May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3937 enough for us to give speeches on the hurting the bottom line, forcing farm- Vitter modified amendment No. 3628, to floor and do nothing, and this week we ers out of business, forcing businesses base the allocation of hurricane disaster re- will do nothing when it comes to the to lay off employees. Of course, those lief and recovery funds to States on need and physical damages. energy issue. There are things we must businesses depending on energy Wyden amendment No. 3665, to prohibit the do. First, we have to acknowledge that couldn’t even dream of expanding at use of funds to provide royalty relief for the what we have done has not worked. It this point because they have to find a production of oil and natural gas. has failed. The energy plan that was way to deal and cope with this reality. Santorum modified amendment No. 3640, to endorsed by the Republican majority What do we need to do? We need to increase by $12,500,000 the amount appro- and signed by the President last Au- punish the profiteers. We to need to priated for the Broadcasting Board of Gov- gust has failed. It has failed and obvi- say to these oil companies: This is in- ernors, to increase by $12,500,000 the amount ously so. tolerable. appropriated for the Department of State for During the heating season this last the Democracy Fund, to provide that such It is time for the President of the funds shall be made available for democracy winter, we saw dramatic runups in the United States to call the oil company programs and activities in Iran, and to pro- cost of home heating, whether it was executives into the Oval Office, to sit vide an offset. fuel oil in the Northeast or natural gas down and in very quiet and reasoned Salazar/Baucus amendment No. 3645, to in the Midwest. Then, of course, came tones tell them enough is enough. You provide funding for critical hazardous fuels the sticker shock at the gas pump cannot continue to profiteer at the ex- and forest health projects to reduce the risk every single day, now up to $3-plus a pense of workers and businesses and of catastrophic fires and mitigate the effects of widespread insect infestations. gallon in my part of the world, in the farmers across America. Vitter amendment No. 3668, to provide for Midwest and Illinois, and $4 a gallon or The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. VIT- the treatment of a certain Corps of Engi- more in California or other places. To TER). The time of the Senator has ex- neers project. think that we passed an energy bill 8 pired. Burr amendment No. 3713, to allocate funds months ago and patted ourselves on Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I yield to the Smithsonian Institution for research the back about what a great job we did, the floor. on avian influenza. now look at the reality. The reality is Coburn (for Obama/Coburn) amendment f No. 3693, to reduce wasteful spending by lim- it failed. It failed. iting to the reasonable industry standard the We need a new direction. We need a CONCLUSION OF MORNING BUSINESS spending for administrative overhead allow- significant change in direction. The en- able under Federal contracts and sub- ergy policy of the Bush administration The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning contracts. has failed America. The cost of energy business is now closed. Coburn (for Obama/Coburn) amendment No. 3694, to improve accountability for com- is too high. We are importing too f much. We are being pushed around by petitive contracting in hurricane recovery MAKING EMERGENCY SUPPLE- by requiring the Director of the Office of these little tinhorn dictators who hap- MENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR Management and Budget to approve con- pen to have oil reserves and now want THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEP- tracts awarded without competitive proce- to dictate foreign policy to the world. TEMBER 30, 2006 dures. Why would the United States ever tol- Coburn (for Obama/Coburn) amendment erate this situation? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under No. 3695, to improve financial transparency What we need to do is to be very the previous order, the Senate will re- in hurricane recovery by requiring the Direc- forceful. First, let’s start at home. sume consideration of H.R. 4939, which tor of the Office of Management and Budget Let’s acknowledge the fact that, even the clerk will report. to make information about Federal con- The legislative clerk read as follows: tracts publicly available. though there are clearly elements that Coburn (for Obama/Coburn) amendment gave rise to the increase in the cost of A bill (H.R. 4939) making emergency sup- No. 3697, to improve transparency and ac- energy, there is profiteering taking plemental appropriations for the fiscal year countability by establishing a Chief Finan- place, and it is obvious. The big five ending September 30, 2006, and for other pur- cial Officer to oversee hurricane relief and had over $110 billion in profits last poses. recovery efforts. year, $1,000 for every household in Pending: Menendez amendment No. 3675, to provide America in oil company profits; $1,000. McCain/Ensign amendment No. 3616, to additional appropriations for research, devel- opment, acquisition, and operations by the When this administration talked about strike a provision that provides $74.5 million to States based on their production of cer- Domestic Nuclear Detection Office for the cutting your taxes, there has been an- purchase of container inspection equipment other invasion of home budgets, and it tain types of crops, livestock, and/or dairy products, which was not included in the ad- for developing countries, for the implemen- isn’t the tax man, it is the oil man. It ministration’s emergency supplemental re- tation of the Transportation Worker Identi- is the oil man who is taking money out quest. fication Credential Program, and for the of every family’s budget, almost $100 a McCain/Ensign amendment No. 3617, to training of Customs and Border Protection month for additional energy costs, so strike a provision providing $6 million to officials on the use of new technologies. Murray (for Harkin) amendment No. 3714, sugarcane growers in Hawaii, which was not they can have recordbreaking profits, to increase by $8,500,000 the amount appro- included in the administration’s emergency so their shareholders can applaud, and priated for Economic Support Fund assist- supplemental request. so Mr. Lee Raymond, the former CEO ance, to provide that such funds shall be McCain/Ensign amendment No. 3618, to of ExxonMobil, as a parting gift for his made available to the United States Insti- strike $15 million for a seafood promotion tute of Peace for programs in Iraq and Af- wonderful work at ExxonMobil, can get strategy that was not included in the admin- $400 million. As I said before, he didn’t ghanistan, and to provide an offset. istration’s emergency supplemental request. Conrad/Clinton amendment No. 3715, to off- even have to buy a Powerball ticket— McCain/Ensign amendment No. 3619, to set the costs of defense spending in the sup- strike the limitation on the use of funds for $400 million. Sayonara, farewell, Mr. plemental appropriation. Raymond, thank you for your great the issuance or implementation of certain Levin amendment No. 3710, to require re- service—$400 million at the expense of rulemaking decisions related to the interpre- ports on policy and political developments in the American economy and American tation of ‘‘actual control’’ of airlines. Iraq. consumers. The oil companies don’t get Warner amendment No. 3620, to repeal the Schumer/Reid amendment No. 3723, to ap- requirement for 12 operational aircraft car- propriate funds to address price gouging and it. They don’t understand what they riers within the Navy. are doing to America. market manipulation and to provide for a re- Coburn amendment No. 3641 (divisions IV port on oil industry mergers. The other day, George Will, who is on through XIX), of a perfecting nature. Schumer amendment No. 3724, to improve one of the talk shows, chided me for Vitter amendment No. 3627, to designate maritime container security. saying that what is happening with en- the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina or Murray (for Kennedy) amendment No. 3716, ergy costs is going to put a chill on the Hurricane Rita as HUBZones and to waive to provide funds to promote democracy in American economy. I will stand by the Small Business Competitive Demonstra- Iraq. that statement. It is true we have not tion Program Act of 1988 for the areas af- Murray (for Kennedy) modified amendment fected by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane seen it immediately. We will. You just No. 3688, to provide funding to compensate Rita. individuals harmed by pandemic influenza can’t increase the input cost in busi- Vitter/Landrieu modified amendment No. vaccine. ness or farming as dramatically as 3626, to increase the limits on community Cornyn amendment No. 3722, to provide for these energy runups are doing without disaster loans. immigration injunction reform.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3938 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 Cornyn amendment No. 3699, to establish a In the supplemental bill, the Job tary—(obtainable without a high floor to ensure that States that contain Corps receives a direction that the De- school education)—as benchmarks for areas that were adversely affected as a result partment of Labor can’t manage it, success. This results in fraudulent of damage from the 2005 hurricane season re- can’t use the resources to manage it. bonus increases to their pay. ceive at least 3.5 percent of funds set aside Examples of mismanagement illus- for the CDBG Program. There are documented errors and docu- Cornyn amendment No. 3672, to require mented fraud within it. Mr. President, trated in past Inspector General Re- that the Secretary of Labor give priority for section 7017 of the Emergency Supple- ports include doctoring of program per- national emergency grants to States that as- mental would mandate that Job Corps formance resulting in bonus pay, un- sist individuals displaced by Hurricanes operate with less accountability. Spe- ethical use of resources, lack of cost Katrina or Rita. cifically, the language would make Job controls and resource management. Murray (for Byrd) amendment No. 3708, to Corps the only program out of 100s to These examples makes the point for provide additional amounts for emergency management performance grants. be operated out of the Secretary’s of- Secretary Chao—that the Job Corps Domenici/Reid amendment No. 3769, to pro- fice with direct contracting authority. program is in desperate need for ac- vide additional construction funding for The Office of the Secretary of Labor countability and oversight. levee improvements in the New Orleans met- does not have the staff or resources to The September 30, 2005 Inspector ropolitan area, gulf coast restoration. effectively manage and conduct over- General report, San Diego Job CORPS The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under sight on the Job Corps. The language of Center: Student Attendance and Train- the previous order, there will be 1 hour Section 7017 forbids the Secretary from ing Data Overstated, stated that the for debate with 30 minutes under the shifting oversight and management number of vocational completions was control of the Senator of Oklahoma personnel from any other support office overstated by over 50 percent. Training and 15 minutes under the control of the in the Department of Labor. Secretary records did not support that students Senator from California and 15 minutes Chao is forbidden to utilize the same had completed all the vocation’s tasks under the control of the other Senator oversight and management that every with an appropriate level of pro- from California. other program normally receives from ficiency. The Senator from Oklahoma is recog- other support offices within the De- In the March 30, 2005 Inspector Gen- nized. partment. eral report, Kittrell Job Corps Center: Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, what is Section 7017 ignores recommenda- Manipulation of Student Attendance the pending business of the Senate? tions from the Government Account- and Training Records, the Inspector The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ability Office and the Inspector Gen- General found that Kittrell managers pending business is H.R. 4939. eral that warn against the dangers of manipulated student attendance and AMENDMENT NO. 3641, DIVISION XIX, WITHDRAWN waste, fraud, and abuse that will go un- training records to improve the cen- Mr. COBURN. I would resume where detected in the Job Corps program ter’s reported performance. Reported we were last night, if I could get recog- when one office controls all aspects of performance of high school diploma at- nized on amendment No. 3641, division a contract-drafting, soliciting, bidding, tainment and job placements was also XIX. and managing. The incestuous rela- was not reliable. This unreliable data The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tionship between the contractors who affected Job Corps financially because ator has that right, to speak to that operate the Job Corp program and the reimbursed operating expenses and in- issue. program officers operating the pro- centive fees paid to contracted center Mr. COBURN. I had planned on with- gram will have no independent over- operators are based on reported per- drawing that amendment, but I wish to sight to guard against improper pay- formance. make one last point. California re- ments, improper use of resources, In the 2001 independent auditor’s re- ceived $753 million in earmarks last fraudulent performance reporting re- port on the schedule of Job Corps ex- year. This amendment was to elimi- sulting in fraudulent salary bonuses, penses for the Turner Job Corps Cen- nate almost $11 million on levee recon- and non-compliant accounting and ter, the Inspector General found inad- struction. Seventy times that amount record keeping. equate controls over payroll proc- went to California in earmarks. That is Secretary Chao is trying to clean up essing, that included hiring two in- the problem. the Job Corps program so that it effec- structors without proper credentials I ask unanimous consent to withdraw tively serves low income teenagers and and keeping inaccurate records of this amendment. young adults with a residential job leave. There was also lack of account- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without training program. The Job Corps pro- ability over inventories of consumable objection, it is so ordered. gram needs accountability. According supplies, evidence that the center AMENDMENT NO. 3817, WITHDRAWN to the Office of Job Corps, the program underreported medical and dental ex- Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I ask failed to have aggressive monitoring of pense, and the purchase of property that the pending amendment be set performance data making evaluations and equipment that Department of aside and amendment No. 3817 be called of the program’s effectiveness unreli- Labor did not approve prior to acquisi- up. able. The Job Corps contractors are re- tion. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there porting misinformation regarding the In the January 31, 2000 report enti- objection? Without objection, it is so number of students that successfully tled OIG Questions $1.3 Million of Addi- ordered. graduate or receive GEDs. The contrac- tional Costs Claimed by Contractor Re- The clerk will report. tors fail to report that almost 40 per- port No. 18–00–003–03–370, the Inspector The assistant legislative clerk read cent of the students who go through General found that the contractor Will as follows: the program fail to obtain a GED or di- H. Hall & Son, Inc. received an addi- The Senator from Oklahoma [Mr. COBURN] ploma. This results in fraudulent bonus tional $2,365,622 due to delays at their proposes an amendment numbered 3817. increases to the contractor’s pay. The construction site. The Inspector Gen- Mr. COBURN. I ask unanimous con- program fails to report that the me- eral found that this contractor failed sent that the reading of the amend- dian stay of a student at a Job Corps to substantiate its claim that various ment be dispensed with. location is 8 months, while it takes at events under the Department of La- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without least 12 months to successfully obtain bor’s contract constituted compensable objection, it is so ordered. a GED. The program also fails to accu- construction delays caused by the De- The amendment is as follows: rately report how many students suc- partment of Labor. Certain amounts (Purpose: To strike a provision relating to cessful receive job placement into the claimed were either double counted as the Office of Job Corps) skilled jobs for which the Job Corps is both direct and indirect costs, already Strike section 7017 (relating to the Office supposed to equip the students. They covered under the original firm fixed- of Job Corps). fail to report that only 5 percent of the price contract, or based on estimates Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I intend graduating students are placed in ap- instead of actual costs incurred. on withdrawing this amendment. I prenticeships for skilled jobs. The con- Section 7017 of the Emergency Sup- wish to make a few points before I do tractors incorrectly consider job place- plemental will virtually guarantee that so. ment in unskilled jobs and the mili- we will see many more examples of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3939 waste, fraud and abuse within the Job wherewithal when a peacekeeping force U.S. has voted to expand the troop Corp program. Furthermore, why is the is called for to be able to have that level in the Democratic Republic of the Senate being asked to make a program move forward so we can hopefully end Congo, yet our share is underfunded by change to a 40-year-old program within the genocide in Darfur. approximately $80 million in fiscal an Emergency Supplemental bill? Why Mr. COCHRAN. I thank the distin- year 2006. Ensuring a smooth transition hasn’t the Department of Labor been guished Senator for his explanation after the recent presidential election in consulted in making this unprece- and his description of the language. Haiti is a stated priority of the admin- dented move away from account- I know of no requests for yeas and istration, yet the peacekeeping mission ability? Why hasn’t the Appropriations nays on the amendment. I suggest we to Haiti is underfunded by at least $40 Committee or the Committee on proceed to a voice vote. million. Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, and Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, on April Kosovo are all underfunded in the next sions held a single hearing about this 6, I spoke on the floor about the hu- year by about $383 million. radical change to the Job Corps pro- manitarian catastrophe in Darfur So what happens when the U.S. or gram? where more than 200,000 people have other donors do not pay or defer their Due to time constraints and my de- perished from genocidal violence, hun- peacekeeping bills? The U.N. adjusts sire to move Senate business forward, I ger and disease. Today I rise to strong- its bill paying to keep its core missions ask unanimous consent to withdraw ly support the amendment offered by running. And like anyone who hasn’t my amendment. Senator MENENDEZ to help meet the been paid on time, the U.N. pays those The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without emergency need for additional funding accounts which have immediate needs objection, it is so ordered. for peacekeeping in Darfur. and defers paying bills where creditors Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I yield President Bush, this Congress, and will grant it leeway. In the first half of the floor. the international community have rec- the year, the U.N. system is relatively Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I sug- ognized the need for double the number flush with cash from other countries’ gest the absence of a quorum. of peacekeeping troops in Darfur to dues payments. It can and does shift The PRESIDING OFFICER. The stabilize the crisis and begin to lay the from general accounts into those with clerk will call the roll. groundwork for a resolution to this funding shortfalls. But by mid-year, if The assistant legislative clerk pro- conflict. But the President has not re- major contributors are behind on their ceeded to call the roll. quested the funds to support additional bill payments, the U.N. will resort to Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I ask troops. Rhetoric is cheap, but when the other tactics like paying for equip- unanimous consent that the order for issue is the survival of thousands of ment, travel, and short-term logistical the quorum call be rescinded. vulnerable people, words do not suffice. expenses while deferring payments to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The $60 million proposed by the Sen- troop contributing nations that tend to objection, it is so ordered. ator from New Jersey is the minimum be more forgiving of late U.N. pay- Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, what needed. ments. is the pending business before the Sen- In addition to Sudan, there are 12 Nations that contribute troops to ate? other U.N. peacekeeping missions that U.N. peacekeeping bear the primary AMENDMENT NO. 3777, AS MODIFIED face severe funding shortages in fiscal burden of covering for U.S. shortfalls The PRESIDING OFFICER. The year 2006. The State Department will to the U.N. peacekeeping account. pending business is amendment No. be $383 million short in the next few When the U.S. repaid its arrears to the 3777, as modified months and will have no alternative U.N. under the Helms-Biden deal, for Mr. MENENDEZ. I ask unanimous but to defer those bills into next year, example, the U.N. repaid fourteen to consent to add Senator BROWNBACK as which creates a problem for our fiscal fifteen countries for up to 3 years’ a cosponsor to the amendment. year 2007 appropriations process. The worth of deferred troop contributing The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without President’s inadequate budget request, costs. objection, it is so ordered. which is supported by the majority in Additionally, the United States’ lack Mr. COCHRAN. I suggest the absence Congress, ensures that we are perpet- of payment for peacekeeping in the of a quorum. ually behind in our U.N. peacekeeping past has created significant resistance The PRESIDING OFFICER. The payments. to U.S. efforts to change assessment clerk will call the roll. This supplemental does not fund a rates and enact reform at the U.N. Dur- The assistant legislative clerk pro- U.N. mission to Darfur, which is what ing the Helms-Biden era and before the ceeded to call the roll. we all recognize is needed. Senator U.S. committed to repaying its dues, Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask MENENDEZ’s amendment would at least the U.S. lost seats on key U.N. gov- unanimous consent that the order for provide initial funding for such a mis- erning bodies because of its arrearages. the quorum call be rescinded. sion. Nor does this bill fund other U.N. Over the course of the last several The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without peacekeeping missions in the Demo- years, the United States has increas- objection, it is so ordered. cratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, ingly seen the need for U.N. peace- Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I know and Haiti. keeping. This has led to an unprece- of no Senators seeking recognition for The U.S. does not contribute troops dented demand for peacekeeping discussing the amendment any further. to any of these missions. But by not troops. If we want to continue to in- The amendment has been described by paying our share of peacekeeping dues crease this burden sharing arrange- the distinguished Senator from New on time the countries that contribute ment, we need to pay troop contrib- Jersey. The Senate is well aware of its the troops are less willing to do so. uting nations—like Pakistan, India, intent. These are funds that are being The amount we pay is a tiny fraction and South Africa—for services ren- directed to the situation in Darfur in of what we would have to spend to de- dered. After all, they are putting their the Sudan. There is a U.N. mission ploy our own troops. The GAO recently troops into harm’s way so United there with responsibilities for helping found that it would ‘‘cost the U.S. States troops don’t have to. to deal with the misery and challenges about twice as much as the U.N. to We face a situation where commit- to life that exist there. conduct peacekeeping’’, and the U.S. ments were made, funds are needed, I ask the author of the amendment if only contributes 25 percent of the cost. these countries are very unstable, and that is the purpose of the amendment? That makes the savings 8 times less— the commitment of U.S. troops is not It is money that would go for the pur- the U.N. is half as expensive and we an option. We must pay our share so pose of supporting the work of the U.N. only pay a quarter of the costs. We are the U.N. can send peacekeepers to mission in Darfur? not prepared to put our troops into Sudan, but also to support U.N. mis- Mr. MENENDEZ. I thank the distin- these countries and the costs would be sions in other critical areas in the guished chairman for his inquiry. The far higher to the U.S. if we did. world. answer is yes, our effort is to ensure The fiscal year 2006 budget we passed The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the ability of the U.N. work to con- last year under-funded the U.S. dues question is on agreeing to the amend- tinue and to ultimately have the for peacekeeping by $383 million. The ment 3777, as modified.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3940 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 The amendment (No. 3777), as modi- The amendment (No. 3612), as modi- ment and support of an office of a special fied, was agreed to. fied, is as follows: envoy for Sudan with a mandate of pursuing, in conjunction with the African Union, a sus- Mrs. MURRAY. I move to reconsider On page 125, line 17, strike ‘‘Prohibition’’ tainable peace settlement to end the conflict the vote. and insert ‘‘(a) Prohibition’’. in Darfur, Sudan, assisting the parties to the On page 126, line 4, strike the quotation Mr. COCHRAN. I move to lay that Comprehensive Peace Agreement for Sudan mark and the period that follows. motion on the table. with implementation of the Agreement, pur- On page 126, after line 4, insert the fol- The motion to lay on the table was suing efforts at conflict resolution in eastern lowing: agreed to. Sudan, northern Uganda, and Chad, facili- ‘‘(b) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—(1) The President Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I sug- tating, in cooperation with the people of may waive subsection (a) with respect to the Darfur and the African Union, a dialogue gest the absence of a quorum. administrative and personal security costs of within Darfur to promote conflict resolution The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the Office of the President of the Palestinian and reconciliation at the grass roots level, clerk will call the roll. Authority, for activities of the President of and developing a common policy approach The assistant legislative clerk pro- the Palestinian Authority to promote de- among international partners to address mocracy and the rule of law, and with re- ceeded to call the roll. such issues: Provided further,’’. Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask spect to independent agencies, if the Presi- unanimous consent that the order for dent certifies and reports to the Committees Mr. COCHRAN. There is a modifica- the quorum call be rescinded. on Appropriations that— tion of the amendment at the desk. ‘‘(A) it is in the national security interest The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of the United States to provide such assist- objection, the modification is included objection, it is so ordered. ance; and AMENDMENT NO. 3612, AS MODIFIED ‘‘(B) the President of the Palestinian Au- in the amendment. Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I am thority, the President’s party, and inde- The amendment (No. 3719), as modi- pleased to bring to the attention of the pendent agencies are not effectively con- fied, is as follows: Senate several amendments that have trolled by Hamas or any other foreign ter- On page 88, line 7, insert after ‘‘Provided,’’ been cleared on both sides of the aisle. rorist organization. the following: ‘‘That of the funds available ‘‘(2) Prior to exercising the authority pro- First, I call up amendment No. 3612 under this heading, not less than $250,000 vided in this subsection, the President shall shall be made available for the establish- on behalf of Mr. MCCONNELL regarding consult with, and shall provide a written pol- ment and adequate support, including staff- assistance for the West Bank in Gaza. icy justification to, the Committees on Ap- ing and travel, of the Office of the Presi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without propriations and the Committee on Inter- dential Special Envoy for Sudan, with a objection, the pending amendment is national Relations of the House of Rep- mandate that shall include pursuing, in con- set aside and that amendment is called resentatives and the Committee on Foreign junction with the African Union and other up. Relations of the Senate. international actors, a sustainable peace set- The clerk will report. ‘‘(c) REPORT.—Whenever the waiver au- tlement to end the genocide in Darfur, thority pursuant to subsection (b) is exer- Sudan, assisting the parties to the Com- The assistant legislative clerk read cised, the President shall submit a report to as follows: prehensive Peace Agreement for Sudan with the Committees on Appropriations describ- implementation of the Agreement, coordi- The Senator from Mississippi [Mr. COCH- ing how the funds will be spent and the ac- nating policy, making recommendations, RAN], for Mr. MCCONNELL, proposes an counting procedures in place to ensure prop- and pursuing efforts related to conflict reso- amendment numbered 3612. er oversight and accountability.’’. lution to bring lasting stability to all areas Mr. COCHRAN. I ask unanimous con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The of Sudan and the region, including northern sent the reading of the amendment be question is on agreeing to the amend- Uganda and Chad, facilitating, in coopera- dispensed with. ment. tion with the people of Darfur and the Afri- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The amendment (No. 3612), as modi- can Union, a dialogue within Darfur to pro- objection, it is so ordered. fied, was agreed to. mote conflict resolution and reconciliation The amendment is as follows: at the grass roots level, and developing a Mr. COCHRAN. I move to reconsider common policy approach among inter- (Purpose: To provide a national security in- the vote. national partners to address such issues: Pro- terest waiver on prohibitions on assistance Mrs. MURRAY. I move to lay that vided further,’’. for the Office of the President of the Pales- motion on the table. tinian Authority.) The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there The motion to lay on the table was further debate on the amendment? If On page 125, line 17, strike ‘‘Prohibition’’ agreed to. and insert ‘‘(a) Prohibition’’. not, the question is on agreeing to the On page 126, line 4, strike the quotation AMENDMENT NO. 3719, AS MODIFIED amendment, as modified. mark and the period that follows. Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I call The amendment (No. 3719), as modi- On page 126, after line 4, insert the fol- up amendment No. 3719 on behalf of Mr. fied, was agreed to. lowing: BIDEN and others regarding the Sudan. Mr. COCHRAN. I move to reconsider ‘‘(b) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—(1) The President The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without may waive subsection (a) with respect to the the vote. objection, the pending amendment is Mrs. MURRAY. I move to lay that administrative and personal security costs of set aside and the clerk will report the the Office of the President of the Palestinian motion on the table. amendment. Authority and for activities of the President The motion to lay on the table was The assistant legislative clerk read of the Palestinian Authority to promote de- agreed to. mocracy and the rule of law if the President as follows: AMENDMENT NO. 3823 certifies and reports to the Committees on The Senator from Mississippi [Mr. COCH- Appropriations that— RAN], for Mr. BIDEN, for himself, Mr. DEWINE, Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I call ‘‘(A) it is in the national security interest Mr. BROWNBACK, and Mr. LEAHY, proposes an up amendment No. 3823 on behalf of Mr. of the United States to provide such assist- amendment numbered 3719. LEAHY regarding Colombia. ance; and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ‘‘(B) the President of the Palestinian Au- Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask thority and the President’s party are not af- unanimous consent that reading of the objection, the pending amendment is filiated with Hamas or any other foreign ter- amendment be dispensed with. set aside and the clerk will report the rorist organization. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without amendment. ‘‘(2) Prior to exercising the authority pro- objection, it is so ordered. The assistant legislative clerk read vided in this subsection, the President shall The amendment is as follows: as follows: consult with, and shall provide a written pol- (Purpose: To provide that not less than The Senator from Mississippi [Mr. COCH- icy justification to, the Committees on Ap- $250,000 of the amount appropriated for RAN], for Mr. LEAHY, proposes an amendment propriations and the Committee on Inter- Diplomatic and Consular Programs assist- numbered 3823. national Relations of the House of Rep- ance shall be made available for the estab- resentatives and the Committee on Foreign Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask lishment and support of an office of a spe- Relations of the Senate.’’. cial envoy for Sudan) unanimous consent that reading of the amendment be dispensed with. Mr. COCHRAN. There is a modifica- On page 88, line 7, insert after ‘‘Provided,’’ tion of the amendment at the desk. the following: ‘‘That of the funds available The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. The under this heading, not less than $250,000 objection, it is so ordered. amendment is so modified. shall be made available for the establish- The amendment is as follows:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3941 (Purpose: To provide urgent assistance to set aside and the clerk will report the on an orderly basis to complete action support the demobilization process in Co- amendment. on the bill today. lombia) The assistant legislative clerk read Mr. President, I suggest the absence On page 121, line 14 after ‘‘That’’ insert the as follows: of a quorum. following: The Senator from Mississippi [Mr. COCH- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The of the funds appropriated under this head- RAN], for Mr. LIEBERMAN, proposes an amend- clerk will call the roll. ing, not less than $3,300,000 shall be made ment numbered 3746. The assistant legislative clerk pro- available for assistance for the Peace and Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask ceeded to call the roll. Justice Unit of the Colombian Fiscalia not- Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I re- withstanding section 599E of Public Law 109– unanimous consent that reading of the 102: Provided further, That amendment be dispensed with. spectfully ask unanimous consent that The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the order for the quorum call be re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there scinded. further debate on the amendment? If objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without not, the question is on agreeing to the objection, it is so ordered. amendment. On page 167, beginning on line 7 strike ‘‘, Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I The amendment (No. 3823) was agreed notwithstanding’’ and all that follows through ‘‘(42 U.S.C. 5174)’’ on line 9. would like to make some remarks to. about the supplemental appropriations Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I move The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there bill now on the floor. to reconsider the vote. further debate on the amendment? If The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Mrs. MURRAY. I move to lay that not, the question is on agreeing to the ator is recognized. motion on the table. amendment. Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise The motion to lay on the table was The amendment (No. 3746) was agreed today to voice my opposition to the agreed to. to. emergency supplemental bill. It has, Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I move AMENDMENT NO. 3798 unfortunately, become routine to see to reconsider the vote. Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask emergency spending bills on the floor. Mrs. MURRAY. I move to lay that But I understand the pressing need for unanimous consent that it be in order motion on the table. to call up and consider amendment No. this legislation to defend America from The motion to lay on the table was terrorism and respond to one of the 3798 on behalf of Mr. KENNEDY regard- agreed to. ing the AmeriCorps Segal awards. worst natural disasters in America’s AMENDMENT NO. 3699 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without history. objection, it is so ordered. The pending Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I call These reasons are why we have emer- amendment is set aside, and the clerk up amendment No. 3699 on behalf of Mr. gency supplemental legislation in the will report the amendment. CORNYN regarding the distribution of first place. I strongly support the The assistant legislative clerk read CDBG funds. President’s $92 billion request. His re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The as follows: quest includes essential funding to pay amendment is currently pending. the men and women serving in our The Senator from Mississippi [Mr. COCH- Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, this Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. RAN], for Mr. KENNEDY, proposes an amend- ment numbered 3798. amendment has been cleared on both It also provides the funding needed to sides, and we urge its adoption. restore damaged military equipment Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there and purchase new state-of-the-art tech- unanimous consent that reading of the further debate on the amendment? nology. amendment be dispensed with. The Senator from Washington is rec- For fiscal year 2007, we have budg- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ognized. eted for much of the cost of the war on objection, it is so ordered. Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask terror, but this emergency supple- The amendment is as follows: unanimous consent that Senator NEL- mental is important to provide our (Purpose: To honor Eli Segal’s contribution SON of Florida be added as a cosponsor. American Armed Forces the additional to AmeriCorps by providing that the na- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without funding they need today. tional service educational awards provided, objection, it is so ordered. I want to stand shoulder to shoulder from available resources, to AmeriCorps Is there further debate on the amend- members on completion of their terms of with the men and women serving in service shall be known as ‘‘Segal awards’’) ment? If not, the question is on agree- Iraq and Afghanistan by supporting the ing to the amendment. At the end of title VII, insert the fol- defense portion of this legislation. And lowing: The amendment (No. 3699) was agreed I would like to roll up my sleeves and SEC. lll. Any national service edu- to. help the Americans who were so dev- cational award described in subtitle D of Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I astated by Hurricane Katrina rebuild title I of the National and Community Serv- thank the Senate for its cooperation in their homes and communities. I believe ice Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12601 et seq.), made moving forward on this bill. As others strongly in these two missions, and I with funds appropriated to, funds transferred may know, there have been two amend- will fight to ensure they are properly to, or interest accumulated in the National ments that I know of that were going funded. Service Trust, shall be known as a ‘‘Segal to be debated and voted on this morn- But today we are looking at legisla- award’’. ing which have been withdrawn. We are tion that has billions of dollars of extra The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there making good progress in the consider- spending in nonemergency areas. In further debate on the amendment? If ation of Senators’ amendments. If Sen- fact, it has everything but the kitchen not, the question is on agreeing to the ators have amendments, this is the sink. As I read through the programs amendment. time now to let us know. that will provide $20 million for oyster The amendment (No. 3798) was agreed As you know, we are under cloture. fishermen in New England and $4 mil- to. We are not going to permit non- lion for erosion control projects in Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I move germane amendments to be brought up. California and Michigan, I am starting to reconsider the vote. So there will be objections made as a to believe the kitchen sink must be in Mrs. MURRAY. I move to lay that general proposition to accelerate the there, too, somewhere. motion on the table. further discussion and consideration of It saddens me to see in this legisla- The motion to lay on the table was this bill. We hope to complete action tion that States outside of the gulf agreed to. on the bill today. That certainly is pos- coast are trying to latch on to the peo- AMENDMENT NO. 3746 sible with the fact that Senators are ple who suffered from last year’s hurri- Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I call proceeding to let us know about their canes. Emergency spending should be up amendment No. 3746 on behalf of Mr. amendments that are germane. There just that—used for emergency pur- LIEBERMAN which makes a technical is a list of amendments Senators have poses. We should not just add in bil- correction to the bill. told us about that we expect to be lions of dollars of extra funding be- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without called up. This is the time to do that. cause this is a moving legislative vehi- objection, the pending amendment is So we urge Senators to help us proceed cle.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 The legislation before us includes The assistant legislative clerk pro- been and probably would not have been some programs like the Community ceeded to call the roll. given the kind of safety evaluations Development Block Grant Programs Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask that other prescriptions drugs would which are funded significantly higher unanimous consent that the order for have taken through—we have to ask: than the President’s request. While I the quorum call be rescinded. Who is going to receive these vaccines support this program, I do not think The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. GRA- or treatments? Primarily, they will be this emergency spending bill is the ap- HAM). Without objection, it is so or- individuals whom we call first respond- propriate place to increase overall dered. ers. What are they going to do? They funding for CDBG. I do not see the need AMENDMENT NO. 3688 are going to go into the infected area to spend an extra billion dollars and Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, the and try to contain it. expand CDBG’s scope beyond States af- Senator from Washington was kind It is one thing to invest hundreds of fected by Katrina. enough on a previous occasion to offer millions and billions of dollars in de- The legislation further limits the amendment No. 3688. I call for the reg- veloping the vaccines and treatments CDBG money by requiring States to ular order. to minimize the health impact of the spend nearly 20 percent on affordable The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without dangers of avian flu, but if we are going rental housing. I believe it is a mistake objection, the amendment is now pend- to ask first responders to go in and risk to take community planning decisions ing. their lives, their health, and the eco- out of the hands of local and State offi- Mr. KENNEDY. I thank the Chair. nomic stability and security of their cials. For any of my colleagues who had families, we ought to be willing to say And there are other examples of the chance last evening to look at the to these individuals: If you are going to States not affected by the hurricanes national news, the story that led vir- get sick, and you are going to lose your trying to obtain emergency funding. tually all of the national networks was job, or if there is going to be danger to Everyone who has had some form of the concern that our public health offi- your health as you serve as the front- natural disaster in their State is trying cials and worldwide public health offi- line defenders for the rest of society, to get a piece of the pie. I do not want cials have, with regard to the dangers then we are going to compensate you to diminish the tragedy of any dis- of an avian flu pandemic. We listened for the loss of income you are going to aster, but the Federal budget process to the Secretary of HHS talk about the have as a result of taking this vaccine. includes funding for these isolated numbers of Americans who would be af- That is what this amendment does. It events which were never intended to be fected, some 2 million people. With a provides for a compensation program funded with emergency spending. pandemic, we would face the potential for first responders, the people on the For example, there were a series of of closing down airlines, closing air- front lines of a pandemic. bad storms in California in 2002 that ports, dangers in the workplace, health One can say: Is this necessary? All we flooded Los Angeles roadways and dangers. have to do is look at history, and we flooded buildings with hail. The legis- This is something the Subcommittee will find that when you do not have a lation before us would provide $51 mil- on Bioterrorism and Public Health Pre- compensation program, you do not lion for transportation repairs—repairs paredness has been very concerned have volunteers willing to serve as first that the State of California has already about, and I pay special commendation responders, and willing to take on paid for. That is right, this emergency to the chairman of our committee, these challenges. This amendment pro- bill contains money to repay States for Senator BURR, who has had a series of tects our first responders, and so it natural disasters that occurred years hearings not only on the dangers of protects the rest of society as well. It ago. This is unacceptable. avian flu and flu generally but also on is a very limited amendment. That is I have long supported congressionally the dangers of bioterrorism. the reason it is so important. You can directed projects and am prepared to There are some very important com- ask: Is this really an emergency? No defend my projects in the fiscal year mon threats that come from bioter- one can look at the news last night, 2007 appropriations bills. As a member rorism and from an avian flu danger. and see the lead story on all three net- of the Budget Committee, I can tell Obviously the first thing that a nation works, saying there is a real danger you firsthand how important it is to has to do is to be able to detect these that is coming at you, and say we set targets and plan ahead. That is how pathogens in countries where they may ought to treat this as business as we maintain accountability. be developing, and then, secondly, to usual. That is why I believe this We need to remember that every dol- detect them here at home. That is why amendment is appropriate to this sup- lar we spend in this supplemental came development and support for a public plemental. from some hard-working American tax- health system is so important. The administration seems to be suf- payers. The American people deserve a Then there is the challenge of con- fering from a condition that could be Government that is careful with their tainment, to try to contain any of the called ‘‘CDD,’’ competence deficit dis- money. That is why I will vote against dangers. And then, obviously, there is order. Whether in Iraq or Katrina or this legislation. the treatment for individuals who are any other major crisis, the administra- I have also told the President I will affected. That can be treating individ- tion has been incompetent, including support his veto of this legislation if it uals who are affected or trying to pro- the issue of dealing with avian flu. Our passes Congress above his $92-plus bil- vide a vaccine for individuals, so the HELP Committee has analyzed the ad- lion request. I believe we need to cut dangers to those individuals are mini- ministration’s regular failure to pre- spending and work out a responsible mized. These challenges all fall under pare for a flu pandemic, and today we plan that meets the needs of the war on the rubric of the development of a na- are releasing a report showing that terror and rebuilding in the gulf coast tional plan. I will come back to that in they have failed to take the steps need- region. a moment. We in the United States ed to see that America is ready for this I urge my colleagues to curb spend- have not had that kind of effective plan national challenge. They have failed to ing in this emergency spending bill. I developed that would be necessary to invest in the hospital surge capacity, ask for them to consider their vote and deal with the central challenge of a in needed information technology, and what will happen if we pass this legis- public health emergency. in the public health surveillance and lation. I urge those who are on the This amendment I offer is a simple training programs that are needed for fence or on the border or about not to but vital amendment. It is a linchpin an effective response. vote for this bill, not to vote for it but in any kind of battle against the dan- The endless challenges outlined in if they do, to support the President’s gers of avian flu. That is, if we are ex- the pandemic flu plan are a symbol of veto when it comes. pecting our drug industry to be able to the administration’s failure. The prep- Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the develop the vaccines—and we have arations for avian flu have been in such floor and suggest the absence of a given a good deal of flexibility to the prolonged disarray that they are re- quorum. Food and Drug Administration in these leasing their third new plan this week. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The kinds of emergencies, to provide ap- The Bush administration has known of clerk will call the roll. proval to vaccines that might not have the need for a plan to prepare for a flu

