January 20, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S667 Mr. REED. Mr. President, with re- Mrs. Marian Robinson and the daughters of (Applause.) spect to the nominations confirmed the President-elect, Malia and Sasha Obama, Mrs. FEINSTEIN. In that spirit, we today today, I ask unanimous consent that accompanied by Assistant Secretary of the not only inaugurate a new administration, Senate Sheila Dwyer, assembled on the we pledge ourselves to the hope, the vision, the President be immediately notified President’s platform. the unity, and the renewed call to greatness of the Senate’s action and that the The First Lady, Mrs. Laura Bush, and the inspired by the 44th President of the United Senate return to legislative session. wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Lynne Che- States, Barack Obama. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ney, accompanied by Secretary Chao, Mrs. (Applause.) pore. Without objection, it is so or- Bennett, Mrs. Boehner, and Republican staff Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Thank you, and God dered. director of the U.S. Senate Committee on bless America. Rules and Administration, Mary Suit Jones, (Applause.) f assembled on the President’s platform. Mrs. FEINSTEIN. At this time I call upon Dr. Rick Warren, pastor of the Saddleback LEGISLATIVE SESSION Mrs. Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, accompanied by the Secretary of the Senate, Church in Lake Forest, CA, to provide the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Nancy Erickson; the Clerk of the House of invocation. pore. The Senate will now return to Representatives, Lorraine Miller; Mr. Blum, Pastor WARREN. Let us pray. legislative session. Mr. Pelosi, and Mrs. Reid, assembled on the Almighty God, our Father, everything we see and everything we can’t see exists be- f President’s platform. The President of the United States, the cause of You alone. It all comes from You. It INAUGURAL CEREMONY Honorable George Walker Bush, and the Vice all belongs to You. It all exists for Your President of the United States, Dick Cheney, glory. History is Your story. The scripture Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- accompanied by Senate Republican leader tells us: Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, imous consent that the Inaugural Cere- Mitch McConnell, Senator Robert Bennett, the Lord is one. And You are the compas- mony proceedings be printed in the House Republican leader, Representative sionate and merciful one, and You are loving RECORD. John Boehner, and Secretary for the minor- to every one You have made. Now, today, we There being no objection, the mate- ity David Schiappa, assembled on the Presi- rejoice, not only in America’s peaceful trans- rial was ordered to be printed in the dent’s platform. fer of power for the 44th time, we celebrate The Vice President-elect of the United a hinge point of history, with the inaugura- RECORD, as follows: States, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., accompanied by tion of our first African-American President INAUGURAL CEREMONY the inaugural coordinator for the Joint Con- of the United States. We are so grateful to Inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama, gressional Committee on Inaugural Cere- live in this land, a land of unequaled possi- January 20, 2009, 11:30 a.m. monies, Jennifer Griffith; Senate Deputy bility, where the son of an African American The Joint Chiefs of Staff assembled on the Sergeant at Arms Drew Wilson; House Dep- can rise to the highest level of our leader- President’s platform. uty Sergeant at Arms Kerri Hanley; Senate ship. And we know today that Dr. King and The Diplomatic Corps assembled on the majority leader, Senator Harry Reid; House a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in President’s platform. majority leader, Representative Steny heaven. The Governors of the United States and its Hoyer, assembled on the President’s plat- Give to our new President Barack Obama territories and the Mayor of the District of form. the wisdom to lead us with humility, the Columbia assembled on the President’s plat- The President-elect of the United States, courage to lead us with integrity, the com- form. Barack H. Obama, accompanied by the staff passion to lead us with generosity. Bless and Members of the 111th House of Representa- director for the Joint Congressional Com- protect him, his family, Vice President tives of the United States, led by majority mittee on Inaugural Ceremonies, Howard Biden, the Cabinet, and every one of our free- whip James E. Clyburn and Republican whip Gantman; the Senate Sergeant at Arms, Ter- ly elected leaders. Help us, O God, to remem- Eric Cantor, assembled on the President’s rence W. Gainer; the House Sergeant at ber that we are Americans, united not by platform. Arms, Wilson Livingood; chairman of the race or religion or blood but to our commit- Members of the Senate of the United Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural ment to freedom and justice for all. States assembled on the President’s plat- Ceremonies, Senator Dianne Feinstein; Sen- When we focus on ourselves, when we fight form. ator Robert Bennett; the Speaker of the each other, when we forget You, forgive us. Former Speakers of the House of Rep- House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi; the When we presume that our greatness and our resentatives, Thomas Foley and Newt Ging- Senate majority leader, Harry Reid; House prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we rich, accompanied by Mrs. Foley and Mrs. majority leader, Representative Steny fail to treat our fellow human beings and all Gingrich, assembled on the President’s plat- Hoyer; House Republican leader, Representa- the