January 15, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S411 consent authority of Senators. JOE has authors of the Federalist Papers wrote The air was acrid. Thick smoke made seen how this part of the government— that in part the Senate’s role would be it hard to breath. the people’s branch—lives. He will as- to avert the consequences of ‘‘sudden We knew then that there would be sume his new job fresh from member- and violent passions’’ and ‘‘intem- lasting health problems for first re- ship in the world’s greatest delibera- perate and pernicious resolutions.’’ sponders, volunteers, workers, and oth- tive body. Those Senate years will, I Well, I think each of us at times has ers who rushed to provide assistance believe, serve him, the country, and wished that the Senate would be ever following the attacks. the people, well. so slightly less ‘‘temperate.’’ But it is Two days later, Senator SCHUMER Senator BIDEN is moving on, and to the lasting credit and everlasting and I went to the Oval Office and se- while I regret losing him as a colleague wisdom of our Founders that we come cured a commitment from President here, I am heartened by the experience together, representatives of every Bush for $20 billion in Federal aid for and wisdom he takes to his new duties. State, members of both parties and nei- New York’s recovery. In the years that I believe that he will be a great Vice ther party, in the hopes of finding com- would follow, Senator SCHUMER and I President. My good friend and former mon ground on which to build a strong- would fight successfully to ensure that colleague, President-elect Obama er, safer, smarter, fairer, and more money was delivered as promised. showed outstanding judgment when he prosperous country for our children In this and every instance, I have selected Senator JOE BIDEN to be his and our grandchildren. been grateful to have had Senator running mate. As I look back on 8 years of service CHARLES SCHUMER as a partner and The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- here, and as I have spoken with many ally. New Yorkers could not ask for a pore. The majority leader is recog- of you in recent days about the chal- more effective and determined Senator nized. lenges that lie ahead, I find myself re- to fight for them. And I feel fortunate Mr. REID. Mr. President, the regular flecting on the work we have done as that if I miss seeing my friend CHUCK, order is that HILLARY CLINTON was to well as the work that remains at this I can turn on the television to catch be recognized at 11 o’clock. There are a moment of tumult and transformation. his latest Sunday press conference. Over the past 7 years, in a fight that lot of people who want to say some I asked the people of New York to continues, we have worked to bring things about Senator BIDEN and HIL- take a chance on me. To grant me their business back to downtown and to se- LARY CLINTON. We have votes scheduled trust and their votes. In the years cure funding for programs to provide at noon. So I would ask the Chair, since, as our economy has grown more health screening, monitoring, and under the order, to recognize the Sen- interconnected and the world more treatment for all those suffering health ator from New York, Mrs. CLINTON. interdependent, and as New York has consequences as a result of the attacks. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- faced challenges amongst the greatest We have at times clashed with the pore. The Senator from New York is in our State and Nation’s history, I administration while holding firm to recognized. have worked hard to keep faith with our commitment to these efforts. f my fellow New Yorkers. And I have developed close and last- I remember when I first arrived in FAREWELL ADDRESS ing relationships with many of the the Senate. There were a few skeptics. families of the victims of 9/11 who in Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, I am Many wondered what kind of Senator I their grief have come together to fight once again, and, if confirmed, for the would be. I wondered where the ele- for health monitoring and for smarter last time, honored, privileged, and vators were. But I believed my charge policies to prevent future attacks. proud to address you as a Senator from on behalf of the people of New York Together, we advocated for the cre- the great State of New York; to stand and the Nation was to devote myself ation of the 9/11 Commission and for in this Chamber; to be amongst my col- fully to the task at hand. So I got to the successful implementation of its leagues with whom I have won legisla- work. findings, including funding based on tive victories, suffered defeats, and No sooner had I taken office, 9 short threat assessments and better re- made lasting friendships; to serve my months into my first term, the Nation sources for first responders. fellow New Yorkers; to speak amidst was attacked on 9/11. The toll was dev- These efforts would become a model the echoes of historic and fiery debates astating and New York would bear the for finding common ground where pos- which have shaped the destiny and pro- heaviest burden. Nearly 3,000 lives were sible, and standing your ground where moted the progress of this great Nation lost. The World Trade Center lay in necessary. For coordinating between for more than two centuries. ruins. A toxic cloud of debris and poi- Federal, State and local governments. And I am gratified by the over- son rained down over first responders, For forging new partnerships between whelming support and vote of con- building and construction trades work- Government, academia, labor, and the fidence from my colleagues on the Sen- ers, residents, students, and others. private sector, and between members of ate Foreign Relations Committee and I We all remember as citizens and Sen- both parties. A model for decisions look forward to working with them and ators the sense of common purpose based on sound evidence and solid continuing the conversation we began that arose as if to extinguish the hate facts, and for achieving results. on Tuesday. And of course, I am so and violence that took so many inno- This is how we approached many of eager to continue working closely with cent lives. In particular, I want to the economic challenges facing New my friend, and the Vice President- point out the many kindnesses of my York. So many New Yorkers have lost elect, JOE BIDEN. fellow members who offered their jobs, or have seen their jobs paying less I have loved being part of the Senate, words, and deeds, in support of the peo- and their benefits covering less than working alongside public servants of ple of New York. before. both parties who bring to bear their ex- In one moving gesture, Senators sent I have met many who have lost pertise and enthusiasm to the difficult, staff members to help answer the ring- health care or seen their premiums painstaking, and occasionally conten- ing phones in our office as New Yorkers double. Who are unable to afford a col- tious work of turning principle into struggled to track down family mem- lege education or find good work, or policy and policy into law. And I assure bers and turned to our offices for help. pay rising mortgage bills. Who feel as you I will be in frequent consultation I am also grateful to Senator ROBERT though the hardworking middle class and conversation with my colleagues BYRD who said at my State’s hour of in this country experience the risk but here in the Senate. need, ‘‘Think of me as the third Sen- not the reward of a global economy. I also have been so fortunate to have ator of New York.’’ So I have worked hard to help make what is, objectively, the best Senate I remember visiting Ground Zero on investments in New York’s economy, staff, both in Washington and in New September 12th with my colleague, by coauthoring a law to expand re- York that has ever been assembled, led Senator SCHUMER, to personally survey newal zone tax incentives for new jobs and inspired by my Chief of Staff and the devastation and to thank the first across upstate New York; helping to friend, Tamera Luzzatto. responders who were working night and raise the minimum wage; working to In outlining the purpose of the day, in danger and difficulty, on what extend unemployment insurance; se- world’s greatest deliberative body, the would become known as ‘‘the Pile.’’ curing $16.5 billion in transportation