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3943 pandemic since the day it took office. been absolutely brilliant in terms of see what the reaction is to the amend- But 2001 came and went without a plan, looking after those individuals, whose ment. They are having a hearing as we then 2002, 2003, 2004, and almost all of lives were so affected by the experi- speak over in the Appropriations Com- 2005, and still no plan. In each of these ments with nuclear materials so many mittee. So I feel obliged to get their years, the warnings of a potential pan- years ago. He, to his credit, developed advice and counsel as to what response demic grew louder but were ignored. a compensation program. I welcomed ought to be made, if any, to the Sen- This chart shows the warnings that the opportunity to work with him to ator’s amendment. We have no objec- have been offered by health experts try to help these people whose health tion to proceeding or to having a vote around the world. From May 2002, the had been absolutely destroyed by expo- on the amendment, but the Senate is World Health Organization: sures, in the national interest, as we entitled to know what the reaction Authorities must understand the potential developed various nuclear weapons. might be. impact and threat of pandemic influenza. Here is our majority leader, Senator Mr. KENNEDY. That is fine and un- This is from the GAO, November 2000: FRIST, who said: derstandable. I will wait until we hear Federal and State influenza plans do not Too many health care workers have been from the chairman and ranking mem- address the key issues surrounding the pur- deterred from receiving the smallpox vac- ber. I don’t intend to extend the discus- chase and distribution of vaccines and cine—in part because of the uncertainties sion. I think it is pretty understand- antivirals. about what would happen, and how they able. I am glad to wait until the leader From the Institute of Medicine in would provide for themselves, if they suf- lets us know when they want to ad- 1992: fered a serious adverse reaction to the vac- dress it and complete action on it. I cine. Policymakers must realize and understand will be available. the magnitude of the influenza pandemic. That states it as clearly and suc- Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I Then we had the series of flu out- cinctly as one could possibly say it. We thank the Senator very much for that breaks: December 2003, outbreak in do not have a guaranteed compensation indulgence. If there are others who South Korea; outbreak in Vietnam, program for pandemic flu vaccines in wish to offer amendments, I am pre- 2004; outbreak in 2006 of avian flu in this legislation or in any other place in pared to ask unanimous consent to Britain. This chart shows all the out- our health care system. This amend- temporarily lay aside the amendment breaks in the most recent years. ment provides a down-payment for the of the Senator from Massachusetts to What have other nations done on the compensation program. You can say: permit other amendments to be of- pandemic? First, let’s look at other Well, why should we do that for this fered. I do ask unanimous consent for countries around the world that have particular program? All we have to do that. developed a comprehensive plan for the is look at other vaccine programs, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pandemic. In October 1997, we had a other public health programs, for swine objection, it is so ordered. program by the Japanese; Canada in flu, childhood vaccines, and, after Con- The Senator from Louisiana. February 2004; Czechoslovakia in April gress acted, for smallpox. We had a Ms. LANDRIEU. I would like to offer 2004; February 2005, Hong Kong; March compensation plan for people injured two amendments and have a moment of 2005, Great Britain. by those experimental vaccines. But to speak about two amendments that I will not include these plans in the for the new ones, we only have an are germane. RECORD, but let me show the extent of empty sham of a compensation, with The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the British pandemic flu program. I no funding. ator is recognized for that purpose. have illustrated this at other times So, Mr. President, that is what this AMENDMENT NO. 3750 during similar discussions. Here is the amendment does. It provides some $289 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I will Canadian plan. These are enormously million for the development of that bring up for a brief discussion my comprehensive programs. They are pro- compensation program. It is effectively amendment No. 3750. grams that deal with rural areas, urban the same kind of program that has The PRESIDING OFFICER. The areas, training programs. And not only been essential in the past, and it is es- clerk will report. are there programs, they are being im- sential now if we expect our front-line The legislative clerk read as follows: plemented. Our strategy was issued in responders to be willing to take experi- The Senator from Louisiana [Ms. LAN- November 2005, and it has remained in- mental vaccines and to risk their lives DRIEU] proposes an amendment numbered complete since then. The administra- for the common good of the community 3750. tion has sent a second plan to us now. that may well be threatened by avian Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I ask What is it basically that we are try- flu or bioterrorism. Individuals who are unanimous consent that further read- ing to do? We are trying to get a com- well trained as front-line responders ing of the amendment be dispensed prehensive plan from the administra- ought to have the assurance that if with. tion, a plan that has been imple- they take an experimental drug and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mented. Let me show one other chart. they go out there to protect the public, objection, it is so ordered. This isn’t just what I believe. From the if something is going to happen to The amendment is as follows: GAO report, November 2000: them, there will be a compensation (Purpose: To direct the Secretary of the Federal and State influenza plans do not fund to compensate them for their Army to develop a comprehensive plan for address the key issues surrounding the pur- health care needs and their immediate the deauthorization of deep draft naviga- chase and distribution of vaccines and needs, if that should turn out to be the tion on the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet antivirals. case. Nothing more, nothing less. That and address wetland losses and other issues relating to that Outlet) From June 2005: is essentially what this amendment does. On page 159, strike lines 1 through 10 and The draft plan does not establish the ac- insert the following: tions the Federal Government would take to Mr. President, I see our floor man- purchase and distribute the vaccine during agers here. I am glad to accommodate $7,250,000, to remain available until ex- an influenza pandemic. whatever they would like. I would like pended: Provided, That the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, This is from a GAO June 2005 report. to get a yea or nay vote at some time. shall use $3,500,000 to develop a comprehen- That is the current situation. I know they have a full program. I ask sive plan, at full Federal expense, that, at a Right now, we have in this legisla- for the yeas and nays. minimum, will deauthorize deep draft navi- tion resources to pruchase the vaccines The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a gation on the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet in an emergency. But we do not have a sufficient second? There is a sufficient established by Public Law 84–455 (70 Stat. 65, compensation program. We have a second. chapter 112) (referred to in this matter as the compensation program in name, but The yeas and nays were ordered. ‘‘Outlet)’’, extending from the Gulf of Mexico that is all it is. It is not funded. Well, Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, if the to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and ad- dress wetland losses attributable to the Out- you can say we will try to find a way Senator will yield, I am checking with let, channel bank erosion, hurricane and to fund it in the future. Tell that to the chairman and ranking member of storm protection, saltwater intrusion, navi- the downwinders out in Utah. Tell that the Appropriations Subcommittee on gation, ecosystem restoration, and related to my friend, Senator HATCH, who has Labor, Health and Human Services to issues: Provided further, That the plan shall

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3944 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 include recommended authorization modi- where that breach occurred. This ave- AMENDMENT NO. 3752 fications to the Outlet regarding what, if nue was thought—at the time we built Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I call any, navigation should continue, measures it and designed it, like so many large up amendment No. 3752. to provide hurricane and storm protection, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The prevent saltwater intrusion, and re-establish civil works projects we have done in the storm buffering properties and ecological this Nation—to be a positive effort to clerk will report. integrity of the wetland damaged by con- help expand the opportunities for the The legislative clerk read as follows: struction and operation of the Outlet, and port for trade and commerce. For a The Senator from Louisiana [Ms. LAN- complement restoration of coastal Lou- while, it did serve that purpose. But DRIEU] proposes an amendment numbered isiana: Provided further, That the Secretary what has happened is that over a dec- 3752. shall develop the plan in consultation with ade, it has caused such erosion in the Ms. LANDRIEU. I ask unanimous the Parish of St. Bernard, Louisiana, the great expanse of marshland that it was consent that further reading of the State of Louisiana, the Secretary of the In- terior, the Secretary of Commerce, the Ad- placed in—or the marsh was dredged amendment be dispensed with. ministrator of the Environmental Protection through and created, that it really is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Agency, and the National Academy of causing, according to everyone who has objection, it is so ordered. Sciences: Provided further, That the Sec- looked at how the flooding occurred in The amendment is as follows: retary shall seek input, review, and com- our area, it is causing serious—not (Purpose: To direct the Secretary of Com- ment from the public and the scientific com- only environmental—damage but is merce to provide a grant to the Port of munity on the plan: Provided further, That now a real threat to life and property. New Orleans to mitigate increased costs the Secretary shall ensure that an inde- So there has been an effort underway resulting from the loss of deep draft navi- pendent panel of experts established by the gation access to certain facilities at the National Academy of Sciences reviews and between port officials, parish officials Port in the aftermath of Hurricane provides written comments on the proposed in St. Bernard, and the business com- Katrina) plan: Provided further, That, not later than 1 munity to try to come up with a way On page 178, after line 21, add the fol- year after the date of enactment of this Act, to close the Mississippi River gulf out- lowing: the Secretary shall submit an interim report let but to do it in a way that protects to Congress comprising the plan, the written ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION comments of the independent panel of ex- the parish of St. Bernard primarily and For an additional amount for the mitiga- perts, and the written explanation of the the lower ninth ward, as well as trying tion of increased costs resulting from the Secretary for any recommendation of the to give some period of time for the few loss of deep draft navigation access to cer- independent panel of experts not adopted in businesses that are along the gulf out- tain facilities at the Port of New Orleans in the plan: Provided further, That the Sec- let to make arrangements to move. the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, retary shall refine the plan, if necessary, to My amendment would simply provide $8,500,000, to remain available until Sep- be fully consistent, integrated, and included a de minimis $3.5 million for the Corps tember 30, 2007, to be provided by the Sec- in the final technical report to be issued in retary of Commerce, acting through the As- December 2007 pursuant to the matter under of Engineers to develop a closure plan sistant Secretary for Economic Develop- the heading ‘‘INVESTIGATIONS’’ under the because the consensus at home is that ment, to the Port of New Orleans in the form heading ‘‘CORPS OF ENGINEERS—CIVIL’’ of the Mississippi River gulf outlet, which of a grant: Provided, That the Secretary shall title I of the Energy and Water Development is demonstrated here on the map, administer the grant under this section in Appropriations Act, 2006 (Public Law 109–103, which served at one time as a very im- accordance with section 209 of the Public 119 Stat. 2247; Public Law 109–148, 119 Stat. portant shipping channel—it is signifi- Works and Economic Development Act of 2814): Provided further, That the amount pro- cant that shipping has greatly dimin- 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3149): Provided further, That vided under this heading is designated as an ished as its threat to the environment the amount provided under this heading is emergency requirement pursuant to section designated as an emergency requirement 402 of H. Con. Res. 05 (109th Congress), the has substantially increased. Because pursuant to section 402 of H. Con. Res. 95 concurrent resolution on the budget for fis- we have not had the Federal or State (109th Congress), the concurrent resolution cal year 2006: Provided further, That, of the resources to actually protect these on the budget for fiscal year 2006. amount made available under this heading, marshlands the way we should, this Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, this $3,750,000 shall be available only to the ex- channel has become quite wide, much amendment is a 1-year grant of $8.5 tent that an official budget request for a spe- wider than any of us had anticipated— cific dollar amount, that includes designa- million to the Port of New Orleans to even the Corps. And the possibilities of mitigate the increased costs resulting tion of the entire amount of the request as flooding have been increased because an emergency requirement, is transmitted from the loss of deep-draft navigation by the President to Congress. the channel has been expanded and access to certain facilities and ports. these marshes have been eroding from Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, this This is part B of this amendment. We many different factors, not just this. amendment that I offer tries to move worked to create a plan to close this forward a very difficult situation that So this very modest $3.5 million from large deep-draft vessels. They we are faced with in Louisiana about would allow a study—a plan, not really still have access, obviously, through how to protect not just the New Orle- a study, because the studies are com- the inner harbor canal lock through ans city proper but the greater metro- pleted—and this will become part of the GIWW. We still have to find a way politan area and parts of south Lou- our overall protection system for this to help offset some of the costs to some isiana from flooding in the future. region. Again, the point is that we are of these companies that are located As you know, Mr. President, because not just building levees to protect here as a transitional plan, so that we you have been gracious enough to be southern Louisiana and southern Mis- can make these arrangements that the one of the Senators to go walk through sissippi and other places. It is a com- Corps is recommending for safety of the neighborhoods and see the flooding, bination of some levees, some coastal the port facilities and the people being a firsthand witness, it wasn’t just restoration, and some smart naviga- around it. That is basically what the hurricanes, Katrina and Rita, but tion channel work, or rework, that is amendment No. 3752 will accomplish. it was the breaking of levee systems. integrated—much more of a sophisti- As I have said before, this was cre- Some of those levees were long indus- cated, coordinated approach than in ated back many decades ago when we trial canals that served this great port the past. didn’t realize the environmental im- which, together with the South Lou- I offer this amendment by way of ex- pact. It has caused not just problems isiana Port, is the largest port system planation to show that the studies from Katrina and Rita, but it prompted in America. Some of these levees were have been done. There has been a lot of a great deal of flooding back in 1965 along the lake. Some of them were evaluation of past storms. This will with Hurricane Betsy, one of the worst along what we call the London Avenue allow the Corps to come up with a plan in this region, well before Katrina and Canal. to close MRGO, provide for shipping Rita. So we have known for a long time There was a project that was de- and good environmental restoration, that this had to be done. signed and structured by the Corps of and, most importantly, protect St. Ber- With these two amendments, I be- Engineers back in the 1930s and 1940s nard Parish and the lower part of ward lieve the port can have some money for called the Mississippi River gulf outlet. 9 in Orleans Parish and New Orleans the transition, the Corps can get the I think you actually stood on that east from flooding in the future. plans done to ready the closure, and we levee, Mr. President, and looked to see So that is the amendment. will be well on our way to protecting a

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3945 great number of people at a minimal The amendment is pending. mote and develop democracy in Iraq. The re- expense to the Federal Government or Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, this is port shall include the following: to the local and State governments and an amendment that was offered last (1) A description of the objectives of the having a great benefit for shipping, the evening by the distinguished Senator Secretary of State to promote and develop democracy at the national, regional, and environment, and the community that from North Carolina, Mr. BURR. As I provincial levels in Iraq, including develop- lives along this industrial channel. say, it has been cleared on both sides. ment of civil society, political parties, and I thank the chairman for the time to I ask unanimous consent the amend- government institutions. discuss the amendments. We will fol- ment be modified with the modifica- (2) The strategy to achieve such objectives. low his direction as to when these tions at the desk. (3) The schedule to achieve such objectives. amendments come up for a vote. I yield The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (4) The progress made toward achieving back my time. objection, it is so ordered. such objectives. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The amendment, as modified, is as (5) The principal official within the United ator from Mississippi. States Government responsible for coordi- follows: nating and implementing democracy funding Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, to re- On page 238, line 23, strike ‘‘Control and for Iraq. spond to the Senator’s comments, in Prevention, and’’ and insert ‘‘Control and Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I send looking at the list of amendments that Prevention, $5,000,000 shall be for the Smith- a modification to the desk. are not germane, these two amend- sonian Institution to carry out domestic dis- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ments appear to be not germane ease surveillance, and’’. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the modification? postcloture and therefore not in order. Without objection, the amendment is further debate on the amendment, as We are checking to see what the reac- so modified. modified? If not, the question is on tion is from the authorizing com- The amendment (No. 3686), as modi- agreeing to the amendment, as modi- mittee. What that would amount to is fied, is as follows: this is an authorization that has not fied. The amendment (No. 3713), as modi- On page 126, between lines 12 and 13, insert been approved. The language amounts the following: to an authorization of a water project fied, was agreed to. DEMOCRACY IN IRAQ that has not been approved by the com- Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote. SEC. 1406. (a) Of the funds provided in this mittee that has legislative jurisdiction chapter for the Economic Support Fund, not over the issues. So we are awaiting a Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I less than $104,500,000 should be made avail- response and a reaction from the legis- move to lay that motion on the table. able through the Bureau of Democracy, lative committee to the amendments. The motion to lay on the table was Human Rights, and Labor of the Department I suggest we move on to other agreed to. of State, in coordination with the United amendments that may be in order. The Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I now States Agency for International Develop- Kennedy amendment was temporarily advise that we can call up an amend- ment where appropriate, to United States laid aside so the Senator could discuss ment of Senator KENNEDY regarding de- nongovernmental organizations for the pur- her two amendments. Having done so, I mocracy in Iraq. pose of supporting democracy assistance pro- grams in Iraq that promote the long term de- think we can return to the Kennedy AMENDMENT NO. 3686, AS MODIFIED velopment of civil society, political parties, amendment and then let the Senate Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I call election processes, the rule of law, reconcili- work its will on that amendment. The up amendment No. 3686, on behalf of ation activities, and parliament in that Senator from Massachusetts has asked Senator KENNEDY and others, regarding country: Provided, That the Secretary of for the yeas and nays on his amend- democracy in Iraq. State shall consult with the Committees on ment, and we could proceed to a vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Appropriations prior to the initial obligation We were trying to get a reaction objection, the pending amendments are of funds made available under this section on from the chairman of the appropria- the uses of such funds: Provided further, That set aside. of the funds made available under this head- tions subcommittee having jurisdiction The clerk will report. ing, up to $8,500,000 should be made available over the pandemic influenza vaccine The legislative clerk read as follows: for the United States Institute of Peace for issue, the Labor, Health and Human The Senator from Mississippi [Mr. COCH- programs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Services Appropriations subcommittee. RAN], for Mr. KENNEDY, for himself, Mr. (b) The President shall include in each re- They are having a hearing right now BIDEN, and Mr. LEAHY, proposes an amend- port submitted to Congress under the United and we haven’t had a response to our ment numbered 3686. States Policy in Iraq Act (section 1227 of inquiry about the reaction. We also Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask Public Law 109–163; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note; 119 think the leaders are entitled to notice unanimous consent that the reading of Stat. 3465) a report on the extent to which funds appropriated in this Act support a that this could be subject to a recorded the amendment be dispensed with. short-term and long-term strategy to pro- vote to get the reaction as to whether The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mote and develop democracy in Iraq, includ- this is the time to do that or if they objection, it is so ordered. ing: are available to discuss it, if the leader The amendment is as follows: (1) A description of the objectives of the wants to discuss the issue. So awaiting On page 126, between lines 12 and 13, insert Secretary of State to promote and develop those advices, I suggest the absence of the following: democracy at the national, regional, and provincial levels in Iraq, including develop- a quorum. UNITED STATES STRATEGY TO PROMOTE ment of civil society, political parties, and The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ISAK- DEMOCRACY IN IRAQ government institutions. SON). The clerk will call the roll. SEC. 1406. (a) Of the funds provided in this (2) The schedule to achieve such objectives. The legislative clerk proceeded to chapter for the Economic Support Fund, not (3) The progress made toward achieving call the roll. less than $96,000,000 should be made available such objectives. Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask through the Bureau of Democracy, Human (4) The principal official within the United unanimous consent that the order for Rights, and Labor of the Department of States Government responsible for coordi- the quorum call be rescinded. State, in coordination with the United nating and implementing democracy funding The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without States Agency for International Develop- for Iraq. ment where appropriate, to United States objection, it is so ordered. nongovernmental organizations for the pur- Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, as the Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I un- pose of supporting broad-based democracy senior Senator from Kentucky knows, derstand that two other amendments assistance programs in Iraq that promote the Kennedy-Biden-Leahy amendment have now been cleared for the consider- the long term development of civil society, sets aside $104.5 million in economic ation of the Senate. political parties, election processes, and par- support funds in the supplemental for AMENDMENT NO. 3713, AS MODIFIED liament in that country. U.S. nongovernmental organizations Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask (b) The President shall include in each re- for democracy building programs that port submitted to Congress under the United promote the long-term development of unanimous consent to call up amend- States Policy in Iraq Act (section 1227 of ment No. 3713. Public Law 109–163; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note; 119 civil society, political parties, election The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Stat. 3465) a report on the extent to which processes, the rule of law, reconcili- objection? Without objection, it is so funds appropriated in this Act support a ation activities, and parliament in ordered. short-term and long-term strategy to pro- Iraq.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 Currently, there are six nongovern- democratic gains that have been made support and sustain civil society in mental organizations doing excellent so far. Iraq. ADF and its partner civil society democracy work in Iraq under ex- American nongovernmental organiza- organizations in Iraq have provided tremely difficult and dangerous condi- tions such as the National Democratic training and assistance to thousands of tions. Our expectation is that $96 mil- Institute, the International Republican Iraqi government officials at the na- lion of the funds in our amendment Institute, the National Endowment for tional, regional, and local level on would be allocated among the six orga- Democracy, IFES, formerly known. as issues such as anticorruption, trans- nizations in the following way to con- the International Foundation for Elec- parency, accountability, fiscal respon- tinue their work in Iraq: tion Systems, the International Re- sibility, whistleblower protection, and IFES would receive $20 million. The search and Exchanges Board and Amer- the development of nongovernmental International Research and Exchanges ica’s Development Foundation are well organizations. Board would receive $6 million. The respected in Iraq and throughout the ADF wants to continue its work, but National Endowment for Democracy world. Each has substantial operations its funding will end in June. USAID would receive $10 million. The Amer- in Iraq, and their work is essential to supports this work and has a contract ica’s Development Foundation would the administration’s goal of building a pending, but it doesn’t have the re- receive $16 million. stable democracy in Iraq. sources to fulfill it. Our amendment The National Democratic Institute Yet despite their success so far in provides $16 million to sustain its work and the International Republican Insti- helping to promote democracy and the over the next 18 months. Similarly, the tute would each receive $22 million. enormous risks their employees take National Endowment for Democracy These funds would be in addition to the by working in the war zone, the admin- has no clear sense of what the future $15 million that the administration has istration has made no long-term com- holds for them in Iraq. requested for these activities in fiscal mitment to provide funding for their Two of the endowment’s core grant- year 07. work in Iraq. Each organization oper- ees—the Center for International Pri- In each case, the additional funds are ates on pins and needles, never know- vate Enterprise and the Labor Soli- intended to be used by the organiza- ing when their funding for Iraq oper- darity Center in Iraq—have important tions over the next 18 months to con- ations will dry up. democracy promotion functions. tinue their current operations. I under- The American nongovernmental or- Since opening a regional office in stand that each organization will need ganization IFES has been in Iraq since Baghdad in October 2003, the Center for to submit a proposal to justify the use October 2003. It has provided technical International Private Enterprise has of funds before they can be made avail- assistance in each of Iraq’s elections so worked to build capacity for market able. far, and it has been asked to provide oriented democratic reform in Iraq. It Does the Senator from Kentucky such assistance for regional and pro- has provided training and grant sup- agree with this allocation of funds? vincial elections scheduled for April port to approximately 22 Iraqi business associations and chambers of com- Mr. MCCONNELL. Yes, I do. 2007. Mr. KENNEDY. Does the Senator It is also preparing for a possible sec- merce. The Labor Solidarity Center works from Vermont agree with this alloca- ond referendum on the constitution, directly with Iraqi trade unions to de- tion of funds? and is assisting as well in the enact- velop skills in strengthening inde- Mr. LEAHY. Yes, I do. And I would ment and implementation of legisla- pendent and democratic trade unions. add that the amendment also provides tion governing the operations of a new In addition, the endowment partners that up to $8.5 million should be made election council for local elections. with 32 local organizations on the available to support the activities of Inexplicably, funding will run out in ground in Iraq to promote and sustain the United States Institute of Peace in June, and the administration has not civil society projects on political devel- Iraq. yet committed any additional funds. opment, raising awareness of women’s Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I None of the funds in this supplemental rights, and encouraging the free flow of thank the senior Senator from Ken- spending bill are set-aside for it, and information to Iraqi citizens. tucky, Mr. MCCONNELL, and the Sen- none of the meager $63 million re- The endowment wants to continue ator from Vermont for their assistance quested in the fiscal year 2007 budget working directly with the Iraqi people on this amendment. for democracy-building is intended for and be able to guarantee continuity in The amendment provides $104.5 mil- IFES either. Our amendment would its democracy grants to Iraqi organiza- lion for American nongovernmental or- provide $20 million to sustain its de- tions. But no funding is set aside in ganizations helping Iraqis to create the mocracy work in Iraq for the next 18 this bill or in the fiscal year 2007 budg- essential building blocks of democracy. months, through the end of fiscal year et for its programs. It is cosponsored by Senators BIDEN 2007. Our amendment provides $10 million and LEAHY. An independent media is also essen- to sustain the democracy programs of Last year, Iraq passed several impor- tial to a successful democracy. A U.S. the Center for International Private tant milestones on the long road to de- nongovernmental organization, the Enterprise, the Labor Solidarity Cen- mocracy. However, as important as the International Research and Exchanges ter, and the Endowment for Democ- two elections and the referendum on Board—IREX is working in Iraq to see racy’s local partners for 18 months. the constitution were, they were not that the Iraqi people have independent, Similarly, the International Repub- decisive, and it is far from clear that professional, high quality news and lican Institute and the National Demo- democracy is being firmly established public affairs information. To create cratic institute—are doing truly im- in Iraq. an environment in which a free press pressive work in Iraq under extraor- The process of building democratic can flourish, it is also seeking to estab- dinarily difficult circumstances. institutions is different and requires lish a legal, regulatory, and policy en- The International Republican Insti- patience in developing effective gov- vironment that supports independent tute programs in Iraq have focused on ernmental structures, a genuine rule of media. three principal goals: development of law, political parties committed to IREX’s funding for these important an issue-based political party system; peaceful means, an active civil society, programs is also running out, and it establishment of the foundation for a and a free press. Constructive inter- will be forced to close its operations more transparent and responsive gov- national engagement is essential as this summer, which would pull the rug ernment; and the emergence of an ac- well in the case of Iraq. For a country out from under many struggling new tive and politically involved civil soci- as heavily repressed as long as Iraq, de- press organizations in Iraq. Our amend- ety. mocracy will take even longer to take ment would provide $6 million to sus- The National Democratic Institute root. tain IREX’s democracy work in Iraq supports a number of democracy pro- It is far from clear, however, that the for the next 18 months. grams in Iraq as well, with emphasis on Bush administration has a long-term In addition, the nongovernmental or- political parties, governance, civil soci- strategy—or even a short-term strat- ganization America’s Development ety and women’s rights. It has four of- egy—to solidify and continue the Foundation provides essential aid to fices in Iraq to promote these essential

