E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 110 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 153 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2007 No. 43 House of Representatives The House met at 10:30 a.m. and was our war in Iraq with benchmarks and tary strategy,’’ adding, ‘‘By interfering called to order by the Speaker pro tem- deadlines for withdrawal is a prescrip- with the discretion of the Commander pore (Mr. MEEKS of New York). tion for retreat and defeat. in Chief and military leaders in order Common sense and the Constitution f to fulfill domestic political needs, Con- teach us that Congress can declare war. gress undermines whatever prospects DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO Congress can fund or choose not to remain of a successful outcome.’’ TEMPORE fund war. But Congress must not ever And even in today’s Washington The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- attempt to conduct war. I urge my col- Post, another lion of the liberal media fore the House the following commu- leagues on both sides of the aisle to in America, under the lead editorial nication from the Speaker: heed the call of the Constitution and headline, The Pelosi Plan for Iraq, they common sense and reject the Pelosi write: WASHINGTON, DC, plan for retreat and defeat in Iraq. March 13, 2007. ‘‘In short, the Democrat proposal to It turns out, Mr. Speaker, that I am I hereby appoint the Honorable GREGORY be taken up this week is an attempt to W. MEEKS to act as Speaker pro tempore on actually not alone in my concern about impose detailed management on a war this day. the constitutionality and the common- without regard to the war itself.’’ NANCY PELOSI, sense value of the current plan for The Washington Post adds: ‘‘Con- Speaker of the House of Representatives. withdrawal from Iraq being propounded gress should rigorously monitor the f by the majority. The newspaper of Iraqi government’s progress on those record in the home State of Speaker benchmarks. By Mr. Bush’s own ac- MORNING HOUR DEBATES PELOSI, the Los Angeles Times, wrote count, the purpose of the troop surge in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- an editorial yesterday under the title Iraq is to enable political process. If ant to the order of the House of Janu- ‘‘Do We Really Need a General Pelosi?’’ progress does not occur, the military ary 4, 2007, the Chair will now recog- adding ‘‘Congress can cut funding for strategy should be reconsidered.’’ nize Members from lists submitted by Iraq, but it shouldn’t micromanage the But here is the key line in the Wash- the majority and minority leaders for war.’’ Allow me to quote further from ington Post lead editorial today: ‘‘But morning hour debates. The Chair will yesterday’s lead editorial in the Los aggressive oversight is quite different alternate recognition between the par- Angeles Times: from mandating military steps accord- ‘‘After weeks of internal strife, House ties, with each party limited to not to ing to an inflexible timetable con- Democrats have brought forth their exceed 30 minutes, and each Member, forming to the need to capture votes in proposal for forcing President Bush to except the majority leader, the minor- Congress or at the 2008 polls.’’ withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq by 2008. ity leader, or the minority whip, lim- It is truly extraordinary how politics The plan is an unruly mess: bad public ited to not to exceed 5 minutes. and common sense and the Constitu- policy, bad precedent and bad politics. The Chair recognizes the gentleman tion can make such strange bedfellows. If the legislation passes, Bush says from Indiana (Mr. PENCE) for 5 min- I scarcely think, Mr. Speaker, that I utes. he’ll veto it, as well he should.’’ The Los Angeles Times editorial have ever come to the floor of this f board went on: House and quoted at any length the lead editorial in either the Washington IRAQ ‘‘It was one thing for the house to pass a nonbinding vote of disapproval. Post or the Los Angeles Times. Those Mr. PENCE. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s quite another for it to set out a de- two newspapers tend to bookend the By the end of 2006, most Americans tailed timetable with specific bench- country from a liberal perspective in could see that our strategy in Iraq was marks and conditions for the continu- the media. But in both cases, both not working. In January of this year, ation of the conflict.’’ newspapers have identified what I as- President Bush outlined his plan to win The L.A. Times asked, ‘‘Imagine if serted in the beginning, that my col- the war in Iraq. And just last week, Dwight Eisenhower had been forced to leagues should heed the call of the Con- Speaker PELOSI and the Democrat ma- adhere to a congressional war plan in stitution and common sense and reject jority announced their plan to end the scheduling the Normandy landings or the Pelosi plan for retreat and defeat war in Iraq. The only problem with if, in 1863, President Lincoln had been in Iraq. that, Mr. Speaker, is that, as George forced by Congress to conclude the It is the purview of the Congress to Orwell wrote, the quickest way to end Civil War by the following year.’’ declare war. It is the purview of this the war is to lose it, and I believe that They conclude, ‘‘This is the worst Congress to vote up or down on wheth- the Democratic plan to micromanage kind of congressional meddling in mili- er we should continue to fund military

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

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VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR7.000 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2440 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 operations. And I would never question ago voted on a resolution that said I would point out that in the supple- that right. But it is not the purview of that the escalation and the surge was a mental appropriations bill, we do pro- the Congress, according to our history mistake, that we are opposed to that. vide more money for this effort, be- and Constitution and tradition, to And so there has to be some effort in cause the Democratic leadership, as interpose our will, our decisions, our this spending bill, which is our prerog- Speaker PELOSI realized, that we are timetables, on military commanders in ative, to indicate why the war has gone neglecting the war in Afghanistan the field. in the wrong direction and what needs where the terrorists began. Let’s I will close, Mr. Speaker, by simply to be done to end it and ultimately get refocus on that. But this supplemental saying that we do have but one choice our troops out of there. That is what bill is the answer to the problem and it in Iraq and that is victory. It is my we are doing as Democrats and I be- brings us in a new direction. hope and prayer that after much polit- lieve we will have a consensus to f ical debate here in Congress, we will achieve that and I think that it will give our soldiers the resources they lead in a very short period of time to ENERGY SECURITY need to achieve victory in Iraq and us getting out of Iraq and leaving the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- bring home a much-deserved freedom Iraqis to decide their own fate. It is ant to the order of the House of Janu- for those good people and another vic- time for that at this time. We ary 4, 2007, the gentleman from Florida tory for freedom for the American peo- shouldn’t be sending the resources and (Mr. STEARNS) is recognized during ple. we shouldn’t be sending our soldiers morning hour debates for 5 minutes. f into a situation where they no longer Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, on Sep- belong. tember 19, 2002, in a Wall Street Jour- TIME TO REFOCUS EFFORTS IN My intention today was to come to nal editorial, former CIA Director THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM the floor and talk about, rather than James Woolsey described the central The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- sending our soldiers to Iraq and all the challenge we face in the global war on ant to the order of the House of Janu- resources we are sending to Iraq, that terrorism as the United States’ depend- ary 4, 2007, the gentleman from New we should be focusing more on Afghani- ence on imported oil. My colleagues, Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) is recognized stan, because that’s where the Taliban this dependence is providing our enemy during morning hour debates for 5 min- were and they continue to be. That is with so much leverage that defeating utes. where al Qaeda began and continues to terrorism has become significantly Mr. PALLONE. Thank you, Mr. exist, including those who were in harder. Speaker. charge of al Qaeda. And we are not Let me quote from Mr. Woolsey: ‘‘We Mr. Speaker, my intention this doing enough in Afghanistan. There is are at war. We should start by asking morning was to come here and talk a new offensive now on the part of the what we can do as soon as possible to about the need to refocus our efforts in Taliban which began last month in undercut our enemies’ power. Other the war against terrorism out of Iraq February and we are trying to counter- considerations should now follow, not and towards Afghanistan, because, act that. But we’re not focusing on lead. If we do not act now, we will after all, when we were attacked on 9/ that because we’re spending too much leave major levers over our fate in the 11, those who attacked us came from time focusing on Iraq in terms of our hands of regimes that have attacked us Afghanistan, not from Iraq. And Presi- resources and our troops. or have fallen under the sway of fanat- dent Bush in the very beginning and Now, the President finally came to ics who spread hatred of the United even now continues to confuse the the realization a few weeks ago that States and, indeed, of freedom itself. American people by suggesting that this was the case and he started to talk For all of them, their power derives the Iraq war had something to do with more about what we needed to do in Af- from their oil. It is time to break their 9/11, which it did not. ghanistan. He sent Vice President CHE- sword.’’ However, I just listened to my col- NEY there. Vice President CHENEY made In order for the United States to ef- league on the Republican side and I the point. He also went to Pakistan be- fectively fight global terrorism and have to respond to him somewhat be- cause Pakistan has this border area win in Iraq, we must first reduce our fore I move on to the issue of Afghani- where we believe al Qaeda and the dangerous dependence on imported oil. stan. I want to commend the Speaker Taliban are headquartered and where Energy is the lifeblood of the United and commend the Democratic leader- they simply hide out and regroup be- States and global economy. U.S. eco- ship for the supplemental appropria- fore they begin their attacks from nomic prosperity is closely tied to the tion bill that they are putting together Pakistan into Afghanistan. Vice Presi- availability of reliable and affordable and that will likely come to the floor dent CHENEY went to Pakistan as well supplies of energy. Since 1973, U.S. en- next week. It was clear in the Novem- and made the point to President ergy production has grown only 13 per- ber election that the American people Musharraf that this is unacceptable, cent, while U.S. energy consumption want a new direction in Iraq. They re- you cannot continue to harbor these has increased 30 percent. Even when alize that the war in Iraq was begun for terrorists, you have to do something to significant increases in efficiency are the wrong reasons, that it was not a re- make sure that they are driven out of taken into account, significant in- sponse to 9/11, that a lot of the infor- Pakistan and that they are not being creases in demand are projected. mation that was provided to this Con- supported by those local authorities or According to the Energy Information gress when the vote was taken to au- those within the intelligence service in Agency, the United States, by 2025, is thorize the war was misleading and in- Afghanistan that seem to be providing expected to need 44 percent more petro- accurate. The fact of the matter is that support to al Qaeda and to the Taliban. leum, 38 percent more natural gas, 43 Congress does have the power to de- But we need to focus on the issue of percent more coal and 54 percent more clare war and Congress also has the de- Afghanistan in terms of our resources, electricity. The Department of Energy cision as to whether to fund the war. not only in terms of our troops but also predicts by the year 2025, U.S. oil and And this is a supplemental appropria- in terms of reconstruction efforts. The natural gas demand will rise by 46 per- tions bill that is going to fund the war Taliban are essentially being financed cent, with energy demand increasing 1 and provide the funding for the troops. by increased production of opium and percent for every 2 percent increase in But at the same time Congress needs to ultimately, of course, heroin. That’s GDP. point out that this war needs to move how they are financed. We need to deal Perhaps the most critical of all en- in a new direction and that it is not ac- with local reconstruction projects that ergy sources is oil. Just as President ceptable to simply give the President a will allow the Afghanis and particu- Bush said in his 2006 State of the Union blank check and say, okay, you can larly the farmers to do things that are speech, America is addicted to oil. A move ahead with your surge and essen- not related to the opium trade so they look at the numbers supports his tially escalate the war. can grow crops other than opium and claim. Currently, the United States im- We had a majority in this Congress, sustain themselves. This is a major ef- ports about 60 percent of its oil. The including a significant number of Re- fort that we have to concentrate on Department of Energy projects this publicans, who just a couple of weeks and not enough is happening. number will increase to 73 percent by

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.002 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2441 the year 2025. Furthermore, world oil new technologies. I am on a number of President file a complaint against demand is expected to grow signifi- bills to make those investments. But OPEC? No. I have written to him a cantly over the next three decades, more immediately, I want to talk number of times and said, President from 80 million barrels per day in 2003 about the situation we are in today. On Bush, they’re violating the World to 98 million barrels per day in 2015 and the path to that more energy-efficient Trade Organization. File a complaint. then to 118 million barrels per day by future, we don’t need to be fleeced by People complain about the United the year 2030, according to the Energy the oil cartels, which is what is going States there all the time. Why don’t we Information Administration. This will on now. I am not just talking about use that tool to benefit our consumers. place further strains on our quest for OPEC but I’ll get to them in a moment, No, the President refuses to do that. energy independence. To make matters but I’m getting to the big oil compa- My bill would force the President to worse, much of this imported oil is im- nies—ExxonMobil, record profits last file legitimate complaints and break ported from unstable, anti-American year, $3.2 billion a month, $40 billion up the OPEC cartel. That would help. countries, such as Venezuela, Algeria, for the year, $109 million a day, $4.6 But then we have got to go after the and even Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, million an hour of profits for one cor- big oil companies themselves. Impose a 26.5 percent of the United States’ total poration. Throughout the industry, it windfall profits tax on these compa- supplied product comes from OPEC was repeated. nies, unless they are investing in ex- countries, accounting for 42 percent of Now, the President, an oil man, a panding refinery capacity—which they the total amount imported. Thus, over failed oil man, and the Vice President cut in order to increase the profit- a quarter of the United States oil prod- from Halliburton, another oil man, say ability—exploration or alternative uct is controlled by an unaccountable there’s nothing they can do about it, fuels. Make our vehicles more efficient. cartel of unstable, oil-producing dicta- nothing the government can do about Give incentives to consumers to buy torships. it. This is just market forces. Market more efficient vehicles. Mandate new Alarmingly, according to the Herit- forces. fleet fuel economy standards. Put a age Foundation, three-quarters of the Hmm. Let’s see. You make gasoline ban on more mergers by the oil indus- world’s supply of oil is controlled by out of crude oil so if the price of crude try. In fact, my bill would name a com- unstable or hostile regimes, most of oil goes up, the price of gasoline goes mission to investigate the market which are unsympathetic to investor up. Yeah, I understand that. That’s power of Big Oil and maybe we have to and property rights. Fifty-seven per- good. The price of crude oil is up a think about breaking them up and cent of world oil reserves are in the whopping 3 percent over last year. turning this back into a somewhat Middle East, 11 percent in Russia and That is about inflation. That’s not too competitive industry. Venezuela and 6 percent in Africa. The bad. That’s today on the market. Un- Yes, we need to move toward a more People’s Republic of China just erected fortunately, the price of gasoline on energy-efficient future, but we don’t its first oil rigs in Cuba territorial wa- the west coast is up 20 percent. Now, need to be price-gouged on the way to ters in the Gulf of Mexico, barely 45 where did the rest of that market force that goal. And that’s what is happening miles off the Florida coast of Miami. come into play? today. The national security implications of No, what we have here, plain and So I am introducing a package of having such a large amount of oil con- simple, is price gouging, market ma- bills oriented toward market manipu- trolled by OPEC are great and serious. nipulation and collusion. A number of lation, price gouging by Big Oil and For example, in order to force changes years ago there was a famous memo in OPEC, and also bills that would give in U.S. policy, OPEC countries could the industry that said, you know, the consumers an incentive and actually cut production, thereby raising the refineries are not particularly profit- help consumers to purchase more effi- price of oil. The resulting political and able, but if the industry were to engage cient vehicles in the interim and also economic pressure could force us to in mergers, buy out the independent re- push Detroit and other manufacturers alter our policies in order to better suit finers, close them down and decrease toward making more efficient vehicles. the needs of these OPEC nations. U.S. the refinery capacity in America, that They won’t go there until we push dependence on imported sources of oil could become a very profitable sector. them. We had a big fight over fleet fuel and gas has far-reaching economic and It is. In fact, profits in the refining sec- economy standards. I am very sympa- national security ramifications. tor because of collusion by Big Oil are thetic to American workers. I remem- Some are willing to use oil as a tool up 250 percent. It isn’t the guy at the ber the guys in from Ford, and they to threaten United States national se- corner gas station who’s making the said, You don’t understand. The execs curity objectives. Proclamations by al money. It’s the corporate execs in a told us, if you make them make more Qaeda and other terrorist groups that vertically integrated industry which efficient vehicles, they’ll lay us off. U.S. and western economies and their they’re manipulating. The same way Guess what: They all got laid off be- oil lifelines are legitimate targets that Enron manipulated the energy cause Ford didn’t make more efficient make it clear that the oil and gas in- markets in California to drive up the vehicles. frastructure is in peril. As James Wool- price, Big Oil is doing it and they’re It’s time for some action on the part sey said, we are aiding our enemies at doing it in the western United States of this Congress and this government the same time we are fighting them. right today and across America. to defend American consumers and lead f They’re building up toward that orgy us toward a more energy-efficient fu- of price gouging that happens every TOWARD A MORE ENERGY EFFI- ture without being price-gouged on the year around Memorial Day and during way there. CIENT FUTURE WITHOUT BEING the summer driving season. And they PRICE-GOUGED ON WAY THERE say, ‘‘Oh, these are just market f The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- forces.’’ These are not market forces RECESS ant to the order of the House of Janu- and this government needs to address The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ary 4, 2007, the gentleman from Oregon this in a number of ways. ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair We need to file a complaint against (Mr. DEFAZIO) is recognized during declares the House in recess until noon. OPEC. The gentleman before me men- morning hour debates for 5 minutes. Accordingly (at 10 o’clock and 55 tioned them. They get together, they Mr. DEFAZIO. I thank the Chair. minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- I am going to continue the discussion collude, they decide to constrain the cess until noon. the previous Member started with per- price and drive up the price of crude haps a little different orientation and, oil. That’s where this all starts. Well, f that is, our dependence upon oil. I it just happens that a number of the b 1200 would agree with the gentleman that major OPEC producers are in the World we need to break our dependence upon Trade Organization. Our President, a AFTER RECESS imported oil. We need to look toward a big free trader, wants rules-based The recess having expired, the House more energy-efficient future. That is trade. Well, guess what, the rules don’t was called to order by the Speaker pro going to mean new sources of energy, allow OPEC to do that. But will this tempore (Ms. CASTOR) at noon.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.004 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2442 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 PRAYER My bill, H.R. 1234, provides a path to consider a series of measures to ensure The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. bringing our troops home, ending the the Federal Government is open and Coughlin, offered the following prayer: occupation, closing our bases and stops accountable to the people of America. Lord God, You see all things as they the occupation of Iraq. We do not have Mr. Speaker, this congressional over- truly are. You understand each of us to keep funding this war. The money is sight is exactly what the people of with our human limitations and unique in the pipeline to bring the troops southern Minnesota asked for, trans- perspectives. In You is reality. For us home. Let’s end the war, bring the parent and accountable government for all is relativity. troops home, and bring in inter- the people. As I campaigned across the Not to be able to sing is one thing; national peacekeepers to stabilize Iraq. First District, I promised to do every- but not to be able to speak or know the We can do it once we end the occupa- thing with my colleagues to make this common language is something else. tion. happen, and this week it continues on. Not to be able to run a marathon is f f one thing; but not to be able to stand CHILD KILLER THE PELOSI PLAN FOR IRAQ up or walk is something else. (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina Not to be able to memorize a passage (Mr. POE asked and was given per- mission to address the House for 1 asked and was given permission to ad- of Scripture or a speech is one thing; dress the House for 1 minute and to re- but not to be able to remember yester- minute.) Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, today is judg- vise and extend his remarks.) day is quite another. Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Lord God, help each of us accept our ment day. A quiet voice is crying from the grave for justice; it is the voice of Speaker, the Washington Post has usu- limitations and use whatever our capa- ally been associated with the Demo- bilities are to do good and bring joy to a 9-year-old girl named Jessica Lunsford. cratic Party. Today’s lead editorial is others. By honestly admitting our own especially courageous in criticizing the frailties, empower us to accept the dif- Jessica was kidnapped in the middle of the night from her home by a profes- Democratic plan for Iraq. ferences of others and reach out to I would like to draw to your atten- sional child molester; his name is John them with greater understanding. tion the following: ‘‘In short, the Couey. The criminal abused Jessica for Make us a nation who cares for its Democratic proposal being taken up several days and then buried her alive wounded, who welcomes the immigrant this week is an attempt to impose de- in his backyard. When found, Jessica and who looks out for those with dis- tailed management on a war without had poked her tiny fingers through the abilities in every possible way both regard for the war itself. Will Iraq col- plastic bag seeking air. Last week, a now and forever. Amen. lapse into unrestrained civil conflict jury convicted the child killer of cap- f with massive civilian casualties, as the ital murder and the punishment hear- THE JOURNAL U.S. intelligence community predicts, ing begins today in Florida. The State in the event of rapid withdrawal? Will The SPEAKER pro tempore. The is seeking the death penalty. al Qaeda establish a powerful new base Chair has examined the Journal of the Mr. Speaker, evil doesn’t get much for launching attacks on the United worse than stealing, abusing and mur- last day’s proceedings and announces States and its allies? Ms. PELOSI’s to the House her approval thereof. dering little girls. Society cannot strategy leads not toward a responsible Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- allow this type of conduct to occur. So- withdrawal from Iraq, but to a con- nal stands approved. ciety can only eliminate it. The pun- stitutional struggle with Mr. Bush, f ishment assessed on this criminal will who has already said he will veto the set a price for this dastardly act. Hope- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE legislation.’’ fully the good people of Florida will, by Members of both parties should ac- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the their verdict, say to all child killers, knowledge the point of this editorial. gentleman from Utah (Mr. BISHOP) leave our children alone or face an Al Qaeda spokesman for Osama bin come forward and lead the House in the early meeting with your maker. Laden, al-Zawahiri, has clearly identi- Pledge of Allegiance. And that’s just the way it is. fied that Iraq and Afghanistan are the Mr. BISHOP led the Pledge of Alle- f central fronts in the global war on ter- giance as follows: CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT IS rorism. To undermine Iraq as clearly I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the BACK IN THE HOUSE part of a global war puts American United States of America, and to the Repub- families at risk. lic for which it stands, one nation under God, (Mr. WALZ of Minnesota asked and In conclusion, God bless our troops, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. was given permission to address the and we will never forget September 11. f House for 1 minute.) Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- f LET’S END THE WAR IN IRAQ er, it is a fundamental part of human ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT (Mr. KUCINICH asked and was given nature that people will do high-quality DEMOCRATS DELIVER WITH LEG- permission to address the House for 1 work when somebody is keeping an eye ISLATION THIS WEEK minute and to revise and extend his re- on their performance. Businesses need (Mr. WILSON of Ohio asked and was marks.) accountants, schools need principals given permission to address the House Mr. KUCINICH. A very simple propo- and school boards. Appropriate man- for 1 minute.) sition is facing this House; do we keep agement and a vigilant watchdog can Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, the war in Iraq going or do we end it? prevent serious problems and keep last year Democrats pledged to make Do we use the money to bring the things running effectively and effi- Congress an open and accountable troops home or do we use the money to ciently. process to the American people. This keep them in Iraq? Well, for 6 years our Federal Govern- week the House will consider a series of The lives of our troops are on the ment has gone without congressional reform measures that deliver on that line. The war cannot be won militarily. oversight. This administration has had promise. Why do we stay? Why do we tell our free rein to do what it pleased, no mat- This week we will vote on legislation troops to keep fighting? Who is going ter what the consequences. The results reforming the Freedom of Information to explain to the families of the troops simply speak for themselves, Walter Act, requiring a more timely disclosure the consequences of Congress’ decision? Reed, Hurricane Katrina, Iraq. of government documents, and another And why isn’t our Democratic Party This is all beginning to change. bill that nullifies the 2001 Presidential taking the leadership to immediately Under Democratic control, the Con- executive order so that the access to end the war? We can do it. We don’t gress has finally once again assumed Presidential records is finally restored. have to give the administration an- its oversight responsibility. Already, in Both of these important bills open up other $120 billion to keep the war just 3 months we have had 91 full com- government to the American people so going. We don’t have to let more troops mittee hearings, with 73 more planned. that they can hold their government die and have more civilian casualties. In addition, this week the House will accountable.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.006 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2443 Finally, the House will debate a bill Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, it Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. providing real oversight of government is said that politicians live in the past Mr. Speaker, simply chasing higher contracts by limiting how long Federal and statesmen vote for the future. In- spending with higher taxes, as the no-bid contracts can last and requiring deed, the options that we have today, Democrats want, will fail to address agencies to minimize the use of no-bid both militarily and diplomatic, are the unsustainable growth of govern- contracts. based on votes that were taken by Con- ment spending. We must balance the Real oversight will return to Wash- gress 10 or 15 years ago. budget without tax increases. ington, and this week we will pass im- The supplemental act recently un- Part of the Republican plan is to portant legislation that brings real ac- veiled by the Democratic majority ap- make permanent the tax relief that countability along with it. pears to have been written by politi- continues to support our Nation’s eco- f cians, not statesmen. It includes the nomic prosperity. Our pro-growth poli- NINTH CIRCUIT—JUDICIAL postponement of the acquisition of two cies have worked to support our econo- ACTIVISM F–35 fighter aircraft, which by itself my’s solid sustained growth and have does not seem too significant, but it (Mr. PITTS asked and was given per- created more than 7.4 million new jobs. bespeaks an attitude to be feared. For This growth has also fueled double- mission to address the House for 1 when we postpone the acquisition of minute and to revise and extend his re- digit growth in Federal revenues and technologically advanced military marks.) put us on a path to balancing the budg- Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, for years equipment, we place the future air su- et. periority, something we have had since the Federal courts have drifted towards The Democrat plan would simply re- judicial activism, and nowhere is this the Korean War and take for granted, in jeopardy. When we divert dollars verse this progress with job-killing dangerous trend more fully embraced automatic tax increases. than the Ninth Circuit Court of Ap- from one branch of the military to sup- The Republican plan also includes re- peals. Based in San Francisco and cov- port another branch of the military, we forms to unsustainable entitlement ering nine western States, the Ninth place all of the military in jeopardy. programs so they can meet the mount- Circuit has given us some of the more All four branches of the military de- outrageous decisions in recent mem- serve to be fully and adequately fund- ing challenges and obligations of the ory. These are the folks who say the ed, and that is something this supple- future. words ‘‘under God’’ are unconstitu- mental does not do. Mr. Speaker, the American people tional in our pledge. Fortunately for This supplemental simply starts us elected us to find solutions, not create our Nation and our Constitution this down the road to a place where a future more problems. I urge my colleagues to mostly Democrat-appointed court isn’t Congress will look back and criticize us work with the Republicans to imple- the last defense against judicial activ- for our failure to be statesmen. ment these real and workable solutions ism. The U.S. Supreme Court regularly f for a more fiscally responsible tomor- reviews the Ninth Circuit’s rulings, and SUPPORTING THE DEMOCRATIC row. not surprisingly, the high court often SUPPLEMENTAL ACT overturns them. In fact, in this term f the Supreme Court has overturned (Mr. KAGEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 every Ninth Circuit ruling it has taken WALTER REED AND NEED TO up. If you break it out by the votes of minute.) Mr. KAGEN. Mr. Speaker, last fall TAKE CARE OF OUR WOUNDED the individual Justices, the score is 67 SOLDIERS votes to overturn and just five votes to the American people went to the polls uphold. These are definitely second- and they voted for positive change and (Mr. RODRIGUEZ asked and was string back benchers. It is time they new direction, not only in the way we given permission to address the House begin interpreting the Constitution, do business here in Washington, but for 1 minute.) also in Iraq. The 110th Congress is ful- not rewriting it. Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, since filling the mandate the American peo- f The Washington Post broke the story ple provided by putting forward a sup- on Building 18 at Walter Reed, we have IRAQ plemental bill that will guarantee heard similar stories of unacceptably (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of three things: First, support for our bad conditions at other facilities Texas asked and was given permission troops before, during and after being in around the country. While The Post to address the House for 1 minute.) harm’s way; second, accountability and should be commended for bringing the Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of responsibility, not only from our own information to this Nation, it should Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to express administration, but from the newly never have gotten to this point. Last my deepest concern for the situation elected Iraqi government as well; and, week, we also learned that some Re- that is worsening in Iraq. third, a positive change away from Iraq publican colleagues knew of these con- March 19 of this year will mark the and back towards al Qaeda by guaran- ditions and basically did nothing. This fifth year of war, and still Vice Presi- teeing an end to our involvement in response of doing nothing is not ac- dent CHENEY states that the Demo- the civil war in Iraq. cratic strategy toward Iraq validates al The American people will no longer ceptable. Qaeda’s agenda. This comment really write blank checks to this administra- Rather than inquiring about such bad means that anyone that disagrees with tion, and neither will this Congress; conditions and deciding to do some- him gets accused of this issue. nor will we continue to send our sons thing, they choose to brush it off and Terrorists instill fear in their en- and daughters to the sands of Iraq in basically bring it under the table. And emies, and it is this fear that generates an open-ended commitment. The time rather than finding out who was re- self-defeating behavior. It is this fear has come for this administration to lis- sponsible for the housing of our troops that led the American people to believe ten to the will of the people. that had mold, that had mice and cock- that war was a validated solution, and The American people demanded new roaches, the administration chose to still try to link it to September 11. It leadership, positive change and a new look the other way. is this fear that has cost the United direction, and that is exactly what this States billions of dollars on Iraq recon- Doing nothing is not acceptable. Last Congress is delivering. struction plans, while neglecting our week, the House Veterans’ Affairs own system. f Committee, which I sit on, held hear- ings, and will continue to hold hear- f b 1215 ings, on the treatment of our wounded OPPOSING THE DEMOCRATIC BALANCE THE BUDGET WITHOUT soldiers throughout this country. We SUPPLEMENTAL ACT RAISING TAXES want to see the widespread problems (Mr. BISHOP of Utah asked and was (Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina that exist corrected, and we recognize given permission to address the House asked and was given permission to ad- the seriousness. It is time for us to do for 1 minute.) dress the House for 1 minute.) the right thing for our soldiers.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.007 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2444 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESS SHOULD REJECT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER DEMOCRATIC PLAN ON IRAQ STILL WILLING TO PROVIDE PRO TEMPORE (Mr. PENCE asked and was given per- PRESIDENT BUSH RUBBER The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. mission to address the House for 1 STAMP ON WAR DAVIS of Alabama). Pursuant to clause minute.) (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given 8 of rule XX, the Chair will postpone Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, in Janu- permission to address the House for 1 further proceedings today on motions ary, President Bush described his plan minute.) to suspend the rules on which a re- to win the war in Iraq, and last week Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, at a corded vote or the yeas and nays are Speaker PELOSI described her plan to time when the American people are de- ordered, or on which the vote is ob- end the war in Iraq. The only problem manding a change of direction in Iraq, jected to under clause 6 of rule XX. with that, Mr. Speaker, is, as George congressional Republicans are more Record votes on postponed questions Orwell said, the quickest way to end a than willing to provide the President will be taken later today. war is to lose it; and I believe the Dem- another blank check to continue the f ocrat plan to micromanage our war in status quo. REAUTHORIZING UNITED STATES Iraq with benchmarks and deadlines for After 4 years of incompetent plan- ADVISORY COMMISSION ON PUB- withdrawal is just that, a prescription ning and bad projections, it is time LIC DIPLOMACY for retreat and defeat. that Congress hold both the Iraqi Gov- But common sense and the Constitu- ernment and the Bush administration Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to tion teach us that Congress can declare accountable. And yet Republican lead- suspend the rules and pass the bill war, we can fund or choose not to fund ers continue to say we should just give (H.R. 1003) to amend the Foreign Af- a war, but Congress should never at- the President what he wants, no ques- fairs Reform and Restructuring Act of tempt to conduct war. In fact, this is a tions asked. That is what the old Re- 1998 to reauthorize the United States broadly held view by some of the lead- publican-controlled Congress did six Advisory Commission on Public Diplo- ing arteries of America’s traditionally times. macy. liberal media. The L.A. Times yester- Later this month, the House is going The Clerk read as follows: day said: ‘‘Congress can cut funding for to have a choice: give the President an- H.R. 1003 Iraq, but it shouldn’t micromanage the other blank check to move ahead with Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- war.’’ In The Washington Post today, the status quo in Iraq, or take the war resentatives of the United States of America in the lead editorial entitled ‘‘The Pelosi in a new direction. The U.S. Troop Congress assembled, Plan For Iraq’’ said: ‘‘In short, the Readiness, Veterans Health and Ac- SECTION 1. REAUTHORIZATION OF UNITED Democrat proposal is an attempt to countability Act is that new direction. STATES ADVISORY COMMISSION ON Far from being micromanagement, as PUBLIC DIPLOMACY. impose detailed management on a war Section 1334 of the Foreign Affairs Reform without regard to the war itself.’’ many Republicans call it, this legisla- and Restructuring Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6553) I commend these American news- tion sets policy for equipping our is amended by striking ‘‘October 1, 2006’’ and papers for their sensible reasoning. troops, policy for refocusing the war on inserting ‘‘October 1, 2009’’. Common sense and the Constitution terror, and policy for a responsible re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- demand Congress should reject the deployment. ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from I urge all of my colleagues to seri- Pelosi plan. California (Ms. WATSON) and the gen- ously consider this change in direction. tleman from Arkansas (Mr. BOOZMAN) f f each will control 20 minutes. CONGRESS CANNOT AFFORD TO The Chair recognizes the gentle- CBO SAYS PRESIDENT’S BUDGET GIVE THE PRESIDENT ANOTHER woman from California. WILL NOT REACH BALANCE IN 2012 BLANK CHECK ON IRAQ GENERAL LEAVE (Mr. SIRES asked and was given per- (Mr. ARCURI asked and was given Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask mission to address the House for 1 permission to address the House for 1 unanimous consent that all Members minute.) minute.) may have 5 legislative days to revise Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, after 4 and extend their remarks and include the nonpartisan Congressional Budget years, billions of dollars and thousands extraneous material on the bill under Office released a primary analysis of of lives lost, we simply cannot reward consideration. the President’s fiscal 2008 budget and failure with a blank check in the war The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there found that the administration would in Iraq. I refuse to rubber-stamp more objection to the request of the gentle- fall short of its claim of balancing the failed policies. woman from California? Federal budget by 2012 without raising In the weeks ahead, we have the op- There was no objection. taxes. This contradicts comments portunity as representatives of the peo- Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield made by the President when he un- ple to change the direction in Iraq myself such time as I may consume. veiled the budget last month and without jeopardizing the safety and Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support claimed that his budget will be bal- well-being of our troops. We must fi- of this bill and urge my colleagues to anced by 2012 without raising taxes. nally require Iraqis to take control of do so as well. According to the CBO report, the their own country and their own des- This legislation extends the mandate President’s budget will run a $9 billion tiny. of an important bipartisan panel cre- deficit just 5 years from now. That re- The President has threatened to veto ated by Congress, appointed by the port also concludes that the Presi- legislation that contains his own President and working on behalf of the dent’s budget will lead to higher taxes benchmarks for success in Iraq; pro- American people. This group keeps a for millions of middle-class Americans. vides our troops with the training and watchful eye on major efforts by the First, his budget only includes a 1-year equipment they need; and ensures that private sector and the U.S. Govern- tax fix for the alternative minimum when our brave soldiers return home, ment to inform and to influence opin- tax, which will lead to a $247 billion tax they get the kind of care that they de- ions overseas and to improve America’s increase on middle-class families over serve. Our legislation also commits ad- understanding of other lands. the next 5 years. Then the President’s ditional funds to fight the forgotten Since September 11, 2001, such ef- health care plan will result in a tax in- war in Afghanistan and against al forts, known collectively as ‘‘public di- crease of $500 billion over the next 10 Qaeda, strengthening our national se- plomacy,’’ have been recognized as an years on middle-class families. This is curity. integral part of our country’s work to unacceptable. Mr. Speaker, the people of New foster better relations with people Mr. Speaker, it is time that the York’s 24th District sent me here to abroad. Congress created the prede- President levels with the American address the war in Iraq and to start cessor of this panel more than half a people about the budget that he pro- this country on a long overdue new di- century ago. Now it is called the posed a month ago. rection for America. United States Advisory Commission on

