for exactly what their CBO: O-CARE SLOWING GROWTH, thinks of Michigan as a manufacturing end customer wants. Because they are CONTRIBUTING TO JOB LOSSES State, it also is a very big agricultural doing that, they can make more money The new healthcare law will slow economic State. We share a lot of the same crops, on delivering to the end customer ex- growth over the next decade, costing the na- being kind of on a northern plateau: tion about 2.5 million jobs and contributing actly the kind of product they want. to a $1 trillion increase in projected deficits, apples and wine and a variety of oth- Secondly, a rising middle class in the Congressional Budget Office said in a re- ers. I certainly thank her for her help places such as Asia to South America port released Tuesday. and support in getting an important wants to use their new-found spending The non-partisan group’s report found that new program in our school lunches for power on purchasing our products as the healthcare law’s negative effects on the very nutritious peas and lentils, called well. So this farm bill helps on both of economy will be ‘‘substantially larger’’ than pulse crops, and to thank her for her those fronts. Again, thanks to the what it had previously anticipated. input. chairwoman from Michigan. It helps The CBO is now estimating that the law I rise today to talk about the impor- get more goods to the market, whether will reduce labor force compensation by 1 tance of the farm bill, because it is a percent from 2017 to 2024, twice the reduction that is a farmer’s market around the it previously had projected. jobs bill for our Nation. Two years ago corner from your local supermarket, or This will decrease the number of full-time I joined my colleague Senator JOHANNS whether that is a new market in South equivalent jobs in 2021 by 2.3 million, it said. from Nebraska and sent a bipartisan Korea. It had previously estimated the decrease letter with 44 Senators saying it was In 2030, China’s middle class will have would be 800,000. time to act on the farm bill because we 1 billion people. That is up from 150 It said this decrease would be caused part- thought it was so important for our million today. India’s middle class will ly be people leaving the workforce in re- economy as we were still struggling grow by more than 800 percent. Maybe sponse to lower jobs offered by employers, coming out of a recession. Today it is and increased insurance coverage through because we sit on the Pacific, just like the healthcare law. finally here, that opportunity to put the Presiding Officer, he knows how It also said employer penalties in the law all of that hard work into a bill that important it is to get products to those will decrease wages, and that part-year goes to the President’s desk. marketplaces. workers will be slower to return to the work Agriculture employs 16 million In 2012, the United Nations reported force because they will seek to retain Americans, and it produces exports that the world will need 70 percent ObamaCare insurance subsidies. worth $115 billion of agricultural prod- more food by the middle of the cen- The healthcare law isn’t the only reason ucts to markets around the world. I do tury. This is a tremendous opportunity the CBO is projecting slower economic not think we always focus on that. A but only if Congress acts today and growth between 2014 and 2023, however. It lot of times we come out here and we also cited inflation and lower productivity as passes the farm bill. We need to main- reasons why it was lowering its projections. talk about the individual crops in our tain our investment in research and ex- The slower growth will mean less tax rev- State or the individual focus. But what ports so American farmers can thrive enue, which will add to the deficit. Instead of we really need to understand is it is a and win in the expanding global mar- adding $6.3 trillion in deficits from 2014 to very big product for the United States. ketplace. I am confident if we do that, 2023, the government will add $7.3 trillion, We live in a very competitive global our farmers and our businesses—and we CBO now projects. economy. One of the biggest advan- make sure that they have a level play- By 2023, the gross debt of the United States tages we have in this global economy is ing—will win. will be $26 trillion, up from a projected $25 that we in the United States of Amer- trillion. A year later the debt will rise to $27 But other countries are playing for ica know how to grow things. So the keeps too. Every farmer around the trillion as the $1.074 trillion deficit for fiscal emerging middle class around the 2024 is added in. world wants access to that rising mid- ‘‘Most of the increase in projected deficits world can now afford to eat higher dle class. The European Union spent results from lower projections for the growth quality products. The U.S. Chamber of $700 million on export promotion for of real GDP and for inflation, which have re- Commerce CEO Tom Donohue put it food products in 2011. That is nearly sulted in projected revenues between 2014 best in a speech he gave about the glob- three times as much as America spent. and 2023 by $1.4 trillion,’’ CBO explained. al marketplace last year. He said: CBO now thinks the economy will grow at China is planning to boost its agricul- You play to your strength. You leverage tural investment over the next decade. 3.1 percent in this fiscal year, which ends in your advantages and then you find ways to October, rather than the 3.4 percent growth improve them. And one of the greatest It is a sentiment that I heard in Octo- it predicted last year. strengths in America is agriculture. ber when I visited one of our whole- The unemployment rate is projected to fall Mr. Donohue said those remarks as salers when he was talking to an over- to 6.7 percent by the end of the year, much seas client. He was talking about ex- lower than the 7.6 percent CBO saw for 2014 an example of what innovation is driv- ing in American agriculture. He is ab- port and agricultural leaders in Wash- previously. The budget office does not see ington State and how other countries unemployment falling below 6 percent for solutely right, because not only do we the rest of President Obama’s term, however. know how to grow things but we also were starting to use particularly the In the near term, the CBO is projecting know how to innovate. There is a lot of apple market to try to open new oppor- smaller deficits. innovation going on in the ag economy. tunities. The budget office says that legislation en- In fact, there are some people in the That is why we need to increase op- acted since last May has reduced deficits by Pacific Northwest who say now there is portunities within the farm bill and to $400 billion. move forward on trade deals that help For 2014, the deficit is slated to be $514 bil- as much investment going into new in- novations in agriculture as there was open the door to new agricultural mar- lion, an improvement of $46 billion from last kets. That will help unleash an entre- year’s projection. recently in high tech or even green en- In 2015, the deficit falls to $478 billion. ergy. So people get it. It is a great in- preneurial spirit we need to be aggres- That is still higher than the last full year of vestment. sive about. Many people have heard of the Bush administration when the deficit I have seen in Washington State cut- Walla Walla—or maybe you have not or was $458 billion, but it is a steep drop from ting-edge research done at our lab in maybe you thought that was a term. the $1 trillion deficits of most of the Obama Prosser for new wheat rotation crops in But Walla Walla is a great community years. the Palouse, to savvy entrepreneurs in the southeast corner of our State The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- making connections like getting Wash- with 30,000 people. It is deeply tied to ator from Washington. ington cherries into the new Korean the global economy. It has wine and Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I market. So simply put, this is a grow- wheat and peas and lentils. The farm- rise today to join my colleagues in ask- ing, growing opportunity for the U.S. ers there, I know, are very appreciative ing for the passage of the farm bill that economy. of the Colombia Free Trade Agree- we are going to have a vote on shortly. American farmers and businesses are ment. They thanked me many times I thank my colleague from Michigan, seeing demands for their products rise for making sure that got passed. I can

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.001 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S730 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 tell you that many of those farmers So what this specialty research ini- SNAP, but also protects food assist- went to Bogota to try to sell wheat to tiative does is say we are not going to ance for families, many of whom never the growing Colombian middle class. let apples and pears and cherries basi- dreamed that they would need help That is what entrepreneurship in cally constantly fall off the radar as it putting food on their table. We are America is all about. relates to research, but they will be a adopting important reforms to clarify So Congress mist not dampen our en- permanent part of a program for re- the law or rules in a few places where trepreneurial spirit. Farmers need to search and have a block grant program members had legitimate concerns. At start this season and make sure they so they can basically continue to do the same time, and perhaps more im- can put long-term plans in place. Then the research that is needed. portantly, we are rejecting many dra- the seeds that will be planted, the Again, if any of my colleagues have conian proposals that would have fields that will be harvested, the crops ever had a chance to visit the research caused serious harm to program par- that will be shipped, the smart, tar- facilities within their State, they will ticipants by slashing benefits or kick- geted investment toward those new know what I am talking about. If they ing families off of SNAP, undermining international markets will be done. haven’t, they should go and do it. the primary purpose and the basic That is what this farm bill is about. But when we are fighting against or framework of the program. The bill, I can tell you, is a com- upon a competitive field with Israel, Let’s start by reviewing some of the promise. Again, I thank the chair- China, or anybody else when it comes improvements we made to SNAP to ad- woman for her hard work, because I to apples, we constantly have to an- dress concerns around minor eligibility know how hard she worked on forging swer questions about phytosanitary issues. those compromises. I can tell you that issues, and we have to constantly talk In Michigan, we discovered two lot- it cuts SNAP far more than I would about ways we can make sure we gain tery winners were continuing to re- have cut it. I was one of 26 Senators access to those marketplaces. Science ceive benefits after winning a million who voted for the amendment by my and research are the only ways we can dollars. In a program with 46 million colleague from New York offered to re- fight some of these trade barriers that participants, this really is an example store those cuts. But it is time we exist when our products can’t get into of a very rare problem. Nevertheless, move forward. those countries. So we need to make we want to make absolutely clear in I want to take a second to talk about sure we continue to fight that. federal law that individuals who win three reasons why people should be for Lastly, I am very pleased about pulse the lottery are not eligible for SNAP. this farm bill. First, as I talked about, crops—peas, lentils, things like chick- So we tightened rules in a way to en- it continues to expand the export pro- peas. I am sure a lot of people ate a lot sure that not even one lottery winner grams that are so important for Amer- of hummus over the weekend while can get SNAP. But we also wanted to ica’s new markets. While I might have they were watching the Super Bowl make sure that this prohibition does been for a more robust program, some and the Seattle Seahawks victory. not result in a burdensome new re- of my colleagues obviously have not Hummus is a crop that has exploded 500 quirement to ask all applicants and quite understood why this is such a percent in the last 15 years. It is defi- participants if they had recently won great benefit to market U.S. products nitely a product people have been con- the lottery. around the globe. I think some people suming all over the world for a long The provision requires that State think of big global corporations and time, but we in the United States are SNAP agencies and local lotteries and things; why do we need that? gaming commissions set up data-shar- Well, I can tell you, when I am talk- starting to consume more of it. The ing to ensure that the SNAP agency is ing about apples or cherries or pears, fact that product has had such a huge informed when individuals win sub- these are not big corporations. They increase has given our farmers in stantial sums of money. A SNAP agen- are a collection of hundreds or thou- Washington State great opportunity. cy can then take action to contact the sands of farmers working together. But this product is also a very healthy winning participant and review their When MAP helps target getting people product and one that we fought hard to eligibility in light of these major in the Asian market to consume those make sure would be included in a new winnings. I’m pleased that we managed products, it is a win-win situation for school lunch program, something America. where students could get access to a to find a way to address this problem Secondly, this bill funds research, high-protein, high-fiber product that without imposing new requirements on making our crops stronger and certainly is more affordable for our the millions of struggling low income healthier and more competitive. schools. With the research that is households who participate in this pro- Third, it starts initiatives on prod- going to go on on pulse crop deriva- gram. There is no need to put questions ucts such as a pulse crop that I think tives and the fact that school lunches about the lottery or gambling on the can be so beneficial to us over the long are now going to have the opportunity application form, and we expect USDA run with new, as I said, school lunches, to serve pulse crops more aggressively, to ensure that won’t happen. In other but just healthier products. we are very excited about this farm words, this change allows us to use our Our new farm bill will do the re- bill. data and technology to prevent this ex- search on specialty crops that are so I thank my colleagues in the Senate, tremely rare event from happening important for us in the Pacific North- Senators CRAPO and RISCH. I also thank again without putting new burdens on west. This is the first time in this farm my colleagues from South Dakota and participants. bill that the reauthorization makes North Dakota for helping because both States will apply regular income and long-term investments in specialty States are very big on these pulse asset tests apply to lottery winners—if crop block grant programs and spe- crops. They certainly helped to make someone has winnings that make them cialty crop research initiatives. Again, sure this stayed in the conference re- ineligible, they can be disqualified I thank the Senator from Michigan for port. from SNAP. But if that person paid off her help on that, understanding how To all of my colleagues, please vote debts or was able to finally afford cost- important these specialty crops are. for a bill that will really help our econ- ly home repair or health care and now I think everybody in America and omy, will help us tackle the growing had income that made them eligible, around the world knows the brand of middle class around the world and keep they have every right to receive SNAP Washington apples. I can tell you, I America putting great products on benefits. have been in the Chinese marketplace those market shelves and help create Another area of eligibility that fol- and seen how people took off the Wash- more jobs in the United States. lows the same principle on implemen- ington label, particularly on Fuji ap- I yield the floor. tation is eligibility for ex-offenders fel- ples, and tried to stick it on other ap- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ons who are fleeing criminal justice. ples, because they knew if that sticker ator from Michigan. Current SNAP law prohibits people was on that apple, everybody in China Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I am with criminal records who are fleeing would consume those apples even proud of what we were able to accom- from law enforcement or violating the though they were not really Wash- plish in the nutrition title of the Farm terms of their parole from partici- ington Fuji. Bill. It achieves important reforms in pating in SNAP. Because criminal law

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:53 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.018 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S731 is a complicated mix of federal and have no effect on anyone currently re- agreed to look for ways to help adults State statutes and definitions, mem- ceive a more typical LIHEAP payment. get the training, support and encour- bers wanted to make very clear that We continue to support the connection agement to find suitable employment. people committing odious crimes between SNAP and LIHEAP and do not Of course, we had to do this in an envi- would be ineligible for SNAP if they expect these changes to cause problems ronment with very constrained re- were fleeing or violating their parole. for the majority of people who rely on sources. This does not apply to any convicted and receive LIHEAP, or are applying We worked on a package of ideas that criminal who satisfies his or her debt and are likely to receive it, in getting would make better use of existing fed- to society by serving out the sentence the SNAP utility deduction. I know eral resources, provide modest new and complying with any court order. this puts the burden on States to make sums of money for SNAP employment So, it’s a narrow group of people that sure their application process and ben- and training and provided funding to we’re highlighting. For that reason, we efit calculations are performed in a test innovative new approaches. We do not expect any changes to the SNAP way that allows them to determine ev- wanted to be sure that by the time of application and eligibility process. Ap- eryone eligible for the deduction based the next reauthorization we would plicants are already asked about their on receiving energy assistance. We ex- have a better sense of what kinds of fleeing felon status, so we expect that pect households to be given the oppor- services States were offering, what was additional inquiries about applicants’ tunity to attest to their participation producing results for families, and that criminal records will not be necessary. in LIHEAP. Many States offer that op- USDA would have more capacity to We did include one provision that tion to households now, and we do not oversee an employment and training will result in a cut to SNAP benefits intend to change that. We expect that effort. for some households. Some States have a State SNAP agency could certify The bill provides $200 million to for been providing as little as $1 in heating that its State State does not provide up to 10 State pilot projects that will assistance for the sole purpose of quali- LIHEAP payments of less than $20 per test new strategies to support individ- fying recipients for higher benefit. year. This would mean there is no need uals to return to work, enhance their While I agree that SNAP benefits are for households to provide information skills to improve their earnings, and often insufficient to cover a family’s about the amount of LIHEAP they re- address households’ barriers to work. The pilot will operate within SNAP’s food needs over the course of a month, ceive or the method or frequency of employment and training program the very structure of SNAP is meant to those payments. We expect the Sec- framework, but we have also expanded award benefits based on how much retary to monitor this change closely the types of activities that can be of- money a family has available to pur- and help States come up with the least fered. Now States will have the option burdensome implementation options chase food. Providing $1 in heating as- to include activities offered through sistance skews benefits away from this available. Because CBO did not assume the State’s cash assistance as well as income and expense based system. So any savings from reduced benefits in supportive services that are allowed the change we made means a SNAP re- States that have not implemented this under SNAP. States can use the fund- cipient now must receive $20 in heating practice, we expect the Secretary to ing to cover the mandated supportive assistance to qualify for the Standard implement this change in a way that is services, such as child care, for partici- Utility Allowance. If you do not re- consistent with the intent to not im- pants in the pilot. Moreover they can ceive at least $20 in low income heating pact those States. test whether supportive services such assistance, you will need to produce a Although we did provide States the as child care or transitional housing utility bill. This is intended to make flexibility to phase in the provision for are appropriate interventions on their the energy assistance a real contribu- most participating households, I re- own. After all, a mother with safe, sta- tion to the actual expenses of a poor main concerned that the timetable for ble high quality child care is far more household. Congress never intended to implementation of these changes is likely to be able to look for and main- permit households that don’t have short. For new applicants and house- tain employment than one without heating or cooling costs because they holds, the provision is effective just 30 such help. Similarly an individual with are included in rent or covered by the days after enactment. Under SNAP a place to live is far more likely to find landlord to get a deduction as if they regulations, States will be protected and keep employment than someone did have expenses. The law is ambig- from being cited for errors during the without housing. uous on this point, so this bill would first few months after enactment. How- It was important to me to include clarify the issue. ever, low-income households do not unsubsidized employment as an allow- When we decided to make this have the same administrative protec- able activity because that’s ultimately change, I insisted that we do it in a tion. It is possible that they could re- what we want all job training partici- way that did not harm any household ceive higher benefits as a result of the pants to find. This required some care- that had actual heating or cooling State not being able to convert its sys- ful consideration. Private employment costs, including costs passed on by a tems quickly enough. I urge the Sec- is a different kind of activity than a landlord or shared with another family. retary to work with States to waive class or program run and monitored by That means we expect USDA to make any household liability that results the State. States, very understandably, three things a priority when overseeing from receiving slightly higher benefits will have very limited ability to over- State implementation of this change. because States were unable to imple- see private employment situations. So One priority is that anyone currently ment the provision in a timely manner. we wanted to ensure that the kinds of getting this $1 in energy assistance Let me turn now to a significant out- protections that exist in the private must be given a chance to show wheth- come in the nutrition title. I am par- labor market, such as workplace pro- er they have energy costs of any kind. ticularly pleased with the reforms that tection laws, health and safety stand- I think many of these households will we have proposed to SNAP’s employ- ards and wage and hour protections have these costs and qualify for the de- ment and training program. A key ele- also apply to any private employment duction that raises their benefits. ment of that effort is a new demonstra- programs under SNAP employment and That’s how the current program works tion project to test innovative strate- training programs. We also made clear in the majority of States that do not gies to help build individuals’ skills that placements into unsubsidized em- offer this minimal energy assistance. and employability. The majority of ployment cannot displace an existing States must give households a chance adults enrolled in SNAP who can work worker at the employment site. That to document actual costs. I expect do. Even more work just before or just has long been the rule under other USDA to provide guidance to States to after their participation in SNAP. Nev- types of SNAP employment and train- ensure that reflects many different liv- ertheless, all of the conferees had a ing programs, and we expect the same ing scenarios that low-income house- shared goal of exploring whether there here. I expect that USDA will issue holds experience are taken into ac- were ways that SNAP could more af- comprehensive standards that incor- count when implementing this change. firmatively support SNAP partici- porate all existing SNAP protections The second priority for USDA is to pants’ desire to work and improve their as well as the appropriate private em- make clear that this change should and their families’ situation. We ployee protections such as the Fair

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:53 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.020 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S732 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 Labor Standards Act into the require- may be one of the most cost-effective partnerships to combat retailer fraud. ments for offering unsubsidized em- lessons we can hope to gain from this Historically, States have pursued ployment. Despite that responsibility, effort. household fraud and USDA has dealt I hope USDA shares my excitement This is an area where I want to thank with retailer fraud. But, in some cases, that including unsubsidized employ- my fellow conferees for all of their the fraudulent activity involves both ment as an education and training ac- hard work. We came to the conference types of parties, so we’re creating pilot tivity is an unprecedented opportunity with very different ideas about what projects to see how collaboration can to support low-income individuals as the issues facing the program and cli- help stretch resources. While States they enter or rejoin the workforce. ents are, and what SNAP’s approach have done a good job with their respon- I specifically focus on one challenge towards promoting work out to be. We sibility to prevent and prosecute fraud, in offering unsubsidized work. The spent a tremendous amount of time some States have developed troubling pilot projects will allow States to educating ourselves about the issues, techniques that pressure innocent low- apply SNAP’s sanction policy to any the opportunities and the risks of var- income households to admit wrong- individual who is assigned a work ac- ious approaches. I believe we ended up doing. When USDA selects States to tivity, but willfully refuses, without with a stronger program that encour- partner with, we intend that they good cause, to take an action that he ages work without penalizing those prioritize States that have a record of or she could safely take. In the tradi- who are willing to work but unable to addressing fraud through investiga- tional education and training setting, find a job in this economy. The pilot tions, hearings and actual third-party it is usually—though not always—rel- program represents a true compromise findings of fraud. We urge USDA to atively straightforward to determine and an important step forward in help- take a close look at States that have a whether an individual has complied. ing low-income Americans succeed in high number of disqualifications that Did the person participate in the re- the labor market. come from client confessions in the ab- quired activity? If not, did the person In addition to the pilot projects, the sence of investigations. States that are have good cause, like sickness, not to bill requires States to begin measuring ready to take on new responsibilities do so? But in the unsubsidized work actual individual-based outcomes from under the pilot must be those that en- placement, it may be difficult to make participating in job training. We di- sure their disqualifications are in fact the correct assessment when an indi- rected USDA to compile and analyze a result of documented fraud. vidual does not meet the work require- this information so we can learn what Another provision deals with a rare, ment. The private employer may have kinds of services work best to provide but important, participant integrity reduced work hours or transferred the SNAP participants with the skills and issue. SNAP benefits are paid on a individual into a position for which experience they need to find employ- debit card we call Electronic Benefit they are clearly not qualified. Such ac- ment. Because matching an individ- Transfer or EBT cards. Clients use tion does not speak to the individual’s ual’s employment needs to an appro- these at the grocery store to buy food willingness to work. Because of the in- priate program or service is critical to just like any other consumer. Clients herent challenges in determining com- positive employment outcomes, this who lose their card can request re- pliance with unsubsidized work activi- review should include a focus on the in- placements. That’s an important cus- ties, the pilot program requires clear dividualized assessment that is re- tomer service feature which ensures evidence that an individual willfully quired of SNAP work registrants. As I needy households don’t lose the assist- refused to take a safe and proper action mentioned earlier, this is an aspect of ance they need. However, some house- without good cause before the State employment and training that is al- holds requesting multiple replacements can subject him or her to sanctions. I ready required. Understanding individ- may raise red flags. Multiple care re- also encourage the Secretary to issue uals’ needs and abilities is crucial to placements might be an indication that guidance about the very limited cir- matching them to a job training or the household needs help in how to use cumstances under which a person who work program where they can succeed. the debit card. In other cases, multiple is working could be sanctioned for los- That is the first important step in replacements could be an indication ing his or her job. When someone who making future improvement in the pro- that an individual in the household is is working loses the job for reasons be- gram. We were very clear that success- trying to sell the card. yond their control, we want to ensure ful outcomes can mean more than a The farm bill requires the household they are not doubly punished by losing full-time job placement. We expect to provide an explanation when they SNAP benefits as well. that the State outcome data reflect request an excessive number of replace- The only way we will know if the this by including measures of improved ments in a given year. In order for this pilot projects are succeeding is if we employability, like educational attain- to be helpful in fighting fraud, rather have a high quality, longitudinal eval- ment, credentials and work experience. than become a burden on innocent uation. So any State applying to con- We also expect USDA’s analysis to ac- households that struggle to keep their duct a pilot must also participate in a knowledge the reality that getting cards, we added a set of protections comprehensive evaluation to determine suitable employment may take more that USDA must implement. After con- what works and what doesn’t. We want than the completion of a job training sultation with the Department, we ex- to measure actual outcomes—employ- course. This admittedly increases the pect they would consider it excessive if ment and changes in earnings, as well attention both USDA and the States a household requested more than four as documented improvements in a par- must place on their education and replacement cards per year. USDA’s ticipant’s skills, training and experi- training programs, but it will give us own analysis indicates that fraud is ence, since successfully completing a invaluable information about how best only an issue when the requests are job training program is not a guar- to meet the needs of SNAP partici- that frequent. Second, the provision re- antee of immediate employment. We pants. quires that households be given the also want to better understand how to Another area of the legislation where flexibility in how they want to provide ensure that the assessment of each job we made some important investments their explanation. In particular, States training participant helps match the is enhancing USDA’s efforts to combat may not require households to go to individual with the training or support fraud. The agency has done a remark- the local SNAP office or to be inter- best suited for their needs. After all, if able job of identifying and preventing viewed about their card loss. The goal a job training volunteer really just fraud and trafficking; even as house- was to avoid undue burdens on house- needs help with child care or transpor- hold and retailer participation grew holds, including those who are work- tation in order to accept a job offer, we drastically, fraud remained at a his- ing, are homebound, or who may not don’t want that person assigned to job toric low percentage. So we targeted have the means to travel to a SNAP of- search or workfare. Assessment is al- every small area we could to improve fice. This provision also does not em- ready a requirement under federal the integrity of the program. power the State to withhold household rules. Gaining more insight into how a We’ve increased funding for USDA to benefits based on the household’s ex- good assessment and assignment sys- address retailer fraud through data planation. If the State questions the tem can improve participant outcomes mining and expand State and federal validity of the household’s reason, we