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3947 building blocks of strong democracy, Regardless of whether we supported NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE, and it works directly with Iraqi part- or opposed the war, we all agree that Washington, DC, April 25, 2006. ners and hundreds of local civic organi- the work of building democracy re- Hon. EDWARD KENNEDY, U.S. Senate, zation. quires patience, skill, guaranteed con- Both IRI and NDI want to continue Washington, DC. tinuity, and adequate resources. DEAR SENATOR KENNEDY: I am writing to to build these essential links between express our deep appreciation for your com- the government and political parties, It makes no sense to shortchange Iraq’s political development. We need a mitment to long-term democracy building in order to enable the government be- efforts in Iraq. Your leadership in this issue come more responsive and effective in long-term political strategy, and we has allowed non-profit organizations such as addressing the needs of Iraq’s people. must back up that strategy with the NDI to continue to help courageous Iraqis Despite the impressive contribution needed resources, if we truly hope to struggling for a more democratic and open of these two Institutes to democracy in achieve a stable, peaceful and demo- society. The long-term success of America’s Iraq, neither is guaranteed steady fu- cratic Iraq. efforts in Iraq will ultimately rest on our ture funding for its programs. The ad- ability to empower these Iraqis to overcome Our amendment provides the re- a long history of isolation, dictatorial rule, ministration’s budget provides only sources necessary to ensure continuity and ethnic division. $7.5 million for each Institute—enough in these democracy programs in Iraq. I With the support of Congress, the National for just 2 months of operating ex- thank Senators MCCONNELL and LEAHY Endowment for Democracy, USAID, and the penses. Our amendment provides an ad- for their hard work on this provision, Department of State’s Bureau for Democ- ditional $22 million for each institute’s racy, Human Rights, and Labor, NDI has, and I am delighted that it will become since 2003, developed a sizeable program that essential democracy programs in Iraq part of this legislation. for the next 18 months. works to strengthen civil society, political NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY, parties, governing-institutions, and women’s The amendment also provides $8.5 Washington, DC, April 24, 2006. million for the U.S. Institute of Peace political participation and leadership. With Hon. TED KENNEDY, seven offices throughout the country, NDI for its important work to promote rec- Russell Senate Office Building, employs more than 200 Iraqi program staff onciliation. Washington, DC. and 30 full-time international staff from This amendment has broad support DEAR SENATOR KENNEDY: On behalf of the Canada, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Serbia and in the democracy community, and I Board of Directors of the National Endow- the United States. An additional 30 practi- ask unanimous consent to print letters ment for Democracy, we are writing to tioners from the U.S. Canada, Eritrea, the supporting it in the RECORD at the end thank you for your commitment to creating Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom of my remarks. a viable and sustainable democracy in Iraq. have regularly visited Iraq to share expertise with their Iraqi counterparts. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without As you know; the National Endowment for objection, it is so ordered. NDI’s program works directly with Iraqis Democracy received the first of several almost exclusively outside the Green Zone to (see exhibit 1.) awards from the Department of State in Feb- Mr. KENNEDY. Thousands of Iraqis build the critical linkages between Iraqi citi- ruary 2004 to support programs carried out zens and government that are necessary for are working hard, often at great risk to by our four core institutes, the International long-term legitimacy of, and participation in themselves, to develop civic groups, Republican Institute (IRI), the National the country’s new democratic system. The participate in political parties and Democratic Institute (NDI), the Center for Institute has trained more than 6,000 polit- election, and run for and serve in polit- International, Private Enterprise (CIPE), ical party and 3,000 women activists, pro- ical office. The dramatic pictures of and the Solidarity Center. In addition, NED vided best international practices on issues Iraqis waving their purple fingers after directly funds local Iraqi groups focusing on such as federalism and human rights to key voting in past elections remind us of the promotion of women in the democratic Iraqi decision-makers and the Constitutional the enormous stakes. process, strengthening an independent Drafting Committee, and helped more than Progress to avoid civil war and defeat media, and increasing youth participation in 150 nascent NGOs deploy more than 30,000 election monitors for the two national elec- the insurgency is directly related to the political process. After our September 2006 Board meeting, NED will not be able to tions and constitutional referendum. Many progress on democracy-building, and maintain its current program in Iraq with- of the same NGOs have, with NDI support, ongoing work on this all-important out renewed funding. led town hall meetings for more than 300,000 issue must be a top priority. Iraqis on the new constitution and the work- We must be clear in our commitment Should funding for democracy programs in ings of the parliament. to stand by these organizations that Iraq be available for the remainder of Fiscal Building democratic institutions and proc- Year 2006 and into Fiscal Year 2007, the En- esses, beyond elections is a long-term propo- are working on the front lines in the dowment will facilitate the development of a struggle for democracy in Iraq every sition. In parts of Eastern European alone, nationwide coalition of local groups that the United States, through organizations day. We also need to demonstrate to crosses geographic, ethnic and confessional such as NDI, continues to be engaged after Iraqis and others that we are com- lines, which will advocate for political toler- the region’s initial transition 16 years ago. mitted to Iraq’s long-term democratic ance, accountable governance, rule of law Iraq will likely require an even longer inter- development. We need a long-term plan and rational use of national resources. Also, national engagement. With the recent elec- and a long-term strategy that is NED will continue to fund CIPE, which has a tion of the first parliament under a new con- backed by appropriate resources. developed network of over 40 business asso- stitution, the real work in Iraq is just begin- President Bush has called for pa- ciations and chambers of commerce. CIPE’s ning. And, NDI remains committed to the tience in Iraq. He should heed his own program will support Iraqis in building a long-term democracy programs needed to advice. He can’t speak about having pa- platform for moderate and market-oriented meet this challenge. approaches in Iraq’s political process. Fur- Such a sustained commitment would not tience for democracy in Iraq, and then ther, NED will provide funding to the Soli- be possible without continued U.S. govern- cut funding for the groups that are as- darity Center to support local Iraqi trade ment support; and the leadership and vision sisting so capably in its development. unions in developing policy platforms and that you and your colleagues have shown for Our financial commitment to the or- advocating for labor legislation, and working ongoing democracy promotion efforts is ganizations at the forefront of the de- with the Iraqi oil unions to develop their ca- greatly appreciated by NDI and other organi- mocracy effort must be strong and un- pacity to be a force for promoting trans- zations involved in Iraq. ambiguous. By failing to guarantee parency, anti-corruption, and the rule of law With best regards. Sincerely, continuity for their programs, we send in Iraq’s largest economic sector. KENNETH WOLLACK, a confusing signal that can only be The Endowment is committed to sup- President. harmful for this very important effort. porting the Iraqi people in developing a We are now spending more than $1 democratic culture and creating institutions INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH billion a week for military operations that will promote individual rights and free- AND EXCHANGES BOARD, for the war in Iraq. At this rate, it doms. This will be a long-term endeavor, and Washington, DC, April 20, 2006. would take the military less than one we thank you for your continuing support Hon. EDWARD KENNEDY, day to spend the $104.5 million provided and dedication on this important issue. U.S. Senate, Sincereely, Washington, DC. in this amendment for democracy pro- VIN WEBER, DEAR SENATOR KENNEDY: I am writing to motion. Surely, we can commit this Chairman of the Board thank you for your strong support for de- level of funding for democracy pro- RICHARD A. GEPHARDT, mocracy assistance in Iraq and your efforts grams over the next 18 months. Vice-Chair of the Board. to ensure that this support from the United

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3948 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 States continues. IREX, a non-profit organi- the development of electoral scenarios and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without zation dedicated to education, civil society, cost models for Coalition Provisional Au- objection, it is so ordered. and media, has been working to support thority. Since September of 2004, IFES has Mr. KENNEDY. In the 45 seconds re- Iraq’s nascent independent media sector as provided technical assistance to the Inde- maining, I indicate to the Members of part of a USAID civil society project—the pendent Election Commission of Iraq (IECI), Iraqi Civil Society and Independent Media while at the same time providing significant the Senate this amendment has the Program. technical and material support for the con- complete support of all the public We strongly believe that a vibrant and pro- duct of three electoral processes in the coun- health officials and departments vir- fessional independent media sector is crucial try as part of the UN-led International Elec- tually across the country; the public to a stable and democratic Iraq. Capable tion Technical Assistance Team (TEAT). health community virtually univer- Iraqi individuals and organizations are work- Helping democratic institutions find the sally appreciates and understands the ing with U.S. support and risking their lives strength and creativity to work in hostile importance of this program. It does political environments is one of the most dif- for the sake of media freedom, but much also have the complete support of the work remains to be done. However, our work ficult tasks in democracy assistance, but it is slated to end on June 30, 2006 due to lack is a task with which we have experience and first responders. If we want to do some- of funding for democracy initiatives. Key through which we have achieved notable suc- thing that is going to help to protect media initiatives and successes supported by cesses. Going forward, Iraqi election orga- our first responders, in public health the U.S. Government that face closure with nizers face a number of challenges sur- emergencies and with the dangers of a an end of U.S. assistance, include: rounding the creation of a new and perma- pandemic, this is an amendment to do The National Iraqi News Agency nent election management body by the so. (www.ninanews.com), the first independent Council of Representatives, the design and implementation of a new voter registration I thank the Chair. commercial news agency in the Arab World. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- After only 7 months, approximately 1500 system, conduct of local elections in April NINA stories are carried by more than 50 2007, and post-election support for possible ator yields the floor. The question is on Iraqi media outlets each month. NINA sets a referenda on the constitution and regional agreeing to amendment No. 3688, as standard of professionalism for the media issues. Our work in Iraq, which has merely modified, on which the yeas and nays sector and has survived the effects of two begun, has given us a unique, firsthand per- were previously ordered. bombings yet carried on its work unimpeded. spective on the post-invasion political and The clerk will call the roll. Iraqis for Public Broadcasting is a group of electoral transition in Iraq. It is our strong The legislative clerk called the roll. dedicated civil society and media profes- view that there has never been a more crit- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the sionals who have served as a public watchdog ical time to sustain and strengthen Iraq’s Senator from West Virginia (Mr. to fight government and political inter- democratic process. Continued support for our work after July 1, 2006, when IFES’ cur- ROCKEFELLER) is necessarily absent. ference in the Iraqi Media Network. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there group has developed a new public broad- rent programming is set to end, will help to casting law that could help develop IMN into ensure the future of a fair and transparent any other Senators in the Chamber de- the Arab world’s first independent public electoral process in Iraq. siring to vote? broadcaster. Your commitment and engagement on this The result was announced—yeas 53, The Iraqi Media Network, meant to be the matter is timely and essential and we com- nays 46, as follows: mend you for your sustained vision and focus public broadcaster for Iraq, has been beset by [Rollcall Vote No. 107 Leg.] to promote not only our work, but that of attempts at political control of its news and YEAS—53 public affairs programming. IREX is one of other key democracy promotion organiza- the few organizations that has been able to tions. Akaka Durbin Mikulski Baucus Feingold work inside IMN with its journalism staff, Sincerely, Murray Bayh Feinstein Nelson (FL) assisting in development of programming on RICHARD SOUDERIETTE, President and CEO, IFES. Biden Harkin Obama the elections and the constitution, providing Bingaman Hatch Pryor citizens a forum for debate. IREX is cur- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Boxer Inouye Reed rently advising IMN on two new programs further debate on the amendment, as Byrd Jeffords Reid that will link the different regions of Iraq as modified? Cantwell Johnson Roberts Carper Kennedy a contribution to building a sense of a demo- Salazar Hearing none, the question is on Chafee Kerry Sarbanes cratic Iraqi identity spanning ethnic and re- agreeing to the amendment, as modi- Clinton Kohl Schumer ligious divides. fied. Coleman Landrieu Training and support for journalists and Smith The amendment (No. 3686), as modi- Collins Lautenberg media outlets throughout Iraq will end. The Conrad Leahy Snowe program has provided training to Kurds, fied, was agreed to. Dayton Levin Specter Sunnis, Shiias, in many cases bringing the Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I move DeWine Lieberman Stabenow groups together. Women have been a key tar- to reconsider the vote. Dodd Lincoln Talent Wyden get for the trainings. Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I Dorgan Menendez We welcome and commend your ongoing move to lay that motion on the table. NAYS—46 commitment to democracy assistance for The motion to lay on the table was Alexander Dole McCain Iraq, not only independent media develop- agreed to. Allard Domenici McConnell ment, but also in other key components of Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I sug- Allen Ensign Murkowski democratic development such as civil soci- gest the absence of a quorum. Bennett Enzi Nelson (NE) ety, elections, political processes, and labor Bond Frist Santorum The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Brownback Graham and business development. clerk will call the roll. Sessions Sincerely, Bunning Grassley Shelby The legislative clerk proceeded to Burns Gregg Stevens MARK POMAR, Burr Hagel call the roll. Sununu President. Chambliss Hutchison Thomas Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask Coburn Inhofe Thune IFES, unanimous consent that the order for Cochran Isakson Washington, DC, April 13, 2006. the quorum call be rescinded. Cornyn Kyl Vitter Voinovich Hon. EDWARD KENNEDY, Craig Lott The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Warner U.S. Senate, Crapo Lugar objection, it is so ordered. DeMint Martinez Washington, DC. AMENDMENT NO. 3688, AS MODIFIED DEAR SENATOR KENNEDY: On behalf of IFES Mr. KENNEDY. I understand there is NOT VOTING—1 and our experts working on election related Rockefeller projects in Iraq, I am writing to thank you an understanding that we vote at noon- for the thought and attention you have de- time and I have 1 minute remaining. The amendment (No. 3688), as modi- voted to sustaining a steady stream of fund- Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, the fied, was agreed to. ing for critical democracy promotion activi- Senator is correct. It is the intention The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. MUR- ties in Iraq. As a non-profit organization the pending amendment be set aside so KOWSKI). The Senator from Delaware. with an active presence in Iraq, we greatly we can consider Kennedy amendment AMENDMENT NO. 3717 appreciate your efforts to highlight the No. 3688, as modified, upon which the Mr. BIDEN. Madam President, I ask democratic needs of the Iraqi people for law- yeas and nays have been ordered. I ask unanimous consent to set aside the makers and policymakers alike. As you know, IFES has been involved with unanimous consent that the Senator pending amendment and call up the democratization process in Iraq since Oc- from Massachusetts be recognized until amendment No. 3717. tober 2003 when we first conducted an assess- the hour of 12 o’clock, at which time The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ment of the political situation followed by we will have a vote. objection?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3949 Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, re- to establish permanent military bases in clear-cutting the forests, is damaging serving the right to object, I do so only Iraq or to exercise control over the oil infra- our forests. The No Child Left Behind for the purpose of checking to be sure structure or oil resources of Iraq. Act has left millions of children be- that this is an amendment that has not Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, I hind. The Budget Deficit Reduction been made out of order because of the suggest the absence of a quorum. Act increases the deficit. And now they invocation of cloture by the Senate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The are lobbying the Accountability and Mr. BIDEN. Madam President, if I clerk will call the roll. Transparency Act, which has the po- can respond to my colleague, I have Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, I tential to wipe transparency out of the been told that the amendment is ger- ask unanimous consent that the order political process. mane under cloture. for the quorum call be rescinded. House Republicans have completely Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without abandoned the idea of reforming Wash- move to reconsider the vote. objection, it is so ordered. ington. Instead, like a wolf in sheep’s Mr. COCHRAN. I move to lay that AMENDMENT NO. 3855 TO AMENDMENT NO. 3717 clothing, they are using the cover of motion on the table. the word ‘‘reform’’ to advance blatant The motion to lay on the table was The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the second-degree partisan changes to campaign finance agreed to. laws, changes that will hurt Democrats The PRESIDING OFFICER. Although Biden amendment. The legislative clerk read as follows: and help Republican candidates in the it does not appear on our list at the coming elections. desk, after a review, it appears to be The Senator from Delaware [Mr. BIDEN] Their approach to reform stands in germane. proposes an amendment numbered 3855 to amendment No. 3717. sharp contrast to what we did on a bi- Mr. BIDEN. Madam President, I say partisan basis. About a month ago, Re- to my friend from Mississippi, I do not The amendment is as follows: publicans joined Democrats to pass a In lieu of the matter proposed to be in- plan on speaking to it now. I was in- lobbying reform bill, an ethics reform structed to get it in line. I will be back serted, insert the following: On page 253, between lines 19 and 20, insert bill, the Honest Government and Open to speak to it. It relates to permanent Leadership Act. It was passed by a bases in Iraq and calls for no perma- the following: PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR CERTAIN large margin. The bill was based large- nent bases in Iraq. ly on a bill Democrats introduced the As the Chair says, it is germane, but PURPOSES IN IRAQ first week of the session. The legisla- I do not intend to call it up right now. SEC. 7032. None of the funds made available Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, by title I of this Act may be made available tion the Senate passed was not as good continuing to reserve the right to ob- to establish permanent United States mili- as the Democratic bill standing alone, ject, it is my understanding this tary bases in Iraq, or to exercise United but it was an improvement, a tremen- amounts to legislation and may be sub- States control over the oil infrastructure or dous improvement over the status quo oil resources of Iraq. ject to a point of order. For that rea- and imposed needed reforms so that son, authorization of basing on a per- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Government serves the people, not the manent basis in a foreign country—it Democratic leader. special interests. It was the most sig- is not an appropriation of funds, as I HOUSE ETHICS REFORM nificant change in lobbying ethics in understand it. It is strictly legislation Mr. REID. Madam President, at the this country in a quarter of a century. and may very well be subject to a point beginning of this year, we found a situ- Unfortunately, the bipartisan com- of order. ation in Washington that was very un- mitment to reform we had in the Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. It is the comfortable. The Chair will recall, as ate has been completely abandoned in Chair’s understanding it is a limitation all members recall, the majority leader the House. Instead of passing a sub- on the use of funds, which is not legis- in the House of Representatives had stantive smart and tough bill as we did lative. been convicted, within a period of a in the Senate, the House Republicans Mr. COCHRAN. I withdraw my res- year, of three ethics violations. He was have ignored the wishes of millions of ervation. under indictment. For the first time in Americans, gutted all lobbying ethics reform from their legislation, and in- Mr. BIDEN. I thank the Chair. 135 years, someone in the White House stead filled it with partisan campaign I assume unanimous consent was was indicted. The person in charge of granted. finance measures that are intended to contracting, Mr. Safavian, was led The PRESIDING OFFICER. Will the help them in the coming election. Senator suspend for just a moment away literally in handcuffs as a result Essentially, they have opened the while we sort out the technical issues? of his sweetheart deals with many peo- floodgates so they can pour money into Mr. BIDEN. I apologize. I have been ple, including the infamous Jack Republican campaigns. The McCain- misinformed. I must call up, first, Abramoff. Feingold legislation that passed Con- amendment No. 3717, and second degree We had many stories written about gress and was signed by the President that amendment with amendment No. the K Street Project: If you were a was important. It took away from cam- 3855. That is my unanimous consent re- trade association or a business that paigns corporate money, soft money. It quest. wanted to hire a Democrat, you had to was a reform measure that improved The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without get clearance from the K Street lead- the political process in a significant objection, it is so ordered. ers. It was a situation that was very way. Mr. BIDEN. I thank my friend from uncomfortable for everyone, as it And this McCain-Feingold legisla- Mississippi. should have been. tion, if the House measure is allowed to I yield the floor. The culmination of all of this was become law, will have been corrupted. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The learning Duke Cunningham had taken It seems House Republicans do not be- clerk will report. more than $2 million in bribes. lieve they can convince the American The legislative clerk read as follows: I try today to express my opposition people to send them back to Wash- The Senator from Delaware [Mr. BIDEN] and grave disappointment of the lob- ington if they play by the rules. So like proposes an amendment numbered 3717. bying and ethics reform bill that the their old leader, TOM DELAY, they are The amendment is as follows: House of Representatives is expected to seeking to change the rules in the mid- (Purpose: To provide that none of the funds pass today. This is a bill pushed by the dle of the game. They are seeking to made available by title I of this Act may Republican leadership in the House. It change the rules to influence the fall be made available to establish permanent is simply not much of anything. This military bases in Iraq or to exercise con- election. trol over the oil infrastructure or oil re- House reform legislation is another ex- Here is an example. The House bill sources of Iraq) ample of the Orwellian world in which aims to disable so-called 527 groups. On page 253, between lines 19 and 20, insert my friends in the majority live, I am These are groups that operate inde- the following: sorry to say, starting with the Presi- pendently and apart from the parties PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR CERTAIN dent himself. Whatever he says, believe and bring more people into the polit- PURPOSES IN IRAQ just the opposite. ical process. They fund get-out-the- SEC. 7032. None of the funds made available The Clear Skies bill led to more pol- vote activities and help register voters, by title I of this Act may be made available lution. The Healthy Forests Initiative, among other things.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3950 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 Notably, the House bill would not brief with the court involving these Mr. REID. Madam President, I apolo- shut down spending by all independent limits called them ‘‘essential . . . to gize, through the Chair, to my friend. I groups but only certain independent maintain the public’s confidence in the do not know what Colorado II is. Is groups. No, the House would leave Re- integrity of our political system’’ and that what you said? publican-leaning 501(c)6)trade associa- ‘‘indispensable to any [campaign fi- Mr. MCCONNELL. What the Supreme tions free to raise and spend money, nance] regulatory program.’’ That is Court held in Colorado II was that the soft money, corporate money, money what they said. prohibition on parties spending above over and above McCain-Feingold spend- Without such limits, the Senators ar- what we call the coordinated amount ing limits. That is what this is about. gued that ‘‘the public’s faith and par- remained intact and that parties could These trade associations, such as ticipation in the political process will spend whatever they wanted to as inde- Americans For Job Security, spend continue to decline.’’ That also is an- pendent expenditures, meaning they millions of dollars in ads to help elect other quote. Such expenditures, they could not consult with the campaigns. Republican candidates. Nearly every argued ‘‘create at least the perception I was listening to my good friend, the Republican Member of the Senate that those who donate large sums to Democratic leader, and I understand he elected last cycle will benefit by ads political parties . . . may enjoy posi- was decrying a provision in the House run by this group. Those ads were fund- tions of ‘improper influence.’’’ bill that, in effect, overturned that Su- ed with soft money. These were wise words by Senators preme Court decision and allowed the If the people who want to change the MCCAIN and FEINGOLD. I think we all parties to spend, in coordination with present campaign financing laws want should live by them. their campaigns, money beyond what is to do it, let’s do it the right way: take In the wake of Abramoff, DELAY, and called the coordinated. And the Sen- a look at everything, not just take out Cunningham, Americans are looking ator from Nevada was suggesting that of the blue certain things they may not for us to change course. The House bill was somehow, I gather, corrupting the like such as the 527s. will keep us headed in the wrong direc- process, if that money, which could What about these 501(c)(6) organiza- tion. For that reason, Democrats will now be spent independently of the cam- tions? You will not find trade associa- stand opposed. paigns, was spent in coordination with If there is going to be an attempt to tions, though, mentioned in their bill, the campaigns. in the House bill. That makes no sense. do campaign finance reform above and Did I understand correctly? We know less about these Republican beyond what was done with McCain- Mr. REID. Madam President, through groups than we do of 527 organizations. Feingold, then let’s do it. Let’s have the Chair to my friend, the senior Sen- That is because 527s are required to dis- committee hearings. Let’s have a bill ator from Kentucky, your explanation reported to the Senate and have a fair close donors and how they spend that of asking me a question points out my debate on what we need to do to clean money. There is no such requirement problem with what the House is doing. this up, not just take one particular as- for these trade associations. I believe what we need is to have re- pect of it. The Congress must not ig- Here is another even more significant form legislation in the House com- nore the American people’s desire to do example of the tricks House Repub- parable to what we did here in the Sen- a better job in ethics here in Wash- licans are playing. The House bill re- ate. I think there are a number of us ington. peals the critical limits on national In January, when Americans across who would like to have gone further party giving to individual campaigns. the country were crying for reform, we than what we did, but I would be satis- Right now, the Republican National took the lead and fundamentally fied with that. But for the House to Committee may only direct a limited changed the debate on ethics and lob- call this lobbying and ethics reform is amount of funding to individual con- bying reform. I think it is commend- wrong. What they have tried to do is gressional and Presidential campaigns able—as I have said here on the floor reform campaign finance laws. according to a specified formula that is on a number of occasions, Madam I say to my friend, if we are going to in the McCain-Feingold law. The House President—I think it is commendable do a reform of campaign finance laws, would do away with these limits. that we were able to pass this lobbying then what we should do is have the What would that mean? It would reform bill on a bipartisan basis. committees of proper jurisdiction hear mean, instead of the limited amount of Thanks to our work, on a bipartisan what changes they think should be money that is available now, thou- basis, we passed some significant re- made, with the advocates of this, bring sands—hundreds of thousands—of dol- forms that will ensure the Government it to the floor, and have a debate. lars could be given. It would mean that of the people focuses on the needs of As my friend indicated, talking about the Republican National Committee the people. Colorado II, this is very complicated could give unlimited amounts to can- It would be unfortunate to see these stuff. And I think if we are going to re- didates in this cycle and to Presi- efforts sabotaged and ultimately fail form a little piece of it, let’s look at it dential candidates in 2008. What we did because the House majority has backed all. Let’s look at how trade associa- in McCain-Feingold improved the sys- away from real reform and instead has tions work. Let’s look at everything. I tem. Now, if the RNC can give unlim- decided that this legislation should be am happy to do that. But what I am ited amounts to candidates in this a vehicle to advance a partisan cam- not happy to do is have the House call cycle and Presidential candidates in paign finance agenda. If the trial of something lobbying and ethics reform 2008, that is no small matter when you TOM DELAY and prison terms for Jack when it is campaign finance reform. consider the RNC has roughly $40 mil- Abramoff and Duke Cunningham do That is my concern. lion on hand right now. not convince the Republican Party to Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, This provision made its way into an clean up its act, Americans should could I ask my friend one further ques- amendment filed by Senator MCCAIN on begin to wonder what will. tion? lobbying reform we did in this body, an Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, Mr. REID. Of course. amendment which would weaken that will the Senator yield for a question? Mr. MCCONNELL. Is it still the posi- bill associated with his name. On his Mr. REID. I would be happy to. tion of the leader and the majority of behalf, I say he did the right thing: He Mr. MCCONNELL. I would like to ask those on that side of the aisle that the never offered the amendment, never my good friend, the Democratic leader, position they used to hold, which was called up the amendment, and the Sen- if his concern here is that the House that these so-called 527 groups should ate bill remained clean of such bill overruled what we call the Colo- be treated like political parties and rollbacks. rado II decision in the Supreme Court, therefore have their contributions kept Democrats and Republicans alike which basically would allow political like a political party—that used to be have supported these restrictions be- parties which are now restricted to the position of the majority of the cause they are critical to protecting raising 100 percent hard money to Democrats, that the 527 groups which our political process from corruption in spend in coordination with the cam- operate like parties should be treated fact and in appearance. The authors of paigns whatever they choose to spend. like parties in terms of the contribu- the last major reform bill—Senators Is that the complaint I hear from my tion levels—I now gather that my good MCCAIN and FEINGOLD—in an amicus good friend, the Democratic leader? friend and a number of his colleagues

