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Home , Bob Cashell, Brian Krolicki, Greg Brower, John Oceguera, Ruben Kihuen, Sheila Leslie

E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 112 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 158 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2012 No. 30 Senate The Senate met at 2 p.m. and was appoint the Honorable RICHARD BLUMEN- lost a friend and mentor. William called to order by the Honorable RICH- THAL, a Senator from the State of Con- Raggio was the longest serving State ARD BLUMENTHAL, a Senator from the necticut, to perform the duties of the Chair. senator in ’s history. He died State of Connecticut. DANIEL K. INOUYE, President pro tempore. last week while traveling in Australia. My heart is with his wife Dale, whom I Mr. BLUMENTHAL thereupon as- PRAYER spoke with, children Leslie and Tracy sumed the chair as Acting President The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- and, of course, my thoughts go to pro tempore. fered the following prayer: Mark, the son Bill lost in 2004, six Today I will read George Washing- f grandchildren, and they have a great- ton’s ‘‘Prayer for the United States of RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY grandchild. America,’’ exactly as it appears in the LEADER I hope it is some small comfort to chapel at Valley Forge. know that all of Nevada mourns the Almighty God: We make our earnest pray- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- pore. The majority leader is recog- loss of this very effective and fine Ne- er that Thou wilt keep the United States in vada citizen. Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline nized. He was a second-generation Nevadan the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit f of subordination and obedience to the gov- born and raised in Reno, NV. Senator ernment, and entertain a brotherly affection ORDER OF BUSINESS Randolph Townsend said, ‘‘Bill was and love for one another and for their fellow Mr. REID. Mr. President, following part of the fabric of the city.’’ That is citizens of the United States at large. And fi- leader remarks, Senator SHAHEEN will true. He lived to serve. nally that Thou wilt most graciously be be recognized to deliver Washington’s In addition to his four decades of pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love Farewell Address. This is the 150th an- service in the State legislature, he vol- mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of niversary of that tradition, and we are unteered to serve in the Armed Forces mind which were the characteristics of the very pleased that Senator SHAHEEN is during World War II. He enlisted in the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and going to do this. No one could be more Navy at age 17, but the war ended be- without a humble imitation of whose exam- exemplary of his service than she. fore he graduated from officer training ple in these things, we can never hope to be f school. a happy Nation. Grant our supplication, we When he finished his service, he at- SCHEDULE beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. tended the University of Nevada, and Amen. Mr. REID. Mr. President, following then went to law school in California. f the address, the Senate will be in But he continued to serve in the U.S. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE morning business until 4:30 p.m. today. Marine Corps as a At 4:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed The Honorable RICHARD BLUMENTHAL Reservist. to executive session to consider the He was the district attorney of led the Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: nomination of Margo Brodie to be Washoe County, which is the Reno I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States District Judge for the metropolitan area, for 18 years, includ- United States of America, and to the Repub- Eastern District of New York. At 5:30 lic for which it stands, one nation under God, ing 3 terms before he became a State p.m., the Senate will vote on confirma- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. legislator. He was president of the Na- tion of the Brodie nomination. f I ask unanimous consent that fol- tional DAs Association. APPOINTMENT OF ACTING lowing the vote and resumption of leg- He rooted out corruption wherever he PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE islative session, the Senate be in a pe- served. There was nothing more cor- riod of morning business for up to 1 rupt, in his mind, and the minds of all The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Nevadans, than an illegal brothel. That clerk will please read a communication hour, with the time equally divided and controlled between Senators PRYOR illegal brothel went on by virtue of Joe to the Senate from the President pro Conforte being able to pass out money tempore (Mr. INOUYE). and ALEXANDER or their designees. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- to people for a long time. Bill Raggio, The legislative clerk read the fol- as DA, picked a fight with him, and lowing letter: pore. Without objection, it is so or- dered. that fight is legend. Bill got the last U.S. SENATE, word. Conforte spent 22 months in pris- f PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, on for trying to bribe Bill Raggio. And Washington, DC, February 27, 2012. REMEMBERING SENATOR RAGGIO To the Senate: in 1965, Bill Raggio, to get the last Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, Mr. REID. Mr. President, last week word, had the local authorities declare of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby Nevada lost a great statesman and I that facility a nuisance and burn it