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:53 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.020 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S733 encourage the State to pursue a fraud bill. First, we have not removed the re- goal is not to require data matches investigation. SNAP has processes in quirement that SNAP households be that States know to be unhelpful, or place already for program violations treated the same as other customers. where they determine it is not cost-ef- and we expect these processes to be fol- Whatever steps States and USDA take fective to do so. Moreover, we are not lowed. This provision does not expand to modernize benefit redemption meth- pressing States to run afoul of sim- or alter that authority. ods cannot result in overt identifica- plified reporting and check these data- Finally, it is important to emphasize tion of SNAP households, such as bases between reviews. In our last two that this process is not just a way to SNAP-only lanes in grocery stores. farm bills, we took great pains to re- identify potential fraud; it’s also a way Because technology continues to duce needless paperwork burdens on to identify households that need help evolve, we included several provisions States and households between certifi- in using the benefits they are eligible that have to do with ‘‘data matches.’’ cations. These changes are not meant for. There are many perfectly legiti- Data matching is where the SNAP to override the framework of simplified mate reasons to need a new card, and agency or eligibility worker can check reporting. Instead, States will use we intended that this integrity meas- information about SNAP participants’ third-party data to make periodic re- ure not entrap households that have household circumstances with third views as accurate as efficiently pos- done nothing wrong. That’s why we re- party data bases. When done well, this sible while always providing partici- quire USDA to include specific protec- is a cost effective means to test the ve- pants the ability to challenge data tions for the homeless, people with dis- racity of client statements as well as matches they believe to be inaccurate. abilities and victims of crime. My col- to catch information that client may The nutrition title also takes steps league, Senator HARKIN, has led the fail to provide the program. If done to ensure that federal funds used to in- way in championing the needs of people poorly, data matching can result in form Americans about the SNAP can- with disabilities and making clear that lots of confusing data matches that do not be used in inappropriate ways. To federal programs have an obligation to not actually improve verification. We be clear, USDA has done a fine and nec- provide such individuals accommoda- don’t want States to undertake data essary job getting information about tion. We expect this provision to result matching for data matching’s sake. SNAP to low-income households that in States’ intensifying their efforts to The point is to empower States with struggle to put food on the table. The identify and assist individuals who good information at the right time to program cannot be effective if those would benefit from more assistance. inform effective eligibility processing. who may need it are unaware of its ex- SNAP retailers operate within a rap- First, we include a provision to add istence or believe they are not eligible. idly changing food retail environment. federal standards for data exchanges to Moreover, outreach and program pro- We’ve seen fundamental changes in the SNAP so that SNAP can more easily motional materials can be helpful to way food is sold since the last farm share data with other programs. This is improving program integrity. Appli- bill, so the conferees sought to make a commonsense provision that will en- cants and clients who are informed sure that across the various State and some changes in the way SNAP bene- about their responsibilities and edu- federal programs, our systems can fits can be redeemed. This farm bill cated about what the application proc- ‘‘talk’’ with one another other. SNAP will direct USDA to conduct pilots to ess entails will be better prepared to law and the privacy act protects cli- test both mobile technologies, like complete the application and renew ent’s personal privacy and this author- smart phone apps, and online tech- process. That’s likely to increase pro- nologies. These pilots offer an exciting ity does not change that obligation. Second, we required States to use the gram accuracy, reduce fraud and en- opportunity for farmers markets and Department of Health and Human hance overall efficiencies. other small retailers who find the It’s important that we provide low- Services’ National Directory of New point-of-sale EBT equipment to be too income households with accurate infor- Hires (NDNH). This database primarily expensive or cumbersome. They also mation about the program, just as we is for State child support agencies to provide access to SNAP recipients that learn information about the employ- do with Social Security or Medicare may have real physical or geographical ment of noncustodial parents who live benefits. That’s the only way that indi- challenges in getting to the store. But or work in other States and States cur- viduals can make the right choice for one of the risks of embracing new tech- rently have the option to use it for them about whether or not to apply. In nology is that bad actors will find a SNAP. By requiring its use at the time this bill, Congress continues to support way to defraud the program. So we in- a household is certified for SNAP, we this kind of information sharing, while cluded a set of protections, for both re- believe it can help States determine clarifying that aggressive recruitment, cipients and retailers, and expect eligibility and the correct level of ben- including recruitment outside of the USDA to carefully monitor the pilot efits. We do not, however, dictate how United States, is not permissible. Re- programs for evidence of fraud. This States must use the data. cruitment is trying to persuade or con- may require USDA to develop stand- Third, the bill codifies the existing vince someone who has made an in- ards of transparence and recordkeeping State practice of verifying immigra- formed decision not to apply to change for mobile technologies that differ tion status by using the Citizenship his or her mind. That hasn’t been a from those used in traditional brick- and Immigration Services database for permissible activity, and the bill sim- and-mortar stores. Most online retail- immigrants’ status through the federal ply codifies that practice. Providing ers charge a fee for the delivery of food. Systemic Alien Verification for Enti- and producing positive information For low-income SNAP participants, tlements program. Currently in SNAP, about the program and the benefits of fees like that can really cut into their States have the option to use SAVE applying or assisting households to food budget. We were clear that SNAP and nearly every State currently does. navigate the complicated application benefits cannot be used to pay for any The Food and Nutrition Act references process would still be permitted. We delivery fee or premium, and we re- SAVE and another database, the In- expect the agency will continue to pro- quired that the cost of food be the come Eligibility Verification Systems, vide necessary information while en- same as the in-the-store price, but we or IEVS, in the same place in the So- suring that education funds are used cannot prevent retailers from charging cial Security Act. I want to make clear appropriately. for delivery. So we urge USDA to pay that we are only mandating States use As I said at the start, this bill is not special attention to these fees and be SAVE. We did not intend to change perfect. I much prefer to be discussing willing to deny participation to enti- anything about how States use IEVS— more ways we could better ensure ties that cannot ensure that fees will use of that database would continue to SNAP benefits were adequate to help be minimal. We also want USDA to as- be optional for States. Longstanding families have enough healthy food sess whether fees undermine the ability SNAP policy has required rigorous ver- throughout the month. However, I con- of a household to afford an adequate ification procedures, and IEVS is one of tinue to believe this farm bill protects diet with SNAP benefits. many ways to get information to en- SNAP, which is the best defense we Since we are moving towards adapt- sure correct eligibility decisions. have against hunger in our commu- ing SNAP to emerging retail trends, I’d We want States to have a plan for nities. We have continued the long tra- like to note what we did not do in this using the data available to them. The dition in the Agriculture Committee of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:53 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.020 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S734 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 bipartisan support for the program. To our conservation team, Tina May project, every single effort we needed This was not an easy task, given how is amazing. She is going back to the help with. I thank Alexis and Kyle. far apart the House and Senate were USDA next week to help lead the im- Jessie Williams and Nicole just a few months ago. This farm bill is plementation, which gives me con- Hertenstein are clerks. Their entire an important step in dealing with the fidence that this is really going to be team basically kept the whole thing to- most important food and agricultural done as we intended. Tina May’s bril- gether. They made sure we were doing issues facing the nation today. I urge liance in strategy, negotiation, and the right thing on point. I thank Jes- my colleagues to support it. commitment on these issues is un- sie, Nicole, and their team as well. I understand we will recessing for matched. Her team is Kevin Norton Finally, I would like to thank my lunch in a moment, but there are some and Hanna AbouElSeoud. The area of personal staff. very important people I would like to conservation is really landmark in re- Bill Sweeney, my chief of staff, has thank today. I wish to take this mo- forms, protecting our land, water, con- been with me in a multitude of dif- ment before we have the final vote to servation compliance, and setting real ferent capacities—from telling the do so. I know, listening to other col- standards around strong conservation story on the floor with our charts to leagues, as we come to major pieces of practices and in forestry as well. These making sure we had a coordinated legislation, at the end they talk about are important areas that we have ad- team between the Agriculture Com- the importance of their staff. I have dressed in forestry and international mittee staff and all of the talented peo- come to realize just how powerful those food aid—America’s opportunity to ful- ple on my personal staff, as well as words are. I have been blessed with an fill our values around the world and wonderful strategy advice. Bill, as my incredibly talented, hard-working create more flexibility for us to help chief of staff, I am proud to say, has staff. They are the reason we are here feed a hungry world. been invaluable in this process. today talking about the Agricultural Karla Thieman is also on speed dial. Matt VanKuiken, my legislative di- Act of 2014. Every single one of them The very last phone calls I was making rector, worked as a team every single should be very proud of their contribu- step of the way. and emails before we wrote and final- tion, as I am proud of them. Our press team, when we looked at ized the conference report were with This certainly starts with our staff telling the story of the new farm bill director Chris Adamo. We have been on Karla and Chris. Our energy title is approach, Cullen Schwarz, Ben Becker, speed dial for so long, I am sure I will about jobs and about energy efficiency. Alex Barriger, Will Eberle, and Matt be doing that probably out of habit I am so proud of what we were able to Williams—they were telling this story from now on, day and night. I appre- do; a landmark energy title; livestock and getting the facts out every step of ciate his incredible leadership, tenac- disaster assistance, all of the areas the way. ity, talent, and hard work. Chris de- that support livestock and, again, My State team, led by my State di- serves a tremendous amount of credit dairy. Karla was our lead on dairy. I rector Teresa Plachetka, Kali Fox, for leading us with his team. I thank think we may have finally stopped Mary Judnich, Brandon Fewins, Korey him. waking up in the middle of the night, Hall, Jeremy Hosking, and Adrian I also thank Joe Schultz, who is our dreaming about dairy policy. I am not Walker—they made sure Michigan’s chief economist. No matter what the sure, but we are getting there. voice was heard in every part of this problem, he seemed to make the num- Cory Claussen led our efforts on farm bill, a tremendous amount of hard bers add up, whether it is the com- credit and beginning farmers. I am so work. This bill is better, certainly, for modity title, crop insurance, or dairy. proud we have added our veterans to Michigan as a result of all their efforts. When at the very end it became very the support there. I thank him so Kasey Gillette in Senator REID’s of- clear that after 3 years of hard work much. fice worked as our partner on every- and passing a dairy policy, it wouldn’t Brandon McBride—rural develop- thing. get the support of the House Repub- ment, jobs, and quality of life in rural Gary Myrick, Trish Engle, Tim licans and we were going to have to re- America. Brandon led our effort to Mitchell, and all of our floor staff—I write it in a week and a half—which make sure we were strengthening tools thank them for all of their patience as was no small thing—Joe continued to for businesses and local units of gov- we have passed this once, passed this give us the right kind of advice. I am ernment and all of those who count on twice, and finally we are going to pass proud to say that we started with a rural development; also research, a new the conference report this afternoon. commitment to have $23 billion in def- research foundation and partnership, a I also thank legislative counsel icit reduction, counting our sequestra- real commitment to research in a way Michelle Johnson-Wieder and Gary En- tion and spending cuts, and we have we have not seen before. I thank Bran- dicott. ended with $23 billion in deficit reduc- don for leading that effort. I thank Senator COCHRAN’s staff of tion and spending reductions in agri- Of course, on nutrition, fruits and T.A. Hawks and James Glick for their culture. Joe has been a huge reason vegetables, Jacqlyn Schneider and partnership and excellent work. why we have been able to get there. Katie Naessens led an extremely com- Finally, I thank Secretary of Agri- I thank Jonathan Cordone, who is plicated area. Jacqlyn had to negotiate culture Vilsack and the USDA. The our chief counsel. He made sure we some very difficult areas. I am proud to technical expertise we have received on were right on the process and worked say that we rejected every harmful pol- every single section has been abso- specifically on issues such as trust icy in the House bill. Because of lutely invaluable. When it came to the funds with many colleges and around Jacqlyn and Katie’s efforts, we have a final days on dairy, the Secretary the complex areas to help them to be strengthened commitment to organics played a very critical role in helping us able to meet the issues of their States. and farmers markets, fresh fruit and get the compromise that will allow us There were important issues, such as vegetables for our children’s schools, to meet the goals and address farmers payment reforms and a number of legal and so many other areas in which we all over the country. issues. He has been an incredibly valu- are beginning to change the paradigm Last but not least, I thank the Con- able and important member. about local food systems and strength- gressional Budget Office, which we Russ Benham is our counsel on regu- ening opportunities for local markets called on day and night. We appreciate latory issues. Some of the trust fund for our farmers. their efforts. issues we had to address related to reg- Grant Colvin has worked so hard on I appreciate the patience of the Pre- ulatory issues and forestry issues. We commodities as well as livestock and siding Officer, who allowed me to speak are very proud that in this bill there is trade and, of course, exports. They are at this time to make sure we had a an agriculture advisory committee to so very important to us. It is an area of chance to say thank you to a lot of the EPA, moving forward on rules. It is real strength and jobs for our country. folks who deserve, as usual, a tremen- extremely significant to have the voice I thank Grant for all of his expertise. dous amount of credit for getting this of agriculture involved with the EPA As staff assistants, Alexis Stanczuk done. They are the folks behind the in a formal way. In this and so many and Kyle Varner helped the entire scenes who have made this happen. I other areas, Russ has been very instru- team every step of the way. They have am very proud of each and every one of mental. been there to help us on every single them.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:53 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.020 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S735 RECESS acres of wildlife habitat, which in turn of America—for families and farmers, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under has helped rebuild populations of ducks for consumers, for those who care so the previous order, the Senate stands and quail and pheasants, among others. deeply about protecting our lands and in recess until 2:15 p.m. That is why the bill has the strong sup- our water. This bill will strengthen ag- Thereupon, the Senate, at 12:43 p.m., port of the National Wildlife Federa- riculture for years to come. It is time recessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassem- tion, Ducks Unlimited, the Nature Con- to pass it. It is time to get it to the servancy, Pheasants Forever, and the bled when called to order by the Pre- President for signature. World Wildlife Fund, which are only a Every single Senator in this Chamber siding Officer (Ms. BALDWIN). handful of the more than 250 conserva- has constituents who work and benefit f tion groups that have endorsed this from agriculture, and certainly just AGRICULTURAL ACT OF 2014— farm bill. coming from lunch today we should This is a nutrition bill that makes CONFERENCE REPORT—Continued each be thanking a farmer for the sure families have a safety net, just as safest, most affordable food supply in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under we do for farmers. The savings in food the world. the previous order, there will be 20 assistance comes solely through ad- After 491 days without a farm bill, minutes equally divided and controlled dressing fraud and misuse while main- our constituents need us to get this between the two leaders or their des- taining and protecting critical benefits done. I urge colleagues to join in a bi- ignees. If no time is yielded, time will for those who need help, most often partisan way, as we have throughout be equally charged to both sides. temporarily, putting food on the table this process, to vote yes on this farm The Senator from Michigan. for their families while they get back bill and to give our farmers, our ranch- Ms. STABENOW. Madam President, on their feet after having lost their job. ers, and the rest of the 16 million peo- we have heard a lot from colleagues the It strengthens the integrity and ac- ple who work in agriculture the farm last 2 days about just how important countability of SNAP, making sure bill they deserve. this farm bill is, and that is because every single dollar goes to families in I yield the floor. there is so much more in this bill than need while they get back on their feet. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- what we would call a farm bill. It is It gives our children more healthy food ator from Mississippi. really 12 different pieces of legislation, options in schools and will help bring Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, I from farm to research, to fruits and more healthy, locally grown food into first of all want to commend the distin- vegetables, to energy across the board our communities. guished Senator from Michigan for her all put together in something we call This is a deficit reduction bill that outstanding leadership of the Com- the farm bill. will save taxpayers $23 billion. All to- mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and This is, most importantly, a major gether we have cut spending, a portion Forestry. As we proceeded from the bipartisan jobs bill that makes sure the of it accounts through sequestration, hearings to review those suggestions 16 million people who work in agri- the rest in additional spending in this being made for change and moderniza- bill, where we have voluntarily—as I culture—from Michigan to Mississippi, tion of our agriculture act to the final have often said—voluntarily agreed to to Minnesota, to Oklahoma, and every- days of committee hearings and now cut spending in our own area of juris- where in between—have the support full debate in the Senate and in the diction. By the way, that $23 billion is they need. House, it comes to this final vote. This is an exports bill that will help more than double the amount of agri- Last night there was a decisive vote cultural cuts recommended by the bi- expand opportunities for American ag- of 72 to 22 to end debate on the farm partisan Simpson-Bowles Commission. ricultural exports, one of the few areas bill. That reflects the appreciation and where our Nation maintains a healthy, This is a reform bill that contains the greatest reforms to agricultural respect the Senate has for the work of robust trade surplus. programs in decades. We have finally this committee, led by our distin- This is a research bill that will make ended direct payment subsidies which guished chairman, the Senator from a permanent long-term commitment are given to farmers even in good Michigan. So I thank her, as well as through a new public-private founda- times. Instead, we move to a respon- our House committee counterparts, tion and other investments that will sible risk-management approach that FRANK LUCAS of Oklahoma and ranking allow us to find solutions to pests and only gives farmers assistance when member COLLIN PETERSON of Min- diseases and focus on innovations for they experience a loss. This farm bill is nesota, as well as the members of their the future. focused on the future, not the past. staff, as we worked our way through This is an energy bill that will help This bill is taking a critical step to- the conference between the House and create the next generation of biofuel to ward changing the paradigm of agri- the Senate Committee on Agriculture, reduce our dependence on foreign oil culture and the broad range of agricul- Nutrition, and Forestry leadership. and will help farmers and rural small tural production in this country. I wish to thank, too, our majority business owners generate their own This bill has the support of over 370 staff director Chris Adamo and all of power to improve energy efficiency and groups and counting from all parts of Chairwoman STABENOW’s staff for their lower their costs for their businesses. the country and ideological back- hard work in developing this farm bill. This is an economic development bill grounds. That is because as we wrote Our committee clerk Jessie Williams that will help rural businesses and this bill we worked hard to find com- and her staff have also provided great communities get broadband Internet mon ground to develop a bill that assistance throughout this process. access so they can find new customers works for every kind of agricultural They have worked diligently and com- and compete and connect around the production in every region of our coun- petently and thoughtfully on this legis- country and around the world. try. We worked hard and together—and lation. Their dedication to developing This is a conservation bill that helps I want to thank my ranking member, the bill and the conference report led farmers and ranchers protect our pre- the distinguished senior Senator from to long days, many working weekends, cious land and water resources. This is Mississippi, for his leadership and part- and we do owe them a very strong debt our country’s largest investment in nership in this effort—we have included of gratitude and commendation for this conservation on private lands that we valuable input from both sides of the work product. make as Americans. Most of our land is aisle and from the House and the Sen- My staff director T.A. Hawks has privately owned. It includes a historic ate. I wish to thank all of our col- been at the job, it seems like, day and new agreement between commodity leagues for their ideas, for their will- night for a long time to help make sure and conservation groups that ties con- ingness to put partisanship aside and we pass a bill that reflects the senti- servation compliance with crop insur- work together. This is an example of ment and the suggestions for this Con- ance so we are being the best possible how we can get work done, and I hope gress for modernization of our agri- stewards of our land. it is just one step of a productive year culture legislation. James Glueck also This bill will save taxpayers money moving forward. worked closely with T.A. Hawks and and conserve our lands and waters for Thanks to all that work, we have ar- has been a trusted adviser. I am grate- years to come by preserving millions of rived at a farm bill that works for all ful for his good help as well.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:53 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.022 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S736 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 All of our staff members have done tion. So we went from 23 to 13 pro- The clerk will call the roll. great work in helping move the farm grams and put them in 4 different The assistant legislative clerk called bill to a successful conclusion and the buckets, or subject areas, and we saved the roll. approval by the Senate of this work. money. The result was announced—yeas 68, My personal office agriculture LA Dan- Then we looked at every part of the nays 32, as follows: iel Ulmer also was involved in the work farm bill. I asked our staff not to talk [Rollcall Vote No. 21 Leg.] of this committee and advising me per- about programs but principles: What YEAS—68 sonally as we worked our way to the should we be doing? What should the Alexander Graham Mikulski conclusion of our responsibilities. He farm bill be doing for agriculture, for Baldwin Hagan Moran worked very closely with the com- farmers, ranchers, families, consumers, Baucus Harkin Murray rural communities, job creators? Let’s Begich Hatch Nelson mittee to help develop the farm bill; Bennet Heinrich not protect programs. Let’s look broad- Portman likewise, chief of staff Bruce Evans, Blunt Heitkamp Pryor legislative director Adam Telle, legis- ly at principles. Boozman Hirono Reid lative aide Bennett Mize, and others So we did that, and we ended up Boxer Hoeven Risch Brown Isakson Rockefeller from my staff have added valuable eliminating about 100 different author- Cantwell Johanns Sanders input into this process, and I appre- ization programs, consolidating, cut- Cardin Johnson (SD) Schatz Carper Kaine ciate their good work. ting down on duplication, doing what I Schumer With that, I yield the floor. think Americans are asking us to do in Chambliss King Coats Kirk Shaheen The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- every part of the Federal Government. Cochran Klobuchar Stabenow ator from Michigan. We then turned around to set prior- Coons Landrieu Tester Ms. STABENOW. Madam President, I ities about where to invest, because it Crapo Leahy Thune Udall (CO) realize we will be having the vote at is not just cutting for cutting’s sake, it Donnelly Levin Durbin Manchin Udall (NM) 2:35, so let me just take one more mo- is trying to make things work better, Enzi McCaskill Vitter ment to stress how important it is that be more effective, and save precious Feinstein McConnell Warner we recognize this was an effort in good dollars, but at the same time investing Fischer Menendez Wicker faith between the House and the Sen- in the future—investing in that which Franken Merkley Wyden ate and Republicans and Democrats. will strengthen agriculture, create NAYS—32 I too wish to join with my ranking jobs, strengthen rural communities, Ayotte Flake Paul member Senator COCHRAN in thanking and new opportunities for the broad Barrasso Gillibrand Reed Blumenthal Grassley the chairman in the House FRANK array of production, what consumers Roberts Booker Heller Rubio UCAS OLLIN L . He and ranking member C are asking for in organics, local food Burr Inhofe Scott PETERSON were true partners with us as systems, and so on. Casey Johnson (WI) Sessions we moved through this process. So we basically put together a plan Coburn Lee Shelby 1 Collins Markey Toomey We actually started about 2 ⁄2 years that started with the deficit reduction Corker McCain Warren ago when the supercommittee on def- Cornyn Murkowski process, the supercommittee, and we Whitehouse icit reduction at that time asked each made a recommendation of $23 billion Cruz Murphy committee to come up with a way to in cuts and deficit reduction. We all The conference was agreed to. reduce the deficit, to cut spending in know that the broader deficit reduc- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- their area of jurisdiction. We decided tion process did not proceed, but we de- jority leader. to do it a little differently. Chairman cided to keep the commitment to that Mr. REID. Madam President, did we LUCAS and I talked and we decided the $23 billion, and so we have. We have move to reconsider and lay on the table four of us would get together and actu- moved forward. Part of the cuts now the previous vote? ally come up with a House-Senate, that we have put into place have been The PRESIDING OFFICER. No. Democratic-Republican recommenda- accounted for by the Budget Office as Mr. REID. Madam President, I move tion that would be solidly supported by part of sequestration. Most have not. to reconsider the vote. all sides. So it was a prenegotiation on But when we add it all up, it is still $23 Mr. COCHRAN. I move to lay that the farm bill that we were going to be billion that we started with back in motion on the table. doing in the next year. 2011, when the four of us together de- The motion to lay on the table was So in July, August of 2011, we sat cided to sit down and listen to each agreed to. down and started going through ways other, understand each other, find com- f we could save dollars. We all agreed di- mon ground, and make some tough de- ORDER OF PROCEDURE rect payment subsidies could no longer cisions about how we could do things be justified and needed to be elimi- better in the area of agriculture and Mr. REID. Madam President, would nated. We also knew it was important the farm bill. the Presiding Officer tell me the pend- to have a safety net for our farmers, As we come to a close, I again thank ing business. and disaster assistance for our ranch- colleagues who have given such valu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mo- ers and farmers as well, and that we able input and been involved every step tion to proceed to Calendar No. 297, S. needed to help them manage their risk. of the way. I hope everyone will feel a 1950. We came up with an approach which sense of pride that this is something we Mr. REID. The motion to proceed to took part of the dollars we cut and put have done together—that people expect Calendar No. 297 is the pending busi- it back into strengthening risk man- us to do together, which is do our job, ness; is that right? agement tools, such as crop insur- to make decisions and to govern, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- ance—which is just like any other in- to operate in a way which allows us to jority leader is correct. surance: you pay a premium, you get a listen to each other, find common Mr. REID. I withdraw my motion to bill—not a check—and you don’t get ground, and get our work done. proceed. any kind of help unless you have a loss. Madam President, I yield back all re- f But we also took a look at other maining time. EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT areas of the farm bill. We found there The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under COMPENSATION EXTENSION ACT were 23 different conservation pro- the previous order, all postcloture time grams. Every time somebody had a has expired. Mr. REID. Madam President, what is good idea, we added a new program. We Ms. STABENOW. I ask for the yeas now pending before the Senate? thought, let’s go back and really take and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. S. 1845, a look at this. If we were starting from The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a which the clerk will report by title. scratch, how would we put together all sufficient second? The legislative clerk read as follows: these important programs and do it in There appears to be a sufficient sec- A bill (S. 1845) to provide for the extension a way that is more user friendly for ond. of certain unemployment benefits, and for farmers and ranchers and organizations The question is on adoption of the other purposes. that work on land and water preserva- conference report. Pending:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:53 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.027 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S737 Reid (for Reed) amendment No. 2631, relat- We are not going to help you pass it. Schatz Tester Warner ing to extension and modification of emer- There is more than one way to fili- Schumer Thune Warren gency unemployment compensation pro- Sessions Toomey Whitehouse buster a bill. Providing for an endless Shaheen Udall (CO) gram. Wicker number of amendments is one of those Shelby Udall (NM) Wyden Reid amendment No. 2632 (to amendment Stabenow Vitter No. 2631), to change the enactment date. ways to kill this bill. Reid motion to commit the bill to the Mr. President, what we are going to NOT VOTING—2 Committee on Finance, with instructions, do here is offer a fully paid for 3-month Kaine Scott Reid amendment No. 2633, to change the en- extension of unemployment insurance. The motion was agreed to. actment date. Simple as that. Simple as that. That is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Reid amendment No. 2634 (to (the instruc- what the Republicans said they want- jority leader. tions) amendment No. 2633), of a perfecting ed, and we agreed to do it. AMENDMENT NO. 2714 nature. We will not agree to an unlimited Reid amendment No. 2635 (to amendment Mr. REID. On behalf of Senator REED No. 2634), of a perfecting nature. number of amendments. I look forward of Rhode Island, I have an amendment to hearing from my Republican col- MOTION TO COMMIT WITHDRAWN at the desk. leagues if they have a proposal that is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask that different than this, which is, again, a clerk will report. the pending motion to commit be with- different way of saying: We do not care The assistant legislative clerk read drawn. about unemployment compensation as as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. it is now focused, and we are not going The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID], for MANCHIN). Is there objection? to support it. Mr. REED of Rhode Island, proposes an Without objection, it is so ordered. In the meantime, I object to an order amendment numbered 2714. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- providing amendments without limit (The amendment is printed in today’s imous consent to withdraw the pending and without any commitment to vote RECORD under ‘‘Text of Amendments.’’) amendment No. 2631. on passage of the bill. Mr. REID. I ask for the yeas and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- nays. objection? tion is heard. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, re- Is there objection to the original re- sufficient second? There is a sufficient second. serving the right to object. quest? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re- The yeas and nays were ordered. Mr. MCCONNELL. I object. publican leader. AMENDMENT NO. 2715 TO AMENDMENT NO. 2714 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- Mr. MCCONNELL. Could we have Mr. REID. Mr. President, I have a tion is heard. order in the Chamber. second-degree amendment at the desk. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I move to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The table the pending amendment No. 2631. ate will be in order. clerk will report. Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask for the yeas Mr. MCCONNELL. We have a number The assistant legislative clerk read and nays. of ideas on this side of the aisle to pro- as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a mote economic growth and job cre- The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] pro- sufficient second? ation, and we would like the oppor- poses an amendment numbered 2715 to There appears to be a sufficient sec- amendment numbered 2714. tunity to offer amendments to imple- ond. ment these ideas. The amendment is as follows: The question is on agreeing to the At the end, add the following: For example, Senator PAUL has an motion. This Act shall become effective 7 days amendment to create economic free- The clerk will call the roll. after enactment. dom zones to help struggling areas of The legislative clerk called the roll. CLOTURE MOTION our country to recover from the eco- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Mr. REID. I have a cloture motion on nomic downturn. Senator TIM SCOTT’s Senator from Virginia (Mr. KAINE) is the Reed of Rhode Island amendment SKILLS Act would improve job train- necessarily absent and ask that it be reported. ing programs for the very long-term Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- unemployed that this extension is ac- is necessarily absent: the Senator from ture motion having been presented tually designed to help. In addition, South Carolina (Mr. SCOTT). under rule XXII, the Chair directs the Senators AYOTTE, COLLINS, PORTMAN, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there clerk to read the motion. and others have been working very any other Senators in the Chamber de- The assistant legislative clerk read hard—Senator COATS as well—to come siring to vote? as follows: up with a path forward on a meaningful The result was announced—yeas 98, CLOTURE MOTION offset that would extend unemploy- nays 0, as follows: We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- ment benefits without adding to the ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the deficit. [Rollcall Vote No. 22 Leg.] Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move Their ideas have so far been blocked. YEAS—98 to bring to a close debate on the Reed (RI) So I would like to ask the majority Alexander Cruz Landrieu amendment No. 2714 to S. 1845, a bill to pro- leader to modify his request to provide Ayotte Donnelly Leahy vide for the extension of certain unemploy- Baldwin Durbin Lee ment benefits, and for other purposes. for an orderly process for amendments. Barrasso Enzi Levin Harry Reid, Jack Reed, Kirsten E. Gilli- I ask unanimous consent that the Baucus Feinstein Manchin brand, Sheldon Whitehouse, Brian pending amendments and motions be Begich Fischer Markey Schatz, Barbara Boxer, Robert P. Bennet Flake McCain withdrawn and that the minority and Blumenthal Franken McCaskill Casey, Jr., Thomas R. Carper, Eliza- majority sides be permitted to offer Blunt Gillibrand McConnell beth Warren, Patty Murray, Mark amendments in alternating fashion so Booker Graham Menendez Begich, Sherrod Brown, Jeff Merkley, that these important ideas can be con- Boozman Grassley Merkley Angus S. King, Jr., Charles E. Schu- Boxer Hagan Mikulski mer, Bill Nelson, Christopher A. Coons. sidered. Brown Harkin Moran MOTION TO COMMIT WITH AMENDMENT NO. 2716 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Does the Burr Hatch Murkowski majority leader so modify his request? Cantwell Heinrich Murphy Mr. REID. Mr. President, I have a Cardin Heitkamp Murray motion to commit S. 1845, with instruc- Mr. REID. Reserving the right to ob- Carper Heller Nelson tions. ject, Mr. President, when we last dealt Casey Hirono Paul The PRESIDING OFFICER. The with unemployment insurance, I of- Chambliss Hoeven Portman Coats Inhofe Pryor clerk will report the motion. fered a unanimous consent request at Coburn Isakson Reed The assistant legislative clerk read that time that would have allowed up Cochran Johanns Reid as follows: to 20 relevant amendments—20. Collins Johnson (SD) Risch The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] moves Mr. President, my friend, the Repub- Coons Johnson (WI) Roberts Corker King Rockefeller to commit the bill to the Committee on Fi- lican leader—he is again, through a lot Cornyn Kirk Rubio nance with instructions to report back with of words, saying: We do not want this. Crapo Klobuchar Sanders the following amendment numbered 2716.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:53 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.033 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S738 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask for under rule XXII be waived for the clo- but why are they hung up on this fool- the yeas and nays. ture motions just filed and that ishness that they can only do it if one The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Wednesday, February 5, 2014, count as time they have alternating amend- sufficient second? an intervening day. ments? They wouldn’t take 20 amend- There appears to be a sufficient sec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ments. ond. objection? There are a handful of Republicans AMENDMENT NO. 2717 Without objection, it is so ordered. who tried very hard and worked in Mr. REID. I have an amendment to Mr. REID. I want to take a moment good faith with Senator REED of Rhode the instructions at the desk. to explain where we are. Over the last Island. But the problem is they have no The PRESIDING OFFICER. The few months, we have been struggling to control over the tea-party-driven Re- clerk will report. find a way to help some desperate peo- publicans who make up most of this The assistant legislative clerk read ple in our country. It is hard to find a Republican caucus. as follows: way to convince our Republican col- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] pro- leagues that these people are in a des- ator from Rhode Island. poses an amendment numbered 2717 to the perate situation and to join with us in Mr. REED. We are at a critical mo- instructions of the motion to commit. extending unemployment insurance ment. It has been 38 days since the The amendment is as follows: benefits for 1.6 million of our fellow emergency unemployment compensa- In the amendment, strike ‘‘8 days’’ and in- citizens. tion expired, forcing now not 1.6 mil- sert ‘‘9 days’’. Last month, we tried to pass a bipar- lion but 1.7 million Americans off an Mr. REID. I ask for the yeas and tisan bill that would simply extend economic cliff and also draining $2.2 nays. those benefits on a short-term basis for billion from State economies, and this The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a 3 months. All but a few Republicans is according to estimates based on data sufficient second? voted against proceeding to that meas- from the Department of Labor and the There appears to be a sufficient sec- ure. Republicans complained that we Ways and Means Committee Demo- ond. had not paid for the extension, so we crats. This has had a huge impact on The yeas and nays were ordered. offered them a paid-for 11-month exten- families and a huge impact on the AMENDMENT NO. 2718 TO AMENDMENT NO. 2717 sion. Every Republican voted against economy throughout this country. Mr. REID. I have a second-degree the cloture motion, every Republican, Congress should be doing everything amendment at the desk. and all but one Republican voted to focus on creating jobs and improving The PRESIDING OFFICER. The against cloture on the bipartisan 3- our economy. This week we have an op- clerk will report. month extension. So today we are try- portunity to do that. That is why we The assistant legislative clerk read ing yet again, offering an amendment should vote to renew unemployment as follows: that extends unemployment benefits insurance and help put more Ameri- The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] pro- for 3 months and pays for that exten- cans back to work. poses amendment numbered 2718 to amend- sion, not a disputed, controversial ex- Restoring these benefits is an imper- ment numbered 2717. tension and certainly not a controver- ative. We must do it. We have to act The amendment is as follows: sial pay-for. Our alternative also in- with a sense of urgency. People are out In the amendment, strike ‘‘9 days’’ and in- cludes something that Senator COBURN there every day looking for employ- sert ‘‘10 days’’. has been talking about for several ment. They are doing everything they CLOTURE MOTION months, an amendment to prevent mil- can to support their families and them- Mr. REID. I have a cloture motion at lionaires from getting unemployment selves. While this modest level of sup- the desk. benefits, because it has happened. A port helps them stay afloat, what they The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- person won a lottery and still got un- really want is a job. So our constitu- ture motion having been presented employment benefits. ents, who are trying so hard and doing under rule XXII, the Chair directs the Thursday, we are going to vote on what they need to do in order to pro- clerk to read the motion. cloture on that amendment, one that is vide for themselves and their families, The assistant legislative clerk read paid for and would take care of this are looking to Congress to uphold its as follows: Senators. issue for lots of people. After that have end of the bargain. we will vote on cloture on the bill, as Many of our constituents are running CLOTURE MOTION amended. In the meantime, I am out of options. The rent is coming due. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- The telephone bill is coming due, and ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the pleased to continue discussions with Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move Senators about setting up votes on the without a phone they can’t actively to bring to a close debate on S. 1845, a bill to relevant amendments. compete for work. There is no way em- provide for the extension of certain unem- The Republican leader’s proposal is ployers can get hold of them. ployment benefits, and for other purposes. an absolute absurdity. I don’t know College tuition is coming due for Harry Reid, Jack Reed, Kirsten E. Gilli- why they just don’t come out and say middle-aged people who are out look- brand, Sheldon Whitehouse, Barbara we are not going to do this, we are not ing for jobs, for their children, and Boxer, Brian Schatz, Robert P. Casey, going to extend unemployment bene- some people who are paying their way Jr., Thomas R. Carper, Elizabeth War- fits. But they have alternating amend- through college. They are being ren, Patty Murray, Mark Begich, Sherrod Brown, Jeff Merkley, Angus S. ments, and they want amendments re- squeezed from all sides, and the expira- King, Jr., Charles E. Schumer, Bill Nel- lated to—George Mitchell, who was the tion of these benefits is hurting not son, Christopher A. Coons. Democratic leader for a period of time only them but it is hurting our econ- f that I served here, a wonderful human omy overall. being, his statement was don’t depend Time is of the essence. It has been 7 REPEALING SECTION 403 OF THE on the Republicans; they will break weeks since Senator HELLER and I in- BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT OF your heart every time, and that is what troduced a bipartisan short-term plan 2013—Motion to Proceed they are doing. They are breaking our that was designed to provide imme- Mr. REID. I move to proceed to Cal- hearts, and 1.6 million people, their diate relief. We tried different per- endar No. 298, S. 1963. hearts are broken. mutations of extending these benefits, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The main proponent of this bill has provisions the other side said they clerk will report. been JACK REED of Rhode Island. JACK wanted, but to this point without suc- The legislative clerk read as follows: REED and I have a contest—I wish we cess. A motion to proceed to Calendar No. 298, S. didn’t—and that is which State, Rhode I must say that I have found not only 1963, a bill to repeal section 403 of the Bipar- Island or Nevada, has the highest un- Senator HELLER but many of my col- tisan Budget Act of 2013. employment number. leagues on the other side both thought- ORDER OF PROCEDURE We care about this greatly, but oth- ful and willing to contribute—Senator Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent ers care about this. I am sure there are COLLINS, Senator COATS, Senator that the mandatory quorum required some Republicans who care about it, PORTMAN, and so many others, who are

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:53 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.040 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S739 sincere in trying to get this done. But architecture of unemployment insur- ners, Qadhafi and really had estab- what we have to do is get over this 60- ance, if there are other collateral lished alliances with Libya. So here we vote threshold, at least to provide this issues or issues that could be thrown have a murdered Ambassador on Sep- immediate relief of 3 months to our into the mix, let’s get this done and tember 11, and that day Ambassador constituents. then let’s focus on those issues. Rice, during the context of a Presi- Again, the face of those unemployed This amendment also incorporates a dential election, went on every Sunday in this downturn is a bit different than measure that Senator COBURN has pro- television show, and when she was in the past. We are hearing and seeing posed that would bar millionaires, indi- asked about what happened on that more and more middle-aged workers viduals making over $1 million, from day, she blamed it on the spontaneous who have worked all their lives and for qualifying for unemployment insur- reaction to a hateful video. the first time are confronted with un- ance. This measure has been unani- Recently, the Senate Select Com- employment. They sent out hundreds mously supported 100 to 0 in this mittee on Intelligence did some very of resumes. They sought job inter- Chamber, so we thought we would go good bipartisan work looking at what views, many times unsuccessfully. ahead and put that in as an additional happened with regard to the attack at They are squeezed because they are measure that would be embraced by ev- the consulate. That report contains trying to support parents at the same eryone in the Chamber. something very telling. That report time they are trying to support chil- This is an issue that has huge sup- found that ‘‘contrary to many press re- dren who are in college or young adults port among the American public. There ports at the time, eyewitness state- who are at home. is a FOX News poll that says over two- ments by U.S. personnel indicate there This is a tremendous toll on people thirds of Americans support and want were no protests at the start of the at- who have worked hard all of their lives. Congress to act now to extend unem- tacks.’’ In fact, the then-Deputy Direc- They are simply asking us to step up, ployment insurance. tor of the CIA received an email sent as we have done consistently in the Let me again thank my colleagues on from the CIA’s Chief of Station in Trip- past, and give them some modest sup- the other side who have worked very oli to him on September 15—4 days port while they search for work. sincerely and very diligently to come after the attacks occurred—and in that We are 1 month into 2014 and still de- up with a solution. I say to them: email the Deputy Director of the CIA, bating a 3-month fix. At some point, we Thank you. I appreciate it. Mike Morell, was told the attacks were will reach the point where the retro- My concern is helping—as their con- ‘‘not an escalation of protests.’’ Not an active benefits will be greater than the cern is—those constituents who are escalation of protests. benefits going forward for the 3-month getting increasingly desperate. We Why is that important? It is impor- fix. That is not a place we want to be, share this. Now what we have to do is tant for many reasons because what not for people who have worked hard. find a pathway forward. ends up happening during this period is The only way to qualify for unemploy- I hope, because of the short-term na- that Ambassador Rice is going on the ment insurance is to be working and ture of this bill, because of the non- Sunday shows to talk about this. She is then, through no fault of your own, to controversial pay-for, that we can get designated to do this on behalf of the be dismissed from your work—and you this done, and then I think we can em- administration. We have always won- still have to look for work. That is the bark on a much more expansive review dered why. Why did she go on, as op- whole program. So it is not right. on a much more expansive set of issues posed to Secretary of State Hillary I think we have to move forward, and with respect to UI and other issues Clinton or perhaps then-Secretary Pa- we have done this on a bipartisan basis that have come before the Chamber. It netta, the Secretary of Defense? But three times under President Ronald is time to vote—vote aye—to get this she is sent that day onto the Sunday Reagan, five times under George W. measure passed. shows, and on those shows she said this Bush, with overwhelming majorities on With that, Mr. President, I yield the was a direct result of a heinous video— a bipartisan basis, no question. In fact, floor. protests that came as a result of this most times they were completely un- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- video. paid for. It was emergency spending, ator from New Hampshire. Yet the day before, the then-Deputy not only because people needed the 2012 BENGHAZI ATTACK Director of the CIA had already gotten emergency aid, but it is a great form of Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I come an email from the people on the economic support to our economy. to the floor today to talk about the at- ground—eyewitness statements. There The CBO estimates that if we fail to tack on our consulate on September 11, were survivors, people who survived extend for the full year these benefits, 2012. I am here to talk about the fact this attack and who were interviewed we will lose 200,000 jobs over 2014, at a that four brave Americans were mur- to find out what happened. As you time when our first priority should be dered that day by an act of terrorism. would in any situation where you have to put more jobs in the marketplace. One of those murdered was our Ambas- had a terrorist attack or a murder We have a plan today that is short sador to Libya when those four Ameri- case, you are going to talk to the eye- term, 3 months, retroactive to Decem- cans were killed at Benghazi at our witnesses on the ground. So there were ber 28. It is fully paid for by extending consulate. eyewitnesses, and they were spoken to. pension smoothing for 4 more years. I really want to talk about what I be- As a result of those eyewitness inter- In addition to paying for these bene- lieve is a pattern of misinformation, views, the day before she goes on those fits, it will reduce the deficit by $1.2 misimpressions, and, frankly, mis- Sunday shows, the Deputy Director of billion over 10 years, so we have a leading the American people about the CIA is told that there was not an mechanism that not only helps people what happened there and, during an escalation of protests, that what has but also goes to the issue of the deficit, election season, what was represented been reported is not the case. Yet she which is another pressing concern, par- about the attack on our consulate on went on the show and said that any- ticularly to my colleagues on the other September 11. Let me walk through way. side of the aisle. some of the situation and the tangled What is even more troubling is that This offset has been used before. It web that was woven here. this information is communicated to passed 79 to 19 as part of the 2012 MAP– First of all, right after this attack the Deputy Director of the CIA, and 21 transportation bill. This is a non- occurred—we know that on September somehow there are talking points pre- controversial pay-for. It has been pro- 16 Ambassador Susan Rice appeared on pared that don’t reflect this informa- posed by Members on both sides of the behalf of the administration on every tion. Moreover, somehow this informa- aisle with various proposals requiring major Sunday television show, and dur- tion that was given to the Deputy Di- pay-fors. ing that time people rightly wanted to rector of the CIA was not given to the We have an urgent need, a very know what happened. This was a big President—or, I don’t know, maybe short-term focus, and a noncontrover- deal. An ambassador had been mur- they didn’t like the story they received sial pay-for, and I will urge my col- dered, along with three other Ameri- because during that period of time, if leagues, let’s support this, let’s move cans in Libya, where we had gone in to we look at this, on September 11 the this. If there is work to be done on the remove, working with our NATO part- President gave many media interviews