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3951 on that side of the aisle have the oppo- not do it because he knows it would of these because there are a lot of other site position, that somehow to treat a have corrupted McCain-Feingold. I things that need to be looked at at the 527 like a political party, and therefore would assume that is why he did not same time. cap contributions like they are to par- offer it. It would have corrupted the The distinguished Senator from Ken- ties, would somehow be a violation of legislation we now have that we call tucky and I have had longstanding per- free speech? Is that the position now McCain-Feingold, which I think has sonal discussions off the Senate floor that the Democratic leader is taking? improved the process. I am glad the Su- about campaign finance. We have had Mr. REID. Madam President, every preme Court ruled that it was constitu- them on the floor. As I have indicated question the distinguished Senator tional. already, I have the greatest respect for from Kentucky asked indicates how Now, I know my friend, the distin- how he feels. He is a real advocate for important it is to have a full, complete guished majority whip. He did not like his position. process here in the Senate about cam- McCain-Feingold. He worked very hard I try to do the best I can for mine. paign finance. Every question he asks against it. He did a good job. He is a The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. is more complicated than the last. Him fine lawyer and a good advocate. He THUNE). The Senator from Illinois. asking me how the Democrats stand on lost. Those of us who supported Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I had this issue is something I cannot an- McCain-Feingold won. And if we are the good fortune early in my political life to meet and work as an intern for swer. These seats have changed back going to change it, let’s have another Paul Douglas, a Senator from Illinois and forth since we took up McCain- fair fight like we had with McCain- from 1948 to 1966. He wrote several Feingold. Feingold, where my friend from Ken- books about ethics in government that I will say this: Having worked as a tucky can be on one side, I can be on are still widely quoted. I was fortunate candidate prior to the passage of the other. We may even wind up on the to meet him and then to meet a man McCain-Feingold and after it passed— same side. who counted him as a mentor, Senator as far as I am concerned, what hap- But that is what kind of debate we Paul Simon. Both inspired me to do a pened in 1998, when I had a very dif- should have, not what is happening in few more things in my public life than ficult race in Nevada with my dear the House now, disguising it as lob- friend, the junior Senator from Nevada, I might otherwise have done. bying and ethics reform, and really it For instance, Paul Douglas had a JOHN ENSIGN, we had a tough election, is not. rule in his office for staff that they a tough election. But in the little State The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- couldn’t take anything they couldn’t of Nevada, back in 1998, we did not jority whip. drink. I assume that meant they could Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, have many people there. We are ap- have an expensive drink at some local proaching 3 million there now. We did just one final observation with regard restaurant, but they certainly couldn’t not have 2 million then. JOHN ENSIGN to this discussion in which the Demo- take a meal or a gift or anything like spent $10 million; HARRY REID spent $10 cratic leader and I have been engaged. that. He had a personal rule that he million. But the vast majority of the And I am glad he is still on the Senate wouldn’t take a gift in his office that money was corporate money. People floor because I would not want to say was worth more than $2.50. I can recall could give us hundreds of thousands of this with him not being here. I noticed some angry constituent who sent Sen- dollars. Now, that may not have cor- that he was glad the days of large cor- ator Paul Douglas a handmade, tooled rupted JOHN ENSIGN or corrupted porate and individual soft money dona- leather belt with Paul Douglas’ name HARRY REID, but it is a process that tions were gone from parties. I wish he on it which he returned. I am sure the does not look good, and it is cor- would be equally offended by the fact donor was offended, but that was his rupting, it could corrupt an individual. that large donations are still available rule. He made complete disclosure of Having run in 2004—it was a good for the 527s. What is good for the goose his income and net worth, as did Paul election—I went out and raised money, is good for the gander. Simon. I have tried to follow their ex- as I did when I first started in this If large contributions—corporate and ample. process. I would go to somebody. They individual contributions—to parties We need meaningful ethics reform, would give me whatever the limits were outlawed because of the, ‘‘cor- but I agree with Senator REID that we were: $1,000, $2,000. That limit would be rupting potential’’ of that, it seems to also need to have a serious conversa- printed, and everyone in the world me entirely inconsistent to argue that tion about campaign financing. They knew what that person did for an occu- they should not be eliminated from are related issues, but they are not the pation, where they lived, how much 527s. same. The issue we decided to vote on money they gave me. I felt so much I think the reason our good friends in the Senate on lobbying and ethics better in 2004 than I did in 1998 because on the other side of the aisle have had reform was timely and important. We I did not have to go around asking peo- an epiphany about 527s is because they know what happened. Mr. Jack ple for these corporate donations. now believe these activities are bene- Abramoff created a scandal across I have not talked to my friend, Sen- ficial to them. So the consistency is Washington with the excesses in which ator ENSIGN, but I will bet you he something that is hard to find in the he was involved. He has pled guilty on agrees with me because I do not think course of this debate. some and is working with the Govern- either one of us felt comfortable with It will be interesting to see what the ment, and there may be further indict- those huge corporate contributions final House bill includes. To simply ments and convictions as a result. At that were coming into the State of Ne- allow political parties to spend money least one Member of the House, TOM vada. The purpose of it: the Repub- in coordination with the candidates DELAY of Texas, was indicted and ulti- licans ran vicious ads against me. He wearing their party label, it is hard to mately resigned before his trial. Others had bad ads that were run against him. conclude it would in any way corrupt in both political parties are under sus- I think the process is better. If we the system. picion. are going to change the McCain-Fein- Madam President, I yield the floor. Neither political party has a monop- gold process, let’s do it by looking at The PRESIDING OFFICER. The oly on virtue. I know honest and hard- everything, not just 527s. Let’s look at Democratic leader. working people on both sides of the trade associations. Let’s look at State Mr. REID. Madam President, just one aisle. We should do our level best to re- parties. Let’s look at this PAC situa- final comment. store the confidence of America in the tion where we have all these leadership I believe that if 527s are doing things process and the people who participate PACs. There are a lot of things we need that are wrong, maybe we need to take in it. to look at. a look at 527s but in conjunction with The effort now by some House Repub- But what the House is doing—dis- all the rest of the things that happen licans to inject campaign finance re- guising campaign finance reform as in campaign finance. I have no problem form into this is a poison pill. They lobbying and ethics reform—is wrong. with that—but not 527s alone. If we know if they can complicate the issue, We did not do that here. And I think want to look at trade associations and ultimately nothing will happen. We that speaks well of JOHN MCCAIN. He all the other things, I am happy to do would like to see our conference strict- had an amendment prepared. He did that, but let’s not just single shot one ly set on lobbying and ethics reform.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3952 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 My personal feeling—and it may only AMENDMENT NOS. 3618, 3619, 3714, AND 3716, Mr. President, I suggest the absence be mine; maybe a few others share it— WITHDRAWN of a quorum. is that when it comes to campaign fi- I ask unanimous consent to withdraw The PRESIDING OFFICER. The nancing, we need to do something dra- amendment No. 3618, the subject of clerk will call the roll. matic, something that States have al- which was addressed by division II of The assistant legislative clerk pro- ready proven can make a significant Coburn amendment No. 3641. ceeded to call the roll. difference. I am talking about public fi- I also ask unanimous consent to Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask nancing. I didn’t come to this idea withdraw amendments numbered 3619, unanimous consent that the order for quickly. In fact, I didn’t like the idea 3714, and 3716. the quorum call be rescinded. when I was first elected. I thought it The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without was unconscionable that somehow we objection? objection, it is so ordered. would create a system of public financ- Without objection, it is so ordered. Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I will ing that would finance some of the Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, what take just a moment of the Senate’s strange and extreme candidates who is the pending business? time to thank a few people who worked appear from time to time. But I have AMENDMENT NO. 3855 hard to put together a colloquy. This is come to realize that unless and until The PRESIDING OFFICER. The a very important conversation between we make a significant change in the pending business is the second-degree three Senators that deals with the crit- way we finance campaigns, we are not amendment of the Senator from Dela- ical issue of the health of our soldiers going to restore the integrity of this ware to his first-degree amendment. who are coming back from combat. So institution and others. We are not Mr. COCHRAN. I think we are ready I will read this for the RECORD. going to restore the confidence of the to proceed to agree to that on a voice This colloquy is about a Comprehen- American people. vote. sive Casualty Care Center at the San It is dangerous to walk the streets The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there Diego Naval Medical Center, and this is around the Capitol because of all the is no further debate on that amend- the colloquy. It starts off with myself traffic, all the visitors. It is even more ment, the question is on agreeing to saying: dangerous during the course of the day the amendment. I would like to thank the Senator from as Members of the House and Senate The amendment (No. 3855) was agreed Alaska and the Senator from Hawaii for race to their party headquarter build- to. their outstanding leadership on this bill and ings to make fundraising telephone Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I move especially for their commitment to pro- to reconsider the vote. viding care for our Nation’s combat-wounded calls, which we have to do; it is the servicemembers. only way to raise the funds so that peo- Mrs. MURRAY. I move to lay that motion on the table. I understand that I have a commitment ple of modest means have a chance to from both Senators that they will work to The motion to lay on the table was compete in the campaign arena. It ensure that $6.2 million in funding is in- agreed to. takes more and more of our time and cluded in this bill for the establishment of a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The more time away from what we should Comprehensive Combat Casualty Care Cen- question is now on agreeing to the un- be doing on the floors of our respective ter at the San Diego Naval Medical Center. derlying amendment, as amended. This vitally important funding will ensure Chambers. Public financing is an ap- The amendment (No. 3717), as amend- that for the first time, combat-wounded propriate way to address that. If we did ed, was agreed to. servicemembers from the West Coast—who it on a comprehensive basis, we could Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I move have endured approximately 25 percent of all have genuine reform. to reconsider the vote. casualties—will be able to receive treatment Senator REID of Nevada has said that and recover from their wounds closer to Mrs. MURRAY. I move to lay that their home. is a worthy goal, campaign finance re- motion on the table. form, but let’s do it the right way, not Since many of the most severely wounded The motion to lay on the table was require months of treatment and rehabilita- have something parachuted into the agreed to. tion, this will alleviate significant hardship conference committee by House Repub- Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, we on our servicemembers and their families. licans as a poison pill to real ethics re- continue to make good progress. We No longer will they have to travel to Texas form. I will do everything I can to de- hope to complete action either this or to the East Coast for treatment. feat what is so-called ethics reform out evening or tomorrow on the bill. It This ‘‘West Coast Walter Reed’’ will be of the House that does little or nothing able to treat approximately 200 patients per could be, in consultation with the lead- year, including 160 nonamputee patients and to clean up our act on Capitol Hill and er, possible to complete action on the tries to inject a clearly political issue 40 to 50 amputee patients. While I lament bill today and have a vote on final pas- that even one more servicemember will be into this debate. We need to pass the sage tomorrow if we are going to go a wounded in combat, I look forward to open- kind of reform that will restore con- little late this evening, but we don’t ing the center and to working with the Navy fidence. Complicating it with campaign anticipate a late evening. We hope to to ensure that our servicemembers are af- finance reform is not the way to do it be able to adjourn at a reasonable forded the very best possible medical care. at this moment. hour. With the cooperation of Sen- That concludes my portion of this Let’s do it the right way. Let’s have ators, we can do that. colloquy. I have been working with the hearings, deadlines. Let’s create a bill. We have cloture, which has been in- Navy on this matter since they ex- I would like to join with other Sen- voked, which limits amendments for plained to us that so many of our west ators, perhaps from both sides of the consideration to germane amendments. coast families have to be trekked all aisle, to make sure public financing is We have entered into colloquies and we the way to the east coast for rehabili- part of the debate. think some of these amendments are tation for these very severe injuries. I yield the floor and suggest the ab- going to be withdrawn. We hope if Sen- The rehab is very intensive, and the sence of a quorum. ators have an intention of disposing of whole family really needs to be in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The their amendments, if they want a vote, cluded and involved in it. So now it is clerk will call the roll. now is a good time to come to the floor going to be so much easier for these ac- and make that request known. We can tive military from the State of Wash- The assistant legislative clerk pro- dispose of those amendments. ington, from the State of Oregon, and I ceeded to call the roll. We urge the cooperation of Senators, believe from Alaska, Hawaii, and even Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask and if we get to some point, we may some other States such as Nevada that unanimous consent that the order for offer amendments for Senators, if they are east of California, to be able to the quorum call be rescinded. are in order and pending and have not avail themselves of the best treatment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without yet been called up. As a matter of no- I believe the Navy has been so focused objection, it is so ordered. tice, we intend to press ahead and com- on this that their dreams are becoming Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, some plete action on the bill within a rea- a reality. They are going to serve the housekeeping items have been cleared sonable time. And we will, with the co- military from all the various branches on both sides. operation of all Senators. who get injured. It isn’t just for the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3953 Navy; it is for everyone who gets in- for grants to States based on their pro- This recovery would strike an ear- jured in a severe way and needs this ex- duction of certain types of crops, live- mark which provides $74.5 million in tended rehabilitation. stock, and dairy products, which were agricultural assistance for grants to So Senator STEVENS, at the end of not included in the administration’s States, based not on the hurricane my remarks, said: emergency supplemental request. damage, not on any emergency, but The Senator from California is correct. She Let me point out again a statement based on their production of ‘‘specialty has my commitment that I will work in con- of administration policy where it says: of crops, livestock and dairy products.’’ ference to ensure that these funds are pro- The administration is seriously concerned Why is this necessary? Have the hur- vided for the Comprehensive Combat Cas- at the overall funding level and the numer- ricanes wiped out the specialty crop in- ualty Care Center. ous unrequested items included in the Sen- dustry? What even is a specialty crop, Senator INOUYE then said: ate bill that are unrelated to the war or and why does it need $74.5 million of emergency hurricane relief needs. I too support the Senator’s request. She taxpayer funding? I hope that a spe- has my commitment that I will do my best Obviously, this and others have been cialty crop is a money tree because to ensure funding is included in conference. put into this bill in a very unaccept- that is what is going to be needed to I believe, after speaking with them— able fashion. It has been a longstanding pay for this bill. and I have spoken to Senators MURRAY policy in the Senate to prohibit the My colleagues may be interested to and COCHRAN about this—that this is practice of adding authorizing lan- know that the bill defines specialty something that just cries out for fund- guage to an appropriations bill. Never- crops as anything but wheat, ing because our people are hurting, and theless, this bill includes a massive feedgrains, oilseeds, cotton, rice or it doesn’t help them to be separated $3.94 billion agricultural assistance peanuts—anything but. Why do we ex- from their families and to have to program. None of this funding under clude those commodities from receiv- make the trek across the country to this agricultural title is included in the ing this funding? Is sugarcane made in- learn how to live with these very dis- administration’s supplemental request. eligible? Are my colleagues aware that Interestingly, this nearly $4 billion abling injuries. So we pray that the the USDA already has a specialty crop add-on, title III of the underlying bill— war will end soon. We pray that our block grant program which was author- remember, this is a $4 billion add-on— soldiers will be coming home soon. I received a one-paragraph mention in ized in 2004? Under the existing pro- myself am working to see that we can the entire committee report accom- gram, specialty crops are defined as begin redeploying troops immediately. panying the bill; one paragraph to de- fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried I think as the Iraqis move forward, scribe 31 pages of legislative language fruits, and nursery crops including flo- this is a year of major transition, and with a $4 billion price tag. riculture. The program is funded at $17 they need to prove that they want free- Let me read it for the benefit of my million for the current fiscal year, and dom as much as we want it for them. colleagues. it provides for $100,000 for each State They now have their government get- The committee recommends $3.944 billion that applies. Is there a problem with ting into place, and I would like to see for emergency agriculture disaster assist- that program that I am not aware of the end of these casualties. I know we ance. These funds will help farmers and that gives it just cause to providing it all feel that way. But we have to also ranchers in States affected by recent hurri- with an emergency supplemental ap- be realistic in that we have to serve canes, drought, flood, wildfire and other nat- propriation to the tune of more than those who are continuing to come back ural disasters recover from resulting produc- 1,000 percent above its annual appro- in great need of this kind of help. tion losses. These funds will also assist in priation? So, again, I hope all of my colleagues the removal of debris from watersheds in This bill provides $74.5 million that is order to minimize the threat of flooding on both sides of the aisle will support from future storm events. In addition, the to be used to award grants based on this effort. I look forward to working funds will provide economic assistance to ‘‘the share of each State’s total value with all of you so that we can tell the producers to compensate for high energy of specialty crop, livestock, and dairy Navy that their hopes and dreams for costs relating to agricultural production. production of the United States for the this Comprehensive Combat Casualty That last sentence is interesting. 2004 crop-year, multiplied by $74.5 mil- Care Center in San Diego at the Naval This will help farmers who have high lion. That means the more you Medical Center, will, in fact, be a re- energy costs related to agricultural produce, if your crops have not been ality. The $6 million we need is a very production. I wonder what we are doing hit by a natural disaster or flooding or small amount when you look at the for the airlines, the trains, the Amer- drought, the more money you get. That overall size and scope of this particular ican automobile owner, any other in- is the polar opposite of what the USDA bill. dustry in America. We aren’t doing disaster assistance programs are about. I yield the floor. anything for them in this emergency Doesn’t that fly in the face of what Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I sug- supplemental, but we are going to give an emergency supplemental is for? An gest the absence of a quorum. the farmers nearly $4 billion addi- emergency supplemental is supposed to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tional. be about addressing needs and not clerk will call the roll. I am all for helping the appropriate about providing rewards for produc- The assistant legislative clerk pro- farmers and other victims battered by tivity. More importantly, why is what ceeded to call the roll. hurricanes, but the agricultural assist- obviously is designed to be a nation- Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I sug- ance added in this bill is far more ex- wide agricultural funding assistance gest the absence of a quorum. pansive than merely offering to help program, a program not requested by The PRESIDING OFFICER. The areas hit by the 2005 hurricanes, and at the administration, singled out in the clerk will call the roll. least the limited report language statement of administration policy as The assistant legislative clerk pro- doesn’t hide that fact. As my col- objectionable, being included in a ceeded to call the roll. leagues know, the USDA currently has must-pass emergency spending bill Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask a range of disaster assistance pro- that is supposed to address the global unanimous consent the order for the grams, including crop insurance pro- war on terror and hurricane recovery? quorum call be rescinded. grams, that are already available. Yet My colleagues may be interested to The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. this bill is going to add nearly $4 bil- know that under this legislation, SUNUNU). Without objection, it is so or- lion on top of the existing programs. In States can use the grant to ‘‘promote dered. my view, the agricultural assistance the purchase, sale or consumption of AMENDMENT NO. 3616 funding is being used more as a vehicle agricultural products.’’ Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I call up to fill a voter wish list than it is to I am not making this up. I am not amendment No. 3616 and ask for its im- meet the urgent needs of the victims of making this up. Under this emergency mediate consideration. the 2005 hurricane season. Taxpayer supplemental bill, States can use the The PRESIDING OFFICER. That dollars are being allocated for agricul- grant to ‘‘promote the purchase, sale, amendment is now pending. tural subsidies and bailouts which in or consumption of agricultural prod- Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, this some cases have nothing to do with ucts.’’ Last week, I mentioned that amendment would strike $74.5 million hurricane recovery. Federal dollars had been used to paint

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3954 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 salmon on airplanes. Maybe that $74.5 They are sick and tired of seeing chards. We had a good many pecan or- million will be used to paint vegetables their children’s futures mortgaged by chards. And those who live in the rural on airplanes or maybe a pretty flower. this rampant, out-of-control spending. areas of our State traditionally depend Upon closer reading of the legislative I will vote against this bill. When the upon these crops to help sustain them. language, I notice that the bill actu- President vetoes it, which I am reason- We are talking about not the kind of ally creates a $100 million program for ably confident he will, I will vote to agriculture that produces millions of specialty crops. In addition to the $74.5 sustain his veto. dollars of income but small amounts of million that this amendment address- I believe that once the President ve- income to supplement family needs. es, it provides for $25.5 million to make toes this bill, the American people will Workers in the area can move from or- grants to ‘‘the several States, the Dis- strongly support that veto and that the chard to orchard volunteering to help trict of Columbia and the Common- American people will demand that we harvest these crops. wealth of Puerto Rico, to be used to bring some kind of sanity to this sys- I can remember as a young boy my support activities that promote agri- tem where, in the name of recovery grandparents who lived near Utica, MS, culture.’’ from hurricane damage, and in the would traditionally kind of let the I would like to repeat that for my name of funding the war in Iraq, we word go throughout the community colleagues: ‘‘$25.5 million to make spend billions—not millions, not hun- that they were going to be picking up grants to the several States, the Dis- dreds of millions but billions—on un- pecans on a certain day. And some of trict of Columbia. . . .’’ wanted and unnecessary products. the workers would come and pick up I admire and respect the District of I want to assure my colleagues that I pecans and in payment would get part Columbia enormously. I know of no ag- will support anything to help repair of the pecans. They would get a part of ricultural enterprise—well, maybe an the damage caused by the hurricanes. I the harvest. That was the payment. Money was short. illegal one, but I never knew of an agri- will do what is necessary to spend my We are not talking about wealthy cultural enterprise in the District of taxpayers’ dollars to fight and win the Columbia. But they are going to be eli- landowners. We are talking about sub- war in Iraq, which I still strongly be- sistence production in many cases gible for grants to be used to ‘‘support lieve is a noble cause, but I cannot go activities that promote agriculture.’’ which will qualify for the benefits back to my constituents in Arizona under this title. If this amendment is As I say, I am not making this up. and say that this is anything but a I hope the sponsors of the legislation approved, they won’t get anything. shameful exercise we are engaged in by will correct me if I am wrong. I would These funds are going to the States taking their tax dollars in the name of like to be corrected if I am wrong. I am so that at the local level a determina- an emergency and spending them on confident they will. But it appears that tion can be made as to the amount of those projects, many of which we have with respect to the $25.5 million fund- compensation and support those who ing, the bill provides that all 50 States discussed and debated at some length. are disaster victims in these areas of I ask for the yeas and nays on this will each receive $500,000 of that agriculture are entitled to receive. amendment. money, while Puerto Rico and the Dis- I am hopeful the Senate will reject The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a trict of Columbia each will receive this amendment. I just spoke to two sufficient second? $250,000. What specialty crops are parts of it—orchards and the pecan There is a sufficient second. grown in the District of Columbia? trees—because from my personal expe- The yeas and nays were ordered. What specialty crops are grown here? rience I know a little bit about that. Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I yield But driving through my State after What kind of campaign should we ex- the floor. these disasters, I can testify to the pect? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The funding is not needed. It should widespread damage to orchards, to pine ator from Mississippi is recognized. be noted that, according to OMB, ‘‘In forests on which people depend for Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, there their livelihood. 2005, many crops had record or near are some Senators who are in a meet- In that part of the State where the record production, and the U.S. farm ing with the Secretary of Defense and storm’s destruction was the greatest, sector cash receipts were second high- the Secretary of State. We are not there is very little of the traditional est ever.’’ Can an unrequested $74.4 large cotton plantation areas. That is million grant program truly be sold as going to go to a vote right now because of that conflict with some Senators. not that part of the State. That would an urgent emergency spending needed be up in the mid to northern part of at this time? I know my colleagues But we have an opportunity for those who want to speak on this amendment the State along the Mississippi Delta. have the highest hopes for the success That is where the heavy production of and safety of our troops and for the or any other pending amendment that has not been adequately discussed at cotton is. It may be up in the prairie speedy recovery of the hurricane-rav- area of northeast Mississippi and north aged gulf. But when the American peo- this point. Let me say with regard to the central Mississippi. ple hear of these special interest riders, Where this storm’s destruction was they are going to question their prior- amendment of the Senator from Ari- zona that I can remember in my State the heaviest, there are a lot of people ities, and rightly so. who lost pecan orchards, trees, or Again, I would like to refer to this time and time again when we have had severe weather disasters; wet-weather- peach orchards. poll. A 39-percent plurality of Ameri- Dairy farms were seriously damaged, related disasters. The pecan growers, in cans, in a poll the day before yester- and dairy is included in this part of the particular, would inevitably have a dif- day, say the single most important title. Beef cattle production and those ficult time making a case for the losses thing for Congress to accomplish this things that are grown to sustain those they sustained when Federal disasters year is curtailing budgetary earmarks herds of cattle and to feed them were have been declared and eligibility for benefiting only certain constituents. damaged severely. This amendment certainly fits that Federal assistance had been promised I am hopeful the Senate will under- concern that Americans have. because it is not the kind of program stand that this is not something that I was going to come back and talk crop, so-called, such as cotton, rice, the committee made up, either. I am before we voted on this bill. I am sure wheat, corn, that are traditionally sup- not making this up. These are the facts this amendment will be voted down, ported by Federal programs. as I saw them and that I can say to the again, because others have that are It almost takes someone at the local Senate justify the inclusion of these similarly outrageous. But I want to level who understands yield, produc- funds in this bill. say, we are sending a very bad message tion, and how records are kept where I urge the Senate to reject the to the American people. I saw recent the State governments are much better amendment. polls showing our approval rating at situated in those States to have knowl- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- around 22 percent. I am glad to see that edge and understanding of the crops ator from Washington. there are now some candidates who are and of the values of trees and the crops Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise running for office against pork barrel they produce. Peaches is another exam- to join the chairman of the Appropria- projects and earmarks and museums, ple. In my part of Mississippi where I tions Committee to oppose the amend- taking that out of highway funds. grew up, we had a good many peach or- ment that has just been offered. Our

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3955 specialty crop producers are confronted AMENDMENT NO. 3728 and construction flaws, taking into consider- with a number of challenges that Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I ask ation the settling of levees and floodwalls or threaten their viability and in some unanimous consent that the pending subsidence; and cases their ability to survive. It is no business be temporarily set aside and (2) the portion of that depreciation that is attributable to the application of new storm secret that my State of Washington is that we call up amendment No. 3728 for datum that may require a higher level of a major specialty crop State. We, in consideration, which has been ruled vertical protection in order to comply with fact, rank No. 1 in the Nation in the germane. 100-year floodplain certification and stand- production of a number of specialty The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ard protect hurricane. crops—from apples to pears to cherries objection? Without objection, it is so (e) The amounts provided under this head- to raspberries to concord grapes, just ordered. ing are designated as an emergency require- to name a few of them, with 250 other The clerk will report. ment pursuant to section 402 of H. Con. Res. The legislative clerk read as follows: 95 (109th Congress), the concurrent resolu- fruits and vegetables produced in tion on the budget for fiscal year 2006. The Senator from Louisiana [Mr. VITTER], Washington State. The specialty crop AMENDMENT NO. 3728, AS MODIFIED industry represents a large segment of for himself, and Ms. LANDRIEU, proposes an amendment numbered 3728. Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I ask the agricultural commodities which unanimous consent that the amend- serve the economic backbone of my Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I ask ment be modified according to the State and many others. unanimous consent that reading of the technical modifications which I have Unlike row crops such as corn, soy- amendment be dispensed with. presented to the desk. These modifica- beans, cotton, there is virtually no sup- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tions do not change the scope of the port by the USDA for these fruits, and objection, it is so ordered. amendment. vegetable producers do not have access The amendment is as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there to crop insurance for their crops. Spe- (Purpose: To provide for flood prevention in objection? Without objection, it is so cialty crop producers have been hurt as the State of Louisiana, with an offset) ordered. the chairman of the committee enun- On page 165, line 19, strike ‘‘$10,600,000,000’’ The amendment (No. 3728), as modi- ciated. and insert ‘‘$10,400,000,000’’. fied, is as follows: On page 168, between lines 8 and 9, insert There has been a lot more—from fires (Purpose: To provide for flood prevention in the following: and droughts, hailstorms, and wind. the State of Louisiana, with an offset) Our fruit and vegetable producers have FLOOD PROTECTION, LOUISIANA At the appropriate place, insert the fol- faced some major challenges during the SEC. 2054. (a) There shall be made available lowing: $200,000,000 for the Secretary of the Army FLOOD CONTROL AND COASTAL EMERGENCIES last two years. These same industries (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Sec- For an additional amount for ‘‘Flood Con- have been very hurt—and in some cases retary’’) to provide, at full Federal expense— trol and Coastal Emergencies’’, as authorized decimated—by the inflow of specialty (1) pumping capacity and other measures crops from overseas, as well as a lack by section 5 of the Act of August 18, 1941 (33 required to prevent flooding associated with U.S.C. 701n), for necessary expenses relating of access to labor and pests and dis- modifications to outfall canals in Jefferson to the consequences of Hurricane Katrina eases. and Orleans Parishes, Louisiana; and other hurricanes of the 2005 season, I believe there is a need to make the (2) repairs, replacements, modifications, $3,299,000,000, to remain available until ex- commitment to help growers in all of and improvements of non-Federal levees and pended: Provided, That the Secretary of the associated protection measures— Army is directed to use the funds appro- our States and provide them with the (A) in areas of Terrebonne Parish, and of assistance they desperately need. priated under this heading to modify, at full Jefferson Parish in the vicinity of Jean La- Federal expense, authorized projects in Many Americans don’t realize that fitte; and southeast Louisiana to provide hurricane specialty crops represent 51 percent of (B) on the east bank of the Mississippi and storm damage reduction and flood dam- all farm cash receipts in the United River in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana; and age reduction in the greater New Orleans and States. That is more than $41 billion in (3) for armoring the hurricane and storm surrounding areas; of the funds appropriated annual farm value. damage reduction system in south Lou- under this heading, $200,000,000 shall be used isiana. for section 2401; $530,000,000 shall be used to Although our fruit and vegetable in- (b) A project under this section shall be dustry is large, it is not larger than modify the 17th Street, Orleans Avenue, and initiated only after non-Federal interests London Avenue drainage canals and install other commodities. They have access have entered into binding agreements with pumps and closure structures at or near the to relatively little of the overall agri- the Secretary to pay 100 percent of the oper- lakefront; $250,000,000 shall be used for cultural disaster programs. ation and maintenance costs of the project storm-proofing interior pump stations to en- The section 32 grants to States to and to hold and save the United States free sure the operability of the stations during help specialty crops will help our fruit from damages due to the construction or op- hurricanes, storms, and high water events; eration and maintenance of the project, ex- $170,000,000 shall be used for armoring crit- and vegetable producers survive these cept for damages due to the fault or neg- difficult conditions. Whether this is ical elements of the New Orleans hurricane ligence of the United States or its contrac- and storm damage reduction system; supporting research which is impor- tors. $350,000,000 shall be used to improve protec- tant, or promotion or marketing that (c) The Secretary shall submit to Congress tion at the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal; is critical, these funds will help our a report detailing a modified plan to protect $215,000,000 shall be used to replace or modify fruit and vegetable farmers in business lower Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, from certain non-Federal levees in Plaquemines in every single State. damage attributable to hurricanes with a Parish to incorporate the levees into the ex- I think everyone in the Senate knows focus on— isting New Orleans to Venice hurricane pro- (1) protecting populated areas; tection project; and $1,584,000,000 shall be that the United States should produce (2) energy infrastructure; used for reinforcing or replacing flood walls, as much domestic food product as it (3) structural and nonstructural coastal as necessary, in the existing Lake Pont- can. And the $75 million that is tar- barriers and protection; chartrain and vicinity project and the exist- geted by this McCain amendment to (4) port facilities; and ing West Bank and vicinity project to im- help keep our fruit and vegetable pro- (5) the long-term maintenance and protec- prove the performance of the systems: Pro- ducers in business is simply a modest tion of the deep draft navigation channel on vided further, That any project using funds investment, and it is a commitment to the Mississippi River. appropriated under this heading shall be ini- (d) Not later than 30 days after the date of keep our farmers in business in very tiated only after non-Federal interests have enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall entered into binding agreements with the difficult and challenging times. offer to enter into a contract with the Na- Secretary to pay 100 percent of the oper- I urge my colleagues to make the tional Academies to provide to the Secretary ation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and commitment to support the specialty a report, by not later than 90 days after the rehabilitation costs of the project and to crop farms and the farmers and the date of enactment of this Act, describing, for hold and save the United States free from families who depend on it, and I urge the period beginning on the date on which damages due to the construction or oper- them to vote against the McCain the individual system components for hurri- ation and maintenance of the project, except amendment. cane and storm damage reduction was con- for damages due to the fault or negligence of structed and ending on the date on which the the United States or its contractors: Pro- I yield the floor. report is prepared, the difference between— vided further, That the amount provided The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- (1) the portion of the vertical depreciation under this heading is designated as an emer- ator from Louisiana. of the system that is attributable to design gency requirement pursuant to section 402 of