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

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VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:03 May 20, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD12\RECFILES\S27FE2.REC S27FE2 bjneal on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S1030 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 27, 2012 down. He was there watching the fire helped root out organized crime in Northern Saddened by the passing of Senator Bill as it destroyed that place. Nevada.—Former U.S. Sen. , R Raggio. A true statesman. My thoughts & It wasn’t until 1972 that Bill brought Nevada. prayers are with his family.—Nevada Sen. his integrity and dedication to the Ruben Kihuen, D , via Twitter. Bill was a true public servant and his sole State House as a member of the Nevada agenda was simply to make Nevada a better Feels odd to tweet about Bill Raggio but State Senate. So for 38 years, there place. He has left an unmatched political odd not to. He was my friend and a mentor. wasn’t a piece of legislation that footprint upon our state, and the citizens A great loss 4 Nev but, oh what a life he passed the that will reap the rewards of this gifted and de- lived!—Nevada Assemblywoman Debbie didn’t have his imprint on it in some cent gentleman for many years to come.—Lt. Smith, D Reno, via Twitter. Gov. , R Nevada. way. He worked to help pass thousands For those of us in higher education, indeed of different pieces of legislation. He Sen. Raggio was an icon, a consummate the whole education community, we pause to was an expert in the process. Nobody statesman and one of the most knowledge- thank this man who came from humble im- knew how to craft a budget better than able and pragmatic legislators ever to serve migrant roots and rose to great power, in Bill Raggio. the people of Nevada. His absence from the part by public education. He never forgot the He was a Republican who believed Legislature with his retirement was keenly contribution of education to his life. We have government should be ‘‘lean but not felt. His passing on Thursday ends a chapter lost a member of our family today—indeed, mean.’’ He was never afraid to work in Nevada history.—Nevada Supreme Court our patriarch and champion.—Board of Re- gents, Nevada System of Higher Education. with Democratic members, even Chief Justice Nancy Saitta. though he was Republican leader for The passing of Bill Raggio is a tragic loss Raggio was a champion for our Airport Au- several terms. Here is what he said re- for Nevadans. For those of us in the law en- thority and he had the vision to create a cently: I think the present leadership forcement community, we fondly recall and transportation entity that plays a vital role of the Republican Party is a little too continue to tell stories about Bill standing in the economy of our region. He was also a radical and has been taken over by up to perpetrators to ensure a safe commu- wonderful mentor to me and I will miss his what I think is a radical element. nity. Bill will always be remembered for his sage advice and wise counsel. The legacy of impassioned service and dedication.—Nevada his forward thinking will be felt in our com- He went on to say in an interview, munity for years to come.—Krys Bart, presi- after he decided to retire: state Attorney General . dent and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Au- The party has to reshape itself, or it won’t thority. win general elections down the road. Bill Raggio was the type of elected official That is Bill Raggio, speaking as we I strive to become. In an era of intense par- He championed our state’s heritage and he should all speak—not as a Republican tisanship, he upheld a statesman’s voice of made our values a priority. He ensured that protecting our environment was a non-par- but as a Nevadan and an American. So reason.—Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller, via Twitter. tisan position in Carson City as he worked it is no surprise to see the outpouring across the aisle to support conservation of grief of Democrats and Republicans There are no words to describe his dedica- funding and wildlife. Regardless of your poli- at his passing. tion to the state of Nevada and I wish to ex- tics, Bill Raggio was a great leader and he ‘‘No one has ever loved this state press my deepest condolences and prayers for will be missed.