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:29 Jan 16, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15JA6.029 S15JAPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with SENATE S412 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 15, 2009 funding; and increasing funds for Am- safe communities, is a wonderful place ership of Senator HARRY REID who has trak and high speed rail. to do business. In fact, as you know, I led with intelligence and grit. We passed legislation to create train- recently took a detour through many But of course there remains a long ing programs for green-collar jobs that of my colleagues’ States where I had way to go. will help New York workers fill 21st the opportunity to brag about New The House has passed the Lilly century jobs that will in turn help end York and the kinds of innovative strat- Ledbetter Fair Pay Act as well as the our dependence on foreign oil and fight egies we are putting into practice. Paycheck Fairness Act on behalf of climate change. Some 8 years ago, I first spoke on the women and others seeking equal pay And we prevented the closure of mili- Senate floor. The topic was, to no one’s for equal work. I hope we can pass tary installations and facilities, in- surprise, health care. And in the years these bills into law. We have moved cluding the Niagara Falls Air Reserve since, I have continued my commit- Health IT ever closer to the finish line, Station, Rome Labs, and the Defense ment to achieving quality, affordable which holds so much potential for re- Finances and Accounting Service in health care for all Americans, no ex- ducing waste, errors, and costs while Rome, which keep our Nation safe and ceptions, no excuses. I was proud to be creating whole new data sets for re- employ thousands in New York. part of the bipartisan coalition which search and avenues for innovation. Even when we have faced obstacles, passed the ‘‘Pediatric Rule’’ into law, I was dismayed when we were unable we have never given up. We have often ensuring that drugs are tested and la- to expand the Children’s Health Insur- promoted what President Franklin beled for safety and effectiveness in ance Program to millions of uninsured Delano Roosevelt called ‘‘bold, per- children. children under the current President, sistent experimentation.’’ We have expanded newborn screen- though I am hopeful we will do so We helped expand broadband access ing. We were able to thwart the Bush under the leadership of President-elect across rural areas in the North Coun- administration’s attempt to undercut Obama. Providing health care for every try. community health clinics and broker a single child, as we work toward cov- We secured into law funding to ret- compromise to keep tens of millions of erage for every single American, is in rofit trucks, school buses and other dollars in HIV/AIDS funding in New our duty and in our reach. There are so many other works in heavy vehicles with new clean diesel York through the Ryan White CARE progress that I hope will be pursued by technologies developed in Corning and Act. my fellow Senators. And I have spoken Jamestown. Because of our work, groundbreaking with many of you about taking on the In the Finger Lakes and North Coun- legislation now provides respite care mantle and continuing the work of leg- try we partnered with eBay and local for family caregivers; safety measures islation I have proposed over the past 8 universities and companies to create to prevent tragic injuries to children in 21st century co-ops that help small years. and around cars; new resources for Finally, to my fellow New Yorkers, I businesses get the micro-loans and grandparents and other kinship care- want to express my profound gratitude. training to reach global, not just local, givers raising children; and more af- Thank you. I love being your Senator. markets. fordable college for students, particu- Serving you has been the opportunity In Rochester, we developed the first- larly nontraditional students who are of a lifetime to continue the work of ever Greenprint: a blueprint for how studying while working or raising a my life. To advocate on behalf of every the city can harness its research insti- family. single child’s chance to live up to his tutions, innovative businesses, I have also been proud to serve on the or her God- given potential. To fight so proactive local leaders, and talented Senate Armed Services Committee, the that no one feels as though they are workforce to become an even stronger first New York Senator to do so, and to facing life’s challenges alone, as if they clean energy leader. be the only Member of the Senate were invisible. We brought Artspace to Buffalo and asked to serve on the U.S. Joint Forces And we have had fun. 8 State fairs, 45 secured funds for cultural centers like Command’s Transformation Advisory parades, 62 counties, and more than Proctors Theater in Schenectady, Group. 4,600 events across the State. But who Stanley theater in Syracuse, and the With my fellow members of the com- is counting? Strand Theater in Plattsburgh, cre- mittee, we have expanded access to As I look back somewhat wistfully, ating a model for urban revitalization TRICARE for all drilling members of and look forward hopefully, as I seek and economic development centered on the Guard and Reserve; improved now to serve the country in a new role cultural projects. health tracking for servicemembers, sustained by the same values that have I have worked to promote heritage especially important in treating com- motivated me for nearly four decades tourism in places like Seneca Falls, plex, invisible injuries like post-trau- in public service, I am grateful to my home of the National Women’s Hall of matic stress disorder and traumatic colleagues in the Senate, to the superb Fame and the site of the landmark brain injury; and we have passed the Democratic staff, to my own staff here Women’s Rights Convention of 1848. first ever expansion of the Family and and across New York, to my sup- New Jobs for New York brought to- Medical Leave Act so loved ones can porters, and to the people of New York gether more than 2,600 entrepreneurs, take 6 months of leave to care for fam- for this opportunity and responsibility investors, and researchers across New ily members injured in service. that has meant the world to me. York to obtain capital, share ideas, and I have visited with members of the I may not have always been a New grow New York businesses. Armed Forces at military facilities Yorker. But know that I will always be Farm to Fork created new markets across the State, including 10 visits to one. New York, its spirit and its peo- for New York’s agricultural producers Fort Drum, and I have met with our ple, will always be part of me and part in New York’s restaurants, schools, and troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, of the work I do. colleges. And our annual Farm Day as well as those recovering at Walter I look forward to continuing to work here in the Capitol showcased New Reed and at the military hospital in with my colleagues in the Senate, al- York farmers and vintners. Landstuhl, Germany. beit if confirmed, in a new capacity, With investments in transportation From the firefighters, police officers, through this challenging time, at this to ease congestion and pollution on and citizens who responded on Sep- defining moment, always with faith in Long Island, in Westchester, and in the tember 11, to the men and women of my fellow Americans and optimism for Hudson Valley, renewable energy and the 10th Mountain Division, known as all that we can achieve by working to- nanotechnology in the capital region’s the most deployed division in the gether. ‘‘Tech Valley,’’ biomedical research in army, New Yorkers have answered the Mr. President, I am so honored to be Buffalo, Biotechnology in Syracuse, call to serve. I have worked hard to here at the same time with my friend microcredit in the Finger Lakes, we honor the principle that we should and colleague whom I admire so much have demonstrated to companies large serve those who serve us. and have such great affection for, the and small that New York, with our tal- I am proud of the progress we have Vice President-elect, JOE BIDEN. ented workforce, world-class edu- made, often against tough obstacles I listened with enthusiasm and a lot cational institutions, and affordable, and even tougher odds, under the lead- of sentiment to the speech he delivered