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H. Con. Res. 95 (109th Congress), the concur- (2) the portion of that depreciation that is FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY rent resolution on the budget for fiscal year attributable to the application of new storm ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGIONAL OPERATIONS 2006. data that may require a higher level of For an additional amount for ‘‘Administra- For an additional amount for ‘‘Flood Con- vertical protection in order to comply with tive and Regional Operations’’ for necessary trol and Coastal Emergencies’’, as authorized 100-year floodplain certification and stand- by section 5 of the Act of August 18, 1941 (33 expenses related to the consequences of Hur- ard protect hurricane. ricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the U.S.C. 701n), for necessary expenses relating (e) The amounts provided under this head- to those hurricanes and other disasters, 2005 season, $71,800,000, to remain available ing are designated as an emergency require- until expended: Provided, That the amount $17,500,000, to remain available until ex- ment pursuant to section 402 of H. Con. Res. pended: Provided, That the amount provided provided under this heading is designated as 95 (109th Congress), the concurrent resolu- an emergency requirement pursuant to sec- under this heading is designated as an emer- tion on the budget for fiscal year 2006. gency requirement pursuant to section 402 of tion 402 of H. Con. Res. 95 (109th Congress), H. Con. Res. 95 (109th Congress), the concur- CHAPTER 5 the concurrent resolution on the budget for rent resolution on the budget for fiscal year DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY fiscal year 2006. 2006: Provided further, That the Secretary, CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION PREPAREDNESS, MITIGATION, RESPONSE, AND acting through the Chief of Engineers, is di- RECOVERY SALARIES AND EXPENSES rected to use funds appropriated under this For an additional amount for ‘‘Prepared- For an additional amount for ‘‘Salaries heading for the restoration of funds for hur- ness, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery’’ and Expenses’’ for necessary expenses related ricane-damaged projects in the State of for necessary expenses related to the con- to the consequences of Hurricane Katrina Pennsylvania: Provided further, That the sequences of Hurricane Katrina and other and other hurricanes of the 2005 season, amount shall be available for the projects hurricanes of the 2005 season, $10,000,000, to $12,900,000: Provided, That the amount pro- identified above and only to the extent that remain available until expended: Provided, vided under this heading is designated as an an official budget request for a specific dol- That the amount provided under this head- emergency requirement pursuant to section lar amount, including a designation of the ing is designated as an emergency require- 402 of H. Con. Res. 95 (109th Congress), the entire amount of the request as an emer- ment pursuant to section 402 of H. Con. Res. concurrent resolution on the budget for fis- gency requirement, is transmitted by the 95 (109th Congress), the concurrent resolu- cal year 2006. President to Congress. tion on the budget for fiscal year 2006. CONSTRUCTION GENERAL PROVISIONS—THIS CHAPTER DISASTER RELIEF FLOOD PROTECTION, LOUISIANA For an additional amount for ‘‘Construc- For an additional amount for ‘‘Disaster SEC. 2401.(a) There shall be made available tion’’ for necessary expenses related to the Relief’’ for necessary expenses under the $200,000,000 for the Secretary of the Army consequences of Hurricane Katrina and other Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer- (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Sec- hurricanes of the 2005 season, $4,800,000, to gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), retary’’) to provide, at full Federal expense— remain available until expended: Provided, $10,400,000,000, to remain available until ex- (1) removal of the existing pumping sta- That the amount provided under this head- pended: Provided, That the amount provided tions on the 3 interior drainage canals in Jef- ing is designated as an emergency require- under this heading is designated as an emer- ferson and Orleans Parishes and realignment ment pursuant to section 402 of H. Con. Res. gency requirement pursuant to section 402 of of the drainage canals to direct interior 95 (109th Congress), the concurrent resolu- H. Con. Res. 95 (109th Congress), the concur- flows to the new permanent pump stations to tion on the budget for fiscal year 2006. rent resolution on the budget for fiscal year be constructed at Lake Pontchartrain; UNITED STATES COAST GUARD 2006. (2) repairs, replacements, modifications, OPERATING EXPENSES and improvements of non-Federal levees and Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I spoke associated protection measures— (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) to this amendment yesterday. I will (A) in areas of Terrebonne Parish; and For an additional amount for ‘‘Operating not speak to it again. I will simply un- (B) on the east bank of the Mississippi Expenses’’ for necessary expenses related to derscore several things. River in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana; and the consequences of Hurricane Katrina and First of all, Senator LANDRIEU joins (3) for armoring the hurricane and storm other hurricanes of the 2005 season, me in presenting this amendment damage reduction system in south Lou- $90,570,900, to remain available until Sep- which goes to the essential levee and isiana. tember 30, 2007, of which up to $267,000 may hurricane protection needs of the (b) A project under this section shall be be transferred to ‘‘Environmental Compli- initiated only after non-Federal interests ance and Restoration’’ to be used for envi- greater New Orleans area. have entered into binding agreements with ronmental cleanup and restoration of Coast Second, the entire amendment is off- the Secretary to pay 100 percent of the oper- Guard facilities in the Gulf of Mexico region; set. So this amendment does not in- ation and maintenance costs of the project and of which up to $470,000 may be trans- crease the spending in the bill by any and to hold and save the United States free ferred to ‘‘Research, Development, Test and amount—not one single penny. from damages due to the construction or op- Evaluation’’ to be used for salvage and repair Third, we believe this amendment is eration and maintenance of the project, ex- of research and development equipment and very important to make sure that cept for damages due to the fault or neg- facilities: Provided, That the amounts pro- there are adequate funds for the essen- ligence of the United States or its contrac- vided under this heading are designated as tial levee hurricane protection work tors. an emergency requirement pursuant to sec- (c) The Secretary shall submit to Congress tion 402 of H. Con. Res. 95 (109th Congress), which is at the heart of this bill. a report detailing a modified plan to protect the concurrent resolution on the budget for We have many debates about what is lower Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, from fiscal year 2006. at the periphery, but this type of work damage attributable to hurricanes with a ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, AND is at the heart of this bill, and, of focus on— IMPROVEMENTS course, the President and his leader- (1) protecting populated areas; ship have made that clear. (2) energy infrastructure; For an additional amount for ‘‘Acquisition, (3) structural and nonstructural coastal Construction, and Improvements’’ for nec- Again, I went into the details of this barriers and protection; essary expenses related to the consequences amendment yesterday. I won’t go into (4) port facilities; and of Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of them again. But I certainly hope in (5) the long-term maintenance and protec- the 2005 season, $191,844,000, to remain avail- light of the fact that this amendment tion of the deep draft navigation channel on able until expended: Provided, That such does not increase the cost of the bill, the Mississippi River. amounts shall be available for major repair the Senate can come together and sup- and reconstruction projects for facilities (d) Not later than 30 days after the date of port Senator LANDRIEU and myself in enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall that were damaged and for damage to vessels offer to enter into a contract with the Na- currently under construction, for the re- passing this very important amend- tional Academies to provide to the Secretary placement of damaged equipment, and for ment to ensure that the vital work a report, by not later than 90 days after the the reimbursement of delay, loss of effi- going on right now building up to the date of enactment of this Act, describing, for ciency, disruption, and related costs: Pro- next hurricane season which starts in the period beginning on the date on which vided further, That amounts provided are also June can be done, and that all nec- the individual system components for hurri- for equitable adjustments and provisional essary moneys are there for all those cane and storm damage reduction was con- payments to contracts for Coast Guard ves- important categories of work. structed and ending on the date on which the sels for which funds have been previously ap- I believe my colleague from Lou- report is prepared, the difference between— propriated: Provided further, That the (1) the portion of the vertical depreciation amount provided under this heading is des- isiana would like to say a few words in of the system that is attributable to design ignated as an emergency requirement pursu- support. and construction flaws, taking into consider- ant to section 402 of H. Con. Res. 95 (109th I yield the floor. ation the settling of levees and floodwalls or Congress), the concurrent resolution on the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- subsidence; and budget for fiscal year 2006. ator from Louisiana is recognized.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3957 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I Having said all of that, I don’t want affirms that the United States will not thank my colleague from Louisiana. It to slow down the Senate’s consider- seek to establish permanent military has been a pleasure to work with him, ation of legislation, but I hope we bases in Iraq and has no intention of and of course the leadership of the would not proceed to a vote on either attempting to control Iraqi oil. committee. the McCain amendment at this time or I know that is self-evident. We all As the Senator has pointed out, it the Vitter amendment. We can wait know that. We know that is not our in- does not add any money to the under- until a little later. We will be on the tention. The fact is, it is urban legend lying bill, but it makes clear that there bill for the balance of the afternoon. in Iraq, and our enemies in Iraq are are four additional projects that are We hope to complete action on the bill using it as a rationale for continued very crucial to the comprehensive re- at least by tomorrow morning. We ap- opposition to the United States of pairs that are going on in the greater preciate the cooperation of all Sen- America. metropolitan area that simply need to ators and particularly those who are The Senate Appropriations Com- be included. That is really the essence helping identify things that need to be mittee, in its report on the bill we are of this amendment. addressed in this bill because of the considering, noted: It does not add any money to the bill. devastating disasters that occurred in It’s the current policy of the United States It does not authorize anything outside the southeast and the gulf coast re- to establish no permanent military bases in the scope. It has been ruled germane. gion. They need the money now. We are Iraq. I again want to not only thank him not trying to slow down the action on I commend the committee for this for his good work but also acknowledge the bill. We will not do that. important finding. It is an important the leadership of the administration I thank the Senators from Louisiana message, as I said, to say not only to which has in the past few weeks come for understanding and hope they will the Iraqis but the whole world. The ad- forward in terms of stepping up their not push for a vote right now. ministration policy has been less clear leadership on this levee repair and how The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- thus far, so hopefully it will be useful crucial it is to our area. ator from Louisiana. to the administration. I commend the administration for Mr. VITTER. If I could respond to I am sure the American Ambassador their support of the underlying bill the suggestions of the distinguished to Iraq understands the importance of which is very substantial. chairman through the Chair, I have no the issue. In March he told Iraqi tele- I yield the floor. vision stations that the United States Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, in clos- objection to scheduling this vote later has ‘‘no goal in establishing permanent ing, I would also say that this amend- in the day. I have been in a lot of con- bases in Iraq.’’ But, unfortunately, the ment has been cleared by the majority tact with the authorizing committee, Ambassador’s statement has been and minority managers of the bill. its leadership and its staff. I will con- With that, I ask for a rollcall vote. tinue to be in contact with them about clouded by mixed messages from senior The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. MAR- issues contained in this amendment. I administration officials in Washington. To my knowledge, the President has TINEZ). The yeas and nays are re- have no objection to proceeding to a quested. vote later in the day. never explicitly stated that we will not Is there a sufficient second? I do wish to restate my call for a roll- establish permanent bases in Iraq. There appears not to be a sufficient call vote. I would be perfectly ame- On February 17, 2005, Secretary second. nable to any unanimous consent order Rumsfeld told the Committee on Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I rise to schedule the vote later in the day as Armed Services: to simply advise the Senator that I am long as that vote is assured. We have no intention, at the present time, told by staff that the authorizing com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The yeas of putting permanent bases in Iraq. mittee has some concerns with the and nays have been requested. ‘‘At the present time’’ caused a stir. amendment and would oppose pro- Is there a sufficient second? According to a recent survey, 88 per- ceeding to a vote on the amendment at There appears not to be a sufficient cent of Sunni Arabs in Iraq approve of this time without the opportunity of second. attacks on American forces in part be- discussing it with other Senators. The senior Senator from Louisiana. cause they are convinced that the Sec- That is the reason I didn’t raise my Ms. LANDRIEU. I suggest to my col- retary’s statement means that we do hand to authorize the yeas and nays. I league—and the chairman has been so have eventually a desire to have a per- have no objection to the yeas and nays helpful on all of the amendments— manent base in Iraq. being ordered, but I didn’t want us to would it be possible through the Chair On February 15, 2006, at the Senate proceed to a vote without the benefit of to request a specific time, or would the Foreign Relations Committee hearing, the advice and counsel of the legisla- recommendation be to set this aside my friend, the Senator from Massachu- tive committee that sent word they and come back to it at a later time? We setts, asked Secretary Rice: have some concerns about the amend- have been working for quite some time Is it, in fact, the policy of the administra- ment. I don’t know what the concerns on this. Would the Chair wish to set a tion not to have permanent bases in Iraq? are. time or should we think about setting Rather than answering the simple As I reminded the Senate a moment it aside and coming back at a later one word, ‘‘Yes,’’ Secretary Rice said ago, there is a meeting with the Sec- date? We do not want to disrupt the during a 400-word exchange on the retary of Defense and Secretary of proceedings taking place, as the Sen- question: State. Some Senators are at that meet- ator outlined. I don’t want to in this forum try to preju- ing and I don’t want to unnecessarily Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I suggest dice everything that might happen way into infringe on their interests by having a the absence of a quorum. the future. recorded vote as they are meeting on The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Not a very reassuring message to our subjects of this legislation. This is a clerk will call the roll. friends in Iraq. These mixed messages bill that funds the Department of De- The legislative clerk proceeded to are confusing also to the American fense and the Department of State with call the roll. people. supplemental appropriations to help Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I ask But here is the most troubling thing. pay for ongoing activities in the Mid- unanimous consent that the order for They make it more dangerous for our dle East. This is a very important sub- the quorum call be rescinded. armed services, our men and women in ject for Senators to understand at this The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Iraq on the ground. General George particular time. objection, it is so ordered. Casey, the ground force commander in I am sympathetic to their situation Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I under- Iraq, told the Committee on Armed and think they should be able to ques- stand the chairman and the ranking Services last September: tion the Secretaries about the use of member have already accepted my Increased coalition presence feeds funds in this bill and the general situa- amendment. I will speak to it very the notion of occupation. tion in the area where we are fighting briefly. According to an opinion poll con- the war on terror and trying to protect The amendment they have accepted ducted by a the Program on Inter- the security interests of our country. is straightforward, clear, and simple. It national Policy Attitudes from the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3958 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 University of Maryland in January our intentions and growing increas- has five parts. I came to those conclu- 2006, 80 percent of the Iraqis believe we ingly impatient. I have no illusions sions based upon the following assess- do have plans to establish permanent that a single amendment will somehow ment: Nothing I propose is in any way military bases. And an astounding 92 change the dynamics of events on the contradictory to the existing Iraqi percent of the Sunni Arabs believe this ground, but I believe we have a duty to Constitution. Let me remind all my to be true. proclaim and demonstrate through our colleagues that the Iraqi Constitution, These widespread suspicions con- deeds that we have no intention what- voted on last year by the Iraqi people, tribute to the violence against Amer- ever of either maintaining permanent calls for the establishment—after a ican military personnel in Iraq, in my Iraqi military bases or controlling general election, which took place on view. Why do Iraqis believe we want Iraqi oil. December 15—of an Iraqi Government. permanent bases? Why do they think If I may, I suggest what I proposed Once the Iraqi Government is estab- we should subject ourselves to the this past weekend, a third way on deal- lished—and it must be established, enormous ongoing costs in Iraq? Do ing with Iraq. Right now, we have basi- now, by May 20—the Parliament will they think we want their sand? No, I cally two alternatives. The administra- meet. The Iraqi Parliament will meet, think they think we want their oil. tion has a plan as to how not to lose and they will appoint a committee to According to a 2004 Pew Charitable but not one on how to win. Some of my make recommendations on amend- Trust international survey on the friends in both parties believe the an- ments to the Constitution. American invasion of Iraq, all four swer is to figure out how quickly we This process was made available be- Muslim states surveyed, including Tur- can pull out our forces. I want our cause of the hard work of our Ambas- key, Pakistan, Jordan, and Morocco, forces out, but I also want to leave be- sador to Iraq. When they voted on the expressed overwhelming suspicion hind a stable Iraq so we need not go Constitution, you may remember, at about the stated reasons for America’s back in again. the last minute, to save the deal, Zal invasion of Iraq. Majorities in each of Toward that end, I laid out a pro- was able to go out and get the fol- the countries believe that control of posal. I want to make absolutely clear lowing caveat put into their Constitu- Mideast oil was an important factor in what it is not. It is not a proposal to tion: that it was still able to be amend- our invasion. partition Iraq. As a matter of fact, I re- ed, particularly as it related to region- If you believe, as I do, that we need spectfully suggest that the proposal I alism. a regional strategy in Iraq to tackle have laid out, and signed on by Les For the Sunnis feared, above all, that growing sectarianism, allaying these Gelb and others, is, in fact, the only you would have these two autonomous suspicions is critical. It is critical to way to avoid the partitioning of Iraq. provinces with all the oil—north and winning the battle for the hearts and My fellow colleagues, we have gone south—and they would be left without minds of 1.2 billion Muslims in the from the major threat in Iraq being the any resources in the middle and at the world. insurgency to the major threat in Iraq mercy of those two regions. That is Those who have been to Iraq, as I being sectarian violence and a civil why the present Constitution in Iraq have—and I know the men and women war. If you read the major press on calls for the possibility of amendment. in the Senate have—everyone here Sunday, both the Washington Post and And the amendments the administra- knows these rumors to be unfounded, the New York Times have articles from tion has been calling for, I have been to be untrue. It is not our intention to well-respected reporters on the ground calling for, and everyone else, are amendments designed to get further control their oil. It also is not who we in Iraq saying that the nation is dan- Sunni buy-in. For everyone knows, un- are. gerously careening toward partition. However, that is not what the people My proposal is designed to avoid par- less the Sunnis buy in, the insurgency of the Muslim world think. Before we titioning. I believe, in order to be able will not stop. If the insurgency is not quickly dismiss these fears as ludi- to keep Iraq together and as a united quelled, continued sectarian violence crous, remember what the Iraqis have government 5 years from now, we must will erupt. And already the genie is out of the bottle. been through in three decades: Three give them breathing room now— What has happened now is sectarian wars and a tyrannical regime that breathing room now. The fact of the violence and ethnic cleansing is becom- turned paranoia into a way of life, matter is, there is no plan on the ad- ing a part of the political process in turned neighbor against neighbor, ministration’s radar or anyone else’s, Iraq. In order to be able to stem that, friend against friend, brother against for that matter, to deal with dis- there is a necessity, in my view, to get brother. banding the militia or integrating the Sunni buy-in. And remember the longer history of militia into the Iraqi military. Everything has changed on the Iraq in the region which is ingrained in And, right now, a unity govern- ground since my first trip to Iraq, right the Iraqi psyche: 400 years of British ment—which is a necessary pre- after Saddam’s statue fell, with DICK and Ottoman occupation have, to put it condition for what I am talking LUGAR and with our colleague from Ne- mildly, led to certain suspicions about about—a unity government, without a braska, CHUCK HAGEL. foreign presence. plan as to how to keep the Sunnis in At that time, the Sunni former As CENTCOM Commander GEN John the game, is one that is destined for Baathist insurgents believed, if they Abizaid testified before the Committee failure. resisted, they could drive America out, on Armed Services last September: We have had two unity governments and they could once again take control We must make clear to the people of the already, and they have gotten us, quite of the central government. They be- region we have no designs on their territory frankly, nowhere. What makes anyone lieved that Sunni domination, as ex- or resources. think because you no longer have isted the previous decades, was again The amendment of mine that has Ibrahim al-Jaafari, who was disliked by achievable. been accepted will have no detrimental the rest of non-Shiite Iraq, as prime The Shia thought there was no possi- effect on the military operations of our minister that somehow the Sunnis are bility of them being able to dominate Armed Forces in Iraq or their ability going to embrace a highly centralized militarily, and they would have to be to provide security for Iraqi oil infra- Government, politically controlled by able to do that politically. structure. the Shia, and without any Sunni access And the Kurds saw themselves as a The U.N. Council Resolution 1546 rec- to resources, and nothing being done semiautonomous region not caring ognizes that the American and coali- about the death squads and the militia much about anything else that hap- tion forces are present in Iraq at the coming out of the Sadr camp and the pened as long as they maintained their invitation of the Iraqi Government and Badr brigade, which has been trained, autonomy. that their operations are essential to in part, by the Iranians? They are not What has happened in the last couple Iraq’s political, economic, and social likely to sign on. years? Well, what has happened in the well-being. So the proposal I have laid out, last several months, when the mosque We are anxious for the day when which I will not bore my colleagues was blown up in the Shia area, it un- Iraqis can take control of their own with in detail, but I will submit for the leashed—it unleashed—sectarian vio- destiny, but the Iraqis are suspicious of RECORD, the proposal I have laid out lence. It unleashed it in a way that the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3959 brigades of the existing militia began years to have our Philadelphia mo- surgents. They know there is nothing to wreak vengeance and havoc. ment. It took us 13 years. they are going to be able to do in the Every day you pick up the paper, Let me go back to Bosnia and con- foreseeable future to keep their what do you read about in Baghdad? tinue that analogy. The Dayton Ac- mosques, the oil wells, and infrastruc- You read about 2, 12, 14, 50 Sunnis cords called for the establishment of a ture from being blown up. found bound and gagged and shot in the place called the Republika Srpska. Re- The Kurds. What has happened in the head. You read of death squads. member, Serbians within Bosnia- last 3 months with the Kurds? The On this floor, a year and a half ago, Herzegovina had their own republic, Kurds value, above all else, their au- I warned that the police department in were allowed to keep their army, al- tonomy. They really want independ- Iraq was not being organized and was lowed to keep their military, and three ence, but they value their autonomy. essentially becoming a group of death Presidents were elected under the Con- Why would they be part of this deal to squad people, dominated by the sec- stitution—a Serbian President, a give up part of the revenues to guar- tarian groups. Bosniak President, and a Croat Presi- antee the Sunnis have revenues? A sim- What has our military told us now? dent. That was necessary to keep this ple reason, folks: They have now de- They told us just that, just that. And place from splitting and splintering. cided there is no possibility of them oc- what has happened now is our chief There was no possibility you would get cupying Kirkuk and being independent military guy on the ground, General them all on the same page, in the same in a country that blows apart. Why? Casey, says we have to radically reform box, after the ethnic cleansing that had The Turks will take them out. The the police. And he calls 2006: the year taken place. Turks will take them out. The of the police. The year of the police—a What is happening now in Bosnia- Turkoman, the Syrians, and others tacit acknowledgment they have been Herzegovina? Now they are rewriting who live in Kirkuk—the Turks will not a vehicle of dividing Iraq in sectarian their Constitution. The Republika allow the Kurds in Iraq to essentially ways rather than one of uniting Iraq. Srpska is ready to give up their status, have an independent state if a civil war Read today’s papers—the New York give up their military, as well as move breaks out. Times, the Washington Post, the LA from three Presidents to one. Why? So they have all figured it out. But Times. What are you reading? You are They want to become part of Europe. they do not know quite how to fix it. reading now that members of the Iraqi They want to become part of Europe You may say: Biden, isn’t it presump- Army are refusing to be deployed out- and benefit economically. That is why tuous for you to tell them how to fix side the areas from which they come. we needed to give them breathing it? The election on December 15—and I room. Quite frankly, every move forward of came to this floor afterward—it was My proposal does not do a single late has been from an American initia- heralded as this great democratic thing that the existing Constitution tive. movement. What was it? Ninety per- does not contemplate in Iraq. And my Well, I heard the White House criti- cent of the Iraqis who voted on Decem- proposal requires—requires—as a pre- cize my plan, saying we ought to let ber 15 for a new Iraq voted for sec- condition the establishment of the very the Iraqis do it. Well, how do they ex- tarian or ethnic parties. If you look at government that is being established plain the fact that the President of the the results, it was a call for, effec- right now. But it goes beyond that. As United States got on the phone and tively, the thing we do not want—divi- our Ambassador said to us, down at the told the Iraqis: ‘‘Jaafari is out’’? How sion and partition. That is what it was. White House, in the teleconference do they explain the fact of noninter- Only 10 percent of the votes cast in with the President and about six Sen- ference with the Secretary of State, Iraq on December 15 were for non- ators and the members of the war Cabi- the Secretary of Defense getting on a sectarian, nonethnic parties or can- net of the President—he said: Mr. plane and going over to Iraq and say- didates. President—I am paraphrasing—we first ing: ‘‘Jaafari is out’’? So much for this notion that there is have to establish this government. Do you call that meddling? I call it this nonsectarian oasis that exists in Then we need a program. The govern- meddling, but a rational meddling, a Iraq that we can now drink from in ment needs a program. rational meddling for their own well- order to unite Iraq. Essentially, what my proposal calls being and, long term, ours. So I say to my colleagues, the pro- for are the outlines of a program, a And I might add, who was it that in- posal I have come forward with is, I be- program whereby the Sunnis are guar- sisted that the Constitution, that was lieve, the only reasonable way in which anteed a piece of the economic pie. clearly going to be voted on over- to guarantee there is not a division of Now, people would say: Joe, why? whelmingly, be amended at the last Iraq, that there is not partitioning. My And I have run this by at least a half minute to allow further amendment? proposal calls for a strong central gov- a dozen Iraqi leaders in Iraq—Sunni, Our Ambassador? He did it. Why? It ernment controlling all of the reve- Shia, and Kurds—and it ranges from made sense in order to get the Sunnis nues, all the resources, all the oil reve- ‘‘not sure’’ to ‘‘supportive.’’ into the election. nues, controlling a united army, and in Why? What has changed? Here is Because they were not ready to buy charge of border security and foreign what has changed. This is how the in if they knew this Constitution was policy. ground has shifted. No. 1, there is now cast in stone. That is nice meddling. But what it does is what we did, in sectarian violence, and ethnic cleans- What I am proposing does not even part, in Bosnia in the Dayton Accords. ing is underway already now. approach that. What I am proposing is It gives the sectarian areas breathing Secondly, the Sunnis no longer think what everybody knows has to be dealt room. It does not insist that the cen- there is any possibility of them con- with in Iraq; and that is, you have to tral government and the Parliament trolling the central government and all figure a way that the Sunnis have some dictate to the people in the Sunni area, of Iraq any longer. They have given up resources. for example, what their laws on mar- that notion. They know it is not pos- Now, if you are a Sunni, and you riage should be, what their laws on di- sible. Some diehard Baathists and ter- have been able to get a new govern- vorce and property settlement would rorists still think that. But the vast ment here, where you get a few people be, any more than we allow the Federal majority of the Sunni leadership knows who are in the government, what do Government to tell the people of Mis- that is not in the cards. That is not you think happens in a parliament, sissippi or the State of Washington or where they were 8 months ago. where 60 percent of the parliament is the State of Delaware what those laws Now, what happened with regard to dominated by the Shia when it comes would be. That is not division. the Shia? The Shia now know they can to distributing resources in the central I remind everybody, what did we do? be the dominant political party in Iraq. government? Do you think you are We won a Revolutionary War, but we But they have also figured out, in the going to get many hospitals built in could not get a consensus among the 13 last 3 months—they have had, as we the Sunni region? Do you think you are Colonies to have a strong, united cen- Catholics say, their own epiphany. And going to get many roads built? Do you tral Government, so we developed the what was their epiphany? It is that think you are going to get many wells Articles of Confederation. It took us 13 they know they cannot control the in- dug? These folks are not stupid.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3960 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 But if you guarantee them a rational aren’t going to get better so we better terest to see civil war not break out, as piece of the economic pie—sort of like get our troops out of there as quick as it is in ours. revenue sharing—if you guarantee we can. Neither speaks to what I think All of that aid should be conditioned them something approaching 20 per- is our national interest and objective on one important thing: A guarantee of cent of the oil revenues, after the cen- and they are dual: One, get the troops human rights and women’s rights. Peo- tral government has paid for all it out as rapidly as we can and leave be- ple say: Biden, we know you wrote the needs to make them function, then, in hind as stable and integrated country Violence Against Women Act. What is fact, they know they have the ability as possible. Because if we don’t leave the deal here? The reason is not only is to provide for their own needs, and behind a stable government, we are it morally the right thing to do, it is they are not going to be left totally going to do exactly what I predict is essential for there to be any prospect out in the cold. It is money distributed going to happen in Afghanistan. We are of a democratic Iraq emerging in the by a strong central government. going to be back in Afghanistan. Read future, essential that women have I would add one other point. People today’s paper. My argument is, we rights and are protected. And the con- ask: Why would the Sunnis and Shia should be sending more forces rather dition upon the aid should be the guar- give up what they now control, all this than less. Read the paper today. The antee and ability to oversee not abus- oil? Why would they give any guaran- paper today says our folks and the ing the rights of women in their laws, teed peace to the Sunnis? I will tell Afghanis and others say the Taliban is in their provinces, similar to our you why. Some of my colleagues re- about to occupy again the Pashtun States, similar to the State of Dela- member when Dick Lugar and I came area, that the rural areas of south- ware, the State of Mississippi, as well to the floor and said there would not be eastern Afghanistan are now controlled as the fact that overall human rights oil to pay for this war. by the Taliban and al-Qaida. be something that is transparent. Why did we say that? We are not all Hear me. If they are controlled by The fourth piece of this plan calls for that brilliant. Because we went to the the Taliban and al-Qaida, mark my what I have been calling for, for 2 oil men, we went to Mr. Yergin from words, that control will be consoli- years, I admit. Dr. Kissinger has been the Cambridge research outfit that ad- dated because we left too soon, we calling for it for a year and three-quar- vises all the major oil companies in the don’t have enough resources there, and ters, Secretary Shultz has been calling United States. He came and testified we didn’t finish the job. I don’t want for it. Secretary Powell is calling for and said: You can’t get oil out of the the same thing happening in Iraq. So it. We need a regional conference. We ground in sufficient amount unless you just pulling troops out, which I would need to get all of Iraq’s neighbors, such invest $30 billion in the ground. love to do, pulling them out and trad- as we did in Afghanistan, get all of What does everybody agree to now? ing a dictator for chaos is no answer. Iraq’s neighbors to essentially enter Everybody, including the administra- Leaving them in without a plan to be into an agreement not to meddle in tion, says we have to invest $30 billion able to bring them out with a country Iraq’s affairs. People ask: Why would in the ground. left behind is also not a plan. they do that? Why would Iran do that, What is the next message coming Here is the deal, five pieces to my why would Turkey do that, why would from the oil industry worldwide? They proposal, all contemplated by the the Arab neighbors do that? A simple will not invest sufficiently in Iraqi oil present Constitution and all totally reason: The last thing any of them unless there is a centralized oil min- consistent with the establishment of want is a civil war. istry with actual control and unless an integrated government. The first They say the Iranians might want a there is a reasonable prospect of an end part of that plan requires that there be civil war. No. What the Iranians want of the insurgency and the prospect of strong central government control over is what they have. What they have now no civil war. So why would the Shia revenues, border, natural resources, is Americans being bled financially and give up part of their oil that is in the and distribution of them. As part of physically, with 10 or 12 divisions tied south? There is no oil in the middle. It that, we would also do what the World down. That is what the Iranians want. is in the north and the south. Why Bank has done before: Have a World What they don’t want is a civil war. would they give it up? Because they Bank committee overseeing the dis- You ask why? In Tehran, the Govern- know with the investment, the oil pie tribution of resources, which we have ment of Tehran and the clerics know will be so much bigger. Although they done in many countries, to guarantee that 75 to 80 percent of their constitu- would be giving up a little bit with the transparency. ency hates them. They know they are Constitution, they will be getting con- The second piece of this is a require- incredibly unpopular. You are sitting siderably more revenue. This is not ment that the Constitution be amend- on top of an unpopular government, rocket science. That is what this is ed, or theoretically it could be done by knowing that there is not enough en- about. the Parliament, where the Sunnis are ergy for there to be another revolt, an- There are five pieces of the plan. If guaranteed a portion of the oil reve- other revolution among the people. Do we are ready to go to something else, I nues after the central government has you want 17 million of your Shia Arab am happy to cease and desist. paid all its bills, as the Kurds would be brothers—and don’t forget the Iranians Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, if the and as the Shia would be. are not Arab, they are Indo-European, Senator will yield, we understand the The third piece of this is, instead of they are Persian—do you want 17 mil- meeting with Senators and the Sec- doing what the administration has lion of your Shia Arab brothers learn- retary of State and Secretary of De- done, which is in this budget cut off ing how to fight and learning how to fense is still going on. We are advised more economic aid to Iraq—I find that muster their physical capability per- that a good time for the vote on the amazing. We are ending economic aid, haps for the next year on your border McCain amendment would be about reconstruction aid in Iraq. What is the while they are engaging with 60 million 3:30. You are getting wound up. plan for this democracy? We should, in of your Shia citizens who don’t like Mr. BIDEN. Well, I am. Although I fact, continue economic aid to Iraq, you? I guarantee you, the answer is may speak long, I speak seldom. But which I am sure is hugely unpopular ‘‘no.’’ They don’t want that. this is very important to me and to our because it has been so badly spent so The Turks don’t want a civil war. country. I want to make sure, whether far, but require a fundamental change Civil war means the Kurds are going to people agree or disagree with my pro- in the distribution of that aid away go their own way. The last thing the posal, they understand it. And if they from megaprojects to small-bore Turks want is the Kurds going their disagree, they know why they disagree. projects. We should, at the same time own way. And for Lord’s sake, the Arab A lot are agreeing. in part 3, be calling upon our erstwhile Gulf States don’t want a civil war be- Here is the deal. There are two alter- partners who committed resources to cause they then begin to count their natives we have now been offered. One Iraq to deliver them. And we should days. So it is in everyone’s interest. side says we are going to keep things have an altar call for our Arab friends How do you get this regional con- from getting worse, where we have no in the gulf who are making ExxonMobil ference? I believe we can and I am con- strategy to make them better. The look like a piker. They have plenty of fident we will. Get the P5, the perma- other side of the equation says, things money. And it is as much in their in- nent 5 of the Security Council to lay