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:53 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.044 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S740 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 during this period. It was during a he said, ‘‘We won’t tolerate any act of In the aftermath what became clear was Presidential election. terror’’—he is asked directly by the that the security was lax, that not all the On September 18, which is 7 days interviewer, Mr. Kroft from ‘‘60 Min- precautions that needed to be taken were after the attacks on the consulate, 2 utes,’’ ‘‘Mr. President, this morning taken. days after Susan Rice went on the Sun- you went out of your way to avoid the That is certainly confirmed by the day shows, the President is on the Dave use of the word terrorism in connection bipartisan Senate Intelligence Com- Letterman show. We have all watched with the Libya attack. Do you believe mittee. So if that is the case, why is it the comedy show, the Dave Letterman this was a terrorism attack?’’ The that Ambassador Susan Rice was on show, and Dave Letterman asks the President said, ‘‘Well, it’s too early to the Sunday shows on September 16— President about the attacks in tell exactly how this came about, what she is sent on the shows to talk about Benghazi. On that show he talks about group was involved, but obviously it what happened that day, and she re- the video, this heinous video being a was an attack on Americans.’’ The sponds in this fashion to this question cause of what happened and the attack President refused then to call it what directly and specifically asked by Chris at the consulate. Yet, on September 15, it was, what his own Secretary of De- Wallace in that interview: He says: the then-Deputy Director of the CIA al- fense knew—that it was a terrorist at- ready had some information that said tack—because, of course, we know the Terror cells in Benghazi had carried out narrative at the time was that Al five attacks since April, including . . . a this is not an escalation of protests. bombing at the same consulate in June. There were interviews done of the sur- Qaeda had been decimated, and if it Should U.S. security have been tighter at vivors on the ground. Yet on the Dave was a terrorist attack, it didn’t quite that consulate given the history of terror ac- Letterman show a week later—in fact, fit with that narrative. tivity in Benghazi? 3 days after this information is re- In fact, recently the President gave What is her response? Well, we obvi- ceived by the Deputy Director of the an interview on FOX News with Bill ously did have a strong security pres- CIA—we have the President talking O’Reilly—on February 2—and this is ence. about the video. what he said when he was asked about She was on several shows—ABC with But it gets worse. Nine days later—9 the attack on the consulate: Jake Tapper; she was on ‘‘Face the Na- days after the attack, so on September We revealed to the American people ex- tion’’ with Bob Schieffer. During the 20—the President gives another inter- actly what we understood at the time. The course of those interviews, she was view at the Univision Town Hall. This notion that we would hide the ball for polit- asked about the security at the con- ical purposes when a week later we all said is 5 days after the Deputy Director of in fact there was a terrorist attack taking sulate, and she described the security the CIA is given this information, ap- place the day after I said it was an act of ter- at the consulate that day as significant parently coming from the survivors. ror, that wouldn’t be a very good coverup. and substantial. What was the basis for And what does the President say? I guess the President, when he told that? Did anyone give her information What we do know is that the natural pro- Mr. O’Reilly that, forgot about the that ‘‘security was significant, sub- tests that arose because of the outrage over interview he had given on ‘‘The View,’’ stantial and strong’’ that day? Because the video were used as an excuse by extrem- which was almost 2 weeks after this there was absolutely no evidence of ists to see if they can also directly harm U.S. event—13 days after it. that. In fact, everything in this inves- interests. Almost 2 weeks later he was asked by tigation has shown that security was That is what he says when he is Ms. Behar: absolutely lax at that consulate, unac- asked about the attacks on our con- I heard Hillary Clinton say it was an act of ceptably so given the prior history of sulate. terrorism. Is it? What do you say? intelligence at the consulate, given the So here we are 9 days after the at- Well, no act of terrorism then. He prior attacks that had been made on tack, 5 days after this information is doesn’t acknowledge it. He said: the British and on the Red Cross, and given to Mike Morell, the then-Deputy We’re still doing an investigation. There’s unfortunately this really was a death Director of the CIA, and yet we have no doubt that [with] the kind of weapons trap. another interview on ‘‘The View,’’ an- that were used, the ongoing assault, that it So in the context of an election, why other popular show, 13 days—almost 2 wasn’t just a mob action. is she—and the President as well—not weeks after the attack on the con- This is in the context, of course, only pushing the video story but also sulate, and again the President of where his Secretary of Defense said he saying that the consulate security was United States talks about this being knew right away it was an act of ter- strong, it was substantial, it was sig- about the video and a reaction to the rorism. In fact, he came to the Armed nificant, when there is no evidence to video. Services Committee 3 days after and support that? It all goes to the con- So here we have the work that was said it was an act of terrorism. Yet, trary. done on this—clear misinformation again, within a week he isn’t saying it There has been a lot of discussion about what happened that day and a was an act of terrorism when he is di- about the video. Ambassador Rice goes very troubling pattern in the context rectly asked if it was an act of ter- on the Sunday shows and she talks of an election, where on those Sunday rorism. about the video. She talks about the shows Ambassador Rice made sure to In this recent interview with Mr. causal effect of the video in terms of tell everyone Al Qaeda has been deci- O’Reilly the President talked about the the attacks on the consulate. What she mated because that was the narrative security at the consulate. In fact, there essentially says is this: This was a di- during this time period, that Al Qaeda was a strong report recently done by rect result of a heinous and offensive has been decimated. So if this was a the Senate Intelligence Committee on video which was widely disseminated terrorist attack, that would be prob- a bipartisan basis. In fact, one of the and which the U.S. Government had lematic to that narrative. issues they raised deep concerns about nothing to do with and which we have In fact, we had testimony before the is that the State Department should made clear is reprehensible and dis- Senate Armed Services Committee have increased its security posture gusting. And we have also been very from then-Defense Secretary Panetta. more significantly in Benghazi based clear in saying that there is no excuse When he testified before the Armed upon a deteriorating security situation for violence, that we have condemned Services Committee, he said clearly: on the ground and that the threat re- it in the strongest possible terms. There was no question in my mind it was porting on the prior attacks against This ‘‘direct result of a heinous and a terrorist attack. westerners in Benghazi—and there offensive video,’’ which she said on all In fact, he said: were many cables leading up to this those Sunday shows and which the When I appeared before the committee 3 too that had been made public—war- President then also talked about in the days afterwards, I said it was a terrorist at- ranted there was sufficient warning interviews: 1 week later on David tack. that security should have been in- Letterman; the interview, 9 days after Secretary Panetta made clear he creased at the consulate. the attack, on Univision; and the inter- knew from the beginning this was a The President acknowledged that in view almost 2 weeks later on ‘‘The terrorist attack. Yet the President, on his recent interview with Mr. O’Reilly, View’’—why are they still talking September 12, even though the day of it where he said: about the video?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.045 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S741 From the beginning, I have thought moved from these talking points. It that night during the attacks on our the talking points were fascinating. was removed from these talking points, consulate, and yet we haven’t picked These talking points were created for and Ambassador Rice was free to go on him up or anyone else. In fact, he is dissemination. Ambassador Susan Rice the Sunday shows on September 16, and sitting at cafes, and press in the United was given these talking points, she said she said Al Qaeda had been decimated. States are able to find him, interview she relied upon them, and there are se- Imagine if the talking points kept the him, talk to him, and yet we haven’t rious deficiencies with these talking reference to Al Qaeda. Do you think brought him or anyone else in. There points. she would have gone on every Sunday have been news reports that there may Even so, I challenge people to find show and said Al Qaeda had been deci- be a secret warrant for him, but he any reference to a video in these talk- mated? I would hope not because it was hasn’t been brought in. Where is the ing points. I have looked and looked, not true that Al Qaeda had been deci- attention to this? and I couldn’t see the word ‘‘video’’ in mated, as evidenced by the attack on I have talked about this tangled web these talking points anywhere. Yet we our consulate. which has been woven, which is really have Ambassador Susan Rice, on behalf So we still don’t know who removed troubling in terms of the of the administration, on September 16 the reference and what happened with misimpressions and misleading nature on every Sunday show, talking about these talking points. But what really of how this has been represented to the the video. We have the President of the troubles me is the Deputy Director of American people. But I hope we will all United States on David Letterman 1 the CIA, through the Senate Intel- focus on bringing the people who com- week later, then 9 days later, after the ligence Committee report, received mitted these terrorist attacks to jus- attack, on Univision, and almost 2 this email on September 15 which said tice because the victims of these ter- weeks later, 13 days later on ‘‘The the attacks were not an escalation of rorist attacks deserve justice. View’’ talking about a video. Yet there protests. He worked on these talking The terrorists who committed these isn’t a reference to a video in these points. He was part of the group who acts against our consulate need to talking points. I have never under- actually had feedback on the talking know that we are coming after them stood. Where did the video story come points that went out the door. Yet and that we are going to hold them ac- from? Do you think we will ever get somehow this wasn’t included. countable. If you commit a terrorist the answer? I think we deserve an an- The Al Qaeda reference was removed, attack against our country, you should swer to that, especially now. and apparently no one, even after re- not be in a position to be out drinking Because of the recent Senate intel re- ceiving the actual eyewitness inter- coffee in a cafe. You need to be held ac- port, we know that the Deputy Direc- views of what happened on the scene, countable. tor of the CIA, the day before Ambas- ever thought to go to the administra- We need to send a message to other sador Rice first appeared on those Sun- tion—the President of the United terrorists: Don’t mess with the United day shows to tell this story, received States—and correct him: By the way, States of America, because right now this email which reported that the at- we are not sure this video really pans they are getting the opposite message tacks were ‘‘not/not an escalation of out, that it is a demonstration and with no one being held accountable for protests.’’ So if it is not an escalation that this is a protest in response to a the terrorist attacks on our consulate of protests—let’s look at these talking video. Somehow that doesn’t get up the on September 11, 2012. points again. These talking points do chain of command? We have big prob- Mr. President, I yield the floor. not refer to a video. We are not sure lems if this kind of information is not The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- how that story got told. getting up the chain of command. Why ator from Texas. Why is it that the talking points that those representations were made when FOREIGN POLICY went out say: Available information there was intel that contradicted it has Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I commend suggests that the demonstrations in never been answered. the Senator from New Hampshire for Benghazi were spontaneously inspired Finally, and most of all, the Presi- her stirring remarks on the terrorist by the protests at the U.S. Embassy in dent said he was going to bring the in- attacks in Benghazi and urge that we Cairo and evolved into a direct assault dividuals who committed these attacks pay heed to the words she said. It is against our U.S. diplomatic post in to justice. Yet no one has been brought striking—the Senator from New Hamp- Benghazi and subsequently its annex to justice. The families who lost loved shire has said more about that ter- and that they were participating in ones deserve to have these terrorists rorist attack than our Commander in violent demonstrations. Why wasn’t brought to justice. And what we have Chief has ever said. what they learned the day before taken seen in some of the reports—the intel- We are at a time where Tolkien’s into account in terms of what was rep- ligence committee itself essentially classic ‘‘The Hobbit’’ is one of the best- resented to the American people? I identifies that more than 1 year after selling, most popular movies in the think a bigger question is, How is it the Benghazi attacks, the terrorists country. ‘‘The Hobbit’’ is a fantasy that the Deputy Director of the CIA who perpetrated the attacks have still story. In Washington, we were visited can receive relevant and important in- not been brought to justice. with fantasy last week in the Presi- formation and that information never The intelligence community has dent’s State of the Union Address. I gets to the President of the United identified several individuals respon- would like to talk about the contrast, States as late as 9 days later? On Sep- sible for the attacks. Some of these in- concerning foreign policy, between the tember 24, on ‘‘The View,’’ he is still dividuals have been identified with a fantasy presented to the American peo- talking about this video. Yet it turns strong level of confidence. So why ple and the cold, hard realities of the out the video never had anything to do hasn’t anyone been brought to justice? dangerous world in which we live— with this. It really raises so many Why haven’t we pursued this to pick up which is only getting more and more questions in terms of the tangled web the people who committed these ter- dangerous. of this whole situation. rorist attacks and to hold them ac- In his State of the Union Address last I have yet to talk about what was an countable? The victims deserve justice, week, President Obama gave some re- incredible change in these talking and they have not seen justice. I hope vealing clues as to how he believed the points, which was the removal of the we will get those who murdered our United States should interact with the reference to Al Qaeda. Before they Ambassador and three other brave rest of the world. went through various modifications, Americans on September 11, 2012, and On the whole, his remarks encourage the original set of talking points bring them to justice. It is totally un- Americans not to worry too much talked about Al Qaeda or the potential acceptable that has not yet happened. about international challenges. He sug- of Al Qaeda-affiliated groups being in- We have seen press reports of people gested the situations in Syria and Iran volved in these attacks. Of course, that like Abu Khattala—reported to have are being definitely managed by Amer- now has been confirmed by the bipar- established Ansar al-Sharia, an Al ican diplomats; that Al Qaeda is now a tisan Senate Intelligence Committee Qaeda-affiliated group, and identified regional nuisance that can be report recently revealed. But at the as a prior commander of this group— outsourced to surrogates; that our re- time, the reference to Al Qaeda was re- identified by witnesses as being there lationship with Israel is defined by the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.047 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S742 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 Palestinian peace process, which will tion of Israel, has called this a ‘‘very, rence is hopefully possible. In Iran, the also be resolved in short order through very bad deal.’’ Indeed, Prime Minister supreme leader has made clear his de- American diplomacy; and that our in- Netanyahu has referred to it as a ‘‘his- sire to destroy the nation of Israel and terest in Ukraine is to express support toric mistake.’’ Yet the President pro- as a result of the billions of dollars for the abstract principle that all peo- ceeds on and the Senate refuses even to going to Iran right now, the risk is un- ple should peacefully participate in allow a vote on reimposing sanctions acceptably high that we discover the their own governance. In this rosy sce- to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear same thing that happened in North nario, difficult challenges such as the weapons capability. There has been no Korea happened in Iran, except that we deadly terrorist attacks on Benghazi renunciation of Iran’s State sponsor- discover it because Iran, in pursuit of on September 11, 2012, or the long and ship of terrorism that killed Americans Jihad, detonates a nuclear device over painful ordeal of Pastor Saeed Abedini in Lebanon and in Saudi Arabia and in Tel Aviv or New York or Los Angeles. in an Iranian prison simply do not Afghanistan and in Iraq. The mullahs Not a word of that was acknowledged exist. have gone on a hanging spree, exe- in the President’s speech. I wish we all lived in the utopian cuting some 40 people in the first two On Al Qaeda, President Obama world President Obama painted last weeks of January alone. Meanwhile, claimed: week. But in just a week, numerous billions of dollars are flowing into the While we have put Al Qaeda’s core leader- news reports have come out to suggest country, both through relaxed sanc- ship on a path to defeat, the threat has that picture belongs far more in the tions and Iran’s reemergence as a le- evolved, as Al Qaeda affiliates and other ex- gitimate business partner because of tremists take root in different parts of the world of fantasy than reality. In the in- world—in Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, and Mali, terests of being honest with the Amer- this administration’s misguided deal. and we have to keep working with partners ican people—which I wish our Com- Indeed, Iranian President Hassan to disrupt and disable those networks. mander in Chief had done—I would like Rouhani might almost be forgiven for The reality is that whatever path Al to contrast reality with what we were publicly gloating that ‘‘the Geneva Qaeda is on, it does not currently ap- told last week. deal means the surrender of the big pear to be towards defeat. The recent On Syria, in the State of the Union powers in front of the great nation of assertion by a State Department Address, the President claimed: Iran.’’ I wish he was not speaking the spokeswoman that Ayman al-Zawahiri American diplomacy, backed by the threat truth. That reality did not emerge on is the only core Al Qaeda member left of force, is why serious chemical weapons are the House floor last week. and that thus the threat has been deci- being eliminated, and we will continue to On the House floor, the President mated by the President is demon- work with the international community to claimed: usher in the future the Syrian people de- strably false. For starters, Zawahiri is If John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan no mere abstract threat. He explicitly serve—a future free of dictatorship, terror, could negotiate with the Soviet Union, then and fear. surely a strong and confident America can called for attacks on the United States That is truly a rosy scenario. Yet, negotiate with less powerful adversaries on September 10, 2012, the day before what is the reality? On Sunday, just 4 today. the terrorist attack that claimed the days after the President delivered the The reality is the claim that we are lives of four Americans in Benghazi, in- State of the Union Address, Secretary negotiating with Iran from a position cluding the first U.S. ambassador of State John Kerry reportedly told a of strength and confidence is a killed on duty since 1979. Zawahiri is congressional delegation that the ad- blinkered view of reality because it actively involved in directing Al Qaeda ministration’s Syria policy is on the isn’t even clear our President is negoti- groups that are active in Syria. But brink of collapse. Syria’s chemical ating towards actual victory. Capitula- core or not core—whatever that weapons are purportedly being de- tion is not victory. President Obama means—the reality is that Al Qaeda stroyed through the intervention of announced in the State of the Union has been at war with the United States Vladimir Putin in what was a major that in order to keep negotiations for more than two decades and the at- diplomatic victory for the Russian going, he would veto any additional tacks of September 11, 2001, are only strongman. But we have learned in re- sanctions Congress might pass to pres- the most spectacular of a series of at- cent days that this process has not pro- sure Iran to actually stop pursuing nu- tacks and attempted attacks launched ceeded as promised. The Syrians have clear weapons—a position that is sup- at us. Trying to parse this threat to ignored their deadlines and only 4 per- ported not only by his current adminis- make it seem less deadly, to make it cent of the stockpiles have been elimi- tration, but expressly by his former seem like less of a threat to Ameri- nated, undoubtedly because Assad Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Ira- cans, will not make it so. We need to knows there is no compelling reason nian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has confront what attacked us in 2001. We for him to comply. As for what the good reason to announce publicly he cannot defeat radical Islamic terrorism Syrian people deserve, after 3 years of has no ‘‘fear’’ of Congress. When Ron- when the President seems unwilling to rudderless U.S. policy, over 130,000 are ald Reagan negotiated with the Sovi- utter the words ‘‘radical Islamic ter- dead, millions are refugees displaced ets, he did it from a clear, strategic rorism.’’ Indeed, the recent Senate Se- across the region, and the oldest Chris- perspective of ‘‘we win, they lose,’’ lect Committee on Intelligence docu- tian communities on the planet are standing for U.S. national interests. He mented that what attacked us in Libya threatened with extinction. Assad is was facing an existential threat that in 2012 is the very same thing that at- entrenched and Al Qaeda is in control he defined as ‘‘the Evil Empire.’’ There tacked us on September 11, 2001. We of the opposition. Sadly, as a result of was no danger or misunderstanding of should not aim simply to disrupt or to the President’s mismanagement, today what the goal was or who was going to disable Al Qaeda terrorists. We should we have no good options in Syria. Yet be doing the surrendering. As a result aim to defeat them. not a word of that made it into his of his leadership, the Cold War was won On Israel, in the State of the Union, State of the Union Address. without firing a shot. Today, on Iran, the President had one mention of Israel On Iran, the President claimed: we are tragically repeating the mis- in that speech. He said: It is American diplomacy, backed by pres- takes of the past—in particular, the American diplomacy is supporting Israelis sure, that has halted the progress of Iran’s mistakes of the Clinton administra- and Palestinians as they engage in difficult nuclear program . . . but necessary talks to end the conflict there; tion—in relaxing sanctions on North to achieve dignity and an independent state The reality is quite different. No en- Korea for the same empty promises for Palestinians, and a lasting peace and se- riched uranium has been destroyed— that they would cease developing nu- curity for the State of Israel—a Jewish State not a pound—and no centrifuges have clear weapons only to have North that knows America will always be at their been dismantled. The Iranians quickly Korea use the billions of dollars we side. refuted the President’s claim in the sent to them—or allowed to go to The reality is sadly much different. State of the Union, announcing, quite them—to develop nuclear weapons. The Over the weekend, we saw a diplomatic publicly, that they have not halted difference is the North Korean leader is spat play out in the press over allega- their progress in the slightest. Amer- motivated by staying in power, which tions that Secretary of State Kerry is ica’s closest ally in the region, the na- means some form of rational deter- actively working behind the scenes to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.049 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S743 encourage European countries to Surely, the people gathering in the On Saeed Abedini, the American pas- threaten Israel with boycotts if the frozen snow of Maidan Square, crying tor brutally imprisoned in Iran, Presi- Israelis don’t agree to whatever frame- out for the freedom of the West, de- dent Obama in the State of the Union work Mr. Kerry will propose in two serve more from the leader of the free Address said nothing. The reality is an weeks. Rather than threats from the world than mere blandishments about American citizen has been wrongly im- U.S. Secretary of State, and rather abstract universal rights. prisoned in Iran for more than 1 year than tweets from National Security If you are standing in the frozen simply for professing his Christian Advisor Susan Rice criticizing Israel, streets of Kiev, being beaten, bleed- faith. All of us are blessed to live in a instead, the United States should stand ing—naked, as one opposition leader land where the Constitution guaran- unequivocally with our friend and ally, was—and yet standing proud for free- tees us religious liberty. Yet a Chris- the nation of Israel. We should reaffirm dom, empty generalities from the tian pastor, going to Iran, professing Israel’s unique status as a strong, President do you very little good. his faith, was thrown in a pit of a jail. democratic ally in the Middle East, a On Benghazi, the President claimed There is no more compelling evidence uniquely Jewish State, and that the nothing. We all remember last fall, that the Supreme Leader in Tehran United States appreciates the excruci- during the debates in the Presidential represents the very same repressive atingly difficult security situation in election—just over 1 year ago—when Islamist regime today that he has for which Israel finds itself with the threat the President emphatically stated no so many years and that his goal is not of a nuclear Iran, and that the United one cared more about the terrorist at- peaceful rapprochement with the West States will vigorously defend Israel tack that happened in Benghazi than but the preservation of his own power. from attacks, from international insti- he did. Yet in the year and a half that The President of the United States tutions, from legal onslaughts, and has followed, the word ‘‘Benghazi’’ should be standing and demanding Pas- from attempts to undermine Israel’s seems never to leave his lips. The re- tor Saeed Abedini’s release, not mak- economy through punitive boycotts, ality is we have four Americans mur- ing his captors into diplomatic part- and that the United States is dered in a preventable attack, and that ners. Indeed, it is notable, in the midst unshakably committed to preserving is what the Senate Intelligence Com- of our negotiations in Geneva, the na- Israel’s security, regardless of the sta- mittee concluded in a bipartisan man- tion of Iran transferred Pastor Saeed tus of the peace process. ner; that this was preventable by Al Abedini from one horrible prison to an I commend to my colleagues the re- Qaeda terrorists, and more than 16 even worse prison, where they keep cent remarks Canadian Prime Minister months later, no one in Washington or their death row, where they send peo- Stephen Harper gave in Israel. Those Libya has been held accountable. ple to die, and he did so on the anniver- are the remarks of an ally standing Congress and the American people, sary of Iran’s taking Americans hos- strong with Israel and appreciating the and particularly the families of the tage—what is referred to in Iran as incredible value that Israel provides to fallen, deserve the answers that only a ‘‘Death to America Day.’’ That was not our national security and to peace in joint select committee of Congress accidental. That was meant to thumb the world. I wish our President could could get. Yet, sadly, the majority their nose at our Nation, and the Presi- speak with a fraction of the clarity and leader and Democrats in this Chamber dent—instead of standing for an Amer- solidarity with Israel that the Cana- are blocking a joint select committee. ican wrongfully imprisoned for preach- dian Prime Minister recently provided. ‘‘What difference does it make,’’ ing his Christian faith—the President On Ukraine, the President claimed: former Secretary of State Hillary Clin- instead chose, in the State of the In Ukraine, we stand for the principle that ton asked. It makes all the difference Union Address, to say not a word. all people have a right to express themselves in the world to ascertain the truth. The President concluded his speech freely and peacefully and to have a say in I will note, even though he said not a on foreign policy by saying: their country’s future. word about Benghazi in the State of Finally let’s remember that our leadership The reality is the day after the State the Union, he was forced to say some- is defined not just by our defense against of the Union, Ukraine’s former Presi- thing this week when he was inter- threats, but by the enormous opportunities dent said that the country teeters on viewed by Bill O’Reilly. Before the to do good and promote understanding the brink of civil war. Protesters have Super Bowl, when Bill O’Reilly asked around the globe—to forge great coopera- been brutally tortured and murdered. him about Benghazi, what is striking— tion, to expand new markets, to free people Indeed, one opposition leader described and I would urge everyone to go and from fear and want. And no one is better po- how he was recently crucified. The watch and listen to what the President sitioned to take advantage of those opportu- Ukrainian people’s constitutional said—Bill O’Reilly asked him: Did Sec- nities than America. rights have been trampled. This former retary of Defense Leon Panetta tell The reality is, if this past week has Soviet republic has been wrenched him that night that the attacks were proven anything, that American lead- away from a proposed trade agreement the works of terrorists? Mr. O’Reilly ership is not defined by global opportu- with the EU and a path towards mem- asked that question, and yet the Presi- nities to do good and promote under- bership in NATO and instead thrust dent, over and over and over, refused to standing. American leadership is de- back into Russia’s sphere of influence answer a simple yes or no, did Leon Pa- fined by defending and promoting the by a corrupt and autocratic leader, de- netta tell him it was the act of terror- values that have made our Nation priving the United States of an impor- ists. He did not want to answer that great. tant economic and security partner. question, and indeed he did not. We do not do this by ignoring un- We need to tell this story. We need to For those of us who have spent some pleasant realities, refusing to acknowl- look for concrete actions we can take of our career in a court of law, the edge the terrorist attack in Benghazi, right now to demonstrate real support technical term for his answer was sending administration officials out to for the opposition, to demonstrate real ‘‘nonresponsive,’’ and were a judge claim it is not a terrorist attack but support that Ukraine is welcomed by there, he would have directed the the result of an Internet video or refus- the West, and that we will not accede President to answer the question that ing to stand for an American wrong- to Putin’s efforts to reassemble the old was put to him; nor did the President fully imprisoned in Iran for preaching Soviet Union and place Ukraine under say one word about why the talking his Christian faith, and we do not do its domination. points were scrubbed to eradicate any this by refusing to admit failure but by We can start by immediately offering mention of terrorism and the Al Qaeda standing and facing our challenges, ac- a free-trade agreement to Ukraine and affiliates involved. cepting responsibility for our actions, partnerships to help them build nat- We need accountability. We need ac- and speaking out with a clarion voice ural gas infrastructure so they need countability for those four brave Amer- for the freedoms we enjoy—freedoms not remain dependent upon Russia, icans who lost their lives to terrorism that should be the aspiration of every which uses natural gas to blackmail and need to know why no one has been man and woman on the planet. them, and we could immediately re- held accountable in the State Depart- Leading from behind does not work. lease exports of liquid natural gas from ment, nor have any of the terrorists As a result of this administration’s the United States in conjunction with who committed that attack been misguided foreign policy, the world has helping with that infrastructure. brought to justice. become a much more dangerous place