Earth with the respect that they deserve, form. tive John Boehner, assembled on the Presi- forgive us. Former Vice Presidents Walter Mondale, dent’s platform. As we face these difficult days ahead, may Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President and Vice Dan Quayle, and Al Gore, accompanied by we have a new birth of clarity in aims, re- President, Mr. President-elect and Vice Mrs. Mondale, Mrs. Quayle, and Mrs. Gore, sponsibility in our actions, humility in our President-elect, ladies and gentlemen, wel- assembled on the President’s platform. approaches, and civility in our attitudes, come to the inauguration of the 44th Presi- Mr. William M. Daley, Ms. Penny Pritzker, even when we differ. Help us to share, to dent of the United States of America. Mr. John W. Rogers, Jr., Mr. Patrick G. serve, and to seek the common good of all. (Applause.) May all people of goodwill today join to- Ryan, and Ms. Julianna Smoot, cochairs of Mrs. FEINSTEIN. The world is watching the 56th Presidential Inaugural Committee; gether to work for a more just, a more today as our great democracy engages in this healthy, and a more prosperous nation and a and Mr. Emmett S. Beliveau, executive di- peaceful transition of power. Here on the Na- rector of the 56th Presidential Inaugural peaceful planet. And may we never forget tional Mall, where we remember the found- that one day all nations and all people will Committee, assembled on the President’s ers of our Nation and those who fought to platform. stand accountable before You. make it free, we gather to etch another line We now commit our new President and his The President-elect’s Cabinet and agency in the solid stone of history. The freedom of wife Michelle and his daughters, Malia and designees assembled on the President’s plat- a people to choose its leaders is the root of Sasha, into Your loving care. I humbly ask form. liberty. In a world where political strife is this in the name of the one who changed my The Chief Justice of the United States, the too often settled with violence, we come here life, Yeshua, Esau, Jesus, Jesus, who taught Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr., and the As- every 4 years to bestow the power of the us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, sociate Justices of the Supreme Court of the Presidency upon our democratically elected hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. United States assembled on the President’s leader. Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. platform. Those who doubt the supremacy of the bal- Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive The 39th President of the United States, lot over the bullet can never diminish the us our trespasses as we forgive those who Jimmy Carter, and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter as- power engendered by nonviolent struggles trespass against us. And lead us not into sembled on the President’s platform. for justice and equality like the one that temptation but deliver us from evil. For The 41st President of the United States, made this day possible. No triumph tainted thine is the kingdom and the power and the George H.W. Bush, and Mrs. Barbara Bush by brutality could ever match the sweet vic- glory forever. Amen. assembled on the President’s platform. tory of this hour and of what it means to (Applause.) The 42nd President of the United States, those who marched and died to make it a re- Mrs. FEINSTEIN. I am so pleased to intro- William Jefferson Clinton, and Senator Hil- ality. Our work is not yet finished, but fu- duce world renowned musical artist Aretha lary Rodham Clinton assembled on the Presi- ture generations will mark this morning as Franklin to sing ‘‘My Country Tis of Thee.’’ dent’s platform. the turning point for real and necessary (Performance by Ms. Aretha Franklin.) The children of the Vice President-elect, change in our Nation. They will look back Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Please join me in wel- CPT Beau Biden, Hunter Biden, and Ashley and remember that this was the moment coming my colleague from Utah, the Honor- Biden, accompanied by House Chief Adminis- when the dream that once echoed across his- able Robert Bennett. trative Officer Dan Beard, assembled on the tory from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial Mr. BENNETT. It is my great honor to in- President’s platform. finally reached the walls of the White House. troduce Associate Justice of the Supreme

VerDate Nov 24 2008 06:29 Mar 03, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S20JA9.REC S20JA9 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S668 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 20, 2009 Court of the United States John Paul Ste- found is a sapping of confidence across our gotten what this country has already done, vens, who will administer the oath of office land, a nagging fear that America’s decline what free men and women can achieve when to the Vice President-elect. Will you all is inevitable, that the next generation must imagination is joined to common purpose please stand. lower its sights. and necessity to courage. What the cynics Associate Justice JOHN PAUL STEVENS Today I say to you that the challenges we fail to understand is that the ground has administered to the Vice President-elect the face are real. They are serious, and they are shifted beneath them, that the stale political oath of office prescribed by the Constitution, many. They will not be met easily or in a arguments that have consumed us for so long which he repeated, as follows: short span of time. But know this, America— no longer apply. ‘‘I, JOSEPH ROBINETTE BIDEN, JR. do they will be met. The question we ask today is not whether solemnly swear that I will