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3961 down the parameters for a regional We can do that again. Don’t expect with this warning: we must not, yet again, conference, get a U.N. Security Council everyone to embrace this plan. I realize prematurely declare, ‘‘Mission Accom- resolution passed calling for a regional it is strategically pretty broad. I real- plished.’’ Yes, Iraqis voted by the millions, conference on Iraq and noninterven- ize it takes time to digest. My fervent but who did they vote for? Ninety percent tion. And then do what I have been cast their ballots for sectarian and ethnic prayer is, I would love it if 6 months parties. Far from a democratic turning calling for for 2 years, set up a contact from now, what I proposed proves not point, the elections reflected Iraq’s deep- group made up of the regional and to be necessary because the Iraqis have ening fault-lines. world powers who will essentially po- embraced and rallied around this new Here’s where we are in Iraq: we can’t lose lice the deal—not send troops into Iraq, government, that the insurgency is on the battlefield and the insurgents can’t police the deal—so that all those who stopped, that we have not had contin- win as long as enough U.S. troops remain. sign on in the region do not interfere ued ethnic cleansing, and that there is But, as both our Ambassador and our top and observe they are not interfering. a unified central government as is. I general in Iraq acknowledge, violence be- The fifth piece of my plan calls for a tween the Shi’a and Sunnis has surpassed the would be delighted, delighted to stand insurgency as the main security threat. It is date to be announced, that by the end on the floor and have people say: Told of 2008, the majority of American driving the country toward chaos and civil you, Joe. You didn’t need the scheme war. forces will be redeployed. There are you laid out. Simply put, the sectarian genie is out of two reasons for that. To give the U.S. I pray God that is true. But I respect- the bottle. Ethnic militias increasingly are military certainty, to give them cer- fully suggest to you it is not likely to the law in large parts of Iraq. They have in- tainty to plan, for there is no possi- be true. We better have a plan B for filtrated the official security forces. Sec- bility of them pulling American forces pulling out American troops precipi- tarian cleansing has begun in mixed areas, out in 6 months or 8 months. I am not with tens of thousands of Iraqis fleeing their tously without a plan, for keeping homes in recent weeks. Dozens of dead bodies going to presume to tell the military them in without a plan is a disaster ei- how long an orderly change in our pres- turn up daily in Baghdad. ther way you look at it. Meanwhile, Iraqis have less electricity, ence in Iraq would take and when it Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- clean water, sewage treatment and oil than should take place. If it occurs sooner, sent that the speech I delivered earlier before the war. Iraq’s government ministries all the better. this week at the World Affairs Council are barely functional. Iraq looks more like a But the second reason to state it is to be printed in the RECORD. failing state, not an emerging democracy. let the Iraqis know, as Democrats and There is no purely military answer to this THE WAY FORWARD IN IRAQ: AVOIDING PARTI- Republicans and the President himself slow but certain downward spiral. With more TION, PRESERVING UNITY, PROTECTING troops and the right strategy, we might have have acknowledged, that as long as AMERICA’S INTERESTS they think we are there forever, they stopped the insurgency. But no number of It’s an honor to be back at the Philadel- U.S. troops will stop a civil war. To prevent are not about to step up to the ball to phia World Affairs Council. make the hard decisions. it, we need a political solution. The national First, let me apologize to those of you con- unity government in which the President has So I believe the only reasonable pros- fused by the schedule. It shows me speaking put so much stock is necessary, but it is not pect of holding Iraq together, to avoid this afternoon. Instead, you get me to start enough. We have had ‘‘unity’’ governments partitioning, which could be a disaster, your day. Look at it this way: things can for three years in Iraq. Yet sectarian vio- is to give the region breathing room only get better. And they will, because I un- lence has escalated. and incentive to stay in the deal. derstand that Vice President Cheney and What the Iraqis need now—and what this I hope over time this will get a closer Secretary Kissinger will be here for lunch. plan proposes—is a genuine political way for- I’d like to focus on an issue that weighs ward that, like our own Articles of Confed- look. As Dr. Kissinger said, and I spoke heavily on our national consciousness—Iraq. eration, gives Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds the with him and Vice President CHENEY in I start from this hard truth: President confidence to pursue their interests peace- Philadelphia at the World Affairs Bush does not have a strategy for victory in fully in a unified country. In fact, the cen- Council, when they asked Dr. Kis- Iraq. His strategy is to prevent defeat and to tral government this plan proposes for Iraq hand the problem off to his successor. Mean- singer, after my speech along these would be even stronger than America’s first while, the frustration of Americans is lines, what he thought, he said he government. With time, we can hope they mounting so fast that Congress might end up thought the plan warranted very close will come to their own Philadelphia freedom. mandating a rapid withdrawal, even at the scrutiny. When I laid it out to Ash Car- At the same time, I believe we can’t pull risk of trading a dictator for chaos, and a our forces out precipitously, just as we can’t ter, he thought the plan was a good civil war that could become a regional war. plan. When I laid it out to other people, Both are bad alternatives. keep them in Iraq indefinitely. Withdrawing including former Republican and Today, I will argue for a third way that them too soon would open the door to all out Democratic members of the foreign can bring our troops home, protect our fun- civil war that could turn into a regional war. policy establishment, it went from: damental security interests, and preserve It also would leave parts of Iraq a haven for Iraq as a unified country. terrorists. That would be disastrous for U.S. Joe, is this partitioning? and once ex- interests. plained that it wasn’t, to not a bad I developed this plan with Les Gelb, the president emeritus of the Council on Foreign What our troops deserve—and what this idea, to fully embracing the idea. Relations. It recognizes this new, central re- plan proposes—is a clear target date for rede- This is going to take a while. I re- ality in Iraq: a rising tide of sectarian vio- ployment that, coupled with a political set- member when I came to this floor in lence is the biggest threat to Iraq’s future tlement, will allow us to leave Iraq with our the early 1990s and to the shock and and to America’s interests. It is premised on basic interests intact. dismay of my colleagues called for us the proposition that the only way to hold A FIVE POINT PLAN FOR IRAQ lifting the arms embargo against the Iraq together, and to create the conditions Ten years ago, Bosnia was drowning in eth- Bosnians and calling for air strikes for our troops to responsibly withdraw, is to nic cleansing and facing its demise as a uni- against the Serbs. My colleagues give Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds room to fied state. After much hesitation, the United thought that was crazy. breath in their own regions. States stepped in decisively with the Dayton I remember when I came back again, Let me tell you what our plan is not: it is Accords to keep the country whole by divid- not partition. Let me tell you what our plan ing it into ethnic federations. We even al- after meeting with Milosevic and him is: It is consistent with Iraq’s constitution. having told people in a private meeting lowed Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs to retain It is consistent with the new unity govern- separate armies. With the help of U.S. troops that when he asked me what I thought ment. And it is consistent with—in fact, it is and others, Bosnians have lived a decade in about him, I told him I thought he was necessary to—the goal of keeping Iraq uni- peace. Now, they are strengthening their a war criminal and I would spend my fied within its existing borders and not a common central government, and disbanding career seeing that he was tried as one, threat to its own people, its neighbors, or to their separate armies. my colleagues thought it didn’t make us. The Bush Administration, despite its pro- sense. It took 3 years to convince the I’d like to share the details of our plan found strategic misjudgments, has a similar with you. administration we should move. It opportunity in Iraq. takes time. But they did move. We THE CURRENT SITUATION The idea is to maintain a unified Iraq by decentralizing it and giving Kurds, Shiites, didn’t lose an American force. We I was last in Baghdad on December 15th to observe the elections. It was my sixth trip to and Sunnis the room to run their own af- stopped a genocide. We stopped the dis- Iraq. It was incredibly moving to see Iraqis fairs. The central government would be left mantling of an entire region of the go to the polls. in charge of common interests. We would en- world, and we saved the lives of at I came back with a finger stained purple courage Iraqis to accept this formula with least a quarter of a million people. from the polling ink. But I also returned major sweeteners for the Sunnis, a military

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3962 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 plan for withdrawing and redeploying U.S. As a major sweetener, we should press the bors and lean on them to comply with the forces, and a regional non-aggression pact. Iraqis to write into the constitution that the deal. I’m not alone. Former Secretaries of The plan has five elements: Sunnis would receive about 20 percent of all State Kissinger, Shultz, and Powell have all 1. One Iraq With Three Regions present and future oil revenues. That’s called for the same thing. The first element is to establish three roughly proportional to their size. And it’s President Bush’s failure to move on this largely autonomous regions with a viable far more than they’d get otherwise, since the front is inexplicable. There will be no lasting but limited central government in Baghdad. oil is in the north and south, not the Sunni peace in Iraq without the support of its The central government would be respon- center. These revenues represent the only neighbors. sible for border defense, foreign policy, oil way to make the Sunni region viable eco- 5. A Responsible U.S. Drawdown And A Resid- production and revenues. The regional gov- nomically. If Sunnis reject the deal, there is ual Force ernments—Kurd, Sunni and Shiite—would be no guarantee they will get any oil revenues. Fifth, the President should direct U.S. responsible for administering their own re- The central government would set national military commanders to develop a plan to gions. oil policy and distribute the revenues, which withdraw and re-deploy almost all U.S. The United States shouldn’t impose this would reinforce each community’s interest forces from Iraq by 2008. If the military can solution and we don’t have to because fed- in keeping Iraq intact. There would be inter- do it sooner without precipitating a melt- eralism is already written into Iraq’s con- national supervision to ensure transparency. down, so much the better. Regardless, the Why would the Shiites and Kurds sign on? stitution. In fact, the constitution creates a President should make it clear that the di- Petroleum experts agree that the Iraqi oil limited central government and establishes a rection we’re heading in is out, and no later industry will attract much more desperately procedure for provinces combining into re- than 2008. gions. needed foreign capital if it is run as a unified We would maintain in or near Iraq a small Increasingly, each community will support whole. Shiites and Kurds will get a slightly residual force—perhaps 20,000 troops—to federalism, if only as a last resort. Until re- smaller piece of a much larger pie. That’s a strike any concentration of terrorists, help cently, the Sunnis sought a strong central better deal than they would get by going it keep Iraq’s neighbors honest, and train its government because they believed they alone. Guaranteeing Sunnis a piece of this security forces. Some U.S. troops and police would retake power. Now, they are beginning pie will reduce the incentive of insurgents to would also need to participate in a multi- to recognize that they won’t. Their growing attack the oil infrastructure. That, too, national peacekeeping force deployed to the fear is Shi’a power in a highly centralized would be good for everyone. state, enforced by sectarian militia and major multi-sectarian cities, as in the Bal- 3. More Aid, But Tied To The Protection Of Mi- kans. Such a force is now a non-starter with death squads. The Shi’a know that they can nority And Women’s Rights dominate the government, but they can’t de- other countries, despite their own interest in feat a Sunni insurrection. The Kurds want to Third, instead of ending U.S. reconstruc- avoiding chaos in Iraq and the region. But a consolidate their autonomy. tion assistance, as the Bush Administration political settlement, and their role in help- Some will ask whether this plan will lead is doing, we should provide more. But we ing to bring it about through a regional con- to sectarian cleansing. The answer is that should clearly condition aid on the protec- ference and Contact Group, could change it’s already happening. According to the tion of minority and women’s rights. The in- their calculus and willingness to participate. Iraqi government, 90,000 people have fled competence of the Bush Administration’s re- Right now, our troops are still necessary to their homes since the February bombing of construction program makes more recon- prevent total chaos. But unless the Iraqis see the Samarra mosque for fear of sectarian re- struction money a hard sell. A new aid effort and believe we are leaving, they will have prisals. That’s a rate of more than a 1,000 would have to be radically different than the little incentive to shape up. Redeployment is people a day. This does not include the tens old one. For example, instead of inter- also necessary because we can’t sustain this of thousands of educated Iraqis from the national mega-firms pocketing valuable con- large a force in Iraq without sending troops middle class who have left the country. tracts, spending a huge chunk of each one on back on fourth and fifth tours, extending de- We must build in protections to prevent security, and then falling short, Iraqis ployments, and fully mobilizing the Guard. more cleansing and to improve security in should be in the lead of small-scale projects That would do serious long-term damage to the big cities, which the Administration has that deliver quick results. our military. failed to achieve. Baghdad would become a The President also should insist that other A clear plan also would end the fiction the federal zone, while densely-populated areas countries make good on old commitments, President keeps repeating of a ‘‘conditions with mixed populations would receive both and provide new ones. He should focus on the based draw down.’’ What conditions justify multi-sectarian and international police pro- Gulf States. They’re enjoying windfall oil the draw down of 30,000 troops since the De- tection. profits. They have a lot at stake in Iraq. cember elections? The situation has gotten A global political settlement won’t end the They should step up and give back. worse. Sunni insurgency, but it should help to un- But all future U.S. aid would be tied to the President Bush’s refusal to give clear di- dermine it. The Zarqawi network would no protection of minority and women’s rights, rection leaves our military unable to plan an longer have the sectarian card to play. Sunni clearly and unambiguously. We should insist orderly draw down. It also leaves our troops, Nationalists and neo-Baathists would still be other donors set the same standard. Aid the Iraqis and the American people in the unhappy but they would be easier to contain. would be cut off in the face of a pattern of dark. It’s time to end the guessing. It’s time Similarly, while decentralization won’t violations. for clarity, but clarity with responsibility. end the militia problem overnight, it is the President Bush is now silent on protecting Redeploying our troops over 18 months will best way to begin rolling it back. Right now, minority and women’s rights. If they are not allow the political settlement I’ve proposed there is no plan to disband the militia. Mili- upheld, there can be no hope for eventual de- to take hold and prevent all-out civil war. tias have so heavily infiltrated the security mocracy in Iraq. REDEEMING OUR SACRIFICE forces that our training program is effec- 4. Maintain Iraq’s Territorial Integrity And En- This plan for Iraq has its own risks. But tively making them better killers. The re- gage Its Neighbors this Administration has left us with nothing gions can become magnets for the militia, Fourth, this plan proposes that the United but hard choices. integrating them into local forces, and even- Nations convene a regional security con- The choice I’m proposing may be the only tually into the national force. Again, the ference where Iraq’s neighbors, including way left to keep Iraq intact and allow our constitution already provides for security Iran, pledge to respect Iraq’s borders and troops to come home with our fundamental forces within the regions. There is nothing work cooperatively to implement this plan. security interests intact. radical in this proposal. The neighbors may see decentralization as The choice I’m proposing can give all of The Administration is focusing only on a plot to carve up Iraq. But they have an us—Republicans, Independents, Democrats, putting together a unity government. But equally strong interest in not seeing Iraq de- Americans—realistic hope that our sacrifices the ‘‘unity’’ government of the past year scend into a civil war that could draw them in Iraq were not in vain. wasn’t able to govern or stop the violence. into a wider war. Engaging them directly Thanks for listening. This one offers little more promise. A much can overcome their suspicions and focus Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I broader political settlement that gives each their efforts on stabilizing Iraq, not under- rise to support Senator BIDEN’s amend- community breathing space is the best bet to mining it. prevent civil war and to keep Iraq intact. The U.N. Security Council should precede ment to provide that none of the funds 2. A Viable Sunni Region With Shared Oil Reve- the conference with a call for the necessary being appropriated in this emergency nues declarations. The permanent members of the supplemental appropriations bill may The second element of the plan is to gain Security Council should then sponsor and be used by the United States to estab- agreement for the federal solution from the participate in the conference to show a lish permanent military bases in Iraq. Sunni Arabs by giving them an offer they united international front. If we are serious about finding ways to can’t reasonably refuse. After the conference, Iraq’s neighbors will neutralize the insidious insurgency Basically, they get to run their own re- still be tempted to interfere in its weakened gion. That’s a far better deal than the affairs. We need an on-going mechanism to that has killed over 2,400 American present alternatives: either being a perma- keep them in line. For two years, I’ve called service men and women in Iraq, we nent minority in a centrally run government for a standing Contact Group, to include the must state clearly, unequivocally, and or being the principal victims of a civil war. major powers, that would engage the neigh- without further delay that we do not