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.009 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2445 Public Diplomacy, and it deserves our The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 1701 (2006) by immediately and uncondition- sustained and enthusiastic support. question is on the motion offered by ally releasing Israeli soldiers Ehud The commission regularly delivers the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Goldwasser and Eldad Regev; and (C) Hezbollah and Hamas accede to the its findings and makes recommenda- WATSON) that the House suspend the most basic standards of humanitarian con- tions to the President, the Congress, rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1003. duct and allow prompt access to the Israeli the Secretary of State and the general The question was taken; and (two- captives by competent medical personnel public with easily accessible reports. thirds being in the affirmative) the and representatives of the International These reports also include assessments rules were suspended and the bill was Committee of the Red Cross; of the scholarly integrity and political passed. (2) expresses— neutrality of the cultural and edu- A motion to reconsider was laid on (A) its vigorous support and unwavering cational exchange programs of the De- the table. commitment to the welfare and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and demo- partment of State. f Mr. Speaker, the United States Advi- cratic state with secure borders; b 1230 (B) its strong support and deep interest in sory Commission on Public Diplomacy achieving a resolution of the Israeli-Pales- does good and important work. Its CALLING FOR RELEASE OF tinian conflict through the creation of a via- mandate should be extended not mere- ISRAELI SOLDIERS HELD CAP- ble and independent Palestinian state living ly annually, but for nearly 3 years TIVE BY HAMAS AND in peace alongside of the State of Israel; more, as our legislation ensures. I am HEZBOLLAH (C) its ongoing concern and sympathy for proud to be the author of this legisla- the families of Gilad Shalit, Ehud Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I tion, and I strongly urge my colleagues Goldwasser, and Eldad Regev and all other move to suspend the rules and agree to missing Israeli soldiers; and to support this short, but important, the resolution (H. Res. 107) calling for (D) its full commitment to seek the imme- bill. the immediate and unconditional re- diate and unconditional release of the Israeli Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of captives; and my time. lease of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah, and for other (3) condemns— Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield (A) Hamas and Hezbollah for the cross bor- myself such time as I may consume. purposes, as amended. der attacks and kidnappings which precip- Mr. Speaker, we appreciate the The Clerk read as follows: itated weeks of intensive armed conflict be- gentlelady’s work on this bill. The leg- H. RES. 107 tween Israel, Hezbollah, and armed Pales- islation before us today reauthorizes Whereas Israel completed its withdrawal tinian groups; and the Advisory Commission on Public Di- from southern Lebanon on May 24, 2000; (B) Iran and Syria, the primary state spon- Whereas Congress previously expressed its sors of global terrorism and the patrons of plomacy through fiscal year 2009. Hezbollah and Hamas, for their ongoing sup- Unique among nations, the United concern for Israeli soldiers missing in Leb- anon and Syrian-controlled territory of Leb- port for international terrorism. States maintains a vast network of for- anon in Public Law 106–89 (113 Stat. 1305; No- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- mal and informal contacts with the vember 8, 1999), which required the Secretary ant to the rule, the gentleman from people of the world and conducts the of State to raise the status of missing Israeli New York (Mr. ACKERMAN) and the gen- world’s only global foreign policy. soldiers with appropriate government offi- tleman from Arkansas (Mr. BOOZMAN) The purpose of public diplomacy is to cials of Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Au- each will control 20 minutes. provide this worldwide audience with thority, and other governments in the re- gion, and to submit to Congress reports on The Chair recognizes the gentleman information about the United States from New York. and to convey an accurate and positive those efforts and any subsequent discovery of relevant information; GENERAL LEAVE image of our beloved country and our Whereas on June 18, 2000, the United Na- Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask foreign policy objectives. To accom- tions Security Council welcomed and en- unanimous consent that all Members plish this mission, the United States dorsed United Nations Secretary-General have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- Government has at its disposal a num- Kofi Annan’s report that Israel had with- tend their remarks and include extra- ber of important tools, including edu- drawn completely from Lebanon under the neous materials on the resolution cation and cultural exchange pro- terms of United Nations Security Council Resolution 425 (1978); under consideration. grams, extensive and proactive public The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there affairs programs centered in our em- Whereas Israel completed its withdrawal from Gaza on September 12, 2005; objection to the request of the gen- bassies, and a network of radio and tel- Whereas on June 25, 2006, Hamas and allied tleman from New York? evision services broadcasting accurate terrorists crossed into Israel to attack a There was no objection. and objective programming to a world military post, killing two soldiers and Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise community. wounding a third, Gilad Shalit, who was kid- in strong support of this resolution, With H.R. 1003, Congress is reauthor- napped; and I yield myself such time as I may izing the advisory commission for an- Whereas on July 12, 2006, Hezbollah terror- consume. other 2 years to continue its important ists crossed into Israel to attack Israeli Mr. Speaker, I would like to first troops patrolling the Israeli side of the bor- work to study our public diplomacy thank Chairman TOM LANTOS and rank- programs and reach some useful con- der with Lebanon, killing three, wounding two, and kidnapping Ehud Goldwasser and ing minority member ILEANA ROS- clusions about how our government Eldad Regev; LEHTINEN, as well as the ranking mi- can do a better job of creating a dia- Whereas Gilad Shalit has been held in cap- nority member on the Subcommittee logue with foreign audiences. tivity by Hamas for more than 7 months; on the Middle East and South Asia, I urge the commission during the Whereas Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev MIKE PENCE. These Members joined next 2 years to step up its efforts to have been held in captivity by Hezbollah for with me at the very outset of the Con- study in more detail our public diplo- more than 6 months; gress to introduce H. Res. 107. The reso- macy and broadcasting efforts and ad- Whereas Hamas and Hezbollah have with- lution is an exercise in compassion and vise policymakers in the administra- held all information on the health and wel- fare of the men they have kidnapped; and it expresses the sense of the House re- tion and in Congress on appropriate Whereas, contrary to the most basic stand- garding the three Israeli soldiers who changes and reforms that will improve ards of humanitarian conduct, Hamas and were kidnapped last summer. our outreach efforts to the people of Hezbollah have prevented access to the As of today, Gilad Shalit has been a the world. Israeli captives by competent medical per- captive for 261 days, roughly 81⁄2 Mr. Speaker, I would again empha- sonnel and representatives of the Inter- months; Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad size the importance of my bill and urge national Committee of the Red Cross: Now, Regev have been captives for 244 days. all of my colleagues to vote in the af- therefore, be it That is a day more than 8 months. To firmative. Resolved, That the House of Representa- date, there has been no access to these Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance tives— (1) demands that— men by medical personnel or the Red of my time. (A) Hamas immediately and uncondition- Cross or Red Crescent. Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no ally release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit; They have not been permitted to further requests for time, and I yield (B) Hezbollah accept the mandate of send mail to their loved ones. We don’t back the balance of my time. United Nations Security Council Resolution know if they are ill, we don’t know if

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.011 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2446 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 they are wounded, we don’t know for linked to Hamas who shot and killed Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance certain that they are still alive. two Israeli soldiers and kidnapped Cor- of my time. Mr. Speaker, their captors have poral Gilad Shalit. Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I sought to turn these three men into Days later, terrorists linked to thank the gentleman from Arkansas something they are not: Bargaining Hezbollah crossed into Israel and killed for his leadership and helping shepherd chips, pawns, a kind of political chat- three and wounded two, and kidnapped this on the floor today. tel, things that can be swapped for fa- soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong vors or sacrificed at whim. These three Regev. All three have been held captive support of H. Res. 107, which calls for the im- men are not things. They are human since without medical attention from mediate and unconditional release of Israeli beings. They have names and families. humanitarian groups like the Red soldiers held captive by Hamas and They have rights as captured soldiers, Cross. No information is known on the Hezbollah. and they have rights as individuals. fate of these soldiers. On July 19, 2006, I and the three Members And they also have rights under inter- As proxies of the Iranian and Syrian of Lebanese ancestry joined together to intro- national law. regimes, Hezbollah and Hamas have duce H. Res. 926 in response to the The organizations that have taken continued to attack Israel despite unprovoked attack and kidnapping by these men captive have shown their Israel’s withdrawal from southern Leb- Hezbollah. This resolution condemned Hamas true character. Withholding doctors anon in 2000 and Gaza in 2005. and Hezbollah for engaging in the reprehen- and medicine, withholding the Red Rather than view Israel’s withdrawal sible terrorist act of taking hostages, affirmed Cross and Red Crescent visits, with- as an act of good faith to further the Israel’s right to conduct operations to secure holding basic communications with cause of peace, Hezbollah and Hamas the release of hostages, and urging the pro- their families, even just the informa- viewed these measures as signs of tection of innocent life and civilian infrastruc- tion that they are still alive, these weaknesses to exploit. Hamas and ture. choices and these acts show what kind Hezbollah, which have representatives H. Res. 107 sends an important message of men run Hamas and Hezbollah: They in the Palestinian and Lebanese cabi- that the terrorist leaders of Hamas and are religious, but they are deeply im- nets, believe that terrorism, murder Hezbollah must recognize. The United States moral. They are self-righteous, but and kidnapping are appropriate means has not forgotten the kidnapped Israeli sol- they are profoundly cruel. They are of achieving political objectives, and diers or those responsible for their kidnapping blustery and proud, but they are have proposed negotiations to ex- including the states who support the terrorist sneaky and manipulative. Decent change these hostages for convicted groups. human beings do not behave this way. terrorists now serving time in Israeli Mr. Speaker, I would like to note for the Mr. Speaker, decency doesn’t depend jails. record that this resolution expresses ‘‘strong on international law or multilateral I am proud to be a cosponsor of this support and deep interest in achieving a reso- agreements, nor does it depend on na- resolution which declares that the lution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through tionality. And I am not aware that House of Representatives stands with the creation of a viable and independent Pal- withholding medical care or basic con- the State of Israel and its right to self- estinian state living in peace alongside of the tact with the outside world is a re- defense and against the barbarity per- State of Israel,’’ as well as ‘‘vigorous support quirement of either Shia or Sunni petrated by Hezbollah, Hamas and and unwavering commitment to the welfare Islam, or any of the world’s great reli- other terrorist groups, and the rogue and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish gions. regimes that sponsor them. and democratic state with secure borders.’’ This kind of brutality and malice is, This resolution demands that Hamas While I fully support the commitment to the unfortunately, typical of these organi- and Hezbollah immediately and uncon- welfare and survival of the State of Israel, I zations and their state sponsors, Syria ditionally release Mr. Shalit, Mr. have some reservations about this body ex- and Iran. Syria is a thuggish dictator- Goldwasser and Mr. Regev, and that pressing its support for a nation embracing a ship which believes its appetite for the they provide all three with access to specific religious character. My concern is that Golan Heights legitimizes any crime or medical attention. in some situations, such expression of an en- cruelty. The resolution also holds Iran and dorsement of a particular religion or ethnicity And Iran’s repressive theocracy is Syria accountable for making terrorist could be used to exclude others which is, of both the world’s leading sponsor of ter- acts like these possible. We cannot af- course, not the intention of this resolution. rorism and its most dangerous pro- ford to be complacent about those Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders have liferation threat. Viciousness is stand- Islamist extremists who would seek to expressed their preference for a viable two- ard operating procedure for both re- kill three people, violate borders with state solution and, as such, I support this joint gimes. impunity and threaten the security of goal and the independent peaceful aspirations We cannot compel such parties to re- the Middle East and the world. of both peoples because the parties have lease Gilad, Ehud, and Eldad any more As Dr. Martin Luther King noted, made these decisions on their own and not than we can force them to understand ‘‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to jus- because I support the preeminence of any the difference between right and tice everywhere.’’ particular religion. wrong. You cannot disgrace someone I thank Chairman ACKERMAN for in- Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. who is incapable of shame. troducing this resolution, his leader- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of But we can and we must stand by our ship in this area, and doing so much to the immediate and unconditional release of ally, the State of Israel. America has advance the cause of the kidnapped Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and had painfully similar experiences at Israeli soldiers. This resolution is Hezbollah. As a former soldier myself, my the hands of the same culprits. about seeking what is needed most: thoughts and prayers are with Gilad Shalit, Out of our own bitter experience, we Justice for the innocent and account- Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev and their can express our sympathy and our con- ability for the guilty. I strongly urge families. Let them know that the strength and cern for the captives and for their fam- my colleagues to support this resolu- good wishes of this Congress and of our Na- ilies. We can let the perpetrators of tion. tion are with them all. this barbarism know that we have not Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolu- forgotten what they have done, and my time. tion, which states in a clear, unequivocal voice what they are continuing to do. We can Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, we that the United States stands with these brave bear witness, and we can add our voices have no further speakers. If the gen- soldiers and demands their immediate and un- to all those who are saying, ‘‘Enough, tleman will yield back his time, we are conditional release. The statement we make enough. Let these men go home.’’ prepared to do so. today is important not just for these three sol- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. BOOZMAN. Yes. Again, I reit- diers, but for the greater goal of achieving my time. erate how important to my colleagues peace in the Middle East. Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield it is that we pass this resolution and Mr. Speaker, this resolution makes it abun- myself such time as I may consume. support it wholeheartedly, and I thank dantly clear that neither the U.S., nor Israel, Mr. Speaker, last July Israel’s sov- the gentleman for his leadership in this nor any of our allies will bow to the will of ter- ereign border was violated by terrorists area. rorist organizations. We will fight them at

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.014 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2447 every turn, we will never retreat, and we will I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 107, calling for the imme- prevail because the cause of freedom is just Israel and condemning these heinous acts, diate and unconditional release of the Israeli and righteous. As one of my heroes, President and cast a vote in favor of H. Res. 107. soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah John F. Kennedy, once said, ‘‘Let every nation Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, since last summer. know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we it’s been more than seven months now and The critical bipartisan legislation being intro- shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet many have forgotten about the three Israeli duced today calls for the immediate and un- any hardship, support any friend, oppose any soldiers kidnapped by Hamas and Hezbollah: conditional release of the three Israeli soldiers foe, in order to assure the survival and the Ehud Goldwasser, Eldad Regev, and Gilad who were captured last summer. Ehud success of liberty.’’ Today we renew this Shalit. Hezbollah seems to have forgotten that Goldwasser, 31, and Eldad Regev, 26, were pledge. last year’s hostilities ended only after there kidnapped by Hezbollah on July 12, 2006. This resolution also makes it clear that while were promises regarding the return of the Gilad Shalit was kidnapped by Hamas on we do not shrink from the fight against ter- Israeli men. This just goes to reinforce the fact June 25, 2006. rorism, we also recognize that this battle is that terrorist organizations cannot be nego- Moreover, my cosponsorship of this legisla- one that cannot be won without diplomacy. tiated with. tion follows up on the July 29, 2006 letter I While we declare that we will always support In 2004, United Nations Security Council wrote to American Red Cross Interim Presi- efforts to maintain Israel’s identity as a Jewish Resolution 1559 called for Hezbollah in Leb- dent Jack McGuire urging the American Red state with secure borders, we also renew our anon to disband. Despite a half-dozen state- Cross to apply pressure to the International commitment to achieving a resolution of the ments from the Secretary-General, they con- Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to look Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation tinued to occupy the border region as UN ob- into the well-being of the three Israeli soldiers. of a viable and independent Palestinian state servers looked on. We don’t know for sure, My colleague, Canadian Senator Jerry S. living in peace alongside of the State of Israel. but these very observers may have watched Grafstein, wrote a similar letter. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, we are here to Hezbollah cross the border and kidnap To date, Gilad is the only captive Israeli sol- speak in a united voice to support Gilad Shalit, Goldwasser and Regev. dier to have been confirmed to be alive by his Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. We pray Security Council Resolution 170, which captors. Hezbollah has not given any indica- for their safety and we hope that they will re- ended the most recent conflict, again called tion as to whether the other two Israeli sol- turn home soon. As we do this, we realize that for Hezbollah to disarm and return of the sol- diers they captured are injured or even still the stories of these three brave soldiers are a diers. They remain in Lebanon and Gaza and alive. Contrary to the most basic standards of part of a larger conflict that has taken thou- not even international organizations such as humanitarian conduct, Hamas and Hezbollah sands of lives and has ravaged an entire re- the Red Cross have been able to see them have prevented access to all of the Israeli gion of the world for far too long. With this res- and be assured of their fair treatment. captives by representatives of the International olution, we take another small step toward a Israel has demonstrated its commitment to Committee of the Red Cross. future that is free of this conflict, where both the Resolution by ceasing hostilities and pull- I and all in this country, resent terrorist Israelis and Palestinians have a place to call ing back its soldiers, but yet again they are groups who use human life as a strategic tool home and where no more lives are lost to a dealing with opponents who show disrespect to further their radical agenda. In calling for needless cycle of violence. to all and whose word cannot be trusted. the release of these Israeli prisoners, the Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unani- We stand together with Israel to call again United States stands with Israel and sends a mous consent to revise and extend my re- for the unconditional release of these three united message to terrorists that their fanatic marks. men. We pray for their safe return and for I rise today to voice my strong support for behavior will be unsuccessful in deterring a peace between Israel and its neighbors. They H. Res. 107. This bipartisan resolution calls Middle East peace. will not be forgotten by their families, by their for the immediate and unconditional release of I support the efforts the Israeli government nation, or by this body. Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and has thus far made in attempting to gain the Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support Hezbollah. captives’ release. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni I want to thank my friend from New York, H. Res. 107, a resolution calling for the imme- and her fellow ministers, as well as Prime Min- diate and unconditional release of Israeli sol- Congressman GARY ACKERMAN, for introducing ister Ehud Olmert, have continued to raise this this resolution. diers Gilad Shalit, Ehud Goldwasser and issue at the highest levels in their diplomatic More than 7 months have passed since July Eldad Regev, who continue to be held by the meetings. of 2006, when Hamas terrorists crossed into terror organizations Hamas and Hezbollah These three brave soldiers have been held Israel to attack a military post, killing two sol- more than 6 months after being captured. hostage without medical attention and without diers and wounding and kidnapping a third, These soldiers were kidnapped on Israeli soil communication or access to their family for far Gilad Shalit. in two separate, but equally brazen attacks, too long. The United States Congress has not Less than 1 month later, Hezbollah terrorists which were acts of war. forgotten these men and will make every effort crossed into Israel and ambushed Israeli During their time in captivity, Hamas and to secure their freedom. The Shalit, troops patrolling the border with Lebanon, kill- Hezbollah, both of whom desire to simulta- Goldwasser and Regev families should know ing three soldiers and kidnapping two, Ehud neously maintain an armed wing and a polit- that I and the United States stand by them Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. ical wing, have not reported on the soldiers’ and pray for the return of their sons. These despicable acts occurred despite health and have not granted access to inter- Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I Israel’s good faith efforts, which included its national organizations to check on their well- yield back the balance of my time. total withdrawal from southern Lebanon in being. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The May of 2000. In August of last year, shortly after the fight- question is on the motion offered by These two terrorist groups have withheld all ing between Israeli forces and Hezbollah the gentleman from New York (Mr. information on the health and welfare of the stopped, I visited Lebanon and northern Israel. ACKERMAN) that the House suspend the men they have kidnapped. Defying the most While in Israel, we met with the families of the rules and agree to the resolution, H. basic standards of conduct, they have pre- kidnapped soldiers. I cannot tell you how dif- Res. 107, as amended. vented medical personnel and members of the ficult it is, especially for a parent, to know a The question was taken; and (two- International Red Cross from having access to loved one is in harm’s way and there is noth- thirds being in the affirmative) the the kidnapped Israelis. ing you can do to help him. rules were suspended and the resolu- In spite of these terrorist attacks, the It is so important this resolution is on the tion, as amended, was agreed to. strength of the Israeli people has not wavered. floor of the House today because we want the A motion to reconsider was laid on In these difficult times, our support of Israel soldiers to know, we want their families to the table. must not waver either. know, and we want Hamas and Hezbollah and f The United States must stay committed to the state sponsors of their terrorist activities— EXPRESSING SENSE OF THE the welfare and survival of the State of Israel Iran and Syria to know that America has not HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES as a Jewish and democratic nation with se- forgotten the kidnappings that took place last THAT BANGLADESH SHOULD cure borders. summer. We will not forget this injustice until Our Congress must stand in one voice and the soldiers are returned home to their families DROP CHARGES AGAINST SALAH condemn Hamas and Hezbollah, and their pri- safe and sound. UDDIN SHOAIB CHOUDHURY mary sponsors, Iran and Syria, for these cross Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker I Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I border attacks. rise today as a proud original cosponsor of move to suspend the rules and agree to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR7.008 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2448 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 the resolution (H. Res. 64) expressing activists, and others, occurred frequently.’’; an alternative to religious extremism, the sense of the House of Representa- and and has been commended by the inter- tives that the Government of Ban- Whereas moderate voices in the Muslim national community for such bravery gladesh should immediately drop all world must be supported and protected to ad- of thought. vance the security of the United States and pending charges against Bangladeshi its allies: Now, therefore, be it Gaining the respect and concern of journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Resolved, That it is the sense of the House organizations like the United States Choudhury, as amended. of Representatives that— Commission on International Religious The Clerk read as follows: (1) the Government of Bangladesh should Freedom, Mr. Choudhury has shown H. RES. 64 immediately drop all pending charges immense resiliency after facing numer- Whereas Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury is against Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin ous political and physical threats. a Bangladeshi journalist who, because of his Shoaib Choudhury; Mr. Choudhury’s actions are coura- beliefs in an interfaith dialogue between (2) the Government of Bangladesh should geous, not criminal, and it is time for immediately return all of Mr. Choudhury’s Jews and Muslims and criticism of Islamic the government of Bangladesh to take extremism, is on trial for sedition, an offense confiscated possessions; and (3) the Government of Bangladesh should decisive action and drop all pending punishable by death; charges. The political leadership of Whereas on November 29, 2003, Mr. cease harassment and intimidation of Mr. Choudhury was arrested at Zia International Choudhury and take steps to protect Mr. Bangladesh should focus on getting its Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on his way to Choudhury. own house in order instead of mind- board a flight bound for Tel Aviv; Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- lessly prosecuting someone for trying Choudhury’s passport was seized, along with ant to the rule, the gentleman from to promote international peace and considerable sums of money and several per- New York (Mr. ACKERMAN) and the gen- stability. sonal items; on that same day police raided tleman from Arkansas (Mr. BOOZMAN) Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my col- Mr. Choudhury’s home and newspaper of- each will control 20 minutes. leagues to support this legislation. fices, seizing files, computers, and other Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of valuables; The Chair recognizes the gentleman Whereas Mr. Choudhury was detained in from New York. my time. Dhaka Central Jail for a passport violation, GENERAL LEAVE Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield then subsequently charged with sedition; Mr. Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask myself such time as I may consume. Choudhury suffered harsh interrogation unanimous consent that all Members At the outset, I would like to express techniques and received no treatment for a have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- my appreciation for the outstanding debilitating case of glaucoma; Mr. tend their remarks and include extra- leadership of Congressman KIRK in in- Choudhury’s incarceration lasted 17 months troducing this timely resolution. It has without legal recourse; neous material on the resolution under consideration. my wholehearted support. Whereas on April 30, 2005, after interven- Mr. Choudhury is a Bangladeshi jour- tion by the United States Department of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there State and congressional offices, Mr. objection to the request of the gen- nalist and the editor of the Weekly Choudhury was released on bail; tleman from New York? Blitz, the largest tabloid English-lan- Whereas in the subsequent months, senior There was no objection. guage weekly in Bangladesh. He is cur- members of the Bangladeshi Government Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise rently facing a sedition trial for daring made continuous public promises that there in strong support of this resolution, to reach out to Jewish and Israeli writ- was no substance to Mr. Choudhury’s pend- and yield myself such time as I may ers, as well as for speaking openly ing charges and that all charges would be consume. about the threat radical Islam poses in dropped; Bangladesh. Whereas on September 29, 2005, Mr. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to Choudhury was awarded the ‘‘Freedom to commend my friend and colleague Mr. Choudhury was arrested in No- Write Award’’ by PEN USA; MARK KIRK from Illinois as well as that vember 2003 when he tried to attend a Whereas on May 5, 2006, Mr. Choudhury of Mrs. LOWEY of New York for their conference in Israel and then was sub- was awarded the American Jewish Commit- leadership on this important human jected to brutal treatment while in tee’s Moral Courage Award in absentia in rights case. prison. Although he was released last Washington, D.C.; two days prior to Mr. With passage of this resolution, Con- year, in large part due to the efforts of Choudhury receiving the award, after return- gress will firmly indicate its view that Congressman KIRK and others, the Ban- ing Mr. Choudhury’s passport and appearing the government of Bangladesh should gladesh government refuses to drop the to allow him to attend, senior Bangladeshi Government officials issued threats to pre- immediately release a Bangladeshi charges against Mr. Choudhury, appar- vent him from leaving the country; journalist whose only apparent crime ently trying to intimidate him into si- Whereas on September 18, 2006, a judge is to attempt to visit the democratic lence. with alleged ties to an Islamic extremist nation of Israel. Last May, the American Jewish Com- party ruled that Mr. Choudhury will stand Mr. Speaker, Bangladesh has under- mittee presented Mr. Choudhury with trial for sedition; the judge made this ruling gone great political turmoil in recent the Moral Courage Award recognizing despite the Public Prosecutor’s testimony in months, and the nation is now being his efforts to promote dialogue between court days before that the government did ruled by a caretaker government. As Muslims and Jews and his courage in not have evidence and would not object to speaking out against Islamic extre- the charges being dropped; Bangladesh moves towards a new round Whereas members of the United States of elections, it is imperative that the mism. Commission on International Religious Free- rule of law and freedom of the press be Unfortunately, however, the authori- dom visited with Mr. Choudhury on their preserved. ties in Dhaka refused to permit him to trip to Bangladesh in February and March The current government has set out visit the U.S. to receive the honor. 2006; an agenda to reform Bangladesh’s po- Mr. Speaker, Bangladesh and the Whereas on October 6, 2006, the United litical system and to stem corruption. U.S. have been good friends for over 35 States Commission on International Reli- We have seen lately the arrest of many years. Despite many handicaps, Ban- gious Freedom wrote a letter to U.S. Assist- previously high-ranking government gladesh has made good progress in ant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard A. Boucher calling on officials. It is my sincere wish that the some key areas of development, includ- the United States Government to strengthen standards of responsible governance ing agricultural production, improved the ‘‘voices of moderation’’ in countries like survive under the caretaker govern- literacy rates, basic social services, Bangladesh where the rule of law, demo- ment until free and fair elections take and empowering women through em- cratic institutions, and respect for human place, elections that I hope will happen ployment and education. rights are under assault by violent extrem- in the near term. As the fourth most populous Muslim ists; the Commission identified Mr. In this time of great political turmoil country in the world, a moderate and Choudhury as one of those voices that should in Bangladesh, it is truly inexplicable stable Bangladesh can play an impor- not be silenced; tant role in regional and world affairs. Whereas, according to the Department of that the government would focus its State’s 2005 Country Report on Human scarce resources on prosecuting a jour- Today, however, Bangladesh is at a Rights Practices in Bangladesh, ‘‘Attacks on nalist. crossroads. National elections are journalists and newspapers, and government Mr. Choudhury believes in interfaith being postponed amidst electoral efforts to intimidate them, political party dialogue between Jews and Muslims as chaos; meanwhile, the military appears

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.016 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2449 to be playing an increasingly large role months until one tireless human rights also want to thank Ranking Member within the Bangladeshi interim govern- champion, and my constituent, Dr. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN for her support ment. Richard Benkin, began a personal odys- on the Foreign Affairs Committee. The prospect of holding free and fair sey to free Shoaib Choudhury. Dr. I would like also to thank our ambas- elections during the first half of 2007 Benkin met Mr. Choudhury through a sador to Bangladesh, Patricia Butenis, appears to be much in doubt. More pro-Israel Internet Web site, and Dr. for her outstanding work at Embassy broadly, endemic political polarization, Benkin brought this situation to my Dhaka. Her team has been vigorously corruption and related governance con- attention and now before the House. monitoring this case, attending Mr. cerns, as well as the rise of violent ex- All together, we sought for his free- Choudhury’s legal proceedings, and tremists remains substantial chal- dom, and shortly thereafter, we did making strong public statements on lenges for the Bangladeshi society. succeed in getting Choudhury’s release his behalf. Mr. Speaker, in this context I urge from jail, finally reuniting him with I also want to thank Dr. Richard the authorities in Dhaka to send a his wife and two children. Benkin, sitting in the gallery today, strong signal about the importance Following Shoaib’s release, a senior for his unrelenting pursuit of justice on Bangladesh attaches to tolerance and Bangladesh government official made behalf of Shoaib Choudhury. I am the rule of law by dropping these po- numerous public pledges that all pend- proud to join Dr. Benkin in this en- litically motivated charges against Mr. ing legal action against Mr. Choudhury deavor and look forward to one day Choudhury. I support the resolution would be dropped. Nevertheless, the when we may even host Shoaib and urge its adoption. government pressed forward with for- Choudhury in our very own Mount Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of mal sedition charges. Prospect, Illinois. my time. Mr. Choudhury has won the recogni- Lastly, I want to thank the best con- Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I re- tion of international human rights and gressional human rights staffer that I serve the balance of my time. freedom of expression organizations for have ever had: Jeff Phillips had worked Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield his courage. He was honored by PEN tirelessly on behalf of an African pris- such time as he may consume to the U.S.A.’s Freedom to Write Award and oner of conscience for months until he gentleman from Illinois (Mr. KIRK), the was presented with the American Jew- finally won his release. Now he has author of this resolution. ish Committee’s prestigious Moral seized on Shoaib’s case and made it a Mr. KIRK. I thank the gentleman. Courage Award in absentia in Wash- cause in the United States, in Canada, Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support ington, D.C. The United States Com- in Europe, and the subcontinent. He, of this resolution which marks this mission on International Religious we, have all been inspired by Shoaib family member and what has happened Freedom intervened and wrote a letter and Dr. Benkin, and we hope by this to him as a prisoner of conscience in to Assistant Secretary of State Rich- resolution this case and a potential Bangladesh. ard Boucher calling on the U.S. Gov- death sentence against Shoaib can be When we see what happened to him ernment to strengthen the voices of lifted. Shoaib is not a criminal, and he after advocating the cause of religious moderation in countries like Ban- should not become a martyr. He is a reconciliation between Muslims and gladesh where the rule of law, demo- model for interfaith tolerance and dis- Jews, we see the condition of Salah cratic institutions, and respect for cussion between all of those of dif- Choudhury after a severe beating human rights are under assault by vio- ferent faiths in the world. which he was subjected to. lent extremists. The commission iden- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE tified Mr. Choudhury as one of those The SPEAKER pro tempore. All b 1245 voices. Members of the House are reminded to This resolution urges the government But despite such international atten- refrain from bringing to the attention of Bangladesh to drop all charges tion, the persecution of Choudhury has of the House occupants of the galleries. against Bangladeshi journalist Salah persisted. Mr. Choudhury’s newspaper Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is Uddin Shoaib Choudhury. offices were bombed by Islamic extrem- my pleasure to yield such time as she Mr. Choudhury now faces charges of ists in July 2006, and he was attacked might consume to the gentlewoman sedition, treason and blasphemy. He by a mob in his office on October 5, from New York (Mrs. LOWEY), the dis- faces these charges because of his be- 2006, where this very picture was taken. tinguished Chair of the appropriations lief in an interfaith dialogue between A judge with alleged ties to Islamic ex- subcommittee on Foreign Operations Jews and Muslims, and because of arti- tremist groups then ruled that and the cosponsor of this resolution be- cles that he published critical of Is- Choudhury must stand trial for his life fore us. lamic extremism. Under Bangladeshi for sedition. Mrs. LOWEY. I thank my distin- law, sedition is a crime punishable by Bangladesh today is at a crossroads. guished colleague from New York for death. Much-anticipated elections were post- yielding me time. Mr. Choudhury was detained in No- poned due to irregularities, and a state Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support vember 2003 at Zia International Air- of emergency was declared. In a coun- of H. Res. 64, a resolution expressing port in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on his way try with 150 million people packed into the sense of the House that the Govern- to board a flight for Tel Aviv simply to a land mass smaller than Iowa, 85 per- ment of Bangladesh should drop all participate in the annual Hebrew Writ- cent of whom are Muslim, it is criti- charges against Bangladeshi journalist, ers Conference. Mr. Choudhury’s pass- cally important for Bangladesh to dem- Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury. I want port was seized, along with consider- onstrate its commitment to demo- to thank my colleague from Illinois able sums of money and several per- cratic institutions, to religious free- (Mr. KIRK) for his leadership on this sonal items. On that same day, the po- dom, and to human rights. For his mes- issue. lice raided his home, his newspaper, sage of moderation and interfaith dia- In May of 2006, the American Jewish and seized files, computers and other logue between Muslims and Jews, Mr. Committee awarded Mr. Choudhury the valuables. Choudhury is facing unjust criminal Moral Courage Award. Unfortunately, Since Bangladeshi law currently pro- charges in an effort to silence him. The he was not there to receive this honor hibits travel to Israel, Choudhury was House of Representatives sends a clear because more than 2 years earlier he first cited for a minor passport viola- message today that we will not allow was arrested while attempting to board tion, but he was subsequently charged an outspoken advocate for religious a flight from Bangladesh to Tel Aviv. with sedition and accused of espionage freedom to be quelled by intolerance. Mr. Choudhury’s passport was con- as an Israeli spy and incarcerated in- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to fiscated, his house and possessions definitely. He was subjected to harsh join me in this resolution and would were raided, and he was first cited for interrogation techniques and received like to thank Chairman LANTOS for his a passport violation because no treatment for a debilitating case of friendship and support in bringing this Bangladeshi law prohibits travel to glaucoma. up and for his tireless advocacy on be- Israel. Subsequently, he was charged After being denied due process, half of human rights of all as co-chair- with sedition, accused of espionage, Choudhury languished in jail for 17 man of the Human Rights Caucus. I and imprisoned for 17 months.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.017 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2450 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 What is his crime? Mr. Choudhury freedom of speech as our media would that we have on this matter and hope spoke up for interfaith dialogue, he have here in this country, Mr. that that could splash over and spill published articles critical of Islamic Choudhury was arrested and charged over and overwhelm some prevailing extremism, and he appealed for greater with sedition and accused of espionage attitudes on both sides so that we religious tolerance and freedom. For and unjustly incarcerated for 17 might bring this kind of approach and these ‘‘crimes’’ he is charged with sedi- months during which he received less dedication to all of the legislation that tion, an offense punishable by death. than adequate treatment for glaucoma we have before us this session. Mr. Choudhury has already been har- and other conditions from which he Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance assed and subjected to harsh interroga- suffers. He is now facing charges which of my time. tion techniques in prison. His news- could bring the death penalty under The SPEAKER pro tempore. The paper offices were bombed by Islamic Bangladesh law. question is on the motion offered by extremists in July of 2006, and he was Now, several government leaders in- the gentleman from New York (Mr. physically attacked in October of 2006. dicated that they do not intend to pur- ACKERMAN) that the House suspend the This resolution calls on the Govern- sue the death penalty in this particular rules and agree to the resolution, H. ment of Bangladesh to immediately case; but when one considers the ac- Res. 64, as amended. drop the charges against Mr. tions for which Mr. Choudhury was The question was taken. Choudhury, to return his confiscated charged, this is not a person that The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the property, to stop intimidation tactics should be jailed in the first place. This opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being against him, and to protect him from is a person who should be honored, as in the affirmative, the ayes have it. future harassment. he has been around the world. You have Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, on that I de- Mr. Choudhury advocates peace and to admire his strength and his resil- mand the yeas and nays. tolerance. It is time that Congress ience. The yeas and nays were ordered. sends a strong and clear message: we I asked him how he was being treated The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- are watching, and we will not allow Mr. and spoke with him about the pros- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Choudhury and others like him to be pects for his trial. His next trial ap- Chair’s prior announcement, further silenced. pearance was supposed to be February proceedings on this question will be I hope you will join me in strongly postponed. supporting H. Res. 64. 28. At the time of my visit, Mr. Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 Choudhury was encouraged by recent f minutes to the gentleman from Ohio government assurances that his RECOGNIZING THE 186TH ANNIVER- (Mr. CHABOT). charges might be dropped or that they SARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF Mr. CHABOT. I thank the gentleman did not intend to go forward with the GREECE AND CELEBRATING for yielding; and, Mr. Speaker, I want death penalty; but as it turns out, a GREEK AND AMERICAN DEMOC- to especially thank the gentleman radical Islamist-affiliated judge re- RACY from Illinois (Mr. KIRK) and Mrs. NITA cently signed an order forcing the trial Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I move LOWEY for their hard work in bringing and the court proceedings to proceed. this thoughtful resolution to the House He is being accused of a threat to the to suspend the rules and agree to the floor today. security of Bangladesh. So much for a resolution (H. Res. 228) recognizing the I was in Bangladesh about 3 weeks fair trial and just treatment. 186th anniversary of the independence ago where I had the opportunity to This is something that really should of Greece and celebrating Greek and meet with the new caretaker govern- get the attention not only of this American democracy. ment, that leadership, as well as the House but the world. The Clerk read as follows: leaderships in the two main political This bipartisan resolution on the H. RES. 228 parties that are vying for power and floor today urges the Bangladeshi Gov- Whereas the ancient Greeks developed the have held power the last several dec- ernment to drop all charges against concept of democracy, in which the supreme ades. In fact, I met with our ambas- Mr. Choudhury. The United States power to govern was vested in the people; sador and members in the business Congress should show Mr. Choudhury Whereas the Founding Fathers of the that he can count on our full support United States drew heavily on the political community. experience and philosophy of ancient Greece But one of the highlights and I think and that the success of fledgling de- in forming our representative democracy; the most significant thing that I had mocracies such as Bangladesh lies Whereas Greek Commander in Chief Petros an opportunity to do was to meet with squarely on the very freedoms that Mr. Mavromichalis, a founder of the modern the gentleman, Shoaib Choudhury, who Choudhury embodies. Greek state, said to the citizens of the is a journalist, and we have heard I am glad to be a cosponsor of this United States in 1821 that ‘‘it is in your land much talk about his situation this important resolution. I thank the that liberty has fixed her abode and . . . in morning. But I think the gravity of it Speaker for recognizing this and urge imitating you, we shall imitate our ances- is significant, and I think it is impor- my colleagues to support it. tors and be thought worthy of them if we succeed in resembling you’’; tant that this House is taking this ac- Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I re- Whereas Greece played a major role in the tion today. serve the balance of our time. World War II struggle to protect freedom and Mr. Choudhury is a journalist in Ban- Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, again democracy through such bravery as was gladesh, known for his viewpoints in closing, I want to thank the chair- shown in the historic Battle of Crete, which which are favorable to expanding dia- man of the Middle East Subcommittee, provided the Axis land war with its first logue between Muslims and Jews and Mr. ACKERMAN, for bringing this for- major setback, setting off a chain of events Christians and for developing ties with ward. Certainly we want to thank Mr. that significantly affected the outcome of World War II; Israel. As was indicated, he was actu- KIRK for his hard work and then Mrs. ally arrested on his way to Israel at Whereas the price for Greece in holding our LOWEY for making this a very bipar- common values in their region was high, as the airport, and he is also trying to tisan effort, and I would urge all of my hundreds of thousands of civilians were have more equality relative to religion colleagues to support this. killed in Greece during World War II; and especially his observance and oppo- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Whereas throughout the 20th century, sition to Islamic extremism, which un- of my time. Greece was one of only three countries in the fortunately is on the rise in Ban- world, other than the former British Empire, b 1300 gladesh and in a number of regions. that allied with the United States in every Just as Islamic extremism and fun- Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I major international conflict; damentalism have been a danger in want to express my gratitude to Mr. Whereas President George W. Bush, in rec- other areas of the world, it is a real BOOZMAN, the gentleman from Arkan- ognizing Greek Independence Day, said, sas, for his expeditious handling of this ‘‘Greece and America have been firm allies problem in Bangladesh, and he has had in the great struggles for liberty. Americans the courage to speak out on this impor- on the floor. I want to thank both Mr. will always remember Greek heroism and tant issue. KIRK and Mrs. LOWEY for bringing this Greek sacrifice for the sake of freedom . . . Unfortunately, in a place where jour- resolution to our attention and to also [and] as the 21st Century dawns, Greece and nalists are not necessarily given broad note the great spirit of nonpartisanship America once again stand united; this time