support and de- (Applause.) our Government is too big or too small but fend the Constitution of the United States On this day, we gather because we have whether it works—whether it helps families against all enemies foreign and domestic; chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over find jobs at a decent wage, care they can af- that I will bear true faith and allegiance to conflict and discord. On this day, we come to ford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the same; that I take this obligation freely, proclaim an end to the petty grievances and the answer is, yes, we intend to move for- without any mental reservation or purpose false promises, the recriminations and ward. Where the answer is no, programs will of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully wornout dogmas that for far too long have end. Those of us who manage the public’s discharge the duties of my office on which I strained our politics. We remain a young Na- dollars will be held to account—to spend am about to enter. So help me God.’’ tion, but in the words of scripture: The time wisely, reform bad habits, and do our busi- (Applause.) has come to set aside childish things. The ness in the light of day—because only then Mrs. FEINSTEIN. It is my pleasure to in- time has come to reaffirm our enduring spir- can we restore the vital trust between a peo- troduce a unique musical performance: Mr. it, to choose our better history, to carry for- ple and their Government. Nor is the question before us whether the Itzhak Perlman, violinist; Anthony McGill, ward that precious gift, that noble idea market is a force for good or ill. Its power to clarinet; Yo-Yo Ma, cellist; and Gabriela passed on from generation to generation, the generate wealth and expand freedom is un- Montero, pianist, performing ‘‘Air and Sim- God-given promise that all are equal, all are matched. But this crisis has reminded us free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their ple Gifts,’’ a composition arranged for this that without a watchful eye, the market can occasion by John Williams. full measure of happiness. spin out of control and that a nation cannot (Applause.) (Performance by Mr. Yo-Yo Ma, Mr. An- prosper long when it favors only the pros- In reaffirming the greatness of our Nation, thony McGill, Ms. Gabriela Montero, and Mr. perous. The success of our economy has al- we understand that greatness is never a Itzhak Perlman.) ways depended not just on the size of our given. It must be earned. Our journey has Mrs. FEINSTEIN. It is my distinct honor gross domestic product but on the reach of never been one of shortcuts or settling for to present the Chief Justice of the United our prosperity, on the ability to extend op- States, the Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr., less. It has not been the path for the faint- portunity to every willing heart—not out of who will administer the Presidential oath of hearted, for those who prefer leisure over charity but because it is the surest route to office. Everyone, please stand. work or seek only the pleasures of riches and our common good. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, fame. Rather, it has been the risk takers, the (Applause.) JOHN G. ROBERTS, JR., administered to doers, the makers of things, some celebrated As for our common defense, we reject as the President-elect the oath of office pre- but more often men and women obscure in false the choice between our safety and our scribed by the Constitution, which he re- their labor who have carried us up the long ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with peated, as follows: rugged path towards prosperity and freedom. perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted ‘‘I, BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, do sol- For us, they packed up their few worldly pos- a charter to assure the rule of law and the emnly swear that I will faithfully execute sessions and traveled across oceans in search rights of man, a charter expanded by the the office of President of the United States of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweat- blood of generations. Those ideals still light and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, shops and settled the West, endured the lash the world, and we will not give them up for protect, and defend the Constitution of the of the whip, and plowed the hard earth. For expedience sake. And so to all the other peo- United States. So Help me God.’’ us, they fought and died in places like Con- ples and governments who are watching THE CHIEF JUSTICE. Congratulations, cord and Gettysburg, Normandy and Khe today, from the grandest capitals to the Mr. President. Sahn. small village where my father was born, (Applause.) Time and again, these men and women know that America is a friend of each nation Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Ladies and gentlemen, it struggled and sacrificed and worked until and every man, woman, and child who seeks is my great personal honor to present the their hands were raw so that we might live a a future of peace and dignity and that we are 44th President of these United States, better life. They saw America as bigger than ready to lead once more. Barack Obama. the sum of our individual ambitions, greater (Applause.) (Applause.) than all the differences of birth or wealth or Recall that earlier generations faced down The PRESIDENT. Thank you. Thank you. faction. fascism and communism not just with mis- My fellow citizens, I stand here today hum- This is the journey we continue today. We siles and tanks but with sturdy alliances and bled by the task before us, grateful for the remain the most prosperous, powerful Nation enduring convictions. They understood