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3963 intend to remain in Iraq indefinitely. Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask struction activities related to Hurricane Permanent U.S. military bases are a unanimous consent that further read- Stan: Provided further, That temptation for terrorists and would be ing of the amendment be dispensed On page 126, line 12, after the period insert the following: a continuing symbol of U.S. occupa- with. tion. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (RESCISSION) The U.S. Ambassador in Iraq, Zalmay objection, it is so ordered. SEC. 1406. Of the funds appropriated under Khalilzad, said on March 24, 2006, that The amendment is as follows: the heading ‘‘Economic Support Fund’’ that the United States ‘‘has no goal of es- are available for assistance for Egypt in Pub- (Purpose: To designate the Navy, acting lic Law 109–102 and under such heading in tablishing permanent bases in Iraq.’’ through the Naval Facilities Engineering prior Acts making appropriations for foreign Senior-level officials regularly promise Command, as the agent for all matters re- operations, export financing, and related that the United States will not estab- lating to the construction of a new Armed programs, $47,000,000 are rescinded: Provided, lish permanent bases in Iraq. But the Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, Mis- That such amount shall be derived only from facts tell a different story. sissippi) funds available for cash transfer assistance. General John Abizaid, the com- On page 193, line 25, insert after ‘‘Pro- Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, this mander of U.S. troops in the Middle vided,’’ the following: ‘‘That the Navy, acting amendment offered by myself, Senator East, testified before Congress earlier through the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, shall be the agent for all matters DURBIN and Senator WYDEN, provides this year that he couldn’t rule out the an additional $35 million for famine possibility of permanent bases in Iraq. with regard to the planning, design, con- struction, and contract administration re- and disaster assistance for people in And according to the Congressional Re- lated to the construction of the new Armed West Africa and in the Horn of Africa search Service, the Bush administra- Forces Retirement Home: Provided further,’’. who are suffering from severe drought tion has requested more than $1.1 bil- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there and hunger. lion for new military construction in further debate on the amendment? In last year’s supplemental we pro- Iraq, nearly double what the United The question is on agreeing to the vided additional funding for this pur- States has spent in Kuwait, Qatar, and amendment. pose and according to USAID’s Office the United Arab Emirates combined. The amendment (No. 3605) was agreed of Foreign Disaster Assistance it was This very bill we are considering in- to. extremely helpful. cludes $348 million for more base con- Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I move The situation this year is no less struction. This begs the question, if the to reconsider the vote. dire. Additional funding for famine and U.S. Government doesn’t plan to oc- Mrs. MURRAY. I move to lay that disaster assistance is required for the cupy Iraq for any longer than nec- motion on the table. Horn of Africa where 15 million people essary, why are we spending billions of The motion to lay on the table was are at risk and an additional 8 million dollars to add onto and build more agreed to. people in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia bases? AMENDMENT NO. 3657 face severe food and water shortages. At the end of March, Brigadier Gen- To put it another way, they are going eral Mark Kimmitt said, and I agree, Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I call up amendment No. 3657 on behalf of to die if we and others don’t do more to that ‘‘we must . . . show that we will help them. Senator LEAHY and others regarding not become a permanent force of occu- In Ethiopia alone, more than 740,000 pation . . .’’. Last month, Secretary of international disaster and famine as- sistance and hurricane relief. people urgently need water, and more State Condoleezza Rice conceded that than 1.5 million children under five re- the Bush administration had probably The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. quire immunizations against disease. made ‘‘thousands’’ of ‘‘tactical errors’’ The shortfall in this account also The assistant legislative clerk read in Iraq. Let’s not compound the prob- threatens to jeopardize USAID’s re- as follows: lem by establishing permanent bases in sponse to other emergencies in Africa. Iraq. The Senator from Mississippi [Mr. COCH- Humanitarian programs in Uganda, the I say it again: if we are serious about RAN], for Mr. LEAHY and Mr. DURBIN, pro- poses an amendment numbered 3657. Democratic Republic of Congo, Bu- finding ways to neutralize the insidious rundi, and Cote d’Ivoire face cuts in insurgency in Iraq, we must convince Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask funding despite worsening cir- the rest of the world—especially the unanimous consent that further read- cumstances. Muslim world—that we do not intend ing of the amendment be dispensed In Cote d’Ivoire, 500,000 internally to remain in Iraq indefinitely. Approv- with. displaced persons face growing hard- ing the amendment offered by the sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ship and insecurity. USAID does not ior Senator from Delaware will help us objection, it is so ordered. have the resources to respond to the in- send that message. Therefore, I urge The amendment is as follows: creased needs of vulnerable people, es- my colleagues to support the Biden (Purpose: To address a shortfall in funding pecially women, and children. amendment to prohibit the United for international disaster and famine as- The situation in these countries is States from building permanent mili- sistance) worse than pitiful. This amendment tary bases in Iraq. On page 118, line 7, strike ‘‘$136,290,000’’ and will not solve the problem, but it will I yield the floor. insert in lieu thereof ‘‘$171,290,000’’. save lives and help prevent the situa- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- AMENDMENT NO. 3657, AS MODIFIED tion from getting even worse. It is ator from Mississippi is recognized. Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I send what we need to do to give the relief Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, there a modification to the desk. are two amendments that have been workers who are trying to get food, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there water and shelter to these people the cleared for consideration by the Sen- objection to the modification? ate. resources they need. Without objection, the amendment is Mr. President, the devastation AMENDMENT NO. 3605 so modified. caused by Hurricane Stan did not re- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- The amendment (No. 3657), as modi- ceive the attention that it should have sent that it be in order to call up and fied, is as follows: by the Congress. That was partly be- consider amendment No. 3605 on behalf (Purpose: To address a shortfall in funding cause it was overshadowed by the ter- of Mr. LOTT regarding Armed Forces for international disaster and famine as- rible earthquake in Pakistan and by retirement home. sistance and for hurricane relief) The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Hurricane Katrina. On page 118, line 7, strike ‘‘$136,290,000’’ and Whole villages in Guatemala were objection? insert in lieu thereof ‘‘$171,290,000’’. buried by some 900 mudslides, 670 peo- Without objection, it is so ordered. On page 117, line 25, strike ‘‘$10,500,000’’ and The clerk will report. ple died, 845 are missing, and 475,000 insert in lieu thereof ‘‘$22,500,000’’. were directly affected. Many of them The assistant legislative clerk read On page 117, line 26, after ‘‘That’’ insert the as follows: following: lost their homes, their property and The Senator from Mississippi [Mr. COCH- of the funds appropriated under this head- their livelihoods as a result of Hurri- RAN], for Mr. LOTT, proposes an amendment ing, $12,000,000 shall be made available for as- cane Stan. Most of the destruction oc- numbered 3605. sistance for Guatemala for relief and recon- curred in one of the poorest parts of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3964 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 the country which is the source of the Now, it finally sees some hope, but The question is on agreeing to the majority of Guatemalan immigrants to there are 2 million displaced people amendment. the United States. Yet so far we have there. The clerk will call the roll. contributed only a few million dollars. The Democratic Republic of Congo The assistant legislative clerk called My amendment provides an addi- has long been called one of the world’s the roll. tional $12 million for assistance for most neglected emergencies. Let’s Mr. MCCONNELL. The following Sen- Guatemala for relief and reconstruc- change that. ator was necessarily absent: the Sen- tion activities related to Hurricane The situation in the DRC is just one ator from Utah (Mr. HATCH). Stan. It is not as much as I wish we of the humanitarian crises that cur- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the could provide, but I know that it will rently plague the continent of Africa. Senator from West Virginia (Mr. help address the most urgent needs of But we can make a difference. We ROCKEFELLER) is necessarily absent. people who are trying to rebuild their must not cut our disaster assistance to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there lives. countries like the Congo in half. any other Senators in the Chamber de- I want to thank Senator MCCONNELL That kind of cut undermines every- siring to vote? for agreeing to accept this amendment. thing we have been trying to do. It The result was announced—yeas 37, Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise in would be a strategic mistake and a nays 61, as follows: support of the amendment being of- moral failure. [Rollcall Vote No. 108 Leg.] fered by my colleague from Vermont to I call on my colleagues to support YEAS—37 provide much-needed emergency assist- this additional emergency aid offered Alexander DeWine McCain ance to sub-Saharan Africa and else- by the Leahy amendment. Allen Ensign McConnell where through the Office of Foreign These supplemental funds are ur- Bingaman Enzi Murkowski Brownback Feingold Disaster Assistance. gently needed and they will go a long Nelson (NE) Bunning Frist Santorum Specifically, his amendment, which I way toward providing relief to the mil- Burr Graham Sessions am proud to cosponsor, would increase lions of Africans and others in the Carper Gregg Snowe humanitarian aid funds by $35 million. Chafee Hagel Sununu world who find themselves facing abso- Coburn Inhofe Thomas The amendment has also now been lutely dire circumstances. Collins Isakson Voinovich modified to provide $12 million for hur- Cornyn Kyl Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, this Warner ricane relief assistance to Guatemala, amendment is offset by a reduction in Craig Lieberman DeMint Lugar which I also support. foreign economic assistance. This supplemental is intended to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there NAYS—61 meet emergencies. Well, many coun- further debate? The question is—— Akaka Dorgan Murray tries in Africa especially face dire Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, reserv- Allard Durbin Nelson (FL) emergencies, and the money provided Baucus Feinstein Obama ing the right to object. Bayh in the Leahy amendment is desperately Grassley Pryor The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Bennett Harkin Reed needed. ator from Nevada reserves the right to Biden Hutchison Reid The United Nations reports that object. Bond Inouye Roberts more than 8 million people are facing a Boxer Jeffords Salazar Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, may I Burns Johnson Sarbanes food crisis in the Horn of Africa—2 mil- ask the chairman of the committee, is Byrd Kennedy Schumer lion people in Ethiopia alone are facing this an increase in funding in this bill? Cantwell Kerry Chambliss Kohl Shelby critical food shortages. Mr. COCHRAN. No, it is not. If the Smith The world has waited too long before, Clinton Landrieu Senator will yield, as I understand it, Cochran Lautenberg Specter to respond to crises in Ethiopia and it shifts funds from a foreign economic Coleman Leahy Stabenow elsewhere. Let’s act now and not wait assistance account to an account to Conrad Levin Stevens for the television cameras to jar us Crapo Lincoln Talent provide disaster assistance in Guate- Dayton Lott Thune into action. mala for damages and expenses sus- Dodd Martinez Vitter The Bush administration has not re- tained in a hurricane. Dole Menendez Wyden quested additional funds in the supple- Mr. ENSIGN. So this is no net in- Domenici Mikulski mental bill to meet this mounting cri- crease in spending in the bill? NOT VOTING—2 sis, despite the fact that conditions in Mr. COCHRAN. My reading is that it Hatch Rockefeller the region have worsened considerably transfers money from a foreign eco- The amendment (No. 3616) was re- in recent months. nomic assistance account to one that Other regions are also facing emer- jected. provides disaster assistance for dam- Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I gency situations, most notably West ages sustained in Guatemala as a re- Africa, the Great Lakes region, and move to reconsider the vote, and I sult of a hurricane—Hurricane Stan I move to lay that motion on the table. Chad. think was the name of it. And yet, in spite of these growing The motion to lay on the table was Mr. ENSIGN. I have no objection. needs, the Office of Foreign Disaster agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Assistance faces the prospect of having Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I sug- further debate? to slash the budgets of lifesaving pro- gest the absence of a quorum. The question is on agreeing to the grams. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. MAR- amendment. I want to focus on one example: the TINEZ). The clerk will call the roll. The amendment (No. 3657), as modi- Democratic Republic of Congo. The assistant legislative clerk pro- I am told that in the Democratic Re- fied, was agreed to. ceeded to call the roll. public of Congo, critical U.S. assist- Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I move Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I ance budgets for this year may be cut to reconsider the vote. ask unanimous consent that the order in half. Mrs. MURRAY. I move to lay that for the quorum call be rescinded. In December, I visited the DRC, and motion on the table. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. I have to tell you, it is hard to imagine The motion to lay on the table was COBURN). Without objection, it is so or- a place in greater need. agreed to. dered. However, budgetary pressures are Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I am GASOLINE PRICES forcing U.S. programs in the DRC to advised that we are now prepared to go Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, collapse the depth and breadth of their to a vote on the McCain amendment. today, life in America is tough. People efforts. For that purpose, I ask for the regular are working very hard to make ends This means cutting food security pro- order. meet. In so many cases, families have grams, clean water, maternal and child AMENDMENT NO. 3616 to earn two incomes to meet their health care programs, and other efforts The PRESIDING OFFICER. The basic needs: mom working one shift, to address fundamental human needs. McCain amendment No. 3616 is now dad working another shift. The DRC has been wracked by war pending. The yeas and nays were pre- It is a mystery to me, and I am sure for years. viously ordered on the amendment. it is to so many people in our country,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3965 how it is that the inflation index is so ing; $100 is not going to do anything as spiked well past $2 a gallon, the Saudi modest when everything costs more, long as the Republican Party is a sub- ruler visited the President at his ranch whether it is milk, whether it is elec- sidiary of big oil. in Texas. What we saw was not the tric, whether it is housing, whether it Here is an example. To pay for the President getting tough but, instead, is prescription drugs, whether it is $100 rebates, the Republican Party, the being very friendly, strolling through a school, whether it is college and uni- Republican majority said they will flower garden with the Saudi leader. It versity tuition. close tax loopholes that oil companies looked like a friendly gathering, not a I am reluctant to talk about my age, enjoy. But the oil companies said: Wait tough negotiation. but since the days the distinguished a minute, don’t get tough with us. So Then, last week, President Bush’s chairman of the Committee on Appro- today we hear the Republicans have Energy Secretary traveled to an OPEC priations and I were in college, the tui- backed off that plan, holding their nation in the Middle East and praised tions have become such an expensive heads in wonderment like scolded the oil cartel. And this week, with the proportion of a family’s income that it schoolchildren. Saudi Oil Minister here in DC, the ad- is hard to imagine how working people We all know about the obscene re- ministration is putting down the red can get their kids into college and not tirement package that former carpet and telling the Saudis and OPEC have them drowning in debt by the ExxonMobil CEO Lee Raymond re- what a great job they do. time they finish. ceived. His retirement package—get What the President should do is tell That is life in America today. No this—was almost $400 million. When the Saudis, point blank: Disband your matter where you turn, it costs more. they recalculated his earnings over the OPEC cartel or we will file a complaint Look at ball game tickets. Look at period of time he served, his average against you in the World Trade Organi- theater tickets. Look at the pleasant income was $145,000 each and every zation. amenities, see how much they cost, and day. How many people in this country Under international law, OPEC is an one can understand why few people can earn over $145,000 a year, no less per illegal cartel aimed at keeping oil afford to take advantage of these day? It is incomprehensible. And the prices high. We need to force the things. As a consequence, most Ameri- public has been justifiably outraged by Saudis and their friends to play by the cans agree that this Nation is headed this outlandish compensation package rules. And that means no cartel. For- in the wrong direction. Who can blame at the expense of the American people. get about it. Listen to what the now-ExxonMobil them? Mr. President, I say this: The next We saw the Government’s bungling CEO Rex Tillerson said on the ‘‘Today time the Saudis or one of the countries and ineptitude in response to Hurri- Show’’ this morning. I heard it. He was in the cartel has a problem with a bel- cane Katrina. The administration’s asked if his company would offer his ligerent neighbor, they should not dial missteps in Iraq are costing Americans fellow Americans some relief this sum- 911 because there will not be anybody dearly in lives and dollars, and gasoline mer and discount gasoline prices. His to answer that phone, not if they con- prices are out of control. answer was: ‘‘We are in the business to tinue the pattern of behavior they have Gas prices have gone through the make money.’’ He said that was his started. roof. This chart shows in December of job. 2001, President Bush’s first year in of- I was CEO of a pretty big company, To the President: The American peo- fice, the national average price of gas and I understand the business world. ple have had enough. They want a was $1.06 for regular gas, $1.25 for su- But when you deal in a commodity you change in leadership in this country. preme gas. Now we are at a much dif- have to be cognizant of your ethical We need leaders who will stand up to ferent point, $1.06 for regular has gone and civic responsibilities to your coun- the Saudis and the big oil companies. to $2.92, almost a $1.85 increase in the try. Gasoline is not some run-of-the- It is one of the only ways we can get price. That is almost a 200-percent mill product. It is vital to our entire oil and gasoline prices under control. jump in price from 2001 when supreme society. It is critical. ExxonMobil is We have to hunt for other sources of was $1.25. Supreme now is $3.07. part of the American community and energy, for other ways to use the en- It is unconscionable. The American its neighbors are suffering. Businesses ergy. We are seeing it now in hybrid people are upset. Members are receiv- and American families are having real cars. We are seeing now that in Brazil ing e-mail messages, phone calls. Our problems just affording gasoline. There almost 75 percent of the people there constituents will tell Members what are families who may decide not to go are using an ethanol mixture, saving they think of these prices. to the doctor this week for a sick child. substantial—substantial—amounts of Gas prices were low in 2001 when two They may postpone it. Small busi- oil. And we have to be creative. We oil men in the White House got to- nesses are losing lots of money with have the genius in this country. Why gether with their friends and the oil in- higher fuel costs. don’t we turn it loose and make sure dustry. They convened a secret task Big oil needs to recognize the impact they have the incentives, the economic force to develop an energy policy. Then their commodity has on everyday incentives, the market incentives to do our friends, the Republicans in the Americans’ lives. Mr. Tillerson, the those things that can save oil? Congress, passed the so-called Energy CEO of ExxonMobil, needs to under- I do not hear anybody saying, I do bill which was mostly a bunch of giant stand their special role in our func- not hear the President of the United tax breaks for big oil and the wealthi- tioning as a society. States saying—and I have not heard it est among us. They did not construct And the Bush administration needs in a long time—join in the sacrifice. that, but that is what happened. to stop acting helpless. President Bush We are at war. Join in conservation. What is the result of all this work by and Vice President CHENEY often say: We do not have enough. Help this coun- the Bush-Cheney administration and There is not much we can do about try get through this crisis. And let the the Republican majority in the Con- high gasoline prices. I do not see it oil companies know the American peo- gress? The average price of gasoline that way. There are things they can do. ple are in charge, not they. But that this week, as I said, is $2.92 for the low- There is something we can do here. message is not sounded. The alarm is est octane. We can get tough with the Saudis and not rung. And that is the way life is What is the Republican answer to get rid of their OPEC cartel. The OPEC here. this problem? How about this: Give ev- oil cartel has one purpose—to keep oil I make this plea to the President of eryone a $100 tax rebate. Whoopee. prices high by restricting exports or the United States and colleagues here: What a celebration, 100 bucks. If you output. Their activity is a blatant vio- Step up to the plate. Really take an ac- have a 20-gallon tank in your car, you lation of the GATT agreement, the tion to get that price reduced and not get 2.5 fills before using your $100. In General Agreement on Tariffs and be satisfied with excuses like: Oh, that fact, the average family cost in gaso- Trade. is the marketplace. Baloney; that is line today is up $1,800. Everyone knows Not only is the President not getting what the American people will tell you. this is a silly idea when they hear it. tough with the Saudis, the administra- They do not want to drain their lim- With gasoline prices at this rate, what tion is pandering to them. A year ago, ited resources out the window by these is $100 going to do? Practically noth- when gasoline prices had already outrageous prices for gasoline.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3966 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 We have to work together. But the During the continuous storm event, and tore away homes and blocked off only way we are going to work to- excessive amounts of water from the the north side of the island, hampering gether is if there is some concerted surrounding area infiltrated into the emergency services and assistance. In leadership that says: Hey, we have to pipe, and homeowners discharged addition, floodwaters from the res- get on to this problem, and not pretend storm water into the sewer system. ervoir compromised the downstream this problem will kind of go away by High bacterial levels exceeded the rec- reservoir, which public officials have itself. reational water quality standards and now declared unstable and dangerous. With that, I yield the floor. the State Department of Health re- These two reservoirs were built in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- quired beaches to be closed. 1890s. ator from Hawaii. Mr. President, I hope the Senate will As a result of this failure, the only Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I ask approve this amendment. I urge the access to the northern part of the is- unanimous consent to set aside the adoption of the proposed amendment. land sustained severe damage to the pending amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- roadway, embankments, culverts, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ator from Mississippi is recognized. guardrails, and other structures. This objection, it is so ordered. Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I have damage was so great that the highway AMENDMENT NO. 3601 been advised that the Senator from Ar- was shut down for over a week. Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I call up izona, Mr. MCCAIN, wants to speak on The emergency supplemental already amendment No. 3601 and ask for its im- the amendment and is on his way to includes $500,000 for the U.S. Geological mediate consideration. the floor to do so. So awaiting his ar- Survey’s Hydrologic Networks and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The rival, I suggest the absence of a Analysis Program for assistance in clerk will report. quorum. conducting assessments of critical res- The legislative clerk read as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ervoirs and dams. clerk will call the roll. This amendment asks for an addi- The Senator from Hawaii [Mr. INOUYE] pro- poses an amendment numbered 3601. The legislative clerk proceeded to tional $900,000, which would make it call the roll. possible for the evaluation of critical Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I ask Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I ask reservoirs and dams throughout the unanimous consent that reading of the unanimous consent that the order for State of Hawaii. I urge the adoption of amendment be dispensed with. the quorum call be rescinded. this proposed amendment. It has been The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cleared by the Parliamentarian as objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. being germane. The amendment is as follows: Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I ask Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise to (Purpose: To provide assistance relating to unanimous consent that the pending speak in favor of the amendments of- assessments and monitoring of waters in amendment be set aside. fered by my colleague, the senior Sen- the State of Hawaii) The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ator from Hawaii, DAN INOUYE, to the On page 253, between lines 19 and 20, insert objection? fiscal year 2007 supplemental appro- the following: Without objection, it is so ordered. priations bill, H.R. 4939. I ask that I be ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AMENDMENT NO. 3673 included as a cosponsor of both amend- SEC. 7032. For an additional amount for Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I call up ments. ‘‘Environmental Programs and Manage- for its immediate consideration amend- I believe that we, as government ment’’, $1,000,000, to remain available until ment No. 3673. leaders, should continue to provide expended, for assistance relating to assess- ments and monitoring of waters in the State The PRESIDING OFFICER. The whatever forms of assistance are nec- of Hawaii; Provided, That the amount pro- clerk will report. essary to help the men, women, and vided under this heading is designated as an The legislative clerk read as follows: children left devastated by natural dis- emergency requirement pursuant to section The Senator from Hawaii [Mr. INOUYE] pro- asters such as Hurricane Katrina and 402 of H. Con. Res. 95 (109th Congress), the poses an amendment numbered 3673. severe flooding that recently marred concurrent resolution on the budget for fis- Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I ask the islands of Kauai and Oahu in my cal year 2006. unanimous consent that reading of the home State of Hawaii. Although the Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, this amendment be dispensed with. immediate crises have passed, the long amendment has been cleared by the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without process of recovery has just begun. Parliamentarian as being germane. It objection, it is so ordered. Now, more than ever, we need to sup- has been discussed with the leadership The amendment is as follows: port the efforts of those engaged in the of the committee. (Purpose: To increase funds made available process of rebuilding their commu- It provides $1 million to the Environ- for assessments of critical reservoirs and nities. mental Protection Agency for assist- dams in the State of Hawaii) I am pleased to see that the Senate ance relating to assessments and moni- On page 246, line 1, strike ‘‘$500,000’’ and all Appropriations Committee has in- toring of waters in the State of Hawaii. that follows through line 8 and insert cluded $33.5 million in the emergency As some may be aware, the State of ‘‘$1,400,000, to remain available until ex- supplemental for disaster assistance in Hawaii sustained extraordinarily heavy pended, for assistance with assessments of Kauai and Windward Oahu, and $6 mil- rains and flooding for more than 40 critical reservoirs and dams in the State of lion for sugarcane growers in Hawaii Hawaii, including the monitoring of dam days and 40 nights, beginning February structures: Provided, That the amount pro- whose crops were destroyed by the 20, 2006, devastating many families and vided under this heading is designated as an floods earlier this spring. These funds destroying public and private property. emergency requirement pursuant to section will provide a great deal of assistance Unfortunately, on March 24, during 402 of H. Con. Res. 95 (109th Congress), the to the citizens of my home State as this deluge, a Waikiki sewer line rup- concurrent resolution on the budget for fis- they work to repair the damage to tured, sending more than 48 million cal year 2006.’’. their homes and businesses. gallons of raw sewage into the Ala Wai Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, as I However, as my colleague eloquently Canal, closing popular beaches in noted earlier, heavy rains, for more explained, we need to go further. His Waikiki. than 40 days and 40 nights, devastated first amendment would provide $1.4 The water quality of other beaches many families and destroyed public million to assess the security and safe- and streams on the Island of Oahu was and private property in the State of ty of critical reservoirs and dams in severely impacted by the sustained Hawaii. Hawaii, including monitoring dam heavy rains that caused sewer over- On the Island of Kauai, besides the structures. This funding is crucial be- flows and runoff of tremendous serious damage to agricultural oper- cause the failure of Kaloko Dam on amounts of sediment and pollutants. ations in these areas, the intensity and Kauai led to the severe flooding and Sewer systems are designed to handle sustained nature of these storms loss of life. The other Inouye amend- wastewater and very small amounts of caused a breach of two important res- ment would provide $1 million for envi- storm water that infiltrates into the ervoirs. A breach sent water and debris ronmental monitoring of waters in and pipe system. downstream at about 25 miles per hour around Hawaii.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3967 In March, I visited the hardest hit ment of critical reservoirs and dams in Sununu Thune Voinovich areas of our State and met with vic- the State of Hawaii. I know something Talent Vitter Warner tims, emergency responders, and State about that. We have a few reservoirs NOT VOTING—4 officials. The situation for many of our and dams in my State. I have yet to see Carper Rockefeller residents is very grave. With hundreds an emergency that had to do with the Hatch Thomas of homes and businesses damaged or war in Iraq and hurricanes that re- The amendment (No. 3673) was re- destroyed, critical infrastructure crip- quired that, but we are going to give jected. pled, and days of search and rescue ac- them another $900,000. The sad thing Mr. COCHRAN. I move to reconsider tivities, the resources of our State about this is, they will probably get it. the vote. have been severely strained. Hawaii I am going to force a recorded vote on Mr. ALLARD. I move to lay that mo- needs Federal assistance to recover both of these amendments, but they tion on the table. from the effects of the flooding, includ- will probably get it. Then in con- The motion to lay on the table was ing restoring critical roadways, helping ference, there will be more money for agreed to. farmers to salvage crops, and inspect- Hawaii. And then in the next appro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mi- ing and repairing faulty dams and flood priations bill, there will be more nority leader. control systems. It is clear that Hawaii money for Hawaii. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- imous consent that I be allowed to will not be able to mitigate the dam- My constituents live in Arizona. A speak for up to 10 minutes. ages in the near future and that long- lot of us are getting sick and tired of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there term recovery efforts will require Fed- this—sick and tired, sick and tired. objection? eral assistance. I ask unanimous consent to ask for Mr. MCCAIN. I object. What is the As my friend indicated, President the yeas and nays on both amendments regular order? Bush yesterday declared a major dis- and separate votes. Mr. REID. I will use leader time, aster for Hawaii triggering the release The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there then, Mr. President. of Federal funds to help the people and objection to a request for the yeas and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- communities recover. I stand in strong nays on both amendments at this time? ator may use his leader time. support of Senator INOUYE’s amend- Without objection, it is in order to so Mr. MCCAIN. Reserving the right to ments. request. object, why can’t we go on with the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Is there a sufficient second? next vote, the regular order, I ask the ator from Mississippi. There appears to be a sufficient sec- distinguished Democratic leader? Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I am ond. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I have the advised that the Senator from Arizona Is there further debate on amend- floor. also wants to speak to the amendment ment No. 3673? If not, the question is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The that has just been offered. So unless on agreeing to amendment No. 3673. Democratic leader has the floor. there is someone else who seeks rec- The clerk will call the roll. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I have been ognition at this time, I suggest the ab- The legislative clerk called the roll. in the Senate a couple of decades, and sence of a quorum. Mr. MCCONNELL. The following Sen- I have grown very fond of many people. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ators were necessarily absent: the Sen- There is no one in the Senate for whom clerk will call the roll. ator from Utah (Mr. HATCH) and the I don’t have high affection. But I have The legislative clerk proceeded to Senator from Wyoming (Mr. THOMAS). to say at the top of the list is a person call the roll. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the whom I revere, a man by the name of Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask Senator from Delaware (Mr. CARPER) DAN INOUYE from Hawaii. unanimous consent that the order for and the Senator from West Virginia Here is a man who has devoted his the quorum call be rescinded. (Mr. ROCKEFELLER) are necessarily ab- life to our country, and for someone to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without sent. come on the Senate floor—even though objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. MAR- the person doing that is my friend—and Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I TINEZ). Are there any other Senators in say what I believe are abusive things thought maybe we had done enough the Chamber desiring to vote? about DAN INOUYE is offensive to me pork barreling for one bill, but appar- The result was announced—yeas 43, and I think should be to the rest of the ently there is never enough around nays 53, as follows: Senate. here, never enough. I would ask the This is a bill which is extremely im- Senator from Hawaii, when is it [Rollcall Vote No. 109 Leg.] portant to our country. It is an emer- enough? Another $1.9 million, that is YEAS—43 gency appropriations bill. Most of the all, just $1.9 million. We are already, Akaka Harkin Murkowski money in this bill goes to the wars in for hurricane recovery, $7.7 billion Baucus Inouye Murray Bayh Jeffords Iraq and Afghanistan and rightfully so. above the President’s request; emer- Nelson (FL) Biden Johnson Obama But there are other emergencies that gency agricultural disaster assistance, Bingaman Kennedy Pryor come up from time to time. The dis- $3.9 billion above the President’s re- Boxer Kerry Reed aster of Katrina was an emergency, but Byrd Kohl quest; drought emergency assistance, Reid there are acts of God that take place. Cantwell Landrieu Salazar $12.5 million; port security enhance- Clinton Lautenberg One such act of God took place in Ha- Sarbanes Conrad Leahy ment, $650 million; general provisions, Schumer waii on the island of Kauai. Rains Dayton Levin $36 million. It goes on and on and on. Stabenow lasted for 40 days and 40 nights, dev- Dodd Lieberman We are going to do something else for Dorgan Lincoln Stevens astating that little island, but in par- the State of Hawaii so we can win the Durbin Menendez Wyden ticular it broke a reservoir, killing war in Iraq and so we can respond to Feinstein Mikulski seven people. Seven people are dead. the hurricanes. One of these amend- NAYS—53 Senator INOUYE came to this Cham- ments is to provide assistance relating Alexander Craig Isakson ber and offered an amendment to have to assessments and monitoring of Allard Crapo Kyl an emergency appropriation part of waters in the State of Hawaii—a mil- Allen DeMint Lott this bill. That is what it is. lion bucks for assistance relating to as- Bennett DeWine Lugar For my friend, the distinguished Sen- Bond Dole sessments and monitoring of the Martinez ator from Arizona, about whom we all Brownback Domenici McCain waters in the State of Hawaii, provided Bunning Ensign McConnell care, to come and say to Senator that the amount under this is des- Burns Enzi Nelson (NE) INOUYE, ‘‘Have you no shame?’’ ‘‘Have Burr Feingold Roberts ignated an emergency requirement. Chafee Frist you no shame?’’—to DAN INOUYE, a Santorum What is it that is going on in the Chambliss Graham Congressional Medal of Honor recipi- Sessions Coburn Grassley ent, on whom our country has bestowed waters of Hawaii that designates it as Shelby an emergency? Cochran Gregg the highest medal that can be given to Coleman Hagel Smith Then we have a $900,000 earmark, all Collins Hutchison Snowe a person in the U.S. military for her- for Hawaii, for assistance with assess- Cornyn Inhofe Specter oism. ‘‘Have you no shame?’’ DAN

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3968 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 INOUYE? The President declared that 40 Mr. MCCAIN. I ask unanimous con- $54 billion in potential rescissions that days and 40 nights in Hawaii a Presi- sent to speak for 2 minutes as in morn- I bet we could agree on $10 billion or dential declaration of an emergency. ing business. $11 billion of if everybody knew the Senator DAN INOUYE was doing his job, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without facts or the details. But we didn’t do as any one of us would do if we had tor- objection, it is so ordered. that. We didn’t ask the Appropriations rential rains hitting our States. Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I would Committee to do that. It was not asked We know how strongly JOHN MCCAIN like to say that Senator INOUYE and I of them to do that. It is not their fault. feels about issues dealing with appro- have been friends for many years. I be- They weren’t asked to do it. That is priations, but this is beyond the pale. lieve the process we are doing—obvi- the question the American people This is beyond the pale to say to DAN ously, when I see billions and billions ought to be asking. Where is the over- INOUYE: ‘‘Have you no shame?’’ of dollars added to an emergency sup- sight to see if everything is running I yield the floor. plemental—is inappropriate and, of well? AMENDMENT NO. 3601 course, I in no way would want to—in If you ask the American people: Do The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. no manner would I want to offend my you think the Federal Government is COBURN). The question is on agreeing friend, Mr. INOUYE. If my remarks did efficient, there is not going to be 1 or to amendment No. 3601 offered by the so, I apologize for doing so. 2 percent that will say yes. If you ask Senator from Hawaii. The yeas and I yield the floor. the American people: Do you think we nays have been ordered. The clerk will The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who could do it more efficiently for less call the roll. seeks time? money, the vast majority of the Amer- The assistant legislative clerk called Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I sug- ican people would agree with that. And the roll. gest the absence of a quorum. that is probably true. If you ask Fed- Mr. MCCONNELL. The following Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The eral employees, they will tell you that, ators were necessarily absent: the Sen- clerk will call the roll. too. The legislative clerk proceeded to ator from Utah (Mr. HATCH) and the The question is, Why are we not call the roll. Senator from Wyoming (Mr. THOMAS). doing it when we are spending money Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I ask we don’t have? We ought to think unanimous consent the order for the Senator from Delaware (Mr. CARPER) about this the next time an emergency and the Senator from West Virginia quorum call be rescinded. supplemental comes around. We ought The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. (Mr. ROCKEFELLER) are necessarily ab- to make an effort to find the offsets, MCCAIN). Without objection, it is so or- sent. and we ought to work together across dered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there party lines to say how do we secure the Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I ask any other Senators in the Chamber de- things we want. Some of those are dif- unanimous consent to speak for 10 min- siring to vote? ferent. If you are liberal or conserv- utes as in morning business. The result was announced—yeas 51, ative, you may want different things. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there nays 45, as follows: But if you are going to secure the fu- objection? Without objection, it is so ture for those programs that help indi- [Rollcall Vote No. 110 Leg.] ordered. YEAS—51 viduals and go a long way in securing The Senator from Oklahoma is recog- what we need to do to make sure peo- Akaka Durbin Mikulski nized for 10 minutes. Baucus Feinstein Murkowski ple have an honest, even start in this Bayh Harkin Murray OFFSETTING FUTURE SPENDING country, things that are valuable in Bennett Hutchison Nelson (FL) Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, we are that regard—whether it be the Food Biden Inouye Obama wrapping up the debate. It is finished Bingaman Jeffords Pryor Stamp Program or Head Start or some- Boxer Johnson Reed on this bill, and we are going to have thing like that—we are going to run Burns Kennedy Reid votes in the morning. out of money for those. Byrd Kerry Salazar I think we need to ask some ques- In 9 short years, 81 percent of our Cantwell Kohl Sarbanes tions. We have a supplemental bill. Re- Clinton Landrieu Schumer budget is going to be consumed by Cochran Lautenberg Specter gardless of the amount of it, it is here. Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Conrad Leahy Stabenow I think there is a real question in the and interest. We should have the dis- Dayton Levin Stevens country, and there should be a real Dodd Lieberman Voinovich cipline to start now to make the sig- Domenici Lincoln Warner question for us, on why we are doing a nificant changes that we need to make Dorgan Menendez Wyden supplemental bill on the war which we to be able to handle that emergency know is happening, and also on NAYS—45 that is coming. The real emergency is projects associated with Katrina and Alexander DeMint Lugar not right now. The emergency is going Allard DeWine Martinez Rita that we know are going to come to happen starting in 2009. Allen Dole McCain through the authorization and the ap- I just ask that we look at that and Bond Ensign McConnell propriations process. I think we need think about it. How do we answer to Brownback Enzi Nelson (NE) to look at that as a Congress and say Bunning Feingold Roberts the American public that we didn’t try Burr Frist Santorum why are we doing that, and be very to trim any other type of spending as Chafee Graham Sessions honest about why we are doing it. we spend $104 billion? Chambliss Grassley Shelby The second point I would make is, in With that, I yield the floor. Coburn Gregg Smith emergency legislation we have a lot of Coleman Hagel Snowe The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Collins Inhofe Sununu things that really aren’t emergencies. I COBURN). Who seeks recognition? Cornyn Isakson Talent think we as a body ought to look at Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I sug- Craig Kyl Thune that and use self-discipline. Crapo Lott Vitter gest the absence of a quorum. But the third point is, and this is the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The NOT VOTING—4 one I think the American people are clerk will call the roll. Carper Rockefeller asking, we have a bill out here that is The assistant legislative clerk pro- Hatch Thomas going to spend somewhere between $94 ceeded to call the roll. The amendment (No. 3601) was agreed billion and $108 billion of taxpayers’ Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I ask to. money, and there was no attempt unanimous consent that the order for Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I move whatsoever to offset this spending— the quorum call be dispensed with. to reconsider the vote. nothing. There were attempts on the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mrs. MURRAY. I move to lay that floor to change it, but there was no at- objection, it is so ordered. motion on the table. tempt to do a rescissions bill. There Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I ask The motion to lay on the table was was no attempt to look at the things unanimous consent to call up amend- agreed to. where we know there is wasteful spend- ment No. 3819. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ing. There was no attempt to look at The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ator from Arizona. some of these things. This is a list of objection?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3969 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ob- Mr. KOHL. The supplemental appro- However, I would like to point out to ject. priations bill now pending before the my colleagues that the energy costs of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- Senate includes nearly $4 billion in dairy producers, as described by the tion is heard. emergency agriculture assistance. This USDA Office of the Chief Economist, Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I yield assistance is necessary for farmers and was $2.2 billion. While dairy production the floor. ranchers to recover from natural disas- was not the highest single commodity Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I sug- ters that have occurred over the past for energy costs, it did come in second gest the absence of a quorum. year. This assistance is not only re- and was three times greater than the Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ask lated to the horrible storms that rav- average. While these costs were high in unanimous consent that the order for aged the Gulf of Mexico coast last sum- 2004, we all know what has happened, the quorum call be dispensed with. mer, but it also will be available for and is continuing to happen, to energy The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without producers across the country who have costs since then. objection, it is so ordered. similarly suffered from floods, storms, I know the budget constraints that Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I wildfires, drought, and other severe we face with regard to the pending sup- make a point of order en bloc against a weather events. plemental appropriations bill, and I am list of amendments on the grounds that Also included in this assistance pack- aware of the statement of President they are not germane under rule XXII. age is a provision to provide supple- Bush in regard to his views on spend- The amendments are as follows: mental economic loss payments to pro- ing. However, I would like to ask the Warner amendment No. 3620; Vitter ducers of certain crops. The primary chairman of the Appropriations Com- amendment No. 3628, as modified; purpose of this assistance is to help mittee for his views on this subject. I Wyden amendment No. 3665; Santorum compensate for the impact of high en- hope he would be willing to work with amendment No. 3640, as modified; Sala- ergy costs on agricultural producers. me in conference to ensure that in the zar amendment No. 3645; Vitter amend- We must remember that while many event funds are provided for supple- ment No. 3668; Obama amendment No. businesses can pass on increased costs mental economic assistance in a man- 3693; Obama amendment No. 3694; of production to consumers or other ner similar to what is provided in the Obama amendment No. 3695; Obama purchasers, the nature of the agri- pending bill, that dairy producers will amendment No. 3697; Menendez amend- culture economy is such that farmers be able to participate in a program to ment No. 3675; Conrad amendment No. and ranchers are very limited in their help compensate for the high energy 3715; Levin amendment No. 3710; Schu- ability to pass on such costs. Yet the and other costs facing the agriculture mer amendment No. 3723; Schumer costs of fuel, electricity, and other en- sector. amendment No. 3724; Cornyn amend- ergy inputs are a very large part of the Mr. COCHRAN. I thank the Senator ment No. 3722; Cornyn amendment No. overall costs of agricultural production from Wisconsin for expressing his con- 3672; Byrd amendment No. 3708; Lan- and when energy costs rise, as they cerns and for providing the specific in- drieu amendment No. 3750; and Lan- have done in recent months, they put formation regarding the effect of en- drieu amendment No. 3752. farming and ranching operations all ergy costs on agriculture. The Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without across the country at risk. Unfortu- is correct, we will be under tremendous objection, the point of order may be nately, the provision now in the bill pressure in conference to limit the made en bloc at this time. does not apply to dairy producers. amount of spending in this bill. We all Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I raise During consideration of this supple- know how important the farming econ- a point of order against these amend- mental appropriations bill by the Full omy is to this country and how badly ments, that they are not germane Appropriations Committee, I pointed farm income is being impaired by high under rule XXII. out to my colleagues that dairy pro- energy costs. I would tell my friend The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ducers are suffering from high energy from Wisconsin that I will work with Chair sustains the point of order with costs as are producers of crops. I ask him, and other Senators, to make sure respect to all the amendments. the chairman of the Appropriations that all farmers are treated fairly. The Mr. COCHRAN. All the amendments Committee, Senator COCHRAN, if he re- Senator’s point about the costs affect- that I read? calls the discussion we had on that ing dairy producers, along with the The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is topic at that time. others he mentioned, is well taken, and correct. Mr. COCHRAN. Yes. I say to the Sen- I hope an accommodation can be made Mr. COCHRAN. My understanding is ator from Wisconsin that I do recall to make sure all these farmers are that the Chair sustains the point of that discussion. treated equitably. order. Mr. KOHL. It might be of interest to Mr. KOHL. I thank the chairman. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the chairman, and other Senators, to ARMY MODULARITY PROGRAMS Chair sustains the point of order on all share some information I have received Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I amendments. from the USDA Office of the Chief would like to engage my colleague Mr. COCHRAN. I thank the Chair. Economist on the question of how en- from Alaska, Senator TED STEVENS, on Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- ergy costs affect various types of farm- a topic of importance to our Nation’s sent that when the Senate resumes the ing operations. I asked the Chief Econ- military and our industrial base. The supplemental appropriations bill to- omist if he could provide the amounts issue of importance concerns addi- morrow morning, the Senate proceed that farmers pay for direct fuels costs, tional funding included by the House of to consider votes on or in relation to electricity, and indirect energy costs Representatives for Bradley fighting the following, with no intervening ac- such as those associated with the pro- vehicles and Hercules improved recov- tion or debate or second-degree amend- duction of fertilizer and chemicals. Ac- ery vehicles. The House added $250 mil- ments: cording to that office, using the most lion for Bradley ODS vehicles and an- Thune amendment No. 3705, and Vit- recent year for which these amounts other $100 million for Hercules vehi- ter amendment No. 3728, as modified. are available, 2004, producers of so- cles. I further ask unanimous consent that called program crops, including wheat, Mr. STEVENS. As the Senator from the bill be read a third time and the corn, feed grains, rice, cotton oilseeds, Pennsylvania knows, I am keenly Senate proceed to a vote on passage and peanuts, paid a total of $9.9 billion aware that these are important with no intervening action or debate; for these sort of energy inputs. Of that modularity programs for our Nation’s provided further that following pas- total, corn had the highest energy Army. sage, the Senate insist on its amend- costs with $4.9 billion. Cotton pro- Mr. SANTORUM. I want to thank the ments and request a conference with ducers came in second at $1.7 billion. Senator from Alaska for his efforts to the House, and the Chair then be au- On the other hand, peanut producers address these and other Army pro- thorized to appoint conferees on the paid $145 million for these same costs. grams in this supplemental appropria- part of the Senate. The average energy cost for these tions bill. I recognize that there are fi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without seven different commodities, by com- nancial limitations on what the Com- objection, it is so ordered. modity, was $707 million. mittee on Appropriations is able to do