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.019 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2451 in the fight against terrorism. The United The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- peace and stability in the Balkans. States deeply appreciates the role Greece is ant to the rule, the gentleman from Athens has supported efforts to settle playing in the war against terror. . . . Amer- Florida (Mr. WEXLER) and the gen- the Cyprus problem and to end the di- ica and Greece are strong allies, and we’re tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) each will vide on the island. And I am especially strategic partners.’’; Whereas President Bush stated that control 20 minutes. supportive of Greece’s critical efforts Greece’s successful ‘‘law enforcement oper- The Chair recognizes the gentleman in recent years to resolve historic dif- ations against a terrorist organization [No- from Florida. ferences with its neighbor, Turkey, in- vember 17] responsible for three decades of Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, it is an cluding supporting that country’s terrorist attacks underscore the important honor for me to pay tribute on Greek membership in the EU. contributions Greece is making to the global Independence Day to one of America’s Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the war on terrorism’’; most important European allies, Greek people on the 186th anniversary Whereas Greece is a strategic partner and Greece, and one that holds immeas- of their independence and strongly sup- ally of the United States in bringing polit- urable importance to millions of Amer- ical stability and economic development to port this resolution. the volatile Balkan region, having invested icans. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of over $10 billion in the region; I would also like to thank my good my time. Whereas Greece was extraordinarily re- friend from Florida (Ms. ROS- Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself sponsive to requests by the United States LEHTINEN), who has been a leading sup- such time as I may consume. during the war in Iraq, as Greece imme- porter of U.S.-Greek relations in Con- I want to encourage all of my col- diately granted unlimited access to its air- gress. leagues to support H. Res. 228, recog- space and the base in Souda Bay, and many Western civilization as we know it nizing the 186th anniversary of the ships of the United States that delivered today is undeniably connected to independence of Greece, celebrating troops, cargo, and supplies to Iraq were refu- Greece. For every American, Greece is eled in Greece; Greek and American democracy and Whereas in August 2004, the Olympic known as the cradle of democracy. As a recognizing Greece as a very staunch games came home to Athens, Greece, the nation that still seeks to perfect its de- ally and friend of our United States. land of their ancient birthplace 2,500 years mocracy in civic society, America Greece was the birthplace of the prin- ago and the city of their modern revival in looks to Greece and its universally ciples of democracy on which our Na- 1896; known philosophers and leaders for po- tion was founded. Our Founders studied Whereas Greece received world-wide praise litical inspiration and wisdom. In fact, Greek culture and Greek politics, and for its extraordinary handling during the the very word ‘‘democracy’’ is a Greek their influence is still with us today. 2004 Olympics of over 14,000 athletes from 202 word. The history of Greek independ- Over the centuries, Greece has dem- countries and over 2 million spectators and journalists, which it did so efficiently, se- ence is inspiring, especially given onstrated its commitment to what it curely, and with its famous Greek hospi- America’s own history and drive for and our Nation prize among our high- tality; independence from tyranny and oppres- est ideals, and that word is ‘‘liberty,’’ Whereas the unprecedented security effort sion. Greeks have been willing to fight ‘‘eleftheria’’ to the Greek people. in Greece for the first summer Olympics for independence, sacrifice for the sake Indeed, many of our Nation’s respec- after the attacks on the United States on of freedom, and have stirred others to tive ideas are shared and, therefore, September 11, 2001, included a record-setting do the same. our relationship holds a special signifi- expenditure of over $1,390,000,000 and assign- As a Member of Congress with a large cance. Both the United States and ment of over 70,000 security personnel, as well as the utilization of an eight-country Greek-American community, I am es- Greece share much in common. Both Olympic Security Advisory Group that in- pecially pleased that we are passing are outward-looking trading nations cluded the United States; this resolution today, which also high- that have enriched the world through Whereas Greece, located in a region where lights the extraordinary contributions commercial and cultural exchanges. Christianity meets Islam and Judaism, of a community that has contributed Over the decades the U.S.-Greek rela- maintains excellent relations with Muslim greatly to the shared prosperity of our tionship has developed quite dynami- nations and Israel; Nation. Today, the Greek-American cally, bolstered by common ideas and Whereas the Government of Greece has had community remains the bedrock in the cooperation. Moreover, the Greek peo- extraordinary success in recent years in fur- ple have strived to protect freedom and thering cross-cultural understanding and re- unbreakable bond between the United ducing tensions between Greece and Turkey; States and our ally, Greece. As ambas- democracy, allying itself with the Whereas Greece and the United States are sadors of goodwill between the United United States in every major conflict at the forefront of the effort for freedom, de- States and Greece, Greek Americans of the 20th century, notably sacrificing mocracy, peace, stability, and human rights; have for decades shaped this long- for and contributing to the victory of Whereas those and other ideals have forged standing friendship, creating a partner- the Allied forces over the Axis powers a close bond between Greece and the United ship based on freedom, democracy and during World War II. States and their peoples; peace. Today, our common destinies are Whereas March 25, 2007, the National Day Today, some 5 million Americans threatened by other enemies who scorn of Celebration of Greek and American De- mocracy, marks the 186th anniversary of the claim Greek ancestry, with under- our commitment to freedom, beginning of the revolution that freed the standable pride. Greece is one of less eleftheria, and aggression from Islamic Greek people from the Ottoman Empire and than a handful of nations that have extremism looms large and threatens celebrates the aspirations for democracy stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the western civilization that was born in that the peoples of Greece and the United United States in every major war of that country of Greece. We are grateful States share; and the 20th century. Our close relations that the Greek people have stood Whereas it is proper and desirable for the became even closer after World War II. against this aggression throughout the United States to celebrate this anniversary The Truman Doctrine helped save years. with the Greek people and to reaffirm the democratic principles from which these two Greece from communism, indeed Indeed, Greece should be praised for great nations were born: Now, therefore, be helped save it for the Western world, its contributions in the global war on it and the Marshall Plan helped pave the terror. In the war in Iraq, Greece has Resolved, That the House of Representa- way for economic success. been responsive to U.S. requests for ac- tives— In 1952, Greece joined NATO, for- cess to its air space and in fueling U.S. (1) extends warm congratulations and best malizing the deep mutual commitment ships that supply cargo ships headed to wishes to the people of Greece as they cele- of Greece and the rest of the western Iraq. brate the 186th anniversary of the independ- world to protecting freedom. Now, as Mr. Speaker, I look forward to fur- ence of Greece; an integral member of the EU for two ther cooperation between our two na- (2) expresses support for the principles of decades, Greece has become increas- tions and expanding the friendship that democratic governance to which the people exists between Greek and American of Greece are committed; and ingly prosperous, a democratic role (3) notes the important role that Greece model for the nations of the world. people. I therefore ask my colleagues has played in the wider European region and Greece remains a critical strategic to join me in congratulating the nation in the community of nations since gaining partner in today’s post-Cold War world. of Greece on the 186th anniversary of its independence 186 years ago. We cooperate closely in promoting its independence and to express their

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR7.005 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2452 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 acknowledgment of the great friend- Whenever you get agreements that Hamas and Hezbollah have not even allowed ship that exists between our two coun- are kept, promises that are kept, then access to the Israeli captives by competent tries. it seems that in the course of inter- medical personnel and representatives of the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of national collegiality or international International Committee of the Red Cross. my time. decorum or international protocol that Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 107 expresses this Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I would you have the opportunity to receive Congress’s vision for ‘‘a resolution of the like to give Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, your soldiers back home, your loved Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation a member of the Foreign Affairs Com- ones back home. These young men, of a viable and independent Palestinian state mittee, 51⁄2 minutes. who are still being held, Gilad Shalit, living in peace alongside of the State of Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser, re- Israel.’’ But this vision cannot be achieved by the distinguished chairman and I main in captivity, even though the continuing to hold these soldiers by Hamas thank my colleagues, my fellow mem- United Nations has, through passing and Hezbollah. ber of the Foreign Affairs Committee, United Nations Security Council Reso- The United States cannot turn a blind eye the chairman of the Foreign Affairs lution 1701, imposed a ceasefire on the when citizens of a fellow democracy fall prey Committee, Mr. LANTOS, and the rank- Lebanon-Israel border. The resolution to terrorists acts. Israeli soldiers must be re- ing member, Ms. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN. called for, and I quote, the uncondi- leased without delay and without pre- Certainly, I have indicated already to tional release of the abducted Israeli conditions, as the Security Council demands. Chairman WEXLER thanks for his con- soldiers. Even in the United Nations, That is also our demand. We will remain com- tinued leadership. which has a place for disparate voices mitted to the soldiers’ freedom—for the sake Mr. Speaker, I rise, of course, to ac- and has a place for disagreement, we of peace and to move toward a just resolution knowledge and certainly support recog- find that there is a call for their re- to these conflicts in the Mid East. nizing the 186th anniversary of the lease. Mr. Speaker, I support the resolution spon- independence of Greece and celebrating So I would hope that this particular sored by Mr. ACKERMAN, the chairman of the Greek and American democracy. legislation is not taken as a negative, Middle East and South Asia Subcommittee. I Greece has been a long-term model, if but it is taken in compliance with the urge all my colleagues to do so as well. you will, for the principles of democ- United Nations’ interests in countries, Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 min- racy. Any of us who have had the honor recognizing when agreements are made utes to the gentleman from Florida of learning the Greek philosophers that we can move forward on the agree- (Mr. BILIRAKIS). throughout our academic training ment, and the captivity of soldiers of Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise know that the principles they have another sovereign nation certainly ar- today to express my deep pride and re- enunciated have been strong and last- gues against having a world forum that spect to the Hellenic Republic as it pre- ing. really works. pares to celebrate the anniversary of With that in mind as I celebrate the The United Nations has managed Greek Independence Day, which took 186th anniversary, I commend my with all its difficulties to be a world place on March 25, 1821. friends in Greece for their continued forum. It has made a statement that I am almost certain that Thomas Jef- deliberations dealing with the issue of they should be released. I would hope ferson cast an eye across the Atlantic divide between the Turks and Greece, there would be enough resolve in towards Greece when he uttered these and I look forward to an opportunity Hezbollah and certainly in Hamas and words in 1821, ‘‘The flames kindled on that resolutions will come about that others and in Lebanon, that whatever the 4th of July, 1776, have not spread would solve some of those problems. your viewpoint, you certainly should over much of the globe to be extin- Might I, Mr. WEXLER, also indicate have the view to provide comfort to guished by the feeble engines of des- my support for H. Res. 64, which speaks these families and have their loved potism . . . On the contrary, they will to the freedom of press and particu- ones returned. consume these engines and all who larly expresses the sense of the House So I ask again for support of the un- work them.’’ of Representatives that the govern- derlying bill; that is, H. Res. 228, and I It is God’s handiwork that I am ment of Bangladesh should imme- add my support for H. Res. 64; and as a blessed to straddle two cultures that diately drop all charges against cosponsor of H. Res. 107, I add my sup- have been beacons of liberty for all of Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin port for that. civilization. The place of my birth, the Shoaib Choudhury. I say that in rec- I conclude by simply saying that we land of the free and the home of the ognition of the principles of freedom of have an opportunity to accept the chal- brave, the United States of America, press. Whenever we have had the oppor- lenge of King Abdullah in the way that and the land of my ancestors, the tunity to interact in bilaterals through we must know how to do it, and that is birthplace of democracy, the Hellenic Members of Congress or parliamentar- engagement and resolve for the best of Republic, Greece. I honor those brave ians, one of the key issues that are dis- all people in the Mideast. I hope that and resilient Greeks who refused to be cussed is the right of the voice of the we will do so, and I would say to my assimilated or converted into the Otto- opposition, or the voice of difference to friends in Lebanon, a good step and a man Empire. They endured centuries of be expressed. I hope that this par- good start would be the release, uncon- torture and persecution to hang on to ticular legislation will pass with a firm ditional release of these soldiers. their precious heritage and faith. statement by this Congress that we Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the are, if you will, asking for his release. of H. Res. 107, which calls for the immediate emblem of freedom for Hellenes, the Might I also support H. Res. 107. I am and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers flag bearing a white cross and nine blue an original cosponsor of this legisla- held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah and ex- and white stripes representing the nine tion calling for the immediate and un- presses the Congress’s support for a two-state letters, eleftheria, freedom. conditional release of the Israeli sol- resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This was an act of defiance against diers held captive by Hamas and Mr. Speaker, while the fighting between the Ottoman Empire, marking the be- Hezbollah. Let me say this, I have met Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah has sub- ginning of Greece’s war of independ- with one of the family members of one sided, one of the initial causes for the war, ence on March 25, 1821. of the captive soldiers. has not yet been addressed. Three young 1315 I think what is important in this men, Gilad Shalit, Eldad Regev, and Ehud b statement, because we know that King Goldwasser, remain in captivity. Cries of Zito I Ellas, long live Greece; Abdullah just a few days ago came to The fighting last summer ended when the Eleftheria I Thanatos, live free or die, this Congress and said, we can make a United Nations Security Council passed Reso- could be heard from the Ionian to the difference in the Palestinian-Israeli lution 1701, which imposed a ceasefire on the Aegean, from the Peloponeseus to the issue. This happens to be soldiers that Israel-Lebanon border. That resolution un- Dodocanese where my grandparents are are in Lebanon, and, frankly, I think equivocally called for ‘‘the unconditional re- from. the point should be made that Israel lease of the abducted Israeli soldiers.’’ It took 8 hard-fought years, until has, in fact, done what they said they Therefore, their ongoing captivity is ignoring 1829, for the Sultan Mahmud to capitu- would do in pulling back. the will of the international community. Indeed, late and surrender. Greek independence

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.023 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2453 was guaranteed with the Treaty of Bishop Germanos’ message to his Additionally, it is my sincere pleas- Adrianople. people was clear, a new spirit was ure to pay tribute to the New York Greeks were the first Ottoman sub- about to be born in Greece. The fol- Hellenic American community for its jects to secure recognition as an inde- lowing year, the Treaty of Constanti- many, many contributions to our city pendent and sovereign nation. It was a nople established full independence of and Nation. fierce fight that drew support from Greece. Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, Philhellenes the world over. None As we celebrate Greek Independence as a member of the Congressional Caucus on other than the United States, England, Day, we should reflect upon the strong Hellenic Affairs, I am proud to congratulate the Lord Byron was wonderful in this ties between Greece and the United nation of Greece on the 186th anniversy of cause. States and the strong commitment to independence. Though it began the cradle of Undoubtedly, these Philhellenes were democracy shared by our two coun- Democracy and formed the foundation of indebted to Greece, the world’s first ad- tries. Western thought, Greece was ruled over by vanced civilization, for providing a cul- The Greeks of 1821 fought for inde- various empires until 1821 when the people of tural heritage that has influenced the pendence from the Ottoman Empire Greece threw off Ottoman oppression and set world with firsts in philosophy, poli- while drawing inspiration from the about founding a government that would be tics, mathematics, science, art and ideals and institutions of the United ruled by Greeks and for Greeks. sport with the Olympics, just to name States. The ancient Greek city-states provided a few. During their war of independence, young American with a strong foundation of I honor my ancestors for their deep the Greeks also received support from government and philosophy to build our de- abiding conviction in all that is good many Americans, including Presidents mocracies. In both our nations, the Golden and true about mankind. I celebrate James Madison and James Monroe and Age of Greece continues to be a guiding light. their bravery and commitment to free- Representatives Daniel Webster and During the last 50 years, the United States dom and justice. I praise their perse- Henry Clay, each of whom gave speech- has been proud to stand with the Greek peo- verance and patience in the face of un- es and made resolutions and other ple as they confronted communist oppression, speakable hardships. I commend their statements in Congress in support of solidified their democracy, and became part of sacrifices to posterity so that, should the Greek revolutionaries. the vibrant European economy. there ever be another who seeks to op- Just as our defeat of the British Independence, once achieved, is not guar- press freedom-loving people, we will be Army was remarkable, so too was the anteed for all time. We know that at all times able to look upon history and summon Greek triumph over the Ottoman there must be those who are willing to sac- up the same courage that those Army, a momentous achievement in rifice to retain liberty. Both of our nations have unyielding Hellenes exhibited nearly world history. faced struggles for survival since the initial two centuries ago. New York City is home to the largest moment of independence. We must continue Just as our great Founding Fathers Hellenic population outside of Greece to support each other in the causes of free- studied the model of democracy the an- and Cyprus. Western Queens, which I dom and democracy. cient Greeks put forth, it is likely our have the honor of representing, is often Again, I congratulate the Greek people on revolution for independence in the late called Little Athens because of the this historic day. It is a day to remember the 18th century served as a blueprint for large Hellenic population in its neigh- sacrifices of the past, to take pride in your na- the early 19th-century Greeks to try borhoods. tion, and to look forward to a bright future. their hand at freedom and sovereignty. New Yorkers celebrate Greek Inde- Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I want to It is a beautiful, symbolic symbiotic pendence Day with a parade on Fifth thank Chairman WEXLER, chairman of relationship that the United States and Avenue, along with many cultural the Subcommittee on Europe, and also Greece have shared since, and it con- events, private meetings and celebra- Ranking Member ILEANA ROS- tinues to enjoy. tions. These events, hosted by the Fed- LEHTINEN, for their work on this legis- As George Washington proclaimed at eration of Hellenic Societies and other lation. the onset of the American Revolution: Hellenic and Philhellenic organizations We have no further speakers, so I ‘‘Our cause is noble. It is the cause of and friends, remind us of the Hellenic yield back the balance of my time. Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I too mankind.’’ So it was in 1776 America American community’s many, many want to thank Mr. POE. And we also do and in 1821 Greece, and so it will al- contributions to our Nation’s history not have any more speakers, so we will ways remain. and culture. yield back. Zito I Ellas, and God bless America. Relations between the United States The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 and Greece remain strong with a question is on the motion offered by minutes to the gentlelady from New shared commitment to ensuring sta- the gentleman from Florida (Mr. York (Mrs. MALONEY), who also is the bility in southeastern Europe. WEXLER) that the House suspend the cochair of the Hellenic Caucus. I hope permanent solutions can be rules and agree to the resolution, H. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. found for ending the division of Cyprus Res. 228. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of and finding a mutually agreed upon The question was taken. this legislation, H. Res. 228, and co- name for the former Yugoslav Republic The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the chair and cofounder of the Congres- of Macedonia. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being sional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I rise Additionally, I strongly support the in the affirmative, the ayes have it. today to celebrate the 186th anniver- inclusion of Greece in the Visa Waiver Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, on that I sary of Greece’s independence from the Program. Last month, along with Rep- demand the yeas and nays. Ottoman Empire. resentatives SPACE and BILIRAKIS and The yeas and nays were ordered. Against incredibly difficult odds, the 18 of our House colleagues, we sent let- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Greeks defeated one of the most power- ters to Secretary Rice and Secretary ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the ful empires in history to gain their Chertoff urging them to extend the Chair’s prior announcement, further independence. Visa Waiver Program to Greece. Greece proceedings on this question will be Following 400 years of Ottoman rule, is the only member of the original 15 postponed. in March 1821, Bishop Germanos of European Union nations not to belong f Patras raised the traditional Greek to the Visa Waiver Program. flag at the monastery of Agia Lavras, Greece has met the criteria for the RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVER- inciting his countrymen to rise up program, including a less than 3 per- SARY OF THE TREATY OF ROME against the Ottoman Empire. cent refusal rate of U.S. nonimmigrant Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I move The bishop timed this act of revolu- visa applicants and biometric pass- to suspend the rules and agree to the tion to coincide with the Greek Ortho- ports. I hope that they will soon be in- resolution (H. Res. 230) recognizing the dox holiday celebrating the archangel cluded in the program, and I ask my 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Gabriel’s announcement that the Vir- colleagues and the Nation to join me in Rome signed on March 25, 1957, which gin Mary was pregnant with the divine celebrating Greek’s independence was a key step in creating the Euro- child. today. pean Union, and reaffirming the close

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.026 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2454 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 and mutually beneficial relationship and which contribute to the strengthening of At that time, the Treaty of Rome between the United States and Europe. the vital relationship between the United provided for the establishment of a The Clerk read as follows: States and the nations of Europe: Now, common market, a customs union and therefore, be it H. RES. 230 Resolved, That the House of Representa- common policies, expanding on the Whereas, after a half century marked by tives— unity already established in the Euro- two world wars and at a time when Europe (1) recognizes the historic significance of pean Coal and Steel Community. The was divided and some nations were deprived the Treaty of Rome on the occasion of the founding members, keen on ensuring of freedom, and as the continent faced the 50th anniversary of its signing; the past was not to be repeated, were urgent need for economic and political re- (2) commends the European Union and the particularly interested in the idea of covery, major European statesmen such as member nations of the European Union for Robert Schuman, Jean Monnet, Paul-Henri creating a community of peace and sta- the positive role which the institution has bility through economic ties. Spaak, Konrad Adenauer, Alcide de Gasperi, played in the growth, development, and pros- Sir Winston Churchill, and others joined to- perity of contemporary Europe; The success of the European Eco- gether to lay the foundations of an ever clos- (3) recognizes the important role played by nomic Community inspired other coun- er union among their peoples; the European Union in fostering the inde- tries to apply for membership, making Whereas on March 25, 1957, the Federal Re- pendence, democracy, and economic develop- it the first concrete step toward the public of Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, ment of the former Central European com- creation of the European Union. The the Netherlands, and Luxembourg signed the munist states following the end of the Cold Treaty of Rome established the basic Treaty of Rome to establish a customs War; union, to create a framework to promote the institutions and decision-making (4) acknowledges the vital role of the Euro- free movement of people, services, and cap- mechanisms still in place today. The pean Union in the development of the close ital among the member states, to support ag- and mutually beneficial relationship that ex- European Union, now comprised of 27 ricultural growth, and to create a common ists between the United States and Europe; countries and over 450 million people, transport policy, which gave new impetus to (5) affirms that in order to strengthen the is a unique and a historic example of the pledge of unity in the European Coal and transatlantic partnership there must be a re- nation-states transcending their Steel Agreement of 1951; newed commitment to regular and intensive Whereas to fulfill its purpose, the Euro- former divisions, deciding to come to- consultations between the United States and pean Union has created a unique set of insti- gether for the sake of freedom, peace the European Union; and tutions: the directly-elected European Par- and prosperity, and resolving their dif- liament, the Council consisting of represent- (6) joins with the European Parliament in ferences in the interest of the common atives of the Member States, the Commis- agreeing to strengthen the transatlantic partnership by enhancing the dialogue and good and rule of law. sion acting in the general interest of the The success of the EU over the past Community, and the Court of Justice to en- collaboration between the United States Congress and the European Parliament. 50 years has also benefited greatly the force the rule of law; United States. Today, the United Whereas on February 7, 1992, the leaders of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the then 12 members of the European Com- ant to the rule, the gentleman from States and Europe enjoy a mutually munity signed the Treaty of Maastricht es- Florida (Mr. WEXLER) and the gen- beneficial relationship that has a long tablishing a common European currency, the tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) each will and established history. Euro, to be overseen by a common financial control 20 minutes. As the world’s most important alli- institution, the European Central Bank, for The Chair recognizes the gentleman ance, the U.S. and the EU are inti- the purpose of a freer movement of capital from Florida. mately intertwined, cooperating on re- and common European economic policies; GENERAL LEAVE gional conflicts, collaborating to ad- Whereas the European Union was expanded dress global challenges, and sharing with the addition of the United Kingdom, Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask Denmark, and Ireland in 1973, Greece in 1981, unanimous consent that all Members strong trade and investment relations. Spain and Portugal in 1986, a unified Ger- may have 5 legislative days to revise It is clear that the strongest possible many in 1990, Austria, Finland, and Sweden and extend their remarks and include relationship between the United States in 1995, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, extraneous material on the resolution and Europe is a prerequisite for ad- Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, under consideration. dressing the challenges of the 21st cen- Slovakia, and Slovenia in 2004, and Bulgaria The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tury. The U.S. and EU are working and Romania in 2007, making the European objection to the request of the gen- closely to promote reform and peace in Union a body of 27 countries with a popu- the Middle East, rebuild and enhance lation of over 450 million people; tleman from Florida? Whereas the European Union has developed There was no objection. security in Afghanistan, support the policies in the economic, security, diplo- Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in goals of democratization and pros- matic, and political areas: it has established strong support of H. Res. 230, and yield perity in Eastern Europe, the a single market with broad common policies myself as much time as I may con- Caucasus, Balkans and Central Asia, to organize that market and ensure pros- sume. prevent genocide in Darfur and end the perity and cohesion; it has built an economic I first want to thank Chairman LAN- violence and terrorism in Lebanon. and monetary union, including the Euro cur- TOS for introducing this resolution The anniversary of the Rome Treaty rency; and it has built an area of freedom, with me. If there is anyone in Congress is a reminder of the importance of the security, and justice, extending stability to who fully understands the significance transatlantic alliance in an increas- its neighbors; Whereas following the end of the Cold War of this moment, it is Congressman ingly difficult global environment. and the disintegration of the Soviet Union, LANTOS, who has been an unwavering However, the 50-year EU experiment is the European Union has played a critical supporter of the transatlantic alliance an example of the enduring possibili- role in the former Central European com- and the creation of the European ties of democratic transformation and munist states in promoting free markets, Union. a brighter future for millions. democratic institutions and values, respect In addition, I want to thank the It is my hope that the EU will con- for human rights, and the resolve to fight ranking member of the Europe Sub- tinue to keep its doors open and re- against tyranny and for common national se- committee, Mr. GALLEGLY, for his ef- main a beacon of hope to the citizens of curity objectives; forts in bringing this resolution to the Whereas for the past 50 years the United Europe who aspire to obtain the peace States and the European Union have shared floor. and prosperity that have blossomed a unique partnership, mindful of their com- Mr. Speaker, on March 25, 1957, in an over the past 50 years. mon heritage, shared values and mutual in- attempt to recover from destruction Mr. Speaker, I encourage my col- terests, have worked together to strengthen caused by two devastating world wars, leagues to join me in recognizing the transatlantic security, to preserve and pro- six European nations, France, Italy, 50th anniversary of the Treaty of mote peace and freedom, to develop free and Belgium, The Netherlands, the Federal Rome, and strongly urge the passage of prosperous economies, and to advance Republic of Germany, and Luxem- H. Res. 230. human rights; and bourg, joined together in common in- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Whereas the United States has supported terest to form the foundations of a new the European integration process and has my time. consistently supported the objective of Euro- economic and political community. Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself pean unity and the enlargement of the Euro- The resulting Treaty of Rome laid the as much time as I may consume. pean Union as desirable developments which framework to promote an ever closer When Americans visit Europe today, promote prosperity, peace, and democracy, union among the peoples of Europe. it is hard to see how very damaged the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.027 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2455 countries of that continent were when Union as a foundation on which we can Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back they emerged from the destruction of work together to address new and ever the balance of my time. the Second World War. American as- growing challenges. Therefore, with en- Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield sistance played a very important role thusiasm, Mr. Speaker, it is that this back the balance of my time. in rebuilding Western Europe in the House should commemorate the 50th The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 1940s and the 1950s, and American arms anniversary of the signing of this Trea- question is on the motion offered by played a crucial role in protecting the ty of Rome. the gentleman from Florida (Mr. democracies of Europe from the ad- Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I WEXLER) that the House suspend the vance of Soviet communism during the rise today to join with my colleagues in sup- rules and agree to the resolution, H. Cold War. porting H. Res. 230, a resolution recognizing Res. 230. Ultimately, however, Europeans the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, The question was taken; and (two- needed to do more on their own to which was signed on March 25, 1957. The thirds being in the affirmative) the build upon a foundation that the Treaty of Rome established a customs rules were suspended and the resolu- tion was agreed to. United States had first provided. The union—formally known as the European Eco- A motion to reconsider was laid on 1957 Treaty of Rome, signed by France, nomic Community—among six countries: Bel- the table. Germany, Italy, Belgium, The Nether- gium, France, Italy, Luxemburg, the Nether- lands, and Luxembourg was one of the lands, and the Federal Republic of Germany. f first steps that Western Europe took to Today, that customs union is known as the EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF THE put the causes and the legacy of the European Union, and now includes 27 coun- HOUSE FOR THE GOOD FRIDAY Second World War behind them. tries spanning the length and breadth of Eu- AGREEMENT The treaty established a free-trade rope. Most importantly, it has grown into an in- Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I move region known as the European Eco- stitution that inspires countries to be their bet- to suspend the rules and agree to the nomic Community, the cornerstone of ter selves. resolution (H. Res. 222) expressing the what we today know as the European If one travels to Europe today, it may be support of the House of Representa- Union. hard to remember that, 50 years ago, the con- tives for the Good Friday Agreement, tinent was still recovering from the second of b 1330 signed on April 10, 1998, as a blueprint the two world wars it had unleashed in less for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland, A post-World War II economically than half a century. It may be hard today to and for other purposes. ravaged Europe reasoned that if na- recall or imagine the magnitude of devastation The Clerk read as follows: tions are linked economically, in this that still scarred farmland and cities alike. It H. RES. 222 case by recalling the role that eco- may be difficult to conceive of the bitterness, Whereas the Good Friday Agreement, nomic decline and hindered trade anger and thirst for revenge that bled across signed on April 10, 1998, sets out a plan for among nations had played in the years the continent like the blood of those fallen in the creation of the Northern Ireland Assem- leading up to World War II, the cre- war. The fact that Germany, a country that bly, and a devolved government in Northern ators of that free trade zone saw that had unleashed a war of aggression against its Ireland on a stable and inclusive basis; the freedom of movement of goods, neighbors just a few years before, was in- Whereas the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive have been suspended since services, capital, and people might well cluded in this new ‘‘community’’ was really prove to be a great deterrent to con- 2002; nothing short of a minor miracle. Whereas the St. Andrews Agreement of Oc- flict between the states of Europe, Moreover, fifty years ago, Europe was still tober 2006 established a timetable for the res- large and small. riven in two—no longer by a shooting war, but toration of a power-sharing government in Over the subsequent decades through by a cold war. While a small group of nations Northern Ireland; the entry of new members and expan- was beginning the slow process of rebuilding Whereas the St. Andrews Agreement re- sions both geographically across Eu- their own countries and forging transnational quired that ‘‘support for policing and the rope and functionally across issues, the relations based on cooperation, mutual trust, rule of law should be extended to every part European Community grew beyond the of the community’’; and mutual benefit, another part of the con- Whereas on January 28, 2007, Sinn Fein original core membership of the 1950s tinent had fallen under the boot of communist held a party conference during which it de- and assumed responsibilities going well dictatorship, where the Soviet Union exploited clared its support for the Police Service of beyond trade. Today, the European its neighbors, striping them of wealth, pros- Northern Ireland and the criminal justice Union indeed counts among its member perity, and opportunity for generations. Just system, consistent with the terms of the St. states countries that once were under one year before the Treaty of Rome was Andrews Agreement; Soviet domination. It has worked to signed, the Soviet Union underscored its op- Whereas British Prime Minister Tony Blair transfer more powers from its indi- and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern stated on position to any independent foreign or eco- January 30, 2007, that ‘‘We remain fixed in vidual member states to the overall or- nomic policy on the part of East European our determination to see shared government ganization centered on the road to cre- countries—a message unequivocally sent by returned to the people of Northern Ireland.’’; ating a more unified European foreign its invasion of Hungary. Whereas British Prime Minister Tony Blair and security policy and making the Eu- As the years passed, and the success of called for elections in Northern Ireland to ropean Union an organization that the the European Economic Communities became take place on March 7, 2007, in adherence to United States increasingly looks to for ever more apparent, it is no surprise that more the timeline established in the St. Andrews leadership on transatlantic issues, join- countries joined this union. Membership in Agreement; and Whereas the St. Andrews Agreement set a ing the NATO alliances that continue Council of Europe, the European Union’s sis- deadline of March 26, 2007, for devolved gov- to bind us together in that common ter organization and home of the European ernment to be restored to Northern Ireland: cause. Court of Human Rights, helped pave the way Now, therefore, be it While the European Community con- for membership in the EU. Meanwhile, the Resolved, That— tinues to provide a framework within NATO alliance created a zone of military secu- (1) the House of Representatives— which to conduct international trade, rity where the post-war citizens of Western (A) reiterates its support for the Good Fri- such as multilateral trade negotiations day Agreement, signed on April 10, 1998, in Europe could build a zone of financial security. Belfast, as a blueprint for a lasting peace in with the United States, it has also ad- Since the fall of communism, there is no Northern Ireland; vanced the cause of liberty, free mar- doubt that the aspiration of joining the Euro- (B) declares its support for the St. Andrews kets, democratic institutions, and re- pean Union, much like the goal of joining the Agreement of October 2006; spect for human rights throughout the NATO alliance, has helped focus the attention (C) commends British Prime Minister Tony European continent. The Treaty of of many countries on overcoming their past Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern for Rome was an important step in build- differences for a larger, common good that their leadership and persistence in seeking a ing on the foundation that the United also brings substantial benefits to their own peaceful resolution in Northern Ireland; and States helped create after World War II (D) commends all parties for abiding by the citizens. Today, I commemorate the 50th anni- terms agreed to in the St. Andrews Agree- for Europe. versary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, ment; and Today, we look to a strong Europe as and the new vision it held for the European (2) it is the sense of the House of Rep- seen in the expanded NATO and ex- continent, one that has helped spread peace resentatives that all political parties in panded and strengthened European and prosperity to nearly 500 million people. Northern Ireland should—