—Nevada Conservation more or has had a more passionate de- his wife Dale, and his family. Bill was a true League. sire to make things better for the peo- statesman who dedicated his life to making Those who have followed NPRI’s work over Nevada a better place to live. His legacy will ple who live here,’’ said Democratic As- the years know that we have both agreed and be remembered for generations to come.— sembly Speaker John Ocegera. disagreed with Mr. Raggio’s views on various U.S. Sen. , R Nevada. If there was a Mount Rushmore of Nevada policy issues. But there was never any doubt politics, Bill Raggio’s image would forever He was nothing short of a giant in Nevada as to his love for Nevada and his commit- be carved there. The Nevada family has lost politics and a fierce advocate for the state he ment to making it a better place to live. For a great patriarch. loved, especially the north. His dedicated that, he will always have our respect and our That was what Republican Governor public service has improved the lives of admiration.—Andy Matthews, president of said. thousands of Nevada families and his tireless Nevada Policy Research Institute. work on higher education has left a perma- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- He was every bit as good and as genuine nent mark on this state.—Rep. Shelley Berk- sent to have printed in the RECORD four and as committed to public service as what’s ley, D Las Vegas. pages of statements made by Nevada- described. That’s the real person. It’s a huge loss.—Nevada Sen. , R Reno. elected and appointed officials, and Bill Raggio was the consummate states- citizens of Nevada about Bill Raggio. man and a dedicated public servant. He was No one has ever loved this state more or There being no objection, the mate- a mentor of mine and it was an honor to rial was ordered to be printed in the had a more passionate desire to make things work under him in the state senate while he better for the people who live here. His abil- RECORD, as follows: was Majority Leader. He will truly be ity to bring people together to get things [From the Las Vegas Sun] missed.—U.S. Rep. , R Henderson. done was legendary. . . . At times, he may REACTION TO DEATH OF FORMER STATE SEN. have been an adversary on a particular issue, This is the end of an era in Nevada. Bill BILL RAGGIO but he was always a true leader, a teacher was an icon of legislative public service and and a friend.—Nevada Speaker of the Assem- (Associated Press) it was a privilege to serve with him in the bly John Oceguera, D Las Vegas. Reaction to the death of retired state Sen. state senate. My condolences go out to his BILL RAGGIO, R Reno, Nevada’s longest-serv- wife Dale and his two daughters.—U.S. Rep. He was one of the greatest friends and a ing state senator: , R Carson City. true mentor to me. Our great state is better If there was a Mount Rushmore of Nevada because of his leadership and service. He will politics, Bill Raggio’s image would forever Last year, I was honored to induct Senator be sorely missed.—Reno Mayor . be carved there. The Nevada family has lost Raggio into the Senate Hall of Fame for his a great patriarch; may God rest his soul as unwavering commitment to our state. From The thing that was great about Senator we remember all that he meant to our his service as a District Attorney to becom- Raggio and the time that I spent with him in state.—Gov. Brian Sandoval, R Nevada. ing one of the longest serving legislators in the Legislature was his ability to bring the Nevada history, Senator Raggio always put two sides together and get things done. He I have known Bill for decades; he has been the people of Nevada first. . . . Nevada has was a master at doing that.—Reno City Man- a mentor to me. He always fought for Nevada truly lost one of its finest statesmen.—Ne- ager Andrew Clinger. and his invaluable contributions and service vada Senate Majority Leader Steven to our state will live on. . . . His important Horsford, D Las Vegas. He understood that politics is really filled voice will be missed.—U.S. Senate Majority with compromise. The public still owns this Leader , D Nevada. Senator Raggio epitomized the term ‘‘pub- process and they send people of all stripes, lic servant.’’ . . . He was a tireless advocate different backgrounds, different sections of Clearly, he was one of the state’s greatest for higher education, believing that it was the state. He knew in order to move things and most accomplished public servants. He the gateway to a better life for any Nevadan. forward, you had to compromise.—Former was also a helluva good guy who possessed a With so many accomplishments and such Nevada Sen. Randolph Townsend, R Reno. wonderful sense of humor. . . . (H)e had an universal respect, it’s impossible to do jus- exceptional legal mind and was a knowledge- tice and honor to the life of such a man.—Ne- Today Nevada Republicans across the state able, courageous and fair-minded DA who vada Senate Republican Caucus. mourn the loss of a great leader and the loss