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.050 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S744 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 in the last 5 years. U.S. national secu- We already know the consequences of would like to know that my congress people rity interests have been endangered allowing the Federal benefits to expire are doing the same for me. Donna. dramatically. We see nations such as are not good. At the end of last year, Thirty-plus years of working. She is Russia increasing their sphere of influ- 1.3 million workers lost all unemploy- 55 years old. She has applied for over ence, while the threats to the security ment benefits, and another 3.6 million 300 positions. That is who we are talk- of men and women throughout America jobless workers could lose their bene- ing about here. These are the people we grow and multiply. fits this year. are talking about when we talk about Standing strongly with like-minded In my home State, roughly 9,200 peo- this kind of long-term extension of un- allies and encouraging others to seek ple lost benefits at the end of last year employment. It is something I hope my freedom is not disinterested do- and about 65,000 workers could lose colleagues will keep in mind as we gooding; it is vital work that will pro- their unemployment insurance by the move forward and get this done and get mote the security and prosperity of the end of this year. this passed. United States of America, something I Now is not the time for Congress to ANDREW LUGER NOMINATION believe is ultimately in the interest of cut off extended unemployment insur- Now I would like to turn to another all mankind. ance for those people who have been ac- matter. The only thing these two have I wish, when the President of the tively looking for work for more than in common is they are both kind of vic- United States stood on the floor of the 26 weeks. tims of stalled-out situations of grid- House of Representatives to address These are not the people, as you lock. The second one is about one per- the Nation and to address the world, know, who benefited from the uptick in son, but it is not really about one per- that when he spoke of foreign policy he the stock market over the last few son, it is about a system of justice and had not embraced a foreign policy fan- years. They do not have stock port- it is about a decision on the part of the tasy that disregards the cold, hard re- folios. They are not checking the stock United States, part of our Founding ality of the dangerous world we live in rate. They have not noticed that it has Fathers, the part of our Congress that and the consequences of receding U.S. gone down a little bit recently, and is going way back, that we would have leadership. they have not noticed that it went up a U.S. attorney in most States in this Thank you. I yield the floor. all last year. They are just trying to country, that we would have a U.S. at- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- put food on their table and keep a roof torney who would be charged with en- ator from Minnesota. over their head. They are people who forcing the Federal laws, that the Con- EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION live in our States and who are our gress would have a role in deciding who EXTENSION ACT that U.S. attorney would be, that the Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I neighbors. President would recommend, would ap- rise to address two issues. The first is I have heard from countless Minneso- point someone, and then the Congress what is before us. That is the Emer- tans who are sharing their stories with has the job of simply deciding if that gency Unemployment Compensation me about how unemployment insur- person is qualified or not for the job. Extension Act. The second is some- ance is a lifeline for their families and But it is not even just about one per- thing that should be before us; that is, that ending Federal support for the son or one system of government, it is the confirmation of the U.S. attorney long-term unemployed would be dev- also about the people who work in the for Minnesota. This will be the third astating. U.S. attorney’s office, in the case of time in a few days that I have spoken I am sharing some of these letters be- the district of Minnesota, over 100 peo- on this issue, which I will continue to cause they tell the stories of hard- ple, over 50 people who are prosecutors do so until this gets done. working Americans who are doing their I rise in support of the Emergency best to look for work and support their working in the office who deserve to Unemployment Compensation Exten- families. have a full-time leader in the U.S. at- Linda from Little Falls wrote: torney’s job. sion Act. I know we are making 1 progress on a proposal that extends Dear Amy, For 2 ⁄2 years, 888 days—I counted Federal support for emergency unem- Please, please, please fight to extend the each day—Minnesota has not had a ployment compensation for 3 months emergency unemployment past the end of full-time U.S. attorney. It is a modern- and is fully offset. the year. My husband and I are both still un- day record. During those years, from I have spoken about the need to ex- employed, by no fault of our own, and are August 2011 to August 2013, B. Todd both over 55. We are having a very difficult tend Federal support for unemploy- Jones was responsible for doing two time finding employment, and to stop this jobs. He was the Minnesota U.S. attor- ment insurance, and I would like to program would be devastating for us and thank Senator JACK REED and Senator many others that we know. My husband was ney, and as those of us involved in the DEAN HELLER for their bipartisan lead- at his job for 37 years and they closed the long vote in this Chamber that lasted ership on this issue. doors, and I made more than some of the over 8 hours remember, he was also the Unemployment insurance provides a more junior people in my office, so I was let Acting Director of the Bureau of Alco- critical lifeline. Workers pay into the go first. hol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. program so it will be there when they Think of that: a couple, the man They had not had a full-time confirmed are looking for work. Unemployment working at his job for 37 years, the Director for 7 years. So he went in insurance helps families pay the mort- woman more senior at her job saying after the mess with Fast and Furious gage or rent and put gas in the tank. she was let go because she made more and was willing to be the Acting Direc- Federal support for unemployment in- money than others in the office. tor. At the same time he was the U.S. surance is crucial for those Americans She ends by saying: attorney for Minnesota. As you can who exhaust their State-funded bene- Please help to get this extended. I feel like imagine, there was a lot of work and fits and are still looking for work. the people who are still left jobless are being cleanup to do at the ATF. That was Throughout my time as the Senate forgotten! where he was focused for most of his chair of the Joint Economic Com- Thank you. . . . time. mittee, I have focused on the con- Second letter, Donna from Prior Meanwhile, the U.S. attorney’s office tinuing problem of long-term unem- Lake. She says this: in Minnesota kept going. But at some 1 ployment. Last month, I issued a Joint . . . Having worked for over 30 plus years point after 2 ⁄2 years, you cannot keep Economic Committee report that of my life, I am currently unemployed. I going on your own. Over the summer, makes the clear economic case for ex- have applied for over 300 positions during the the Senate finally confirmed B. Todd tending Federal support for unemploy- last 6 months. I do not expect a handout but Jones as Director of the ATF, leaving ment insurance, which keeps those I was really disappointed when I found out the Minnesota U.S. attorney’s position Americans afloat, those Americans that I could no longer receive unemployment finally open for good. Even before the insurance after the 28th of December. . . . confirmation of B. Todd Jones, Senator who are continuing to search for work. It’s not that I am not trying to work, or The long-term unemployment rate that I am not looking for a position, but I FRANKEN and I, upon the recommenda- now stands at 2.5 percent, nearly twice am 55 years old and my full time job right tion of our bipartisan U.S. Attorney as high as when these benefits expired now is to find a job. I am looking for tem- Advisory Committee, had already rec- during the last recession. porary, full time, part-time, contract work. I ommended Andy Luger, Assistant U.S.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.051 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S745 Attorney, to fill the position. That was the rights of our State’s citizens and case, the second biggest Ponzi scheme 197 days ago. tirelessly pursued justice on their be- in U.S. history. Now this case was In November, President Obama nomi- half. This quick action by President originated when, in fact, they had a nated Andy Luger to become the new Taylor and the speed with which the full-time U.S. attorney. Most of the U.S. attorney. The Judiciary Com- Senate has confirmed past U.S. attor- prosecution did take place when they mittee approved his nomination unani- neys for Minnesota shows how much had a full-time U.S. attorney in the of- mously on January 9. Our colleague our government has historically valued fice. Of course, with a major case like from Texas, Senator CRUZ, had no ob- this position. this, you would want a full-time U.S. jection to this nomination. We had no These people have not been used as attorney there to make critical deci- objections on the committee, which is pawns in some kind of a fight over sions. saying a lot, because we have a lot of other issues, they have simply been Also the office has an ongoing ter- different people from different back- confirmed. We have simply gotten it rorism investigation that has led to grounds and different political views on done. I think we can all agree, given charges against 18 people for aiding the the committee. what we have seen with the heroin terrorist organization al-Shabaab—8 of Usually when people speak on nomi- cases that are on the rise all over the whom have been convicted, some re- nations on the floor, it is because they country in the last few months—this ceiving sentences of up to 20 years in are fighting to get someone through has certainly come to our attention in prison. because there is an objection. This is Minnesota. In Hennepin County alone, So at some point, as that investiga- not at all the case in the case of Andy 60 opiate-related deaths in 1 county in tion continues, one wonders why the Luger, who is trying to be the U.S. at- our State in just 6 months of the year. United States of America would want torney for Minnesota. So I think we can all agree that the to have an office overseeing and pros- What has happened in past cases with importance of this position is no less ecuting major terrorist cases without U.S. attorneys? Over the past 20 years, important than it was in 1789 when this having a full-time U.S. attorney. I do 4 Minnesota nominees to be U.S. attor- job was created. wonder if this would ever happen in ney, appointed by Republican and Since the founding of the country, we New York City or in the city of Chi- Democratic Presidents alike, were con- have recognized the great authority cago. I hope people keep this in mind firmed within a day of when they placed in the hands of U.S. attorneys as they look at the situation. passed out of the committee. During to uphold the rule of law, to protect Other major accomplishments of the this timeframe, all of the nominees our freedoms, and to exercise their office include Operation Highlife, a were confirmed within an average of power responsibly and only for just major drug trafficking investigation 91⁄2 days of being voted out of com- ends. A 1935 Supreme Court decision involving more than 100 local, State, mittee. called Berger v. United States has and Federal law enforcement officers It has been 26 days since Mr. Luger gained iconic status for Justice that resulted in 26 indictments, 25 was approved by the committee. It is Sutherland’s description of a prosecu- guilty pleas, and sentences of up to 200 time that we do the right thing by tor’s duty to follow the rule of law, months in prison. quickly confirming him to make sure serve justice, and play by the rules. Operation Brother’s Keeper, a suc- that Minnesota has its highest law en- Justice Sutherland so aptly wrote: cessful investigation and prosecution forcement officer in place. The United States Attorney is the rep- of a RICO case involving a regional 200- I want to thank Senator GRASSLEY resentative not of an ordinary party to a member gang, took 22 dangerous crimi- for his help on this. He actually also controversy, but of a sovereignty whose obli- nals off the streets. This does not gation to govern impartially is as compel- has a U.S. attorney who is pending for sound like a case that should be han- ling as its obligation to govern at all; and dled by an office that does not deserve the District of Iowa. whose interest, therefore, in a criminal pros- Why is the U.S. attorney important? ecution is not that it shall win a case, but a full-time U.S. attorney. That would I thought our pages would be inter- that justice shall be done. be the prosecution of a RICO case in- ested in this fact, because we are going As such, he is in a peculiar and very defi- volving a regional 200-member gang. to be talking a lot about the U.S. at- nite sense the servant of the law, the twofold Or how about Operation Malverde, torney over the next few weeks if this aim of which is that guilt shall not escape which received national attention, and keeps going on. The position of U.S. at- nor innocence suffer. He— was a prosecution of 27 defendants as- And we could say he or she for the sociated with a Mexican drug cartel, torney is a law enforcement post that modern day. the Founders regarded as so vital that including the apprehension of the car- —may prosecute with earnestness and they created it during the very first tel’s regional leader, and sentences as vigor—indeed, he should do so. But, while he high as 20 years in prison. Congress in the Judiciary Act of 1789. my strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to This is the same act that created the strike foul ones. It is as much his duty to re- The office also recently played a key Attorney General and the structure of frain from improper methods calculated to role in shutting down a major syn- the Supreme Court and the lower produce a wrongful conviction as it is to use thetic drug seller in Duluth. This head courts. According to the act, each judi- every legitimate means to bring about a just shop was a major problem. They went cial district would be provided with: one. after this head shop. They prosecuted a person learned in the law to act as attor- That is the kind of statement that the owner. The owner was recently in ney for the United States . . . whose duty it rings as true today as it did nearly 80 his house and was found to have over shall be to prosecute in each district all years ago. The men and women in the $700,000 in plastic bags hidden in his delinquents for crimes and offenses cog- Minnesota U.S. attorney’s office exem- bathroom. They won that case. nizable under the authority of the United plify the professionalism, high ethical These are just a few of the major States, and all civil actions in which the standards, and unwavering commit- cases that office has worked on in re- United States shall be concerned . . . ments to the rule of law and public cent years. I will be telling you more in The U.S. attorney is a position so safety that we expect of prosecutors. the days to come. necessary that President Zachary Tay- They work to protect public safety by After 888 days without a full-time lor appointed Henry Moss—this is a focusing on offenders who harm our boss, these hard-working people de- name you may not have heard of be- communities: terrorists, the ‘‘worst of serve a leader, and Mr. Luger is the fore—to the post within 2 days of Min- the worst’’ violent criminals and drug right person for the job. Again, I am nesota becoming a State. So back then traffickers, and major financial not up here speaking about this be- somehow they are able to get it done in fraudsters. cause anyone in the Senate objects to 2 days. Now, we have been waiting 888 They also work closely with local law Mr. Luger for the job. days. But in 2 days they were able to enforcement to ensure local and Fed- It is time we vote on Mr. Luger’s get a U.S. attorney in the job when eral resources are used efficiently and nomination. In the past, as we know, Minnesota first became a State. effectively to prevent crime and lock U.S. attorney nominations have simply Since 1849, the District of Min- up criminals. gone through on voice votes, without nesota’s 31 U.S. attorneys have upheld For example, the office won a convic- much hurrah, within a few days after the rule of law, the Constitution, and tion in a $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme they go through the committee. Mr.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.058 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S746 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 Luger is a dedicated public servant and dustry provides thousands of good-pay- that I and many colleagues on both has the breadth of experience, strength ing jobs, American jobs, and billions of sides of the aisle have been working to of character, and commitment to jus- dollars to the economy of our region. I get over the finish line. I am pleased tice that makes him a well-qualified fought to make sure we kept this vital we have finally come together to pass a candidate to serve as Minnesota’s next program in place. bipartisan 5-year farm bill that will U.S. attorney. I have no doubt that he This bill also includes crop insurance make needed reforms and give farmers will uphold the principles Justice Suth- so farmers have certainty with respect the certainty they need to plan for the erland sought in that opinion in a U.S. to their planting decisions. future. The bill we passed will not only attorney. I urge my colleagues to sup- One of the things the farm bill does, support rural America but our entire port Mr. Luger’s confirmation and to which was very important to me and to Nation. finally give the Minnesota U.S. attor- so many people, is to link the crop in- I yield the floor. ney’s office and its hard-working pros- surance program to conservation. Min- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. WAR- ecutor the full-time U.S. attorney they nesota farmers are good stewards of REN). The Senator from Wyoming. deserve. the land and understand how critical Mr. BARRASSO. Last week Presi- I yield the floor and I suggest of a conservation is, and so do our hunters dent Obama came to Congress and de- quorum. and our anglers. With this provision in livered the State of the Union Address. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the farm bill, when our farmers receive He admitted that under the Obama clerk will call the roll. the crop insurance benefits, they also economy too many Americans are still The assistant legislative clerk pro- agree to implement conservation prac- out of work. The President didn’t ceeded to call the roll. tices that are good for our land and for admit that his policies were to blame, Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, I ask our water. but he did promise to act. He said: unanimous consent that the order for In addition to a strong safety net in ‘‘Wherever and whenever I can take the quorum call be rescinded. the conservation provisions, the bill steps without legislation to expand op- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without also contains many provisions that are portunity for more American families, objection, it is so ordered. very important to Minnesota agri- that’s what I am going to do.’’ What THE FARM BILL culture. For example, I pushed to in- the President promised all of us he Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, I am clude provisions to support beginning promised the country last week. very pleased that we were able to vote farmers. With the average age of farm- I believe the President could start by on and pass a badly needed and long- ers in Minnesota approaching 60, we coming clean about how his health care overdue 5-year farm bill today and that need to invest in a new generation of law is hurting jobs and harming mid- we are finally on the verge of enacting farmers and ranchers. That is why the dle-class Americans. beginning farmer and rancher program the legislation into law with the Presi- Just this morning, the Congressional has been a priority of mine. This im- dent’s signature. Budget Office put out their estimate With one in five jobs in Minnesota portant program will support training that the President’s health care law connected to agriculture, passing this and education for beginning farmers, will reduce the number of full-time bill has been a top priority of mine. I and it will help new farmers overcome workers by 2.3 million people by the the steep financial hurdles they often have been working on it for over 21⁄2 year 2021. That includes people who face when starting. years, along with a large number of my will lose their jobs, people who will I am also very proud of the com- have their hours cut, and mostly peo- colleagues, and I have gone all around prehensive energy title of the bill, ple who will decide not to work. This is Minnesota talking to farmers and busi- which I helped to author. The energy one of the perverse incentives in this nesses. They tell me not only did they sector in agriculture produces jobs and terrible law. It actually encourages want a 5-year farm bill, but they need- supports rural communities in Min- able-bodied people to not work. We are ed a 5-year farm bill so they could plan nesota and across the country. The en- already faced with the lowest labor for the future. Well, we finally have ergy title includes programs such as force participation rate we have seen in gotten it done. the Rural Energy for America Pro- 35 years and this number they have There are so many important pieces gram—or REAP—which provides farm- come out with—over 2 million fewer to this bill, and I want to speak about ers and rural business services with jobs in our economy. When we were de- a few of them today. loans and grants so they can invest in When I meet with farm leaders and energy efficiency and renewable energy bating the health care in the Senate visit farms all across Minnesota, I hear to reduce their energy bills. and the CBO came out with their esti- over and over about the importance of It also includes programs to help mate based on the way they read the providing farmers with a strong safety rural America develop advanced law before it went into effect, they said net. There is a lot of uncertainty when biofuels that will help wean the Nation this could negatively impact jobs and it comes to farming. Once a farmer off of foreign oil. It also includes pro- the economy to the tune of 800,000. Now puts his crop into the ground, the crops grams to help move the Nation away we are at 21⁄2 times that many—over 2 are vulnerable to drought, to too much from a foreign petroleum economy, the million fewer jobs—and as a result spe- rain, to disease, and different kinds of way products are increasingly made cifically of the health care law. We pests and to other natural disasters. In out of homegrown renewable biomass. should be doing all we can to increase 2012, for example, we witnessed a ter- Those are only some of what I fought labor force participation. The health rible drought that devastated the Na- for in the bill. The bill does all of these care law actually pushes it in the oppo- tion’s corn and soybean crops and critically important things while also site direction. forced ranchers to cull their livestock. reducing the deficit by billions of dol- The Congressional Budget Office also All of these safety net programs in lars. said this morning that the health care the bill are important because they Like all bipartisan compromises, the law will provide health insurance to 2 protect our farmers and ranchers, and bill is not perfect. In particular, I am million fewer people this year than they also protect American consumers not happy with the cuts to the nutri- previous estimates had expected. One by making sure families have a reli- tion program on which so many low-in- of the main reasons Democrats insisted able, domestically produced supply of come families rely. I am somewhat re- they needed to pass this law in the first food. lieved in the end these cuts were closer place was to cover uninsured people. The bill provides disaster assurances to what was in the original Senate bill Now the Congressional Budget Office for livestock producers. It contains a than the draconian cuts the House of doesn’t even expect it to do the job the dairy program so our dairy producers Representatives had called for and Democrats intended it to do very well. have the certainty they need. It con- passed in their bill. I appreciate the The law is raising costs, it is hurting tains a sugar program to help protect tough job, though, my colleagues had middle-class Americans, and not even our sugar growers, American sugar on their hands to arrive at a final com- helping the people the Democrats told growers. promise. us it was going to help in the first Minnesota is home to a large number At the end of the day, this is an in- place. President Obama promised last of beet sugar growers, and the sugar in- credibly important piece of legislation week to act and to do something to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.059 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S747 create jobs. What we see is this health Now that the complaints from the elected to make decisions. The science care law is actually reducing jobs and far-left environmental extremists have is settled. The President should be em- reducing the number of people work- been debunked, what do they say? Ac- barrassed when his former Secretary of ing. There are other things the Presi- cording to the news reports, some will Energy says the decision on whether dent could do to help create jobs. The have protests and some are planning the construction should happen was a first thing, though, would be to work lawsuits. The Washington Post had a political one and not a scientific one. with Republicans to help repeal the story this Sunday entitled ‘‘For pipe- Any objections have been heard; they health care law and come up with re- line, the ‘gut check’ moment.’’ It have been answered. There are no more forms that will actually work. talked about some of the fanatical excuses. It is time for the President to He could also look at a number of the anti-energy protesters who refuse to make up his mind. Is he going to follow options on the energy front that would accept the science. They want to pres- the science or just the politics? He help the private sector create jobs—no sure the President and Secretary of should approve the Keystone XL Pipe- government money needed. State Kerry to make sure these jobs line. He should do it now. He should do The President says he wants to do never get created. This is one good the job he was elected to do so middle- things that don’t require legislation. quote: ‘‘Neva Goodwin, co-director of class Americans can do the jobs they Without any legislation at all, the the Global Development and Environ- desperately want to do. President could approve the Keystone ment Institute at Tufts University and XL Pipeline and expand opportunity Madam President, I yield the floor. a contributor to Kerry’s past cam- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- for thousands of American families. paigns, said that she will be opposing Over the past 5 years, a small number ator from Vermont. the pipeline in another way.’’ of lawyers, consultants, bureaucrats, The article quotes her as saying: ‘‘I Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, what and environmental activists have made am working with an informal network is the parliamentary situation? a living over haggling about the pipe- of political donors that will be pushing The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mo- line. Meanwhile, the President has Kerry to do the right thing.’’ tion to proceed to S. 1963. turned his back on middle-class people Political donors and activists on the Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I ask who are in need of jobs, desperate need left are committed to killing this pipe- unanimous consent that I be allowed to of jobs—people living in Montana, line, regardless of the science, regard- speak for up to 10 minutes as in morn- South Dakota, Nebraska, other States. less of the middle-class jobs, and re- ing business. TransCanada submitted its applica- gardless of what is in the best interests tion for a permit to build the Keystone The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of the country. XL Pipeline more than 5 years ago. objection, it is so ordered. I find it astonishing that former En- Ever since, President Obama has wast- SUPPORTING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND ergy Secretary Steven Chu said yester- ed America’s time and money grasping FIRST RESPONDERS day, on this very point, what about the for excuses in order for him to be able science, what about the cost-benefit Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, last to reject it. analysis. President Obama’s former week, Attorney General Eric Holder The State Department’s latest envi- appeared before the Senate Judiciary ronmental review confirms yet again Secretary of Energy said yesterday: ‘‘The decision on whether the construc- Committee for a regular oversight that the pipeline shows no significant hearing. I appreciated the Attorney environmental impact, and it will sup- tion should happen was a political one, not a scientific one.’’ So much for the General’s cooperation and willingness port more than 42,000 jobs. Last sum- to appear before the Committee to dis- mer, the President sneered at those President of the United States saying the decision would be based on science. cuss a variety of important matters. jobs. He said they were just ‘‘a blip rel- His testimony reminded us of the Jus- ative to the need.’’ For out-of-work The President’s activist base will be mobilizing and fighting against good tice Department’s central role in car- Americans, those jobs are more than a rying out the policy of Congress to sup- blip. For them, this is more than a American jobs. So what does the ad- ministration itself say? It says it port our Nation’s law enforcement offi- pipeline, it is a lifeline. It is way past cers and first responders. time for President Obama to quit stall- wants to wait for some more opinions. There is one vital program that pro- ing and to finally do the right thing for The White House Chief of Staff said vides support to the families of fallen those Americans. Sunday that the President wants offi- They say the definition of insanity is cials from the Environmental Protec- law enforcement officers and other doing the same thing over and over and tion Agency, the Energy Department, first responders, and that is the Public expecting different results. Yet the and other agencies to tell him what Safety Officers’ Benefits Program—the Obama administration has been doing they think. I know what the former PSOB. I am proud to have authored the same thing over and over. Secretary of Energy thought. He said legislation that has expanded and im- We have had a draft environmental the decision on whether the construc- proved the PSOB in important ways so impact statement. We have had a sup- tion should happen was a political deci- that we honor the sacrifices made by plemental environmental impact state- sion, not a scientific one. our law enforcement officers and first ment, we have had a final environ- You don’t need to look any further. responders. From my Hometown He- mental impact statement, then we Look at the history of the project. roes Survivors Benefits Act to the Dale have had a draft supplemental impact TransCanada applied to build this pipe- Long Public Safety Officers’ Benefits statement, and Friday we had the final line more than 5 years ago. The Obama Improvement Act, I have fought to supplemental environmental impact administration has set deadlines and make sure that all of the families who statement. said it would make a decision. First, it have lost an officer or first responder People at home listening to this was the end of 2011; then it was after are honored. We got those laws passed would say why would it take 2 years— the election in 2012; and then it was at to honor the service of these dedicated and it did, it took 2 years—to go from the end of 2013. That is what President first responders and we exercised con- the supplemental draft environmental Obama promised Republican Senators siderable oversight to make sure the impact to the draft supplemental envi- when he met with us last March. The program was administered fairly and ronmental impact statement. It makes administration has missed every dead- efficiently. We wish we didn’t need the no sense at all. This is the fifth report line, broken every promise. It is inter- PSOB program because it is a reminder by the State Department and the con- esting because the last time the Senate to Americans about the dangers law clusion is always the same. They could voted on the subject, 17 Democrats enforcement officers face every day. do this report another 5 times or an- joined every Republican to support the But because they do face those dan- other 50 times. The result is still going pipeline. gers, we need the program. I thank the to be the same. It is a simple cost-ben- The Obama administration is still Attorney General for his leadership efit analysis. The cost is no significant trying to find a way to evade and to and commitment to making this pro- environmental impact. The benefits avoid having to make a decision. This gram more responsive to Congressional are at least 42,000 jobs and a chance to really ought to be embarrassing to an intent and more effective for grieving reduce our dependence on overseas oil. administration. President Obama was families.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.061 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S748 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 Sadly, in 2013, the National Law En- been reauthorized three times by unan- struction of this proven commonsense forcement Officers Memorial Fund re- imous consent. Bulletproof vests have legislation. Do your press conferences, ported that 111 law enforcement offi- saved the lives of more than 3,000 law if you want. Say you are in favor of law cers in the United States were killed in enforcement officers. These are officers enforcement. Who is going to be the line of duty. This preliminary data who put their own lives on the line. against law enforcement? But then reflects an eight percent decrease from They do not stop to say: Wait a prove it. Let us get these passed. the number of officer fatalities in 2012, minute, how did people vote on the bul- I am proud that every Democratic and amounts to the fewest line of duty letproof vest act? They respond when member has supported it, and most Re- deaths in more than five decades. This they are called. publicans do. Those few who are op- trend is good news, but Congress must Unfortunately, since 2012, a few Re- posed, let us vote. In the coming not let up on its effort to increase offi- publican Senators have blocked pas- weeks, as the Senate moves closer to cer safety. Every single line-of-duty sage of this bill and thwarted the vast recognizing our Nation’s fallen law en- death represents enormous tragedy for majority of senators who want to see forcement officers during National Po- the families but also for the commu- this program reauthorized so that it lice Week in May, I intend to come to nities of these officers. can continue to save the lives of those the floor to seek unanimous consent to For decades, Congress has been stead- who keep our communities safe. There pass these long-stalled bills. If Sen- fast in its support of law enforcement is no dispute that the Bulletproof Vest ators want to oppose them, fine, vote officers, and has traditionally main- Partnership program saves lives. In against them, but they ought to be tained policies to increase officer safe- testimony before the Senate Judiciary willing to join me on the floor and ex- ty and well-being. Until recently, Con- Committee in February 2012, the Gov- plain those objections to the thousands gress has acted decisively in support of ernment Accountability Office noted of law enforcement officers and fami- those who dedicate themselves to pro- that since 1987, bulletproof vests have lies who will soon gather in Wash- tecting their communities. As someone saved the lives of more than 3,000 law ington to honor those who have made who had the privilege to serve in law enforcement officers. I am disappointed the ultimate sacrifice in service to enforcement for 8 years, I am so proud we can’t all come together to promote their fellow citizens. of what we have done in the past. But the safety of our Nation’s law enforce- Our law enforcement officers risk now, for some reason, there are some in ment officers who put their lives on the their lives every day to keep us safe. Congress who do not believe the sup- line every day to ensure our safety. It They deserve a Congress that does port of law enforcement officers and is our duty to support them and I call more than just talk about their serv- first responders can be a Federal re- on all senators to stand with them and ice. They deserve protection. sponsibility. I disagree. I remain com- pass this important legislation. One of the saddest days I ever spent mitted to fighting for all of our State Madam President, I remember walk- as State’s attorney was going to the fu- and local law enforcement officials. ing down the street in a town in Colo- neral of a police officer killed in the Last fall the Senate Judiciary Com- rado and a police officer in uniform line of duty. It was a snowy day in mittee reported two important bills to walked up to me and asked: Are you Vermont. The snow was falling gently support our Nation’s law enforcement Senator LEAHY? I said: I am. He tapped from the sky, and there were several officers. Both bills would help protect his chest, and you could hear the miles of police cars—their blue lights the lives of law enforcement officers. thunk, thunk of the bulletproof vest, reflected against the white snow. Such Both have been approved in this body and he said: I want to thank you, and a peaceful scene—but not for the fam- for immediate passage by every single I want to thank Senator Campbell. ily of that police officer. I said to my- Democratic Senator. Unfortunately, That is all he said. I was choked up lis- self that I would do everything I could there are some Republican Senators tening to him. to protect them, and I appreciate those who continue to obstruct passage of The Judiciary Committee also re- Republicans and Democrats who have both bills in the Senate. I worry that ported the National Blue Alert Act. joined me on this. We cannot bring some are putting ideology ahead of the This is a bipartisan bill. It passed the back a fallen officer but we can and we safety of our law enforcement officers. House of Representatives by an over- must work together to protect the next More than a decade ago, a Republican whelming majority of Republicans and one who may come under fire. I call on Senator from Colorado, Senator Ben Democrats. The National Blue Alert friends from across the aisle to join all Nighthorse Campbell, and I joined Act would create a national alert sys- the rest of us, and your fellow Repub- forces—again, because both of us had a tem to notify all State and Federal law licans who have already joined, to pro- law enforcement background—and we enforcement agencies with critical in- tect law enforcement officers. Let us authored the Bulletproof Vest Partner- formation when an officer is injured or immediately reauthorize the Bullet- ship Grant Act. We worked across the killed in the line of duty. I am a proud proof Vest Partnership Grant Act, and aisle to get both Republicans and cosponsor of it. It is sponsored by Sen- let us pass Senator CARDIN and Senator Democrats to support us, and we cre- ator CARDIN and Senator GRAHAM, a GRAHAM’s National Blue Alert Act. ated a grant program that has assisted key Democrat and Republican. This We have many—I know in my office— State and local law enforcement agen- bill would help apprehend a fugitive who have worked on this. I will men- cies in purchasing more than 1 million suspected of seriously injuring or kill- tion Matt Virkstis, whose background protective vests. ing a law enforcement officer and who is at the Vermont Law School, that In fact, Madam President, I remem- is fleeing through multiple jurisdic- some in this body are well aware of, ber a police officer who testified before tions. It defies common sense that any such as our distinguished Senate Par- the Judiciary Committee telling us senator would object to this legisla- liamentarian. But I also appreciate all how much he loved law enforcement, tion, which contains no fiscal author- those police officers—and I have no but what he loved even more was his ization and is universally supported by idea what their politics are—who come family, his parents, his wife, and his law enforcement leaders across the in to say thank you to those of us who children. When he talked, he said: I country. have supported the Bulletproof Vest came within a second of never being In recent weeks, some Senators have Partnership program. It is such an easy with them again. He said: This is what expressed concern for the safety of law thing to do. It should be noncontrover- saved me. He pulled up from under the enforcement officers in the context of sial. Let us get back to the days where, desk a bulletproof vest and we could the Senate confirmation process. I do when we have something noncontrover- see the slugs stuck in it. He said: I was not question that these Senators are as sial, we just pass it. Together we can ambushed and had a cracked rib, but concerned as I am about the safety of honor the service of those who keep us later that day I saw my family. With- law enforcement officers, but I invite safe. out this vest and the Bulletproof Vest those who have expressed concern be- Madam President, I yield the floor. Partnership Grant Act, I never would fore the cameras for the well-being of I see my dear friend is here, so I will have seen my family again. law enforcement officers to come here not suggest the absence of a quorum. I Between 2000 and 2010, the Bullet- and support the two bills I have dis- yield the floor, and I yield back the re- proof Vest Partnership Grant Act has cussed today and end the needless ob- mainder of my time.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.062 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S749 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Again, this is the Congressional season when interest groups from our ator from Indiana. Budget Office—a nonpartisan group es- State come with many creative and in- THE DEBT AND DEFICIT tablished by this body to deal with novative ideas as to how they could Mr. COATS. Madam President, I re- numbers and give us facts and projec- better spend or spend more money on turned to the Senate in 2011 to tackle tions from economists who give us the their particular programs. what I believed to be the greatest chal- opportunity then to look at how we They come in and say, ‘‘We are here lenge facing our country, and I have shape policies. to encourage you to increase spending devoted much of my first 3 years in I was stunned by the CBO report, and for medical research at the National this returned term on working to I would like to share the shocking find- Institutes of Health’’ or, ‘‘We are here achieve a debt reduction agreement ings. I hope every Member of Congress to have you understand how important that would put our Nation on a path to will look at this. I am going to dis- scholarship grants, Pell grants, and fiscal health and fiscal responsibility. tribute it on behalf of the Joint Eco- others are for enrollment of students in I have been involved in discussions nomic Committee so we have access to our States’’ or, ‘‘We are here to talk for endless hours and days and months this. But it ought to send a shock wave about the need to improve our infra- with my colleagues on both sides of the through all of us, and it ought to pro- structure, to pave our roads and fill aisle—Republicans and Democrats— vide us with the courage and the will potholes and build and repair and es- with the administration and with out- to step up and do what I think we all tablish new infrastructure for the side groups over trying to put together know we need to do. movement of water, sewage treat- a long-term deficit and debt reduction Finding No. 1. The national debt has ment.’’ On and on it goes. We can go plan that will put us on the path to fis- exploded over the last several years. right down the list of literally hun- cal health, to finding a way forward to Gross Federal debt in 2014 is projected dreds of requests as to how tax dollars deal with our ever mounting debt. to reach $17.7 trillion, which is a figure ought to be spent to better improve our I am committed to working with my larger than our entire economy and an States, to better improve our health, colleagues and the administration on increase of over $7 trillion in just the to better improve our education, to this issue because I believe, ultimately, last 5 years under this President. better improve a whole range of things, the most important thing we can do for Point No. 2. CBO projects cumulative including support for national security. the future of our country, for future deficits from 2014–2023 to be $1 trillion I have to look them in the eye and generations—the most important leg- larger than last year’s projection for say: Every year we have a smaller pot acy we can leave during our term of the same time period. of money percentage-wise of our budget service here—is to solve our Nation’s Last year was startling enough. Now to apply to all these discretionary fiscal crisis. we learn—after 1 year of sequestration, Recently, we have heard relatively spending programs which Congress has holding down spending, and speeches little about this. Despite efforts which to approve every year. on this floor saying we are getting con- I say: I am really not here to argue have been ongoing for the last 4 to 6 trol of this, CBO comes along and says years, we have not come to a resolu- about whether money for the National the cumulative deficits from 2014 to tion; we have not come to an agree- Institutes of Health is more important 2023 will be $1 trillion larger than they ment which puts us at the beginning of than money for education grants or thought just last year. So while we are a path to resolve this problem. Yet money for infrastructure development congratulating ourselves for holding each year it mounts. Our debt dramati- or any other endeavor in which the cally increases. We continue on deficit down spending, we are told we are add- Federal Government is involved. spending. ing $1 trillion more than was projected Every year all of these are going to Even though we have made a few ef- and anticipated last year. be faced with less money to fund these forts to reduce deficit spending to half Now we are dealing with the so-called programs. Some of them ought to re- of what it has been—at least for this Affordable Care Act—yet to be proven ceive less and some of them ought to be coming year, based on the sequester to be affordable. CBO says that closed and the waste and fraud ought and the implication of that—it is also ObamaCare will reduce the number of to be eliminated. Nevertheless, there clear that this is temporary. It is also full-time workers by 2.3 million people are essential functions that need to be clear that whether we reduce it in half through 2021. At a time when this was funded, and they won’t be able to be or not, the other half still amounts to sold as a plan to put Americans back to funded adequately and will continue to more than half a trillion dollars of ex- work, as something that would reduce shrink as the mandatory spending runs cess spending, driving our debt higher our deficit because we would get con- out of control. and higher. trol of out-of-control health care But to think that of all the revenue— I am privileged to serve as the senior spending, we are told by the Congres- all the tax dollars that come into the Republican Senator on the Joint Eco- sional Budget Office that the number Treasury 10 years from now, 94 percent nomic Committee. We spend a fair of full-time workers will decrease by will be spent on programs we have no amount of time looking at the projec- 2.3 million. This is a significant in- control over and won’t be available for tions for the future and how they ought crease from the last estimate of 800,000 any of the things I mentioned and doz- to shape our actions here in the Con- during the same time period. So we ens—if not more—of programs. It is gress, as well as how we should work have gone from an 800,000 projection simply unsustainable. Ninety-four per- with the administration in terms of not that long ago to 2.3 million. cent. Six percent left to provide for our dealing with this issue. Point No. 4. Mandatory spending— national security and national defense, The Congressional Budget Office is a particularly our health and retirement our institutes of health, education, in- nonpartisan group who deals with num- security programs—is crowding out all frastructure development, manufac- bers, not with politics—at least they other priorities. The Congressional turing innovation, research and devel- are not supposed to. They bring about Budget Office once again has said that opment—you name it. their annual ‘‘Budget and Economic as we look at our total budget, the CBO also said Social Security is in Outlook,’’ which was released today. mandatory spending continues to jeopardy. They project that Social Se- Looking at it is shocking. Never has crowd out all other spending priorities. curity ‘‘will continue to run cash flow my conviction been stronger than This figure stood out and stunned me deficits every year during the next dec- today when I read this outlook which because it is the first time I have seen ade.’’ And the disability insurance has just been released. It addresses such an extraordinary jump in the trust fund will be insolvent by 2017. issues important for all of us. I am mandatory spending percentage of our That is 3 years away. going to talk about just the top 10. But total spending. Let me repeat that. The Congres- if this is not a siren call to us to On mandatory spending, CBO says in- sional Budget Office said that at the refocus our efforts on this issue, we are terest on the debt is projected to con- current rate the Social Security dis- going to regret to the end of our lives sume 94 percent of all Federal revenues ability insurance trust fund will be in- not having taken action to begin the 10 years from now, squeezing out fund- solvent in 3 years. process of getting this country’s fiscal ing for all other priorities. Squeezing They also said mandatory spending health and responsibility back in order. out? Eliminating. We are entering the on health care programs is exploding.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.063 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S750 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 We have heard it said on this floor its projection of GDP growth’’ in 2014, dent directly and with some of his top and we have heard it mentioned in the based on late-2013 data. So the numbers advisers to try to put something in State of the Union Address and by the we are dealing with today may be over- place, as modest as it was or as it administration numerous times, that ly optimistic. As dire as this report is, seemed to end up being—and we were we are getting control of our exploding it may be that we are underestimating not even able to complete that. That health care costs through the Afford- the damage that will come from our in- burden, that responsibility, that legacy able Care Act. In 2013 the Federal Gov- ability to control spending and put us rests on our shoulders. That duty rests ernment spent $861 billion on Medicare, on a path to fiscal health. on our shoulders, to acknowledge these Medicaid, and other major health care This isn’t another siren alerting facts, acknowledge these numbers, and programs. This year the collective cost Washington to the stark reality of our to understand what impact it is going is expected to reach $933 billion and country desperately needing a real debt to have on the future of this country, then nearly double by the year 2024 to reduction agreement; this is, a five- our children and grandchildren, $1.8 trillion. I don’t call that getting alarm fire. Our fiscal house is engulfed everybody’s children and grand- control of our health care costs. Yet in flames. The question is, When are children, and perhaps even our genera- this mandatory spending part of our we, who have been given the responsi- tion. budget will continue to grow to the bility by the people we represent, going So I will be distributing this report point where we simply have no money to have the courage to stand and do from Republicans on the Joint Eco- left for any other function of govern- something about this, to put out this nomic Committee. I am hoping our re- ment. fire? port sends out yet another alarm, and All this, of course, is based on inter- We cannot overlook the fact that our we will not simply rest on the fact that est rates and the assumption as to Nation is facing record deficits as far we have made a baby step here in what they will be. CBO says interest on as the eye can see. We are careening on terms of getting some control over our our debt is set to double. Annual inter- an unsustainable, unstable fiscal path. spending. But as we turn around—akin est payments on the national debt are We need all hands on deck to address to a little grass fire over here that we estimated to more than double over the this now—not tomorrow, not after the put out across the street while the five- next 10 years from 1.3 percent of our next election. How many times have we alarmer is burning away, blazing away, gross domestic product in 2014 to 3.3 heard, after this next election, we need and we are saying we will deal with it percent of GDP in 2024. And we know to dig down and roll up our sleeves and later. We can’t deal with it later. We from the past that estimates of what take on this challenge. We need to do must deal with it now. will happen with interest rates will this now because the threat is now. I yield the floor. drive that rate higher, particularly as A credible, long-term plan to reduce The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- our fiscal crisis gets more desperate. our debt and put our country back on a ator from Connecticut. Point No. 8. Again, the Congressional path of fiscal health and economic Mr. MURPHY. Madam President, I Budget Office says: We have a spending growth and opportunity is the only ask unanimous consent to engage in a problem and not a taxing problem. Pro- way we can preserve the America we colloquy with the Senator from Hawaii jected revenues will exceed the 40-year enjoy today or have enjoyed in the for up to 20 minutes. past. It is the only way to preserve historical average of gross domestic The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without that for future generations. So I think product this year and outpace growth objection, it is so ordered. in our economy over the next 10 years. we have a generational responsibility So they say the problem isn’t too lit- that is as important as any we have COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY AND INNOVATION ACT tle revenue. That is going to continue faced before. Mr. MURPHY. Madam President, I to pour in here as we continue to raise Many say our legacy rests on what am on the floor with my colleague Sen- taxes. But you can’t raise taxes fast we do here. Whether that is true, we ator SCHATZ from Hawaii to talk about enough or adequate enough without, certainly will be measured by what we our recent introduction of a piece of one, destroying our economy or lim- do or what we don’t do relative to this legislation entitled ‘‘The College Af- iting our economy, but, secondly, to particular crisis. Again, this is not a fordability and Innovation Act of 2014,’’ keep pace with the spending, which Republican conservative standing and which we introduced along with our will hit its projected average of 20.5 saying: This is how I see things. I am good friends Senator MURRAY of Wash- percent this year and over the next 10 simply reciting how the entity we turn ington and Senator SANDERS of years outpace economic growth to a to, the Congressional Budget Office—a Vermont. greater degree. neutral body which just does the math By way of framing the conversation CBO notes that ‘‘after 2024, the long- and then draws conclusions from it— we will have today, I wish to speak term trajectory of spending will drive actually, we draw the conclusions; they about one particular college that up debt to nearly unprecedented levels. put the numbers down. This is what the maybe paints a picture of the crisis we Let me repeat that. This is a quote Congressional Budget Office has told are in today with respect to the mount- from the Congressional Budget Office: us. These are stunning numbers, much ing cost that confronts kids and fami- ‘‘After 2024, the long-term trajectory of more than any of us anticipated. I lies when they want to get a college spending will drive up debt to nearly think there has been a little lull of us education and the variety of out- unprecedented levels.’’ thinking: Well, we have things under comes—the frankly surprising and CBO suggests that such an upward control. We had sequester; that was often shocking variety of outcomes— path would ultimately be unsus- kind of messy, but it did save some that students are getting when they tainable. money. Now we have a budget. We are show up at the doors of institutions of Point No. 9. Labor force participation going forward and back to regular education, particularly institutions of will continue to decline over the next order. for-profit education. Corinthian Col- several years. CBO projects that labor What is regular order? Regular order lege is a school in California—not a participation will drop to 62.5 percent is continuing to spend more than a small one but a pretty big college. It by the end of 2017, fueled in part by the one-half trillion dollars more than we has about 100 campuses in 25 different mandates in the Affordable Care Act bring in, in revenue. Raising taxes, ac- States. Let me give some statistics and negative impact on job creators as cording to CBO, is not going to solve about Corinthian College. After about a result. the problem; that just hinders eco- a year, over half of the students who Point No. 10. The Congressional nomic growth. enroll drop out. When they are finished Budget Office suggests that even these So those of us on both sides of this with their education, whether it be to dire projections may be overly opti- body who have worked to address these a degree or not, about one-third of all mistic. CBO projects real economic issues now, not later; those of us who students who go to Corinthian default growth of 3.1 percent, which is notably have worked with the administration— on their student loans. If 56 percent higher than private sector and IMF es- and I was part of a small group work- isn’t a bad enough number in terms of timates of 2.4 percent to 2.8 percent. ing with the administration over a 7- 1-year dropout rates, after 4 years, only CBO says that it ‘‘would probably trim month period of time with the Presi- 6 percent of all the kids who walk in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.069 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S751 through the doors of Corinthian Col- for that, whether they got that experi- that is good. That is a matter of na- lege get a degree—6 percent of those ence studying at a high school or in the tional strategy. That is about the kids. work force or in the military. Some American dream. That is about the Affordability isn’t an argument in students don’t have to start as a fresh- premise that the President talked favor of this school either. For a legal man; some students can start as a about in his State of the Union Ad- assistant degree, they charge $28,000, sophomore or a junior. dress, which is that if people work hard but down the street at a community Maybe it is a renewed effort to con- and play by the rules, they can move college a person can get that same de- solidate graduate programs with under- up the economic ladder. Higher edu- gree for $2,500. They have a 35-percent graduate programs. I think President cation is one of the best ways to do default rate, a 6-percent 4-year gradua- Obama is right; one doesn’t need 7 that. It always has been in the United tion rate, and degrees that can cost 14 years to become a lawyer in this coun- States of America. But here is the times as much as comparable local try. It doesn’t make a lot of sense that problem. The Senator from Con- schools. one has to essentially spend 10 to 15 necticut talked about an individual ex- Guess what. The Federal Government years in education and training to be- ample, but let me give the aggregate rewards this school with $1.6 billion in come a doctor. We can consolidate data. Federal aid every year and $500 million graduate and undergraduate programs. Over the last 10 years, we have spent in Pell grant money every year. So this But whatever we do, we have to 20 percent more and we have gotten 25 example, which frankly can be re- admit that one of the easiest ways to percent less. We are spending 20 per- peated over and over, especially in the reduce the cost of a degree is to reduce cent more and we are getting 25 per- for-profit world, speaks to the chal- the time it takes to get a degree. So cent less. That means that although lenge we have. the first part of our bill focuses on giv- our investment in higher education and We have done a very credible job over ing some grants to a small number of theoretically in college affordability the course of the last few years in schools to build out the right way to do has increased, the net cost for students keeping down the interest rate we competency-based degree programming has gone up by 25 percent. We now have charge students who want to take out or initiatives to give greater credit for more than $1 trillion in student loan loans to go to school. No one has prior learning or consolidations of debt. It is the second largest source of worked harder on this issue inside this graduate and undergraduate degrees. debt, to mortgage interest, and it has body and outside this body than the We introduced this piece of legisla- now outpaced credit card debt. Presiding Officer. But we also have to tion because we think it is time to This is a real crisis not just on the have a concurrent conversation about start having a real conversation about consumer level but as a matter of eco- the sticker price of college because it what the Federal Government can do nomic strategy for our Nation, because can’t be enough that we are facili- to control and lower the price of col- to the degree and extent that young tating student borrowing; we actually lege education. It is breaking the bank people or people who want retraining have to try to engage in a real effort, for families. We can do something or people who want to get a culinary using Federal leverage, for the first about it. If we didn’t have any tools at degree or become a master carpenter or time perhaps in our history of Federal our disposal, maybe this wouldn’t be a who want to become an architect or a higher education policy, to push the worthwhile conversation, but we give doctor start to evaluate higher edu- cost of tuition down in the first place. out $140 billion in Federal aid every cation and decide it is not a good value That is what the College Affordability year, and it is about time we start de- anymore, that doesn’t just impact and Innovation Act seeks to do. manding some accountability for that their individual family or their indi- As Senator SCHATZ will talk about, money, whether it is accountability for vidual community but it impacts our there aren’t a lot of issues that are cost or accountability for quality. It national economic strategy. much more important to the middle doesn’t make sense for taxpayers to be College is no longer affordable to class than the cost of higher education. sending $1.6 billion a year to a school many people, and that is despite the We both know that. We have partnered with a 6-percent graduation rate, a 38- fact that we are spending more in raw on this piece of legislation in part be- percent loan default rate, and prices dollars and in inflation-adjusted dol- cause not only are we not that far that are simply not competitive in the lars than ever before. away from the time in our lives when landscape of college education. Senator MURPHY talked about the in- we were in college, but we are paying I am pleased to be on the floor with novation portion of this legislation. We back our student loans and saving for my colleague Senator SCHATZ, and I am also have an accountability portion of our kids’ education, so we get how happy to turn the floor over to him. this legislation. Here is the basic much of an annual budget can be taken Mr. SCHATZ. Madam President, I premise: As an institution of higher up in paying for both prior and saving thank the Senator from Connecticut education, if you are a for-profit, if you for future college. So we attack this for his partnership on this legislation. are a not-for-profit, or even if you are problem in two ways—and I will just He has been a real friend and a true a public institution, it is not the Fed- briefly speak about the first way and partner. We are happy to have the sup- eral Government’s job to determine then I think the Senator from Hawaii port of Senator MURRAY from Wash- what your mission may be. And cer- can speak a little bit about the second ington as well as Senator SANDERS. tainly if you are a private for-profit, method. They have been working on this issue we are not here to dictate your organi- First, we think it is time for a little for a long time. zation’s mission. But a for-profit insti- bit more innovation when it comes to This is the middle class issue of our tution has no special right to Federal the way in which college is structured. time. It doesn’t just belong to college- funding. If you are going to receive bil- There is no magic to the fact that aged students; it belongs to all of us. lions of dollars in Federal subsidies, we today one has to sit in a classroom for Senator MURPHY spoke about how im- think it is reasonable, as we endeavor 4 years, taking a requisite amount of portant it is for those of us who have to reauthorize the Higher Education credits, in order to get a degree. There young children and are beginning the Act, that we tie some reasonable public is a lot of interesting innovation hap- process of trying to save for our chil- policy strings to those dollars. pening out there where a small subset dren’s college education, but it also be- All we are saying is that we want in- of schools are saying: Wait a second. longs to the grandparents’ generation. stitutions of higher learning—and espe- Maybe there is a different way to do it. So many people are thinking about cially their leadership—to wake up For instance, maybe we should award whether they can help their kids to every morning and not think first a degree based on the competencies a ameliorate their existing student loans about profits, not think first about how student gets, regardless of whether the or their grandkids to be able to afford they are going to market to find more student needs 2 years or 3 years or 4 college. customers, but to think about access years to get that degree or, for in- As Senator MURPHY mentioned, we and affordability. And what we are say- stance, maybe we should give students spend almost $150 billion in some form ing is that different institutions may who show up at their freshman year of or fashion on Federal financial aid for have different missions. A community school with prior learning more credit institutions of higher learning, and college has a different mission than a

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.071 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S752 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 training institute, and a 4-year institu- give you some data. In 2011 only 38 per- you want to receive Federal dollars for tion has a different mission than a cent of undergraduate students in a 4- your institution of higher learning, graduate institution. That is all fine, year institution graduated on time. So then we are asking you to focus on ac- and that is why we have established in when you think about the cost of col- cess and affordability. this legislation an independent com- lege, you think about the per-year I want to give one last piece of data mission, comprised of experts, to deter- cost. But if it is taking 6 or 7 years, because it actually shocked me, even mine what matrix of incentives and then the per-year cost is not as impor- as much as I have been working on this possible penalties would be appropriate tant as how realistic it is for you to issue. The for-profit institutions com- for each institution. finish on time. Just to be clear, those prise about 12 percent of the students But here is the bottom line: We are data could be skewed by the fact that and 30 percent of the Federal dollars. spending more and getting less, and we there are part-time students and all Madam President, 12 percent of the are spending $150 billion. This system the rest of it. That is not what we are students and 30 percent of the Federal is not working, and we are pleased to talking about here. It is simply hard to dollars. have the support of several of our col- finish on time. So while there are institutions that leagues. We are going to be enlisting But there is hope on the horizon. For are for-profit that are doing great work the support of many others. instance, the University of Hawaii has and there are not-for-profits and public I am looking forward to continuing undertaken a program called 15 to Fin- institutions that have to do a lot bet- the conversation with the Senator ish. The basic idea is that students, es- ter, let’s call it like it is. from Connecticut. pecially in their freshman year, need to One of the major challenges here is Mr. MURPHY. I thank Senator know that they need those 15 credits. we have to wrap our arms around SCHATZ. They need to get help from their coun- undue profits and publicly traded com- Here is another statistic to think selors so that by the time they are in panies that are generating profits and about: It was not so long ago that we their sophomore year, they are well on spending Federal dollars on marketing ranked first in the Nation with respect their way to completing their major of to students and not providing very much in the way of value. to 25-year-olds to 35-year-olds with col- choice in the 4-year period of time. Mr. MURPHY. Let’s be clear as to lege degrees, and that was not only a The challenge now is that given that what we are talking about here. We be- source of immense pride for this coun- legislatures have cut funding to insti- lieve we are talking about a pretty try but really the genesis of our eco- tutions of higher learning—and as a re- light hand of accountability in the nomic greatness—that we turned out sult you have fewer counselors and sense that we are really going after the more college-educated young people fewer people to assist in the student true outliers. The Senator talked about than any other country in the world. In services office—oftentimes you do not the work happening at the University a very short period of time we slipped get real counseling with respect to of Hawaii or the University of Con- from 1st to not 2nd or 3rd or 4th but to what you need until it is too late, and necticut. We do not imagine that any 12th. We are now 12th in the world with then you find that you are on a 5- or 6- flagship university is going to run respect to the number of 25- to 35-year- year plan. Your family may not have afoul of these accountability stand- olds with college degrees. made the financial arrangement that ards. I, frankly, do not believe many Part of the reason for that is that a puts you in a position to be on the 5- public universities at all are going to lot of other countries have caught up year plan. run afoul of these standards. We are to the United States. But the crisis in From a revenue standpoint, if your really talking about the handful of this country is no longer just a crisis of mission as an institution—for-profit or outliers that have just absolutely abys- access. That was the buzzword for a not-for-profit—is just to fill those seats mal retention rates, graduation rates, long time, that we needed to increase and to generate those dollars, then default rates, or tuition increase rates. access to college. We now have a crisis that does not matter to you. But the We are also talking about, we think, of completion in which millions of stu- challenge we have right now is that the a pretty nuanced process to try to dents are starting school and not fin- institutions—the publicly traded bring those schools around before they ishing for a variety of reasons but ones—have pressures to generate prof- lose eligibility for funding. Our bill largely because of the astronomical its. But even the not-for-profits and says that if you are not meeting these cost. even the public institutions—the Uni- standards, you have a pretty long pe- Today the majority of students are versities of Hawaii and the Universities riod of time in which you would be on not graduating in 6 years. So the issue of Connecticut—have had their funding probation with no practical effects, in about affordability is not just about at- reduced by the legislatures. So their which you could set upon an action tracting more kids into the doors of CFOs are trying to figure out new rev- plan to improve your affordability or college—because I will tell you, as I am enue streams, and as long as they can outcomes. Then if, after that period of sure Senator SCHATZ does, I talk to a keep enrollment up, that enables them time, you still were not hitting your lot of kids who graduate high school to go back to their legislature and say: benchmarks, then you lose 10 percent and do not apply to schools in my We are in the black. of your Federal aid, then 20 percent, State because they are scared off by What we are saying is that is not and then finally, in the fourth or fifth the cost and they do not believe they good enough. We are not asking you to years, you would become ineligible. are going to be able to put together the be in the black. We certainly under- That is plenty of time for a university family resources to pay for it—but we stand the need to be fiscally respon- to correct. But if a school that is start- also are losing a generation of workers sible. We certainly understand the need ing out with a 6-percent graduation because it is taking young people now to generate tuition revenue. But here rate cannot improve that over 5 years, 6, 7, 8 years to complete a degree, and is the thing: The point of higher edu- why on Earth would we continue to often many of them are never com- cation is for students to be able to send $1 billion to that school when it pleting that degree while still taking move up that economic ladder, and to could be used for students who are at- on loan after loan after loan and get- the extent that not only is it not ac- tending schools that care a lot more ting stuck in the worst possible situa- complishing that goal, but it is actu- about quality education? tion whereby they have thousands of ally doing the opposite for some of our Mr. SCHATZ. I think the Senator is dollars in debt and no certificate to students, they end up with a mountain exactly right. We had the Senator from bring into the workforce. of debt and either no degree or a degree Indiana talking about debt and deficits So our effort is an effort to address that they find does not make them em- and making sure we spend every Fed- cost because we care about access, but ployable in the marketplace. That is a eral dollar intelligently. Right now, we it is also an effort to address cost be- national shame. That is why we have are simply not spending this money in cause we care about completion, and to address this issue. the most efficient and efficacious way that is one of the big problems we have The good news is we believe we are possible. That is what this legislation in our system today. spending a sufficient amount of money is about. Mr. SCHATZ. I think the Senator is on the Federal level so we can effec- Senator MURPHY and I talked about exactly right about that one. Let me tuate these changes just by saying: If how it might have been a little more