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.028 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2456 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 (A) agree to share power with all parties sembly, a development which would be Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York. Mr. according to the democratic mandate of the profoundly damaging to the long-term Speaker, I want to thank Sub- Good Friday Agreement; prospects for peace in Northern Ire- committee Chairman WEXLER and (B) meet all deadlines established by the land. With passage of this resolution, Ranking Member POE. St. Andrews Agreement; and (C) commit to work in good faith with all Congress urges Northern Ireland’s po- As the author of H.R. 222, I rise in the institutions of the Good Friday Agree- litical leaders to make the tough com- support, as all of the members of the ment, which established the Northern Ire- promises necessary to bring about a Friends of Ireland Caucus do. land Assembly and an inclusive Executive, power sharing arrangement. With such This month, the peace process of the North-South Ministerial Council, and the a deal, the great promise of the Good Northern Ireland has an opportunity to British-Irish Inter-Governmental Con- Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews make great strides. Several significant ference, for the benefit of all the people of Agreement can come to fruition. Northern Ireland. events are taking place this month. On The resolution before the House is March 7, new assembly elections were The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- designed to support the forward move- held. On March 14, new members for a ant to the rule, the gentleman from ment towards peace and to help pave power-sharing executive will be nomi- Florida (Mr. WEXLER) and the gen- the way to a time when the conflict in nated. And, finally, on March 26, Lon- tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) each will Northern Ireland is only a subject for don will rescind direct rule and restore control 20 minutes. the history books. Northern Ireland’s devolved govern- The Chair recognizes the gentleman Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this ment. from Florida. timely resolution, and reserve the bal- It has been a long road to get to this GENERAL LEAVE ance of my time. point, but restored progress has been Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself made. Recently, Democratic Unionist unanimous consent that all Members such time as I may consume. Party leader Mr. Paisley, and Sinn may have 5 legislative days to revise Since 1969, over 3,200 people have died Fein’s Gerry Adams spoke directly and extend their remarks and include as a result of political violence in across the floor on the Northern Ire- extraneous material on the resolution Northern Ireland. The 1998 Good Friday land Assembly. Some people will say under consideration, as well as H. Res. Agreement lessened the violence in this was a small matter. For those of 228. Northern Ireland considerably, making us that have been involved in this The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there it a safer place to live and allowing its issue, it was a great stand. objection to the request of the gen- beleaguered economy to prosper. This dialogue is a major achievement tleman from Florida? While these developments are posi- in the ongoing peace process. However, There was no objection. tive steps forward, political differences there is still much work to be done, Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in between the opposing sides of this con- and this month is critical to ensure a strong support of this resolution, and flict led to a stalemate, which in 2002 successful devolution on March 26. yield myself as much time as I may persuaded the Blair government to sus- consume. pend the Belfast Northern Ireland As- President Bush’s Special Envoy on Mr. Speaker, I would first like to sembly and shift power to direct rule Northern Ireland has recognized the thank my good friend and colleague, from London. Events have now pre- importance of this month’s events and the need for Congress to help galvanize Congresswoman CAROLYN MCCARTHY of sented an opportunity to move for- New York, who has been a passionate ward. the momentum to achieve the March 26 and tireless advocate for peace and jus- Last week, a new Northern Ireland deadline. tice in Northern Ireland throughout Assembly was elected, and at the end Former U.S. Senator George Mitchell her distinguished career in Congress. of this month, if an administration is believes a power sharing deal in North- Over the past several years, the peace formed, rule from Westminster will ern Ireland is now possible, following process in Northern Ireland has taken cease, with Northern Ireland assuming the March 7 assembly elections, but be- many twists and turns. The Good Fri- the reins of power for its own self-gov- lieves the U.S. still has a huge role to day Agreement, designed to bring an ernment. play in stimulating the investment and end to the conflict in Northern Ireland, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in the trade in Northern Ireland. has been declared dead time and again. expressing his fondest hopes for the With that in mind, I have introduced The Northern Ireland Assembly and success of the Good Friday accords, has the Good Friday Agreement. This reso- the Executive established by the Good stated, ‘‘Enemies would become not lution shows Congress’ support for the Friday Agreement have been suspended just partners in progress but sit to- Good Friday Agreement, commends the since 2002. gether in government, and efforts of Prime Minister Blair and During the past few months, how- paramilitaries who used to murder Irish Taoiseach Ahern and all the par- ever, we have witnessed incredibly each other as a matter of routine ties for abiding by the St. Andrews promising developments in our efforts would talk to each other and learn to Agreement. H. Res. 222 further encour- to fully implement the Good Friday live with each other.’’ ages the parties to work in good faith Agreement, which was signed almost 9 Mr. Speaker, these are noble and to meet the Good Friday Agreement. years ago on April 10, 1998. lofty goals. While no one thought that Mr. Speaker, we have an opportunity The St. Andrews Agreement of Octo- they would be easy to achieve and to make a difference in Ireland by help- ber 2006 established a firm timetable many challenges have arisen, combat is ing to make sure that we keep this mo- for the restoration of the government now taking place in the political mentum going. But I think, more im- in Northern Ireland. In the agreement sphere rather than through violent portant, when we see the troubles itself and in subsequent declarations, means. Inch by inch, day by day, with throughout the world today, Ireland both sides of the conflict committed focused determination, success is fi- has always been something that many themselves to the rule of law, effective nally emerging. of us here in Congress have been fight- policing, and a strong criminal justice Mr. Speaker, ours is a significant ing for to bring both sides together. system. Most importantly, the elec- voice in the global community that The people of Ireland want this peace tions called for by the St. Andrews must be raised in support of the process to go through. It is good for the Agreement were carried out success- progress that has already been whole nation. We here in Congress will fully just last week. achieved, and in calling for further ef- be going as an envoy to Ireland during Now the hard work begins, Mr. forts to achieve the goals of the Good the Easter break, hopefully to be con- Speaker. Over the next 2 weeks, North- Friday Agreement. gratulating everybody and telling them ern Ireland’s political parties must Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of we will do whatever we can to make agree to share power according to the my time. sure the government stays up and run- democratic mandate of the Good Fri- Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 ning. But, more importantly, it is the day Agreement. A failure to reach a minutes to the gentlewoman from New people of Ireland that have overwhelm- power sharing deal will lead to the dis- York (Mrs. MCCARTHY), who is the ingly on both sides said, ‘‘We want the solution of the Northern Ireland As- sponsor of this resolution. peace process to go forward.’’

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR7.017 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2457 I urge my colleagues to vote for (H.R. 478) to designate the Federal Judge Reed was elected to serve as the peace in Northern Ireland and support building and United States courthouse first Chief Justice of Kentucky in 1976. H. Res. 222. located at 101 Barr Street in Lex- His opinions from the Supreme Court Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I want to ington, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Scott Reed of Kentucky have received national ac- thank Chairman WEXLER of the Euro- Federal Building and United States claim for their content. pean Subcommittee for leading the dis- Courthouse’’. b 1345 cussion, and also Representative The Clerk read as follows: In 1979 he was named U.S. district MCCARTHY from New York for spon- H.R. 478 soring this legislation. We have no fur- judge for the Eastern District of Ken- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- tucky, and he served as U.S. district ther speakers. resentatives of the United States of America in Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, Congress assembled, judge until he retired in 1990. Mr. Speaker, I support this legisla- nearly nine years ago, the people of Northern SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. Ireland took a great step forward into building The Federal building and United States tion, and I encourage my colleagues to a lasting peace. The Good Friday Agreement, courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in Lex- do the same. This is a very fitting indi- signed in 1998, set forth a plan for estab- ington, Kentucky, shall be known and des- vidual and a fitting tribute to him. lishing a peaceful civil government for both ignated as the ‘‘Scott Reed Federal Building Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Catholics and Protestants. and United States Courthouse’’. my time. Today, we are close to ending an enmity SEC. 2. REFERENCES. Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, at this that stretches back across centuries. With the Any reference in a law, map, regulation, time I would like to yield such time as establishment of an assembly there will be a document, paper, or other record of the he may consume to the gentleman substantial forum for the people of Northern United States to the Federal building and from Kentucky (Mr. CHANDLER). Ireland to sort through their difference peace- United States courthouse referred to in sec- Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, I tion 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to fully. thank the gentleman from Iowa for his the ‘‘Scott Reed Federal Building and United help on this legislation, something The years of calm since the signing of the States Courthouse’’. agreement have seen developments that that is near and dear to my heart. I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- seemed nearly impossible decades ago. The also thank the gentleman from Mis- ant to the rule, the gentleman from acceptance of the Police Service of Northern souri for his nice words. Ireland by Sinn Fein in January of this year Iowa (Mr. BOSWELL) and the gentleman This courthouse and the naming of marked one ofthe last hurdles to the full imple- from Missouri (Mr. GRAVES) each will this courthouse is very special to many mentation of the agreement. With one neutral control 20 minutes. people in Kentucky because Scott Reed force to fairly administer the law, the people of The Chair recognizes the gentleman was a special man. Northern Ireland can stop seeing the police as from Iowa. H.R. 478 is a bill to designate the adversaries and instead see them as guard- GENERAL LEAVE Federal building and United States ians of the peace, as it should be. Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask courthouse located at 101 Barr Street It is now critical that a final agreement be unanimous consent that all Members in Lexington, Kentucky as the ‘‘Scott put in place so that the assembly can continue may have 5 legislative days within Reed Federal Building and United to meet and lead the people of Northern Ire- which to revise and extend their re- States Courthouse.’’ I can think of no land. Now that the IRA, as confirmed by third- marks and to include extraneous mate- other individual more deserving, no party observers, has decommissioned its rial on H.R. 478. other public servant more worthy, and weapons, it is time for the Democratic Union- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there no other action more appropriate than ists to come together to rule in cooperation objection to the request of the gen- naming the Federal courthouse in Lex- with Sinn Fein. tleman from Iowa? ington after the Honorable Scott Reed. With so much progress made it would be a There was no objection. Prominent central Kentucky attor- great shame to see the dissolution of a body Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I would ney, first Chief Justice of the Ken- freely elected by the people of Northern Ire- yield myself such time as I may con- tucky Supreme Court, and Federal land. This Congress supports blueprint for sume and will be yielding to the gen- judge, Scott Reed exemplifies the defi- peace signed nearly a decade ago and wishes tleman from Kentucky very shortly. nition of honor and integrity. to see last democracy and tranquility in Ire- I would appreciate very much, if this Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on land. has been designated, to be recognized, July 3, 1921, Scott Reed graduated with Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back and would recognize the gentleman distinction from the University of Ken- the balance of my time. from Missouri. tucky. While in college, he was editor- Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I too Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of in-chief of the Kentucky Law Journal want to thank Mr. POE. And we also do my time. and awarded the order of the Coif, the not have any more speakers, and I Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield highest academic award that can be yield back the balance of my time. myself such time as I may consume. given to a law graduate. He was also a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. Speaker, it is great that I got the member of the Phi Delta Phi Frater- question is on the motion offered by opportunity today to work with the nity. the gentleman from Florida (Mr. gentleman from Iowa. We have worked He achieved many honors at the Uni- WEXLER) that the House suspend the on several things, and I think this is a versity of Kentucky, culminating upon rules and agree to the resolution, H. very fitting bill. graduation as the recipient of the Res. 222. H.R. 478 designates the Federal build- Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion, a The question was taken. ing and the United States courthouse prestigious award recognizing out- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the located at 101 Barr Street in Lex- standing character and humanitarian opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being ington, Kentucky as the Scott Reed service. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Prior to his time on the bench, Scott Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, on that I Federal Building and United States Reed was County Attorney. He was re- demand the yeas and nays. Courthouse. The bill recognizes Judge The yeas and nays were ordered. Reed’s service to the legal profession. tained as counsel for the Fayette Coun- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Judge Scott Reed graduated from the ty School Board and distinguished him- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the University of Kentucky College of Law self as a trial lawyer of great integrity. Chair’s prior announcement, further where he received many honors. Judge He served from 1948 through 1956 as an proceedings on this question will be Reed’s career as a jurist began in 1964, associate professor at the University of postponed. when he became Fayette Circuit Court Kentucky College of Law. From 1964 judge. Five years later, he was elected until 1969, he was judge of the First Di- f to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, vision of the Fayette Circuit Court, the SCOTT REED FEDERAL BUILDING where he sat for over 7 years. During top trial court in Kentucky’s second AND UNITED STATES COURT- the mid 1970s, Judge Reed played an in- largest county. He then was elected to HOUSE strumental role in the recognition of the Kentucky Court of Appeals, at that Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I move Kentucky’s judicial system, which cre- time the highest court in the Common- to suspend the rules and pass the bill ated the Kentucky Supreme Court. wealth.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.032 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2458 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 As Chief Judge of the Kentucky College of Law in 1945. While at the Univer- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Court of Appeals, Judge Reed oversaw sity, Reed received many awards and honors, ant to the rule, the gentleman from the passage of a constitutional amend- including the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medal- Iowa (Mr. BOSWELL) and the gentleman ment that unified and modernized Ken- lion for excellence. from Missouri (Mr. GRAVES) each will tucky’s court system. As part of the The first years of Judge Reed’s career were control 20 minutes. modernization, the Court of Appeals spent in private practice during which he dis- The Chair recognizes the gentleman became the Kentucky Supreme Court. tinguished himself as a trial lawyer of great in- from Iowa. Reed was elected by his fellow justices tegrity. During this time, he also taught at the GENERAL LEAVE at that time to be the first Chief Jus- University of Kentucky College of Law. Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask tice of the Commonwealth of Ken- From 1964 to 1969, Judge Reed was judge unanimous consent that all Members tucky. As Chief Justice, he oversaw the of the First Division of the Fayette Circuit may have 5 legislative days within implementation of a constitutional Court. From 1969 until 1976, he served on the which to revise and extend their re- amendment that led to Kentucky’s Court of Appeals, 5th Appellate District. In marks and to include extraneous mate- having one of the most efficient court 1976, Judge Reed became the Chief Justice rial on H.R. 429. systems in the country. The Chief Jus- of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, a position The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tice of the Commonwealth holds equal which holds equal rank with the Governor. His objection to the request of the gen- rank with the Governor, the latter opinions from the Supreme Court of Kentucky tleman from Iowa? There was no objection. being the head of the Executive Branch have received national attention for their Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield and Chief Justice serving as the head of scholarly content and careful judicial rea- myself such time as I may consume. the Judiciary and its myriad of admin- soning. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 429 is a bill to des- istrative offices throughout the State. In August, 1979, Judge Reed was nomi- ignate the new courthouse in Brooklyn Judge Reed was elected as a Fellow in nated by President Carter to the federal at Cadman Plaza in honor of former the National College of the Judiciary bench. He was confirmed later that year and Member and New York Governor Hugh in 1965 and was a voting member of the served until his death in 1994. During his con- Carey. American Law Institute, a body of firmation hearing, Judge Reed was character- Hugh Carey began his distinguished scholarly people who shape the laws of ized as possessing a great sense of fairness public career in 1960 when he was elect- our Nation. and objectivity, practical legal experience, and ed to the House of Representatives. He The opinions written by Scott Reed great respect for the law and its responsibility served on the former Education and during his time on the Supreme Court to our Nation’s citizens. Both Senator Huddle- Labor Committee, the Interior Com- of Kentucky have received national ac- ston and Senator Ford participated in Judge mittee, and the Ways and Means Com- claim. Judge Reed was a frequent lec- Reed’s confirmation hearing. mittee. During his seven terms, he be- turer to the National College of Trial Judge Reed enjoyed a rich and rewarding came the deputy whip and helped pass Judges and has achieved the highest career. His contributions to the American judi- several pieces of landmark legislation honors that can be bestowed on a mem- cial system are exceptional. It is fitting that the on education and the rights of the dis- ber of his profession. United States Courthouse located in Lex- abled. In 1979 he was appointed by President ington, Kentucky, bear his name to honor his As Governor, Carey signed the his- Jimmy Carter to be U.S. district judge distinguished career and enduring legacy. toric Willowbrook consent decree, for the Eastern District of Kentucky. I support H.R. 478 and urge its passage. which committed New York to sweep- He served as a U.S. district judge until Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield ing reforms in the care of the develop- he retired in 1990, rounding out his ju- back the balance of my time. mentally disabled. He also dealt with dicial career having served on the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Love Canal and pollution of the Hudson local, State, and Federal benches. question is on the motion offered by River. Along with Senator KENNEDY Scott Reed was named to the Univer- the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. BOS- and former Speaker Tip O’Neill, he sity of Kentucky College of Law Hall of WELL) that the House suspend the rules worked to end violence in Northern Ire- Distinguished Alumni on April 11, 1980. and pass the bill, H.R. 478. land. Judge Reed passed away on February The question was taken; and (two- He is truly a son of New York, a 17, 1994, but his legacy will always be a thirds being in the affirmative) the great civic leader and esteemed public part of Kentucky’s rich history. He rules were suspended and the bill was servant. For these and other reasons, it richly deserves this honor, one that is passed. is both fitting and proper to honor indeed long overdue. A motion to reconsider was laid on Hugh Carey with this designation. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague the table. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky for being a co- f Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield sponsor of this legislation. Again, I HUGH L. CAREY UNITED STATES myself such time as I may consume. thank my colleagues from Iowa and COURTHOUSE H.R. 429 does designate the United Missouri for their help on bringing this States courthouse which is located at Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I move to the floor, and I urge its passage. 225 Cadman Plaza East in Brooklyn, to suspend the rules and pass the bill Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I have no New York as the ‘‘Hugh L. Carey further requests for time, and I yield (H.R. 429) to designate the United United States Courthouse.’’ back the balance of my time. States courthouse located at 225 As the gentleman from Iowa pointed Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I would Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New out, the Governor served in the United associate myself with the remarks Mr. York, as the ‘‘Hugh L. Carey United States Army during World War II and CHANDLER made. I appreciate that. States Courthouse’’. then received his law degree from St. Judge Reed was truly an outstanding The Clerk read as follows: John’s University School of Law. In individual in many respects and served H.R. 429 1960 he was elected to represent the with great distinction. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- 12th Congressional District of New Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 478 and resentatives of the United States of America in York in the 87th Congress and served urge its passage. Congress assembled, until his resignation in 1974, when he Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. was elected Governor of New York, and strong support of H.R. 478, a bill to designate The United States courthouse located at he served two terms as Governor. the Federal building located at 101 Barr Street 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York, I might also point out that in 1993, in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Scott Reed shall be known and designated as the ‘‘Hugh Governor Carey was appointed to the L. Carey United States Courthouse’’. Federal Building and United States Court- American Battle Monuments Commis- house’’. The bill was introduced by the gen- SEC. 2. REFERENCES. sion to represent the United States at Any reference in a law, map, regulation, tleman from Kentucky (Mr. CHANDLER) and his document, paper, or other record of the various ceremonies commemorating colleague from Kentucky (Mr. ROGERS). United States to the United States court- the 50th anniversary of the end of Scott Reed was born in Lexington, Ken- house referred to in section 1 shall be deemed World War II. Governor Carey is cur- tucky, in 1921. He attended local schools and to be a reference to the ‘‘Hugh L. Carey rently practicing law in New York graduated from the University of Kentucky United States Courthouse’’. City, as I understand.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.035 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2459 Mr. Speaker, I think this is a fitting at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, extraordinary life and work of Judge tribute to Governor Carey’s commit- New York, as the ‘‘Conrad Duberstein Conrad B. Duberstein. ment to public service, and I whole- United States Bankruptcy Court- I support H.R. 430 and urge its pas- heartedly support this bill. house,’’ as amended. sage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance The Clerk read as follows: Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of of my time. H.R. 430 my time. Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I thank Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. GRAVES for those kind words and resentatives of the United States of America in myself such time as I may consume. appreciate his support and work on Congress assembled, Mr. Speaker, in addition to what the this very appropriate naming. SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. gentleman from Iowa pointed out, I urge the acceptance of H.R. 429. The United States bankruptcy courthouse Judge Duberstein’s tremendous con- located at 271 Cadman Plaza East in Brook- tributions in law, I might also add to Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in lyn, New York, shall be known and des- strong support of H.R. 429, a bill to designate that, Judge Duberstein served in the ignated as the ‘‘Conrad B. Duberstein United United States Army. We have actually the newly-constructed courthouse located at States Bankruptcy Courthouse’’. named a few courthouses over the last 225 Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, New York, as SEC. 2. REFERENCES. the ‘‘Hugh L. Carey United States Court- Any reference in a law, map, regulation, couple of months after individuals who are World War II veterans, and they are house’’. document, paper, or other record of the Hugh Carey was born in 1919, in Brooklyn, United States to the United States bank- all just outstanding individuals. Judge Duberstein did serve in the where he attended local schools. He grad- ruptcy courthouse referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to the Army during World War II, and he was uated from St. John’s University and, in 1951, ‘‘Conrad B. Duberstein United States Bank- awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze graduated from St. John’s Law School. During ruptcy Courthouse’’. Star, and the Combat Infantry Badge. World War II, he fought in Europe with the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- After the war he engaged in the private 104th Division. For his valor, he received the ant to the rule, the gentleman from practice of law, where, again, his prom- Bronze Star, Croix de Guerre, and Combat In- Iowa (Mr. BOSWELL) and the gentleman inence as a bankruptcy attorney grew fantry Award. from Missouri (Mr. GRAVES) each will large. Hugh Carey served the people of New York control 20 minutes. The gentleman from Iowa pointed for almost three decades, first as a Congress- The Chair recognizes the gentleman out his many contributions to law and man representing Brooklyn and then as Gov- from Iowa. obviously to the State of New York. ernor of the State. Congressman Carey GENERAL LEAVE This is another bill, Mr. Speaker, served seven terms in the U.S. House of Rep- Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask where I think it is a fitting tribute, to resentatives, from 1960 until 1974. In 1974, he unanimous consent that all Members say the least, and I wholeheartedly was elected as Governor of New York in a may have 5 legislative days within support this bill and urge my col- landslide victory. He served two full terms as which to revise and extend their re- leagues to do the same. Governor until being succeeded by his Lieu- marks and include extraneous material Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance tenant Governor, Mario Cuomo. on H.R. 430. of my time. Carey’s public career is highlighted by his The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge handling of the city’s economic crisis in the objection to the request of the gen- the passage of H.R. 430 to a person very late 1970s. As part of this effort he spear- tleman from Iowa? deserving. headed the construction of the Jacob Javits There was no objection. Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Center, Battery Park City, and South Street Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield strong support of H.R. 430, a bill introduced Seaport. He was a fierce opponent of the myself such time as I may consume. by the gentleman from Brooklyn, New York death penalty and, as Governor, prevented the Mr. Speaker, a quote from Chief Jus- (Mr. TOWNS), to designate the United States reinstatement of the death penalty in the State tice John Marshall was recently used Bankruptcy Courthouse located at 271 of New York. at St. John’s Law School, Judge Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, New York, as the Carey was a master at forming coalitions Duberstein’s alma mater, to describe ‘‘Conrad B. Duberstein United States Bank- between business and labor. This ability Judge Duberstein: ‘‘Once in a while a ruptcy Courthouse’’. helped save the city from fiscal crisis in the man mounts the bench with the salt of This bill has the unanimous support of the late 1970s. During that time, he worked dili- like, the spice of wisdom, and the judges of the United States Bankruptcy Court gently to attract businesses to the State main- sweetness of humor blended in him so for the Eastern District of New York. At the ly by reducing State taxes. subtly and yet so successfully that time of his death, on November 18, 2005, at Governor Carey, who will be 88 in April, still those who are quite unlearned in the the age of 90, Judge Duberstein was the old- practices law in New York. This designation law glimpse some of its beauties.’’ This est serving Chief Bankruptcy Judge in the will honor the truly outstanding, civic career of quote so aptly describes Judge country. one of New York’s finest public servants. Duberstein. Judge Duberstein is a native New Yorker, I support H.R. 429 and urge my colleagues Judge Duberstein was a proud prod- born in the Bronx in 1915. He was 17 years to join me in supporting this bill. uct of New York. He attended school in old when his father died. As a result, he Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield the Bronx, college in Brooklyn, and re- dropped out of school to support his mother back the balance of my time. ceived his law degree from St. John’s and two sisters. In 1934, he received his high The SPEAKER pro tempore. The University Law School. His high school school diploma from the Morris Evening High question is on the motion offered by alma mater is also the alma mater of School. In 1938, he graduated from Brooklyn the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. BOS- former Secretary of State Colin Pow- College and, in 1942, he received his law de- WELL) that the House suspend the rules ell. gree from St. John’s University Law School. and pass the bill, H.R. 429. The words wisdom, fairness, beloved While a law student, he served on the St. The question was taken; and (two- mentor, humor, humility, and human- John’s University Law Review. thirds being in the affirmative) the ity are used not only to describe his Judge Duberstein was admitted to the New rules were suspended and the bill was life but also reflects the principles he York State Bar in 1942. In the same year, he passed. brought to his law practice. He was a took the oath for admission to practice before A motion to reconsider was laid on judge guided by a sense of fairness and the United States District Court for the Eastern the table. perpetual desire for nothing but justice District in the very building which today we f for all who were in his courts. His ac- designate in his honor. complishments were without bounds. Judge Duberstein was drafted and served CONRAD DUBERSTEIN UNITED Judge Duberstein practiced bankruptcy with distinction in World War II from 1943 until STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT- law for over six decades, and when he 1946. He was stationed in Northern Italy, HOUSE died in his 90s, he was the oldest sur- where he was wounded. He was awarded the Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I move viving bankruptcy judge in the coun- Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Com- to suspend the rules and pass the bill try. bat Infantry Badge. While in Italy, he had the (H.R. 430) to designate the United Designating the courthouse in his honor of being granted an audience with Pope States bankruptcy courthouse located honor is a most fitting tribute to the Pius XII.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.037 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2460 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 In 1981, he was appointed to the Bank- There was no objection. record. He was awarded the Purple ruptcy Court for the Eastern District in New Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield Heart, nine Battle Stars and the Air York. In 1984, the Board of Judges appointed myself such time as I may consume. Medal with four oak leaf clusters for him as the Chief Judge. His work was noted Mr. Speaker, it is quite a privilege his service, which is obviously a sign of for its thoroughness, extensive analysis, and today for me to stand here and speak a very outstanding individual. This ob- scholarly approach. He was a person known about someone who has been my men- viously marks a long and very distin- by his humility and humanity. He worked tire- tor and that I have admired for many, guished career. Obviously, he was one lessly to enable persons of every faith, race, many years of my life. Neal Smith, and of us, a Member of Congress from Iowa; and origin to achieve a ‘‘fresh start,’’ con- in fact I should say his wife, Bea, have and I wholeheartedly support this. sistent with bankruptcy laws. He was beloved been exemplary in so many ways and Mr. Speaker, could I inquire of the and revered by his colleagues. It is both fitting have meant so much to the people of gentleman from Iowa what Mr. SMITH and proper that the bankruptcy courthouse in Iowa and in fact the people of this Na- flew during the war. Brooklyn, New York, be designated in his tion. Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, if the honor. I would recognize that Neal served gentleman would yield, I would just I support the bill and urge its passage. with distinction and bravery in World share this. That is a very good ques- Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield War II. He was a bomber pilot and was tion, Mr. GRAVES. It would be either a back the balance of my time. highly decorated. B–17 or B–29. It was one of the bombers The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Those of you here in the Congress at least. I know that. Neal was the question is on the motion offered by that served with Neal know that he kind of person, as others know from the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. BOS- was highly regarded, both in Wash- here, he never spoke about it. You had WELL) that the House suspend the rules ington and in his home State of Iowa. to kind of dig it out to know about and pass the bill, H.R. 430, as amended. He was known for his skillful legis- that. But he truly was an American The question was taken; and (two- lating and attention to his congres- hero as well as a very much respected thirds being in the affirmative) the sional district. Having served 36 years hero in Iowa, and I suspect that a lot of rules were suspended and the bill, as in Congress, Neal is the longest serving his influence reached over into Mis- amended, was passed. Iowan to serve in the House of Rep- souri. The title was amended so as to read: resentatives. Naming the Federal Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I do ‘‘A bill to designate the United States building in Des Moines is an honor he thank the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. bankruptcy courthouse located at 271 deserves, and the time is correct. BOSWELL) for the kind words that he Cadman Plaza East in Brooklyn, New As chairman of the Commerce, Jus- said. Again, this gentleman was a pilot, York, as the ‘Conrad B. Duberstein tice, State appropriations sub- and you can’t get any better than that. United States Bankruptcy Court- committee, Neal spent most of his time I would wholeheartedly support this house’.’’. outside the spotlight tenaciously de- bill and urge my colleagues to do the A motion to reconsider was laid on fending programs under his jurisdiction same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the table. against budget assaults. of my time. f He was rooted in Depression-era Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, in clos- b 1400 Iowa. Neal was a man of liberal in- ing, I would say this is a very special stincts, but he was considered fair and NEAL SMITH FEDERAL BUILDING day for us in Iowa to name this build- an honest broker as a subcommittee ing in Neal’s honor. We also would say Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I move chairman and was known to keep de- publicly and presently that we respect to suspend the rules and pass the bill bating until an agreement could be Bea so very much. They went to law (H.R. 1045) to designate the Federal reached. He once said, ‘‘I don’t try to school together at Drake and served to- building located at 210 Walnut Street get confrontational. I try to do what- gether all these many, many years. in Des Moines, Iowa, as the ‘‘Neal ever I need to do to pass the bill.’’ Mr. REGULA from Ohio was a col- Smith Federal Building’’. Outside of appropriations, Neal was a league of Neal’s and they served to- The Clerk read as follows: champion for tougher meat and poultry gether, and he was very happy and H.R. 1045 inspection laws and introduced and ready to help sponsor the bill and so Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- supported legislation that required on. I would appreciate, Mr. GRAVES, if resentatives of the United States of America in food labels stating sodium content. you will pass on to him our apprecia- Congress assembled, Neal was also instrumental in creating tion for his contribution and his greet- SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. the Commodity Futures Trading Com- ings to Neal and Bea. The Federal building located at 210 Walnut mission to guard against grain trading Mr. Speaker, I would urge my col- Street in Des Moines, Iowa, shall be known abuses and in setting up strict Federal and designated as the ‘‘Neal Smith Federal leagues to support and pass this bill. Building’’. procedures for grain inspection. Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in SEC. 2. REFERENCES. Back in Iowa, other tributes have strong support of H.R. 1045, a bill to des- Any reference in a law, map, regulation, been given to his honor. We now have ignate the Federal building at 210 Walnut document, paper, or other record of the the Neal Smith National Wildlife Ref- Street in Des Moines, IA, as the ‘‘Neal Smith United States to the Federal building re- uge, the Neal Smith Trail, and the Neal Federal Building.’’ ferred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be and Bea Smith Law School at Drake. It Neal Smith was born on March 23, 1920, in a reference to the ‘‘Neal Smith Federal is now only fitting that the Federal his grandparents’ home near Hedrick, Keokuk Building’’. building in Des Moines, a building I un- County, IA. He served in the United States The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- derstand he helped get funded, be House of Representatives from 1959 until ant to the rule, the gentleman from named the Neal Smith Federal Build- 1995, and has the distinction of being the Iowa (Mr. BOSWELL) and the gentleman ing. longest serving Member of the House of Rep- from Missouri (Mr. GRAVES) each will Again, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate resentatives from Iowa. Congressman Smith is control 20 minutes. this moment and urge passage of this a World War II veteran, having served in the The Chair recognizes the gentleman bill. United States Army Air Force as a bomber from Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of pilot. His plane was shot down during combat GENERAL LEAVE my time. and he received a Purple Heart, nine Battle Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield Stars, and the Air Medal with four oak leaf unanimous consent that all Members myself such time as I may consume. clusters. may have 5 legislative days within Mr. Speaker, I don’t think I could He received his undergraduate training at which to revise and extend their re- really add much to Mr. SMITH’s accom- the University of Missouri and Syracuse Uni- marks and to include extraneous mate- plishments and what he has done, other versity. In 1950, he received his law degree rial on H.R. 1045. than what Mr. BOSWELL has pointed from Drake University. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there out. Neal Smith is one of Iowa’s most respected objection to the request of the gen- He did mention he was a bomber and distinguished elected officials. His inter- tleman from Iowa? pilot, and I looked up his service ests while serving in Congress were varied,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A13MR7.026 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2461 but he especially focused on agriculture, small [Roll No. 139] Payne Sali Taylor ´ business, and the environment. He became a Pearce Sanchez, Linda Terry YEAS—409 Pence T. Thompson (CA) champion for those issue areas and authored Perlmutter Sanchez, Loretta Abercrombie Diaz-Balart, L. Kaptur Tiahrt Peterson (MN) Sarbanes legislation establishing the Commodity Futures Ackerman Diaz-Balart, M. Keller Tiberi Peterson (PA) Saxton Trading Commission, the Federal Meat, Poul- Aderholt Dicks Kennedy Tierney Petri Schakowsky Akin Dingell Kildee Towns try and Egg Inspection Acts, and Small Busi- Pickering Schiff Alexander Doggett Kind Turner Pitts Schwartz ness Development Centers. Udall (CO) Allen Donnelly King (IA) Platts Scott (GA) Congressman Smith also sponsored legisla- Udall (NM) Altmire Doolittle King (NY) Poe Scott (VA) tion to authorize construction of the Big Creek Arcuri Doyle Kingston Pomeroy Sensenbrenner Upton and Rathbun Dams. Further, he was instru- Bachmann Drake Kirk Porter Serrano Van Hollen mental in creating the Red Rock Watershed Bachus Duncan Klein (FL) Price (GA) Sessions Vela´ zquez Baird Edwards Kline (MN) Visclosky Conservation District and a National Wildlife Price (NC) Sestak Baker Ehlers Knollenberg Pryce (OH) Shadegg Walberg Refuge that was named in his honor. In the Barrett (SC) Ellison Kucinich Putnam Shays Walden (OR) 1980s, he was especially active in helping to Barrow Ellsworth Kuhl (NY) Radanovich Shea-Porter Walsh (NY) jump start Iowa’s stagnant economy. In 1996, Bartlett (MD) Emanuel LaHood Rahall Sherman Walz (MN) Barton (TX) Emerson Lamborn Ramstad Shimkus Wamp Smith published his autobiography, Mr. Smith Bean Engel Lampson Rangel Shuler Wasserman Goes to Washington: From Eisenhower to Becerra English (PA) Langevin Regula Shuster Schultz Berkley Eshoo Lantos Clinton. Rehberg Simpson Waters Berman Etheridge Larsen (WA) Reichert Sires Watson It is most fitting and proper to honor the Berry Everett Larson (CT) Renzi Skelton Watt long, distinguished civic career of Congress- Biggert Fallin Latham Reyes Slaughter Waxman man Neal Smith with this designation. Bilbray Farr LaTourette Reynolds Smith (NE) Bilirakis Fattah Lee Weiner I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- Rodriguez Smith (NJ) Welch (VT) Bishop (GA) Feeney Levin Rogers (AL) Smith (TX) Westmoreland porting H.R. 1045. Bishop (NY) Ferguson Lewis (CA) Rogers (KY) Smith (WA) Wexler Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield Bishop (UT) Filner Lewis (KY) Rogers (MI) Snyder Whitfield back the balance of my time. Blackburn Flake Linder Rohrabacher Solis Blumenauer Forbes Lipinski Wicker The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ros-Lehtinen Souder Blunt Fortenberry LoBiondo Roskam Space Wilson (NM) question is on the motion offered by Boehner Fossella Loebsack Ross Spratt Wilson (OH) the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. BOS- Bonner Foxx Lofgren, Zoe Rothman Stark Wilson (SC) Bono Frank (MA) Lowey Wolf WELL) that the House suspend the rules Roybal-Allard Stearns Boozman Franks (AZ) Lucas Royce Stupak Woolsey and pass the bill, H.R. 1045. Boren Frelinghuysen Lungren, Daniel Ruppersberger Sullivan Wu The question was taken; and (two- Boswell Gallegly E. Rush Sutton Wynn thirds being in the affirmative) the Boucher Garrett (NJ) Lynch Ryan (OH) Tancredo Yarmuth Boustany Gerlach Mack rules were suspended and the bill was Ryan (WI) Tanner Young (AK) Boyd (FL) Giffords Mahoney (FL) Salazar Tauscher Young (FL) passed. Boyda (KS) Gilchrest Maloney (NY) A motion to reconsider was laid on Brady (PA) Gillibrand Manzullo NAYS—1 Brady (TX) Gillmor Marchant Paul the table. Braley (IA) Gingrey Markey f Brown, Corrine Gonzalez Marshall ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—4 Brown-Waite, Goode Matheson Conaway Hill Ginny Goodlatte Matsui ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Gohmert Thornberry PRO TEMPORE Buchanan Gordon McCarthy (CA) Burgess Graves McCarthy (NY) NOT VOTING—19 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Burton (IN) Green, Al McCaul (TX) Butterfield Green, Gene McCollum (MN) Andrews Davis, Jo Ann McMorris ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Buyer Grijalva McCotter Baca Davis, Lincoln Rodgers will resume on motions to suspend the Calvert Gutierrez McCrery Baldwin Dreier Miller (FL) Camp (MI) Hall (NY) McDermott Brown (SC) Granger Schmidt rules previously postponed. Carson Thompson (MS) Votes will be taken in the following Campbell (CA) Hall (TX) McGovern Kilpatrick Cannon Hare McHenry Cubin Lewis (GA) Weldon (FL) order: Cantor Harman McHugh Culberson Weller H. Res. 64, by the yeas and nays; Capito Hastert McIntyre b 1432 H. Res. 228, by the yeas and nays; Capps Hastings (FL) McKeon Capuano Hastings (WA) McNerney Mr. GOHMERT changed his vote H. Res. 222, by the yeas and nays. Cardoza Hayes McNulty from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘present.’’ The first electronic vote will be con- Carnahan Heller Meehan So (two-thirds being in the affirma- ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining Carney Hensarling Meek (FL) tive) the rules were suspended and the electronic votes will be conducted as 5- Carter Herger Meeks (NY) Castle Herseth Melancon resolution, as amended, was agreed to. minute votes. Castor Higgins Mica The result of the vote was announced Chabot Hinchey Michaud f Chandler Hinojosa Millender- as above recorded. Clarke Hirono McDonald A motion to reconsider was laid on EXPRESSING SENSE OF THE Clay Hobson Miller (MI) the table. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Cleaver Hodes Miller (NC) THAT BANGLADESH SHOULD Clyburn Hoekstra Miller, Gary f DROP CHARGES AGAINST SALAH Coble Holden Miller, George Cohen Holt Mitchell RECOGNIZING THE 186TH ANNIVER- UDDIN SHOAIB CHOUDHURY Cole (OK) Honda Mollohan SARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Conyers Hooley Moore (KS) GREECE AND CELEBRATING Cooper Hoyer Moore (WI) GREEK AND AMERICAN DEMOC- pending business is the question of sus- Costa Hulshof Moran (KS) pending the rules and agreeing to the Costello Hunter Moran (VA) RACY resolution, H. Res. 64. Courtney Inglis (SC) Murphy (CT) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cramer Inslee Murphy, Patrick The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Crenshaw Israel Murphy, Tim pending business is the question of sus- tion. Crowley Issa Murtha pending the rules and agreeing to the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cuellar Jackson (IL) Musgrave resolution, H. Res. 228. question is on the motion offered by Cummings Jackson-Lee Myrick The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Davis (AL) (TX) Nadler the gentleman from New York (Mr. Davis (CA) Jefferson Napolitano tion. ACKERMAN) that the House suspend the Davis (IL) Jindal Neal (MA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The rules and agree to the resolution, H. Davis (KY) Johnson (GA) Neugebauer question is on the motion offered by Davis, David Johnson (IL) Nunes Res. 64, on which the yeas and nays are Davis, Tom Johnson, E. B. Oberstar the gentleman from Florida (Mr. ordered. Deal (GA) Johnson, Sam Obey WEXLER) that the House suspend the The vote was taken by electronic de- DeFazio Jones (NC) Olver rules and agree to the resolution, H. vice, and there were—yeas 409, nays 1, DeGette Jones (OH) Ortiz Res. 228, on which the yeas and nays Delahunt Jordan Pallone answered ‘‘present’’ 4, not voting 19, as DeLauro Kagen Pascrell are ordered. follows: Dent Kanjorski Pastor This will be a 5-minute vote.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:09 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR7.028 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2462 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 The vote was taken by electronic de- Murphy (CT) Rogers (KY) Stearns the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Murphy, Patrick Rogers (MI) Stupak vice, and there were—yeas 413, nays 0, Murphy, Tim Rohrabacher Sullivan WEXLER) that the House suspend the not voting 20, as follows: Murtha Ros-Lehtinen Sutton rules and agree to the resolution, H. Musgrave Roskam Tancredo [Roll No. 140] Res. 222, on which the yeas and nays Myrick Ross Tanner are ordered. YEAS—413 Nadler Rothman Tauscher Napolitano Roybal-Allard Taylor This will be a 5-minute vote. Abercrombie Davis, Tom Jackson-Lee Neal (MA) Royce Terry The vote was taken by electronic de- Ackerman Deal (GA) (TX) Neugebauer Ruppersberger Thompson (CA) Aderholt DeFazio Jefferson Nunes Rush Thompson (MS) vice, and there were—yeas 419, nays 1, Akin DeGette Jindal Oberstar Ryan (OH) Thornberry not voting 13, as follows: Alexander Delahunt Johnson (GA) Obey Ryan (WI) Tiahrt Allen DeLauro Johnson (IL) Olver Salazar Tiberi [Roll No. 141] Altmire Dent Johnson, E. B. Ortiz Sali Tierney YEAS—419 Andrews Diaz-Balart, L. Johnson, Sam Pallone Sa´ nchez, Linda Towns Arcuri Diaz-Balart, M. Jones (NC) Pascrell T. Turner Abercrombie Crowley Hinchey Bachmann Dicks Jones (OH) Pastor Sanchez, Loretta Udall (CO) Ackerman Cuellar Hinojosa Bachus Dingell Jordan Paul Sarbanes Udall (NM) Aderholt Cummings Hirono Baird Doggett Kagen Payne Saxton Upton Akin Davis (AL) Hobson Baker Donnelly Kanjorski Pearce Schakowsky Van Hollen Alexander Davis (CA) Hodes Barrett (SC) Doolittle Kaptur Pence Schiff Vela´ zquez Allen Davis (IL) Hoekstra Barrow Doyle Keller Perlmutter Schwartz Visclosky Altmire Davis, David Holden Bartlett (MD) Drake Kennedy Peterson (MN) Scott (GA) Walden (OR) Andrews Davis, Lincoln Holt Barton (TX) Dreier Kildee Peterson (PA) Scott (VA) Walsh (NY) Arcuri Davis, Tom Honda Bean Duncan Kind Petri Sensenbrenner Walz (MN) Bachmann Deal (GA) Hooley Becerra Edwards King (IA) Pickering Serrano Wamp Bachus DeFazio Hoyer Berkley Ehlers Kingston Pitts Sessions Wasserman Baird DeGette Hulshof Berman Ellison Kirk Platts Shadegg Schultz Baker Delahunt Hunter Berry Ellsworth Klein (FL) Poe Shays Waters Barrett (SC) DeLauro Inglis (SC) Biggert Emanuel Kline (MN) Pomeroy Shea-Porter Watson Barrow Dent Inslee Bilbray Emerson Kucinich Porter Sherman Watt Bartlett (MD) Diaz-Balart, L. Israel Bilirakis Engel Kuhl (NY) Price (GA) Shimkus Waxman Barton (TX) Diaz-Balart, M. Issa Bishop (GA) English (PA) LaHood Price (NC) Shuler Weiner Bean Dicks Jackson (IL) Bishop (NY) Eshoo Lamborn Pryce (OH) Shuster Westmoreland Becerra Dingell Jackson-Lee Bishop (UT) Etheridge Lampson Putnam Simpson Wexler Berkley Doggett (TX) Blackburn Everett Langevin Radanovich Sires Whitfield Berman Donnelly Jefferson Blumenauer Fallin Lantos Rahall Slaughter Wicker Berry Doolittle Jindal Blunt Farr Larsen (WA) Ramstad Smith (NE) Wilson (NM) Biggert Doyle Johnson (GA) Boehner Fattah Larson (CT) Rangel Smith (NJ) Wilson (OH) Bilbray Drake Johnson (IL) Bonner Feeney Latham Regula Smith (TX) Wilson (SC) Bilirakis Dreier Johnson, E. B. Bono Ferguson LaTourette Rehberg Smith (WA) Wolf Bishop (GA) Duncan Johnson, Sam Boozman Filner Lee Reichert Snyder Woolsey Bishop (NY) Edwards Jones (NC) Boren Flake Levin Renzi Solis Wu Bishop (UT) Ehlers Jones (OH) Boswell Forbes Lewis (CA) Reyes Souder Wynn Blackburn Ellison Jordan Boucher Fortenberry Lewis (GA) Reynolds Space Yarmuth Blumenauer Ellsworth Kagen Boustany Fossella Lewis (KY) Rodriguez Spratt Young (AK) Blunt Emanuel Kanjorski Boyd (FL) Foxx Linder Rogers (AL) Stark Young (FL) Boehner Emerson Kaptur Boyda (KS) Frank (MA) Lipinski Bonner Engel Keller Brady (PA) Franks (AZ) LoBiondo NOT VOTING—20 Bono English (PA) Kennedy Brady (TX) Frelinghuysen Loebsack Baca Gilchrest Sestak Boozman Eshoo Kildee Braley (IA) Gallegly Lofgren, Zoe Boren Etheridge Kind Baldwin Graves Skelton Brown, Corrine Garrett (NJ) Lowey Boswell Everett King (IA) Brown (SC) Kilpatrick Walberg Brown-Waite, Gerlach Lucas Boucher Fallin King (NY) Cubin King (NY) Welch (VT) Ginny Giffords Lungren, Daniel Culberson Knollenberg Boustany Farr Kingston Buchanan Gillibrand E. Weldon (FL) Boyd (FL) Fattah Kirk Davis, Jo Ann Miller (FL) Weller Burgess Gillmor Lynch Davis, Lincoln Schmidt Boyda (KS) Feeney Klein (FL) Burton (IN) Gingrey Mack Brady (PA) Ferguson Kline (MN) Butterfield Gohmert Mahoney (FL) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Brady (TX) Filner Knollenberg Buyer Gonzalez Maloney (NY) Braley (IA) Flake Kucinich Calvert Goode Manzullo The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Brown, Corrine Forbes Kuhl (NY) Camp (MI) Goodlatte Marchant the vote). Members are advised there Brown-Waite, Fortenberry LaHood Campbell (CA) Gordon Markey are 2 minutes remaining. Ginny Fossella Lamborn Cannon Granger Marshall Buchanan Foxx Lampson Cantor Green, Al Matheson b 1439 Burgess Frank (MA) Langevin Capito Green, Gene Matsui Burton (IN) Franks (AZ) Lantos Capps Grijalva McCarthy (CA) So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Butterfield Frelinghuysen Larsen (WA) Capuano Gutierrez McCarthy (NY) tive) the rules were suspended and the Buyer Gallegly Larson (CT) Cardoza Hall (NY) McCaul (TX) resolution was agreed to. Calvert Garrett (NJ) Latham Carnahan Hall (TX) McCollum (MN) The result of the vote was announced Camp (MI) Gerlach LaTourette Carney Hare McCotter Campbell (CA) Giffords Lee Carson Harman McCrery as above recorded. Cannon Gilchrest Levin Carter Hastert McDermott A motion to reconsider was laid on Cantor Gillibrand Lewis (CA) Castle Hastings (FL) McGovern the table. Capito Gillmor Lewis (GA) Castor Hastings (WA) McHenry Capps Gingrey Lewis (KY) Chabot Hayes McHugh Stated for: Capuano Gohmert Linder Chandler Heller McIntyre Mr. SESTAK. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. Cardoza Gonzalez Lipinski Clarke Hensarling McKeon 140, I whole-heartedly support recognizing the Carnahan Goode LoBiondo Clay Herger McMorris Carney Goodlatte Loebsack Cleaver Herseth Rodgers 186th anniversary of the independence of Carson Gordon Lofgren, Zoe Clyburn Higgins McNerney Greece celebrating Greek and American De- Carter Granger Lowey Coble Hill McNulty mocracy. Had I been present, I would have Castle Graves Lucas Cohen Hinchey Meehan voted ‘‘yea.’’ Castor Green, Al Lungren, Daniel Cole (OK) Hinojosa Meek (FL) Chabot Green, Gene E. Conaway Hirono Meeks (NY) f Chandler Grijalva Lynch Conyers Hobson Melancon Clarke Gutierrez Mack Cooper Hodes Mica EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF THE Clay Hall (NY) Mahoney (FL) Costa Hoekstra Michaud HOUSE FOR THE GOOD FRIDAY Cleaver Hall (TX) Maloney (NY) Costello Holden Millender- AGREEMENT Clyburn Hare Manzullo Courtney Holt McDonald Coble Harman Marchant Cramer Honda Miller (MI) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cohen Hastert Markey Crenshaw Hooley Miller (NC) pending business is the question of sus- Cole (OK) Hastings (FL) Marshall Crowley Hoyer Miller, Gary Conaway Hastings (WA) Matheson Cuellar Hulshof Miller, George pending the rules and agreeing to the Conyers Hayes Matsui Cummings Hunter Mitchell resolution, H. Res. 222. Cooper Heller McCarthy (CA) Davis (AL) Inglis (SC) Mollohan The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Costa Hensarling McCarthy (NY) Davis (CA) Inslee Moore (KS) tion. Costello Herger McCaul (TX) Davis (IL) Israel Moore (WI) Courtney Herseth McCollum (MN) Davis (KY) Issa Moran (KS) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cramer Higgins McCotter Davis, David Jackson (IL) Moran (VA) question is on the motion offered by Crenshaw Hill McCrery