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:03 May 20, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD12\RECFILES\S27FE2.REC S27FE2 bjneal on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 27, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1031 of an even greater friend. While it is a sad postal reform legislation. It is manda- I beg you at the same time to do me the day for all Nevadans, it is only appropriate tory that we do that. We have a press- justice to be assured that this resolution has to remember the legacy and leadership he ing cyber-security piece of legislation not been taken without a strict regard to all left behind for us to follow. A loss of a true that the Pentagon says is the most im- the considerations appertaining to the rela- icon in Nevada politics will not be forgotten. tion which binds a dutiful citizen to his . . . We will miss you.—Nevada Republican portant thing we can do for our coun- country—and that, in withdrawing the ten- Party Chairman James Smack. try. We have to clear a backlog of judi- der of service which silence in my situation cial nominees that threatens the effec- might imply, I am influenced by no diminu- Shocked to hear of Sen Raggio’s passing— tiveness of our court system. But first, tion of zeal for your future interest, no defi- last time we spoke, he ranted about legisla- we must complete one of the most im- ciency of grateful respect for your past kind- tors needing to put aside politics & work to- ness, but am supported by a full conviction gether.—Nevada Sen. , D Reno, portant tasks facing this Congress: that the step is compatible with both. via Twitter. strengthening our economy by rebuild- ing our Nation’s crumbling infrastruc- The acceptance of, and continuance hith- Rest in peace Senator Raggio. You will be ture. erto in, the office to which your suffrages missed, but never forgotten.—Nevada Sen. Today we will resume progress on the have twice called me have been a uniform Michael Roberson, R Henderson, via Twitter. Transportation bill that will put 2 mil- sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty and to a deference for what appeared to be But Raggio also saw his Republican Party lion Americans back to work rebuild- ing roads, bridges, trains, and their your desire. I constantly hoped that it would transform around him. In 2003, when a group have been much earlier in my power, consist- of Assembly Republicans refused to vote for tracks. ently with motives which I was not at lib- a tax plan, Raggio didn’t hesitate to exca- The House is also considering trans- erty to disregard, to return to that retire- vate a pejorative from earlier in his storied portation legislation. I was glad to see ment from which I had been reluctantly career: He called them ‘‘John Birchers.’’ By that House Republicans have moved 2008, he was battling ex-Assemblywoman drawn. The strength of my inclination to do in a primary fight for the dis- away from that extreme proposal they this, previous to the last election, had even trict he’d held comfortably since 1972. were considering a few weeks ago. They led to the preparation of an address to de- When Raggio exercised his legendary inde- are going to now try to pass something clare it to you; but mature reflection on the pendence—and a good deal of personal similar to our bipartisan legislation. then perplexed and critical posture of our af- pique—and endorsed Democrat Harry Reid This is bipartisan legislation. fairs with foreign nations, and the unani- mous advice of persons entitled to my con- over Angle in the 2010 U.S. Senate race, his Too much rests on our success to let party finally left him. He was ousted from fidence, impelled me to abandon the idea. his leadership position by Fallon Republican this jobs measure be bogged down by partisanship. President Dwight Eisen- I rejoice that the state of your concerns, Mike McGinness, and he tendered his res- external as well as internal, no longer ren- ignation from the Legislature for good. hower, a Republican, was the original ders the pursuit of inclination incompatible ‘‘I think the present leadership of the Re- champion of national infrastructure in- with the sentiment of duty or propriety and publican Party is a little too radical and has vestment a half century ago. He once am persuaded, whatever partiality may be been taken over by what I think is a radical said: retained for my services, that in the present element,’’ Raggio said in an interview after circumstances of our country you will not he quit, using a true conservative’s worst Only strength can cooperate. Weakness can disapprove my determination to retire. pejorative. ‘‘The party has to reshape itself only beg. or it won’t win general elections down the He was right that it takes strength The impressions with which I first under- road.’’ to work together. But working to- took