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.073 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S753 politically satisfying in the short run lying going on about climate change; dollars. The Drexel University report to put hard caps on college tuition and there is a whole carefully built appa- chronicles that from 2003 to 2010, 140 precipitous goals that would have been ratus of lies. This apparatus is big and foundations made grants totaling $558 very easy for us to articulate. But the artfully constructed, phony-baloney or- million to 91 organizations that ac- fact is, given that you have different ganizations designed to look and sound tively oppose climate action. It looks institutions with different missions as if they are real, messages honed by like a big beast to build just to propa- and you have great work being done at public relations experts to sound as if gate climate denial. But if you look at the community college level, at the they are truthful, payroll scientists carbon emissions from fossil fuels, certificate level, and at the 4-year and whom polluters can trot out when they which in 2011 EPA estimated to be over at the graduate level, we wanted to ac- need them, and the whole thing big and 5.6 billion metric tons of carbon diox- count for the different missions, and complicated enough that when you see ide—so take 5.6 billion tons of carbon we wanted to make sure we did not cre- its parts, you could be fooled into dioxide and then multiple that by the ate the kind of incentive program that, thinking it is not all the same beast. social cost of carbon, the economic and for instance, would prevent an institu- But it is, just like the mythological health costs that the polluters cause tion from wanting to take a kid in who Hydra—many heads, same beast. So and inflict on the rest of society, which is from a lower income area and this speech is going to be about that OMB recently set at $37 per metric of maybe, statistically speaking, is more beast. CO2—5.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide likely to default on his or her loan. A recent research article published emitted, $37 per metric ton of CO2 on We really want, as a matter of policy, by Dr. Robert Brulle, a professor of so- the social cost of carbon. Just 1 year’s to focus on access. So it is access; it is ciology and environmental science at emissions will cost roughly 200 bil- affordability; it is the consistency with Drexel University, describes the beast. lion—with a B—dollars. So the stakes the mission. But here we are spending He joins a tradition of scholarship in are pretty high for the polluters. If $150 billion—more than we ever have— this area, including work by Naomi they were to pay for the harm they are on this national priority, and our re- Oreskes, Aaron McCright, and Riley causing, half a billion dollars through sults are worse than ever. So the status Dunlap, each of whom has studied the the beast, over 7 years, to get away quo cannot stand, and I am really look- forces behind climate denial; and David with $200 billion of harm every year is ing forward to working with my col- Rosner and Gerald Markowitz, who ex- a bargain. More than that, a lot of this machin- league on this important issue. plored chemical and lead industry cam- ery was already built. The beast did Mr. MURPHY. As we wrap up our paigns to deceive Americans about the not spring up at once full grown, it time on the floor, when my great- dangers of those products. grew over time—in industry-fueled grandfather came to this country, he The intricate, interconnected propa- campaigns to obscure the dangers of knew that without a college education ganda web and funding network of this climate denial beast encompasses over cigarette smoke, of acid rain, of ozone he could get a job pretty easily that 100 organizations, including industry depletion. Who knows. There are prob- would be able to put food on the table, trade associations, conservative think ably parts of it that go back to the have decent health care for his family, tanks, and plain old phony front groups benefits of requiring seat belts and air- even provide him with a little bit of a for polluter interests. It has even co- bags in cars. pension that would take care of him. opted media outlets, a phenomenon I Looking back on the effects of these His son, my grandfather, followed him chronicled in an earlier speech about industry-funded campaigns of denial, into that same profession, working for the Wall Street Journal editorial page we see that real people were hurt. But a ball bearing factory in New Britain, becoming a tool of polluter propa- the denial machinery stalled action CT. ganda. and made the wrongdoers money. It While those jobs still exist, they are So let’s take a look at this climate worked. So now the climate denial ma- getting rarer and rarer. For the next denial beast, and how polluter money chine, the beast, is calling plays from generation to succeed, we know they and dark money flows through its the same playbook and even using need access to a college degree. They veins. This chart from Dr. Brulle’s re- many of the same front organizations. are not getting that access to comple- port shows the complex interconnec- So who is behind this base? Unfortu- tion because we have been woefully in- tion of the beast’s major players. The nately for the proponents of trans- adequate in using the tools at our dis- green diamonds are the big funders, the parency, a large portion of the funding posal at the Federal level to try to put Koch-affiliated foundations, the Scaife- is not traceable. Much of the money pressure on colleges to deliver on both affiliated foundations, the American fueling the beast is laundered through affordability and outcome. Petroleum Institute, and so on. organizations which exist to conceal We hope the introduction of the Col- The blue circles are the who’s-who of donor identity. Some of the organiza- lege Affordability and Innovation Act climate denial groups: the Heartland tions examined by Dr. Brulle get over will allow us to open a new front in the Institute—they are the group that 90 percent of their money from hidden debate on higher education to promote compared folks concerned about cli- sources. Indeed, more than one-third of the idea of reducing the sticker price of mate change to the Unabomber, to give these organizations get over 90 percent college. you a sense of what sort of people they of their money from hidden sources. I thank my colleague for joining me, are—the American Enterprise Insti- The biggest identity laundering shop is and I yield the floor. tute, right here, the Hoover Institu- Donors Trust and Donors Capital Fund. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tion, the Heritage Foundation, the Indeed, it is by far the biggest source of ator from Rhode Island. Cato Institute, the Mercatus Center, to funding in this web. These twin enti- Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam Presi- name just a few. ties reported giving a combined $78 dent, I ask unanimous consent to speak The purpose of this network, to quote million to climate denier groups be- for about 15 minutes, perhaps as many the report, is ‘‘a deliberate and orga- tween 2003 and 2010, and they refused to as 17 minutes. nized effort to misdirect the public dis- identify their funders. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cussion and distort the public’s under- According to the Drexel report, the objection, it is so ordered. standing of climate.’’ Donors Trust and Donors Capital fund- CLIMATE CHANGE To misdirect and distort. The coordi- ing operation does double duty. It is Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam Presi- nated tactics of this network, the re- the ‘‘central component’’ and ‘‘pre- dent, I come to the floor today for the port shows, and I will quote again, dominant funder’’ of the denier appa- 57th consecutive week that the Senate ‘‘span a wide range of activities, in- ratus, and at the same time it is the has been in session to urge my col- cluding political lobbying, contribu- ‘‘black box’’ that conceals the identity leagues to wake up to what carbon pol- tions to political candidates, and a of contributors. lution is doing to our atmosphere and large number of communication and Interestingly, anonymous funding oceans. media efforts that aim at undermining through Donors Trust and Donors Cap- I have described Congress as sur- climate science.’’ ital fund has grown in tandem with dis- rounded by a barricade of lies. Today I That is the beast. Big money flows closed funding from fossil fuel pol- will be more specific. There is not just through it, more than half a billion luters declining, anonymous dollars up,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.074 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S754 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 disclosed dollars down. As we see here, know climate change is real. As the gress to pass TPA legislation so his ad- Donors Trust and Donors Capital dona- President said in his State of the Union ministration could complete negotia- tions to the beast went from 3 percent Address: tions on two very ambitious and impor- of all foundation funding in 2003 to The debate is settled. Climate change is a tant trade agreements. While I thought more than 23 percent in 2010. fact. President Obama could have spoken At the same time, for example, the Sir Winston Churchill once said this: more forcefully on this matter, his call Koch brothers’ affiliated foundations Owing to past neglect, in the face of the for TPA renewal was clear and unam- declined from 9 percent of all founda- plainest warnings, we have now entered upon biguous. Yet so far the call appears to tion funding in 2006 down to 2 percent a period of danger. . . . The era of procrasti- be going unheeded—or should I say by 2010. The same is true for other pol- nation, of half-measures, soothing and baf- among Democrats in the Senate. luter-backed foundations. The Exxon- fling expedients, of delays, is coming to its Why is TPA so important, trade pro- close. In its place we are entering a period of Mobil Foundations wound down its dis- consequences. . . . We cannot avoid this pe- motion authority? I think some addi- closed funding of organizations in the riod; we are in it now. tional context is necessary. climate denier network and basically Well, we are now in a period of con- The administration is currently in zeroed out by 2007. sequences. We have got to break the the midst of negotiations on the Trans- It makes perfect sense. Why would back of the beast and break the barri- Pacific Partnership, or TPP, an Asia- the Koch brothers and ExxonMobil cade of blandishments and lies that the Pacific trade agreement that is cur- come under fire for obviously funding beast has built around Congress. This rently being negotiated between the climate denial when Donors Trust and campaign of denial, this beast, is as United States and 12 other countries, Donors Capital creates a mechanism poisonous to our democracy as carbon including some of the world’s largest for polluters to secretly fund the base? pollution is to our atmosphere and economies, such as Japan, Canada, and Plus, the phony-baloney front organi- oceans. With money and lobbyists and Mexico. zations within the beast can pretend threats, it has infiltrated itself in an The Asia-Pacific region represents they are not funded by polluter money. unseemly influence in our government. more than 40 percent of the world’s Everybody wins in this identity-laun- For the sake of our democracy, for the trade and, as a group, TPP countries dering charade except the public, obvi- sake of our future, for the sake of our represent the largest goods and serv- ously, whom this elaborate construc- honor, it is time to wake up. ices export market for our country, the tion is designed to fool. I yield the floor. United States of America. The product of the denial apparatus The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- On the other side of the world, the is a complex ruse to delegitimize the ator from Utah. United States is negotiating a bilateral science that supports curbing carbon INTERNATIONAL TRADE POLICIES trade agreement with the 28 countries emissions, foisted on the American Mr. HATCH. I wish to take a few of the European Union. This is called people with all of the financing and minutes to talk about our Nation’s TTIP. The United States and the EU fantasy of a Hollywood blockbuster international trade policies. Specifi- generate over half of the world’s eco- production. Here is Dr. Brulle describ- cally, I wish to discuss efforts to renew nomic output. Total goods trade alone, ing what you see when you look behind trade promotion authority, or what we however, between the United States the actors who appear in the media call TPA. The most recent authoriza- and the EU amounts to over $1 trillion spotlight. I will quote. tion of TPA expired nearly 7 years ago. a year. Investment flows represent an- The roots of climate-change denial go Since that time, Republicans have, by other $300 billion a year on top of that. deeper . . . Just as in a theatrical show, Together, these two trade agree- there are stars in the spotlight. In the drama and large, expressed support for renew- ing it. ments have the potential to greatly ex- of climate change, these are often prominent pand access for U.S. products in the contrarian scientists or conservative politi- In August 2010, U.S. Trade Represent- cians. . . . However, they are only the most ative Ron Kirk testified that the foreign markets around the world. visible and transparent parts of a larger pro- Obama administration needed TPA to Most importantly, they would help to duction. Supporting this effort are directors, conclude ongoing trade negotiations. grow our economy and create jobs at script writers, and, most certainly, a series However, after that time, little was home. of producers, in the form of conservative done to move the ball forward on re- These two separate trade agreements foundations. newing TPA. In September 2011, Minor- and negotiations represent what is the Frankly, this apparatus is a disgrace. ity Leader MCCONNELL and I offered an most ambitious trade agenda in our When the inevitable happens, and the amendment on the Senate floor to Nation’s history. While everyone impact of climate change really starts renew trade promotion authority for knows that I am a pretty outspoken to hit home, people will want to President Obama. critic of the Obama administration, I know—Americans will want to know, Unfortunately, despite strong sup- believe the administration deserves people around the world will want to port from the Republican caucus, a credit on this front. But if these nego- know why, why we did not take proper number of Democratic Senators ac- tiations are going to succeed, Congress steps in time. It is not as if there is not tively opposed our efforts, and it re- must approve TPA. enough scientific evidence for us to ceived virtually no Democratic sup- Because of the unique structure of act. Why not? This denial operation, port. As a result, our efforts failed. our government, our country needs the beast, will then go down as one of In March 2013, then-Acting USTR TPA. Our trading partners will not put our great American scandals, like Wa- Marantis again expressed the adminis- their best deal on the table unless they tergate or Teapot Dome, a deliberate, tration’s support for renewing TPA and know the United States can deliver on complex scheme of lies and propaganda pledged to work with Congress to get it what it promised. that caused real harm to the American done. TPA empowers our trade negotiators people and to our country, all so that a In June 2013, United States Trade to conclude agreements and provides a small group of people could make more Representative Michael Froman, dur- path for passage in Congress. That is money a little longer. ing testimony before the Senate Fi- why every President since FDR has The fact that one of our great polit- nance Committee, formally requested sought trade promotion authority. No ical parties is in on the scheme will be on behalf of President Obama that Con- economically significant trade agree- to its lasting shame. There is an old gress renew TPA. ment has ever been negotiated by any hymn that says, ‘‘Turn back O man, Throughout most of 2013, I worked administration and approved by Con- forswear thy foolish ways.’’ It is time with Chairman BAUCUS and Chairman gress without it. for our denier colleagues to turn back CAMP of House Ways and Means to Put simply, if Congress does not and forswear their foolish ways. If they craft a bipartisan bill to renew TPA, renew TPA, the TPP negotiations and do not, there will be a day of reckoning one that could pass through both the TTIP negotiations with the Euro- and a harsh price to pay. Houses and the Senate. We introduced pean Union will almost certainly fail. Every day, more and more Americans our bill in January. That is why it is so disconcerting to realize the truth, and they increasingly Last week, in his State of the Union me to see how some of my colleagues want this Congress to wake up. They Address, President Obama asked Con- across the aisle have responded to the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.075 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S755 President’s call for TPA renewal. TPA to the Federal deficit. As I mentioned, I have serious concerns with the ac- is one of the few issues where both par- Senator BAUCUS and I, along with curacy of the scoring done on ties can and should be able to work to- Chairman CAMP, have negotiated and ObamaCare and its portrayal of the im- gether to achieve a common goal. introduced a bipartisan, bicameral pact of this legislation versus the stat- I know that I, along with my Repub- TPA bill. It is, in my opinion, the only ed benefits for the American people. lican colleagues, stand ready and will- TPA bill that stands a chance of get- We cannot keep doing this. There are ing to work with the administration to ting passed in both the Senate and the people’s lives at stake, people’s lives approve TPA as soon as possible. I House of Representatives. that we are dealing with. The CBO pro- think I have a reputation of working My colleagues on the other side of jections during the health care reform across the aisle and bringing people to- the aisle have a choice. They can either debate seemed to significantly under- gether. This is one I want to bring peo- work with the Republicans to pass our estimate the negative impact of ple together on—and I shouldn’t even bill and empower our country to com- ObamaCare. Because of those projec- have to argue about it, but I do. plete these important trade agree- tions, supporters were able to jam it I believe the bipartisan bill Chairman ments, or they can throw up more through—one vote, everybody knows BAUCUS and I recently introduced to roadblocks and cast more uncertainty about that vote—and now the Amer- renew TPA would receive strong bipar- on the President’s trade agenda. ican people have to pick up the tab on tisan support in the Senate if it were As I stated, Republicans stand ready the CBO’s errors. allowed to come up for a vote. Indeed, to work with President Obama on these I am calling for hearings in the Fi- I am confident that the vast majority issues and to help these trade negotia- nance Committee, upon which I sit, to of my colleagues would join me in sup- tions to succeed. For the sake of our demand CBO come before the com- porting the bill, both Democrats and country and our economy, I sincerely mittee and explain to the Congress and Republicans. hope my Democratic colleagues and the American people why and how its The problem is Republicans are not friends in the Senate are willing to do scores, which led to the passage of in the majority in the Senate. It is the the same. ObamaCare, did not tell the whole I yield the floor. Democrats who control the agenda. Un- story. This is about accountability for The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- fortunately, the President’s call to ator from Kansas. past actions, and we must ask the renew TPA does not appear to be a pri- Mr. ROBERTS. Madam President, I question, the difficult question, an un- ority for some of the Democrats, cer- come to the floor to discuss the recent fortunate question: Was this political? tainly the leadership of the Democrats. report by the Congressional Budget Of- Were the books cooked? The question is, Will Senate Demo- fice, the CBO, which contains updated CBO needs to take the responsibility crats work with the President on this estimates of the insurance coverage for the differences between their pro- issue? I don’t know the answer to that provisions of the Affordable Care Act, jections and the most recent updates question, but I have to say that things also known as ObamaCare. just released as of this morning. We don’t look very good to me. Instead of It was just on Sunday the President must have accurate estimates on the robust support for the President and told Bill O’Reilly of Fox News—in front costs and benefits of the legislation so his trade agenda, the response we have of all America on Super Bowl Sunday— we can do our jobs. This shouldn’t be seen from some Democrats has ranged that his health care bill is working. about politics or gaming the system. from awkward silence on TPA to out- Today, the Congressional Budget Office This is about people’s lives, and it is right hostility. Needless to say, I am has changed that tune. We learned our responsibility to get that right. extremely disappointed by this. from the report that ObamaCare will Let the hearings begin. Let the CBO The issue is fairly simple. If we want now cost us $2 trillion. People may re- provide answers. The CBO must answer to grow our economy through trade, call President Obama told the country this Congress and America. Congress must approve TPA and do so his bill would cost less than $1 trillion. I yield back the remainder of my soon. The President can play a unique We also learned that we are expected to time, and I suggest the absence of a and key role. By forcefully advocating lose—expected to lose—2.5 million full- quorum. for TPA renewal, he can help turn time jobs over the next 10 years. Fi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The some of the skeptics in his party nally, the CBO says exchange subsidies clerk will call the roll. around. under the ACA will reduce incentives The legislative clerk proceeded to Recently, the Financial Times pub- to work. call the roll. lished a powerful editorial which out- Let me go over that again. President Mr. DONNELLY. Madam President, I lined the need for TPA and the role the Obama told the country his bill would ask unanimous consent that the order President must play for TPA to suc- cost less than $1 trillion. Now the CBO for the quorum call be rescinded. ceed. says it will be $2 trillion. We are ex- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without According to the editorial: pected to lose 2.5 million full-time jobs objection, it is so ordered. Twenty years ago, President Bill Clinton over next 10 years. Finally, CBO says f pulled out all the stops to push through ap- exchange subsidies under the ACA will proval of the controversial North American reduce incentives to work. MORNING BUSINESS Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Can- If this is working, what does ‘‘bro- Mr. DONNELLY. Madam President, I ada. He was able to squeak through a narrow ken’’ mean to this President? ask unanimous consent that the Sen- victory by deft lobbying of lawmakers and a As I am reading this report and ac- ate proceed to a period of morning willingness to make a strong case for companying reaction, the most recent business with Senators permitted to globalization to the American public. Mr. Obama is lagging behind his predecessor on updates sound hauntingly familiar. In speak for up to 10 minutes each. both counts. The case for TTIP and TPP are fact, I believe this is something that I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without both strong. The time for Mr. Obama to and my colleagues spoke about every objection, it is so ordered. make these arguments has arrived. He has day during the debate on health care f every incentive to succeed. Failure to secure reform. We questioned at that time [TPA] would be a grievous blow to his presi- whether the CBO estimates accurately PROTECTING INDIGENOUS dency. reflected the impact of ObamaCare on PEOPLES I understand there are some powerful the American people, which leads to Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, on critical forces that leave some of my why I am on the floor as of this December 22, 2004, the United Nations friends on the other side of the aisle to evening. This is about accountability, General Assembly adopted a resolution oppose international trade. However, folks. declaring the beginning of a second let’s be clear: If we fail to approve During the debate, we questioned International Decade of the World’s In- TPA, we will be doing our Nation and whether the scoring done by the CBO digenous People. As we enter the final our economy a great disservice. Inter- was fraught with gimmicks or an unre- year of this international campaign we national trade is good for our country. alistic belief that Medicare would should remind ourselves of the impor- It is one of the few tools Congress has achieve significant savings in the fu- tance of protecting indigenous popu- to grow our economy that does not add ture. lations and take stock of what has

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.077 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S756 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 been achieved and what more needs to national average, replaced by expand- ference provides an important chance be done. ing sugarcane farms. to give real meaning to the principles I have always believed that as we ad- Anthropologists explain that the loss expressed in the declaration and is a vance and defend our national interests of land by indigenous groups often historic opportunity for the United around the globe we must also fulfill leads to social disintegration and eco- States to lead the international com- our moral obligations. As chairman or nomic dependence on the state, as we munity by putting forward a concrete ranking member of the subcommittee know only too well from our own expe- plan of action aimed at ensuring that that funds the Department of State rience. We see it in places like Bot- the collective rights of indigenous peo- and foreign operations for over two swana, where the San people, tradition- ples, including the right to free, prior decades, I have had a unique vantage ally nomads, have been uprooted from and informed consent, are recognized point from which to watch their ancestral lands to make way for and respected. globalization evolve and test our Na- diamond mines, forced into settle- f tion’s commitment to its ideals. As the ments, and exposed to HIV/AIDS and CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE world’s population swells, technology tuberculosis. Their way of life, which PROGRAM advances, and competition for energy the Botswana Government should be and natural resources intensifies, the protecting, instead is being destroyed. Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Madam Presi- rights and needs of indigenous popu- The circumstances of each indige- dent, I wish to speak about the Chil- lations are threatened by governments nous culture, whose members total as dren’s Health Insurance Program, or and corporations seeking to exploit the many as 400 million people worldwide, CHIP. I am joined on the floor today by ground on which they have built their differs from continent to continent but my friend Senator BAUCUS, the Chair- lives and preserved their cultures and they face similar threats. To defend man of the Finance Committee, to the wealth beneath it. their rights, protect their land, and stress the program’s importance. This has been the reality for too preserve their cohesiveness, a key pol- Today CHIP provides health coverage many indigenous cultures, and it is no icy change is needed. We must commit to over 37,000 children in West Virginia surprise that they are among the most to honoring the principle of free, prior, and over 8 million children across the vulnerable and disenfranchised popu- and informed consent. United States in working families who lations on Earth. These groups have For too long, governments, often in- cannot afford private health insurance. distinct ways of life and histories, tied cluding our own, have paid lip service These kids deserve a healthy start in to land they have inhabited and pro- to consulting native populations as a life. They are our future leaders and tected for thousands of years. But their substitute for obtaining their consent decisionmakers. They deserve the op- established roots rarely afford them for actions that directly affect them. portunities this program provides. Mr. BAUCUS. I thank Senator representation in governments that More often than not, such consulta- ROCKEFELLER for speaking today on hide behind laws and regulations pro- tions have been cursory or conducted this important issue. I have always ad- claiming equal treatment for indige- in a manner that divides members of mired the Senator’s hard work and indigenous communities against each nous populations who have virtually no dedication to provide health coverage other. I am pleased that in 2010 Presi- role in the political process. not just to the children of West Vir- Recognizing that indigenous peoples dent Obama formally declared our Na- ginia but children across the United have unique rights and needs that the tion’s support for the U.N. Declaration States. He has been a real inspiration rest of humanity has a responsibility of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, re- to me and many of our colleagues. to protect, several years ago I under- versing the position that the United Back in 2007 and 2009, Senator ROCKE- took to create the position of advisor States had held since the declaration’s FELLER and I worked together with fel- for indigenous peoples’ issues at the adoption in 2007. low Democrats and Republicans to re- U.S. Agency for International Develop- While that was a positive step, com- authorize CHIP. The legislation ment. I am pleased that USAID re- batting discrimination against indige- brought legislators together from both cently established this office to imple- nous peoples requires more than policy sides of the aisle because CHIP was not ment and coordinate a comprehensive, statements, it requires action. That is about politics, it was about helping U.S. Government strategy on indige- why I want to highlight the ongoing kids. Even 10 years prior to that, the nous peoples, with specific goals, threat to these populations and call at- original legislation that created the guidelines, benchmarks, and impact as- tention to the new position of advisor Children’s Health Insurance Program sessments, including support for indig- for indigenous peoples’ issues. passed with overwhelming bipartisan enous peoples’ organizations. In today’s globalized world, ensuring support. CHIP has always been very The selection of Brian Keane to fill the rights of indigenous peoples is ev- popular. Bottom line is this program this role is an early indicator that it eryone’s responsibility. Respect for works. It works for children and it will be addressed proactively. Brian, their rights is not only necessary for works for America. who has devoted his professional life to their continued survival as distinct Unfortunately, while this program these issues, will work to ensure that cultures but also to help ensure the has been authorized through the year U.S. Government policies and programs well-being of the entire planet. Wheth- 2019, the funding expires next year. I around the world are carried out in a er we are talking about biodiversity believe it is critical for the Senate to manner that respects the rights of in- protection, climate change or sustain- continue to fund CHIP beyond 2015 in digenous peoples and responds to their able development, indigenous peoples order to continue to provide essential needs. Brian’s work in indigenous com- have much to offer. Their ancestral health coverage to our lower income munities all across the globe, and his knowledge, developed over millennia, children and pregnant women. I regret advocacy on behalf of indigenous peo- has been vital to preserving what is I will not be here to carry on the work ples to inform international policy left of the world’s critical ecosystems of helping these families. making, has prepared him for his task. and can play a key role in finding solu- Mr. ROCKEFELLER. I agree with This position must not be merely a tions to challenges that humanity is Senator BAUCUS. Without the funds to symbolic post. From the Amazon currently facing. run this program, millions of children rainforest to the Kalahari Desert, in- I look forward to the World Con- will lose health care coverage. Before digenous peoples have for centuries ference on Indigenous Peoples, a high- CHIP was established in 1997, 23 per- faced existential threats due to racism, level plenary meeting of the General cent of low-income children were unin- greed, misguided policies of forced as- Assembly that will take place at the sured. Today, according to the Urban similation, and indifference. However, United Nations in September of this Institute, that number has dropped to for the surviving groups, the length of year. Its main objective is to share per- 12.8 percent. I believe that number their struggle belies the acuteness of spectives and best practices on the re- should be zero; no child should be with- the threat. In Brazil, the Guarani peo- alization of the rights of indigenous out access to the coverage they need to ple have been driven from their land peoples and to pursue the objectives of grow up healthy and happy. Thanks to and are plagued by alcoholism, pov- the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of this program and other sources of cov- erty, and a suicide rate many times the Indigenous Peoples. The World Con- erage, we are on our way to achieving