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.045 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2463 McDermott Porter Smith (TX) charges against Bangladeshi journalist Salah (Mr. JONES of North Carolina ad- McGovern Price (GA) Smith (WA) McHenry Price (NC) Snyder Uddin Shoaib Choudhury; ‘‘yea’’ on final pas- dressed the House. His remarks will ap- McHugh Pryce (OH) Solis sage of H. Res. 228, Recognizing the 186th pear hereafter in the Extensions of Re- McIntyre Putnam Souder anniversary of the independence of Greece marks.) McKeon Radanovich Space and celebrating Greek and American democ- McMorris Rahall Spratt f racy, and ‘‘yea’’ on final passage of H. Res Rodgers Ramstad Stark CONGRESSIONAL CONSTITUTION McNerney Rangel Stearns 222, Expressing the support of the House of CAUCUS’ WEEKLY ‘‘CONSTITU- McNulty Regula Stupak Representatives for the Good Friday Agree- Meehan Rehberg Sullivan TION HALF HOUR’’ Meek (FL) Reichert Sutton ment, signed on April 10, 1998, as a blueprint Meeks (NY) Renzi Tancredo for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland, and for The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Melancon Reyes Tanner other purposes. previous order of the House, the gen- Mica Reynolds Tauscher f tleman from New Jersey (Mr. GARRETT) Michaud Rodriguez Taylor is recognized for 5 minutes. Millender- Rogers (AL) Terry PERSONAL EXPLANATION McDonald Rogers (KY) Thompson (CA) Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Miller (MI) Rogers (MI) Thompson (MS) Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully re- Speaker, I am here today to announce Miller (NC) Rohrabacher Thornberry quest that I be excused from today’s votes our support of the A-PLUS Act au- Miller, Gary Ros-Lehtinen Tiahrt Miller, George Roskam Tiberi due to official business at Walter Reed Army thored by my good friend from Michi- Mitchell Ross Tierney Medical Center. I regret that I was not able to gan (Mr. HOEKSTRA). I stand here as the Mollohan Rothman Towns cast these votes; however, if I had been founder and chairman of the Congres- Moore (KS) Roybal-Allard Turner sional Constitution Caucus, and I urge Moore (WI) Royce Udall (CO) present I would have voted in the following Moran (KS) Ruppersberger Udall (NM) way: ‘‘yea’’ on H. Res. 64; ‘‘yea’’ on H. Res. my colleagues to cosponsor this legis- Moran (VA) Rush Upton 228; ‘‘yea’’ on H. Res. 222. lation. Murphy (CT) Ryan (OH) Van Hollen f Normally, when I begin my weekly Murphy, Patrick Ryan (WI) Vela´ zquez floor speeches, I quote the relevant Murphy, Tim Salazar Visclosky PERSONAL EXPLANATION Murtha Sali Walberg portion of the Constitution that cor- Musgrave Sa´ nchez, Linda Walden (OR) Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. responds with the evening’s topic. Yet Myrick T. Walsh (NY) 139 on final passage of H. Res. 64, rollcall today I have difficulty choosing a coin- Nadler Sanchez, Loretta Walz (MN) Napolitano Sarbanes Wamp No. 140 on final passage of H. Res. 228, and ciding article and section from our Neal (MA) Saxton Wasserman rollcall No. 141 on final passage of H. Res. founding document. You see, the Con- Neugebauer Schakowsky Schultz 222, I am not recorded because I was absent stitution does not contain the word Nunes Schiff Waters due to attendance at a family funeral. Had I Oberstar Schwartz Watson ‘‘school’’ or even ‘‘education.’’ Con- Obey Scott (GA) Watt been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on trary to common modern misconcep- Olver Scott (VA) Waxman each of the rollcall votes. tions, there is no constitutional right Ortiz Sensenbrenner Weiner f guaranteeing each citizen an edu- Pallone Serrano Welch (VT) cation. Pascrell Sessions Westmoreland COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF Now, this does not mean education is Pastor Sestak Wexler MEMBER OF HON. C.A. DUTCH Payne Shadegg Whitfield unimportant or that the Constitution RUPPERSBERGER, MEMBER OF Pearce Shays Wicker is silent on the issue. The 10th amend- Pence Shea-Porter Wilson (NM) CONGRESS Perlmutter Sherman Wilson (OH) ment unambiguously states, ‘‘The pow- Peterson (MN) Shimkus Wilson (SC) The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- ers not delegated to the United States Peterson (PA) Shuler Wolf fore the House the following commu- by the Constitution, nor prohibited by Petri Shuster Woolsey nication from Melody McEntee, Direc- Pickering Simpson Wu it to the States, are reserved to the Pitts Sires Wynn tor, Government, Business and Com- States respectively, or to the people.’’ Platts Slaughter Yarmuth munity Relations, Office of Hon. C.A. Historically, in the United States, Poe Smith (NE) Young (AK) DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER, Member of education has not fallen under the ju- Pomeroy Smith (NJ) Young (FL) Congress: risdiction of the Federal Government. NAYS—1 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Parents, local schools and the States Paul Washington, DC, March 12, 2007. were responsible for children’s aca- Hon. NANCY PELOSI, NOT VOTING—13 demic training. It has only been in the Speaker, House of Representatives, last 50 years or so has the Federal Gov- Baca Davis (KY) Skelton Washington, DC. ernment begun overstepping its con- Baldwin Davis, Jo Ann Weldon (FL) DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: This is to notify Brown (SC) Kilpatrick Weller you formally, pursuant to Rule VIII of the stitutional boundaries by parading the Cubin Miller (FL) increasing bureaucracies of the Depart- Culberson Schmidt Rules of the House of Representatives, that I have been served with an administrative sub- ment of Education. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE poena, issued by the United States Merit Mr. HOEKSTRA’s bill seeks to correct The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Systems Protection Board, for testimony many of the problems associated with a the vote). Members are advised 2 min- and documents. Federal bureaucracy by putting control utes remain in this vote. After consultation with the Office of Gen- over education money back into the eral Counsel, I have determined that compli- hands of the taxpayers and, most im- b 1448 ance with the subpoena is inconsistent with the precedents and privileges of the House. portantly, the parents. So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Sincerely, Under the current system, the Fed- tive) the rules were suspended and the MELODY MCENTEE, eral Government essentially bribes resolution was agreed to. Director, Government, Business States into complying with the burden- The result of the vote was announced and Community Relations. some No Child Left Behind program. as above recorded. f Yes, States can opt out of these regula- A motion to reconsider was laid on SPECIAL ORDERS tions, but doing so would mean losing the table. millions of dollars in aid every year. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under f Under its bill, first it will free States the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- from following needless Federal regula- PERSONAL EXPLANATION uary 18, 2007, and under a previous tions and mandates. Currently, the No Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, due to offi- order of the House, the following Mem- Child Left Behind program restricts cial leave of absence, I was unable to vote on bers will be recognized for 5 minutes academic innovation and ignores the three bills considered today under suspension each. diversity present in each State, region of the rules. Had I been present, I would have f and school district. voted ‘‘yea’’ on final passage of H. Res. 64, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Secondly, A-PLUS Act will reduce Expressing the sense of the House of Rep- previous order of the House, the gen- the amount of time and money that resentatives that the Government of Ban- tleman from North Carolina (Mr. school officials currently devote to gladesh should immediately drop all pending JONES) is recognized for 5 minutes. complying with these mandates. Each

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR7.034 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2464 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 hour and dollar spent in administering tleman from Maryland (Mr. CUMMINGS) bor maintenance tax generates only No Child Left Behind could be funneled is recognized for 5 minutes. about $2 million per year in revenue instead into improving our schools. Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, when I from short sea shipping voyages, but Thirdly, A-PLUS Act will ensure assumed the chairmanship of the Sub- stands as a costly barrier to the expan- that parents, schools and the States committee on Coast Guard and Mari- sion of short sea shipping options. are held accountable for the education time Transportation at the beginning Today, therefore, I have introduced process. Rather than allowing over- of the 110th Congress, I promised that the Short Sea Shipping Promotion Act sight to rest in some far-flung bureauc- the subcommittee would balance over- of 2007, which would exempt goods racies here in Washington, it will be sight of the Coast Guard with our re- moved by water from one port in the right at home here in your local school sponsibility to strengthen maritime United States to another port in the district. But most importantly, giving transportation. United States or between the United States the freedom to keep their edu- On February 15, the subcommittee States and Canada from the harbor cation dollars in oversight within their began to fulfill that promise by holding maintenance tax. own State is exactly what our Found- a hearing on short sea shipping, which This exemption will not significantly ing Fathers originally intended. is the waterborne transportation of reduce revenues into the harbor main- James Madison, often considered the goods and people from one domestic tenance trust fund, which already has a father of the Constitution, will be re- port in the United States to another significant fund balance, but could help membered this coming Friday, March port in the United States or between open a significant new course for the 16, on the 250th anniversary of his Canada and the U.S. movement of freight by water. At the present time, trucks carry birth. Our Nation urgently needs to take nearly 70 percent of the freight tonnage In a way, Madison predicted this sit- practical steps to address the signifi- transported in the United States. By uation we now find ourselves in, when cant challenges we face in maintaining contrast, the most highly developed he wrote, ‘‘In framing a government the flow of freight on which our econ- water freight transportation routes in which is to be administered by men omy depends. the United States, those running on over men, the great difficulty lies in As chairman of the Coast Guard and the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes this: you must first enable the govern- Maritime Transportation Sub- and the Saint Lawrence Seaway carry ment to control the governed; and in committee, the measure I have intro- just 13 percent of the freight tonnage the next place oblige it to control duced today is just the first step of a itself.’’ within the United States. Mr. Speaker, the impact of our con- concerted and deliberate effort I will It is time for us to explain why we tinued reliance on trucks to move undertake to support the potential of are not controlling ourselves. Our freight will be measured in increased maritime transportation, in general, Founding Fathers deliberately wrote a traffic congestion, increases in pol- and short sea shipping, in particular, Constitution of enumerated specific luting emissions and increases in acci- to be a reliable, cost-effective mode in powers. While some countries have at- dents between trucks and cars. our national transportation network. tempted to limit government by writ- However, the only way that we will f ing Constitutions that specify every shift freight transportation away from The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a single thing and every single line, our an increasing volume of trucks is by government Constitution does not do previous order of the House, the gen- creating affordable reliable transpor- tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- that. Therefore, in Article I, Section 8, tation alternatives. I believe that one the founders specifically listed con- nized for 5 minutes. of these alternatives must be short sea (Mr. POE addressed the House. His gressional powers, and in the 10th shipping. amendment grants that all other legis- remarks will appear hereafter in the During our February hearing, our Extensions of Remarks.) lative powers are in the hands of States subcommittee heard compelling testi- or the people respectively. mony arguing that one of the chal- f So, in essence, it makes sense that lenges currently limiting the growth of A-PLUS ACT (NO CHILD LEFT Congress should perform duties only short sea shipping is a requirement BEHIND REFORM) prescribed by the Constitution. When that with only a few exceptions cargo The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a you think about it, the United States transported by water to a port in the previous order of the House, the gentle- has thrived as a nation precisely be- United States must pay the harbor woman from North Carolina (Ms. FOXX) cause the freedom of the people has maintenance tax. This tax, assessed at is recognized for 5 minutes. been protected by a limited govern- the rate of $125 per $100,000 of cargo Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ment. The Constitution is the anchor value adds to the costs associated with to address important changes to the No that protects American citizens from waterborne transportation and is one Child Left Behind Act. I recently held the storms of a controlling central gov- factor currently making such transpor- a roundtable discussion on this issue ernment. tation less competitive than trucks with my constituents from all over the James Madison wrote also in The and other modes. Fifth District held in Forsyth County, Federalist No. 45, ‘‘The powers dele- Importantly, if the cargo originated North Carolina. It was a great oppor- gated by the proposed Constitution to in Europe and is off-loaded in New tunity for me to hear from super- the Federal Government are few and York, just to be reloaded on a ship intendents, board of education mem- defined.’’ He would add, probably, that bound for Jacksonville, Florida then bers, principals and teachers from education is not one of them. So Mr. the cargo owner must pay the harbor across the district about their concerns HOEKSTRA’s common-sense legislation tax twice. follows Madison’s insights by ensuring with No Child Left Behind and their that the States have the opportunity b 1500 recommendations for program im- to retain control over their own edu- Further, the tax is paid, not by the provements. cation dollars. Doing so will not only ship owner, but by the shipper of the As a member of the House Committee improve the quality of the education goods. So imagine that a FedEx truck on Education and Labor, it was impor- system, but will help return our Nation wants to get on a ferry in Windsor, tant for me to hear firsthand what edu- to the principles of limited govern- Canada, and be off loaded just across cators believe is working and is not ment, federalism, and the 10th amend- the river in Detroit, Michigan. Each of working in No Child Left Behind. ment. the owners of the 500 packages that are One of the main concerns brought to f in the truck must pay the harbor main- me during this roundtable was the role tenance tax. There is simply no easy that special education students play in INTRODUCTION OF THE SHORT way to collect the tax from so many the Federal oversight process. Due to SEA SHIPPING PROMOTION ACT different packages, so the truck travels the wide-ranging needs and challenges OF 2007 to the United States across the bridge. faced by special needs students, it is The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a In part, because it acts to limit the becoming increasingly difficult for previous order of the House, the gen- growth of short sea shipping, the har- schools to meet Federal standards.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.052 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2465 It is apparent that the subgroup of the House, the gentleman from Maine tant step we can take toward accom- special needs students is not accounted (Mr. ALLEN) is recognized for 5 min- plishing that goal. for in the way No Child Left Behind en- utes. In many American workplaces, the forces standards on a state-wide basis. Mr. ALLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise process of forming a union is conten- In fact, the unique needs of special to express my continued support for tious. Yet, though they may differ over needs students is often the only reason the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill issues like wages, health care and pen- many of North Carolina’s excellent which the House passed 2 weeks ago sions, employees, supervisors, and com- schools do not reach AYP, or average which I hope the Senate will soon con- pany owners are all striving for the yearly progress. sider. same goal, to make their company Based on what North Carolina’s edu- I was proud to support House passage work and for competitiveness in a glob- cators are saying, the A-PLUS Act is a of the Employee Free Choice Act be- al economy. step in the right direction that re- cause I believe that the current law Finding a middle ground on questions sponds to the needs of our teachers and places undue burdens on workers who of compensation, training and health students. are trying to exercise their rights to care boosts American productivity, in- The A-PLUS Act preserves States organize. novation, and competitiveness. When rights while keeping essential funding Under the current law, workers are employers control the outcome, we not for our schools intact. often subject to intimidation, and em- only cheat workers; we cheat our eco- Instead of cumbersome Federal man- ployers receive a slap on the hand for nomic future. dates that take a cookie-cutter ap- illegal activities. One study recently As we approach 2020, our income dis- proach to education, the A-PLUS Act conducted by the University of Illinois tribution is trending toward that of would give States the constitutional found that 30 percent of employers fire 1920. Americans don’t want to be left to freedom to set their own education pro-union workers, 49 percent threaten the market-based whims of health sav- policies, based on the needs of their to close a work site, and 51 percent co- ings accounts, privatized Social Secu- students, without burdensome Federal erce employees with bribes or favor- rity, or personal job retraining ac- Government intrusion. itism. counts. They want a government that This bill reduces the burden that Because of these acts, many workers ensures that individuals can provide Federal financial support poses on edu- are afraid to vote for a union against for themselves and their families. cation programs so that teachers can the wishes of their employer, even in Senator Wagner wrote the National focus on educating instead of paper- private. Labor Relations Act in 1934 to ensure work and bureaucratic mandates. We If those statistics are not compelling that workers would have an unambig- have many wonderful teachers out enough, I urge my colleagues to con- uous, unmitigated right to representa- there doing their best every day to do sider the fact that the United States is tion in the workplace. He said then their job, and they are distracted from the only industrialized Nation to have that ‘‘the denial or observance of this doing their job by this paperwork. a union avoidance industry of any size. right means the difference between By giving States back their full con- This industry, on which corporations despotism and democracy.’’ stitutional right to set education pol- spend hundreds of millions of dollars a It is unfortunate that the Employee icy, this bill will encourage innovative year, exists solely to help businesses Free Choice Act faces obstacles in the solutions to the unique education resist unionization efforts and under- Senate, but it is time to give Ameri- issues faced by every State. mine union strength. cans a fair shot at organizing again. The A-PLUS Act provides States and The Employee Free Choice Act would Everyone deserves protection under the their local communities with max- close the legal and illegal avenues to law. imum freedom and flexibility to deter- intimidation that some employers use, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to mine how to improve academic thereby strengthening employees’ abil- support the Employee Free Choice Act. achievement and implement education ity to choose. f reforms. It would discourage the firing of em- State and local governments should ployees by increasing fines and pen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a be in control of education policies, and alties during the election process. It previous order of the House, the gen- the Federal Government’s limits the would guarantee that first contract ne- tleman from California (Mr. DREIER) is responsibility should lie in providing gotiations don’t drag out for years by recognized for 5 minutes. incentives and accountability. Thus, A- requiring mediation and arbitration to (Mr. DREIER addressed the House. PLUS allows States and local school end delays. His remarks will appear hereafter in systems the freedom to set up local ac- The Employee Free Choice Act would the Extensions of Remarks.) countability plans. allow the use of card check procedures, f In conclusion, local accountability in which a majority of workers, not The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a places the emphasis where it should be, just a majority of voters, sign cards au- previous order of the House, the gen- on students, parents and teachers, in- thorizing a union. tleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO) is stead of on an often unresponsive Fed- Why is it so important to ensure ac- recognized for 5 minutes. eral bureaucracy. cess to unions? Inequality is rising in (Mr. DEFAZIO addressed the House. And I want to support the comments our country. Two years ago, Alan His remarks will appear hereafter in made by my colleague from New Jer- Greenspan said: ‘‘A free market society the Extensions of Remarks.) is ill served by an economy in which sey, who reminds us that the Constitu- f tion doesn’t have the word ‘‘education’’ the rewards are distributed in a way The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a anywhere in it. It is not the role of the which too many of our population do previous order of the House, the gen- Federal Government to provide for the not feel is appropriate.’’ tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) is education of our children. It is the role Whether or not you agree that in- recognized for 5 minutes. of the States, the localities and par- creasing inequality in our country is (Mr. BURTON of Indiana addressed ents, and I applaud him for bringing tied to declining union membership, the House. His remarks will appear that to our attention. We need to have one thing is clear: unionized workers hereafter in the Extensions of Re- that brought to our attention every have better rates of health care cov- marks.) time the Federal Government starts erage, better wages, and are five times getting involved in an inappropriate more likely to have a pension. f way. Access to health care, better wages, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a f secure pension: these are the things the previous order of the House, the gen- House is trying to give back to the tleman from Texas (Mr. PAUL) is recog- APPEAL FOR ENACTMENT OF THE middle class in America. Making our nized for 5 minutes. EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT economy work for everyone is a com- (Mr. PAUL addressed the House. His The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. plicated, ongoing process. The Em- remarks will appear hereafter in the TAUSCHER). Under a previous order of ployee Free Choice Act is one impor- Extensions of Remarks.)