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:29 Jan 16, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15JA6.005 S15JAPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with SENATE January 15, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S413 a few minutes ago. And the way he I well remember, when I first arrived streets, and could not even see beyond evoked the Senate and the relation- in the Senate, there were a few skep- the curtain of blackness, and occasion- ships that are developed here and the tics wondering what I would do and ally breaking through would come a work that is done on behalf of our how I would do it. There were stalwart firefighter, totally exhausted after country was as good as I have ever supporters and people such as my having been on duty for 24 hours, drag- heard it. friend, Senator BARBARA MIKULSKI, ging an axe, knowing already that So I am deeply honored and privi- who kind of read me the rules of the friends and even family members had leged to be here with him and to ad- road and set me on my way. been lost. dress this Chamber as a Senator from No sooner had I figured out the way The air was acrid. The thick smoke the great State of New York, perhaps, around the Senate, actually had just made it hard to breath. It burned your if I am confirmed, for the very last moved into my office, which all of our throat and your lungs. I knew then time, and particularly amongst col- new colleagues will eventually be able there would be lasting health problems leagues whom I have come to respect to enjoy, and had gone off on my first for everyone who was exposed over any and like so much, and whose work I be- August recess. I never, when I was on period of time to that air that carried lieve is always in the best interests of the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, so much death and destruction. their States and their country, even understood why the Senate went on re- Two days later, Senator SCHUMER when we are not in agreement. cess all the time. But after the inten- and I went to the Oval Office and se- I am gratified by the support and sity of the workload and the extraor- cured a commitment from President vote of confidence I received earlier dinary pressure of both the work here Bush for $20 billion in national aid for this morning from the Senate Foreign in Washington and the constituency New York’s recovery. In the years that Relations Committee. And I am eager, work in our States, I was thrilled and would follow, he and I have stood side should I be confirmed, to get to work relieved to see that August recess roll by side to fight for the successful deliv- with the President-elect and with the around. ery of that money as promised. In this Vice President-elect and with all of Shortly after we returned in 2001, our and every instance, I am grateful to you. I have loved being in the Senate Nation was attacked on 9/11. The toll have had Senator SCHUMER as my part- working alongside public servants of was devastating and New York bore the ner and my ally. No one fights harder both parties who bring their expertise heaviest burden. Here I was, a very new or is more determined, and even and enthusiasm to the difficult, pains- Senator, and my city and my State had though I am leaving the Senate and we taking, and occasionally contentious been devastated. Nearly 3,000 lives were will no longer serve together, I know work of turning principles into policy lost, the World Trade Center in ruins, a that whenever I am missing CHUCK, all and policy into law. toxic cloud of debris and poison raining I have to do is turn on the television, I also have been fortunate during down over our first responders and oth- especially on Sunday in New York. these past 8 years to have been served Over the past 7 years, thanks to so ers. many of you, Senator INOUYE, Senator by what I objectively believe is the I well remember the rallying of sup- best Senate staff ever in Washington COCHRAN, and others on the Appropria- port and sense of common purpose that and throughout New York. This incred- tions Committee—I see Senator HARKIN all of my colleagues and the citizens of ible group of people has been assem- and Senator MURRAY—you have been all of the States represented here bled, led, and inspired by my chief of there with us as we have worked to re- showed toward me personally and to- staff and my friend, Tamera Luzzatto. cover. ward New York. Many of you offered I ask unanimous consent to have print- I am very proud of the progress that not only kind words but specific deeds. ed in the RECORD at the conclusion of has been made bringing New York back Senators sent staff members to help my remarks the names of all of those and securing funding for the essential answer the ringing phones in our office with whom I have worked over the last programs to provide health screening as New Yorkers struggled to track 8 years, because I could not be standing and monitoring and treatment for all here speaking to you were it not for down family members or to seek aid. of those who still are suffering. I will never forget Senator ROBERT them. I have developed close and lasting re- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- BYRD telling me at my State’s hour of lationships with many of the victims pore. Without objection, it is so or- need, ‘‘Think of me as the third Sen- and the families of the victims of 9/11. dered. ator from New York.’’ I applaud and thank them for their (See exhibit 1.) On September 12, my colleague courage and their fortitude in not only Mrs. CLINTON. I ask unanimous con- CHUCK SCHUMER and I went to New fighting for the health benefits that sent to have printed in the RECORD a York. As you recall, the roads were were so desperately needed but for the catalog of the work and achievements shut down, there was no way in or out creation of the 9/11 Commission, for which they have brought about. of Manhattan other than by rail. The trying to do better on threat assess- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- skies were clear. So CHUCK and I, in a ments, more resources for first re- pore. Without objection, it is so or- plane provided by FEMA, were the only sponders, committed, despite their dered. ones in the sky that day other than the grief, to smarter policies to prevent fu- (See Exhibit 2.) fighters who were circling overhead. ture attacks on our Nation. Mrs. CLINTON. In the Federalist Pa- We landed at La Guardia. We got into I see what we did together, and then pers, we often hear the reference to the a helicopter to fly to the heliport on quickly followed by that the anthrax Senate’s role, to avert the con- the west side of Manhattan, on the attacks, and I remember with such in- sequences of ‘‘sudden and violent pas- west side of the Hudson River. And credible gratitude how we all came to- sions’’ and ‘‘intemperate and per- then we proceeded, with the Governor, gether. We should not only come to- nicious resolutions.’’ the mayor, and Federal officials to go gether with that level of connection Well, to the everlasting credit and toward the horror. and commitment in time of disaster. wisdom of our Founders, we do come When we were circling in the heli- This is an opportunity for us to pull to- together in an effort to find common copter above the World Trade Center gether, with the new administration, ground. site, we could see the smoke still com- to make a real difference, a lasting dif- As I look back on my 8 years of serv- ing up, because it was, of course, burn- ference for our Nation. That is what I ice, I find myself reflecting on this tiny ing. And we could see the very fragile have tried to do as a Senator from New piece of Senate and American history. piles of scrap and steel teetering as York. Some 10 years ago, I asked the people firefighters, construction workers, It has been a privilege working to im- of New York to take a chance on me, to tried to continue their search and res- prove the upstate economy, working on grant me their trust and their votes. In cue effort. That site was as close as I behalf of the farmers of New York. I re- the years since, as our economy has have ever seen to what Dante describes member a short conversation one day grown more interconnected and the as hell. with KENT CONRAD, BYRON DORGAN, world more interdependent, I have It became known as ‘‘the Pile.’’ TOM HARKIN, and MAX BAUCUS early worked to keep faith with my fellow CHUCK and I and our Government col- after my arrival about how I wanted to New Yorkers. leagues walked along one of the help agriculture in New York.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:29 Jan 16, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15JA6.043 S15JAPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with SENATE S414 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 15, 2009 They looked at me so quizzically and you has been the opportunity of a life- Sarah England, Leecia Eve, Christine Falvo, said, you have farmers in New York? I time. It gave me the chance to con- Rebecca Fertig. said, yes, in fact we do, about 30, 40 tinue the work of my life, to advocate David Garten, Ann Gavaghan, Sarah thousand family farms. on behalf of every single child’s chance Gegenheimer, Gigi Georges, Kate Geyer, Dayna Gibbons, Robyn Golden, Rebecca KENT CONRAD looked at me and he to live up to his or her God-given po- Goldenberg, Stacey Gordon, Jennifer Hanley, goes, you know, I do not believe that at tential, to fight hard for those who too Monica Hanley, Beth Harkavy, Jennifer all. So I gave a speech one day with a often do feel invisible, to remedy Harper, Jennifer Heater, David Helfenbein, picture of a cow and said that this is a wrongs, as I hope we will do either Luis Hernandez, Eric Hersey, Christina Ho, cow that lives on a farm, and the farm today or in the next few days to pass Melissa Ho, Joe Householder. is in New York. We had a lot of fun kid- the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act as Kara Hughes, Jehmal Hudson, Lucy Walk- ding each other but working hard to- well as the Paycheck Fairness Act, to er Irving, Lindsey Katherine Jack, Kelly gether. James, Tiffany JeanBaptiste, Irene Jeffer- do what