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3970 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 with respect to addressing the Army’s ance for tenant-paid utilities. The De- vouchers, the funding provided to the recapitalization needs. partment of Housing and Urban Devel- agency under the budget-based voucher Mr. STEVENS. I thank the Senator opment’s (HUD) budget for fiscal year formula limits them to serving only 639 from Pennsylvania for his observations 2006 for both public housing and section families. Woonsocket has previously on the realities of the appropriations 8 vouchers did not contemplate the undertaken many energy-saving activi- process. Candidly, there were more pro- growth in energy costs that we have ties; however, utility costs for elec- grams of need for the Army than there seen since the gulf coast hurricanes of tricity increased 100 percent in Novem- were resources available to the com- 2005. The 1.5-percent increase budgeted ber/December 2005 over the same mittee. I am committed to working for utility payments is woefully inad- months in 2004. Natural gas increased with conferees to this bill in con- equate this year. 37 percent for the last 3 months of 2005. ference to try to address these two par- For approximately 80 percent of pub- Utilities costs, which were 30 percent ticular programs. lic housing units, the local housing of the operating costs, now have begun Mr. SANTORUM. I thank my col- agency pays directly for utilities. The to approach 40 percent and could go to league for his remarks and I stand local agency cannot pay increased util- 50 percent. ready to provide whatever assistance ity bills by raising rents. In the re- For this reason, I filed an amend- might be necessary to secure supple- maining 20 percent of public housing ment to H.R. 4939, the emergency sup- mental appropriations funds for Brad- units, local agencies assist families, el- plemental appropriations bill, to pro- ley fighting vehicles and Hercules im- derly, and disabled persons to pay util- vide $493 million to public housing proved recovery vehicles. ity bills where these bills would tip agencies to address rising energy costs PUBLIC HOUSING ENERGY COSTS housing costs over 30 percent of in- for the section 8 voucher program and Mr. REED. Mr. President, I would come. HUD’s public housing operating public housing units. Unfortunately, like to engage in a colloquy with the fund budget, which pays for utilities, the amendment is not germane distinguished chairman and ranking for fiscal year 2006 incorporated only a postcloture and will not receive consid- member of the Transportation, Treas- 1.5–percent increase for rising energy eration. Local housing agencies are not ury, Judiciary, and HUD Sub- costs, a level not close to the utility able to absorb these costs and meet committee of the Committee on Appro- rate hikes experienced by local agen- their mission to ensure safe, decent, priations. cies. In 2005, public housing agencies and affordable housing. I am particu- As my colleagues know, rising home received just 89 percent of the amount energy costs and high prices at the larly worried that the problem will necessary to cover basic maintenance pump are draining dollars out of our only be exacerbated as HUD’s fiscal and operations, and in fiscal year 2006, communities and the pocketbooks of year 2007 budget projects a 1.8-percent these agencies are expected to receive American families. This is money that decrease in utility costs. Rising energy about 91 percent of necessary funding. could be spent on school supplies, food costs will remain a pressing issue for Public housing agencies cannot absorb and medicine, and retirement savings. American families and our local com- these increases within their budgets or The burden of high energy prices is dis- munities, and they need our assistance. reserves. Without supplemental fund- proportionately felt by low-income and I recognize the difficult budget con- working class consumers, who do not ing, many agencies will be forced to straints that the chairman and ranking have the disposal income to meet these again cut back on basic maintenance member face this year as they begin expenses. The unanticipated increases and vital services to the elderly, dis- the fiscal year 2007 appropriations in energy costs due to Hurricanes abled, and working families they serve. process. I hope the chairman and rank- The section 8 voucher program is ex- Katrina and Rita at the beginning of ing member can work with me to ad- periencing similar problems. About 20 the 2005/2006 heating season have had a dress the growing problem of rising en- percent of assisted families have utili- significant impact on the ability of ergy costs on local housing agencies as ties included within their rental local housing agencies to effectively they begin work on the fiscal year 2007 manage their public and section 8 hous- charges. For the remaining 80 percent, Transportation, Treasury, Judiciary, ing inventories. housing agencies provide the family and HUD appropriations bill. Nationwide, approximately 3 million with a standard utility allowance based Mr. BOND. Mr. President, local hous- families receive public housing or sec- on energy consumption for the housing ing agencies in my State are also fac- tion 8 housing voucher assistance, unit where they live. HUD calculates ing these rising energy costs. The which helps families pay for housing the annual increases in voucher fund- Housing Authority of Springfield expe- costs, including utilities. In Rhode Is- ing and the amount that agencies are rienced a 28-percent increase in utility land, public housing provides homes for permitted to pay on behalf of families costs this winter during the city’s sec- 16,000 households, 7,000 of whom are el- for tenant-paid utilities based on area ond warmest January and the warmest derly or disabled and 9,000 family mem- housing cost estimates. Again, these February in recorded history. This bers. The section 8 voucher program calculations were developed before’ the utility increase represents an approxi- serves an additional 16,000 residents, recent increase in utilities. Housing mate 6-percent increase in the public 3,300 who are elderly or disabled, and agencies are required to recalculate housing agency’s operating budget. As 12,173 family members. Public housing and increase utility allowances for the Senator mentioned, many core pro- and the section 8 voucher programs are families whenever utility costs in- grams within the subcommittee’s juris- important assets to communities and crease by 10 percent or more. However, diction are facing deep cuts in the fis- residents in Rhode Island, making af- under the current ‘‘budget-based’’ cal year 2007 budget request, and at fordable housing available to many el- method of funding vouchers, no addi- this point, I am not certain what our derly, disabled, and working families. tional funding will be provided midyear allocation will be for the fiscal year. In 2004, the average rent for a two-bed- to accommodate these increased costs. The Senator raises an important con- room apartment in the State was The failure to provide additional fund- cern, and I will take a serious look at $1,121. The average income needed for ing to local agencies for utility in- how these unbudgeted costs may be ad- this rent is $45,000 per year, or $16.25 creases will create either greater rent dressed so that local agencies can con- per hour. Teachers and librarians earn burdens for low-income families or tinue to manage their operations re- only an average of $40,685 per year in force agencies to reduce the number of sponsibly. Rhode Island. Half of all Rhode Island families they assist within their lim- Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I residents cannot afford the rent on the ited budgets. would second what the chairman has average two-bedroom apartment. The An example from my home State of just stated about the budget con- average hourly wage needed to afford a Rhode Island is illustrative of what straints facing our subcommittee. I am one-bedroom apartment in the State is public housing agencies are facing committed to working with the Sen- $14.05. A minimum-wage employee, across the country. The Woonsocket ator from Rhode Island during the fis- working full time, would be able to af- Public Housing Authority serves 1,300 cal year 2007 budget process to address ford $351 in rent. families in public housing, including these rising energy costs. Public housing agencies pay utility 650 senior citizens. While the agency is Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I would bills, and vouchers include an allow- authorized to serve 669 families with like to take this opportunity to discuss

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3971 my fire grant amendment to the Iraq sist firefighters is to make sure that the Nation’s interoperability problem, and Hurricane Katrina emergency sup- they have the necessary equipment and it would cost more than $15 billion plemental bill. Although there are pro- that makes it possible for them to to begin to fix the problem. cedural reasons why I cannot offer this communicate across departments and I appreciate Senator STABENOW’s amendment at this time, it would pro- agencies. work on this issue and her cosponsor- vide an additional $100 million for fire- In Illinois, STARCOM21 is the offi- ship of this important amendment. fighter assistance grants to address the cial statewide public safety two-way This is such an important issue for 9/11 Commission’s finding that Con- radio system. It has been designed to firefighters in Illinois and across the gress should give high priority to pro- serve State, local, and Federal law en- country that when there is another op- viding funding for communications forcement agencies statewide by facili- portunity, I intend to bring this connectivity in high-risk areas. tating multi-agency communication amendment before the Senate, and I We should implement the rec- through radio interoperability. This hope that my colleagues will consider ommendations of the independent, bi- important program is part of a push by supporting it. partisan 9/11 Commission and finally the Federal Government to address Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am a protect our ports and airports, our bor- communication problems experienced cosponsor of amendment 3662 by my ders and mass-transit systems, our by first responders during national friend from Wisconsin, Senator FEIN- chemical and nuclear power plants, and emergencies. As part of its STARCOM GOLD. His amendment, which would our food and water supplies from ter- program, Illinois has purchased and have ensured continued support for the rorist attack. In July 2004, the 9/11 distributed radios to 698 law enforce- Office of the Special Inspector General Commission submitted to Congress and ment agencies at a cost of $3,899,630, for for Iraq Reconstruction, was ruled the Nation a report containing 41 rec- an average cost of approximately $6,000 ‘‘nongermane’’ by the Parliamentarian. ommendations on how to improve in- each; 755 fire departments at a cost of This is inexplicable and unfortunate. telligence operations and homeland se- $4,531,580; and 212 emergency manage- But the real travesty is that the major- curity. In December 2004, Congress en- ment, public health, and other agencies ity, which could simply agree to accept acted the Intelligence Reform Act, at a cost of $1,272,882. This is a total of this amendment, would prefer to hide ‘‘the 9/11 Act’’, authorizing several of 1,665 radios for $9.7 million. This is a behind the Parliamentarian’s ruling these recommendations. However, we little more than half of the universe of and let it die. have failed to live up to the commit- public safety agencies in the State. Il- By all accounts, with the exception ments made in the 9/11 Act. linois would like to provide additional of the snipes of some anonymous Pen- Almost every single one of the rec- radios to some of the larger cities— tagon officials and their friends in the ommendations made in the 9/11 Act on there are 10 cities in Illinois with popu- majority party who do not want the co- homeland security has been signifi- lations over 100,000 people—but Federal lossal blunders of the Iraq reconstruc- cantly underfunded. In addition, there assistance is required. tion program exposed to the light of has been a severe lack of leadership My amendment addresses the 9/11 day, the special inspector general has and competency at the Department of Commission’s recommendation that done an excellent job under difficult Homeland Security—culminating in first responders have interoperable and dangerous conditions. the failed response to Hurricane communications equipment. My He has uncovered numerous in- Katrina. On December 5, 2005, when the amendment would provide an addi- stances of waste and fraud—some, 9/11 Commission issued its final report tional $100 million for interoperable shocking in their audacity—and there card, it gave the administration and communications equipment so that are dozens of investigations and pros- Congress a series of C’s, D’s, and F’s on first responders can respond to natural ecutions under way. many areas in homeland security. disasters, terrorist attacks, and other There is another $1.6 billion for Iraq These areas include port security, bor- public safety needs. Fire grants are al- reconstruction in this supplemental for der security, aviation security, chem- ready used by some jurisdictions for precisely the same types of activities ical plant security, and first respond- the purpose of obtaining communica- that have been funded under the Iraq ers. We should have an aggressive, ro- tions equipment, and my amendment relief and reconstruction fund. bust plan to secure our homeland, and sets aside a pool of funding to encour- But in this bill they are funded under this amendment would implement one age more departments to do so. This is traditional foreign operations ac- of the 9/11 Commission’s recommenda- important to help emergency respond- counts, not under the Iraq relief and tions. ers field effective and reliable inter- reconstruction fund. In the 9/11 Commission’s December operable communications equipment to What this means is that, by not 2005 report card, the administration re- respond to natural disasters, terrorist adopting the Feingold amendment, the ceived an ‘‘F’’ on communications for attacks, and the public safety needs of special inspector general will not have first responders. Indeed, Hurricane America’s communities. oversight of these funds. Katrina exposed that, 4 years after 9/11, The lack of interoperable commu- Apparently the idea is for the State little progress has been made in cre- nications for America’s first responders Department inspector general to take ating a system where police, fire, and puts them and our communities in dan- over this responsibility. But that office emergency medical service depart- ger. Too many of our police, fire, emer- has no people in Iraq, no plan or budget ments can communicate with each gency medical services, and transpor- to put people there, and no ability to other. Homeland Security’s fiscal year tation officials cannot communicate do the job any time soon. They have 2007 budget decreases first responder with each other, and our local depart- said so themselves. and homeland security funding by $400 ments are not able to link their com- This is nothing more than a trans- million, which affects first responders munications with State and Federal parent attempt to shut down the only across Illinois and throughout the Na- emergency response agencies. A June effective oversight of this massive re- tion. Additional Federal funds are 2004 U.S. Conference of Mayors survey construction program which has been needed to protect our investments in found that 94 percent of cities do not plagued by mismanagement and fraud. homeland security preparation and re- have interoperable capability between Projects have been poorly designed, sponse. police, fire, and emergency medical grossly over priced, and many will Last year, more than $25 million was services, and 60 percent of cities do not never be finished, while U.S. contrac- awarded to Illinois fire departments for have interoperable capability with the tors such as Halliburton have made off equipment. Unfortunately, the fiscal State emergency operations center. Al- with huge profits. year 2007 budget reduces funding for most half of the cities that responded We are told by our friends in the ma- the Fire Program from $545 million to to the survey said that a lack of inter- jority, acting on behalf of some in the $293 million. This program provides operable communications had made re- Pentagon and the White House who equipment and training to fire depart- sponse to an incident within the last want to shut down the Office of the ments in Illinois and across the coun- year difficult. In November 2003, OMB Special Inspector General, that they try to help them prepare and respond testified before Congress that there is just want to return to the ‘‘regular to terrorist incidents. One way to as- insufficient funding in place to solve order.’’ That is their explanation for

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S3972 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 3, 2006 turning this responsibility over to the is not going to be settled, the terrorists fronts. It has created networks of orga- State Department. and terrorism in Iraq is not going to be nizations and individuals committed to That is laughable. There is nothing settled, through military options or a peaceful, democratic outcome in that resembles the regular order in this military operations. It is going to be Iraq. It has engaged in successful out- multibillion-dollar supplemental, none settled in the political process.’’ reach to the Sunni community and of which is paid for. In one breath they Right now, a critical player in ad- supported participation of argue that they cannot pay for the war vancing that political process in Iraq is marginalized groups in the political through the regular appropriations the U.S. Institute of Peace, a non- process, including minorities, women process because it is an extraordinary partisan organization created by Con- and the disabled. expense. In the next breath they make gress in 1984 to, among other duties, fa- In addition, the institute has trained the opposite argument to justify shut- cilitate the resolution of international hundreds of Iraqi officials in conflict ting down the Office of the Special In- disputes, train international affairs resolution and negotiation strategies, spector General. professionals in conflict prevention, as well as provincial-level government If this were really about the regular management, and resolution tech- and civil society officials in conducting order, the White House would support niques, and strengthen the education of interethnic dialogue. It has supported the amendment by Senator BYRD to emerging generations of young people Iraqi civil society projects that pro- pay the cost of this war, rather than in the United States and in foreign moted intercommunal and interreli- continue to ignore the regular budget zones of conflict. gious tolerance, including a project process and fund the war off budget, USIP has embraced that mission in with the Iraqi Handicapped Association leaving it to future generations to pay. Iraq. U.S. Institute of Peace personnel that brought together Iraqis of all This is just another example of the are doing a magnificent job of facili- faiths and ethnicities to promote par- hypocrisy of the President’s bankrupt tating interethnic and interreligious ticipation of Iraq’s disabled in the con- fiscal policy, and of those who continue dialogue and conflict resolution. They stitution process. to defend it in Congress. Use a figleaf are training Iraqi leaders at the na- In my limited time, let me cite just to make it appear as if you support the tional and local levels in democratic three examples of the good work that regular budget process when in fact processes and rule-of-law programs. the institute is doing in Iraq: you are weakening it. This also is the They bring unique experience and ex- Increasing regional stability. Iraq’s latest example of the majority party’s pertise in building a democratic gov- neighbors have done little to help sta- distaste and even disdain for oversight ernment and a robust civil society. bilize the country. So the Institute of and for the checks and balances in our And, obviously, this is all the more Peace facilitated a series of system that are supposed to root out critical today, as we acknowledge that groundbreaking informal dialogues corruption, waste, fraud and abuse and Iraq’s future will be decided in the po- among leading foreign policy and na- to make government work better as litical arena, not on the field of battle. tional security figures from Iraq and government spends the taxpayers’ But there is a problem. The U.S. In- each of its six neighbors: Saudi Arabia, hard-earned dollars. stitute of Peace is on the verge of run- Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Iran and Ku- The special inspector general has a ning out of funds for its operations in wait. At this meeting, participants difficult job. His job is to find the Iraq and Afghanistan, and all of its on- identified and began to work on how to truth, and sometimes the truth is hard going programs in those countries will address a number of challenges, includ- for government agencies to accept. be halted in the coming months if we ing developing a regional reconcili- Sometimes they would rather not have do not provide a necessary infusion of ation process to overcome deepseated the spotlight shined on their mistakes. funds in this emergency supplemental. cultural and political misconceptions But the special inspector general Some other amendments to this bill and prejudices creating a broad-based works for American taxpayers, not for have been criticized because they do effort to improve security promoting the Pentagon, and not for Halliburton. not pertain to Iraq or Afghanistan and effective government inside Iraq, and The Feingold amendment would have because they are not emergencies. That building stronger economic ties. ensured continued oversight of the is definitely not the case in this situa- Promoting Sunni engagement. Obvi- very programs the special inspector tion. The U.S. Institute of Peace is at ously, reaching out to Sunnis is vital general was created to oversee. I want the heart of our efforts to achieve a po- to dealing with the insurgency. In to commend him for his attention to litical success in Iraq. And we are truly March 2006, the institute convened a this issue and his effort to protect at an emergency juncture where the in- meeting of Sunni political leaders and American taxpayers. By using a tech- stitute will have to cease operations if legal scholars to discuss the current nical sleight-of-hand maneuver to pre- it does not receive supplemental fund- constitution. Participants included vent the Senate from voting on this ing. Sunnis who rejected the approved con- amendment—a vote they know they For fiscal year 2004, USIP received stitution but who nevertheless joined would lose—the majority has dealt a $10 million in funding for its operations in designing a strategy forward. blow to oversight of the shoddy, waste- in Iraq and Afghanistan. Those funds Creating a new generation of leaders. ful, and criminal failures of the Iraq re- will be exhausted in a matter of Almost half of the Iraqi population is construction program. months. The Office of Management and under the age of 21. Long-term peace Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I am Budget has proposed a small increase and development depends on this gen- pleased that the Senate approved my for next fiscal year. But meanwhile, we eration developing democratic values. language to provide up to $8.5 million face a crisis, here and now, that will re- To this end, the institute supported the to the U.S. Institute of Peace in the quire a shutdown in USIP operations at establishment of a student society at emergency supplemental appropria- exactly the time when they are most the University of Babylon-Hilla. This tions bill. This funding would allow urgently needed. The $8.5 million infu- society is designed to foster freedom of USIP to continue critical democracy- sion provided in the bill will allow expression and promote a culture of building programs in Iraq and Afghani- those operations to continue and, in tolerance and respect for citizens’ stan. some cases, to expand. rights among Iraqi youth. In 12 This $8.5 million will continue fund- According to the Congressional Re- months, it disseminated thousands of ing vital programs that are already in search Service, we are now spending al- copies of student-produced news- place on the ground in Iraq but that most $6.4 billion a month in Iraq, over- letters—al-Iraqi—and held a total of 21 are in danger of running out of money whelmingly on combat operations. It debates on controversial and timely before the end of the summer. And I would be penny wise and pound foolish issues, such as the role of Islam, fed- would like to assure my colleagues to refuse to allow this modest $8.5 mil- eralism, unemployment and terrorism. that USIP has a plan on how to use lion infusion to allow USIP’s all-impor- The student society has grown into the every dollar of this funding. tant democracy-building programs to largest student organization on cam- BG Donald Alston, our chief military go forward in Iraq and Afghanistan. pus—larger even than the Sadrist Is- spokesman in Iraq, has acknowledged, The U.S. Institute of Peace is active lamic Student Union. The project is and I quote, ‘‘[The insurgency in Iraq] in Iraq and Afghanistan on multiple galvanizing moderates and helping

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 05, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S03MY6.REC S03MY6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3973 marginalize militants, providing an es- best and brightest minds in America in cation of emerging generations of sential counterbalance to radical- the art and science of war. young people in the United States and ization on campus. But Americans also have a long his- in foreign zones of conflict; and in- Let me emphasize that this funding tory as a peace-loving people. Time and creasing public understanding about would also be used for programs in Af- again, we have brokered peace between the nature of international conflicts, ghanistan. In that country, the insti- warring nations, and we have inter- as well as approaches to their preven- tute has been hard at work building vened to head off potential conflicts. tion, management, and resolution. programs that promote the rule of law. The Institute of Peace draws on this Mr. President, the USIP deserves our As I am sure that my colleagues are proud tradition and today makes a support. aware, while much progress has been vital intellectual investment in the art f made in Afghanistan, there is a very and science of peacemaking. real danger that the drug lords and Today’s Institute of Peace is the MORNING BUSINESS warlords have ruled for decades will fruit of a dream and vision that goes Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I ask gain traction and undo U.S. success in back to our Nation’s Founders. Ben- unanimous consent there now be a pe- installing a democratic government. jamin Banneker, often called ‘‘the first riod for morning business with Sen- One way to combat that is through the black American man of science,’’ and ators permitted to speak for up to 10 traditional mechanisms—councils of physician Benjamin Rush, a signer of minutes each. male village elders—that handle over the Declaration of Independence, noted The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 90 percent of legal disputes. The Insti- and lamented the Constitution’s failure objection, it is so ordered. tute of Peace has partnered with the to establish a Department of Peace to Mr. VOINOVICH. I ask unanimous Afghan Ministry of Justice in devel- balance the Department of War. In consent that I be allowed to speak for oping a strategy that will enable the their correspondence with Thomas Jef- up to 35 minutes. formal and informal legal systems to ferson in 1792, Banneker and Rush envi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without work together and ensure that Af- sioned a ‘‘Peace Office’’ which would be objection, it is so ordered. ghans, in particular women and mi- on an equal footing with the Depart- The Senator from Ohio is recognized. norities, enjoy protection of their ment of War and would be charged with f rights. One tribal leader at an Institute promoting and preserving perpetual FISCAL HEALTH of Peace meeting said that his people peace in the United States. want effective central government, but George Washington also supported Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I that they have never had a government the establishment of a Peace Office. rise today to speak on our Nation’s fis- they can trust. The institute aims to And his support was not just casual. He cal situation. Today, the Senate is con- create the kind of legal system all Af- believed that such an office should be sidering about a $100 billion supple- ghans can look to for justice with con- an essential pillar of the new Nation. mental funding bill that our Federal fidence. When he died in 1799, Washington’s last Government requires to fulfill its do- The bottom line is that all of this will and testament bequeathed in per- mestic and foreign obligations. While I good work being carried out by the petuity 50 acres in Potomac County to acknowledge this funding is needed in U.S. Institute of Peace in Iraq and Af- be used ‘‘toward the endowment of a many areas at home and abroad, most ghanistan will come to a crashing halt university—under the auspices of the notably with our commitments to fight in the months immediately ahead if we general Government.’’ This bequest the war on terror, rebuild after the do not provide this infusion of $8.5 mil- was intended to make possible the devastations of Katrina and Rita and lion on an emergency basis. The insti- proper ‘‘Peace Establishment’’ that protecting our borders, the occasion of tute’s democracy-building efforts President Washington had written passing a $100 billion supplemental bill would end at exactly the time when about as early as 1783. is an opportunity that I cannot pass up they are most urgently needed. That In a 1980 report, the Matsunaga Com- to remind the Senate of where our Na- would be unconscionable. Millions of mission strongly recommended the es- tion’s overall fiscal health lies. Iraqis are putting their lives on the tablishment of the United States Acad- In a nutshell, our fiscal health is in line because of their commitment to emy of Peace. In the course of more dire straits. In the most simple terms, building democracy. We need to keep than 70 meetings and hearings all the Federal Government continues to faith with those courageous Iraqis and across the United States, Senator Mat- spend more than it takes in. I hope my their dream of a democratic Iraq. sunaga of Hawaii and other Senators colleagues agree that the running the Further, I would like to inform my surveyed the full range of threats to charge cards for today’s needs and colleagues that our U.S. Ambassador, world peace and explored ways to leaving the bill for our children and Zalamay Khalilzad, who is currently counter those threats. grandchildren should not be the policy serving in Iraq, was a member of the After much thoughtful debate, a that this body pursues. USIP board of directors from November compromise was reached, and the When I came to the Senate in 1999, 1999 to May 2001, at which time he United States Institute of Peace Act the national debt stood at $5.6 trillion. joined the National Security Council was passed and signed into law by Today, as the chart shows, the national and had to leave the board. Ambas- President Ronald Reagan in 1984. A debt stands at $8.4 trillion. Since I sador Negroponte who served in Iraq board was installed, and the institute’s came to the Senate in 1999, we have prior to Ambassador Khalilzad called first meeting was held in February had an increase in the national debt of on USIP to assist him in calling to- 1986. Since that time, the institute has about 50 percent. The chart shows the gether Iraqi religious leaders, and they done remarkable work in such dis- last 4 years how we have climbed the would all meet in USIP’s Iraq office. I parate nations as Afghanistan and ladder, and the Treasury will be back am sure they would both join me in Korea, Bosnia and the Philippines. asking us to raise the debt limit. commending the work of the U.S. Insti- Today, at the direction of Congress, As a percentage of gross domestic tute of Peace. the Institute actively pursues six inter- product, our national debt has grown But before I finish my remarks I related activities: expanding society’s from being 58 percent of gross domestic would like to take a few moments to knowledge about the changing nature production at the end of 2000 to an esti- speak about the history of the U.S. In- and conduct of international relations mated 66.1 percent of gross domestic stitute of Peace. and the management of international production by the end of 2006. The U.S. Institute of Peace is a conflict; supporting policymakers in Undoubtedly, the United States has unique organization. Throughout our the legislative and executive branches; undergone unprecedented challenges long history, America has been proud facilitating the resolution of inter- that have spurred these fiscal issues. of its strong, well-led military. And national disputes; training inter- The tragedy of September 11 to fight- this outstanding military leadership is national affairs professionals from the ing the war on terror at home and no accident. It is possible because we United States and abroad in conflict abroad, to hurricanes Katrina and maintain prestigious, world-class mili- prevention, management, and resolu- Rita, to the rollout of the new Medi- tary academies which train some of the tion techniques; strengthening the edu- care prescription drug plan, the largest

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