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.056 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2466 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a occupation is to bring our troops home all celebrating his wonderful accom- previous order of the House, the gentle- and work with the international com- plishment. And I moved on to the next woman from New York (Mrs. MCCAR- munity to strengthen and promote se- call, and it was basically a repeat of THY) is recognized for 5 minutes. curity in Iraq. It is the mandate from that first one, and I realized that it was (Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York ad- the American people, and it is the going to take a long time to be able to dressed the House. Her remarks will Congress’s moral obligation. make those wonderfully exciting and accomplishment calls. And I recognized appear hereafter in the Extensions of f Remarks.) that there are young men and women 1515 f b across this Nation who recognize and THE OFFICIAL TRUTH SQUAD appreciate the value of service and the NO MILITARY SOLUTION TO IRAQ importance of making certain that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under there are members all across our soci- previous order of the House, the gentle- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- ety who stand up to serve, who stand woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Geor- up and appreciate the beauty and the is recognized for 5 minutes. gia (Mr. PRICE) is recognized for 60 wonder and the awe that is the United Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, one minutes as the designee of the minor- States of America. And they are proud of the truest statements about the oc- ity leader. to serve; they are proud to be able to cupation of Iraq was uttered by one of Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Madam attend one of our military academies our own generals. Speaker, I want to thank you for the and make that kind of commitment. The commander of U.S. troops in opportunity, and I am pleased to have At another end of the spectrum, I Iraq, General David Petraeus, said that yielded to my good friend earlier and have also some advisory councils in my there is no military solution in Iraq. In think that she brings into perspective district, different members of our com- his own words, and I quote him, ‘‘There some of the differences that we have in munity who get together and assist me is no military solution to a problem this Chamber that I would like to chat in making sure that I am formulating like that in Iraq, to the insurgency of about for a little bit this afternoon. the kinds of proposals and policies that Iraq.’’ It is a great privilege to come to the are consistent with that wonderful I ask all of us, Is this another case of floor of the House and to present an- Sixth District of Georgia; and recently the President not listening to his top other edition of the Official Truth we met. brass? When is he going to learn that, Squad. One of the goals that we have One of the groups I have is a military and veterans group that gets together despite the brave and courageous ef- on our side of the aisle is to bring some and provides information to make cer- forts of our men and women in uni- light, bring some truth to the discus- tain that we are addressing the kinds form, we cannot bomb, we cannot shoot sions that we have here on the floor of of issues that are of concern to mili- our way to peace in Iraq? the House, so important if we are going tary and veterans, members in the General Petraeus even said that we to be making decisions, when we make Sixth District and across the Nation. should be refocusing our diplomatic ef- decisions, on behalf of the American These are true heroes. They are folks forts in and around Iraq, saying that people. kind of at the other end of the spec- talks should include, and I quote him I represent the Sixth District of trum from those young men and again, ‘‘some of those who have felt the Georgia, which is a wonderful district, women who have volunteered to attend new Iraq did not have a place for all northern portion of suburban At- military academies. But these are men them.’’ lanta. And from the very youngest to and women who have served and who I applaud him for his candor. He sees the very oldest, they give me great en- recognize the commitment that it what is going on on the ground. He thusiasm, and I am heartened by the takes and recognize the importance of knows that the current approach is opportunity to represent that district. this Congress, of this Nation stating It is one of the districts that has one of just not working. clearly, through both word and deed, The men and women under his com- the greatest amounts of interest in and that they respect and appreciate the numbers of individuals who desire ap- mand have given so much for this mis- kind of service of our military men and pointment to our Nation’s military guided occupation. They went in with- women. out armor they needed for their academies. And those folks told me recently, One of the privileges of being a Mem- Humvees and even for their own bodily they said, Congressman PRICE, we are a protection. They went in looking for ber of Congress is the opportunity to little perplexed, we are a little con- weapons of mass destruction that did nominate individuals who avail them- cerned by what we hear coming out of not work out too well. They went in to selves of the opportunity and have cer- Washington. Again, these are heroes of accomplish a mission that was not tain accomplishments at their young a past time for our United States, con- clearly defined, and there was no exit age to be able to be considered for ap- tinued heroes, but they are concerned plan. How can we ask our troops to pointments to military academies. because they believe that the informa- continue down this road? Most of us get somewhere between four tion that is being put forward and the The Bush administration, as we have and eight individuals appointed to policies that are being promoted by the seen in the reports about Walter Reed, military academies each year; I was new majority party here in Washington has even failed our troops when they privileged last year to get over 25 peo- as it relates to our Nation’s security come home. Shame on the President. ple from my district appointed to the are troubling to them and threaten Shame on Veterans Affairs Secretary United States military academies. truly our very existence as a Nation. Nicholson. This is not the way to care When I was given the opportunity to I would suggest, Madam Speaker, for those who have given so very much. call those folks who had been ap- that the most recent proposal as it re- The American people know what to pointed, I asked my staff to put to- lates to our war on terror as a Nation, do, even if lawmakers are slow to act. gether the list, and I thought I would is a proposal that has been coined and Overwhelming numbers in poll after kind of be able to knock that out in termed ‘‘slow bleed,’’ slow bleed in poll say that we need to bring our about 1 to 11⁄2 hours, calling those 25 or terms of our efforts in Iraq. It kind of troops home and end this disastrous so folks who had reached an incredible gives you just chills thinking about foray into foreign policy. And we just accomplishment in their life. And I that term, doesn’t it, Madam Speaker? don’t need the polls to tell us that. started down that list, and the first The slow bleed policy that has been put Look at the calls, look at the letters, call was an extremely emotional call, forward by Members on the other side look at the e-mails that come into our very moving, because this individual of the aisle, they are very troubled by offices. People are demanding that the had worked his entire life to be able to this at home; and I am very troubled White House wake up to reality and have the opportunity to serve his Na- by it. And that is what the Official put an end to this mission, a mission tion. Truth Squad, part of our purpose is that was not accomplished. And so by the end of that phone call, trying to bring light and truth to the The best way to honor the legacy of which lasted about 10 minutes, he was debate as it goes on here in Wash- those who have given their lives in this crying and I was crying; and we were ington.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.062 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2467 We have some favorite sayings on the are all about withdrawing. And I think comes, none of which are positive, Official Truth Squad. This is one of allowing Iraq to collapse would be a could occur: ‘‘Sectarian groups would them. It comes from Senator Patrick disaster for the Iraqis, for the Middle obviously begin to stake out their turf, Moynihan, who was the United States East, and for us.’’ That is a little truth, try to expand their turf. They would do Senator from the State of New York. Madam Speaker, on an issue that is so that by greatly increased ethnic He said, ‘‘Everyone is entitled to their incredibly important to us as a Nation cleansing.’’ own opinion, but not their own facts.’’ and to us as it relates to the stability On another occasion he said: ‘‘The And, Madam Speaker, we would go a in the Middle East, and, yes, to the very real possibility of involvement of long way here in Washington if we world, to world stability and world countries from elsewhere in the region heeded this statement and belief by peace. around Iraq entering Iraq to take sides Senator Moynihan: everyone is entitled I am so proud to be joined today by with one or the other groups.’’ to their own opinion, but not their own many of my colleagues to talk about A new quote: ‘‘The possibility of an facts. We hear a lot of opinions here, the policies of the other side, to talk international terrorist organization and it would be wonderful if the major- about the war on terror, to talk about truly getting a grip on some substan- ity of them were more supported by defending our Nation and freedom and tial piece of Iraq.’’ facts. liberty. And the first individual to join New quote: ‘‘There is the possibility One of the facts, though, is that the us here on the Official Truth Squad is of problems in the global economy, majority party here has the power of my good friend JOHN KLINE from Min- should in fact this cause a disruption the purse; and if they so desire to bleed nesota who knows of what he speaks. to the flow of oil,’’ and so forth. our troops dry in their mission, which Colonel KLINE, we are so proud to have We have a general on the ground, I is the mission of all Americans, which you join us today, and I look forward would say to my colleagues, and it is is to preserve and protect and defend to your comments. General David Petraeus, and it should our Nation; if they desire to slow bleed Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. I thank Dr. not be either General PELOSI or, for our troops, then they have the power to PRICE for yielding and for really exert- that matter, anybody else in this body. do that. They have the power to do ing the leadership to take the floor We cannot, we cannot prosecute for- that. And that is why it is called the week after week and shine the light of eign policy at all and certainly a mili- slow bleed policy, because it would truth on a lot of the obfuscation which, tary operation with 535, or maybe it is bleed dry our troops in terms of the unfortunately, takes place on this floor 540 with the delegates voting, different ability for them to defend our Nation. and in this House. Commanders in Chief. You cannot run I quote, Madam Speaker, from Rep- We had the opportunity to chat a lit- an operation like this by committee. resentative JOHN MURTHA on February tle bit today about the Democrat Par- And I think it would behoove us, cer- 15 of this year when he was asked about ty’s plan here in the upcoming weeks tainly as Members of this body, but as this strategy. And he said: ‘‘They won’t with the supplemental funding and, in American people, to go with the Con- be able to continue,’’ they, referring to general, their plans for the war against stitution, recognize that the Com- the United States troops, our military. Islamist extremists, the war, if you mander in Chief is in fact elected by He said, Madam Speaker: ‘‘They won’t will, which is being certainly heavily the Nation to be that, and to abide by be able to continue. They won’t be able fought in Iraq. And they do kind of one of the fundamental principles of to do the deployment. They won’t have have a plan. Their plan is not a plan for military operations, and that is unity the equipment.’’ victory, however, and that is what I of command. That is now being exer- What a sad commentary it is, Madam think we need to keep in mind. Their cised by the Commander in Chief over- Speaker, when you have the chairman plan simply says: get out; get out of all, and by General David Petraeus in of the Appropriations Committee that Iraq. And that is not a plan for victory. Iraq. has jurisdiction over our military talk- There is a very interesting headline; Mr. PRICE of Georgia. And I appre- ing about a mission that our military perhaps you had a chance to talk about ciate, Congressman KLINE, your per- is on to defend freedom and to defend it before I made it down to the floor. In spective in bringing light to one of the you and to defend me, and say proudly, the Los Angeles Times editorial, it important fundamental principles of proudly, ‘‘They won’t be able to con- starts with a little headline that says: our Nation. tinue. They won’t be able to do the de- ‘‘Do we really need a General Pelosi?’’ 1530 ployment. They won’t have the equip- I will quote: ‘‘Imagine if Dwight Eisen- b ment.’’ Madam Speaker, that is a sad hower had been forced to adhere to a And that is that the responsibility commentary on the level of discourse congressional war plan in scheduling for controlling our military, waging and the level of involvement and the the Normandy landing, or if, in 1863, war, rests with the Commander in level of support that this new majority President Lincoln had been forced by Chief, with the executive branch. And party has for our military. Congress to conclude the Civil War the as you know, our good friend Congress- And then when asked just 2 weeks following year. This is the worst kind man BLUNT from Missouri, our minor- later, this same individual, same Mem- of congressional meddling in military ity whip, Republican whip, he is fond of ber of Congress, was asked by a mem- strategy.’’ The Los Angeles Times, not saying, look, when the Nation began ber of the press, Why not cut off the the place I would normally go to find under the Articles of Confederation, funding for the war? And at this point criticism of the Democrat majority. there was no Commander in Chief. And he said, ‘‘Well, you can’t. You can’t go Well, I think that you and I would the first thing that was easy to do once forth. The public doesn’t want that. certainly concur that we don’t need a the Constitutional Convention orga- They don’t want that to happen.’’ They General PELOSI. But we do have a gen- nized to try to put together a Nation don’t want that to happen. But then eral. We have a new general on the that would survive, one of the first the Speaker of the House reaffirmed ground in Iraq, General David things they were able to do, almost her support for Mr. MURTHA’s policies. Petraeus, named by the Commander in without dissent, was to provide that The greatest amount of truth and Chief to execute this new strategy in the executive branch would be the light on this issue comes from an indi- Iraq, and confirmed, by the way, with Commander in Chief because you can’t vidual who stands tall and proud when no dissenting votes in the United fight a war with 535 generals. he talks about the truth and talks States Senate. And I yield to the gentleman. about defending our Nation, Senator Let me just go through a few quotes Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. Yes. And I JOE LIEBERMAN from Connecticut. that the new commander has shared am smiling a little bit, but of course When the Speaker said, ‘‘Democrats with us in the last couple of months. we learned a very tough and bitter les- have proposed a different course of ac- This is General David Petraeus, the son when we tried to use the Conti- tion; over and over again we have sug- commander of multi-national forces in nental Congress to, in fact, command gested a different plan,’’ then Senator Iraq, senior commander on the ground. the Army of the soon-to-be the United LIEBERMAN said, ‘‘Any alternatives In looking at what would happen if we States and it did not work well. We that I have heard ultimately don’t precipitously withdrew from Iraq, he would be foolish to try to duplicate work. They are all about failing, they said, a number of other potential out- that now. And, in fact, the proposed

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.064 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2468 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 supplemental, which we can talk about tating from the floor of this House. We colleague that has spoken before me, in a little more detail perhaps a little should not let that happen. And since Congressman KLINE, I think has done a later in this hour, is an attempt to dic- this is the Official Truth Squad, I great job of talking about what the tate the tactics that are being in- think that our colleagues need to un- generals have said and what they need, volved. It is micromanaging the war. It derstand that that is at the core of and we know that the Democrats very is taking away the resources that our what this very dangerous supplemental selectively take quotes out of what troops need. bill has added. It is a terrible micro- General Petraeus has said. I wonder if I could take just a minute managing of the war, and it will be And I agree with you, Congressman of our time here. I know that I have forcing, forcing, our defeat in Iraq. PRICE, we have both a military and a been a big supporter and I am sure you And, unfortunately, with that defeat political war to win in the Middle East, have of a bill sponsored by our col- the war doesn’t just end. We are still in and we are going to do that. I have league, a real American hero, Congress- a war that is going to last a long time every conviction that we are going to man SAM JOHNSON from Texas, who, as against radical Islam, against do that. But I think it is very inter- my colleagues know, spent 7 years as a jihadists. Were we to suffer defeat in esting, as Congressman KLINE pointed prisoner of war in Hanoi and under- Iraq, the war becomes tougher for us, out, that even the very liberal main- stands the stakes here as well as I am not easier. stream media understands that this sure anybody in America. He has a bill And I see we are joined by some of slow-bleed strategy on the part of the that this entire body ought to get be- our colleagues. Democrats is absolutely wrong. It is hind. It cuts to the heart of the matter Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Maybe you such a cynical thing that they are pro- and reassures our troops, our allies, could stick around and we can talk a posing to do. And I think that the L.A. and our enemies that we are not going little more about that supplemental Times editorial, ‘‘Do we Really Need a to undercut our troops. So if I could and the slow-bleed policy. General Pelosi?’’ is so appropriate. just read a little bit of that bill be- I recall the comment that was made These people promised so much to get cause I think that that is what we just a little earlier, Madam Speaker, elected last fall, and the kinds of should be about. I will skip a couple of by a friend on the other side of the things they are doing are so far away paragraphs, all of which are important, aisle where she was quoting a general from what they promised to do. And talking about previous acts and resolu- saying there was ‘‘no military solu- getting involved in micromanaging the tions of Congress, but picking up on tion’’ in Iraq. And, in fact, that is true. war is absolutely the opposite of what subparagraph (4), it says: ‘‘Members of There is no isolated military solution. they should do. the United States Armed Forces have But that doesn’t mean that the mili- I am going to quote some of what no- served honorably in their mission to tary doesn’t have a role because it is a body else has quoted from the edi- fight terrorism and protect the greater three-pronged strategy, which is mili- torial. It went on to call the bill ‘‘an security of the United States. tary, economic, and political. And we unruly mess, bad public policy, bad ‘‘These members of the Armed Forces are striving in all those areas to make precedent, and bad politics . . . It was and their families have made many certain that that area of the world is one thing for the House to pass a non- sacrifices, in many cases the ultimate much more stable and much more se- binding vote of disapproval. It’s quite sacrifice, to protect the security of the cure so that we are much more stable another for it to set out a detailed United States and the freedom Ameri- and much more secure. timetable with specific benchmarks cans hold dear. With that I am pleased to welcome and conditions for the continuation of ‘‘Congress and the American people my good friend VIRGINIA FOXX from the conflict.’’ are forever grateful to the members of North Carolina. I thank you for joining And we saw this morning a replay of the Armed Forces for the service they us today, and I look forward to your a press conference where even the have provided to the United States.’’ perspective and your conversation on Democrats couldn’t agree on what the In that light it says: ‘‘Faithful sup- this issue. timetables are that they are setting port of Congress—Congress will not cut I yield to the gentlewoman. up. They talk about 2007, they talk off or restrict funding for units and Ms. FOXX. I want to thank you, Con- about August, they talk about April. members of the Armed Forces that the gressman PRICE, for continuing to Even they are very, very confused Commander in Chief has deployed in make sure that the Official Truth about it. But the L.A. Times article harm’s way in support of Operation Squad is represented here in Special goes on to say: ‘‘This is the worst kind Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Orders and that we continue to hold of congressional meddling in military Freedom.’’ the majority accountable for telling strategy. If Congress accepts Bush’s ar- And that is the road that we ought to the truth. They forget that a good part gument that there is still hope, then be going forward on. I would hope that of the time; so I am very pleased to lawmakers have a duty to let the more and more of our colleagues would continue to be a member of the Official President try this‘’surge and leverage’ sign onto this bill and that this really Truth Squad. strategy. awful effort to take central funding My colleague has shared some of the ‘‘By interfering with the discretion of away from our men and women who concerns that I have already with this the Commander in Chief and military are, as we stand here now on this floor, legislation that we are talking about leaders in order to fulfill domestic po- engaged in protecting our freedoms and that nobody has actually seen, the sup- litical needs, Congress undermines advancing the cause of liberty around plemental war funding bill that we whatever prospects remain of a suc- the world, to keep that funding from think that the Democrats are going to cessful outcome. It’s absurd for House being taken away from them. unveil this week. We believe that it is Speaker Nancy Pelosi to try to micro- I have talked to Sam many times. He laden with a great deal of unnecessary manage the conflict, and the evolution and I are a part of an ever-dwindling pork which is being used to buy votes of Iraqi society, with arbitrary time- group of Vietnam veterans in this on behalf of the Democrats to try to tables and benchmarks.’’ body, and he and I and others have get the legislation passed. It is also, I I mean even when the liberal press watched what happens when our young think, out there to try to make us look comes out against you, you have got to men and women go fight and give it bad if we vote against it. know that something is wrong with their all and have the rug pulled out But the worst part about this bill is what you are planning to do. from under them by politicians in that it is a reckless attempt to curtail The Washington Post has described Washington, D.C. the President’s power to wage a con- the Democrats’ slow-bleed strategy as We watched what happens when com- gressionally approved war. leading ‘‘not toward a responsible with- bat operations are run from Wash- My colleagues on the other side of drawal from Iraq but to a constitu- ington, D.C., and it doesn’t matter the aisle simply need to understand tional power struggle with Mr. Bush, whether it is being run from the White that this misguided proposal will serve who has already said he will veto the House situation room, as bombing tar- only to hamstring our generals as they legislation. Such a struggle would gets were selected sort of famously by work to bring peace and democracy to serve the interests of neither the President Johnson, or whether it is dic- this tumultuous region. And again my Democrats nor the country.’’

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.066 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2469 I think these people are so detached, with what they would like to see. So I about different people taking on the they are so focused on what they see as think it is important that we do con- role of general. Today in the Com- their power, one they think through an centrate on what they are doing, and mittee on Government Reform when overwhelming majority, which was not that is proposing to micromanage the we were passing out a bill that I feel is an overwhelming majority in the fall, war. unconstitutional to give the D.C. Dele- but they think that they now have all And if I am able to bring a few quotes gate the ability to vote and also cre- power. They don’t want to just be from some other folks to talk about ating another seat in Utah, I was read- Members of Congress. They want to be this slow-bleed micromanagement of ing the Constitution and I came across the President. And I think that it is ri- the war plan, about a week ago it was the part where it called the President diculous that they want to do that. quoted in one of the local newspapers the Commander in Chief. This is some- Like my colleagues on both sides of that ‘‘House Democratic leaders said thing that our Founding Fathers I the aisle, I want to see America’s the measure, expected to put condi- think had experienced through the troops come home as soon as possible. tions on the President’s use of funds Revolutionary War and through the But the best way to do that is to ... ’’ And then quoting the Speaker on different militias and the different achieve victory in Iraq. March 8, she said: ‘‘The House Demo- bands of people, that they understood Somebody pointed out in the last few cratic plan for the Iraq funding bill that we needed one Commander in days that we never hear the word ‘‘vic- could force a pullout of U.S. combat Chief. So they gave that responsibility tory’’ out of the mouths of any Demo- troops starting on July 1, with all to the man who is ultimately respon- crat, and I started listening for that American units out of the country by sible for what goes on in this country, and I think the American people need the end of 2007.’’ the guy that, as Harry Truman put it, to listen for that. The Democrats want And then another quote from the As- the buck stops here. They gave the us to lose in Iraq. They want to be able sociated Press on March 8: ‘‘Speaker President the responsibility to be the to prove that this was not a good war. Nancy Pelosi . . . told reporters the Commander in Chief. I think for their own political purposes measure would mark the first time the Now, we have several people in this they would like to see us lose. They new Democratic-controlled Congress body who I think want to be the Com- never mention victory. has established a ‘date uncertain’ ... mander in Chief. In fact, I think we If we don’t secure Iraq before we ’’ have got probably over 200 people that leave, we will be encouraging the ter- b 1545 think they need to be the Commander rorists and insurgents by convincing in Chief. But the truth of it is our Con- them that their war of attrition has That is micromanagement by any- stitution only gives that to one person. been successful. body’s definition. In fact, Representa- What the Constitution also does is I want to emphasize again what has tive Dan BOREN, a Democrat from give Congress the ability to put forth been said before. There are very good Oklahoma, said, ‘‘It is still microman- funds for this war. If that is what the reasons why our founders set up con- aging the war.’’ Goodness knows that is President decides to do, it gives Con- gressional oversight and accountability the last place this Congress needs to be gress the ability to do that. It also for presidential war powers, but micro- is micromanaging the war. Again, that gives them the ability to declare war. managing legitimate wars on the basis is why we have the principles of the This House voted and the Senate of political considerations was never system in place that we have, that it is voted to authorize President Bush to one of them. This Congress needs to the executive branch’s responsibility to use the military force that he has used, focus on our constitutional duty to conduct a war, to conduct the defense and if they don’t like that, then they provide long-term oversight. Not of our Nation. need to do something to call that au- enough of that has been done. We need Again, if we in Congress believe that thority back or to reauthorize or not to to do more of that. But to set a prece- it is appropriate to cut off funding for reauthorize. But we need to quit micro- dent of micromanaging a war is short- that, then let’s have that vote. Let’s managing and interfering with the af- sighted and extremely dangerous. We have that vote, Madam Speaker. I fairs of our military leaders. General need to get back to doing what Con- would welcome the opportunity to de- David Petraeus was approved unani- gress should be doing and leaving the fend the action of our military cur- mously in the Senate. Then the very execution of this war to the President rently and would welcome the oppor- next week they are trying to tell him and the generals who are there to do it, tunity to oppose that kind of vote. But how to run the war. and let us do our job. We don’t do well I suspect the majority leadership in The other interesting thing is, and I enough as it is. this House is not interested in having think Ms. FOXX spoke about all the Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Madam that vote. That would be a truthful and pork that is in this supplemental bill Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for honest debate about what this Nation to fund the war, which, by the way, I her perspective and especially bringing ought to do; and, frankly, we haven’t think the President asked for about 3 to light the interesting articles that we seen that to date on this issue. But I or 4 weeks ago, so we want to make are now seeing come out in the na- encourage them to bring that forward. sure we do have these funds for our tional press. I am pleased to be joined by my good troops and not just keep prolonging it. And the editorial that you and that friend and fellow Georgian, Congress- But it would be good to hurry and Colonel KLINE brought to us today man Lynn WESTMORELAND. Georgia has bring this bill to the floor, since they from the L.A. Times saying, ‘‘Do we a strong history of relationship with have called it an emergency spending Really Need a General Pelosi?’’ And our military and with our Defense De- bill. But as Ms. FOXX pointed out, there the underheading of that was ‘‘Con- partment, and Congressman WEST- are several things in there that really gress can cut funding for Iraq, but it MORELAND represents a number of those aren’t what I would consider emer- shouldn’t micromanage the war.’’ And, areas. We welcome you and appreciate gency spending. in fact, that is what we would suggest, you joining us today and look forward One of the other things that has been that if the majority party believes so to your perspective. taken out of that is the Iran language. strongly that we ought to end our in- I yield to the gentleman. I don’t know if you had seen that or volvement in Iraq, then let us have Mr. WESTMORELAND. Thank you, Colonel Kline or any of you had seen that vote. Let us have that debate, and Congressman PRICE. Thank you for that, but they have taken the Iran lan- let us have that vote. And if that is doing the Official Truth Squad. It is an guage out of it. what they believe we ought to do, then honor to be here with Colonel Kline. I wanted to quote something, Con- we should have that vote. I would be Like he said, the number of our Viet- gressman, because I think this is kind interested to see what the outcome nam veterans is declining every year, of what we are seeing out of the major- would be. I suspect that we are not and we are fortunate enough to serve ity party, is they will say one thing having that vote because the majority with some great heroes from that war about one situation and something leadership is afraid of the outcome of in this body. counter to that on something else. that vote because it doesn’t fit with It is interesting that we have talked Here is what was said about the Iran what they have been telling people and about micromanaging, we have talked situation: ‘‘I don’t think it was a very

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.067 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2470 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 wise idea to take things off the table if out very slowly. You are a doctor and ago, there were people who said con- you are trying to get people to modify you know that can be the most painful sistently that the President’s troop their behavior and normalize it in a death in the world. surge was in violation of the rec- civilized way.’’ That is what they are doing, is a slow ommendation of the Iraq Study Group. That was a quote from Representa- bleed. It is going to be a painful death, We know for a fact that is not true, tive Gary ACKERMAN, talking about not only for our military and for the that on page 73 the Iraq Study Group that if we tied the hands of the Presi- victory we want to have in Iraq and Af- agreed that a surge would be appro- dent, that it would take away any ghanistan, but for those people that priate if it was requested by the com- threat off the table that he might have the colonel is talking about. And those mander on the ground, and we have to use against Iran to make them fol- people have been our allies in this. covered in this Special Order the fact low the U.N. resolution or some of the Those are the people that believe with that the commander on the ground, things that we have asked them to do. all their heart and mind and soul and General David Petraeus, has in fact I think that is very unusual, or at least every breath that they want to breathe said that he needs those troops, and it concerning to me, that on the one hand freedom and liberty. Those are the peo- will be for a temporary basis. they are tying the President’s hands on ple that believe in what we believe in, If I can take one more minute, be- what he is doing in Iraq, but they don’t and they have pulled alongside of us to cause I know our colleagues have want to tie his hands on what he is make this work. Those are the first joined us and others want to speak on doing in Iran. ones that are going to be slaughtered. this critical issue, we do have some de- Hopefully one day we will see some So thanks for giving me the oppor- tails of the Democrat supplemental so decisive leadership come out of this tunity to come down and speak, and far that I have been looking at and try- Congress. I think that the Republicans thanks for doing the Truth Squad. I ing to figure out. It is just a barrage of gave 12 good years of leadership, and I just look forward to continuing this de- demands on the administration for re- hope that the American people will bate one day. ports and certifications which will miss that one day, as bad as we were at Mr. PRICE of Georgia. I appreciate make this unworkable for the Com- times. I hope that they will miss that the gentleman’s comments and your mander in Chief. It is in fact micro- and want to put us back in that posi- perspective on it. It is chilling. Slow management. There is by July 1, 2007, the President tion where we can earn our way back bleed is chilling, because it is not just has to report on a whole series of into the leadership of this country. slow bleed for our allies. It is slow things. By October 1, 2007, he has to But I certainly hope that in the next bleed for our troops and our military. have another report verifying the re- year and a half that we don’t do things You talk about the consequences of port from July 1. In either case, if that that will ruin our reputation with free- failure. This is a list of the con- doesn’t satisfy the majority in the Con- dom-loving people all over this world, sequences of failure. This doesn’t come gress, we have to start withdrawing that the American people don’t keep from the national Republican Party or troops within 180 days. If none of that their word. the House Republican Caucus. This applies and nothing else pertains by Colonel Kline, I can’t help but just comes from the National Intelligence March 1, that is less than a year away, think about that picture of that last Estimate. we have to begin deployment and rede- helicopter leaving South Vietnam and What it says clearly crystallizes ployment. We have to leave; we have to those people standing on the top of what would happen if the majority retreat from Iraq within 180 days. This that government building with their party here enacts the slow bleed policy indeed details a plan for defeat. hands reached out, knowing that after that is promoted by their leadership. It I don’t know yet exactly all it is our troops pulled out because of polit- says: ‘‘Coalition capabilities, including going to say, but one of the things that ical pressure that some of those people force levels, resources and operations, is in this bill would require that no were probably murdered and massacred remain an essential stabilizing element Federal funds could be used to send any the next day, or at least within the in Iraq. If we fail in Iraq, the Iraqi se- military unit to Iraq ‘‘unless the chief next 30 days. curity forces would be subject to sec- of the military department concerned Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. If the gen- tarian control, interference by neigh- has certified in writing at least 15 days tleman will yield, we forget and time boring countries in open conflict,’’ in advance as to the readiness of this slips by that following that disastrous which means Iran and others would unit.’’ I don’t know, but if you are in day, not some people were killed, but pour into Iraq, ‘‘massive civilian cas- the 82nd Airborne, within 15 days you millions died. Again, we have forgotten ualties and population displacement.’’ are already long since on the ground the boats, the ships, with hundreds and That is what the colonel was talking and in combat. thousands of Vietnamese scrambling to about earlier happened after the con- It is horrible micromanaging. As I stay on board, leaky boats, rafts, as flict in Vietnam. said in my opening remarks joining they tried to escape the horror that ‘‘Al Qaeda in Iraq would plan in- you here on the floor, I agree with the followed that day. A movie was made creased attacks inside and outside of L.A. Times, and I don’t get to say that called ‘‘The Killing Fields’’ that de- Iraq and spiraling violence and polit- very often, so perhaps I should say it picted quite graphically the humani- ical disarray, including Kurdish at- again: I agree with the L.A. Times that tarian disaster that followed that with- tempts at autonomy in Kirkuk.’’ we don’t need a General PELOSI or a drawal. But the spiraling violence is again General MURTHA, or for that matter a I think that that scenario of a hu- the important thing to concentrate on, General PRICE or a General KLINE. We manitarian disaster has been painted because that is not our conference, have a general on the ground, and we for us by a number of true experts in that is not our caucus saying that. ought to be doing everything in our the field, even those who have been That is the National Intelligence. power to make sure that he and our harshly critical of the administration’s Colonel, if you would like to com- young men and women have everything conduct of this war. The recognition ment and make a few words, then I they need to succeed. that you could have that kind of blood- know we have Congressman DAVIS I know that all of us worry about our bath is widely seen, except perhaps by here. sons and daughters that we send over the House leadership, who has, as we Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. I thank the there, we as a body. I certainly worry. said earlier, a plan for defeat in Iraq, gentleman for yielding. That is exactly My son has been over and back and is which I am afraid would in fact lead to the point. planning to deploy again to Afghani- that kind of disaster. You had a chart up earlier that said stan. I worry about my son and about Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam something about you are entitled to all sons and daughters. But I abso- Speaker, when we use the term ‘‘slow your own opinion, but not your own lutely do not want to be part of send- bleed,’’ let’s think about what that facts. We seem to be very selective. We ing our sons and daughters into con- means. If you are going to torture your have heard a lot of very selective fact- flict knowing that all we have is a plan enemy or want somebody to have the choosing recently. for them to fail. That, in my mind, and most painful death possible, you give I remember in the debate we had on I think in many of their minds, is a be- them a slow bleed. You let them bleed the floor of this body a couple of weeks trayal.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.068 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2471 I had some of the $21 billion of extra hostage crisis. In 1979, 52 Americans could pull out in 18 months. Can you spending here, but I know that we have were held for 444 days until we had a imagine being a soldier over there at 17 other colleagues that are joining us, President that finally came to office months, 3 weeks, 4 days, and you are on and for that I thank you again for your and said we are going to have a back- patrol and knowing you can lose your leadership and yield back. bone and we are going to take on the life or your limb, but in 3 days you are Mr. PRICE of Georgia. I thank the terrorists, and those 52 Americans were going to be pulled out and we are going gentleman from Minnesota again for set free. to lose the war anyway. I can’t imagine his participation here and great per- Then we had the bombing of the Bei- being a soldier that is being asked to spective and for outlining truly what rut barracks in 1983 where 241 Ameri- do that. We need to have soldiers that the majority party has done, and that cans were killed. understand that we are going to be is outlined their plan for failure. This Then we had the first bombing of the there for them because they are there is not a plan for victory. It is not even World Trade Center in 1993. So you are for us. a plan for the defense of the United starting to see a trend here. This war The consequences of failure in Iraq States. It is a plan for failure. really didn’t start on September 11, would be tragic for America and for the and it is really not a war that is lim- b 1600 entire world. If we retreat, the enemy ited to Iraq. will follow. Our decisions now regard- I think it is important that as we Then we step forward in time to the ing how we handle this global war on bring truth and light to this discussion year 2000, the bombing of the USS Cole. terror will affect future generations. and this debate that the American peo- Seventeen sailors were killed. We have the duty to pursue nothing ple appreciate that. Finally, September 11, 2001, almost less than victory. It is not by any grand fabrication 3,000 Americans were killed. How soon The good news is the surge is work- that we come up with this Commander we forget. ing. It is already taking place. For in- in Chief notion, it comes out of the I certainly haven’t forgotten. I am stance, Brian Williams, anchor of NBC Constitution of the United States. Ar- sure that the family members of those News, hardly a news group that typi- ticle II, Section 2, for those who are in- 3,000 haven’t forgotten, and I hope the cally sides with Republicans, recently terested in looking it up for them- American people and the Congress and reported a dramatic change in Ramadi. selves, says the President shall be the the majority in the Congress never for- The city is now safer, according to Mr. Commander in Chief of the Army and get those 3,000 people that were killed. Williams. Navy of the United States and of the We are going to be fighting this bat- It is already working. How can we be militia of several States when called tle somewhere. We are in a war with a talking about cutting and running and into actual service of the United people that hate us; terrorists that failing on this critical issue? States. hate us. They hate our freedoms; and, We need to stop campaigning on the It doesn’t say as long as the Speaker quite frankly, I think they hate our re- floor of the House, and we need to get of the House says it is okay. It says ligion. about allowing the generals to be the that the President shall be the Com- The extremists engaged us in battle. military leaders. mander in Chief. So if the majority We owe it to our fellow citizens to see As you pointed out just moments leadership in this House wants to have that we have nothing less than total ago, there is one Commander in Chief, a debate about whether or not we victory. We can and we must win this not 535. Congress should not micro- ought to fund the military challenges war on terror. We simply cannot allow manage this war, and we need to let that we have around the world, includ- this Congress to move forward with a our military leaders do just that, lead. ing in Iraq, let us have that debate and slow-bleed strategy. We must not cut That is what they are called to do. let’s have that vote. But let’s not go off funding for our troops. through a micromanagement and a I spent several hours last week at General Petraeus just weeks ago re- slow-bleed process which would be the Walter Reed Medical Center, and I had ceived unanimous approval in the Sen- death knell of our military accomplish- the opportunity to see men and women ate, and a week later you have Sen- ments in the Middle East and in Iraq. in uniform. Many of them had lost ators and Congressmen and Congress- With that, I am pleased to have join limbs. Many of them had internal inju- women saying we don’t want to listen us the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. ries. We owe them nothing less than to what he says. Actually what he is DAVID DAVIS). I welcome you and look total victory. We asked them to go pro- telling us to do is send in the troops. forward to your comments. tect us. I can’t imagine a Congress and It is almost like the cavalry. If you Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. a government of the United States not can remember growing up, the trumpet Thank you, Congressman PRICE, for standing behind them to make sure would sound, the bugle would alert, giving me an opportunity to join you that they also have victory. and you would bring in the troops to today. And, Mr. KLINE, thank you for America cannot afford to repeat the win the battle. We need to do that your leadership in the Congress and in mistakes of the past by withdrawing same thing. the military. I appreciate it so very from a direct confrontation of the rad- What we have been doing over the much. ical Islamic extremists. They will stop last few years has actually worked Congressman PRICE, as you well at nothing to destroy America. They again. The United States has been able know, none of us want to be in war; I have proved that. to prevent further terrorist attacks on certainly don’t want to be in a war. You know, I can remember when peo- our homeland since 2001. We did it by But the fact is, we are in a war on ter- ple said they have fought over there, taking the fight to them. They have ror. As a matter of fact, I think back they have been fighting over there for proven they are going to fight us some- right after September 11, 2001, the first thousands of years, why are we over where, it is either over there or over casualty in Afghanistan was Sergeant there? The reason we are over there is here. I would much rather keep them Davis from my district. A distant fam- because they came over here. They busy over there if they want to con- ily member, the first casualty in the brought the war to us, and they have tinue the fight. war on terror after we decided that we been bringing the war to us for well My colleagues on the other side of were going to join the battle. As you over 30 years. This is not something we the aisle may have the votes to defund well know, that battle didn’t start on can turn our backs on. the war, bring the troops home, and September 11. This is not a war just I have spoken to the men and women not use the word ‘‘retreat.’’ But if we limited to Iraq. This war has been in uniform as they have returned, and leave before the job is finished, we have going on a long time. It is a global war I can tell you to a person, every one of retreated. It is simple. We either win on terror. This war has been going on them said we are doing the right this war or we lose this war. for a long time, and it was started by things. We need to stay there. We need The good people of the First District radical Islamic extremists. to finish this job. of Tennessee and I support the efforts This war didn’t start on September Can you imagine being a soldier over of our troops and we support winning 11. It has been going on for a long time. there and knowing that the Congress this global war on terror. We can do no Many of you can remember the Iranian has the potential to pass a law that we less.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.069 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2472 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 Mr. PRICE of Georgia. I appreciate so portant when we talk about this and party wanted the public to know ex- much your comments and your per- we make certain that we as a Congress actly who was saying what. But it was spective on this because you bring do not institute a policy that would re- very important that they agree on the light to some important information. sult in tying the hands of the men, the substance to leave this issue very flexi- One is visiting the men and women at brave men and women in our military ble. Walter Reed, and how moving is that who are defending our liberty and our But the one important point that experience every time we take part in freedom and our democracy. they made was it would be the Con- that, and thank those young men and It is a privilege for each and every gress, and expressly the House of Rep- women for the work they have done in one of us to be able to represent our resentatives of the Congress, that defense of our liberty and of our free- districts in the United States House of would have the final say so on the dom. Representatives. We should do nothing money end and on the legislative end, If anyone wants moving accounts, all to thwart the activity of those who are and that is what we are here to do they have to do is read or listen to con- defending our liberty and our freedom today. For the American people are versations or e-mails sent back from and our democracy. looking to this Congress to indeed our men and women who are in harm’s f weigh in. And Hamilton and Madison way right now. I get chills every time will smile kindly on us today. somebody forwards to me an account BLUE DOG COALITION Leading off our discussion, Madam by one of our brave military men and The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Speaker, is one of our distinguished women as they describe what is going TAUSCHER). Under the Speaker’s an- Members, one of our cochairs for com- on on the ground, and the enthusiasm nounced policy of January 18, 2007, the munications, one of my dear friends and the passion that they have for the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. SCOTT) is from the great State of Arkansas, Rep- wonderful work that they are doing to recognized for 60 minutes as the des- resentative MIKE ROSS. bring freedom and liberty to that land. ignee of the majority leader. Mr. ROSS. I thank the gentleman You bring light to who our enemy is. Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Thank you from Georgia for leading this hour-long I think it is important that we appre- very much, Madam Speaker. Again, it Special Order, this discussion on the ciate exactly the magnitude of this. is a great privilege to address this debt, the deficit, but more importantly This is a battle, a war against an House in the Special Order for the Blue on accountability, in restoring com- enemy who is more ferocious than any Dog Democratic Coalition, and we are mon sense, accountability, fiscal dis- we have ever faced. delighted to do so. cipline to our Nation’s government. When I try to put that in perspective, This is a very critical time in the Madam Speaker, I don’t have to tell I am reminded of the airline debacle juncture of our Nation. We are faced you that we have got the largest debt that was stopped last August or so in with a ballooning debt. We have an ever in our Nation’s history; Britain by good intelligence on the overextended military. We are in the $8,835,629,777,913 and increasing some part of our British allies and Paki- midst of a very controversial war. It is $40 million every hour. Our Nation is stanis and our own intelligence agents. paramount that Congress not just spending a half a billion dollars a day What they did is identify a group of in- weigh in, but weigh in heavily as due simply paying interest on a debt we’ve dividuals whose whole goal was to our constitutional obligations. already got, and that is before we in- bring down or destroy as many jumbo As we all know, the Constitution crease it by $1 billion a day. Half a bil- jet airlines flying from England or Eu- speaks very clearly on this matter. In lion dollars a day going to pay interest rope to the United States at one time Article I, Section 8, it speaks very on the national debt. That is a half a so they could kill more innocent civil- clearly that it is exclusively Congress’ billion dollars a day we do not have to ians than were killed on 9/11. That is responsibility when it comes to mili- properly equip our troops, to support chilling enough. That is enough to get tary action and foreign policy. our troops, to support our veterans, your attention. those returning from Iraq and Afghani- b 1615 But when you appreciate that two of stan, to educate our children, to build the people who were involved in the And that is this: it says that only roads. The list of what should be Amer- planning of that and involved in what Congress has the exclusive right to de- ica’s priorities is endless, and yet our would have been the execution of that termine the purse strings. In other Nation is spending half a billion dollars tragedy were two parents who were words, the exact verbiage in the Con- a day simply paying interest on a debt using their 8-month-old child and the stitution is ‘‘to raise and support the we’ve already got. baby food for that child as the vessel military.’’ And then, secondly, to legis- It is time to restore fiscal discipline for the explosive that would bring late. And quite naturally, it gave the and common sense to our government, down a plane, and they were going to executive branch comparative duties in and one of the ways we do that is by re- be on that plane with their 8-month-old a time of war. quiring accountability in Iraq. That is child, they were going to kill them- You know, Madam Speaker, in prepa- why the Blue Dogs have written what selves and their 8-month-old child in ration for this time on the floor, I went has become known as H.R. 47, pro- order to kill innocent civilians, Madam back into the Constitution because I viding for Operation Iraqi Freedom Speaker, that is an enemy that carries wanted to examine how this came Cost Accountability. with them the ferocity that we cannot about. And if you go back in the Con- Let me just say this, that 9/11, Sep- even comprehend. It is an enemy that stitution around 1787, if I am not mis- tember 11, 2001, is a day that I will Musab al-Zarqawi crystalizes in his taken, there was a great debate on how never forget. From my office window in quote of January 2005 when he says, to handle the question of war and for- the Cannon House Office Building I ‘‘We have declared a fierce war on this eign policy facing our Nation. And it could see the smoke rise from the Pen- evil principle of democracy and those was handled by two of our greatest tagon. A few hours later, after being who follow this wrong ideology.’’ Founding Fathers, one was Alexander evacuated, I would learn that a young Madam Speaker, it is extremely im- Hamilton and the other was James Navy petty officer, Nehamon Lyons, portant for us as a nation to appreciate Madison. IV, from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was the fundamental objection and the fun- But you know, Madam Speaker, it among those killed at the Pentagon on damental fight that we have is against was a peculiar circumstance that nei- that dreadful day. people who oppose our own freedom ther Hamilton nor Madison used their In the months that followed, I voted and our own liberty and our own de- names. That struck me as very to give the President the authority to mocracy. strange. Hamilton wrote under the go to Afghanistan to hunt down Osama Madam Speaker, it is imperative name of Pacificus, and Madison wrote bin Laden. Remember him? To bring that this Congress appreciate the mag- under the name of Helvidius. And I him to justice and to put an end to the nitude of the challenge that we face as wondered about that. Why? But it was Taliban, to put an end to terrorism. a nation. It is imperative that in so ap- only on this profound question. Be- And then on September 26, 2002, I was preciating that magnitude, that we cause it was so heavily debated, it was called to the White House. I sat in the recognize that facts and truth are im- so heavily controversial that neither Cabinet Room, took notes, I still have