we know will give our fellow son, Lauren Jiloty, Keren Johnson, LaToya I am grateful for the incredible ef- Americans a better shot at the kind of Johnson, Michael Kanick, Jody Kaplan, forts we made to support the people future that is within their grasp. Wendy Katz, Peter Kauffmann, Jim Keane, who do the hard work in New York and I have had a lot of fun: 8 State fairs, Elizabeth Kelley, Michelle Kessler, Yekyu America, who get up every day and do 45 parades, 62 counties, more than 4,600 Kim, Heather King, Joshua Kirshner. the very best they can. events across the State. I look back Danielle Kline, Kathleen Klink, Benjamin In the Finger Lakes region in the wistfully, and I look forward hopefully. Kobren, Justin Krebs, Jennifer Kritz, North Country, we helped to expand I now, if confirmed, will have the high Michelle Krohn-Friedson, Laura Krolczyk, broadband access and partnered with honor of serving our country in a new Grant Kevin Lane, Elizabeth Lee, Joyce eBay to create a way for people to have Lenard, Alexandra Lewin, Andrew Lewis, Ra- role, but I will be sustained and di- chel Alice Lewis, Susan Lisagor, Eric a global marketplace, when before the rected by the same values that have Lovecchio, Jonathan Lovett, Frank Luk, market was limited to a very small re- motivated me for nearly four decades Tamera Luzzatto, Ken Mackintosh, Sharyn gion of our State. in public service. Magarian. We looked for ways to retrofit trucks So to my colleagues in the Senate, Mickie Mailey, Jamie Mannina, Jaime and schoolbuses and other heavy vehi- thank you. You have been wonderful Martinez, Ramon Martinez, Shalini Matani, cles with new clean diesel technologies teachers and mentors and very good Chelsea Maughan, Corinne McGown, Lor- developed by two great companies in friends. And to the superb Democratic raine McHugh-Wytkind, Michelle Dianne New York, in Corning and Jamestown, McIntyre, Luz Mendez, Sheila Menz, Susan staff and their Republican counterparts Merrell, Noah Messing, Lauren Montes, to clean up our environment. who keep this Chamber going day-in Gillian Mueller, Timothy Mulvey, David We created the first ever greenprint and day-out no matter how late we are Mustra, Matthew Nelson, Ray Ocasio, Ellen for Rochester—a blueprint, really, for here and how long the workload turns Ochs. how the city can harness its extraor- out to be and to my own staff here and Ann O’Leary, Alexis O’Brien, Kevin O’Neal, dinary research institutions and their across New York, to my supporters, Sean O’Shea, Mildred Otero, Erica Pagel, An- business leadership and others to come and, most of all, to the people of the drea Palm, Costas Panagopolous, Paul up with a way to be a clean energy Paolozzi, Kathryn Parker, Mira Patel, great Empire State, I may not have al- Charles Perham, Karen Persichilli Keogh, leader. ways been a New Yorker, but I know I We worked across the State to target Joshua Picker, Kyla Pollack, Tyson always will be one. New York, its spir- Pratcher, Alice Pushkar, Murali Raju, Jef- investments from Bioinformatics in it, and its people will always be part of frey Ratner, Kathy Read. Buffalo to cultural icons such as the me and of the work I do. Philippe Reines, Robyn Rimmer, Brenda Stanley Theater in Utica. I took spe- I look forward to continuing my as- Ritson, Joleen Rivera, Melissa Rochester, cial pleasure in working with tourism sociation with this body. We have Miguel Rodriguez, Rose Rodriguez, William because New York is such a great place much to do over in Foggy Bottom. We Rom, Tracey Ross, Laurie Rubiner, of historic culture that I believed it need your help to kind of clear up the Courtenay Ruddy, Mark Saavedra, Susie Saavedra, Joshua Schank, Daniel Schwerin, needed to be given more support. For fog, to give us a chance to operate on me, going to Seneca Falls, the home of Kelly Severance Nelson, Ruby Shamir, An- all cylinders with the direction and the drew Shapiro, Geraldine Shapiro, Jessica the National Women’s Hall of Fame resources and the improved manage- Shapiro. and site of the landmark Women’s ment techniques I hope to bring to the Jyoti Sharma, Debra Simpson, Basil Rights Convention, the first in the job. Smikle, Jake Smiles, Sarah Smith, Ben- world in 1848, was a labor of love. This is a challenging and defining jamin Souede, Phillip Spector, Joanna There is a lot to look back on with moment, but I will always keep faith in Spilker, Aprill Springfield, Dileep Srihari, great nostalgia and a lot of excitement, this body and in my fellow Americans. Anjuli Srivastava, Warren Stern, Deborah Swacker, Elise Sweeney, Sean Sweeney, Mi- but I want to look forward now because I remain an optimist, that America’s we are at a turning point. I know that chael Szymanski, Neera Tanden, Lee Telega, best days are still ahead of us. Gabrielle Tenzer, Megan Thompson. very well, as all of you do. Our chal- (Applause, Members rising.) Carrie Torres, Tam Tran-Viet, Leo lenge will be to come together, putting EXHIBIT 1 Trasande, Lacey Tucker, Dan Utech, Lona aside partisan differences and even, in- LIST OF SENATOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON’S Valmoro, James Vigil, Lorraine Voles, sofar as we can, geographic differences STAFF, PAST AND PRESENT Kristen Walsh, Greg Walton, Enid Weishaus, Nicole Wilett, Joshua Williams, Jeanne Wil- to meet the challenges of our time. I Huma Abedin, Barbara Adair, Joshua Al- son, Erica Woodard, Yajaira Yepez, Maryana know our two leaders are struggling to bert, Amanda Alcott, David Alexander, Lily Zubok. do that as we speak. But I think this Alpert, Karl Alvarez, Erin Ashwell, Kris could be one of the golden eras of the Balderston, Brendan Ballard, Mary Cath- EXHIBIT 2 history of the Senate. This could be a erine Beach, Kathleen Beale, Eric Bederman, time when people will look back and Yael Belkind, Suzanne Bennett Johnson, SENATOR CLINTON: CHAMPION FOR NEW YORK say: You know, you never can count John Biba, Nina Blackwell, Swathi Bojedla, For eight years in the United States Sen- ate, Hillary Rodham Clinton has been a America out. Whenever the chips are Amy Bonitatibus Crowley, Victoria Brescoll. M. Tracey Brooks, Catherine Brown, Col- champion for the people of New York, down, we always rise to the occasion. leen Burns, Daniel Burton, W. Case Button, achieving results often in the face of tough We figure out a way forward and then Wendy Button, Gloria Cadavid, Emily Cain, challenges and tougher odds. That has been we make life better for our people. We Cathleen Calhoun, Jonathan Cardinal, Brian the hallmark of her tenure: Senator Clinton extend peace and prosperity and Carter, Joseph Caruso, Robin Chappelle, has fought to solve problems, working with progress throughout the world. I am Dana Chasin, Bradford Cheney, Pamela Democrats and Republicans, forging new very excited about what can happen in Cicetti, James Clancy, Sarah Clark, Jennell state and local partnerships, proposing cre- the next 4 years. There is a lot of work Cofer Lynch, Elizabeth Condon. ative and common-sense legislative solu- Sean Conway, Sam Cooper, Theresia Coo- tions, and drawing national attention to ahead of us, but I know the people in per, Julie Dade Howard, Heather Davis, challenges and opportunities in New York this Chamber are more than up to it. Jenny Davis, Samuel Davis, Trevor Dean, State. Finally, to my fellow New Yorkers, I James Delapp, Amitabh Desai, Allison Senator Clinton has fought for New York wish to express my profound gratitude. DiRienzo, Paula Domenici, Karen Dunn, El- when New York has needed a fighter most. I loved being your Senator. Serving eanore Edson, Cleon Edwards, Diane Elmore, These past eight years, New Yorkers have

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:29 Jan 16, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15JA6.043 S15JAPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with SENATE January 15, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S415 faced challenges among the toughest in our vide small businesses with technological sup- Senator Clinton worked across the aisle to state’s history and tragedy among the most port, microloans, and training programs to secure in law access to TRICARE military devastating in our nation’s history. sell goods online and improve their sales. health care benefits for all drilling members From the time of her election in 2000, and Senator Clinton saw that New York City’s of the guard and reserve. following her landslide reelection in 2006, restaurants were buying produce out of state Senator Clinton also secured in law the Senator Clinton continued the work she’s at the same time that upstate farmers and first ever expansion of the Family and Med- pursued for more than 35 years in public producers were struggling, so she launched ical Leave Act to enable military family service as an advocate for children and fami- Farm-to-Fork, an initiative that has helped members to take up to six months of leave to lies, a champion for women’s rights and New York farmers and producers sell their care for their injured