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.064 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S757 full coverage: more than 9 out of 10 build on his impressive showings at the Many additional Olympians have American children now are insured. Continental Cup and National Large been educated, coached, trained, or Studies have shown that children en- Hill Championships as he competes for even competed in New Hampshire. rolled in CHIP have demonstrated im- Team USA. These athletes with Granite State ties provements in their ability to pay at- Sean Doherty of Center Conway, NH, include Kacey Bellamy, Team USA, ice tention in class, school attendance, will be competing in the biathlon. We hockey; Sophie Caldwell, Team USA, reading scores, and participation in hope to see Sean, a first-time Olym- cross-country skiing; David school and childhood activities. pian, continue his accomplishments Chodounsky, Team USA, alpine skiing; Our efforts are working but we must from the International Biathalon Hannah Dreissigacker, Team USA, bi- do more. We must continue to work to Union Junior World Championships athlon; Susan Dunklee, Team USA, bi- enroll kids who are eligible but not yet last year and excel at this year’s Olym- athlon; Nolan Kasper, Team USA, al- covered. We must ensure that funding pics. pine skiing; Hannah Kearney, Team for this essential lifeline for families Nick Fairall of Andover, NH, will be USA, freestyle skiing; James Van does not expire. I, too, regret I will no competing in ski jumping. As a first- Riemsdyk, Team USA, ice hockey; Ida longer be in the Senate in 2015 to con- time representative of Team USA, we Sargent, Team USA, cross-country ski- tinue this work. That is why I hope have been impressed with Nick’s per- ing; Mikaela Shiffrin, Team USA, al- that we can solve the problem this formances in World Cup events and his pine skiing; Katey Stone, Team USA, year, and I am very glad my good victory at the National Large Hill Head Coach, ice hockey; Sara Stude- friend, the senior Senator from Mon- Championships. We are looking forward baker, Team USA, biathlon; and An- tana, and I could come to the floor to watching him compete on the Olym- drew Weibrecht, Team USA, alpine ski- today to deliver this important mes- pic stage ing. sage. Julia Ford, of Holderness, NH will be It is my honor to congratulate these f competing in alpine skiing. A first- time member of Team USA, we hope to New Hampshire athletes. I wish each of VOTE EXPLANATIONS see Julia perform as she did in the U.S. them and all of Team USA the best of Ms. LANDRIEU. Madam President, Championships and North American luck as they seek to bring home the due to my flight being canceled, I re- Cup races. As the 2011 NorAM downhill gold at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. gret having missed a vote on February Super G and super combined champion 3, 2014. Had I been present, I would have and 2012 NorAm overall and downhill f voted in favor of the motion to invoke champion, we are eager to cheer Julia cloture on the conference report to ac- on in Sochi. PITTSBURGH OPERA’S 75TH company H.R. 2642, a bill to provide for Kris Freeman of Thornton, NH, will ANNIVERSARY the reform and continuation of agricul- be competing in cross-country skiing. tural and other programs of the De- As a well-decorated Nordic skier and Mr. CASEY. Madam President, today partment of Agriculture through fiscal representative of Team USA for the I wish to recognize the Pittsburgh year 2018, and for other purposes. fourth time, I hope that Kris will be Opera on their 75th anniversary. Since Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam able to build upon his past experiences its founding by five dedicated women President, due to an unanticipated and excel at this year’s Winter Olym- in 1939, the Pittsburgh Opera has con- family emergency, I was unable to cast pics. We are proud to have Kris rep- sistently worked to foster new genera- a vote on February 3, 2014, relative to resenting New Hampshire once again. tions of artists and fans by making rollcall vote No. 20 to invoke cloture Chas Guldemond of Laconia, NH, will opera accessible to a diverse audience. on the conference report to accompany be competing in snowboarding. A first- The stated mission of the Pittsburgh H.R. 2642, the Federal Agriculture Re- time member of Team USA, Chas has Opera is ‘‘to culturally enrich Pitts- form and Risk Management Act of 2013. built an impressive resume in burgh and the tri-state area, and to Had I been present, I would have voted slopestyle competitions, and we hope draw national and international atten- yea. that his success will continue in his tion to the region’’. Roughly 31,000 peo- f Olympic debut. ple attend one of their five opera pro- Julia Krass of Hanover, NH, will be ductions each year. 2014 OLYMPIANS competing in freeskiing. A first-time Over time, the Pittsburgh Opera es- Mrs. SHAHEEN. Madam President, participant in the Olympics, we are ex- tablished its own orchestra, has be- today I wish to recognize the great ac- cited to watch 16-year-old Julia com- come a leader in the use of supertitles, complishments of the many New pete in the inaugural ski slopestyle and forming the Resident Artists Pro- Hampshire athletes who will be rep- event. gram to train young artists and in- resenting the United States this month Bode Miller of Franconia, NH, will be crease awareness of opera, developing in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, competing in alpine skiing. As the community programming throughout Russia. These athletes have all exhib- most decorated US male skier in World southwestern Pennsylvania. In so ited incredible dedication to their re- Cup history and five-time representa- doing, the company has served not only spective sports and have proven their tive of Team USA, Granite Staters are Pittsburgh and the tristate area, but remarkable abilities in competitions excited to see Bode compete again and has become a respected national orga- among their peers. A selection to the hope to see him repeat his impressive, nization, attracting such luminaries as U.S. Olympic team is a tremendous three-medal performance from the 2010, Luciano Pavarotti, Beverly Sills and honor and a fitting reward for their Vancouver Olympics. many years of hard work. Leanne Smith of North Conway, NH, Joan Sutherland. In New Hampshire, growing up on the will be competing in alpine skiing. As a The Pittsburgh Opera has also been snow is a way of life. With access to representative of Team USA for the an invaluable steward for the future of the unparalleled beauty and terrain of second time, we hope that the com- opera and Pittsburgh’s arts culture the White Mountains, thousands of bination of her previous Olympic expe- through its focus on environmental miles of trails, and nearly 1,000 lakes, rience and her success in recent World sustainability and fiscal management. Granite Staters are at home on the Cup events translates into victory this In 2008, the company moved to new snow, on the ice, and in the air. year. headquarters in the historic George New Hampshire is proud to acknowl- DJ Montigny of Dover, NH, will be Westinghouse Air Brake Factory, a edge our State’s Olympians and is ex- coaching three women on the cultural landmark that became the cited to show the world their talents freeskiing team. A first time coach at oldest LEED-certified building in during the Sochi games. the Olympics, DJ was named Pittsburgh in 2011, making the Pitts- Nick Alexander of Lebanon, NH, will Freeskiing International Coach of the burgh Opera the first opera company in be competing in ski jumping. As the Year in 2013. We look forward to DJ the United States to receive LEED cer- 2013 U.S. National Champion on the K90 helping lead Team USA athletes to vic- tification in the operations and main- ski jump, we are excited to see Nick tory in Sochi. tenance category.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.035 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S758 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 Similarly, in 1997, general director original home of the George A. Wes- fraternity, brotherly love, relief, and Mark Weinstein sought, through finan- tinghouse Air Brake Co. in Pitts- truth.∑ cial management and long-range stra- burgh’s historic Strip District and f tegic planning, to ensure a sound fu- transformed it into a state-of-the-art REMEMBERING WALTER J. ture for the Pittsburgh Opera, increas- home for the development and produc- ‘‘JIMMIE’’ FEW ing the company’s assets and estab- tion of opera. This structure is the old- lishing a gold standard for financial est LEED-certified building in Pitts- ∑ Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, we management in the industry. This burg, and it is a fitting home for an often note in our record the passing of planning, as well as the establishment opera company with such a rich his- government and business leaders of re- of the Artistic Excellence Project to tory and a promising future. nown, and that is appropriate. But it is raise funds for engaging elite singers Again, I want to recognize the Pitts- also fitting to pause to reflect on some and directors, has ensured that the burgh Opera on its 75th anniversary. I of those millions of American citizens Pittsburgh Opera will continue to serve wish them nothing but success in the who reflect in their lives the highest as a cultural centerpiece of Pittsburgh next 75 years. and best ideals of their faith and of and a respected leader in the greater f America. opera community. Jimmie Few of Mobile, AL, was one Again, I want to congratulate the ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS such person. I first got to know him Pittsburgh Opera on the impressive when, in 1991, we took part in a mission to Russia as part of a United Methodist achievement of their 75th anniversary. FREEMASONS CONFERENCE I wish them the best and look forward Church delegation. This was shortly ∑ to their continued enrichment of the Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, after the fall of communism. We spent arts community both in Pittsburgh and today I wish to join grand master Ger- over a week in the small city of Vyksa, nationwide. ald E. Piepiora and the Grand Lodge of 5 hours east of Moscow. We roomed to- Mr. TOOMEY. Madam President, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of gether in the home of a Russian family. today I wish to recognize the Pitts- Maryland in welcoming the 2014 Con- This was the first chance the people of burgh Opera, the seventh oldest opera ference of Grand Masters of Masons in Vyksa had to actually meet and get to company in the United States. The North America, which will be con- know Americans. Frequently, one of Pittsburgh Opera is currently engaged vening in Baltimore from Sunday, Feb- the Russians would, with surprise, say, in its 75th season, and I would like to ruary 15, to Tuesday, February 18. This ‘‘You look just like us!’’ congratulate them on this momentous annual meeting is the largest gath- Jimmie was a very large man and anniversary. The company started in ering of grand masters in the world and naturally took charge. When an agree- 1939 when five ambitious women were the first time they have come to Balti- ment was concluded, Jimmie would determined to bring opera to their more. This delegation of grand masters seal it with a firm—very firm—hand- community. Within a year, these represents 2 million Freemasons from shake. He loved the Russians. Indeed, women had assembled musicians, sing- all 50 States; Washington, DC; Puerto after this he made some 19 more trips, ers, sets, costumes, and lighting, and Rico; the Provinces of Canada; and the assisting with orphanages, schools, and produced the opera company’s first per- United Mexican States. In addition, a Bible schools as well as advising Rus- formance, Offenbach’s ‘‘The Tales of delegation of grand masters rep- sians on economic matters. Jimmie Hoffman’’ at Carnegie Music Hall. Be- resenting Freemasons from around the was a very experienced small business- fore long, the Pittsburgh Opera Soci- world also will be attending the con- man. He bought an orphanage a needed ety, under the leadership of general di- ference. van on one occasion and fixed a road to rector Dr. Richard Karp, had become a Throughout their history, Free- the orphanage in another. fully professional organization. masons—the oldest and largest frater- This kind of humanitarian, religious The Pittsburgh Opera is not only rec- nity in the world—have dedicated their mission is not unusual for Americans. ognized as an asset to southwestern lives to cultivating good moral char- Thousands of such trips are occurring Pennsylvania, but it is known through- acter both within themselves and in now involving hundreds of thousands of out the international opera community their communities. The Masonic fra- Americans who make trips to meet for the fine skill and artistry of its pro- ternity is dedicated to caring for those with millions around the globe. They ductions. It has welcomed numerous less fortunate and to giving back to the don’t focus on the rich and powerful; celebrity vocalists over the years, and community, contributing well over they focus on those in need, the poor the company’s notoriety only con- three quarters of a billion dollars annu- and the children. No nation in the his- tinues to grow and attract more talent. ally to philanthropic causes in North tory of the world has ever matched I believe that the Pittsburgh Opera has America alone. such selfless giving. It reflects well on been undeniably successful in fulfilling Maryland Masons have carried on the United States, surely creating its stated mission ‘‘to culturally enrich this tradition since 1787 by serving greater understanding among peoples, Pittsburgh and the tri-state area, and their communities with local scholar- and it is in harmony, certainly, with to draw national and international at- ship programs, student assistance, vol- the spirit of Jesus, which has inspired tention to the region,’’ and I think that unteerism, educational support, and so many. the 31,000 Pittsburghers and visitors other charitable activities. Maryland While Jimmy’s business success and who attend the opera’s productions an- Masons make important contributions health suffered in recent years, his nually would agree. to the quality of life of Marylanders at good life of service to his Lord and to The Pittsburgh Opera is also dedi- every stage of life, including the Mary- others exemplifies the best in human- cated to fostering the development of land Child Identification Program that ity.∑ future opera talent. The company has provides free identification and protec- f established and nurtured a resident tion against the problem of missing artist program that ranks among the children; free childhood language dis- REMEMBERING COLONEL WILLIAM top five in the country and has the dis- order clinics; transportation to re- EDWARD CALLENDER, SR. tinction of being the only program in gional Shriners Hospitals for children ∑ Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, today, the United States that trains singers as with orthopedic conditions, burns, spi- I would like to pay tribute to COL Wil- well as stage directors. These artists nal cord injuries, and cleft lip and pal- liam Edward ‘‘Bill’’ Callender, Sr., U.S. present two fully staged productions of ate; and retirement housing and con- Army, Retired. Bill was a friend, a na- their own and also develop a variety of tinuing care for Masons and their fami- tional hero proven in combat, a man general music programs to perform at lies. who loved his family, and a man who public schools, community centers, and I urge my colleagues to join me in committed himself to service to others. libraries. welcoming this distinguished group of To an exceptional degree, he loved his Six years ago, after nearly 70 years international guests to Maryland and country and most especially, he loved without its own center, the Pittsburgh in wishing the masons of Maryland and honored those who served her in Opera acquired and renovated the continued success in their pursuit of uniform.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.080 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S759 The scripture says, in describing Bill leaves behind his wonderful wife, MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE faith as more than intellectual assent, Jacqueline Bachar Callender; his 3 At 2:16 p.m., a message from the but action, that when Abraham was daughters, Ginger (Jay) Hawkins, House of Representatives, delivered by called, he ‘‘went.’’ When Bill’s Nation Cyndi Callender and Tammy (Jeff) Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, called him, he went—even into great Hadley; 12 grandchildren and 8 great- announced that the House has passed danger. And, to a most unusual degree, grandchildren, and many great friends the following bills, in which it requests throughout the remainder of his life, who are feeling his loss but can take the concurrence of the Senate: comfort in the knowledge that we have he continued to hear that call and he H.R. 357. An act to amend title 38, United went—in service to others in a host of had the privilege of being in the pres- States Code, to require courses of education ways and especially to veterans. ence of a remarkable man who lived a provided by public institutions of higher edu- I believe Bill Callender was one of wonderful life, consistent with the cation that are approved for purposes of the Alabama’s most valuable citizens. Viv- great heritage of America.∑ educational assistance programs adminis- ian Cannon, of the Mobile Press Reg- f tered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ister, wrote at the time of his receipt charge veterans tuition and fees at the in- REPORT ON THE CONTINUATION of the Distinguished Flying Cross, State tuition rate, to make other improve- OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY given for his actions on that harrowing ments in the laws relating to benefits admin- THAT WAS DECLARED IN EXECU- istered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, day in Vietnam when he flew his chop- TIVE ORDER 13396 ON FEBRUARY and for other purposes. per into a very hot landing gone to in- 7, 2006, WITH RESPECT TO THE H.R. 1791. An act to amend the Homeland sert and later that day to extract SITUATION IN OR IN RELATION Security Act of 2002 to codify authority American soldiers who were under under existing grant guidance authorizing TO COˆ TE D’IVOIRE—PM 29 heavy fire—a very fine piece on these use of Urban Area Security Initiative and events. Her article quotes a letter he The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- State Homeland Security Grant Program wrote to his wife shortly after the fore the Senate the following message funding for enhancing medical preparedness, events that included this line: ‘‘By the from the President of the United medical surge capacity, and mass prophy- laxis capabilities. grace of God, we came out OK.’’ Such States, together with an accompanying courageous actions cannot be bought report; which was referred to the Com- ENROLLED BILL SIGNED with money. They arise from the char- mittee on Banking, Housing, and At 5:33 p.m., a message from the acter of the hero, from love of country Urban Affairs: House of Representatives, delivered by Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- and from loyalty to comrades. To the Congress of the United States: It is part of the American sense of Section 202(d) of the National Emer- nounced that the Speaker has signed duty. Former Secretary of Defense Bob gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides the following enrolled bill: Gates talks about it in his new book, for the automatic termination of a na- H.R. 2642. An act to provide for the reform ‘‘Duty.’’ When the President and we in tional emergency, unless, within 90 and continuation of agricultural and other Congress send our magnificent soldiers days prior to the anniversary date of programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other pur- into harm’s way to achieve a military its declaration, the President publishes poses. objective deemed important, there is in the Federal Register and transmits to The enrolled bill was subsequently also a duty owed them and their de- the Congress a notice stating that the signed by the President pro tempore pendents of the highest order. It is a emergency is to continue in effect be- (Mr. LEAHY). bond that must never be broken. yond the anniversary date. In accord- Perhaps Bill never forgot that experi- ance with this provision, I have sent to f ence in Vietnam and others like it that the Federal Register for publication the MEASURES REFERRED were up close and personal to him. enclosed notice stating that the na- The following bills were read the first There were those badly wounded he tional emergency declared in Executive and the second times by unanimous flew out for life saving care, those Order 13396 of February 7, 2006, with re- consent, and referred as indicated: killed in action, and those young, anx- spect to the situation in or in relation ious faces he looked into when he flew ˆ H.R. 357. An act to amend title 38, United to Cote d’Ivoire is to continue in effect States Code, to require courses of education them into areas of great danger where beyond February 7, 2014. provided by public institutions of higher edu- lives would be lost and where, by the The situation in or in relation to cation that are approved for purposes of the grace of God, Bill had been spared. Coˆ te d’Ivoire, which has been addressed educational assistance programs adminis- Thereafter, he began a lifetime of by the United Nations Security Council tered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to service to them and America. And in Resolution 1572 of November 15, 2004, charge veterans tuition and fees at the in- serve he did—with joy and enthusiasm, and subsequent resolutions, has re- State tuition rate, to make other improve- wisdom and judgment, and responsi- sulted in the massacre of large num- ments in the laws relating to benefits admin- bility. bers of civilians, widespread human istered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, By nature, he was supportive and af- and for other purposes; to the Committee on rights abuses, significant political vio- Veterans’ Affairs. firming. He was just a ‘‘good guy’’ and lence and unrest, and fatal attacks H.R. 1791. An act to amend the Homeland ‘‘humble,’’ says Wallace Davis of Vol- against international peacekeeping Security Act of 2002 to codify authority unteers of America. I admired him forces. under existing grant guidance authorizing greatly. He was a leader in the best Since the inauguration of President use of Urban Area Security Initiative and sense of the word. He gave good advice Alassane Ouattara in May 2011, the State Homeland Security Grant Program and insight. I valued his judgment. He Government of Coˆ te d’Ivoire has made funding for enhancing medical preparedness, led by example. progress in advancing democratic free- medical surge capacity, and mass prophy- When my senior military advisor, doms and economic development. laxis capabilities; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- COL Pete Landrum, came to the Mo- While the Government of Coˆ te d’Ivoire fairs. bile area, we asked Bill to arrange and its people continue to make f meetings for veterans and sought his progress towards peace and prosperity, input on key issues. He was the go-to the situation in or in relation to Coˆ te MEASURES PLACED ON THE guy. In fact, few, if any, veterans ac- d’Ivoire continues to pose an unusual CALENDAR tivities in the area happened without and extraordinary threat to the na- The following bill was read the sec- his leadership and contribution. tional security and foreign policy of ond time, and placed on the calendar: Serving on the important Battleship the United States. For these reasons, I S. 1982. A bill to improve the provision of Commission, his tireless advocacy for have determined that it is necessary to medical services and benefits to veterans, the new Veterans Cemetery, working continue the national emergency and and for other purposes. with the Veterans Administration and related measures blocking the property f Congress and others, and his vigorous of certain persons contributing to the support for the Honor Flight Program conflict in Coˆ te d’Ivoire. MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME just reflect some of his work. He truly BARACK OBAMA. The following bill was read the first gave himself for many good causes. THE WHITE HOUSE, February 4, 2014. time:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04FE6.023 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S760 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 S. 1996. A bill to protect and enhance op- strictions on Proprietary Trading and Cer- ceived in the Office of the President of the portunities for recreational hunting, fishing, tain Interests In, and Relationships With, Senate on January 30, 2014; to the Com- and shooting, and for other purposes. Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds’’ mittee on Environment and Public Works. f (RIN1557–AD44) received during adjournment EC–4533. A communication from the Direc- of the Senate in the Office of the President tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ENROLLED BILL PRESENTED of the Senate on January 31, 2014; to the Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- The Secretary of the Senate reported Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Affairs. titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of State that on today, February 4, 2014, she had EC–4526. A communication from the Direc- Implementation Plans; Utah: Prevention of presented to the President of the tor of Legislative Affairs, Legal Office, Fed- Significant Deterioration; Greenhouse Gas United States the following enrolled eral Deposit Insurance Corporation, trans- Permitting Authority and Tailoring Rule’’ bill: mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule (FRL No. 9903–27–Region 8) received in the S. 1901. An act to authorize the President entitled ‘‘Removal of Transferred OTS Regu- Office of the President of the Senate on Jan- to extend the term of the nuclear energy lations Regarding Recordkeeping and Con- uary 30, 2014; to the Committee on Environ- agreement with the Republic of Korea until firmation Requirements for Securities ment and Public Works. March 19, 2016. Transactions Effected by State Savings As- EC–4534. A communication from the Direc- sociations and Other Amendments’’ tor of the Regulatory Management Division, f (RIN3064–AE06) received during adjournment Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- EXECUTIVE AND OTHER of the Senate in the Office of the President ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- COMMUNICATIONS of the Senate on January 31, 2014; to the titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Quality Implementation Plans; Delaware; The following communications were Affairs. Attainment Plan for the Philadelphia-Wil- laid before the Senate, together with EC–4527. A communication from the Direc- mington, Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Dela- accompanying papers, reports, and doc- tor of Legislative Affairs, Legal Office, Fed- ware Nonattainment Area for the 1997 An- uments, and were referred as indicated: eral Deposit Insurance Corporation, trans- nual Fine Particulate Matter Standard’’ mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule (FRL No. 9905–88–Region 3) received in the EC–4520. A communication from the Direc- entitled ‘‘Treatment of Certain Office of the President of the Senate on Jan- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Collateralized Debt Obligations Backed Pri- uary 30, 2014; to the Committee on Environ- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- marily by Trust Preferred Securities With ment and Public Works. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Regard to Prohibitions and Restrictions on EC–4535. A communication from the Direc- titled ‘‘Pesticides; Satisfaction of Data Re- Certain Interest In, and Relationships With, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, quirements; Procedures to Ensure Protection Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds’’ Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- of Data Submitters’ Rights’’ (FRL No. 9904– (RIN3064–AD05) received during adjournment ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- 32) received in the Office of the President of of the Senate in the Office of the President titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air the Senate on January 30, 2014; to the Com- of the Senate on January 31, 2014; to the Quality Implementation Plans; Texas; Ap- mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and For- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban proval of Texas Motor Vehicle Rule Revi- estry. Affairs. sions’’ (FRL No. 9906–03–Region 6) received in EC–4521. A communication from the Direc- EC–4528. A communication from the Direc- the Office of the President of the Senate on tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tor of Legislative Affairs, Legal Office, Fed- January 30, 2014; to the Committee on Envi- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- eral Deposit Insurance Corporation, trans- ronment and Public Works. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule EC–4536. A communication from the Chief titled ‘‘Cyantraniliprole; Pesticide Toler- entitled ‘‘Prohibitions and Restrictions on of the Publications and Regulations Branch, ances’’ (FRL No. 9388–7) received in the Of- Proprietary Trading and Certain Interests Internal Revenue Service, Department of the fice of the President of the Senate on Janu- In, and Relationships With, Hedge Funds and Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the ary 30, 2014; to the Committee on Agri- Private Equity Funds’’ (RIN3064–AD85) re- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Section 5000A culture, Nutrition, and Forestry. ceived during adjournment of the Senate in Transition Relief for Individuals with Cer- EC–4522. A communication from the Direc- the Office of the President of the Senate on tain Government-Sponsored Limited-Benefit tor of the Regulatory Management Division, January 31, 2014; to the Committee on Bank- Health Coverage’’ (Notice 2014–10) received in Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. the Office of the President of the Senate on ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- EC–4529. A communication from the Acting January 30, 2014; to the Committee on Fi- titled ‘‘[alpha]-Alkyl-[omega]-Hydroxypoly General Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory nance. (Oxypropylene) and/or Poly (Oxyethylene) Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, EC–4537. A communication from the Chief Polymers Where the Alkyl Chain Contains a the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Protection Sys- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, Minimum of Six Carbons etc.; Exemption tem Maintenance Reliability Standard’’ Internal Revenue Service, Department of the from the Requirement of a Tolerance’’ (FRL (RIN1902–AE74) received during adjournment Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the No. 9394–2) received in the Office of the Presi- of the Senate in the Office of the President report of a rule entitled ‘‘Deadline to Submit dent of the Senate on January 30, 2014; to the of the Senate on January 31, 2014; to the Opinion and Advisory Letter Applications Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Committee on Energy and Natural Re- for Pre-approved Defined Benefit Plans is Forestry. sources. Extended to February 2, 2015’’ (Announce- EC–4523. A communication from the Direc- EC–4530. A communication from the Direc- ment 2014–4) received in the Office of the tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, President of the Senate on January 30, 2014; Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- to the Committee on Finance. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- EC–4538. A communication from the Chief titled ‘‘Diflubenzuron; Pesticide Tolerances’’ titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, (FRL No. 9904–27) received in the Office of mentation Plans; Utah; Revisions to Utah Internal Revenue Service, Department of the the President of the Senate on January 30, Rule R307–107; General Requirements; Break- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the 2014; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nu- downs’’ (FRL No. 9902–49–Region 8) received report of a rule entitled ‘‘Applicable Federal trition, and Forestry. in the Office of the President of the Senate Rates—February 2014’’ (Rev. Rul. 2014–6) re- EC–4524. A communication from the Regu- on January 30, 2014; to the Committee on En- ceived in the Office of the President of the latory Specialist, Office of the Comptroller vironment and Public Works. Senate on January 30, 2014; to the Com- of the Currency, Department of the Treas- EC–4531. A communication from the Direc- mittee on Finance. ury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, EC–4539. A communication from the Chief port of a rule entitled ‘‘Treatment of Certain Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, Collateralized Debt Obligations Backed Pri- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the marily by Trust Preferred Securities With titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Regard to Prohibitions and Restrictions on Quality Implementation Plans; Utah; Revi- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Extension of Time Certain Interests In, and Relationships With, sions to Utah Administrative Code—Permit: under Section 301.9100–3 to Elect Portability Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds’’ New and Modified Sources’’ (FRL No. 9904– of Deceased Spousal Unused Exclusion (RIN1557–AD79) received during adjournment 24–Region 8) received in the Office of the Amount’’ (Rev. Proc. 2014–18) received in the of the Senate in the Office of the President President of the Senate on January 30, 2014; Office of the President of the Senate on Jan- of the Senate on January 31, 2014; to the to the Committee on Environment and Pub- uary 30, 2014; to the Committee on Finance. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban lic Works. EC–4540. A communication from the Chief Affairs. EC–4532. A communication from the Direc- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, EC–4525. A communication from the Regu- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the latory Specialist, Office of the Comptroller Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the of the Currency, Department of the Treas- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Determining the ury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- titled ‘‘Significant New Use Rule on Certain Amount of Taxes Paid for Purposes of the port of a rule entitled ‘‘Prohibitions and Re- Chemical Substances’’ (FRL No. 9399–1) re- Foreign Tax Credit’’ ((RIN1545–BK41) (TD

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:14 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.019 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S761 9634)) received during adjournment of the mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled By Mr. MENENDEZ, from the Committee Senate in the Office of the President of the ‘‘Fiscal Year 2013 Performance Report to on Foreign Relations, without amendment Senate on January 24, 2014; to the Com- Congress for the Biosimilar User Fee Act’’; and with a preamble: mittee on Finance. to the Committee on Health, Education, S. Res. 270. A resolution supporting the EC–4541. A communication from the Chief Labor, and Pensions. goals and ideals of World Polio Day and com- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, EC–4551. A communication from the Sec- mending the international community and Internal Revenue Service, Department of the retary of Health and Human Services, trans- others for their efforts to prevent and eradi- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the mitting, pursuant to law, a performance re- cate polio. report of a rule entitled ‘‘Guidance for Deter- port relative to the Animal Generic Drug S. Res. 333. A resolution strongly recom- mining Stock Ownership’’ ((RIN1545–BL01) User Fee Act for fiscal year 2013; to the Com- mending that the United States renegotiate (TD 9654)) received during adjournment of mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and the return of the Iraqi Jewish Archive to the Senate in the Office of the President of Pensions. Iraq. the Senate on January 24, 2014; to the Com- EC–4552. A communication from the Sec- f mittee on Finance. retary of Health and Human Services, trans- EC–4542. A communication from the Chief mitting, pursuant to law, the Performance EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF of the Trade and Commercial Regulations Report for fiscal year 2013 for the Prescrip- COMMITTEES Branch, Customs and Border Protection, De- tion Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA); to the partment of Homeland Security, transmit- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and The following executive reports of ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Pensions. nominations were submitted: titled ‘‘Import Restrictions Imposed on Cer- EC–4553. A communication from the Sec- By Mr. BAUCUS for the Committee on Fi- tain Archaeological and Ecclesiastical Eth- retary of Health and Human Services, trans- nance. nological Material from Bulgaria’’ (RIN1515– mitting, pursuant to law, the Performance *Richard G. Frank, of Massachusetts, to be AD95) received in the Office of the President Report for fiscal year 2013 for the Generic an Assistant Secretary of Health and Human of the Senate on January 15, 2014; to the Drug User Fee Act; to the Committee on Services. Committee on Finance. Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. *Tamara Wenda Ashford, of Virginia, to be EC–4543. A communication from the In- EC–4554. A communication from the Sec- a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a spector General, Department of Health and retary of Health and Human Services, trans- term of fifteen years. Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to mitting, pursuant to law, the Performance *R. Gil Kerlikowske, of the District of Co- law, a report entitled ‘‘Review of Medicare Report for fiscal year 2013 for the Animal lumbia, to be Commissioner of Customs, De- Contractor Information Security Program Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA); to the Com- partment of Homeland Security. Evaluations for Fiscal Year 2011’’; to the mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and *L. Paige Marvel, of Maryland, to be a Committee on Finance. Pensions. Judge of the United States Tax Court for a EC–4544. A communication from the Prin- EC–4555. A communication from the Sec- term of fifteen years. cipal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of retary of Health and Human Services, trans- By Mr. MENENDEZ for the Committee on Political-Military Affairs, Department of mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled Foreign Relations. State, transmitting, pursuant to law, an ad- ‘‘Evaluation Findings—Performance Im- *Max Sieben Baucus, of Montana, to be dendum to a certification, of the proposed provement 2013–2014 Report’’; to the Com- Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- sale or export of defense articles and/or de- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and potentiary of the United States of America fense services to a Middle East country re- Pensions. to the People’s Republic of China. garding any possible affects such a sale EC–4556. A communication from the Gen- Nominee: Max S. Baucus. might have relating to Israel’s Qualitative eral Counsel, Pension Benefit Guaranty Cor- Post: Beijing, China. Military Edge over military threats to Israel poration, transmitting, pursuant to law, the (The following is a list of all members of (OSS–2014–0067); to the Committee on For- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Benefits Payable in my immediate family and their spouses. I eign Relations. Terminated Single-Employer Plans; Interest have asked each of these persons to inform EC–4545. A communication from the Assist- Assumptions for Paying Benefits’’ (29 CFR ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- me of the pertinent contributions made by Part 4022) received during adjournment of them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to the Senate in the Office of the President of law, a report relative to sections 36(c) and formation contained in this report is com- the Senate on January 31, 2014; to the Com- plete and accurate.) 36(d) of the Arms Export Control Act (DDTC mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and 13–182); to the Committee on Foreign Rela- Contributions, amount, date, and donee: Pensions. 1. Self: 0. tions. EC–4557. A communication from the Pro- EC–4546. A communication from the Assist- 2. Spouse: 0. gram Manager, National Institutes of 3. Children and Spouses: 0. ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- Health, Department of Health and Human ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to 4. Parents: 0. Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the 5. Grandparents: 0. law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the report of a rule entitled ‘‘National Institutes Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 13–183); to 6. Brothers and Spouses: 0. of Health Loan Repayment Program’’ 7. Sisters and Spouses: 0. the Committee on Foreign Relations. (RIN0905–AA43) received in the Office of the EC–4547. A communication from the Assist- President of the Senate on January 30, 2014; *George James Tsunis, of New York, to be ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- to the Committee on Health, Education, ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Labor, and Pensions. potentiary of the United States of America law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- EC–4558. A communication from the Direc- to the Kingdom of Norway. ment to the International Traffic in Arms tor of Regulations and Policy Management Nominee: George James Tsunis. Regulations: Changes to Authorized Officials Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- Post: Oslo, Norway. and the UK Defense Trade Treaty Exemp- partment of Health and Human Services, (The following is a list of all members of tion; Correction of Errors in Lebanon Policy transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of my immediate family and their spouses. I and Violations; and Publishing Recent a rule entitled ‘‘Current Good Manufacturing have asked each of these persons to inform Changes to Parts 120, 127, and 128 in Final Practice for Medicated Feeds’’ (Docket No. me of the pertinent contributions made by Form’’ (RIN1400–AD49, 1400–AC37, and 1400– FDA–2013–N–0002) received in the Office of them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- AC81) received in the Office of the President the President of the Senate on January 29, formation contained in this report is com- of the Senate on January 29, 2014; to the 2014; to the Committee on Health, Education, plete and accurate.) Committee on Foreign Relations. Labor, and Pensions. Contributions, amount, date and donee: EC–4548. A communication from the Assist- EC–4559. A communication from the Direc- 1. Self: $¥5,000, 12/311/12, Mendez, Robert ant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs, Depart- tor of Regulations and Policy Management (D); $50,000, 10/30/12, Majority PAC; $50,000, 10/ ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to the Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- 17/12, Majority PAC; $25,000, 10/02/12, House Case-Zablocki Act, 1 U.S.C. 112b, as amended, partment of Health and Human Services, Majority PAC; $25,000, 09/28/12, House Major- the report of the texts and background state- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of ity PAC; $12,500, 09/28/12, Majority PAC; ments of international agreements, other a rule entitled ‘‘Advisory Committee; Phar- $12,500, 09/04/12, Majority PAC; $¥2,500, 08/16/ than treaties (List 2014–0011—2014–0013); to macy Compounding Advisory Committee’’ 12, Roberti, Dan (D); $25,000, 07/30/12, New Dir. the Committee on Foreign Relations. (Docket No. FDA–2013–N–1687) received in the EC–4549. A communication from the Sec- for America; $50,000, 07/02/12, New Dir. for Office of the President of the Senate on Jan- retary of Health and Human Services, trans- America; $25,000, 06/06/12, New Dir. for Amer- uary 16, 2014; to the Committee on Health, mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled ica; $2,500, 06105/12, Tester, Jon (D); $25,000, Education, Labor, and Pensions. ‘‘Fiscal Year 2013 Performance Report to 05/16/12, New Dir. for America; $2,500, 04/20/12, Congress for the Medical Device User Fee f Nelson, Bill (D); $2,500, 03/26/12, Bilirakis, Gus Amendments of 2012’’; to the Committee on REPORTS OF COMMITTEES (R); $2,500, 03/26/12, Bilirakis, Gus (R); $2,500, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. 03/18/12, Berman, Howard L (D); $2,500, 03/13/ EC–4550. A communication from the Sec- The following reports of committees 12, Jeffries, Hakeem (D); $¥2,500, 03/09/12, retary of Health and Human Services, trans- were submitted: Snowe, Olympia (R); $30,800, 02/29/12, DNC

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.015 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S762 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 Services Corp (D); $2,500, 02/22/12, Hochul, $2,500, 06/30/11, Republican National Cmte II via Whitehouse for Senate; $1,000, 8/8/2011, Kathleen (D); $2,300, 02/03/12, Andrews, Robert (R); $2,500, 06/22/11, Cardin, Ben (D); $2,500, 06/ Feinstein, Dianne via Feinstein for Senate; E (D); $2,500, 02/03/12, Pelosi, Nancy (D); 22/11, Cardin, Ben (D); $2,500, 06/22/11, Gilli- $1,000, 9/6/2011, Kaine, Timothy Michael via $2,500, 02/03/12, Pelosi, Nancy (D); $2,500, 02/02/ brand, Kirsten (D); $2,500, 06/22/11, Gillibrand, Kaine for Virginia; $5,000, 11/1/2011, 12, Berkley, Shelley (D); $2,500, 02/02/12, Berk- Kirsten (D); $2,500, 06/03/11, Menendez, Robert CORYPAC, Inc; $1,500, 11/10/2011, Kaine, Tim- ley, Shelley (13); $1000, 01/21/12, NorPAC; $462, (D); $2,500, 06/03/11, Menendez, Robert (D); othy Michael via Kaine for Virginia; $2,500, 12/30/11, Democratic Party of Virginia; $252, $2,500, 03/23/11, Roberti, Dan (D); $400, 03/23/11, 11/10/2011, Kaine, Timothy Michael via Kaine 12/16/11, Democratic Party of Wisconsin; $714, Roberti, Dan (D); $2,100, 03/23/11, Roberti, Dan for Virginia; $2,500, 12/9/2011, Cantwell, Maria 12/16/11, Democratic Exec Cmte of Fl; $462, 12/ (D); $2,500, 03/23/11, Roberti, Dan (D); $5,000, via Friends of Maria; $2,500, 12/9/2011, Cant- 16/11, Democratic Party of Colorado; $462, 12/ 03/01/11, Forward Together Pac; $2,500, 03/01/ well, Maria via Friends of Maria; $1,000, 1/10/ 16/11, Democratic Party of Nevada; $462, 12/16/ 11, Warner, Mark (D); $2,500, 03/01/11, Warner, 2012, Wasserman Schultz, Debbie via Debbie 11, Democratic Party of NC; $546, 12/16/11, Mark (D); $2,300, 07/17/10, Specter, Arlen (13); Wasserman Schultz for Congress; $35,800, 1/26/ Democratic Party of PA; $672, 12/16/11, Demo- $30,400, 03/31/10, DCCC; $9,100, 03/31/10, DCCC; 2012, Obama Victory Fund 2012—Donation re- cratic Party of Ohio; $2,500, 09/30/11, Obama, $2,400, 10/29/09, Shelby, Richard C (R); $2,400, cipients Obama for America and DNC Serv- Barack (D); $2,500, 09/30/11, Obama, Barack 10/29/09, Shelby, Richard C (R); $¥2,400, 10/23/ ices Corporation/Democratic National Com- (D); $30,800, 09/30/11, DNC Services Corp (D); 09, Feingold, Russ (D); $2,400, 10/23/09, Fein- mittee; ¥$5,000, 1/31/2012, Obama Victory $2,500, 09/30/11, Snowe, Olympia (R); $2,500, 09/ gold, Russ (D); $4,800, 10/15/09, Feingold, Russ Fund 2012 (REFUND); $2,500, 3/8/2012, Ken- 30/11, Snowe, Olympia (R); $2,500, 06/22/11, (D); $2,400, 09/23/09, Bilkirakis, Gus (R); $2,400, nedy, Joseph P III via Joe Kennedy for Con- Cardin, Ben (D); $2,500, 06/22/11, Cardin, Ben 09/23/09, Bilkirakis, Gus (R); $2,400, 09/17/09, gress; $1,000, 3/9/2012, Women on the Road to (D); $2,500, 06/22/11, Gillibrand, Kirsten (D); Reid, Harry (D); $2,400, 08/14/09, Meeks, Greg- the Senate: 12 and Counting—Los Angeles $2,500, 06/22/11, Gillibrand, Kirsten (D); $2,500, ory W (D); $2,400, 08/14/09, Meeks, Gregory W Donation recipient—Democratic Senatorial 06/031/11, Menedez, Robert (D); $2,500, 06/03/11, (D); $2,400, 06/30/09, Sarbanes, John (D); $2,400, Campaign Committee; $2,500, 3/16/2012, Nel- Menedez, Robert (D); $5,000, 03/31/11, DCCC; 06/30/09, Sarbanes, John (D); $2,400, 06/30/09, son, Bill via Bell Nelson for US Senate; $400, 03/23/11, Roberti, Dan (D); $2,100, 03/23/11, Casey, Bob (D); $2,400, 06/30/09, Casey, Bob $2,500, 3/16/2012, Nelson, Bill via Bell Nelson Roberti, Dan (D); $2,500, 03/23/11, Roberti, Dan (D); $30,400, 06/17/09, DSCC; $2,200, 08/04/09, for US Senate; $250, 3/20/2012, Brownley, Julia (D); $2,500, 03/23/11, Roberti, Dan (D); $2,500, Ackerman, Gary (D); $2,400, 06/04/09, Acker- via Julia Brownley for Congress; $5,000, 6/19/ 03/13/13, Reid, Harry (D); $5,000, 03/01/11, For- man, Gary (D); $2,200, 05/20/09, Schumer, 2012, Menendez, Robert via Menendez Senate; ward Together PAC; $2,500, 03/01/11, Warner, Charles E (D); $2,400, 05/20/09, Schumer, $1,000, 6/20/2012, Brownley, Julia via Julia Mark (D); $2,500, 03/01/11, Warner, Mark (D); Charles E (D); $2,200, 05/11/09, Lowey, Nita M Brownley for Congress; $2,500, 6/27/2012, Ken- $2,400, 12/13/10, Kerry, John (D); $2,400, 12/13/ (D); $2,400, 05/11/09, Lowey, Nita M (D); $2,400, nedy, Joseph P III via Joe Kennedy for Con- ¥ 10, Kerry, John (D); $10,000, 10/07/10, Demo- 03/31/09, Maloney, Carolyn B (D); $2,400, 03/31/ gress; $2,500, 6/29/2012, Menendez, Robert via ¥ cratic Party of IL; $ 2,300, 07/17/10, Specter, 09, Maloney, Carolyn B (D); $2,400, 03/30/09, Menendez for Senate (REFUND); $2,500, 9/28/ Arlen (D); $9,100, 03/31/10, DSCC; $1,000, 03/29/ Carney, Chris (D); $2,400, 03/30/09, Carney, 2012, Off The Sidelines PAC; $1,000, 10/23/2012, ¥ 10, Democratic Cmte of NY State; $ 2,100, 03/ Chris (D); $2,400, 03/25/09, Giannoulias, Alex- Carmona, Richard via Carmona of Arizona; 10/10, Bayh, Evan (D); $431, 02/16/10, Thomp- ander (D); $2,400, 03/25/09, Giannoulias, Alex- $1,000, 10/31/2012, Heitkamp, Heidi via Heidi son, Glen (R); $30,400, 10/30/09, DCCC; $2,400, ander (D); $2,400, 02/27/09, Space, Zachary T for Senate; $1,000, 10/31/2012, McCaskill, 09/29/09, Diaz-Balart, Lincoln (R); $2,400, 09/28/ (D); $2,400, 02/27/09, Space, Zachary T (D). Claire via McCaskill for Missouri; $2,500, 2/5/ 09, Gillibrand, Kirsten (D); $2,400, 09/28/09, 3. Children and Spouses: James George 2013, Senator Jeanne Shaheen; $5,000, 3/26/ Gillibrand, Kirsten (D); $2,400, 09/17/09, Reid, Tsunis (6 years), N/A; Eleni Tea Tsunis (3 2013, PAC for a Change; $5,000, 3/26/2013, Cory Harry (D); $2,400, 08/11/09, Titus, Dina (D); years), N/A; Yanna Maria Tsunis (2 years), N/ Booker for Senate; $2,600, 5/2/2013, Friends of $5,000, 08/10/09, Lycoming County Dem Cmte; A. Mark Warner. $2,400, 06/30/09, Cantor, Eric (R); $2,400, 06/30/ 4. Parents: Eleni Tsunis: $2,500, 07/26/11, 2. Spouse: Bradley Bell: $2,300, 12/4/08, 09, Sarbarnes, John (D); $2,400, 06/30/09, Menendez, Robert (D); $2,500, 07/26/11, Menen- Boxer, Barbara via Friends of Barbara Boxer; Sarbames, John (D); $600, 06/22/09, Thomspon, dez, Robert (D); James Tsunis (Deceased). $2,300 12/4/08, Boxer, Barbara via Friends of Glen (R); $2,400, 06/22/09, McMahon, Michael E 5. Grandparents: (Deceased). Barbara Boxer; $1,300, 2/19/08, Obama, Barack (D); $2,400, 06/04/09, Acherman, Gary (D); 6. Brothers and Spouses: None. via Obama for America; $1,300, 2/19/08, $2,200, 06/04/09, Ackerman, Gary (D); $2,400, 05/ 7. Sisters and Spouses: Anastasia Tsunis: Obama, Barack via Obama for America; 20/09, Schumer, Charles E (D); $2,200, 05/20/09, $2,500, 07/26/11, Menendez, Robert (D); $2,500, ¥$1,300, 2/19/08, Obama, Barack via Obama Schumer, Charles E (D); $2,400, 05/11/09, 07/26/11, Menendez, Robert (D); $1,603, 09/28/09, for America (REFUND); $1,000, 7/5/2013, Cory Lowey, Nita M (D); $2,200, 05/11/09, Lowey, Giannoulias, Alexander (D). Booker for Senate; $35,800, 4/11/11, Obama Nita M (D); $2,400, 04/30/09, Reid, Harry (D); Victory Fund 2012—Donation recipients $30,400, 03/31/09, DSCC; $2,400, 03/31/09, Malo- * Colleen Bradley Bell, of California, to be Obama for America and DNC Services Cor- ney, Carolyn B (D); $2,400, 03/31/09, Maloney, Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- poration/Democratic National Committee. Carolyn B (D); $2,400, 03/30/09, Carney, Chris potentiary of the United States of America 3. Children and Spouses: None. (D); $2,400, 03/30/09, Carney, Chris (D); $2,400, to Hungary. 4. Parents: Sheila Bradley: $200, 2/21/2009, 03/25/13, Giannoulias, Alexander (D); $2,400, 03/ Nominee: Colleen Bell. Charles Wheelan For Congress. 25/13, Glannoulias, Alexander (D); $2,400, 02/27/ Post: U.S. Ambassador to Hungary. 5. Grandparents: None. 09, Space, Zachary T (D); $2,400, 01/29/09, (The following is a list of all members of 6. Brothers and Spouses: None. Space, Zachary T (D). my immediate family and their spouses. I 7. Sisters and Spouses: Shannon Bradley: 2. Spouse: Olga Tsunis: $¥5,000, 12/31/12, have asked each of these persons to inform $500, 1/25/12, Obama Victory Fund 2012—Dona- Menendez, Robert (D); $¥2,500, 08/16/12, me of the pertinent contributions made by tion recipient Obama for America. Roberti, Dan (D); $21,600, 06/21/12, DNC Serv- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- *Robert C. Barber, of Massachusetts, to be ices Corp; $2,500, 06/08/12, Maloney, Carolyn B formation contained in this report is com- Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- (D); $2,500, 06/08/12, Maloney, Carolyn B (D); plete and accurate.) potentiary of the United States of America $2,500, 06/05/12, Vilsack, Christie (D); $2,500, Contributions, amount, date, and donee: 06/05/12, Vilsack, Christie (D); $2,500, 05/04/12, 1. Self:¥$2,300, 2/13/2009, Ken Salazar via to the Republic of Iceland. Nominee: Robert Cushman Barber. Lugar, Richard G (R); $2,500, 03/26/12, Bili- Salazar for Senate (REFUND); $5,000, 3/22/ Post: Reykjavik. Iceland. rakis, Gus (R); $2,500, 03/26/12, Bilirakis, Gus 2009, PAC for a Change; $2,300, 9/16/2009, Bono (The following is a list of all members of (R); $2,500, 03/09/12, Berman, Howard L (D); Mack, Mary via Mary Bono Mack Com- my immediate family and their spouses. I $¥2,500, 03/09/13, Snowe, Olympia (R); $2,300, mittee; $2,400, 10/21/2009, Reid, Harry via have asked each of these persons to inform 02/03/12, Andrews, Robert E (D); $2,500, 02/03/ Friends for Harry Reid; $2,400, 10/21/2009, me of the pertinent contributions made by 12, Nancy Pelosi (D); $2,500, 02/03/12, Nancy Reid, Harry via Friends for Harry Reid; them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- Pelosi (D); $2,500, 02/02/12, Berkley, Shelley $10,000, 11/30/2009, Democratic Congressional formation contained in this report is com- (D); $2,500, 02/02/12, Berkley, Shelley (D); $462, Campaign Committee; $1,000, 12/31/2009, Ben- plete and accurate.) 12/30/11, Democratic Party of VA; $2,500, 12/22/ net, Michael via Bennet for Colorado; $15,200, Contributions, donee, date, and amount: 11, Grimm, Michael (R); $2,500, 12/22/11, 4/22/2010, California Victory 2010—Donation 1. Self Grimm, Michael (R); $252, 12/16/11, Demo- recipient DNC Services Corporation/Demo- A. Individual Federal Candidates: Berkley, cratic Party of WI; $714, 12/16/11, Democratic cratic National Committee; $250, 6/5/2010, Shelley via Berkley For Senate, 10/04/2012, Exec Cmte of FL; $462, 12/16/11, Democratic Waltz, John via John Waltz for Congress; $250; Cardin, Benjamin L via Ben Cardin For Party of CO; $252, 12/16/11, Democratic Party $15,200, 7/16/2010, DNC Services Corporation/ Senate 12/19/2011, $300; Carnahan, Robin via of NV; $462, 12/16/11, Democratic Party of NC; Democratic National Committee; $2,000, 10/6/ Robin C. for Senate, 03/15/2010, $200; Clark, $672, 12/16/11, Democratic Party of OH; $546, 2010, Giannoulias, Alexander via Alexi for Il- Katherine via Clark for Congress, 03/07/2013, 12/16/11, Democratic Party of PA; $2,500, 09/30/ linois; $35,800, 4/11/2011, Obama Victory Fund $200; Coakley, Martha via Martha Coakley 11, Snowe, Olympia (R); $2,500, 09/30/11, 2012—Donation recipients Obama for Amer- For Senate Committee, 09/03/2009, $2,400; 12/22/ Snowe, Olympia (R); $30,800, 09/28/11, DNC ica and DNC Services Corporation/Demo- 2009, $500; Conway, John William (Jack) via Services Corp (D); $2,500, 09/28/11, Obama, cratic National Committee; $2,500, 5/9/2011, Conway For Senate, 04/26/2010, $250; 06/25/2010, Barack (D); $2,500, 09/28/11, Obama, Barack Whitehouse, Sheldon II via Whitehouse for $200; Critz, Mark via Mark Critz For Con- (D); $2,500, 09/27/11, Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana (R); Senate; $2,500, 5/9/2011, Whitehouse, Sheldon gress Committee, 05/12/2010, $500; Duckworth,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:52 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.025 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S763 Tammy L. via Duckworth For Congress, 10/ 5. Grandparents: Mary P. Barber—de- duction for amounts contributed to disaster 29/2012, $500; Ellsworth, Brad via Brad Ells- ceased. Frank A. Barber—deceased. savings accounts to help defray the cost of worth for Senate, 08/19/2010, $200; Franken, 6. Brothers and Spouses: Peter K. Barber: preparing their homes to withstand a dis- Al—Franken for Senate, 02/06/2011, $200; Coakley, Martha via Martha Coakley for aster and to repair or replace property dam- Giannoulias, Alexi via Alexi for Illinois, 01/ Senate Committee, 12/22/2009, $500; Murphy, aged or destroyed in a disaster; to the Com- 15/2010, $100; Gillibrand, Kirsten Elizabeth via Patrick via Patrick Murphy for Congress, 11/ mittee on Finance. Gillibrand For Senate, 06/02/2010, $250; 09/21/ 24/2009, $250; Obama, Barack via Obama for By Ms. BALDWIN (for herself and Mr. 2010, $250; 06/29/2011, $500; Harkin, Thomas America, 08/31/2012, $250; Shea-Porter, Carol PORTMAN): Richard via Citizens For Harkin, 07/25/2011, via Carol Shea-Porter for Congress, 09/07/2009, S. 1992. A bill to amend title XIX of the So- $250; Hodes, Paul W via Hodes For Senate, 02/ $2,400; 09/18/2012, $500; Warren, Elizabeth via cial Security Act to provide a standard defi- 08/2010, $1,000; 03/01/2010, $200; 09/30/2010, $500; Elizabeth for MA, Inc., 11/11/2011, $250. nition of therapeutic foster care services in Kaine, Timothy Michael via Kaine For Vir- Marygrace D. Barber (spouse): none. Frank Medicaid; to the Committee on Finance. ginia, 06/30/2011, $1,000; 03/15/2012, $500; 10/05/ O. Barber: none. Jacqueline Barber (spouse): By Ms. WARREN (for herself and Mr. 2012, $500; Keating, William Richard via The none. RUBIO): Bill Keating Committee, 10/21/2010, $500; 09/13/ 7. Sisters and Spouses Kathleen O’Neill: S. 1993. A bill to protect individuals who 2012, $500; Kennedy, Joseph P III via Joe Ken- Delbene, Susan K via Delbene for Congress, are eligible for increased pension under laws nedy For Congress, 05/11/2012, $1,000; 09/17/ 08/26/2010, $250; Obama, Barack via Obama for administered by the Secretary of Veterans 2012, $500; Kerrey, J Robert via Nebraskans America, 08/25/2012, $500; 10/11/2012, $250; 10/26/ Affairs on the basis of need of regular aid For Kerrey, 06/12/2012, $500; Khazei, Alan via 2012, $250. Thomas Leschine (spouse): none. and attendance from dishonest, predatory, or Citizens For Alan Khazei, 03/03/2010, $500; Jennifer B. Phillips: Obama, Barack via otherwise unlawful practices, and for other Kuster, Ann McLane via Kuster For Con- Obama for America, 03/01/2012, $5. Jerry L. purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- gress, Inc., 09/29/2009, $250; 12/14/2009, $250; 05/ Phillips (spouse): none. fairs. 17/2010, $250; 08/18/2010, $250; 10/21/2010, $250; 06/ By Mrs. MCCASKILL: *Keith M. Harper, of Maryland, for the 23/2011, $500; 09/30/2011, $200; 03/31/2013, $200; S. 1994. A bill to amend title 10, United Lewis, John R. via John Lewis For Congress, rank of Ambassador during his tenure of States Code, to provide for the availability 05/23/2012, $300; Lincoln, Blanche L via service as United States Representative to of breastfeeding support, supplies, and coun- Friends Of Blanche Lincoln, 09/29/2010, $500; the UN Human Rights Council. seling under the TRICARE program; to the Markey, Edward John via The Markey Com- *Puneet Talwar, of the District of Colum- Committee on Armed Services. mittee, 02/25/2013, $1,000; 02/28/2013, $1,000; bia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State McGovern, Jim via Re-Elect McGovern Com- (Political-Military Affairs). By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself and mittee, 03/04/2013, $250; Murphy, Patrick J. *Frank A. Rose, of Massachusetts, to be an Mr. MARKEY): via Patrick Murphy For Congress 11/19/2009, Assistant Secretary of State (Verification S. 1995. A bill to protect consumers by $500; 06/16/2010, $500; Murphy, Scott M via and Compliance). mitigating the vulnerability of personally Scott Murphy For Congress, 04/16/2009, $250; *Rose Eilene Gottemoeller, of Virginia, to identifiable information to theft through a 06/03/2010, $250; Obama, Barack via Obama be Under Secretary of State for Arms Con- security breach, providing notice and rem- For America, 05/23/2011, $2,000; 08/02/2011, $250; trol and International Security. edies to consumers in the wake of such a 09/12/2011, $219; 09/12/2011, $781; 01/20/2012, *Arnold A. Chacon, of Virginia, a Career breach, holding companies accountable for $1,000; 03/03/2012, $494; Owens, William via Bill Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class preventable breaches, facilitating the shar- Owens For Congress, 10/20/2009, $500; 09/24/ of Minister-Counselor, to be Director Gen- ing of post-breach technical information be- 2010, $200; Ross, Michael via Michael Ross eral of the Foreign Service. tween companies, and enhancing criminal Exploratory Committee, 12/20/2011, $200; *Nomination was reported with rec- and civil penalties and other protections Seals, Dan via Seals for Congress, 10/20/2010, ommendation that it be confirmed sub- against the unauthorized collection or use of personally identifiable information; to the $200; Shea-Porter, Carol via Carol Shea-Por- ject to the nominee’s commitment to ter For Congress, 03/30/2009, $500; 09/10/2009, Committee on the Judiciary. $1,500; 03/04/2010, $300; 03/04/2010, $700; 06/25/ respond to requests to appear and tes- By Mrs. HAGAN (for herself, Ms. MUR- 2010, $500; 09/30/2010, $500; 06/27/2011, $1,000; 06/ tify before any duly constituted com- KOWSKI, Mr. PRYOR, Mr. HELLER, Mr. 30/2011, $1,000; 03/26/2012, $200; 03/26/2012, $300; mittee of the Senate. TESTER, Mr. HOEVEN, Mr. BEGICH, Mr. 07/07/2012, $500; 03/31/2013, $500; Sowers, f PORTMAN, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. BOOZ- Tommy via Tommy Sowers For Congress, 09/ MAN, Mr. MANCHIN, and Mr. VITTER): 17/2010, $250; Tierney, John F via John Tier- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND S. 1996. A bill to protect and enhance op- ney For Congress, 09/10/2012, $500; Tsongas, JOINT RESOLUTIONS portunities for recreational hunting, fishing, Nicola S via The Niki Tsongas Committee, The following bills and joint resolu- and shooting, and for other purposes; read 08/14/2012, $300; 09/30/2011, $100; Udall, Tom via tions were introduced, read the first the first time. Udall For Us All, 02/05/2013, $500; Vilsack, f Christie Via Christie Vilsack For Iowa, 12/13/ and second times by unanimous con- 2011, $500; Warren, Elizabeth via Elizabeth sent, and referred as indicated: SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND For MA Inc, 09/02/2011, $1,000; 09/20/2011, $239; By Mrs. FEINSTEIN: SENATE RESOLUTIONS 03/18/2012, $1,000; 06/25/2012, $250; 09/02/2012, S. 1987. A bill to authorize the Secretary of The following concurrent resolutions $1,000; Warren, Setti via Warren for Senate, Veterans Affairs to enter into enhanced-use 10/27/2011, $100; Wasserman Schultz, Debbie leases for certain buildings of the Depart- and Senate resolutions were read, and via Debbie Wasserman Schultz For Congress, ment of Veterans Affairs at the West Los An- referred (or acted upon), as indicated: 03/28/2012, $1,000; Whitehouse, Sheldon II via geles Medical Center, California, and for By Mr. MCCAIN: Whitehouse For Senate, 02/22/2011, $500; 11/03/ other purposes; to the Committee on Vet- S. Res. 343. A resolution establishing a Se- 2011, $500; 10/15/2012, $300; B. Federal Party erans’ Affairs. lect Committee of the Senate to make a full Committees: Democratic National Com- By Mr. INHOFE: and thorough investigation of the unauthor- mittee Services Corporation/Democratic Na- S. 1988. A bill to allow States to waive reg- ized disclosures of apparently classified in- tional Committee, 06/17/2009, $5,0000; 5/07/2009, ulations promulgated under the Clean Air formation concerning the National Security $1,000; 08/02/2009, $25; 03/30/2010, $3,000; 12/02/ Act relating to electric generating units Agency intelligence-collection programs, op- 2010, $250; 03/31/2012, $1,006; 10/25/2012, $2,500; under certain circumstances; to the Com- erations, and activities, including programs Democratic Congressional Campaign Com- mittee on Environment and Public Works. affecting Americans, to make findings based mittee, 01/18/2010, $150; Massachusetts Demo- By Mr. HELLER (for himself and Mr. upon the investigation, and to make rec- cratic State Committee, 05/15/2009, $250; 01/18/ COATS): ommendations based on the investigation 2010, $150; 04/07/2010, $500; 04/14/2010, $250; 07/23/ S. 1989. A bill to amend the Communica- and findings; to the Committee on Rules and 2010, $1,000; 09/02/2012, $1,000; 10/30/2012, $1,000; tions Act of 1934 to provide for greater trans- Administration. 05/17/2013, $250; New York Protection Fund, parency and efficiency in the procedures fol- By Mr. TOOMEY (for himself and Mr. 04/09/2009, $250; C. Multi-candidate Commit- lowed by the Federal Communications Com- CASEY): tees, Obama Victory Fund, 05/23/2011, $2,000; mission, and for other purposes; to the Com- S. Res. 344. A resolution congratulating the 08/02/2011, $250; 09/12/2011, $1,000; 11/06/2011, mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Penn State University women’s volleyball $100; 01/20/2012, $1,000; 03/03/2012, $1,500; 10/25/ tation. team for winning the 2013 National Colle- 2012, $2,500; New Hampshire Victory Fund, 09/ By Mr. VITTER: giate Athletic Association Women’s 30/2010, $1,000; Massachusetts Future Fund, S. 1990. A bill to prohibit aliens who are Volleyball Championship; considered and 09/02/2012, $1,000; D. Other: Emily’s List, 09/23/ not lawfully present in the United States agreed to. from being eligible for postsecondary edu- 2010, $250. f 2. Spouse: Bonnie A. Neilan: none. cation benefits that are not available to all 3. Children and Spouses: Nicholas O’Neill citizens and nationals of the United States; ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS Barber: none. Benjamin Neilan Barber: none. to the Committee on the Judiciary. S. 41 Alexander Cushman Barber: none. By Mr. INHOFE: 4. Parents: Kathleen C. Barber—deceased. S. 1991. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the Robert K. Barber—deceased. enue Code of 1986 to allow individuals a de- name of the Senator from Tennessee