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.071 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2473 them, where the President and Andy through the normal appropriations And, Mr. ROSS, just like you, we both Card and Condoleezza Rice and about 20 process and not through these so-called just came from Germany where we Members of Congress present proceeded emergency supplementals; and, finally, went into Landstuhl and we went into to tell us that Saddam Hussein had using America’s resources to approve the military hospital near the weapons of mass destruction, that Sad- Iraqi assumption of internal policing Ramstein Air Base. And our hearts dam Hussein trains terrorists on weap- operations. were broken as we saw 19- and 18- and ons of mass destruction, and that if Funding requests for the Iraq war 20-year-old kids, these are young kids, military force is used, in the Presi- should come through the normal appro- folks, who are out there at the point of dent’s word, it will be, quoting now, priations process so that Congress and the spear, sacrificing their lives in the ‘‘swift.’’ September 26, 2002. the people have a clear understanding middle of a civil war. And when they Fast forward to March 13, 2007. More about what is being spent on the war in come back to get treated, here is the than 3,000 brave men and women in Iraq. With House Resolution 97, the fis- report. She says: ‘‘Thousands of sol- uniform have died, have sacrificed with cally conservative Democratic Blue diers wounded in the wars in Iraq and their lives in Iraq. Thousands more in- Dog Coalition is calling for the Iraqi Afghanistan have overwhelmed the jured in ways that will forever change Government and its people to progress Army system for evaluating their eligi- their lives. As long as we have men and toward full responsibility for inter- bility for disability benefits, leading to women in uniform in harm’s way, I am nally policing their country. Without a near total failure to complete such going to support them; members of the such progress, it is wasteful to con- reviews in a timely manner.’’ Blue Dog Coalition are going to sup- tinue our investment in the lives, And this is what the services Inspec- port them. limbs, and taxpayer dollars in Iraq. tor General concluded in a report re- This war has affected all of us. My We must honor those who have sac- leased yesterday. The report found brother-in-law is presently stationed in rificed in Iraq, our brave men and this, Mr. ROSS, it found that medical the United States Air Force in the Mid- women in uniform, and the thousands hold facilities lack critical staff, for- dle East. My first cousin was in Iraq more that have come home injured in malized training for personnel caring ways that will forever change their when his wife gave birth to their first for wounded soldiers, with more than lives. It is very important that we child. People that I grew up with and half of unit commanders reporting in- honor them, we support them and their taught in Sunday school and duck hunt adequate, our commanders on the sacrifices through demanding account- with have already served one tour ground are reporting inadequate for ability from the Iraqi people. It is time through the Arkansas National Guard our soldiers. This is no way to treat to tell the Iraqi people it is time to duty in Iraq and will likely be return- our warriors. step up and accept more responsibility ing next year if the President gets his It also cited inadequate and unreli- for your own country. If you are going way with this so-called surge. able databases for tracking the wound- to continue to shoot at one another Madam Speaker, I believe that the ed, not even able to keep track of and to shoot at us, if public opinion American people spoke on November 7, them. This is why we need our account- poll after public opinion poll coming and they told us they do not want more ability act. This is why we need to out of Iraq says that 70 percent of them of the same. And simply adding 20,000 have oversight and strong oversight on don’t want us there and 60 percent of more troops to Iraq is, in my opinion, this administration. We are not talking them think it is okay to kill a U.S. sol- more of the same. The American people about something here that doesn’t dier there, then we should send a clear want a new direction in Iraq, not more exist. This is a serious problem that message to the Iraqi people that it is of the same. In line with that, the goes at the core and the soul of Amer- time for them to step up and assume ica, and that is our young men and American people want accountability responsibility. If they want us to con- for how their tax money is spent, not women. Their lives are too precious, tinue to sacrifice our brave men and their blood is too precious to be sac- only in Iraq, but also here at home. women in uniform and return many And that is what we are trying to do rificed. Then when they do the sac- more thousands home injured, if they rifice, they are not taken care of. with House Resolution 97. want us to continue to spend $12 mil- Government investigations and Just listen to this: some facilities lion an hour of our tax money in Iraq, media reports have detailed waste, lack wheelchair access, which is di- some $2.5 billion a week, then it is time rectly in violation of the Americans fraud, and possible war profiteering by for the Iraqi people to accept more re- with Disabilities Act, is going on right some of the very contractors that are sponsibility and more accountability now under this administration. being paid billions of dollars by the for their actions. United States for their services in Iraq. At the same time, Madam Speaker, it b 1630 Most recently, a report issued January is very important that this administra- That meant that wounded soldiers 30 by the Special Inspector General for tion understand that if we are going to even had difficulty reaching the rest- Iraq Reconstruction counts unsanitary support $12 million an hour, $2.5 billion room. This is the same administration, conditions, potential health hazards, a week of hard-earned taxpayer money my friends, this is no wonder why we poor construction methods, and signifi- going to Iraq, we want to know how it have this. If you recall, they were sent cant cost overruns among the examples is being spent, we want it accounted into war without body armor. Our sol- of waste, fraud and abuse rampant in for, and we want to know without a diers, 2 years ago, were going through the government’s funding of the Iraq shadow of a doubt that it is going to dung heaps and land mines out in the war. support our brave men and women in desert trying to find metal to protect House Resolution 97, which has been uniform. themselves. written and endorsed by the 43-member I yield to the gentleman from Geor- I said to you, and you and I both strong fiscally conservative Demo- gia. agreed when we were over there in Ger- cratic Blue Dog Coalition, puts forth Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. You hit upon many, we were going to do everything tangible commonsense proposals that a point here that the American people we could when we got back here to ensure future transparency and ac- need to be aware of as to exactly why make sure we passed this bill and give countability in the funding of Oper- we need to pass our bill. I have before the proper attention to our wounded ation Iraqi Freedom. House Resolution me what I would like to share with and our veterans. 97 is an important first step toward you, this report from today’s Wash- You know, the Lord moves in strange making sure that more resources get to ington Post. It is a story by Ms. Ann and mysterious ways, and I am con- our troops in the field. Scott Tyson. It is a disheartening vinced that is why the exposure of that House Resolution 97 focuses on four story, but it points right to the core of terrible situation at Walter Reed was crucial points for demanding fiscal re- why we need to be doing something made real at this very time to show the sponsibility in Iraq: a call for trans- very urgent to bring accountability Congress and the American people we parency on how Iraq war funds are and the total lack of accountability need this accountability law. spent; the creation of a Truman Com- that this administration has had. And Mr. ROSS. Let me just say there are mission to investigate the awarding of this is about our veterans, those who those in this Congress that do not sup- contracts; a need to fund the Iraq war are right off the battlefield. port sending $12 million an hour to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.072 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2474 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 Iraq, then you are unpatriotic. I differ Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. You men- tinue down this lane of not making the with that. I strongly differ with it. No tioned Halliburton, and there is no proper decisions and not having ac- one needs to question my patriotism, greater poster child for the abuse, for countability. no one needs to question my support the very need for this legislation. Hun- House Resolution 97 goes straight to for our men and women in uniform. dreds of millions of dollars have been the heart of the matter. It sets up the If you ask me, giving them more of wasted. The reports have been there, in issue and the framework of how we are the same is not showing support for our the news. They have covered it left and going to consider having the proper ac- men and women in uniform. They need right, and, meanwhile, our soldiers countability so that we can know a new direction. They need a new direc- don’t even have wheelchair access. where we are going, where the money tion in Iraq, one that will allow them This administration has a day of is going. These are hard-earned tax dol- to do their job and come back home to atonement on this, and history is not lars, and many of these dollars are their families. The President proposing going to smile kindly on the abuse that being spent that are not being spent on a surge of some 21,000 troops is not a was heaped upon our military and the education and are not being spent on new direction, it is more of the same. strain and the drain that it is causing. health care for our seniors. At the same time, Madam Speaker, You mentioned earlier, Mr. ROSS, These dollars are being funneled into let me tell you that the other thing about Halliburton, and in just yester- foreign countries that were borrowing that the American people want is they day’s news Halliburton’s reward to us money to help pay this debt. It is not want responsibility. They want respon- for all of the billions of dollars that the right direction. sibility by the Iraqi government. They they have gotten in taxpayers’ money House Resolution 97 does call for reg- want them to buy into this. was to move their headquarters from ular reports to the Congress that out- The other thing the American people the United States over into Dubai in line how military and reconstruction want is accountability within our own the Middle East so that they could get funds are spent from now on. It also government, which is clearly why we out from under paying certain levels of says the accounts for the terms and are advocating the passage of the Iraqi taxes in this country. contracts that are awarded by our gov- War Accountability Act, H.R. 97. Why No wonder the American people are ernment, how long are the contracts? is it needed? Because auditors in one crying out. No wonder the American What is the accountability of them? region found that contract managers people went to the polls in November Are they all no-bid contracts, and, if could not account for $97 million dis- and declared in a loud voice, enough of so, how long are they in place for? We need to have that kind of ac- bursed from the development fund for this, we want change, and they put countability, and House Resolution 97 Iraq. Under its no-bid contract to re- Democrats in charge of this Congress. does that. It details how future tax- build Iraq’s oil infrastructure contract, They, indeed, as I said earlier in my re- Halliburton overcharged by over 600 payer money will be spent. That is the marks, wanted Alexander Hamilton percent for the delivery of fuel from kind of accountability that we need. and James Madison to smile kindly, Kuwait. The costs just keep climbing in Iraq, An audit of programs designed to because finally we are standing up and and we must get a true handle to know train guards designed to protect Iraq’s performing the constitutional duties of where these costs are. oil and electrical infrastructure con- oversight, of legislation and control- The American taxpayer deserves to cluded that U.S. agencies could not ling the purse that they fought hard to know the truth. They deserve to know provide reasonable assurance that $147 put into the Constitution over two cen- what is going on, and this is what million expended under these programs turies ago. House Resolution 97 does. It shines the was used for its intended purpose. Now I would like to yield time to my light of day on the process that is In one case, the Special Inspector distinguished friend from Ohio, from going on in Iraq. I am hopeful, if we General for Iraq Reconstruction found Steubenville, Ohio, the home of one of can lean forward and move forward on that a company which was awarded a my most favorite singers, Dean Martin, this legislation, we will be able to have security management contract worth and I would like to present Representa- accountability that people will feel hundreds of millions of dollars could tive CHARLIE WILSON. that we are doing the right things. provide no assurance that it was pro- Mr. WILSON of Ohio. I thank the Our soldiers will know that they are viding the best possible safety for gov- gentleman from Georgia. I appreciate having the right kind of support, and ernment and reconstruction personnel this opportunity. we, as Members of Congress, are pro- as required by the contract, and could Madam Speaker, when we sent cash viding the service and the change in di- not even show that its employees au- over to Iraq on a pallet with no ac- rection to get America back on the thorized to carry weapons were trained countability, no understanding, and right track. to use those weapons. those hundreds of millions of dollars Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Will the gen- Finally, Halliburton tripled the cost just disappeared into the desert air, we tleman yield for one moment, and of hand towels at taxpayer expense by know that we need accountability. We don’t you agree, there is such a thirst insisting on having its own embroi- need accountability in this war for the on the part of the American people for dered logo on each towel. You can’t financial money that we have sent their confidence to be restored in this make this stuff up. Halliburton em- there. We also need accountability for process, that was what was evident in ployees dumped 50,000 pounds of nails the body armor and the proper rest for last fall’s election, that nobody is say- in the desert because they ordered the our soldiers, the proper training for our ing cut and run, nobody is saying that wrong size all at taxpayers’ expense. soldiers. We need to be able to show you will be unpatriotic if you speak to This is not supporting our troops. that we are showing accountability. this. They want us to speak to this. We want to fund our troops. We want I am so proud to be a new Member of They want us to do our job, and I think to support our troops, and the way to this Congress that is willing to stand that is what you were pointing out in do that is by requiring more account- up for our soldiers and for the right your remarks. ability by this administration and the things to do for America. When more One of the two points I wanted to Pentagon. Quite frankly, for the last 6 than $400 billion have been poured into mention too that you alluded to in our years, Congress has not fulfilled its Iraq with little oversight on how that House Resolution 97, that I would like constitutionally given duty of pro- money is spent, we have to ask our- for you to be able to expand upon, and viding oversight. It has been a rubber selves, we can’t wait any longer for the that is that the American people need stamp for whatever this administration accountability that needs to be done. to know that in this bill we will re- wants. I am proud to be a member of the quire the inspector generals of the De- Those days are over, the new Con- Blue Dog Coalition to be able to stand fense Department, of the Pentagon, to gress has arrived, and we are going to up and say what the national debt is. If come before this Congress quarterly, begin to provide that oversight and ac- we could see the money that we spend not once a year, every 90 days, quar- countability and demand responsi- every month, and month after month terly, to make reports on how the bility, not only from this administra- and year after year on the interest debt money is being spent. tion, but from the Iraqis through the of our Nation, almost $9 trillion now, it Never again, never again, will our passage of H.R. 97. is just hard to believe that we can con- veterans be suffering in the condition

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.074 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2475 that our veterans are suffering now. Three, it stops the use of supple- and make sure that they have the The American people are appalled at mental supplementals to fund this war. equipment they need by holding this that. They want some transparency. Do you know that this is the first ad- administration accountable. They want some accountability. ministration that has continually been It is amazing when you see our sol- You talked about earlier, we talked using supplementals to fund a war? diers returning without arms and with- about Halliburton. We talked about the That is strange. out legs and yet so strong and patriotic abuse, the contracting. In this bill, we Number four, it uses American re- and talking about how proud they are have made sure that the Inspector Gen- sources to improve Iraq’s ability to po- to be Americans. eral for the Iraqi Reconstruction Pro- lice themselves. Well, Mr. SCOTT, it is time for the gram comes before this Congress and Mr. SCOTT, I have been calling, on U.S. Congress to also say that they are gives quarterly reports on how that and on again, that it is important for patriotic and that they are proud money is being spent, no more waste, us to turn the responsibilities over to Americans, and that they will stand by no more fraud, no more war profit- the Iraqi people, let them be respon- their soldiers. I think that Iraq must eering. The shame of the neglect of sible for their own futures. Why should be progressing toward full responsi- oversight is going to be rectified with we be putting our soldiers lives on the bility for policing their own country. I this bill. line when over 60 percent of the Iraqis think without progress it is a waste to I yield back to the gentleman. now claim that it is okay to shoot an continue U.S. investment in troops and Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Thank you to American soldier? financial resources. We all support our the gentleman from Georgia. You could But this is about accountability. troops. We will do everything in our not be more right, and it is evident in This is about spending the American power to get them the equipment they what we have seen in the Walter Reed taxpayers’ funds wisely. This is about need. Hospital situation we have just seen re- the board of directors that America has I have been in Iraq twice. The first cently. The conditions are deplorable, selected and appointed to the U.S. Con- time I was there, soldiers were com- to think that our men and women and gress to do oversight on the taxpayers’ plaining because they were out in the our soldiers go and put their life on the funds that are being utilized to fund scrap piles looking for metal to build line, and just thousands and thousands shields under the Humvees. And in this war. have been injured and they have re- While the Blue Dog coalition legisla- many cases, those became the very in- turned to substandard medical care, struments that cost their lives. tion addresses the glaring lack of over- poor conditions and sometimes horror Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Would the sight and accountability in Iraq, we stories of people waiting 18 hours to be gentleman yield just for one point be- make sure that taxpayer dollars are ac- seen by a doctor. cause I think it is very important. You This type of lack of accountability counted for. Government reports have bring up this important point that we just cannot continue, and I am proud documented waste, fraud and abuse in need to remind the people of America to be a Member of this Congress and Iraq, time and time again. that when that came to our attention, this Democratic Caucus that are going b 1645 it was Democrats, Democrats who pro- to move forward toward doing the right I believe, Madam Speaker, that it is vided the leadership with the amend- thing for our soldiers, supporting them time now to stop that waste. Congres- ment to put into the spending bill with the money that they need and sional oversight is desperately needed. money for the body armor; that we moving forward to bring common sense The administration must be held ac- could have known about the shortage if to this entire situation. countable for how these reconstruction there was oversight, if that Congress, Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Thank you funds are being used. the Republican Congress, would not very much, Congressman WILSON. Your And speaking about reconstruction just automatically just bend over and comments and your participation is so rubber stamp. That is why this bill is funds, Mr. SCOTT, you mentioned just meaningful in helping us bring some briefly about Halliburton. Well, I find so important, that we don’t have that light to this issue, especially in ex- it kind of strange that, you know, bypassing with this special emergency trapolating and explaining to the when they are needed most to help pay supplemental way of funding a war. American people the legislation that And I go back to the Constitution, taxes so that we can actually fund this we are putting forward. I look forward the Founding Fathers, and that is why war, all of a sudden they decide to pull to you staying with us as we perhaps they gave it to us because the House of up stakes and move because they say get into a few more conversations on Representatives is the House that is their tax rates are too high. Well, to this issue. closest to the people. We were more me, Mr. SCOTT, that is not being patri- But we are also joined with another sensitive, just as you and I are now, to Member, a distinguished member of otic. do everything we can to correct this our Blue Dog Coalition and a very good This Blue Dog bill is tangible. It is a matter. And we also put in there friend and who is a very, very signifi- commonsense proposal that ensures money to reimburse their parents. So cant voice in this Congress in bringing transparency and accountability. We many of our soldiers were writing some truth and some transparency so have already spent $437 billion in Iraq, home to mama and to daddy asking that we can improve the position of our according to the Congressional Re- them for money for body armor. The military and make sure that we are re- search Service. We will spend another shame of this country. Never again will sponsive to the American people, and $100 billion in Iraq in 2007 alone. I that happen. And that is why we need that is Mr. John Salazar from Colo- think that we must start showing im- this bill. rado, a very distinguished Member and provement in Iraq, and accountability I yield back to the gentleman. a hard-working member of the Blue leads directly to success. Mr. SALAZAR. I want to thank the Dog Coalition and a great friend. You brought up a real point. It is al- gentleman. And he made some very im- Madam Chairman, I yield to the gen- most as if someone reaches into your portant points. It is our responsibility tleman from Colorado as much time as chest and jerks out your heart. I make here in Congress to look out for our he may need. regularly scheduled visits out to Wal- troops and our soldiers. But we cannot Mr. SALAZAR. I thank the gen- ter Reed to visit our returning troops, continue writing these blank checks, tleman from Georgia (Mr. SCOTT). and I meet with them and talk to Madam Speaker. We have been writing Madam Speaker, I am proud to join them. blank checks for the last several years my colleagues of the Blue Dog Coali- Their message is quite simple. They because over the last 6 years there tion to demand more fiscal account- are there to do their job. They are hasn’t been any oversight. There has ability in Iraq. You know, the Blue proud to be Americans. They are proud not been any accountability. Dogs have a plan for fiscal account- patriotic citizens and proud to have And I can assure you that since Janu- ability in Iraq. Our plan calls for four served their country. And they tell me, ary, over the last 2 months, there has things, it calls for transparency on how do not let our efforts go in vain. been oversight hearings on several the war funds are being spent. Well, I can assure you, Mr. SCOTT, issues in regard to the military readi- Two, it creates an commission to in- that the Blue Dogs are committed to ness, in regard to where some of this vestigate the awarding of contracts. making sure that we stand by them funding is going.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.075 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2476 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 And so I am very proud to be a Mem- among other places, but definitely in ica has given the Iraqi people a chance ber of the Blue Dog Coalition that Iraq. And it is not an easy thing to do. to create their own democracy, and we brings forward this important bill. I But it is, as I pointed out earlier, in have invested over $400 billion and think that until our last troop has re- our exclusive power to legislate and to more than 3,000 American lives in se- turned home that the American people appropriate and to provide the over- curing their country. deserve to know how their money is sight. That is critical. And this is what Madam Speaker, it is time for the being spent. Accountability is not only we are proposing in our troop readi- Iraqis to step up and to take control of patriotic, but it often determines suc- ness, veterans, health, and Iraq ac- their destiny and their own security. cess from failure. countability act. This is what the talk And it is imperative that any future The Blue Dog bill gives an oppor- is about. American financial expenditures in the tunity to regain oversight and respon- Let me just, point by point, go Iraq war be subject to accountability sibility. This is the responsibility we through the points so we understand. and transparency. have, to all our men and women in uni- As the war in Iraq enters its fifth year, An estimated $9 billion of Iraqi re- form, to their parents, to the American with no end in sight, that is fundamen- construction funds are missing. Ac- taxpayer who is footing the bill. tally the most worrisome thing on the cording to a January 2005 report by the Madam Speaker, today I want to minds of the American people. This has Office of the Special Inspector General thank you. I want to thank Mr. SCOTT gone on longer than World War II. of Iraq Reconstruction, these $9 billion for his leadership, and I want to thank There has never been the clear mission, have gone missing because of ineffi- you for giving me the time to be able beyond go and find if they have got ciencies and bad management. to speak out on behalf of the American weapons of mass destruction. When the b 1700 taxpayer, the American people and our soldiers went and they determined that soldiers in uniform. they didn’t, that should have ended it. For the past 4 years, Congress has Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Well, thank There was no authorization to go in not exercised the oversight and ac- you, Mr. SALAZAR. You have done ex- and remove a regime. There were no countability necessary to ensure that traordinarily well in presenting the Iraqis that marched on the Capitol in our money is being used effectively to very crucible of our bill, which is Washington and said bring us a democ- support our troops to achieve our ob- bringing the accountability, bringing racy. Democracy is hard. It requires jectives in Iraq. We have paid billions the needed transparency. No more, no people to want it in their gut. We are of dollars to private contractors for place is it needed more so than in the dealing with a society and a region in work in Iraq; at the same time, the re- care of our wounded soldiers. the Middle East where these civil wars ports have uncovered waste, fraud, And so much has fallen through the have been going on, in some shape or abuse, and even possible war profit- cracks. I read this report. I just want form, since Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, eering by some of these contractors. to, I will go back to it for a moment, Abraham and Sarah and Hagar, In a war already lacking manpower, Mr. SALAZAR, because it says this. It Ishmael, Esau, the prophet Mohammed resources, and international support says that more than 25,000 service and his son-in-law, which brought needed to maximize our chance of suc- members have been wounded in the two about the split of the Sunnis and the cess, it is criminal that billions of dol- wars, and nearly half seriously enough Shias. Thousands of years, that is what lars are unaccounted for. Congressional that they can not return to duty with- this is. oversight is needed to make sure that in 72 hours. The delays in the Army’s Our children have no business losing our money is used to support our rating of disability have been a source their lives in this war. The President troops, not lost to profiteering and of deep frustration for many, with has asked that money continue to be fraud. wounded soldiers waiting hours to be provided with no strings attached. The House Resolution 97 would require moved on, days, and sometimes months American people want some strings at- that future Iraq spending is marked by to be moved on with their lives outside tached. The reason is because as we transparency and accountability, in- the military. Many in the National just got through doing, with what is stead of systemic waste, fraud, and Guard themselves have lost their jobs. happening at Walter Reed, with what is abuse. The resolution calls for the cre- We have yet to even come to the depths happening to our veterans, with the ation of a Truman Commission to in- of the pain that our soldiers are faced fact of no body armor. We are not vestigate how contracts are awarded, with as a result of this. going without being rested and prop- increases transparency so we know how So when the President says send erly equipped, well after the American Iraq war funds are spent, demands that 21,000 more in, send these in, he never people have called for a new direction. fiscal requests for fiscal year 2008 and again, this President will never again That set the stage for what we are later go through the normal appropria- have to go before the voters. But you going to offer in this bill. tions process instead of emergency do and I do. And when we go back be- And I want to come back to that, and supplementals, and calls for resources fore them, they will know that we have I want to pause for a moment because to be used to improve Iraqi assumption done everything in our power to bring we do have another one of our distin- of policing operations. a right look on a wrong situation, and guished Members with us, and he has Madam Speaker, these criteria are to correct this terrible, terrible imbal- been working very hard as a member of long overdue. I encourage my col- ance for our veterans. the Blue Dogs and has also been work- leagues to support House Resolution 97 And so I thank you for your partici- ing very hard in this area of bringing to ensure that transparency and ac- pation, and I thank you for high- transparency and accountability to the countability are the hallmarks of any lighting that great need. I appreciate situation in Iraq and responding to the future funding of the Iraq war. your passion for this. We are very, needs of the American people. And I Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. I thank Con- very, pleased for your presentation. want to recognize for as much time as gressman MAHONEY. You brought some Madam Speaker, before I bring in an- he may need, Congressman MAHONEY of excellent points up about the need for other person, I want to make a point, Florida. us to make sure that this funding goes because I think it is very important Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. I thank through the normal appropriations that we take a moment to address my friend, the distinguished gen- process. It might be useful for us to what the leadership of the Democratic tleman, for yielding time to me this just share with our American people, Party in this House of Representatives afternoon. when we say the normal, the regular is really talking about in our legisla- Madam Speaker, I rise today on be- appropriations process, is that this tion. We had, prior to this, a truth half of Florida’s 16th Congressional President has up to this point funded squad, and you have people who are District in support of House Resolution this war, which has lasted now longer trying to make it this or make it that. 97, providing cost accountability for than World War II, on emergency We realize, as Democrats, that we the Iraq war. supplementals. And what that does is have an obligation to fulfill the desires If we take a look at what has hap- it foregoes oversight, it doesn’t allow and the wishes of the American people pened over these past 5 years, America Congress to do the job that it has done. for a change in direction in Iraq, has rid Iraq of a brutal dictator. Amer- And this is why I believe in strong

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.076 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2477 measure this Congress has changed Let me continue, if I may, on what it being a part of our debate and discus- hands. The American people want to is that we are doing so the American sion. see us do our job and bring about the people can be clear. I yield as much time as she may need transparency. And that is what is in- On those three points, just simply re- to Ms. PORTER from New Hampshire. volved in both House Resolution 97 as quiring the President to honor the Ms. SHEA-PORTER. I thank the gen- well as in our leadership bill on the standards that the Defense Department tleman, and Madam Speaker. supplemental, the full supplemental sets for their military to be ready, that I just came out of an Armed Services bill that we are working on as well. they have rest, that they have equip- hearing where we were discussing, once And I certainly thank the gentleman. ment. What can be more plain and again, readiness, and we had the Army Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. I appre- commonsense than that? And then there telling us the great strains on ciate the gentleman yielding time. I holding the Iraqis to the same stand- their budget, the strains on their couldn’t agree more. And one of the ards that he put forward in support of equipment, and, most importantly, the things that the American people are the escalation he asked for. And then, strains on their soldiers. And so I am starting to see is that this Democratic thirdly, to provide the urgently needed standing here today in support of our led Congress is about doing the people’s support to address the military med- soldiers, in support of our military, in business. November 7 was a mandate on ical care and crisis at Walter Reed and support of our ability to respond to any fiscal responsibility reform. As a fresh- other hospitals that I just got through crisis in the world. And Iraq is not the man Congressman, I ran on fiscal re- alluding to and the excellent report in place that we need to put our soldiers form and responsibility, and I can tell the Washington Post today. and all of our resources. you that this is a good step, another The need for accountability on Iraq Last weekend, I went to Iraq to look step, a necessary step to getting ac- is clear. Holding the President to his for myself what was going on. I saw a countability back into this govern- own military readiness policies and lot of contractors taking quite a bit of ment. Thank you very much. performance standards is certainly a money, serving soldiers in jobs that Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. We are very good way to start. The alternative is soldiers could have done themselves. I pleased to have you, and we certainly only the President’s open-ended com- saw the strains on the soldiers. I saw National Guard troops that were in for thank you for bringing those points mitment in this war, and that is one a third deployment. And I saw the dif- and for adding to the discussion. thing we cannot continue. Our chil- ficulty that the Iraqis were experi- As I stated before, I wanted to just dren’s lives are too precious, our tax encing. In flying over Baghdad, I saw a share as we go through this, as we talk dollars are too precious to continue to about House Resolution 97 and our bill very sad city. be pouring in an open-ended policy. We Now, what I would like to see happen on the supplemental, it is important to have got to find a way to bring this understand so that we are not caught is for us to take the money that we are matter to conclusion, not in any kind pouring into Iraq and put it into Af- up in all of this rhetoric and misin- of way of, as the opponents would say, formation about what the Democrats ghanistan where the original trouble my friends on the other side of the started, where we actually had the ter- are doing, it is very important to un- aisle, cut and run. That is all they can rorist training camps, where we still derstand our shared principles in this say. We want to be there until victory. need to finish the business that we legislation and fully funding our na- Well, what is victory? What is vic- started in 2001. But we need money to tional defense. This bill fully funds and tory if it is not what we set out what do that, we need resources to do that. supports our troops in both Iraq and we were to do in the very beginning, They have been diverted and put into Afghanistan, and we are upholding finds weapons of mass destruction, Iraq. these points, requiring the President to which we did, and they are no longer There were no Iraqis on the planes simply honor the standards the Depart- there? Iraq did not attack this country. that day on 9/11. We went into Iraq be- ment of Defense has set for troop readi- This country was attacked by al Qaeda. cause we picked the wrong war, the ness, for training, for equipment. We And al Qaeda is in Afghanistan on the wrong people, and we should have have just seen that many of our troops Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Osama stayed in Afghanistan and supported have gone into harm’s way without the bin Ladin is there on the Pakistan side. the effort there. So I urge my col- body equipment that they need. What I was there. I went over to Pakistan, I leagues and I urge the House to do the is wrong with making sure that our went over to Afghanistan. I talked right thing by our soldiers and by the troops are protected, that they have with President Karzai. They know Iraqis as well, and to make sure that the body armor? That is what the where they are. What are we doing in we tend to where the real problems are Democratic plan does. What is wrong Iraq, and why did we go? in Pakistan and also in Afghanistan. with making sure that they are rested The Congress is working hard to I also would like to see some money and that they are ready? That is what achieve consensus around these shared in homeland security. The first thing the Democratic plan does. We want to principles. And let me just say, politics we need to do is support our own bor- send our young men into harm’s way? is no easy business. Making laws is sort ders. We need to protect our borders. Make sure they are protected, make of making sausage: It is not the And when you look at the money that sure they are ready and that they are prettiest thing in the world. But it is we have put in homeland security, it is rested, and to make sure that they our system. It is give and it is take. It miniscule. We are still not checking all have been trained. And on each one of is trying to get 218 votes. It is pulling of the cargo that comes into the belly those counts, Madam Speaker, this ad- coalitions together. And that is why of a plane, we are not checking the ministration has fallen short, and the you see legislation with the variety of cargo that comes from overseas. They American people know it, and that is different components in it. But there say that we don’t have the equipment. the central core of the bill. are some standards here, and we hope We certainly could have the equip- Secondly, we have got to hold the that the President will join us in the ment. Hong Kong checks every single Iraqi government to the same stand- effort to protect our troops in the field, container that comes from abroad. And ards for progress that the President require accountability from the Iraqi that is the great worry, that a dirty outlined in announcing the escalation. government, and fix the care crisis for bomb could come from abroad in a con- The President made certain standards. our wounded soldiers and our veterans. tainer. We need to use the money wise- All we are doing is reaffirming these in And, finally, understand that he isn’t ly. Of course we need defense. We have the legislation so that we have those the only one on the ball field. We all to invest in our country. But we need standards. And then, providing ur- have a role to play. The Founding Fa- to take those dollars and make sure gently needed support to address the thers made our position clear, and that that we are protecting our borders first military medical care crisis for our clarity is speaking on this floor today. and foremost, and then also working in veterans at Walter Reed and other hos- And now I want to recognize another Afghanistan; and, making sure that we pitals. And that is why the American one of the distinguished Members from have enough money and enough re- people are out in front of us and sup- New Hampshire (Ms. PORTER) who is sources and enough troops to respond port wholeheartedly what the Demo- doing just a wonderful job, and we to anywhere else in the world that cratic proposal is. thank you for coming on the floor and trouble could brew. Thank you.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.078 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2478 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Well stated. the Senate, perhaps even this week. so forth. And this shows the stages of Eloquent and very well stated. And you Very probably if not this week, next development of the embryo. And, of touched on so many important issues. week. But to put this in context, we course, what we will be talking about The strain on our military; and the have got to go back to last year when is not what happens in the body but young lady was so poignant in that. there were two embryonic stem cell what happens in a petri dish in the lab- And American people need to under- bills that came before the House and oratory. But the embryo goes through stand that, how much more can our the Senate. One of those started in the the same stages of development in the military take? Every person, even House and was known as the Castle- petri dish in the laboratory as it does when the issue was put forward when DeGette bill. This was a bill that would in the ovaduct of the prospective moth- General Casey and General Abizaid permit Federal funding for cells taken er. came over here, our Armed Services from embryos that were surplus in the Here we have the ovary, and it con- Committee, I think you may have been fertility clinics across the country, and tains a very large number of primary on that committee, asked them: Do I understand there may be as many as cells, which when they develop will be- you need more troops? No, we don’t 400,000 surplus embryos that are now come ova. And once a month typically, need any more troops. That was just in frozen in these fertility clinics. This every 4 weeks, typically, one of the ova November. And something changed just would result in the death of the em- matures and the little follicle then rup- in about 30 or 50 days, for all of a sud- bryo, and a meaningful percentage of tures and the ovum comes out. And it is interesting that the ovary is not den now it came. our population does not believe that it connected to the rest of the reproduc- And I want to thank the young lady is appropriate to destroy one life in the tive tract of the female. But there is a for your statement. It was very well hopes that you might help another. So funnel-like thing, and we see only a stated and hit all of the points right on although this bill got a positive vote in part of the funnel here. This part and the House last year, it was nowhere the head in terms of the direction we this part goes clearly around it. And it near enough to override a presidential need to go. And the American people is called the infundibulum, and this are definitely in step with us. veto. There was a second bill that was in- process is called ovulation. The egg Madam Speaker, I thank you for the now is released from the mature fol- troduced. I introduced that second bill time. Please remember this is our Blue licle, and it is usually picked up by the along with my friend Dr. GINGREY, and Dog hour, and we appreciate the oppor- infundibulum and directed into the that bill garnered 273 votes in the tunity to talk. ovaduct. On occasion it may not be and House. You might say that is enough to f it may escape out into the body cavity win, but it was brought up under sus- or the celium, which simply means the REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER pension, which means we need two- AS COSPONSOR OF H. RES. 106 cavity. And these sperm, millions of thirds majority, and that day that which were released in the uterus and Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam would have been 286 votes; so we failed they make their way into the fallopian Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to by 13 votes to get the necessary major- tubes, and some of those sperm actu- have my name removed as a cosponsor ity, the two-thirds majority, to pass it. ally get out into the body cavity. And Both of those bills were our bills, the of House Resolution 106. this egg that is not picked up by the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Senate 2754 and the House bill 5526. And infundibulum may be out of the body objection to the request of the gen- along with the Castle-DeGette bill and cavity and it may be fertilized by the tleman from Kansas? the alternative bill, which would not sperm that gets there, and this is There was no objection. result in the destruction of embryos, called an ectopic pregnancy. And it is f our bill got 100 percent of the Senators. very bad news for the mother and the That is, 100 Senators voting for the embryo, and it has to be terminated EMBRYONIC STEM CELL bill. It is interesting that there were 63 RESEARCH with surgery. But usually, most of the Senators that voted for both of these time, the ovum is picked up by the fal- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under bills. They included Senator ARLEN lopian tube and it begins its way down the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- SPECTER, who introduced both of these the fallopian tube. uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from bills in the Senate; and it also included Notice that fertilization takes place, Maryland (Mr. BARTLETT) is recognized Senators REID, HARKIN, KENNEDY, CLIN- and that is when the clock starts run- for 60 minutes. TON, OBAMA, and SCHUMER. Those Sen- ning, called DZero. Fertilization takes Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Madam ators voted for all of these bills. place well up into the ovaduct. And Speaker, I come to the floor this We have now passed, essentially, the there is a several-day journey. You see evening to talk about embryonic stem Castle-DeGette bill again in the House them here, one, two, three, four, five, cells. With all of the pressing issues of with 253 ayes and 174 noes, and that is six, seven, eight, nine, on down. And global importance that our country nowhere near close to the number that the fertilized egg now is called a zy- and the Congress is dealing with, you it would take to override a presidential gote, and it begins to divide. And here might ask, why are you going the talk veto. And in the last Congress, the you see it is at a two-cell stage, and a about embryonic stem cells this President vetoed the Castle-DeGette little later we will have some charts evening; why are you not talking about bill, and he has promised to and cer- that show what can happen at this two- the potential for global warming and tainly will veto it this time should it cell stage and even later. But fre- what that might hold in store for our get to his desk. This is the bill that the quently these two cells will simply sep- world. Senate will be voting on next week. So arate until you have two cells that that is why we are on the floor today b 1715 look like the original one you started talking about this bill. By the way, our with here, and that is what we called We might be talking about the pend- bill is 322, and it has been cosponsored identical twins. Then they will make ing energy crisis and the concept of so far by 34, truly bipartisan support their way down the fallopian tube to- peak oil, and certainly we might be for which I am very pleased. gether and implant in an interesting talking about the war in Iraq and the I thought to begin this discussion of way in the uterus as we will see later. funding resolution that will shortly embryonic stem cells we might go back And then the two cells divide and de- come before the House. Or we could be to the basic physiology of what we are velop into four cells and then the four talking about a very interesting sub- talking about here. And the first chart cells into eight cells. And we will come ject: the debt limit ceiling and why we I have here shows half of the reproduc- back and talk about this eight-cell have to increase the debt limit ceiling tive tract in a woman. There is another stage because that is the time at which and what is that and how does it relate half to this on the other side, a mirror some procedures are done in the petri to the debt and the deficit and so image of this. Most things in our body dish which promise that we can get forth? are mirror images. Things like the true embryonic stem cells from em- We come to the floor this evening to liver are not and the stomach. We have bryos without harming the embryo. talk about stem cells because a stem two arms and two eyes, and the lady Well, the cell then goes on to divide cell bill will very shortly come up in has two ovaducts and two ovaries and beyond the eight-cell stage. And you