that trust you bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices on Earth. Our workers are no less productive our power alone cannot protect us, nor does borne by our ancestors. I thank President than when this crisis began. Our minds are it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they Bush for his service to our Nation, as well as no less inventive, our goods and services no knew that our power grows through its pru- the generosity and cooperation he has shown less needed than they were last week or last dent use. Our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our exam- throughout this transition. month or last year. Our capacity remains ple, the tempering qualities of humility and Forty-four Americans have now taken the undiminished, and our time of standing pat restraint. We are the keepers of this legacy. Presidential oath. The words have been spo- and protecting narrow interests and putting Guided by these principles once more, we can ken during rising tides of prosperity and the off unpleasant decisions—that time has sure- still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the meet those new threats that demand even ly passed. Starting today, we must pick our- greater effort, even greater cooperation and oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and selves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again raging storms. At these moments, America understanding between nations. the work of remaking America. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to has carried on not simply because of the (Applause.) its people and forge a hard-earned peace in skill or vision of those in high office but be- For everywhere we look, there is work to Afghanistan. With old friends and former cause we, the people, have remained faithful be done. The state of our economy calls for foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nu- to the ideals of our forebears and true to our action, bold and swift. And we will act, not clear threat and roll back the specter of a founding documents. So it has been. So it only to create new jobs but to lay a new warming planet. We will not apologize for must be with this generation of Americans. foundation for growth. We will build the our way of life, nor will we waiver in its de- That we are in the midst of crisis is now roads and bridges, the electric grids and dig- fense. And for those who seek to advance well understood. Our Nation is at war ital lines that feed our commerce and bind us their aims by inducing terror and slaugh- against a far-reaching network of violence together. We will restore science to its right- tering innocents, we say to you now that our and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, ful place and wield technology’s wonders to spirit is stronger and cannot be broken. You a consequence of greed and irresponsibility raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you. on the part of some but also our collective We will harness the Sun and the winds and (Applause.) failure to make hard choices and prepare the the soil to fuel our cars and run our fac- For we know that our patchwork heritage Nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; tories. And we will transform our schools is a strength, not a weakness. We are a na- jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health and colleges and universities to meet the de- tion of Christians and Muslims, Jews and care is too costly; our schools fail too many; mands of a new age. All this we can do. All Hindus, and nonbelievers. We are shaped by and each day brings further evidence that this we will do. every language and culture, drawn from the ways we use energy strengthen our ad- Now, there are some who question the every end of this Earth. And because we have versaries and threaten our planet. These are scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our tasted the bitter swill of civil war and seg- the indicators of crisis, subject to data and system cannot tolerate too many big plans. regation and emerged from that dark chap- statistics. Less measurable but no less pro- Their memories are short. For they have for- ter stronger and more united, we cannot help

VerDate Nov 24 2008 06:29 Mar 03, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S20JA9.REC S20JA9 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE January 20, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S669 but believe that the old hatreds shall some- In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest praise song for walking forward in that light. day pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon of months, a small band of patriots huddled Mrs. FEINSTEIN. And now it is my privi- dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, by dying camp fires on the shores of an icy lege to introduce the Reverend Dr. Joseph E. our common humanity shall reveal itself; river; the capital was abandoned, the enemy Lowery to deliver the benediction. and that American must play its role in ush- was advancing, the snow was stained with Reverend LOWERY. God of our weary ering in a new era of peace. blood; at a moment when the outcome of our years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast To the Muslim world, we seek a new way Revolution was most in doubt, the Father of brought us thus far along the way, Thou who forward based on mutual interest and mu- our Nation ordered these words be read to has by the might, led us into the light, keep tual respect. To those leaders around the the people: us forever in the path we pray. Lest our feet globe who seek to sow conflict or blame their Let it be told to the future world . . . that stray from the places, our God, where we society’s ills on the West, know