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.034 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S764 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 (Mr. ALEXANDER) was added as a co- and future generations of people in the MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of sponsor of S. 41, a bill to provide a per- United States. S. 1770, a bill to provide for Federal manent deduction for State and local S. 888 civil liability for trade secret mis- general sales taxes. At the request of Mr. JOHANNS, the appropriation in certain cir- S. 127 name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. cumstances. At the request of Mr. HELLER, the ISAKSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 1799 name of the Senator from Tennessee 888, a bill to provide end user exemp- At the request of Mr. COONS, the (Mr. ALEXANDER) was added as a co- tions from certain provisions of the name of the Senator from Pennsyl- sponsor of S. 127, a bill to provide a Commodity Exchange Act and the Se- vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- permanent deduction for State and curities Exchange Act of 1934. sponsor of S. 1799, a bill to reauthorize local general sales taxes. S. 1069 subtitle A of the Victims of Child ILLIBRAND S. 162 At the request of Mrs. G , Abuse Act of 1990. the name of the Senator from Colorado At the request of Mr. FRANKEN, the S. 1827 (Mr. UDALL) was added as a cosponsor name of the Senator from Michigan At the request of Mr. MANCHIN, the of S. 1069, a bill to prohibit discrimina- (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- names of the Senator from Arkansas tion in adoption or foster care place- sor of S. 162, a bill to reauthorize and (Mr. BOOZMAN), the Senator from New ments based on the sexual orientation, Hampshire (Ms. AYOTTE), the Senator improve the Mentally Ill Offender gender identity, or marital status of Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of from Minnesota (Mr. FRANKEN), the any prospective adoptive or foster par- Senator from Mississippi (Mr. COCH- 2004. ent, or the sexual orientation or gender RAN) and the Senator from Rhode Is- S. 411 identity of the child involved. land (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) were added as At the request of Mr. ROCKEFELLER, S. 1249 the name of the Senator from Wash- cosponsors of S. 1827, a bill to award a At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Congressional Gold Medal to the Amer- ington (Mrs. MURRAY) was added as a the name of the Senator from Rhode Is- ican Fighter Aces, collectively, in rec- cosponsor of S. 411, a bill to amend the land (Mr. REED) was added as a cospon- Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend ognition of their heroic military serv- sor of S. 1249, a bill to rename the Of- ice and defense of our country’s free- and modify the railroad track mainte- fice to Monitor and Combat Traf- nance credit. dom throughout the history of aviation ficking of the Department of State the warfare. S. 430 Bureau to Monitor and Combat Traf- S. 1862 At the request of Mr. HELLER, the ficking in Persons and to provide for an At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the name of the Senator from New Mexico Assistant Secretary to head such Bu- names of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. (Mr. UDALL) was added as a cosponsor reau, and for other purposes. RISCH) and the Senator from Tennessee of S. 430, a bill to amend title 38, S. 1406 (Mr. ALEXANDER) were added as cospon- United States Code, to enhance treat- At the request of Ms. AYOTTE, the sors of S. 1862, a bill to grant the Con- ment of certain small business con- name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. gressional Gold Medal, collectively, to cerns for purposes of Department of RUBIO) was added as a cosponsor of S. the Monuments Men, in recognition of Veterans Affairs contracting goals and 1406, a bill to amend the Horse Protec- their heroic role in the preservation, preferences, and for other purposes. tion Act to designate additional unlaw- protection, and restitution of monu- ful acts under the Act, strengthen pen- S. 577 ments, works of art, and artifacts of At the request of Mr. NELSON, the alties for violations of the Act, im- prove Department of Agriculture en- cultural importance during and fol- name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. lowing World War II. MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of forcement of the Act, and for other purposes. S. 1875 S. 577, a bill to amend title XVIII of the At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the S. 1410 Social Security Act to provide for the name of the Senator from California At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the distribution of additional residency po- (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- sitions, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from New York (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- sponsor of S. 1875, a bill to provide for S. 583 sponsor of S. 1410, a bill to focus lim- wildfire suppression operations, and for At the request of Mr. PAUL, the name ited Federal resources on the most se- other purposes. of the Senator from South Carolina rious offenders. S. 1909 (Mr. GRAHAM) was added as a cosponsor S. 1442 At the request of Mr. SCOTT, the of S. 583, a bill to implement equal pro- At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the name of the Senator from Oklahoma tection under the 14th article of name of the Senator from Alaska (Mr. (Mr. COBURN) was added as a cosponsor amendment to the Constitution for the BEGICH) was added as a cosponsor of S. of S. 1909, a bill to expand opportunity right to life of each born and preborn 1442, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- through greater choice in education, human person. enue Code of 1986 to make permanent and for other purposes. S. 723 the minimum low-income housing tax S. 1933 At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, credit rate for unsubsidized buildings At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the the name of the Senator from New and to provide a minimum 4 percent name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. Mexico (Mr. UDALL) was added as a co- credit rate for existing buildings. RUBIO) was added as a cosponsor of S. sponsor of S. 723, a bill to require the S. 1448 1933, a bill to impose sanctions with re- Commissioner of Social Security to re- At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the spect to foreign persons responsible for vise the medical and evaluation cri- name of the Senator from Alaska (Mr. gross violations of internationally rec- teria for determining disability in a BEGICH) was added as a cosponsor of S. ognized human rights, and for other person diagnosed with Huntington’s 1448, a bill to provide for equitable purposes. Disease and to waive the 24-month compensation to the Spokane Tribe of S. 1948 waiting period for Medicare eligibility Indians of the Spokane Reservation for At the request of Mr. TESTER, the for individuals disabled by Hunting- the use of tribal land for the produc- name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. ton’s Disease. tion of hydropower by the Grand Cou- MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor S. 769 lee Dam, and for other purposes. of S. 1948, a bill to promote the aca- At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the S. 1697 demic achievement of American In- name of the Senator from Minnesota At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the dian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawai- (Mr. FRANKEN) was added as a cospon- name of the Senator from Alaska (Mr. ian children with the establishment of sor of S. 769, a bill to designate as wil- BEGICH) was added as a cosponsor of S. a Native American language grant pro- derness certain Federal portions of the 1697, a bill to support early learning. gram. red rock canyons of the Colorado Pla- S. 1770 S. 1950 teau and the Great Basin Deserts in the At the request of Mr. FLAKE, the At the request of Mr. SANDERS, the State of Utah for the benefit of present name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. name of the Senator from New Mexico

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:47 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.010 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S765 (Mr. HEINRICH) was added as a cospon- Campus that can potentially provide curity Agency intelligence-collection pro- sor of S. 1950, a bill to improve the pro- supportive housing for a portion of grams, operations, and activities, including vision of medical services and benefits these veterans are currently vacant intelligence-collection programs affecting to veterans, and for other purposes. due to a lack of Federal funding. Americans; Whereas such publications appear to be S. 1977 There is good news, though. The com- based in substantial part on unauthorized At the request of Mr. CRUZ, his name munity of Los Angeles has expressed disclosures of classified information con- great interest in leveraging private re- was added as a cosponsor of S. 1977, a cerning intelligence collection; bill to repeal section 403 of the Bipar- sources and forging a partnership with Whereas the unauthorized disclosure of tisan Budget Act of 2013, relating to an the Department of Veterans Affairs to classified information is a felony under Fed- annual adjustment of retired pay for make progress in using these facilities eral law; members of the Armed Forces under to provide housing and hope for home- Whereas the National Security Agency re- the age of 62, and to provide an offset. less veterans in the area. However, giv- lies on Federal agency contractors to carry S. 1982 ing this authority to the Secretary of out important aspects of its national secu- At the request of Mr. SANDERS, the Veteran Affairs requires legislative ac- rity mission; names of the Senator from Washington tion, and so I am happy to present to Whereas the extent of reliance on contract (Mrs. MURRAY), the Senator from Penn- you today the solution that is required. positions may unwisely increase the number of individuals with potential access to classi- sylvania (Mr. CASEY), the Senator from You should be aware that the solu- fied information and may increase the risk Oregon (Mr. MERKLEY), the Senator tion I am proposing is a finely crafted fix to a previous action Congress took of unauthorized disclosures; from New Mexico (Mr. HEINRICH), the Whereas such unauthorized disclosures Senator from New Hampshire (Mrs. in 2007 to safeguard the West Los Ange- may cause damage to United States national SHAHEEN) and the Senator from Rhode les Veterans Affairs Campus. I moved security interests, intelligence sources and Island (Mr. REED) were added as co- in 2007 to prohibit the ability of the De- methods, and relationships with key allies; sponsors of S. 1982, a bill to improve partment of Veterans Affairs to lease Whereas senior officials in the intelligence the provision of medical services and or sale any property on the West Los community may have misled Congress or benefits to veterans, and for other pur- Angeles Campus, due to concerns that otherwise obfuscated the nature, extent, or poses. these authorities would likely be use of certain intelligence-collection pro- S. CON. RES. 21 abused at the detriment to Los Ange- grams, operations, and activities of the Na- tional Security Agency, including intel- At the request of Ms. LANDRIEU, the les’ veterans. Specifically, broad au- name of the Senator from Montana thorities were being used for commer- ligence-collection programs affecting Ameri- cial development displacing prop on cans; (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor Whereas the provision of incomplete or in- the West Los Angeles Veteran Affairs of S. Con. Res. 21, a concurrent resolu- accurate information by officials of the in- tion expressing the sense of Congress Department, and risked reducing or telligence community has inhibited effective that construction of the Keystone XL eliminating the important services this congressional oversight of certain intel- pipeline and the Federal approvals re- campus provides to veterans. Today is ligence-collection programs, operations, and quired for the construction of the Key- a new day, and my bill will allow a activities of the National Security Agency, stone XL pipeline are in the national very tightly limited authority to enter including intelligence-collection programs interest of the United States. into enhanced-use leases at two spe- affecting Americans, and undermined con- S. RES. 333 cific vacant buildings on the campus to gressional and public support of these pro- At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the be used for the sole purpose of pro- grams; names of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. viding supportive housing for veterans Whereas intelligence-collection programs, who are homeless. operations, and activities of the National Se- RISCH), the Senator from Arkansas curity Agency have been valuable to com- (Mr. BOOZMAN) and the Senator from I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this modification of lease bating terrorism and ensuring the security Missouri (Mr. BLUNT) were added as co- of the homeland; sponsors of S. Res. 333, a resolution authority in order to make real Whereas some such programs, operations, strongly recommending that the progress using private dollars to de- and activities that are the subject matter of United States renegotiate the return of liver on our promise to California’s the unauthorized disclosures may not have the Iraqi Jewish Archive to Iraq. veterans who have bravely served in been authorized, or may have exceeded that f the defense of the entire United States. which was authorized, by law, or may not STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED I look forward to working with my col- have been permitted under the Constitution of the United States; and BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS leagues on enacting this authority as soon as feasible. Whereas a Review Group on Intelligence By Mrs. FEINSTEIN: f and Communications Technologies was es- S. 1987. A bill to authorize the Sec- tablished by the President and issued a final retary of Veterans Affairs to enter into SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS report entitled ‘‘Liberty and Security in a enhanced-use leases for certain build- Changing World’’ on December 12, 2013: Now, therefore, be it ings of the Department of Veterans Af- SENATE RESOLUTION 343—ESTAB- fairs at the West Los Angeles Medical LISHING A SELECT COMMITTEE Resolved, Center, California, and for other pur- OF THE SENATE TO MAKE A SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF SELECT COM- poses; to the Committee on Veterans’ FULL AND THOROUGH INVES- MITTEE ON INVESTIGATION. Affairs. TIGATION OF THE UNAUTHOR- There is established a select committee of Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, IZED DISCLOSURES OF APPAR- the Senate to be known as the Select Com- today I am introducing a bill that ENTLY CLASSIFIED INFORMA- mittee on the Investigation of leaks con- would provide critical authority to the TION CONCERNING THE NA- cerning certain activities of the National Se- Department of Veterans Affairs to use TIONAL SECURITY AGENCY IN- curity Agency (hereinafter in this Resolu- enhanced-use leases to engage in pub- TELLIGENCE-COLLECTION PRO- tion referred to as the ‘‘Select Committee’’). lic-private partnerships in order to pro- GRAMS, OPERATIONS, AND AC- vide supportive housing for homeless SEC. 2. FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES. TIVITIES, INCLUDING PROGRAMS veterans at the West Los Angeles Vet- (a) GENERAL DUTIES.—The Select Com- AFFECTING AMERICANS, TO erans Affairs Medical Campus in Cali- mittee is authorized and directed— fornia. MAKE FINDINGS BASED UPON (1) to make a full and thorough investiga- Homelessness is a tragedy, and I am THE INVESTIGATION, AND TO tion of the unauthorized disclosures that deeply concerned that it plagues many MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS have occurred since June 2013 of apparently of our Nation’s brave and honorable BASED ON THE INVESTIGATION classified information concerning the Na- veterans. I would like to make you AND FINDINGS tional Security Agency intelligence-collec- tion programs, operations, and activities, in- Mr. MCCAIN submitted the following aware, that Los Angeles has the largest cluding intelligence-collection programs af- concentration of homeless veterans in resolution; which was referred to the fecting Americans; the United States, currently estimated Committee on Rules and Administra- (2) to make findings based upon the inves- to be 6,300. What is even more unac- tion: tigation carried out under paragraph (1); ceptable is that two buildings on the Whereas since June 2013, publications have (3) to submit to Congress and the President West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs revealed details about certain National Se- recommendations based on the investigation

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.010 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S766 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 carried out under paragraph (1) and the find- (A) the feasibility, costs, and benefits of (1) shall not be inconsistent with this Res- ings made under paragraph (2); and such findings and recommendations; and olution or the Standing Rules of the Senate; (4) to take any actions necessary and ap- (B) the legislative action that would be re- and propriate to carry out paragraphs (1), (2), and quired to implement those findings and rec- (2) shall become effective upon publication (3). ommendations. in the Congressional Record. (b) PARTICULAR DUTIES.—Without abridg- (7) The need for specific legislative author- SEC. 5. AUTHORITIES. ing in any way the authority conferred upon ity to govern the operations of the intel- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Select Committee the Select Committee in subsection (a), the ligence collection activities and practices of may exercise all of the powers and respon- Senate further expressly authorizes and di- the National Security Agency, including rec- sibilities of a committee under rule XXVI of rects the Select Committee to make a com- ommendations and proposals for legislation. the Standing Rules of the Senate. plete investigation and make findings and SEC. 3. MEMBERSHIP. (b) POWERS.—The Select Committee may, recommendations related to the following: (a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subsection (b), (1) The unauthorized disclosures of appar- the Select Committee shall be composed of for the purpose of carrying out this Resolu- ently classified information concerning the 14 members as follows: tion— National Security Agency intelligence-col- (1) The chairman and vice chairman of the (1) hold hearings; lection programs, operations, and activities, Select Committee on Intelligence of the Sen- (2) administer oaths; including intelligence-collection programs ate. (3) sit and act at any time or place during affecting Americans that have occurred (2) The chairman and ranking member of the sessions, recess, and adjournment periods since June 2013, including— the Committee on Armed Services of the of the Senate; (A) the circumstances under which unau- Senate. (4) authorize and require, by issuance of thorized disclosure occurred; (3) The chairman and ranking member of subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and (B) the extent of the damage done to the Committee on Homeland Security and testimony of witnesses and the preservation United States national security interests, in- Governmental Affairs of the Senate. and production of books, records, cor- telligence sources and methods, and rela- (4) The chairman and ranking member of respondence, memoranda, papers, docu- tionships with key allies; and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the ments, tapes, and any other materials in (C) how such damage may be mitigated. Senate. whatever form the Select Committee con- (2) Contracting by the National Security (5) The chairman and ranking member of siders advisable; Agency, in particular— the Committee on the Judiciary of the Sen- (5) take testimony, orally, by sworn state- (A) the extent of reliance by the Agency on ate. ment, by sworn written interrogatory, or by contract employees to carry out important (6) The chairman and ranking member of deposition, and authorize staff members to aspects of the national security mission of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and do the same; and the Agency; (6) issue letters rogatory and requests, (B) the extent to which contractors with Transportation of the Senate. (7) One Senator selected by the majority through appropriate channels, for any other access to classified information were prop- means of international assistance. erly vetted; leader of the Senate. (8) One Senator selected by the minority (c) AUTHORIZATION, ISSUANCE, AND EN- (C) the sufficiency of internal controls to FORCEMENT OF SUBPOENAS.— ensure only properly cleared contractors leader of the Senate. (b) ALTERNATIVE MEMBERSHIP.—If the (1) AUTHORIZATION.—Subpoenas authorized with a need to know had access to classified chairman, vice chairman, or ranking mem- and issued under this section— information; ber of a committee referred to in paragraphs (A) may be done with the joint concurrence (D) whether adequate remedial measures (1) through (6) of subsection (a) declines to of the chairman and the vice chairman of the have been put in place to address identified serve on the Select Committee, then the ma- Select Committee; deficiencies in the foregoing areas; and jority leader of the Senate in the case of a (B) shall bear the signature of the chair- (E) whether any oversight or legislation is chairman, or the minority leader of the Sen- man or the vice chairman of the Select Com- needed to reform any issues identified by the ate in the case of a vice chairman or ranking mittee or the designee of such chairman or use of Federal contractors in the intelligence member, shall designate a member from that vice chairman; and agencies. committee to serve on the Select Com- (C) shall be served by any person or class of (3) The nature and scope of National Secu- mittee. persons designated by the chairman or the rity Agency intelligence-collection pro- (c) DATE.—The appointments of the mem- vice chairman of the Select Committee for grams, operations, and activities, including bers of the Select Committee shall be made that purpose anywhere within or without the intelligence-collection programs affecting not later than 30 days after the date of adop- borders of the United States to the full ex- Americans, that were the subject matter of tion of this Resolution. tent provided by law. the unauthorized disclosure, including— (d) VACANCIES.—Any vacancy in the Select (A) the extent of domestic surveillance au- (d) ENFORCEMENT.—The Select Committee Committee shall not affect its powers, but may make to the Senate by report or Resolu- thorized by law; shall be filled in the same manner as the (B) the legal authority that served as the tion any recommendation, including a rec- original appointment. ommendation for criminal or civil enforce- basis for the National Security Agency intel- (e) CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN.— ment, that the Select Committee considers ligence-collection programs, operations, and (1) CHAIRMAN.—The members of the Select appropriate with respect to— activities that are the subject matter of Committee who are members of the majority (1) the failure or refusal of any person to those disclosures; party of the Senate shall elect a chairman appear at a hearing or deposition or to (C) the extent to which such programs, op- for the Select Committee by majority vote. produce or preserve documents or materials erations, and activities that were the subject (2) VICE CHAIRMAN.—The members of the described in subsection (b)(4) in obedience to matter of such unauthorized disclosures may Select Committee who are members of the a subpoena or order of the Select Committee; have gone beyond what was authorized by minority party of the Senate shall elect a (2) the failure or refusal of any person to law or permitted under the Constitution of vice chairman by majority vote. answer questions truthfully and completely the United States; (f) SERVICE.—Service of a Senator as a (D) the extent and sufficiency of oversight member, chairman, or vice chairman of the during the person’s appearance as a witness of such programs, operations, and activities Select Committee shall not be taken into ac- at a hearing or deposition of the Select Com- by Congress and the Executive Branch; and count for the purposes of paragraph (4) of mittee; or (E) the need for greater transparency and rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Sen- (3) the failure or refusal of any person to more effective congressional oversight of in- ate. comply with any subpoena or order issued under the authority of subsection (c). telligence community activities. SEC. 4. RULES. (4) Whether existing laws of the United (a) GOVERNANCE UNDER STANDING RULES OF (e) ACCESS TO INFORMATION.—The Select States are adequate, either in their provi- SENATE.—Except as otherwise specifically Committee shall have, to the fullest extent sions or manner of enforcement, to safeguard provided in this Resolution, the investiga- permitted by law, access to any such infor- the rights and privacies of citizens of the tion and hearings conducted by the Select mation or materials obtained by any other United States. Committee shall be governed by the Stand- department or agency of the United States (5) The terrorist activities that were dis- ing Rules of the Senate. or by anybody investigating the matters de- rupted, in whole or in part, with the aid of (b) ADDITIONAL RULES AND PROCEDURES.— scribed in section 3. information obtained through the National The Select Committee may adopt additional (f) AUTHORITY OF OTHER COMMITTEES.— Security Agency intelligence-collection pro- rules or procedures if the chairman and the Nothing contained in this section shall affect grams, operations, and activities that were vice chairman of the Select Committee or impair the exercise of any other standing the subject matter of those disclosures and agree, or if the Select Committee by major- committee of the Senate of any power, or the whether this information could have been ity vote so decides, that such additional discharge by such committee of any duty, promptly obtained by other means. rules or procedures are necessary or advis- conferred or imposed upon it by the Standing (6) The findings and recommendations of able to enable the Select Committee to con- Rules of the Senate or by the Legislative Re- the Review Group on Intelligence and Com- duct the investigation and hearings author- organization Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 812, chapter munications Technologies established by the ized by this Resolution. Any such additional 753). President, including— rules and procedures— (g) QUORUM.—