loved ones, often suf- human rights, a leader on health care, and a products to New York’s restaurants, schools, fering from serious injuries affecting their voice on behalf of all those who have felt in- colleges and universities. bodies and minds that require care from fam- visible. She brought Artspace to Buffalo, creating ily who work full time. Standing up for New York after 9/11 a thriving model for urban revitalization and Senator Clinton fought to make sure our Creating Economic Opportunity economic development centered on cultural government lives up to its responsibility to Meeting Our Responsibility to Service- projects, and secured funds to renovate our veterans after they leave service. She members and Veterans downtown cultural centers like Proctors successfully changed the law to streamline Driving Change in Health Care Theater in Schenectady, the Stanley Theater the VA disability benefits claim system to Standing Up for Women’s Health in Utica and the Strand Theater in Platts- cut red tape and help wounded Advocating for Children and Families burgh. servicemembers receive the benefits they Leading the Way to a New Energy Future She helped secure the funds needed to ex- have earned. She also secured in law assist- Addressing Infrastructure Challenges pand broadband access to rural and under- ance for family members caring for loved STANDING UP FOR NEW YORK AFTER 9/11 served areas in the North Country and cham- ones suffering from traumatic brain injury pioned an agenda that would create new in- In the aftermath of the attacks of Sep- (TBI), the signature wound of the wars in vestments in broadband infrastructure tember 11, 2001, Senator Clinton worked tire- Iraq and Afghanistan, and established a De- throughout the State. partment of Defense Task Force to assess lessly on behalf of the victims and their fam- Senator Clinton also saw the need to bet- the mental health challenges facing wounded ilies and New Yorkers who needed a strong ter showcase Upstate innovation to potential warriors, including post-traumatic stress voice in Washington. investors. She helped launch New Jobs for disorder (PTSD). She also fought and suc- Just three days after the attacks, Senator New York, a non-profit organization that ceeded in stopping the VA’s plan to close the Clinton and Senator Charles Schumer went brought together more than 2,600 entre- Canandaigua VA hospital. to the Oval Office and secured a commitment preneurs, investors and researchers across from President Bush for $20 billion in federal New York and shined a spotlight on over 200 DRIVING CHANGE IN HEALTH CARE aid for New York’s recovery. In the years companies across New York, helping them to Senator Clinton distinguished herself in that followed, they fought successfully to obtain the investment capital, strategic the Senate as a leading advocate for fixing make sure that all of the funding promised partnerships and joint ventures they need to our broken health care system and ensuring to New York was delivered. grow their businesses and create jobs. that all Americans have access to quality, Senator Clinton’s first visit to Ground She has also intervened to prevent jobs affordable health care. Zero was on September 12, 2001, and she from leaving New York and was instru- She worked with members on both sides of quickly recognized that there would be last- mental in several large employers maintain- the aisle and with health providers across ing health problems for first responders and ing their presence and their workforce in the New York to press for needed change to im- others who rushed to provide assistance after state. prove quality, reduce costs and expand ac- the World Trade Center attacks as well as Senator Clinton advocated for New York cess. for workers, residents, students and others businesses and research institutions, secur- Senator Clinton saw that all too often fam- exposed to the toxic cloud of debris and ing more than $837 million in funding for ily caregivers are the ones who struggle, chemicals around Ground Zero. She fought cutting edge defense projects throughout the largely unnoticed and unaided by our health for the establishment of, and secured $335 state and millions more for alternative en- care system, to provide care to chronically million in funding for, programs to provide ergy, nanotechnology and other innovation. ill loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other de- health screening, monitoring and treatment She championed creating a business environ- bilitating conditions. She became their for first responders, building and construc- ment that encourages investments in re- champion, authoring and successfully pass- tion trades workers, volunteers, residents, search and development and has been instru- ing a groundbreaking law to expand access office workers, and students suffering health mental in the renewal of the R&D tax credit to desperately needed respite care. effects and stood up again and again to stop that supports thousands of high skill jobs in She pushed to bring the delivery of health the Bush Administration’s efforts to slash New York. care into the 21st century, pressing for Con- funding for this critical care. MEETING OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO gress to enact national standards for incor- The attacks of September 11 also under- SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS porating information technology into the scored serious gaps in our homeland secu- practice of medicine to reduce medical er- As New York’s first Senator to serve on rity, and Senator Clinton worked with the rors, improve quality and reduce costs. the Senate Armed Services Committee and families who were tragically affected by 9/11 She was a driving force in efforts to expand as the only member of the Senate to serve on to demand the creation of the 9/11 Commis- the Children’s Health Insurance Program, an the U.S. Joint Forces Command’s Trans- sion and then to implement its findings, in- initiative she helped launch as First Lady formation Advisory Group, Senator Clinton cluding making sure our first responders and which has provided access to health care served as a leading advocate for our men and have the resources and support they need to for thousands of children who otherwise women in uniform, military families, and meet our crucial homeland security demands would be uninsured, including nearly 400,000 veterans. and pressing for threat-based homeland secu- When the Bush Administration targeted children in New York. rity funding. She used her unique public platform to several New York military bases for closure, spotlight the upside down incentives in our CREATING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY Senator Clinton fought back, working with health care system, calling for an emphasis Senator Clinton worked across the aisle to base communities to prevent all of the pro- on wellness and prevention of chronic dis- address the economic downturn facing New posed closures. Together, they ensured that eases that are driving up health care costs. York and harness the state’s talent and re- Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Rome And she was vigilant against Bush Adminis- sources. To help struggling New York work- Laboratories and the Defense Finance and tration efforts to roll back health care for ers, she successfully extended unemployment Accounting Service (DFAS) in Rome re- New York’s most vulnerable, stopping a insurance. She was a driving force behind mained open and that the C–130 mission re- short-sighted attempt to cut community raising the minimum wage and helped secure mained at Stratton Air National Guard Base. health clinics that are the primary source of in law the first increase in a decade. Her efforts actually turned a potential loss health care for many low-income New York- Senator Clinton co-authored a law that ex- of thousands of jobs into a gain of hundreds ers and brokering a compromise that pre- panded Renewal Zones with incentives for of new jobs and helped to preserve and vented the loss of tens of millions of dollars job creation across Upstate New York. And strengthen New York’s vital role in our na- in Ryan White CARE Act HIV/AIDS funding when efforts to push additional legislative tional security. change hit roadblocks in the Republican- Senator Clinton was one of the first to rec- for New York. controlled Congress, Senator Clinton rolled ognize and address troubling gaps in health STANDING UP FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH up her sleeves and developed creative strate- care and health monitoring for our Senator Clinton served as a steadfast de- gies to stimulate economic development, ex- servicemembers. Continuing work she began fender of women’s health and a leading voice pand markets for New York businesses and as First Lady, she secured in law health against the Bush Administration’s efforts to producers and create jobs. tracking for all servicemembers after it was put ideology before science. She successfully In the Finger Lakes and the North Coun- revealed that there was no baseline health pressed the Bush Administration for a deci- try, she partnered with eBay, local univer- history to evaluate them, ensuring that all sion on Plan B emergency contraception, sities and local companies to organize pub- active duty personnel and reservists receive after more than three years of delay. She lic-private trading cooperatives which pro- regular health screenings. spoke out against administration efforts to