the arduous trust were explained on the Mark his words for November. gether also makes us strong. I look for- proper occasion. In the discharge of this Back in January 2011, Raggio told me in an ward to working together with my col- trust, I will only say that I have, with good interview that the state would go on without intentions, contributed towards the organi- him. ‘‘Nobody is irreplaceable. You will find leagues on both sides as we complete zation and administration of the government that out,’’ he said. transportation legislation that will the best exertions of which a very fallible I hope Raggio will forgive me one last time make our economy strong. judgment was capable. Not unconscious in if I simply don’t agree. We have 5 weeks during this work pe- the outset of the inferiority of my qualifica- Mr. REID. He believed in doing what riod. We have a lot to do. I hope we can tions, experience in my own eyes, perhaps was right for Nevada, even when it work together to get it done. still more in the eyes of others, has strength- wasn’t right for his political party. I ened the motives to diffidence of myself, and f admired him and respected him. I re- every day the increasing weight of years ad- spected him even when he and I dis- RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME monishes me more and more that the shade agreed, and that happened. But we of retirement is as necessary to me as it will The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- be welcome. Satisfied that if any cir- agreed far more than we disagreed. pore. Under the previous order, the I can remember the first time I met cumstances have given peculiar value to my leadership time is reserved. services, they were temporary, I have the him. The person I worked for had consolation to believe that, while choice and f worked as a deputy district attorney prudence invite me to quit the political for Bill Raggio. He came to visit me in READING OF WASHINGTON’S scene, patriotism does not forbid it. our law office, and he was always very FAREWELL ADDRESS In looking forward to the moment which is funny, very articulate, and somebody I The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- intended to terminate the career of my pub- admired and, as I indicated, was my lic life, my feelings do not permit me to sus- mentor. But I can remember him being pore. Pursuant to the order of the Sen- pend the deep acknowledgment of that debt in that office as if it were 10 minutes ate of January 24, 1901, as amended by of gratitude which I owe to my beloved coun- ago. the order of February 14, 2012, the Sen- try for the many honors it has conferred Upon his retirement last year, Bill ator from New Hampshire, Mrs. SHA- upon me, still more for the steadfast con- told a local reporter, ‘‘Nobody is irre- HEEN, will now read Washington’s Fare- fidence with which it has supported me and placeable. You will see.’’ It seems, once well Address. for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed again, though, Bill and I disagreed. No Mrs. SHAHEEN, at the rostrum, read of manifesting my inviolable attachment by the Farewell Address, as follows: services faithful and persevering, though in one can replace Bill Raggio. The mark usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits he left on Nevada politics could never TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES have resulted to our country from these be erased, but his powerful political Friends and Fellow-Citizens: The period for services, let it always be remembered to voice and his true personal friendship a new election of a citizen to administer the your praise and as an instructive example in will be missed. executive government of the United States our annals that, under circumstances in Senator Raggio was an effective leg- being not far distant, and the time actually which the passions agitated in every direc- islator and leader in part because of his arrived when your thoughts must be em- tion were liable to mislead, amidst appear- willingness to cooperate with those ployed in designating the person who is to be ances sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of for- with whom he disagreed. It would serve clothed with that important trust, it appears tune often discouraging, in situations in this Chamber well to emulate his bi- to me proper, especially as it may conduce to which not unfrequently want of success has a more distinct expression of the public countenanced the spirit of criticism, the con- partisan approach. voice, that I should now apprise you of the stancy of your support was the essential prop WORKING TOGETHER resolution I have formed, to decline being of the efforts and a guarantee of the plans by We have a great deal to accomplish considered among the number of those out of which they were effected. Profoundly pene- this work period. We need to consider whom a choice is to be made. trated with this idea, I shall carry it with me

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