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:47 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.024 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S767 (1) REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.—A ma- (d) SERVICES OF SENATE STAFF.—The Select ducts certain intelligence collection jority of the members of the Select Com- Committee may use, with the prior consent activities. But the President’s pro- mittee shall constitute a quorum for the pur- of the chair of any other committee of the posals left many crucial questions un- pose of reporting a matter or recommenda- Senate or the chair of any subcommittee of answered. Now is the time for Congress any committee of the Senate, the facilities tion to the Senate. to improve how it executes its con- (2) TESTIMONY.—One member of the Select of any other committee of the Senate, or the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the services of any members of the staff of such stitutional oversight duties—to exam- purpose of taking testimony. committee or subcommittee, whenever the ine certain intelligence collection ac- (3) OTHER BUSINESS.—A majority of the Select Committee or the chairman or the tivities and practices and ensure that members of the Select Committee shall con- vice chairman of the Select Committee con- we are fulfilling our obligation to pro- stitute a quorum for the purpose of con- siders that such action is necessary or appro- tect both the security of our Nation ducting any other business of the Select priate to enable the Select Committee to and the freedom of our citizens. Committee. carry out its responsibilities, duties, or func- The vital issues at stake here are (h) SECURITY CLEARANCES.—Each member tions under this Resolution. complex, broad, and cut across many of the Select Committee shall have an appro- (e) DETAIL OF EMPLOYEES.—The Select Committee may use on a reimbursable basis, areas of jurisdiction of established con- priate security clearance. gressional committees, including na- (i) VIOLATIONS OF LAW.— with the prior consent of the head of the de- tional security, intelligence, tech- (1) REPORTS OF VIOLATION OF LAW.—If the partment or agency of Government con- chairman and vice chairman of the Select cerned and the approval of the Committee on nology, commerce, foreign affairs, and Committee, or a majority of the Select Com- Rules and Administration of the Senate, the privacy. For these reasons, today I am mittee determine that there is reasonable services of personnel of such department or introducing legislation calling for the cause to believe that a violation of law may agency. establishment of a Senate Select Com- (f) TEMPORARY AND INTERMITTENT SERV- have occurred, the chairman and vice chair- mittee to investigate how these leaks ICES.—The Select Committee may procure man by letter, or the Select Committee by the temporary or intermittent services of in- occurred and to make findings and rec- resolution, are authorized to report such vio- dividual consultants, or organizations there- ommendations for legislation to ad- lation to the proper Federal, State, or local of. dress these issues which are vital to authorities. Any such letter or report may (g) PAYMENT OF EXPENSES.—There shall be American national security. recite the basis for the determination of rea- paid out of the applicable accounts of the f sonable cause. Senate such sums as may be necessary for (2) CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this sub- the expenses of the Select Committee. Such SENATE RESOLUTION 344—CON- section may be construed to authorize the payments shall be made by vouchers signed GRATULATING THE PENN STATE release of documents or testimony. by the Chair of the Select Committee and ap- (j) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The Select Com- UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S proved in the manner directed by the Com- VOLLEYBALL TEAM FOR WIN- mittee shall have authority to make rec- mittee on Rules and Administration of the ommendations for appropriate new legisla- Senate. Amounts made available under this NING THE 2013 NATIONAL COLLE- tion or the amendment of any existing stat- subsection shall be expended in accordance GIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION ute which the Select Committee considers with regulations prescribed by the Com- WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL CHAM- necessary or desirable to carry out this Res- mittee on Rules and Administration of the PIONSHIP olution. Senate. Mr. TOOMEY (for himself and Mr. SEC. 6. REPORTS. SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS. CASEY) submitted the following resolu- (a) REQUIREMENT FOR REPORT.—Not later In this Resolution: than 180 days after the appointment of mem- (1) CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.—The term tion; which was considered and agreed bers to the Select Committee, the Select ‘‘classified information’’ has the meaning to: Committee shall submit to the Senate and given that term in section 804 of the Na- S. RES. 344 the President a final report on the results of tional Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3164)). Whereas on December 21, 2013, the Penn the investigations and studies conducted (2) INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY.—The term State University Nittany Lions won the 2013 pursuant to this Resolution, together with ‘‘intelligence community’’ has the meaning National Collegiate Athletic Association any recommendations for Congress and the given that term in section 3 of the National (‘‘NCAA’’) Women’s Volleyball Champion- President based on the investigation and Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003). ship in Seattle, Washington with a hard- findings of the Select Committee. SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE; TERMINATION. fought victory over the University of Wis- (b) INTERIM REPORTS.—The Select Com- (a) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This Resolution shall consin Badgers in a thrilling four-set match; mittee may submit to the Senate such in- take effect on the date of the adoption of Whereas the Penn State University terim reports as the Select Committee con- this Resolution. Nittany Lions have won 5 of the last 7 NCAA siders appropriate. (b) TERMINATION.—The Select Committee women’s volleyball championships and 6 (c) FORM OF REPORTS.—Each report sub- shall terminate 60 days after the submittal overall, matching the Stanford University mitted under this section shall be submitted of the report required by section 6(a). Cardinal for the most NCAA Division I wom- in unclassified form to the greatest extent (c) DISPOSITION OF RECORDS.—Upon termi- en’s volleyball championships by a single possible, and may include a classified annex nation of the Select Committee, the records program; if necessary. of the Select Committee shall become the Whereas the Penn State University SEC. 7. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. records of any committee designated by the Nittany Lions concluded the 2013 season with (a) STAFF.— majority leader of the Senate with the con- a record of 34 wins and only 2 losses, and a (1) IN GENERAL.—The Select Committee currence of the minority leader of the Sen- 16th Big Ten Conference title; may employ in accordance with paragraph ate. Whereas 4 Nittany Lions players were se- (2) a staff composed of such clerical, inves- Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, since lected for the 2013 NCAA All-Tournament tigatory, legal, technical, and other per- June of 2013, there have been steady team and junior setter Micha Hancock was sonnel as the Select Committee, or the and persistent unauthorized disclosures named the tournament’s Most Outstanding chairman and the vice chairman of the Se- of apparently classified information re- Player; lect Committee, considers necessary or ap- garding the activities and practices of Whereas head coach Russ Rose was named propriate. the National Security Agency, NSA. the 2013 National Coach of the Year and has (2) APPOINTMENT OF STAFF.—The staff of These disclosures have caused grave been at the helm of the Nittany Lions wom- the Select Committee shall consist of such damage to the United States. They en’s volleyball team for 34 seasons, never personnel as the chairman and the vice have harmed our relations with friends winning less than 22 games in a season; and chairman shall jointly appoint. Such staff Whereas this season, Coach Rose and his may be removed jointly by the chairman and and allies and harmed our ability to staff depended on 4 seniors to lead by exam- the vice chairman, and shall work under the combat threats to the United States. ple on the court and in the classroom, as joint general supervision and direction of the They have also undermined public sup- best illustrated by Ariel Scott and Maggie chairman and the vice chairman. port for U.S. intelligence programs by Harding, who were each awarded prestigious (b) COMPENSATION.—The chairman and the casting doubt on the candor of key offi- academic honors: Now, therefore, be it vice chairman of the Select Committee shall cials, the permissibility of the NSA’s Resolved, That the Senate— jointly fix the compensation of all personnel activities, the efficacy of the govern- (1) congratulates the Penn State Univer- of the staff of the Select Committee. ment’s oversight, and whether legiti- sity women’s volleyball team for winning the (c) REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES.—The Se- 2013 National Collegiate Athletic Association lect Committee may reimburse the members mate privacy interests are properly Championship; of its staff for travel, subsistence, and other taken into account in connection with (2) commends the Penn State University necessary expenses incurred by such staff important surveillance activities. women’s volleyball team players, coaches, members in the performance of their func- Last month, the President proposed and staff for their hard work and dedication; tions for the Select Committee. some changes to how our Nation con- and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:47 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.024 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S768 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 (3) recognizes the Penn State University ‘‘(K) the amendment made by section 2(a) propriated, there are appropriated to the students, alumni, and loyal fans who sup- of the Emergency Unemployment Compensa- Railroad Retirement Board $62,500 for admin- ported the Nittany Lions on their way to tion Extension Act of 2014;’’. istrative expenses associated with the pay- capturing a record-tying sixth National Col- (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments ment of additional extended unemployment legiate Athletic Association Championship. made by this section shall take effect as if benefits provided under section 2(c)(2)(D) of included in the enactment of the American f the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (Public Law 112– by reason of the amendments made by sub- AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND 240). section (a), to remain available until ex- PROPOSED SEC. 3. TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF EXTENDED pended. BENEFIT PROVISIONS. SEC. 6. FLEXIBILITY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT PRO- SA 2714. Mr. REID (for Mr. REED) proposed (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2005 of the Assist- GRAM AGREEMENTS. an amendment to the bill S. 1845, to provide ance for Unemployed Workers and Strug- for the extension of certain unemployment gling Families Act, as contained in Public (a) FLEXIBILITY.— benefits, and for other purposes. Law 111–5 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note), is amended— (1) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (g) of section SA 2715. Mr. REID proposed an amendment (1) by striking ‘‘December 31, 2013’’ each 4001 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, to amendment SA 2714 proposed by Mr. REID place it appears and inserting ‘‘March 31, 2008 (Public Law 110–252; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) (for Mr. REED) to the bill S. 1845, supra. 2014’’; and shall not apply with respect to a State that SA 2716. Mr. REID proposed an amendment (2) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘June 30, has enacted a law before December 1, 2013, to the bill S. 1845, supra. 2014’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2014’’. that, upon taking effect, would violate such SA 2717. Mr. REID proposed an amendment (b) EXTENSION OF MATCHING FOR STATES subsection. to amendment SA 2716 proposed by Mr. REID WITH NO WAITING WEEK.—Section 5 of the (2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Paragraph (1) is effec- to the bill S. 1845, supra. Unemployment Compensation Extension Act tive with respect to weeks of unemployment SA 2718. Mr. REID proposed an amendment of 2008 (Public Law 110–449; 26 U.S.C. 3304 beginning on or after December 29, 2013. to amendment SA 2717 proposed by Mr. REID note) is amended by striking ‘‘June 30, 2014’’ (b) PERMITTING A SUBSEQUENT AGREE- to the amendment SA 2716 proposed by Mr. and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2014’’. MENT.—Nothing in title IV of the Supple- REID to the bill S. 1845, supra. (c) EXTENSION OF MODIFICATION OF INDICA- mental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law TORS UNDER THE EXTENDED BENEFIT PRO- f 110–252; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) shall preclude a GRAM.—Section 203 of the Federal-State Ex- State whose agreement under such title was TEXT OF AMENDMENTS tended Unemployment Compensation Act of terminated from entering into a subsequent 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is amended— agreement under such title on or after the SA 2714. Mr. REID (for Mr. REED) (1) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘Decem- proposed an amendment to the bill S. date of the enactment of this Act if the ber 31, 2013’’ and inserting ‘‘March 31, 2014’’; State, taking into account the application of 1845, to provide for the extension of and subsection (a), would otherwise meet the re- certain unemployment benefits, and for (2) in subsection (f)(2), by striking ‘‘Decem- quirements for an agreement under such other purposes; as follows: ber 31, 2013’’ and inserting ‘‘March 31, 2014’’. title. (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments Strike all after the first word and insert made by this section shall take effect as if SEC. 7. ENDING UNEMPLOYMENT PAYMENTS TO the following: included in the enactment of the American JOBLESS MILLIONAIRES AND BIL- LIONAIRES. 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (Public Law 112– (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as 240). (a) PROHIBITION.—Notwithstanding any the ‘‘Emergency Unemployment Compensa- SEC. 4. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FOR REEMPLOY- other provision of law, no Federal funds may tion Extension Act of 2014’’. MENT SERVICES AND REEMPLOY- be used to make payments of unemployment (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- MENT AND ELIGIBILITY ASSESS- compensation (including such compensation tents of this Act is as follows: MENT ACTIVITIES. under the Federal-State Extended Com- Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4004(c)(2)(A) of pensation Act of 1970 and the emergency un- Sec. 2. Extension of emergency unemploy- the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 employment compensation program under ment compensation program. (Public Law 110–252; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is title IV of the Supplemental Appropriations Sec. 3. Temporary extension of extended amended by striking ‘‘through fiscal year Act, 2008) to an individual whose adjusted benefit provisions. 2014’’ and inserting ‘‘through the first quar- gross income in the preceding year was equal Sec. 4. Extension of funding for reemploy- ter of fiscal year 2015’’. to or greater than $1,000,000. (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments ment services and reemploy- (b) COMPLIANCE.—Unemployment Insurance made by this section shall take effect as if ment and eligibility assessment applications shall include a form or proce- included in the enactment of the American activities. dure for an individual applicant to certify Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (Public Law 112– Sec. 5. Additional extended unemployment the individual’s adjusted gross income was 240). benefits under the Railroad Un- not equal to or greater than $1,000,000 in the employment Insurance Act. SEC. 5. ADDITIONAL EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT preceding year. BENEFITS UNDER THE RAILROAD Sec. 6. Flexibility for unemployment pro- UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ACT. (c) AUDITS.—The certifications required by gram agreements. (a) EXTENSION.—Section 2(c)(2)(D)(iii) of subsection (b) shall be auditable by the U.S. Sec. 7. Ending unemployment payments to the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act Department of Labor or the U.S. Govern- jobless millionaires and billion- (45 U.S.C. 352(c)(2)(D)(iii)) is amended— ment Accountability Office. aires. (1) by striking ‘‘June 30, 2013’’ and insert- (d) STATUS OF APPLICANTS.—It is the duty Sec. 8. Funding stabilization. ing ‘‘September 30, 2013’’; and of the states to verify the residency, employ- SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF EMERGENCY UNEMPLOY- (2) by striking ‘‘December 31, 2013’’ and in- ment, legal, and income status of applicants MENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM. serting ‘‘March 31, 2014’’. for Unemployment Insurance and no Federal (a) EXTENSION.—Section 4007(a)(2) of the (b) CLARIFICATION ON AUTHORITY TO USE funds may be expended for purposes of deter- Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub- FUNDS.—Funds appropriated under either the mining an individual’s eligibility under this lic Law 110–252; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is amend- first or second sentence of clause (iv) of sec- Act. ed by striking ‘‘January 1, 2014’’ and insert- tion 2(c)(2)(D) of the Railroad Unemploy- (e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The prohibition ing ‘‘April 1, 2014’’. ment Insurance Act shall be available to under subsection (a) shall apply to weeks of (b) FUNDING.—Section 4004(e)(1) of the Sup- cover the cost of additional extended unem- unemployment beginning on or after the plemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public ployment benefits provided under such sec- date of the enactment of this Act. Law 110–252; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is amended— tion 2(c)(2)(D) by reason of the amendments (1) in subparagraph (I), by striking ‘‘and’’ made by subsection (a) as well as to cover SEC. 8. FUNDING STABILIZATION. at the end; the cost of such benefits provided under such (a) FUNDING STABILIZATION UNDER THE IN- (2) in subparagraph (J), by inserting ‘‘and’’ section 2(c)(2)(D), as in effect on the day be- TERNAL REVENUE CODE.—The table in sub- at the end; and fore the date of enactment of this Act. clause (II) of section 430(h)(2)(C)(iv) of the In- (3) by inserting after subparagraph (J) the (c) FUNDING FOR ADMINISTRATION.—Out of ternal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to following: any funds in the Treasury not otherwise ap- read as follows:

‘‘If the calendar year is: The applicable minimum percentage is: The applicable maximum percentage is:

2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, or 2016 ...... 90% ...... 110% 2017 ...... 85% ...... 115% 2018 ...... 80% ...... 120% 2019 ...... 75% ...... 125% After 2019 ...... 70% ...... 130%’’.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:47 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.031 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S769

(b) FUNDING STABILIZATION UNDER (1) IN GENERAL.—The table in subclause (II) Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 is ERISA.— of section 303(h)(2)(C)(iv) of the Employee amended to read as follows:

‘‘If the calendar year is: The applicable minimum percentage is: The applicable maximum percentage is:

2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, or 2016 ...... 90% ...... 110% 2017 ...... 85% ...... 115% 2018 ...... 80% ...... 120% 2019 ...... 75% ...... 125% After 2019 ...... 70% ...... 130%’’.

(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.— and such plan or contract amendment ap- SA 2718. Mr. REID proposed an (A) IN GENERAL.—Clause (ii) of section plies retroactively for such period. amendment to amendment SA 2717 pro- 101(f)(2)(D) of such Act is amended by strik- (C) ANTI-CUTBACK RELIEF.—A plan shall not posed by Mr. REID to the amendment ing ‘‘2015’’ and inserting ‘‘2019’’. be treated as failing to meet the require- SA 2716 proposed by Mr. REID to the (B) STATEMENTS.—The Secretary of Labor ments of section 204(g) of the Employee Re- shall modify the statements required under tirement Income Security Act of 1974 and bill S. 1845, to provide for the extension subclauses (I) and (II) of section 101(f)(2)(D)(i) section 411(d)(6) of the Internal Revenue of certain unemployment benefits, and of such Act to conform to the amendments Code of 1986 solely by reason of a plan for other purposes; as follows: made by this section. amendment to which this paragraph applies. In the amendment, strike ‘‘9 days’’ and in- (c) STABILIZATION NOT TO APPLY FOR PUR- (d) MODIFICATION OF FUNDING TARGET DE- sert ‘‘10 days’’. POSES OF CERTAIN ACCELERATED BENEFIT DIS- TERMINATION PERIODS.— TRIBUTION RULES.— (1) INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986.—Clause f (1) INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986.—The (i) of section 430(h)(2)(B) of the Internal Rev- second sentence of paragraph (2) of section enue Code of 1986 is amended by striking NOTICE OF HEARING 436(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is ‘‘the first day of the plan year’’ and inserting COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS amended by striking ‘‘of such plan’’ and in- ‘‘the valuation date for the plan year’’. Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I serting ‘‘of such plan (determined by not (2) EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY taking into account any adjustment of seg- ACT OF 1974.—Clause (i) of section 303(h)(2)(B) would like to announce that the Com- ment rates under section 430(h)(2)(C)(iv))’’. of the Employee Retirement Income Secu- mittee on Indian Affairs will meet on (2) EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY rity Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1083(h)(2)(B)(i)) is Wednesday, February 12, 2014, in room ACT OF 1974.—The second sentence of subpara- amended by striking ‘‘the first day of the SD–628 of the Dirksen Senate Office graph (B) of section 206(g)(3) of the Employee plan year’’ and inserting ‘‘the valuation date Building, at 2:30 p.m., to conduct an Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 for the plan year’’. oversight hearing to conduct a hearing U.S.C. 1056(g)(3)(B)) is amended by striking (e) EFFECTIVE DATE.— entitled ‘‘The Indian Law and Order ‘‘of such plan’’ and inserting ‘‘of such plan (1) IN GENERAL.—The amendments made by (determined by not taking into account any subsections (a), (b), and (d) shall apply with Commission Report: A Roadmap for adjustment of segment rates under section respect to plan years beginning after Decem- Making Native America Safer.’’ 303(h)(2)(C)(iv))’’. ber 31, 2012. Those wishing additional information (3) EFFECTIVE DATE.— (2) ELECTIONS.—A plan sponsor may elect may contact the Indian Affairs Com- (A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in not to have the amendments made by sub- mittee at (202) 224–2251. subparagraph (B), the amendments made by sections (a), (b), and (d) apply to any plan this subsection shall apply to plan years be- year beginning before January 1, 2014, either f ginning after December 31, 2014. (as specified in the election)— (B) COLLECTIVELY BARGAINED PLANS.—In (A) for all purposes for which such amend- AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO the case of a plan maintained pursuant to 1 ments apply, or MEET or more collective bargaining agreements, (B) solely for purposes of determining the COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES the amendments made by this subsection adjusted funding target attainment percent- shall apply to plan years beginning after De- age under sections 436 of the Internal Rev- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask cember 31, 2015. enue Code of 1986 and 206(g) of the Employee unanimous consent that the Com- (4) PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLAN AMEND- Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for mittee on Armed Services be author- MENTS.— such plan year. ized to meet during the session of the (A) IN GENERAL.—If this paragraph applies A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet Senate on February 4, 2014, at 10 a.m. to any amendment to any plan or annuity the requirements of section 204(g) of such contract, such plan or contract shall be The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Act and section 411(d)(6) of such Code solely treated as being operated in accordance with objection, it is so ordered. by reason of an election under this para- the terms of the plan during the period de- graph. COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES scribed in subparagraph (B)(ii). Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask (B) AMENDMENTS TO WHICH PARAGRAPH AP- SA 2715. Mr. REID proposed an unanimous consent that the Com- PLIES.— amendment to amendment SA 2714 pro- (i) IN GENERAL.—This paragraph shall apply mittee on Armed Services be author- to any amendment to any plan or annuity posed by Mr. REID (for Mr. REED) to the ized to meet during the session of the contract which is made— bill S. 1845, to provide for the extension Senate on February 4, 2014, at 2:30 p.m. (I) pursuant to the amendments made by of certain unemployment benefits, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without this subsection, or pursuant to any regula- for other purposes; as follows: objection, it is so ordered. tion issued by the Secretary of the Treasury At the end, add the following: COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL or the Secretary of Labor under any provi- This Act shall become effective 7 days RESOURCES sion as so amended, and after enactment. (II) on or before the last day of the first Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask plan year beginning on or after January 1, SA 2716. Mr. REID proposed an unanimous consent that the Com- 2016, or such later date as the Secretary of amendment to the bill S. 1845, to pro- mittee on Energy and Natural Re- the Treasury may prescribe. vide for the extension of certain unem- sources be authorized to meet during (ii) CONDITIONS.—This subsection shall not ployment benefits, and for other pur- the session of the Senate on February apply to any amendment unless, during the poses; as follows: 4, 2014, at 10 a.m. in room SD–366 of the period— At the end, add the following: Dirksen Senate Office Building. (I) beginning on the date that the amend- This Act shall become effective 8 days The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ments made by this subsection or the regula- after enactment. tion described in clause (i)(I) takes effect (or objection, it is so ordered. in the case of a plan or contract amendment SA 2717. Mr. REID proposed an COMMITTEE ON FINANCE not required by such amendments or such amendment to amendment SA 2716 pro- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask regulation, the effective date specified by posed by Mr. REID to the bill S. 1845, to unanimous consent that the Com- the plan), and mittee on Finance be authorized to (II) ending on the date described in clause provide for the extension of certain un- (i)(II) (or, if earlier, the date the plan or con- employment benefits, and for other meet during the session of the Senate tract amendment is adopted), purposes; as follows: on February 4. the plan or contract is operated as if such In the amendment, strike ‘‘8 days’’ and in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without plan or contract amendment were in effect, sert ‘‘9 days’’. objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:47 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.030 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S770 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without committee on Financial and Con- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask objection, it is so ordered. tracting Oversight of the Committee unanimous consent that the Com- COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY on Homeland Security and Govern- mittee on Foreign Relations be author- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask mental Affairs be authorized to meet ized to meet during the session of the unanimous consent that the Com- during the session of the Senate on Senate on February 4, 2014, at 10 a.m. mittee on the Judiciary be authorized February 4, 2014, at 10 a.m. to conduct to conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘Negotia- to meet, during the session of the Sen- a hearing entitled, ‘‘Fraud and Abuse tions on Iran’s Nuclear Program’’. ate on February 4, 2014, at 10:15 a.m. in in Army Recruiting Contracts.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without room SD–226 of the Dirksen Senate Of- objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without fice Building, to conduct a hearing en- objection, it is so ordered. COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS titled ‘‘Privacy in the Digital Age: Pre- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask venting Data Breaches and Combating SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER AND WILDLIFE unanimous consent that the Com- Cybercrime.’’ mittee on Foreign Relations be author- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ized to meet during the session of the unanimous consent that the Sub- objection, it is so ordered. Senate on February 4, 2014, at 3 p.m. committee on Water and Wildlife of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE Committee on Environment and Public objection, it is so ordered. Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask Works be authorized to meet during unanimous consent that the Select COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, the session of the Senate on February Committee on Intelligence be author- AND PENSIONS 4, 2014, at 10 a.m. in room SD–406 of the ized to meet during the session of the Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask Dirksen Senate office building to con- Senate on February 4, 2014, at 2:30 p.m. unanimous consent that the Com- duct a hearing entitled, ‘‘Examination mittee on Health, Education, Labor, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of the Safety and Security of Drinking and Pensions be authorized to meet, objection, it is so ordered. Water Supplies Following the Central during the session of the Senate on SUBCOMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL AND West Virginia Drinking Water Crisis.’’ February 4, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. in room CONTRACTING OVERSIGHT 430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Build- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ing. unanimous consent that the Sub- objection, it is so ordered. h FOREIGN TRAVEL FINANCIAL Senate herewith submits the following select and special committees of the REPORTS reports for standing committees of the Senate, relating to expenses incurred In accordance with the appropriate Senate, certain joint committees of the in the performance of authorized for- provisions of law, the Secretary of the Congress, delegations and groups, and eign travel: CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95–384— 22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2013

Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency

Senator Susan Collins: Canada ...... Dollar ...... 336.00 ...... 336.00 Total ...... 336.00 ...... 336.00 Delegation expenses include payments and reimbursements to the Department of State under the authority of Sec. 502(b) of the Mutual Security Act of 1954, as amended by Sec. 22 of P.L. 95–384, and S. Res 179 agreed to May 25, 1977 SENATOR BARBARA A. MIKULSKI, Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, Jan. 23, 2014.

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95–384—22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2013

Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total

U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency

Senator Carl Levin: Belgium ...... Euro ...... 30.00 ...... 30.00 Afghanistan ...... Afghani ...... 103.00 ...... 103.00 United States ...... Dollar ...... 11,505.70 ...... 11,505.70 Peter K. Levine: Belgium ...... Euro ...... 30.00 ...... 30.00 Afghanistan ...... Afghani ...... 61.00 ...... 61.00 United States ...... Dollar ...... 11,505.70 ...... 11,505.70 William G.P. Monahan: Belgium ...... Euro ...... 30.00 ...... 30.00 Afghanistan ...... Afghani ...... 86.00 ...... 11,505.70 ...... 11,591.70 Senator John McCain: Canada ...... Dollar ...... 543.80 ...... 543.80 Christian D. Brose: Canada ...... Dollar ...... 702.12 ...... 258.00 ...... 960.12 Elizabeth O’Bagy: Canada ...... Dollar ...... 553.13 ...... 553.13 Senator Tim Kaine: Canada ...... Dollar ...... 662.14 ...... 662.14 Mary Ann Naylor: Canada ...... Dollar ...... 553.13 ...... 553.13 Karen Courington: Canada ...... Dollar ...... 553.13 ...... 553.13 * Delegation Expenses: Canada ...... Dollar ...... 6,882.75 ...... 6,882.75 Senator John McCain: Saudi Arabia ...... Riyal ...... 430.84 ...... 430.84 United States ...... Dollar ...... 10,828.80 ...... 10,828.80

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.036 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S771 CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95–384—22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2013—Continued

Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency

Christian D. Brose: Saudi Arabia ...... Riyal ...... 380.25 ...... 47.00 ...... 427.25 United States ...... Dollar ...... 10,828.80 ...... 10,828.80 Elizabeth O’Bagy: Saudi Arabia ...... Riyal ...... 347.45 ...... 347.45 United States ...... Dollar ...... 10,828.80 ...... 10,828.80 * Delegation Expenses: Saudi Arabia ...... Riyal ...... 3,126.26 ...... 3,126.26 Libya ...... Dinar ...... 1,054.00 ...... 1,054.00 United Arab Emirates ...... Dirham ...... 946.41 ...... 946.41 United Kingdom ...... Pound ...... 900.00 ...... 900.00 Senator Tim Kaine: Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 584.97 ...... 584.97 United States ...... Dollar ...... 9,099.20 ...... 9,099.20 Mary Ann Naylor: Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 560.33 ...... 560.33 United States ...... Dollar ...... 9,099.20 ...... 9,099.20 * Delegation Expenses: Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 1,169.86 ...... 1,169.96 Senator John McCain: Ukraine ...... Hryvnia ...... 668.08 ...... 668.08 United States ...... Dollar ...... 7,996.60 ...... 7,996.60 Christian D. Brose: Ukraine ...... Hryvnia ...... 776.60 ...... 776.60 United States ...... Dollar ...... 8,270.60 ...... 8,270.60 Elizabeth O’Bagy: Ukraine ...... Hryvnia ...... 699.44 ...... 669.44 United States ...... Dollar ...... 8,270.60 ...... 8,270.60 * Delegation Expenses: Ukraine ...... Hryvnia ...... 3,071.92 ...... 3,071.92 Total ...... 8,355.41 ...... 109,739.70 ...... 17,456.20 ...... 135,551.31 * Delegation expenses include payments and reimbursements to the Department of State and the Department of Defense under the authority of Sec. 502(b) of the Mutual Security Act of 1954, as amended by Sec. 22 of P.L. 95-384, and S. Res 179 agreed to May 25, 1977. SENATOR CARL LEVIN, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Jan. 24, 2014.

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95–384—22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKSFOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2013

Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency

Joseph Mendelson III: United States ...... Dollar ...... 10,206.60 ...... 10,206.60 Poland ...... Zloty ...... 1,366.37 ...... 1,366.37 Bettina Poirier: Poland ...... Zloty ...... 791.53 ...... 791.53 Total ...... 2,157.90 ...... 10,206.60 ...... 12,364.50 SENATOR BARBARA BOXER, Chairman, Committee on Environment and Public Works, Jan. 27, 2014.

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95–384—22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON FINANCE FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 30, 2013

Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency

Jason Park: Singapore ...... Dollar ...... 1,299.13 ...... 1,299.13 United States ...... Dollar ...... 12,581.30 ...... 12,581.30 Shane Warren: Singapore ...... Dollar ...... 2,184.71 ...... 2,184.71 United States ...... Dollar ...... 14,691.40 ...... 14,691.40 Total ...... 3,483.84 ...... 27,272.70 ...... 30,756.54 SENATOR MAX BAUCUS, Chairman, Committee on Finance, Jan. 27, 2014.

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95–384—22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2013

Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency

Senator John Barrasso: Canada ...... Dollar ...... 639.48 ...... 639.48 Delegation Expenses: Canada ...... Dollar ...... 1,044.89 ...... 1,044.89 Senator John Barrasso: United Arab Emirates ...... Dirham ...... 357.70 ...... 357.70 Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 191.18 ...... 191.18 United States ...... Dollar ...... 10,747.10 ...... 10,747.10 Charles Ziegler: United Arab Emirates ...... Dirham ...... 357.70 ...... 357.70

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:47 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.033 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S772 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95–384—22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2013—Continued

Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency

United States ...... Dollar ...... 10,268.10 ...... 10,268.10 *Delegation Expenses: United Arab Emirates ...... Dirham ...... 512.83 ...... 512.83 Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 110.00 ...... 110.00 Senator Bob Corker: Saudi Arabia ...... Riyal ...... 351.67 ...... 351.67 Oman ...... Riyal ...... 266.44 ...... 266.44 Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 253.03 ...... 253.03 United States ...... Dollar ...... 11,228.20 ...... 11,228.20 Michael Gallagher: Saudi Arabia ...... Riyal ...... 361.67 ...... 361.67 Oman ...... Riyal ...... 309.81 ...... 309.81 Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 1,356.88 ...... 1,356.88 United States ...... Dollar ...... 10,862.20 ...... 10,862.20 *Delegation Expenses: Saudi Arabia ...... Riyal ...... 1,016.35 ...... 1,016.35 Oman ...... Riyal ...... 2,433.92 ...... 2,433.92 Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 1,761.90 ...... 1,761.90 Senator Christopher Murphy: Germany ...... Euro ...... 305.00 ...... 305.00 Belgium ...... Euro ...... 545.00 ...... 545.00 United States ...... Dollars ...... 12,023.00 ...... 12,023.00 David Bonine: Germany ...... Euro ...... 305.00 ...... 305.00 Belgium ...... Euro ...... 545.00 ...... 545.00 United States ...... Dollars ...... 12,023.00 ...... 12,023.00 *Delegation Expenses: Germany ...... Euro ...... 2,027.59 ...... 2,027.59 Senator Christopher Murphy: Ukraine ...... Hryvnia ...... 358.68 ...... 358.68 United States ...... Dollar ...... 8,719.40 ...... 8,719.40 Jessica Elledge: Ukraine ...... Hryvnia ...... 455.00 ...... 455.00 United States ...... Dollar ...... 9,907.30 ...... 9,907.30 *Delegation Expenses: Ukraine ...... Hryvnia ...... 2,047.94 ...... 2,047.94 Senator Marco Rubio: United Kingdom ...... Euro ...... 1,186.00 ...... 1,186.00 United States ...... Dollar ...... 12,189.80 ...... 12,189.80 Jaime Fly: United Kingdom ...... Euro ...... 1,373.54 ...... 1,373.54 United States ...... Dollar ...... 12,168.80 ...... 12,168.80 *Delegation Expenses: United Kingdom ...... Euro ...... 46.44 ...... 46.44 Michael Henry: Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 560.32 ...... 560.32 United States ...... Dollar ...... 9,099.20 ...... 9,099.20 *Delegation Expenses: Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 584.83 ...... 584.83 Damian Murphy: India ...... Rupee ...... 890.00 ...... 890.00 Sri Lanka ...... Rupee ...... 942.80 ...... 942.80 United States ...... Dollar ...... 3,742.30 ...... 3,742.30 *Delegation Expenses: India ...... Rupee ...... 188.00 ...... 188.00 Michael Phelan: Kenya ...... Shilling ...... 764.00 ...... 764.00 Tanzania ...... Shilling ...... 552.11 ...... 552.11 Germany ...... Euro ...... 332.94 ...... 332.94 United States ...... Dollar ...... 7,303.20 ...... 7,303.20 Michael Schiffer: China ...... Renminmbi ...... 385.00 ...... 385.00 Vietnam ...... Dong ...... 279.22 ...... 279.22 United States ...... Dollar ...... 5,527.10 ...... 5,527.10 *Delegation Expenses: China ...... Renminmbi ...... 393.89 ...... 393.89 Christopher Socha: Georgia ...... Lari ...... 1,190.38 ...... 1,190.38 United States ...... Dollar ...... 3,890.30 ...... 3,890.30 *Delegation Expenses: Georgia ...... Lari ...... 128.64 ...... 128.64 Dana Stroul: Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 1,366.75 ...... 1,366.75 United States ...... Dollar ...... 2,379.40 ...... 2,379.40 Caroline Vik: Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 1,180.00 ...... 1,180.00 United States ...... Dollar ...... 2,047.20 ...... 2,047.20 *Delegation Expenses: Bahrain ...... Dinar ...... 704.76 ...... 704.76 Ana Unruh-Cohen: Poland ...... Zloty ...... 1,391.37 ...... 1,391.37 United States ...... Dollar ...... 3,627.20 ...... 3,627.20 Jesse Young: Poland ...... Zloty ...... 1,231.37 ...... 1,231.37 United States ...... Dollar ...... 3,716.80 ...... 3,716.80 Total ...... 20,585.04 ...... 151,469.60 ...... 13,001.98 ...... 185,056.62 * Delegation expenses include payments and reimbursements to the Department of State and the Department of Defense under the authority of Sec. 502(b) of the Mutual Security Act of 1954, as amended by Sec. 22 of P.L. 95–384, and S. Res 179 agreed to May 25, 1977. SENATOR ROBERT MENENDEZ, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, Jan. 28, 2014.

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95–384—22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1, TO DEC. 31, 2013

Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency

Brian Walsh ...... 738.00 ...... 738.00

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:47 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.033 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE February 4, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S773 CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95–384—22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1, TO DEC. 31, 2013—Continued

Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency

Dollar ...... 12,168.00 ...... 12,168.00 Total ...... 738.00 ...... 12,168.00 ...... 12,906.00 SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN, Chairman, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Jan. 27, 2014.

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95–384—22 U.S.C. 1754(b), COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPEFOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2013

Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency

Kyle Parker: Poland ...... Zloty ...... 2,993.42 ...... 2,993.42 United States ...... Dollar ...... 1,389.90 ...... 1,389.90 Erika Schlager: Poland ...... Zloty ...... 3,724.00 ...... 3,724.00 United States ...... Dollar ...... 1,354.60 ...... 1,354.60 Austria ...... Euro ...... 2,281.00 ...... 2,281.00 United States ...... Dollar ...... 3,237.00 ...... 3,237.00 Ukraine ...... Hryvnia ...... 1,686.67 ...... 1,686.67 Switzerland ...... Franc ...... 465.00 ...... 465.00 United States ...... Dollar ...... 3,357.60 ...... 3,357.60 Janice Helwig: Poland ...... Zloty ...... 3,725.81 ...... 3,725.81 United States ...... Dollar ...... 2,950.20 ...... 2,950.20 Tajikistan ...... Somoni ...... 1486.00 ...... 1,486.00 Kazakhstan ...... Tenge ...... 327.00 ...... 327.00 United States ...... Dollar ...... 11,341.50 ...... 11,341.50 Mischa Thompson: Poland ...... Zloty ...... 1,339.65 ...... 1,339.65 Germany ...... Euro ...... 1,597.66 ...... 1,597.66 United States ...... Dollar ...... 4,262.00 ...... 4,262.00 Morocco ...... Dirham ...... 524.00 ...... 524.00 Monaco ...... Euro ...... 854.28 ...... 854.28 United States ...... Dollar ...... 6,713.80 ...... 6,713.80 Marlene Kaufmann: Monaco ...... Euro ...... 1,281.42 ...... 1,281.42 United States ...... Dollar ...... 1,056.00 ...... 1,056.00 Fred Turner: India ...... Rupee ...... 1,064.00 ...... 1,064.00 United States ...... Dollar ...... 10,310.37 ...... 10,310.37 Orest Deychakiwsky: Ukraine ...... Hryvnia ...... 2,125.67 ...... 2,125.67 United States ...... Dollar ...... 2,067.30 ...... 2,067.30 Allison Hollabaugh: Ukraine ...... Hryvnia ...... 1,833.40 ...... 1,833.40 United States ...... Dollar ...... 2,991.80 ...... 2,991.80 Total ...... 27,308.98 ...... 51,032.07 ...... 78,341.05 SENATOR BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, Chairman, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Jan. 8, 2014.

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL BY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. SENATE, UNDER AUTHORITY OF SEC. 22, P.L. 95–384—22 U.S.C. 1754(b), REPUBLICAN LEADER FOR TRAVEL FROM OCT. 1 TO DEC. 31, 2013

Per diem Transportation Miscellaneous Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name and country Name of currency Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency

Senator Ted Cruz: South Africa ...... Rand ...... 2,009.01 ...... 2,009.01 Total ...... 2,009.01 ...... 2,009.01 SENATOR MITCH McCONNELL, h Republican Leader, Jan. 14, 2014.

UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREE- reconsider be made and laid upon the CONGRATULATING PENN STATE MENT—EXECUTIVE CALENDAR table, with no intervening action or de- UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S bate; that no further motions be in VOLLEYBALL TEAM Mr. DONNELLY. I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be deter- order; that any related statements be Mr. DONNELLY. I ask unanimous mined by the majority leader, with the printed in the record; that the Presi- consent that the Senate proceed to the concurrence of the Republican leader, dent be immediately notified of the consideration of S. Res. 344 submitted the Senate proceed to executive session Senate’s action and the Senate then re- earlier today. to consider the following nomination: sume legislative session. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Calendar No. 629; that there be 60 min- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without clerk will report the resolution by utes for debate equally divided in the objection, it is so ordered. title. usual form; that upon the use or yield- ing back of time, the Senate proceed to The legislative clerk read as follows: vote, without intervening action or de- A resolution (S. Res. 344) congratulating bate on the nomination, the motion to the Penn State University women’s

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:47 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04FE6.033 S04FEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S774 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 4, 2014 volleyball team for winning the 2013 Na- read for a second time on the next leg- date issues conferences for each cau- tional Collegiate Athletic Association wom- islative day. cus. There will be up to two rollcall en’s volleyball championship. f votes at 11 a.m. on Thursday. We also There being no objection, the Senate expect to consider the nomination of proceeded to consider the resolution. ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, Senator BAUCUS to become Ambassador Mr. DONNELLY. I ask unanimous FEBRUARY 6, 2014 to China. consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the Mr. DONNELLY. Madam President, I f motions to reconsider be laid upon the ask unanimous consent that when the table, with no intervening action or de- Senate completes its business today, it bate. adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, ADJOURNMENT UNTIL THURSDAY, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without February 6, 2014; that following the FEBRUARY 6, 2014, AT 9:30 A.M. prayer and pledge, the morning hour be objection, it is so ordered. Mr. DONNELLY. If there is no fur- The resolution (S. Res. 344) was deemed expired, the Journal of pro- ceedings be approved to date, and the ther business to come before the Sen- agreed to. ate, I ask unanimous consent that it The preamble was agreed to. time for the two leaders be reserved for (The resolution, with its preamble, is their use later in the day; that fol- adjourn under the previous order. printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- lowing any leader remarks, the Senate There being no objection, the Senate, mitted Resolutions.’’) resume consideration of S. 1845, the at 6:58 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, f Unemployment Insurance Extension February 6, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. Act, with the time until 11 a.m. equally MEASURE READ THE FIRST f TIME—S. 1996 divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees; and that the Mr. DONNELLY. I understand that S. filing deadline for first-degree amend- DISCHARGED NOMINATION 1996, introduced earlier today by Sen- ments to S. 1845 be 9:45 a.m. and the fil- ator HAGAN, is at the desk and I ask for The Senate Committee on Homeland ing deadline for second-degree amend- Security and Governmental Affairs was its first reading. ments to the Reed amendment No. 2714 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The discharged from further consideration and S. 1845 be 10:45 a.m. on Thursday; clerk will read the bill by title for the of the following nomination under the finally, that the cloture vote on the first time. authority of the order of the Senate of The legislative clerk read as follows: Reed amendment be at 11 a.m. on January 7, 2009 and the nomination was Thursday. A bill (S. 1996) to protect and enhance op- placed on the Executive Calendar: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without portunities for recreational hunting, fishing, *MICHAEL G. CARROLL, OF NEW YORK, TO BE INSPEC- and shooting, and for other purposes. objection, it is so ordered. TOR GENERAL, UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTER- NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Mr. DONNELLY. I now ask for its f second reading but object to my own *Nominee has committed to respond request. PROGRAM to requests to appear and testify before The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- Mr. DONNELLY. The Senate will not any duly constituted committee of the tion having been heard, the bill will be be in session tomorrow to accommo- Senate.

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