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:58 Jan 16, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15JA6.007 S15JAPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with SENATE S416 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 15, 2009 restrict access to contraception and family brownfields, and worked to bring together HILLARY’s career has been defined by planning and raised the alarm against the developers, environmentalists, and local her unflagging desire to improve the administration’s last minute plan to under- leaders from across New York to redevelop lives of the least fortunate among us. mine women’s health by putting in place new blighted properties. rules to allow any employee of a health pro- Senator Clinton was an early advocate for Even before finishing school, she was vider to refuse to participate in any way in harnessing alternative energy as an engine working to protect children at the health care they find objectionable. of economic growth, working with public and Children’s Defense Fund and the Car- ADVOCATING FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES private partners across New York to pioneer negie Defense Fund on Children. Turn- Senator Clinton has also continued her new green strategies. She secured in law ing down a promising career in Wash- life-long advocacy on behalf of children and major federal funding for New York to ret- ington, HILLARY moved to Arkansas families. rofit trucks, school buses and other heavy and directed the legal aid clinic at the She saw significant barriers facing grand- vehicles with new clean diesel technologies University of Arkansas Law School. developed in Corning and cleaner engines parents and other family members raising During her tenure as First Lady, HIL- children who would otherwise end up in fos- manufactured in Jamestown. In Rochester, Senator Clinton worked with local leaders to LARY made it her priority to fight for ter care. So she fought for and secured in law justice around the world, advocating landmark legislation to keep families to- develop the first in the nation urban ‘‘green gether and remove obstacles facing grand- print,’’ a plan for environmentally sustain- for women’s rights and democracy parents, uncles, aunts, and other family able growth and alternative energy develop- worldwide. She made huge gains in pro- members trying to enroll children in school, ment. She also secured passage of laws to tecting women and families. She sign them up for health care or access other create ‘‘green jobs’’ training programs, and helped create the Office of Violence needed services, information and referrals. to push the federal government to install Against Women at the Justice Depart- Following the tragic death of Cameron green building technologies. ment and was instrumental in the pas- Gulbransen of Long Island, Senator Clinton ADDRESSING INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES sage of the Foster Care Independence joined with families and safety advocates to As a member of the Environment and Pub- pass into law legislation requiring that all Act and the Adoption and Safe Fami- lic Works Committee, Senator Clinton in lies Act. new vehicles produced in the United States 2005 helped craft major transportation legis- include safety features to protect children lation reauthorized every five years that sets After serving her country 8 years as against preventable injuries and death from the nation’s investment in our highways and First Lady, when most people would re- non-traffic accidents in and around cars. mass transit. In her role as a key negotiator, tire, HILLARY stepped up and has served Senator Clinton partnered with former Buf- Senator Clinton secured over $16.5 billion in as a vital and powerful advocate on be- falo Bills quarterback Jim Kelley to secure transportation funding for New York, a sub- half of the people of New York. Going in law expanded access to newborn screening stantial increase of approximately $3 billion from the White House to White Plains, and increase groundbreaking research at the over the previous bill. She also succeeded in HILLARY has continued to show as National Institutes of Health. including in the law new pollution controls much acumen in her dealings with na- And as chair of the Senate Superfund and for construction equipment and creation of a Environmental Health subcommittee, Sen- commission to chart the nation’s transpor- tional and global leaders as she shows ator Clinton held hearings and fought to ad- tation future. empathy and interest in the needs of dress environmental health hazards, like In the wake of the tragic Minnesota bridge private individuals around New York. child lead poisoning and asthma, that dis- collapse in 2007, which dramatically under- We are the only Federal position proportionately affect low-income and mi- scored the urgency of our infrastructure where two people serve the exact same nority communities. needs, Senator Clinton helped secure in law job, so you get to know your colleague When the Bush Administration stopped en- legislation to address the deteriorating con- almost better than anyone else. I have forcing the ‘‘Pediatric Rule,’’ a Clinton Ad- dition of our nation’s roads, bridges, drink- seen firsthand HILLARY’s dedication ministration regulation requiring that drugs ing water systems, dams and other public prescribed to children be tested and labeled works. She also successfully pressed for in- and tenacity. Let me tell you all, tell for safety and effectiveness specifically in creased funding for Amtrak and high speed the people of New York, HILLARY looks children, Senator Clinton forged a bipartisan rail and to reduce flight delays and ease con- great from far away, but the closer you coalition to restore the rule and secure it in gestion in New York’s crowded airspace. get, the better she looks. law. And when President Bush nominated an For nearly four decades, Hillary Rodham I just want to say this, HILLARY: It is opponent of basic safety regulations for chil- Clinton has dedicated herself to public serv- a day, as you said so well, of looking dren’s products to head the Consumer Prod- ice, as an attorney twice voted one of the ucts Safety Commission, Senator Clinton led back wistfully but to the future with most influential in America, a First Lady of anticipation. That is how I feel. I look an alliance of consumer groups and safety Arkansas who helped transform the state’s advocates to successfully block the nomina- health care and education systems, a First back wistfully at the many experiences tion. Lady of the United States who fought for we shared, working together, getting EXPANDING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY families at home and women’s rights around to know one another, and learning to Senator Clinton pushed successfully for the world, a renowned expert and advocate work and respect and love one another. more funding for Head Start programs that for quality affordable health care for all It has been an amazing part of my ex- benefit nearly 50,000 low-income New York Americans, and as a twice-elected United perience. I am so thankful for the 8 families and pushed for the expansion of States Senator who was a tireless champion years we worked together for the peo- Early Head Start, bringing national atten- for the people of New York and a voice for ple of New York and America. I know the voiceless everywhere. This document is a tion to the importance of a comprehensive our friendship, as we have said to one zero to five early childhood system. She also snapshot of Senator Clinton’s efforts and ac- secured in law legislation to place additional complishments for New York in the Senate, another, will continue no matter what teachers and principals in the schools where but she has also worked across the Empire corner of the globe you are in. And they are most needed. State to help communities tackle local chal- maybe I will try to get some inter- Senator Clinton fought for and succeeded lenges and capitalize on their unique oppor- national presence on those Sunday in expanding access to affordable college tunities. press conferences so you can see them loans and Pell Grants, including year-round The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- over there. They are mainly aimed at Pell for non-traditional students, so that pore. The Senator from New York. local New York stuff. more students who want to attend college Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I