that your in the depth of winter, when nothing but met Thee; lest our hearts drunk with the people will judge you on what you can build, hope and virtue could survive . . . that the wine of the world we forget Thee, shadowed not what you destroy. city and the country, alarmed at one com- beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand (Applause.) mon danger, came forth to meet [it]. true to our God and true to our native land. To those who claim power through corrup- America, in the face of our common dan- We truly give thanks for the glorious expe- tion and deceit and the silencing of dissent, gers, in this winter of our hardship, let us re- rience we have shared this day. We pray now, know that you are on the wrong side of his- member these timeless words. With hope and O Lord, for your blessing upon thy servant, tory but that we will extend a hand if you virtue, let us brave once more the icy cur- Barack Obama, the 44th President of these are willing to unclench your fist. rents and endure what storms may come. Let United States, his family and his administra- (Applause.) it be said by our children’s children that tion. He has come to this high office at a low To the people of poor nations, we pledge to when we were tested, we refused to let this moment in the national and, indeed, global work alongside you to make your farms journey end, that we did not turn back, nor fiscal climate. But because we know you flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the ho- have got the whole world in Your hands, we starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And rizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried pray for not only our Nation but for the com- to those nations like ours that enjoy relative forth that great gift of freedom and delivered munity of nations. Our faith does not shrink, plenty, we say we can no longer afford indif- it safely to future generations. though pressed by the flood of mortal ills, ference to the suffering outside our borders, Thank you. God bless you. And God bless for we know that, Lord, You are able and nor can we consume the world’s resources the United States of America. You are willing to work through faithful without regard to effect. For the world has (Applause.) leadership to restore stability, mend our changed, and we must change with it. Mrs. FEINSTEIN. I have the distinct pleas- brokenness, heal our wounds, and deliver us As we consider the role that unfolds before ure of introducing an American poet, Eliza- from the exploitation of the poor, the least us, we will remember with humble gratitude beth Alexander. of these, as well as favoritism toward the those brave Americans who at this very hour Ms. ALEXANDER. ‘‘Praise Song for the rich, the elite of these. patrol far off deserts and distant mountains. Day.’’ We thank You for the empowering of Thy They have something to tell us, just as the servant, our 44th President, to inspire our Each day we go about our business, walking fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper Nation to believe that, yes, we can work to- past each other, catching each other’s through the ages. We honor them not only gether to achieve a more perfect Union. eyes or not, about to speak or speak- because they are the guardians of our liberty While we have sown the wind of greed and ing. but because they embody the spirit of serv- corruption and even as we reap the whirl- ice, a willingness to find meaning in some- All about us is noise. All about us is noise wind of social and economic disruption, we thing greater than themselves. And yet at and bramble, thorn and din, each one of seek forgiveness and we come in the spirit of this moment—a moment that will define a our ancestors on our tongues. unity and solidarity to commit our support generation—it is precisely this spirit that Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a to our President by willingness to make sac- must inhabit us all. For as much as Govern- hole in a uniform, patching a tire, re- rifices necessary to respect Your creation, to ment can do and must do, it is ultimately pairing the things in need or repair. turn to each other and not on each other. the faith and determination of the American Someone is trying to make music some- And now Lord, in the complex arena of people upon which this Nation relies. It is where, with a pair of wooden spoons on human relationships, help us to make the kindness to take in a stranger when the an oil drum, with cello, boom box, har- choices on the side of love not hate, on the levees break, the selflessness of workers who monica, voice. side of inclusion not exclusion, tolerance not would rather cut their hours than see a intolerance. And as we leave this mountain- friend lose their job which sees us through A woman and her son wait for the bus. A fa- top, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellow- our darkest hours. It is the firefighter’s ther considers the changing sky. A ship, of koinonia, and the oneness of our courage to storm a stairway filled with teacher says, ‘‘Take out your pencils. family. And take that spiritual power back smoke but also a parent’s willingness to nur- Begin.’’ to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, ture a child that finally decides our fate. We encounter each other in words, words our temples, our mosques, wherever we seek Our challenges may be new. The instru- spiny or smooth, whispered or de- Your will. ments with which we meet them may be claimed, words to consider, reconsider. Bless President Barack, First Lady new. But those values upon which our suc- We cross dirt roads and highways that mark Michelle, look over our little ‘‘angelics,’’ cess defends—honesty and hard work, cour- the will of some one and then others, Sasha and Malia. We go now to walk to- age and fair play, tolerance and curiosities, who said I need to see what’s on the gether, children, pledging that we won’t get loyalty and patriotism—these things are old. other side. weary in the difficult days ahead. We know These things are true. They have been the You will not leave us alone with Your hands I know there’s something better down the quiet force of progress throughout our his- of power and Your heart of love. Help us, road. We need to find a place where we tory. What is demanded, then, is a return to then, now Lord, to work for that day when are safe. We walk into that which we these truths; what is required of us now is a nation shall not lift up sword against nation, cannot yet see. new era of responsibility—a recognition, on when tanks will be beaten into tractors, the part of every American, that we have du- Say it plain: that many have died for this when every man and every woman shall sit ties to ourselves, our Nation, and the world, day. Sing the names of the dead who under his or her own vine and fig tree, and duties that we do not grudgingly accept but, brought us here, who laid the train none shall be afraid; when justice will roll rather, seize gladly, firm in the knowledge tracks, raised the bridges, picked the down like water and righteousness as a that there is nothing so satisfying to the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by mighty stream. spirit, so defining of our character, than giv- brick the glittering edifices they would Lord, in the memory of all the saints who ing our all to a difficult task. then keep clean and work inside of. from their labors rest, and in the joy of a This is the price and the promise of citi- Praise song for struggle, praise song for the new beginning, we ask You to help us work zenship. This is the source of our con- day. Praise song for every hand-let- for that day when Black will not be asked to fidences—the knowledge that God calls on us tered sign, the figuring-it-out at kitch- get back, when Brown can stick around, to shape an uncertain destiny. en tables. when Yellow will be mellow, when the Red This is the meaning of our liberty and our Some live by love thy neighbor as thy self, man can get ahead man, and when White will creed—why men and women and children of others by first do no harm or take no embrace what is right. Let all those who do every race and every faith can join in cele- more than you need. What if the justice and love mercy say amen. Say amen. bration across this magnificent Mall, and mightiest word is love? And amen. Amen. why a man whose father, less than 60 years (Applause.) ago, might not have been served at a local Love beyond marital, filial, national, love Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Ladies and gentlemen, restaurant can now stand before you to take that casts a widening pool of light, love please rise for the singing of our national an- a most sacred oath. with no need to pre-empt grievance. them by the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters Chorus. (Applause.) In today’s sharp sparkle, the winter air, any Following the anthem, please remain in So let us mark this day with remembrance thing can be made, any sentence begun. place while the presidential party exits the of who we are and how far we have traveled. On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp, platform. Thank you very much.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 06:29 Mar 03, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S20JA9.REC S20JA9 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S670 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 20, 2009 (Performance by the U.S. Navy Sea Chant- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I would be to work on the orientation for the new ers.) happy to. Senators. So we had gotten to know (The Inagural ceremony was concluded at Mr. MCCONNELL. Is the Senator sug- the new Senators, including SALAZAR 12:36 p.m.) gesting that the time on Senator CLIN- and Obama and MARTINEZ, during that f TON’s nomination run through the period of time. So here is what I was thinking that MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT luncheons? Mr. REID. Well, what I would like to day—and let’s take them one by one. Messages from the President of the do: We would stop at a quarter to 1 and Here was Senator SALAZAR from Colo- United States were communicated to come back at 2:15 to complete that de- rado with a Spanish surname, but he the Senate by Mr. Williams, one of his bate at that time. will be quick to tell you that his fam- secretaries. Mr. MCCONNELL. That is fine. ily has been here for 14 generations and f The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- helped to found Santa Fe. He has had a pore. Is there objection? distinguished career here now. On that EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED Without objection, it is so ordered. day 4 years ago, his mother was in the gallery. As in executive session the Presiding f Officer laid before the Senate messages Senator MARTINEZ was sworn in 4 from the President of the United THANKING SENATOR ALEXANDER years ago as a new Member of the Sen- States submitting sundry nominations Mr. REID. Mr. President, I express ate, in this case from Florida. His which were referred to the appropriate my appreciation to the distinguished story, which he has just published in a committees. Senator from Tennessee for his usual remarkably good book which I have given to many of my friends, is the (The nominations received today are courtesies. He had to wait for me to get story of a young boy growing up very printed at the end of the Senate pro- here, and I appreciate his withholding happily in Cuba whose