Let me just say, as HILLARY said, we will have that opportunity, regardless of their background or circumstances. Senator thank the Chair for the opportunity to traveled the State together. We taught Clinton also championed public service, se- speak today about the wonderful each other about agriculture and curing the funding needed to maintain record of our esteemed colleague, Sen- worked side by side on those horrible AmeriCorps and enable more Americans to ator HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON. days after 9/11. We have worked for the serve our communities in exchange for as- For 8 years, Senator CLINTON and I benefit of aging nuclear weapons and sistance with college costs. have served jointly as New York Sen- helping the onion farmers in the Hud- LEADING THE WAY TO A NEW ENERGY FUTURE ators, and I have seen, better than any- son Valley. What a great experience it From her first days in office, Senator Clin- one, her unwavering commitment to has been. ton made it a priority to protect New York’s her constituents and her country. Of course, as my colleagues know, for natural resources and develop New York’s Through all this time, HILLARY has all the time she focused and spent on potential as a leader in alternative energy. demonstrated the equanimity, the pru- the people of New York—and it was an She secured in law environmental protection for Long Island Sound and the Great Lakes. dence, and the fortitude that have enormous and successful effort—she Senator Clinton also helped pass a new law made her an exceptional leader and a also at the same time has been one of to clean up polluted land known as great public servant. our most active and engaged colleagues

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:58 Jan 16, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15JA6.010 S15JAPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with SENATE January 15, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S417 in the Senate, working on issues of na- on that despicable and horrible day of and I expect she will do the same tional policy and international impor- 9/11. But I also want to talk just very again. tance, from national security to early quickly about September 10 because I told her on the floor privately, I am childhood education. In all of her many while we know Senator CLINTON is a particularly enthusiastic about her se- roles as a public servant, HILLARY has woman of great integrity, keen intel- lection as Secretary of State because I always shown the insight to see the lect, and is a can-do person, many do think she will be the first Secretary of heart of a problem. She has had the not realize the wonderful bipartisan- State in the history of the United courage to tackle it and the talent to ship in which she has tried to engage in States who has actually been to Hazard solve it. That is the trademark of HIL- this body. So let me tell you as one of and Pikeville, KY. That should give her LARY CLINTON—insight, courage, tal- the women of the Senate where we an extra edge in this new responsibility ent, all applied for the betterment of were on September 10. which she is about to assume. the people of New York, the people of The night before that terrible day, I say to the Senator from New York, America, and now the people of the we were at Senator CLINTON’s house, we will be anxious to work with her on world. No matter how abstract the affectionately calling her HILLARY. All some of the issues for which we shared problem, no matter how esoteric the of the women, on a bipartisan basis, a passion during her years as Secretary question, HILLARY has never once for- were there because, guess what we were of State. I know she will do an out- gotten the people whose lives and hap- doing, Mr. President. We were throwing standing job. She has been a credit to piness depend on her work. Senator KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON a show- the Senate and will be one of the Na- So HILLARY, yes, it is a bittersweet er. Senator KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON had tion’s outstanding Secretaries of State. day, but I am so joyful about the ex- just adopted a child. We were so enthu- Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, as I think citement—it is palpable—that you siastic, and we, the women of the Sen- about Senator CLINTON’s leaving the exude going on to this new challenge. I ate, do what women do all over Amer- Senate to become Secretary of State, I am also—and I know every one of the ica, we threw Senator KAY a shower, am reminded of the words of the great people of New York is as well—grateful and we gathered at HILLARY’s house. English bard William Shakespeare, for the wonderful job you have done We had great food, a couple of drinks who wrote that ‘‘parting is such sweet serving them and us. It has been a that made us feel even better. We told sorrow.’’ great ride. I am so grateful, again, for stories. We teased KAY. I volunteered Senator CLINTON’s departure from the opportunity to work alongside of to be Aunt BARB, and she knew I had this chamber is a time for joy as well you. many talents, but baby-sitting would as sorrow. HILLARY CLINTON has been I yield the floor. not be one. We had such a wonderful an effective, hard-working Senator. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- time. But that was not the only time, When Senator CLINTON first came to pore. The Senator from Maryland. the Senate in 2001, she asked my ad- Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I join as she has worked with all of us. But it vice. Although Mrs. CLINTON had been with the Senator from New York, Mr. shows the warmth and the way she goes about that. an accomplished and graceful First SCHUMER, in giving a tribute to our We will always cherish where we Lady, she told me that she wanted to dear friend, Senator HILLARY RODHAM were that night because it was special excel at working for the State of New CLINTON. How special it is today that, York. as she gave her farewell speech, we are because the next day was so stunning. I advised her to be a work horse literally within minutes on the brink I could give many examples about it, about her new role as a Senator and a of a vote to proceed to the Lilly but we know she has been a tenacious advocate for the people of New York, a work horse she has been, and the peo- Ledbetter bill. Senator CLINTON has ple of her State have benefitted. been a champion for women, a cham- leader on crucial issues, a respected Following the terrorists attacks of pion for the opportunity of women, and colleague, and a dear friend. We are September 11, 2001, she and I worked was the lead on introducing the Lilly going to miss her, but we know as the with Senator SCHUMER to secure finan- Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. How terrific it Secretary of State she will be a new cial aid for New York City to help the is that as she gives her last speech on voice of America. And America does city to recover from that terrible trag- the Senate floor, we will be voting on need a new voice. something for which she has been a Senator CLINTON, we know you are edy. For that, she has since referred to champion. going to get us back on track. You are me as the ‘‘third Senator from New She has been a champion for women going to work with President Obama to York,’’ and I am very proud of that des- both here and around the country, for restore our national honor, to repair ignation. their economic security, their health those friendships around the world Senator CLINTON and I have worked security, and also for women around which we desperately need. And as you together on legislation for the with- the world, both in her work as First have been in so many things, we know drawal of American forces from Iraq, Lady and here in the Senate, whether you will be unflinching on human served on the Budget Committee to- it was to make sure to work with our rights and unflagging in strengthening gether, and worked on several impor- current administration to have access America’s alliances abroad. We will tant appropriations issues. to education for Afghan girls, but also work together on those issues, and we Senator CLINTON has been an active as First Lady with the women of the know you will be a great Secretary of and aggressive Senator, always mindful world to make sure, through her State. You have been a spectacular of the traditions of this great Chamber. project, Vital Voices, women had those Senator, and it is because you are just She has won the respect and admira- voices. simply a wonderful human being. tion of everyone. She has been a champion all of her Mr. President, I yield the floor. In her 2008 Presidential bid, HILLARY career. Whether it was at the Legal De- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- CLINTON broke down barriers for fense Fund, as First Lady, or now as a pore. The Republican leader is recog- women all across this country, and in- Senator of the United States, she has nized. spired many of them to pursue their always made sure she has stood up for Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I own hopes and dreams of a future in those who had no voice, and she has say to my good friend from New York, politics. used her voice to speak for them. That through the Chair, I believe the new I will miss Senator CLINTON. This is what we know she will continue to President could not have made a better Chamber has been graced by her elo- do. selection for Secretary of State. Sen- quence, intelligence, and her natural But I think what we also admire ator CLINTON has had a unique career leadership. about Senator CLINTON is, she is not in the Senate, actually having only Mrs. Clinton’s 8 years as our coun- only at home with world leaders with been here 8 years, but nevertheless a try’s First Lady, and her 8 years in the whom she will certainly work in her candidate for President of the United U.S. Senate, where she served on five new job but with community leaders as States who came very close. She had different Senate committees, including well. fabulous public service before that as the Senate Armed Services Committee, She spoke eloquently about her chal- First Lady for 8 years. She has clearly certainly qualify her for the high honor lenge and Senator SCHUMER’s challenge made a difference throughout her life, of being Secretary of State. She will

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These are troubled from New York, HILLARY CLINTON, our mised on the idea that one can slumber times and she will have a most difficult next Secretary of State. on their rights and never have to assert job in the years ahead. Speaking at her The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- them and, indeed, fight an uneven fight graduation at Wellesley College, HIL- pore. The Senator from Texas. because those who have to defend LARY CLINTON declared that, ‘‘the chal- f against them can no longer defend lenge now is to practice politics as the against them because the witnesses are LILLY LEDBETTER ACT art of making what appears to be im- no longer available. possible, possible.’’ Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I, too, Indeed, at a time when this country I say go to it Secretary of State-des- would like to congratulate Senator is in a recession, I think it is appro- ignate CLINTON. If anyone can make CLINTON on her nomination to be Sec- priate to point out that no country has ‘‘what appears to be impossible, pos- retary of State; and, alas, there is ever sued its way out of a recession. sible,’’ Secretary of State HILLARY other work left to do in the Senate, as Yet the bill that comes to the floor on RODHAM CLINTON can and will. the Senator from Maryland alluded to, which we are called upon to vote—the Mr. REID. Mr. President. I have the Lilly Ledbetter Act, for which we very second bill that is presented to known HILLARY CLINTON for many will be voting on cloture in a minute. this Senate in the midst of this eco- years, but for the past 8 years I have So I have a few words I would like to nomic crisis—is one that would effec- had the pleasure of working with her as add specifically on that topic. tively, as I said, eliminate the statute a colleague in the U.S. Senate. We will be voting for the so-called of limitations in employment litiga- People on all points of the political Lilly Ledbetter Act, and I think it is tion so trial lawyers can bring multi- spectrum agree that Senator CLINTON important to reflect a little bit on million-dollar lawsuits over decades- is one of the brightest, most highly ac- what that bill would actually do be- old workplace disputes. complished U.S. Senators. cause, honestly, I think it has been There are many good policy reasons, Born in the hometown of our Presi- characterized as a bill that will protect as I mentioned, why it is important to have those statutes of limitations, but dent-elect—Chicago—HILLARY CLINTON women’s rights, which as a father of graduated from Wellesley College, two daughters I am all in favor of not it is particularly true in employment where she was the first student in the just cracking the glass ceiling but cases where a person’s subjective in- school’s history to deliver her own breaking it altogether. tent can be the decisive issue that the commencement address—not a Gov- But, actually, this bill, has a much factfinder has to decide, where memo- ries of the past can be colored by dec- ernor, a U.S. Senator, dean, or the uni- broader impact and perhaps unintended ades of subsequent workplace experi- versity president. by those who believe it is only about She then attended Yale Law School, protecting women’s rights. Indeed, ence. Another important policy behind the where she met her future husband and what the Lilly Ledbetter Act would do statute of limitations is called repose. our future President, Bill Clinton. is eliminate the statute of limitations. That is a fancy word that represents After law school, she worked for the That sounds like an arcane topic for the idea that people should be allowed Children’s Defense Fund and served as lawyers that only lawyers could love, to move on with their lives without the a member of the Watergate inquiry but basically what it would do in the case of Ms. Ledbetter—who had waited constant fear of being sued for some- staff in the House of Representatives. thing that happened 20 years pre- When the Clintons moved to Arkan- almost two decades before she raised viously. her discrimination claim, long after sas, HILLARY became a successful at- Again, during times of economic un- torney in private practice and served the principal witness who could have certainty, the Ledbetter bill would cre- as the State’s First Lady. testified in opposition to that claim ate not more certainty but more uncer- We all know that she was a remark- had died—indeed, the purpose of the tainty. As I suggested earlier, small able First Lady, leading the way on statute of limitations, as the lawyers businesses would suddenly be exposed health care reform, helping create the in this body well know, is to be fair to new liability for acts that may have State Children’s Health Insurance Pro- both to the plaintiff who brings the occurred years or decades ago, even if gram, as well as the Violence Against claim and to the defendant who has to those acts occurred under a previous Women Act. defend against that claim, to make ownership before the current manage- We also know that she was not just a sure the documents and the memories ment was even in place. leader for domestic policy, but also be- and, indeed, the very existence of those There will be no way for small busi- came an admired and effective dip- who might be able to give testimony nesses and large businesses alike to lomat throughout the world, especially can be preserved so the jury can make quantify this risk because there is no in her call for human rights. a good decision. But, indeed, if you way to know which of the employees When Senator CLINTON came to the wait 20 years before you assert your may have had a secret grievance they Senate 8 years ago, some expected her rights, and after the principal witness have been harboring for many years to have trouble fitting in. Those con- who could testify in opposition to your just waiting for the opportunity to cerns quickly disappeared—she was a claim has died, that is not exactly fair present the claim at a time when it natural. She has proven in her time either. cannot be adequately defended. here to be exceptionally adept at the So, Senator HUTCHISON, my distin- Worst yet, this bill would actually give-and-take of the legislative proc- guished senior Senator from Texas, encourage plaintiffs and their lawyers ess. will have an alternative which I hope to strategically lie in wait, delaying As a result, in just 8 years, she has will be offered. I expect it will be of- their employment lawsuits for years left an indelible mark, especially fered as an alternative and substitute, while damages accumulate. through her seats on the Health, Edu- which I believe is fair to both those Now, this does not help anybody ex- cation, Labor and Pensions Committee, who bring a claim of discrimination cept for perhaps the lawyers and the the Environment and Public Works and those who have to defend against clients who can take advantage of this Committee, the Special Committee on it. one-sided equation. Why sue promptly Aging and the Armed Services Com- Indeed, I mentioned a moment ago I and limit your damages to a few mittee. am the father of two daughters, now 27 months of back wages when you can As with Senator BIDEN, the departure and 26. Many small businesses that are wait 5 years and sue for 5 years of back of Senator CLINTON is bittersweet. She created in America today are headed wages? This can be especially reward- brought a wealth of knowledge, skill up by women. Indeed, we need to make ing to a plaintiff who strategically sues

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