parents took ceedings.) until the Republican leader and I got here. The Senator from Tennessee is al- him to the airport one day, after hav- f ways a gentleman, and even though he ing bought him a new suit, when he was 14 years of age, and put him on an ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS and I do not agree once in a while on airplane to Miami, not knowing if they political issues, we always agree he is a S. 249 would ever see him again. He was in a gentleman. At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the foster home there, then moved to Or- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- name of the Senator from New Jersey lando. The story is all in the book. He pore. The Senator from Tennessee. (Mr. MENENDEZ) was added as a cospon- went to Florida State, met his wife Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I sor of S. 249, a bill to amend the Inter- Kitty, became the mayor of Orlando, thank the majority leader for his re- nal Revenue Code of 1986 to qualify for- then became a member of President marks. Unless the Republican leader merly homeless youth who are stu- Bush’s Cabinet, then a Member of the has some remarks, I would like to say dents for purposes of low income tax U.S. Senate. A very remarkable story. credit. a couple things. His mother, who put him on the air- f f plane in Cuba, was here that day. AMERICA: A REMARKABLE These same 4 years ago when we UNANIMOUS-CONSENT COUNTRY swore in these new Members of the AGREEMENT—EXECUTIVE SESSION Senate, we also had the Senator from Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, in Illinois. We all now know his story Mr. REID. Mr. President, I also ex- August 1963, I was a law student and a press my appreciation to my Repub- very well: a father from Kenya, a summer intern in the U.S. Department mother from Kansas. I don’t need to re- lican colleagues for the unanimous- of Justice here in Washington. I was consent request I am going to offer at peat that extraordinary story, about standing at the back of a huge crowd which he has written so well in his this time, which has been approved, as on a hot day when Dr. King spoke of I understand it, by the Republican autobiography. But what struck me his dream that one day his children was that his grandmother was in the leader and the other Senators. would be judged not ‘‘by the color of Mr. President, as in executive ses- gallery that day. It was either his their skin, but by the content of their grandmother or his grandfather, but I sion, I ask unanimous consent that to- character.’’ morrow, January 21, at the hour of 12 believe it was his grandmother. His fa- The inauguration of our former col- ther’s parent was in the gallery that p.m., the Senate proceed to executive league, Barack Obama, the day after session to consider the nomination of day on the first trip, I believe, from Af- Dr. King’s birthday, symbolizes both rica to this country to see the son of an HILLARY CLINTON to be Secretary of remarkable progress on America’s State; that there be 3 hours of debate, immigrant sworn into the U.S. Senate. most intractable problem—race—and a So I thought 4 years ago, and I think with the time equally divided and con- reaffirmation of our country’s most again today on this day on which we trolled between the leaders or their unique characteristic—a fervent belief swear in Barack Obama as President, designees; that upon the use or yield- that anything is possible. what a remarkable country this is. ing back of time, the Senate proceed to I thought about this in the same way Here in this Senate 4 years ago, the vote on confirmation of the nomina- 4 years ago at almost this time. I 14th-generation American KEN tion of Senator CLINTON; that upon formed a speech in my head that I SALAZAR is now going into President confirmation, the motion to reconsider wanted to make, but I did not make it. Obama’s Cabinet as Secretary of the be laid upon the table; that no other Senators are rarely guilty of Interior. MEL MARTINEZ, having had a motions be in order; that the President unexpressed thoughts. I have said long career in public life as mayor in be immediately notified of the Senate’s many things I wish I had not said, but Orlando, as Secretary of Housing and action, and the Senate then resume this is one time I wish I had said, 4 Urban Development, as U.S. Senator, is legislative session. years ago, what I was thinking. So I going on to other things in his life. ORDER FOR RECESS wish to say it today, right after Presi- Former Senator Obama, of course, is Mr. President, I further ask unani- dent Obama’s inauguration. And I am now the President of the United States. mous consent that the Senate stand in especially delighted Senator MARTINEZ But what was remarkable to me was 4 recess for our usual party luncheons, happens to be here too. years ago they came to this Senate, and that the recess begin, if it is appro- What I was thinking 4 years ago as and in that gallery were their par- priate with the distinguished Repub- the new Senators were sworn in was ents—and in one case a grandparent— lican leader, at 12:45 p.m., rather than that here were three Members of the reaffirming what I think Barack at 12:30, so some debate can move for- new class who had especially unique Obama’s inauguration represents for us ward. characteristics, and they had special today. It was historic in the sense that Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if people in the gallery that day. it helped us symbolize the overcoming the majority leader would yield for a I, with Senator CARPER and some of one of our most intractable prob- question? others, had been asked by the leaders lems, the problem of race. But just as

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