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.079 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2479 now have a morula, a ball of cells what they are. Very early in our em- I would like to note, by the way, that which may be a fairly large number of bryonic development, there are some one of these two identical twins is a cells, maybe 100 or fewer cells. And unique cells that will end up in the clone. I didn’t think the sky was going then it goes on to divide into a very blood. Some unique cells are developed, to fall when we talked about cloning, large number of cells, and that is the and they are now imprinted with who because nature has been doing it for a gastrula stage. The morula and the you are, and this is very early in devel- very long time. But sometimes we blastula and then on to the gastrula opment. And it is their role all through should let nature do things and not down here. The gastrula stage develops your life after that to keep track of mimic or interfere in what nature is into three germ layers. who you are and identify any invader doing, and I understand the concerns The next chart shows a little more that is not you. So if a virus or a bac- relative to cloning. But it is just of in- clearly what is happening. And here it terium or something like that gets in, terest to note that nature has been started with a zygote and it skipped all the T cells immediately detect that as doing this for a very long time. of the stages that we talked about being foreign and they now alert the Dr. GINGREY has joined us. Let me here, the two-cell, four-cell, eight-cell leukocytes, which are the white blood now yield to him. stage and so forth. And it goes directly cells, which have phagocytic, which Mr. GINGREY. Madam Speaker, I now down to the blastocyst and then means they can envelope and ingest. thank the gentleman for yielding. This on down to the gastrula. And then the These organisms have phagocytic ac- is going to be like two discussions, one gastrula, we see the three germ layers tivity, alert them that that is an from the professor and the other one developing. enemy and you need to take him out. from maybe his first year master’s pro- And notice that most of what we And that is called our response system gram student. Although I have a M.D., have here is not going to end up as an to infections and so forth. And, by the Dr. BARTLETT, of course, is a Ph.D. embryo. What is going to end up as an way, if you have a little pus pocket, physiologist, and as he explains this, it embryo is this little bit of material that is the remains of thousands, is compelling, the evidence that he here, and the rest of it is going to end maybe millions of these leukocytes gives. up as supporting tissue, the amnion that have come to do battle for you, Sometimes I get a little lost in the and the chorion and the fetal contribu- and they have died in the process. But science myself, but I think the main tion to the placenta and so forth. But not to worry. Your bone marrow and thing to know about the bill that he at this stage, just about the time the lymph system are making a whole lot has introduced, and introduced in the egg is implanting, as you saw, and by more lymphocytes. last Congress and introduced again in ‘‘implanting’’ we mean it connects Sometimes these T cells get con- the 110th this year, H.R. 322 is an alter- itself to the uterus, this cell is im- fused, and it is not really clear to them native way to obtain almost totally po- planting at about the time that the what is you and what is not you. And tential, totipotential embryonic, al- three germ layers are developed. sometimes they will falsely identify most embryonic stem cells, without From these three germ layers will de- some of your tissues as being foreign to getting into this moral-ethical di- velop all of the tissues of the body. you, and then the leukocytes will come lemma of the question of are you for These three germ layers are called the in and attack the other body defenses life at its earliest and its most ad- outer germ layer, or the ectoderm; the will come in and attack these tissues. vanced stages, are you pro-life or pro- middle germ layer, or the mesoderm; b 1730 choice. This is a debate that will go on and the inner germ layer, or the We refer to these diseases, and there probably for long after we are all gone entoderm. are a whole long list of them, as being and other people have taken our places From the ectoderm develops our autoimmune diseases. I have one of on both sides of the aisle. skin, the integumen, which is defined those diseases, and many, many people But what I like about the Bartlett as an organ. It is about the biggest have that. Some types of arthritis is an bill, H.R. 322, is it says, Mr. President, organ in the body, actually, and a very autoimmune disease. You have the ar- we don’t have to divide the country complex and interesting one. And then thritis because your T cells have inap- over this issue. It has been divisive. the brain and spinal cord all of our propriately identified these joint tis- The President made a very difficult de- nervous system develops from the ecto- sues in your body as not being used, so cision back in I think August of 2001 derm. they are now being attacked by the when there was this call for Federal From the mesoderm develops most of body defenses. funding for stem cell research. Before the mass of our body, the muscles and I want to look at just one more slide that, there had been none, or none on the bones and the blood. Here you see and then call on a colleague of mine, embryonic stem cell, let me say. There the blood, which is a tissue that devel- Dr. GINGREY, who has joined me in fil- had been some research on adults in ops from the mesoderm. From the ing this bill. bone marrow and cord blood and things entoderm develops the lining of the gut This is a little illustration of what like that, and I am sure Dr. BARTLETT and the lining of the lungs and so happens with monozygotic twins. Mono has talked about that. forth, although the mass of the means one, and you saw what the zy- But the President has said, look, we entodermal tissue is nowhere near as gote was. That is the fertilized ovum. will allow embryonic stem cell funding large as the mesoderm and the ecto- Monozygotic twins, we call them iden- by the John Q. Public taxpayer on derm. In some organs they play a very tical twins. It begins with the fertilized these existing stem cell lines that had essential role. egg, the zygote, the two-cell stage, been indeed obtained from a living It is interesting that when you have then it may develop to two inner human embryo, little life in their ear- a cancer and it metastasizes, it metas- masses. Actually, the division can liest forms, that were obtained from tasizes usually only two tissues of com- occur at the two-cell stage. The divi- these fertility clinics that were consid- mon embryonic origin. What that sion, we have some reason to believe it ered extra or throwaway or whatever. means is that if you have a cancer on can occur as the two inner cell mass So the President, I forget the hundreds mesodermal tissue, when these cells stages. These will later develop into of millions of dollars worth of research break loose and float through the the three germ layers we talked about. that the Federal Government has fund- lymph system, it will metastasize only You can differentiate when that divi- ed through the National Institutes of to tissues that develop from mesoderm. sion occurred by how the babies Health and other agencies, but it is So it is very interesting that all present themselves at birth, whether substantial, but he did not want to through the life of the person, these they are in two amnions or in a com- fund any more research on new de- tissues retain some of the original mon amnion. They, of course, should struction of life. characteristics of these three germ lay- always be in a common chorion. The So that is where we have been for ers. And the body cells, the T cells and chorion is the big tough sac on the out- these last few years, until Ms. so forth are programmed to know the side. The amnion is the thinner sac on DEGETTE and Mr. CASTLE in the House difference between these body tissues. the inside filled with the fluid called passed their bill that would allow the I mentioned T cells. I shouldn’t do the amniotic fluid that protects the use of the little embryos from the fer- that without explaining a little bit of baby during its development. tility clinics.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.081 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2480 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 So I want to commend Dr. BARTLETT, actually can obtain an embryonic stem and this is what is going down that lit- because what he says is that maybe it cell without destroying the embryo, by tle C-shaped fallopian tube in the uter- is true, maybe it is true that the em- doing a biopsy technique. us that we saw before. bryonic stem cell in its earliest form So that is why I strongly support his Then at the blastula stage, it gets has more potential than the adult stem bill. We all, everybody in this House down to the uterus, and usually they cells. The adult stem cells are multi- and in the other Chamber, the other will be somewhat separated and they potent, but not pluripotent, and cer- body, our heart goes out to the Michael will implant some little distance from tainly not totipotent. So what Dr. J. Foxes of the world, the Christopher each other, so when they present at BARTLETT has done in his bill is say, Reeves of the world and the folks that birth the doctor will know imme- look, there are other ways. are not famous that may be members diately they are fraternal twins, be- Madam Speaker, there is a doctor at of our own family. I have heard my col- cause they have separate amniotic sacs Wake Forest University and just re- leagues come down and speak in the and separate placentas, just two dif- cently he did some research and re- well compellingly about members of ferent babies, one attached to one side ported in a very respected medical their own family. Our esteemed col- of the uterus and the other perhaps at- journal of being able to obtain cells league from Rhode Island, a wonderful tached to the other side of the uterus. from amniotic fluid as early as 10 to 12 Member of this body, who, as a para- But sometimes if they implant very weeks of a pregnancy. plegic, when he talks, people listen, ob- close together in the uterus, they will Now, that is not a true embryonic viously, on both sides of the aisle. develop with a fused chorionic sac cell, but it is getting pretty darn close So we want help. We want help which may mimic the single chorionic to it. It is getting darn close to it. I ASAP. But I don’t think we have to di- sac that is produced with identical would be very interested in hearing vide our country, we don’t have to di- twins. Then, of course, you will know what Dr. BARTLETT says about if you vide ourselves, we don’t have to de- whether they are identical or not, compare the potential of those cells in stroy any human life. whether they look alike or not; and if amniotic fluid that you can obtain As I kind of sum up and close and you aren’t really certain of that, you when a woman, let’s say for genetic di- turn it back over to the real expert, I can do DNA to determine if they are agnosis she is 10 to 12 weeks pregnant, just want to say, Madam Speaker, that identical twins. she is over the age of 35, she has con- it is suggested there are extra and b 1745 cerned about the increased risk of there are so many, 400,000 or whatever, Madam Speaker, President Bush ap- Down Syndrome, and she wants some just sitting around waiting to be uti- pointed a council on bioethics to look assurance that that baby, her baby, lized for their embryonic cells and they at this whole embryonic stem cell de- doesn’t have Down Syndrome. So that are going to be thrown away. It is real- bate. When he came to office, of course, is why the amniotic fluid is obtained, ly not true, and we all know that. money was being spent on a number of to get some of those cells to know the We all know that many of the Snow- embryonic stem cell lines, and all of exact genetic makeup of that child. flake Babies have been up here in those stem cell lines were produced by But there are lots of extra cells that Washington, in some instances twins destroying embryos, and the President could be then used with the patient’s that were adopted as embryos and im- was faced with a dilemma, was it right consent without harming anything, planted into a mom who couldn’t have to take one life because when you de- certainly without destruction of any a baby before that, and in some in- stroy an embryo you are taking a life, living embryo. stances had more than one and had to hopefully help another. His own per- So this is why I as kind of a prac- two. I have held them in my arms. We sonal ethics would not permit him to tical-minded former OB–GYN physi- call them the Snowflake Babies, but do this, so he set up a council on bio- cian, who has not researched, who they are beautiful little toddlers for a ethics to determine were there tech- never published a paper, who didn’t lot of infertile couples. So there are no niques where one could get embryonic work at one of the great medical cen- extra babies. There are no throwaways. stem cells without killing embryos or ters in this country, but I did go to a With that, I yield back to my col- harming embryos. wonderful medical school, the Medical league. I appreciate him giving me a This is from page 25 in this white College of Georgia in Augusta, and I little time to join him and say hoorah paper. It said, ‘‘Thus, apparently nor- did my residency there in obstetrics for the work he is doing on H.R. 322. mal children have been born following and gynecology, and then went out and Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Thank removal of one or two blastomeres practiced for 26 years and delivered a you very much. I am very appreciative from the six to eight cell embryo. How- lot of babies, and I feel I know of what of the contribution that Dr. GINGREY is ever, long-term studies to determine I speak. making. Being a physician and having whether this procedure produces subtle But what I want to do, and the pur- delivered a very large number of ba- or later developing injury in children pose of me being here tonight and shar- bies, he obviously brings a level of au- born following PGD,’’ preimplantation ing this time with Dr. BARTLETT, is to thenticity and credibility to this dis- genetic diagnosis, ‘‘have been rec- say we don’t have to fight about this. cussion. ommended and are sorely needed.’’ We got lots of things we can fight On this chart, we have another cou- Well, maybe we need those studies, about. ple of sequences which shows—the pre- but I think nature through the years We are fighting about the conduct of vious one we looked at showed the de- has conducted a very large number of the war right now. We have people in velopment of identical twins—this one studies for us. I want to show you this this body that say it was the wrong shows the production of paternal twins. identical twin slide because in iden- thing, and then other people say, no, The mother may slough two eggs. As a tical twins, half the cells of the embryo no, it wasn’t the wrong thing, but the matter of fact, with the in vitro fer- are taken away, and each half produces thing is wrong, and they are arguing tilization, since we aren’t sure that a perfectly normal child as far as we about how we have conducted that. We any one of them is going to be potent can tell, and it has been going on for will have and are having a fair debate to implant properly, frequently the roughly 8,000 years of recorded history. and difference of opinion. doctor will place several in the uterus No one has ever suggested there is any- But this is one that, because of what and more than one may implant. I have thing deficient in an identical twin. is in the Bartlett bill, H.R. 322, we a good colleague here, DANA ROHR- As a matter of fact, when President don’t really have to fight about it. We ABACHER, whose wife had three babies. Clinton appointed a commission to don’t have to get ugly about it. And That is nice. That gets the bottle feed- look at this, it was an identical twin most importantly, we don’t have to de- ing and diaper changing all over pretty who chaired the commission, and I stroy any human life in getting these quickly, doesn’t it? asked him when he was on the Hill here nearly totally potential, almost embry- But this is what happens when the if he felt less a person because he was onic stem cells. mother sloughs more than one egg nat- only half the original embryo. Of Of course, Dr. BARTLETT will want to urally. Both of these eggs will be fer- course, that is a silly question because discuss further, I think, that as part of tilized, because there are millions of he certainly doesn’t feel any less a per- his bill there are techniques that you sperm there, and they start to divide, son. But that is what many people

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.082 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2481 would have you believe. That somehow enough of a callus to strengthen the Now all of the controlling material in taking a cell or two from this early bone until it is well calcified, until it is the egg is not in the nucleus. There are embryo, if you take two cells from an strong enough. a number of cytoplasmic factors that eight-cell embryo, the result will be What we are going to be talking control what the genes, what the chro- three-fourths of a person because you about is this and a number of other mosomes and the nucleus does. So this took a fourth of his cells away. Well, techniques that are included in the leg- goes on to what appears to be a fairly no identical twin feels half a person be- islation that I talked about, H.R. 322, normal birth. cause the other half of that original and the one that was passed in the last In parthenogenesis, that is an inter- embryo produced his or her identical Congress. esting one, in parthenogenesis, miosis twin. The next slide shows some of the does not occur and the egg retains its So one would be enormously sur- techniques that were reported by the diploid number of chromosomes and prised if this had any effect because, as President’s Council on Bioethics as po- the egg goes on and divides. And some I say, in 8,000 years of recorded history tentially offering the hope that we animals, by the way, reproduce by par- with millions and millions of identical could get embryonic stem cells from an thenogenesis. That rarely happens in twins produced, no one has ever hinted embryo without killing the embryo. humans. Some animals reproduce al- that there is any deficiency in an iden- Our first depiction here is normal fer- most exclusively by parthenogenesis. tical twin because they shared the cells tilization. The cells divide and grow in The next slide is another depiction of from an original embryo with their the mother. One of the last divisions is some of these same techniques, and it mate. what we call a meiotic division. The goes just a little further. Here we have It may be some time before stem cell usual division is a mitotic division. Be- the classical development and embry- lines can be reliably derived from sin- fore the mitotic division, the chro- onic stem cell derivation. What they do gle cells. These are the single cells that mosomes divide so when the cells sepa- here is when you get to this blastocyst are taken out up here, extracted from rate, each cell has the normal number area, you have two choices. One, you early embryos, and in ways that do no of chromosomes called the diploid either implant it or freeze it to keep it harm to the embryo. number, and the single unit of chro- for implantation later; or you destroy Now medicine has marched on, and as mosomes is called the haploid number. it and get your embryonic stem cells. I will explain, we have the evidence Well, obviously if you are going to This is classic technique for getting that we can do this. The initial success have a human being who has the nor- embryonic stem cells. This was the of the Verlinksy group efforts raises mal number of chromosomes, you have technique that the President had eth- the future possibility that pluripotent to end up with half as many of those ical concerns about which is why he stem cells, which means the pluri is chromosomes in the egg and half as issued his executive order which said many. It is not totipotent. Totipotent many in the sperm, and that is accom- that Federal money could be used to is totally potent. That is the cell can plished by a process known as miosis. support research using the embryonic produce anything and everything, in- So in the egg and in the sperm cell, stem cell lines in existence at that cluding another embryo. there are only the haploid number of time, what, 60 or more, now down to 20 When I first started exploring this chromosomes, only half the full com- or 22, and we knew that they would potential, I had the nagging concern plement of chromosomes, and they now eventually run out, and now we are that the single cell I took from that join in the egg. There is quite a mirac- faced with a crisis because what do we early embryo would be totipotent and ulous process that occurs there. There do, these stem cell lines are running what I was dealing with was just an- may be millions of sperms trying to out. There is a big hope in the medical other embryo, in other words I was fertilize the egg, but essentially instan- community that we can get some fairly king of making identical twins. But I taneously when one cell makes it into dramatic cures from embryonic stem am very pleased that no one out there the egg, then the covering of the egg cells. believes that the cells taken from the becomes absolutely impervious to any Here are embryonic stem cells from a 8-cell stage are totipotent. other sperm. If that wasn’t true, you single blastomere. This is what we What this means is you shouldn’t be would end up with two sperm getting have been talking about. You take a able to get an identical twin from in, and then you would have triploid, single blastomere cell from the em- something beyond the 8-cell stage, and or three, and that would be fatal for bryo, and you can implant what is re- clearly you can, so there are some humans. Trisomy 21, for instance, is maining. They have done that more things going on here that we may not what happens to a human when just than 2,000 times. They have done what be totally familiar with. But there are one of those chromosomes, mongolism, is called a PGD. It started in England. a lot of things going on in the body when only one of those chromosomes is There are a number of those labs in our that we can’t explain. three in nature, and sometimes that country, and the parents would like to As an example, if you remove part of happens in the division of the cells, and know whether or not their baby is your liver, and there are very few or- that is called trisomy 21 or mongolism. going to have a genetic defect. gans in the body that have this poten- It is very interesting in plants that So they take a single cell out and tial, but the liver will now regenerate many replications of the chromosome, they do a genetic diagnosis. If there is what you have taken out. The question or polyploid, is a very beneficial effect. no genetic defect, they implant the re- I have always asked myself, as long ago The flowers get bigger with better col- maining cells in the mother, and more as 50 years ago when I first had these ors, and that is one of the things that than 2,000 times now we have had what courses, no, 60 years ago now when I plant breeders do is use a chemical to appears to be a perfectly normal baby. first had these courses, how did those produce polyploid, bigger and better Indeed, the big surprise would be if it cells in the liver know, millions of plants, and some that aren’t any good wasn’t a perfectly normal baby because them, how did they know enough was but you can just discard them. That is in nature in producing normal iden- enough, that the liver was now recon- how we have gotten many of miracle tical twins, half the cells are taken stituted to its original size so they crops, by polyploid. away and nobody argues that identical could quit dividing. I have asked that The second depiction here is of twins are not normal people. question of current physiologists, and cloning. In cloning, you take an egg Then the process of nuclear transfer, no one knows the answer to that. cell and you take the nucleus out of and one of the techniques that is sug- And if you have a bone broken, in the the egg cell so now you have an egg gested here is a modification of that, healing process you have a callus de- cell without a nucleus. And then you modification of that cloning, and this veloping on that bone. There is a thick- have a donor cell, and you can get the is altered nuclear transfer. This is the ening of the bone, and then gradually nucleus from this donor cell into the modification. that is taken away and the bone is re- egg two different ways. One, you can In this one they make sure that you turned pretty much to its original fuse the two and the nucleus will then are not going to have a clone because shape. How do those cells know they migrate to the egg; or you can simply they deactivate one of the genes. CDX2 have taken enough away? Or how do take the nucleus out of the donor cell I think it is called there. They deacti- they know that they have developed and put it in the egg. vate one of the genes so that it will

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:45 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.084 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2482 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 simply develop into a cell mass with no not going to make it but the parts. We the professional community who be- organization. You can now get from take body parts from brain-dead people lieves that that ought to be true. These that cell mass the cells that you wish, for transplant. So they argue you embryonic stem cells may be like the but there is no organization and it is ought to be able to get good cells from rambunctious teenager. They can be not an embryo. You can see some obvi- an embryo that is not going to divide somewhat uncontrollable, and in some ous objections to this. You are just any further. I have several slides, and I of the early experiments, they have producing a freak and why would you did not bring all of them, which show gone on to produce cancers and want to do that to a perfectly normal the criteria which are fairly reproduc- growths and so forth, and who knows zygote that you started with. ible and verifiable that the embryo is, what the ultimate will be. The next chart shows this altered nu- in fact, dead—because you would not But I will tell you, and you know clear transfer in a little more detail. want somebody to say, gee, I think from what you see in the papers and We have seen this one before. Altered that embryo is going to die so I am hear on television and so forth that nuclear transfer is where you knock going to take it because I would like to there are a number of people who be- out the gene for normal development get a embryonic stem cell line from lieve that diseases like Parkinson’s so when you have taken the nucleus that embryo. disease and diabetes and spinal cord in- from the egg and replaced that with a The next slide slow shows a bit of an juries and so forth could maybe be nucleus from the donor cell, you now expansion on this. Embryonic stem cell cured with the application of embry- have knocked out the gene in this nu- assisted reprogramming, and the acro- onic stem cell research and medical de- cleus for normal development, so you nyms, particularly DOD and much of velopments. are simply going to get a growth of the other professional societies have It is true that theoretically, philo- cells. It is not going to be an embryo, lots of acronyms. I guess that is so sophically, there ought to be more ap- and there obviously some ethical ques- they appear more erudite and you can- plications from embryonic stem cells tions about this, but this is being de- not figure out what they are saying. just because of what they are. They are bated. Differentiation using cell proteins, pluripotent cells. They can make any This is an oocyte-assisted reprogram- this is the assisted development I men- and every cell in the body. We have ming. What this says is that in the oo- tioned because this cell suite, this is some adult stem cells, and we gen- cyte, and I mentioned the factors that from the cytoplasm, and this contains erally get them from the bone marrow, are out in the cytoplasm, and if you in- factors that controls what happens in the blood, and there are stem cells with tensify those and let them work, they the nucleus. They turn on genes and a variety of blood cells that are pro- will assist in this and it increases the turn off genes and so forth during the duced and you can sometimes trick genes for embryonic stem cell growth development of the embryo. You can them into believing they are not what without producing an organized em- modify that. they are so they can also make some bryo. Differentiation, a new term, should other tissues. And this is the technique which I not use these terms without describing The next slide shows the little sche- suggested, embryo biopsy. I went to what they are. When you start out with matic on the dead embryo, and what NIH way before the President issued the cell mass and the developing em- this shows is that you can tell—and his executive order, and having had a bryo, so forth, those cells are undif- these are reproducible and verifiable— course in advanced embryology nearly ferentiated, they are all the same. you can tell that an embryo is prob- 50 years ago, and recognizing what They then begin the differentiation ably—well, not probably—is not going identical twins were, it occurred to me process where you have an ectoderm, a to make it, and then the argument is you ought to be able to take a cell mesoderm, and an intaderm. Then it that you ought to be able to take cells from the early embryo without hurting goes on to differentiate from that. You from that embryo ethically. Of course, the embryo. can get bone from mesoderm. You can the other argument would be if the em- get muscle from mesoderm. You can bryo is about to die, why would I want b 1800 get blood cells from mesoderm. So the a stem cell line from cells that are sus- I asked the NIH researchers when differentiation goes on from that. pect. they had an open house out there one Then there are postnatal tissues, and Clearly, clearly, if we can make the day while the President was making up these are the tissues from which we altered nuclear transfer work, where his mind, and they invited Members of can get adult stem cells. It might be you can take the donor cell which is a Congress and staff to come out. I do worth just a moment to mention the cell from the patient, if you can make not remember any other Members of dialogue that is going on between the embryonic stem cells from that, that is Congress. There was a lot of staff enthusiasts for adult stem cells and the the route we want to go because then there. proponents of embryonic stem cell re- the organ you are making, whatever I asked them should this not be pos- search. you are making for that person, is sible? They said, well, it certainly Most of the medical applications going to be them, and you can implant should be possible. In fact, you know, have been made from adult stem cells, it in them. There is not going to be any it is certainly easier just to take the and that is because we have been work- rejection. If it comes from any other embryo and disaggregate, they call it. ing with adult stem cells for more than source, you are going to have a rejec- That means stir it all up. Disaggregate 3 decades. It just takes a while for tion phenomena, but we have developed it and take your embryonic stem cells something to go from the laboratory to clinical techniques for handling that. from what grows from that. the hospital, and we have had that There are lots of people with organ There is another interesting proposal time for the adult stem cells. We have transplants, and they lead productive, of how to get embryonic stem cells not had that time for embryonic stem comfortable lives for quite a number of without killing embryos. If you deal cells because we have been working on years. with in vitro fertilization, you produce them for only a few years. When I first started this discussion, a number of embryos and you have Now, this permits some people who we conferenced with a lot of individ- eight of them that you have thawed are very zealous for protection of the uals, and one of those was a representa- out and you are going to look at them embryo to say, gee, we really should tive of the Conference of Catholic to see which ones look strong enough not be looking at embryonic stem cell Bishops. Sometimes in life, you see to be fertilized to place in the woman. research because all of the contribu- something or somebody says some- There are some of these embryos that tions so far have been from adult stem thing, you say to yourself, gee, why did will not make it. They appear to be cells and so, therefore, why would you I not think of that; it is so obvious and alive, but they will not go on and di- want to go this route because presum- so right and so productive. That hap- vide. So, in just a little while, they are ably all the applications in the future pened in this dialogue. going to decompose and die, and the are also going to come from adult stem We were talking about taking cells proponents of this technique argue cells. from the early embryo that would not that they are a bit like the brain-dead That may be true but I will tell you hurt the embryo, but then you get the person, that is, an individual that is that there is nobody that I know of in idea that, gee, it might. You can make

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.085 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2483 the argument and certainly should not stem cells have, we will be in a situa- Ms. KILPATRICK (at the request of Mr. because you can take half the cells tion where there is only a few embry- HOYER) for today. away in identical twins and obviously onic stem cell lines which are running Mr. CULBERSON (at the request of Mr. it has not hurt the embryo at all, so out and a public out there which is de- BOEHNER) for today on account of ill- why should taking a cell out of the em- manding and they come to our office. ness in the family. bryo make any, yeah, I know, but it One of those compelling things are Mrs. SCHMIDT (at the request of Mr. just might. So you need to do some these kids with this big thing in their BOEHNER) for today on account of at- work with that to make sure it does body like a hockey puck which is push- tending a funeral. not hurt the embryos. There is always ing insulin because they have juvenile f diabetes, and they are very brittle and an outside chance that the person lives SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED to be 90 and they determine some de- they have to trickle that in little by fect that was as a result of taking the little during the day to maintain the By unanimous consent, permission to cell out earlier. status quo. address the House, following the legis- So the suggestion was made by Mr. So here we will be with embryonic lative program and any special orders Dortlinger that, gee, the first thing stem cell lines running out, with a cry heretofore entered, was granted to: you do with that cell you take out is to from the public and the professional (The following Members (at the re- make a repair kit. Wow, why did I not part of the public that we need to move quest of Mr. ALLEN) to revise and ex- think about that? It is obviously such on with this. My hope is that when the tend their remarks and include extra- a right thing to do. What you do to President has vetoed this bill, the Cas- neous material:) that cell now is to make your replace- tle-DeGette bill, he will, he did last Mr. CUMMINGS, for 5 minutes, today. ment, which by the way is what par- time and he will again, that then they Mr. ALLEN, for 5 minutes, today. ents are hoping to sort of do when they pass our bill which was passed 100–0 in Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. freeze umbilical cord blood. Now, those the Senate last year, by 273 votes in Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, for 5 are not embryonic stem cells in umbil- this House. In fact, they got more minutes, today. ical cord blood. They are adult. So votes than the one that is being sent on when the baby is born it is an adult. As to the President from this House. So, f a matter of fact, the day you are born hopefully, that bill will come up next ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED and can move to the President’s desk, is the day you start to die. Things start Ms. Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the to go downhill from the day you are and he will certainly sign that bill and we can get on with ethical embryonic House, reported and found truly en- born. So these are adult stem cells, but rolled bills of the House of the fol- they have characteristics that may be stem cell research. Mr. Speaker, I would hope that all of lowing titles, which were thereupon more amenable to alterations, to modi- our listeners out there who have a Rep- signed by the Speaker: fications than adult stem cells taken resentative that they believe may not H.R. 342. An act to designate the United from a 50-year-old. States courthouse located at 555 Independ- By the way, there has been a new be supportive of this, would they please contact that Representative and urge ence Street in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as technique which some heralded, now the ‘‘Rush Hudson Limbaugh, Sr. United them to support this bill. It will pro- we do not need to think about embry- States Courthouse’’. onic stem cells because you can take vide ethical embryonic stem cell re- H.R. 544. An act to designate the United amniotic fluid, and as the baby is grow- search. Neither I nor any of the others States courthouse at South Federal Place in know what the ultimate result of this ing from the earliest stages on, but it Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the ‘‘Santiago E. will be, but I will tell you the potential Campos United States Courthouse’’. has to be in amnion before you can get for clinical cures and application be- H.R. 584. An act to designate the Federal these cells in the amniotic fluid. You cause of embryonic stem cells being building located at 400 Maryland Avenue can get some embryonic stem cells what they are has to be greater than Southwest in the District of Columbia as the there, and so a big push was made, gee, ‘‘Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of adult stem cells. Education Building’’. let us stop talking about embryonic Mr. Speaker, let us hope that we can stem cell research because now we have move this clock very quickly because f got these stem cells from amniotic there are a lot of people out there that ADJOURNMENT fluid. need this kind of help. But the person who discovered that Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. made the observation that this was f Speaker, I move that the House do now complementary to embryonic stem REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- adjourn. cells and should not be considered in VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF The motion was agreed to; accord- place of embryonic stem cells. It is cer- H.R. 985, WHISTLEBLOWER PRO- ingly (at 6 o’clock and 15 minutes tainly a good place to get cells that are TECTION ENHANCEMENT ACT OF p.m.), the House adjourned until to- more easily reprogrammed to believe 2007 morrow, Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at 10 a.m. that they are not what they are at that Mr. HASTINGS of Florida (during stage of development, but he said that the Special Order of Mr. BARTLETT of f it should be considered complementary Maryland) from the Committee on EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, to embryonic stem cells and not in Rules, submitted a privileged report ETC. place of stem cells. (Rept. No. 110–48) on the resolution (H. Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive Well, the Senate is going to vote on Res. 239) providing for consideration of this in a few days now; that is, they are communications were taken from the the bill (H.R. 985) to amend title 5, Speaker’s table and referred as follows: going to vote on the Castle-DeGette United States Code, to clarify which 817. A letter from the General Counsel, Na- bill. It will certainly pass, and I think disclosures of information are pro- they are voting on exactly the same tional Credit Union Administration, trans- tected from prohibited personnel prac- mitting the Administration’s final rule — bill. So it does not even need to go to tices; to require a statement in non- General Lending Maturity Limit and Other conference. It will then go to the Presi- disclosure policies, forms, and agree- Financial Services (RIN: 3133-AD30) received dent, and the President will do what he ments to the effect that such policies, March 8, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. did in the last Congress. He will veto forms, and agreements are consistent 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Financial the bill. with certain disclosure protections, Services. So here we will be with only a few and for other purposes, which was re- 818. A letter from the Senior Legal Advi- embryonic stem cell lines running out. ferred to the House Calendar and or- sor, OGC, FERC, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, transmitting the Commission’s They are all contaminated with mouse dered to be printed. feeder cells, and so they may or may final rule — Preventing Undue Discrimina- f tion and Preference in Transmission Service not be amenable to actual therapy, but LEAVE OF ABSENCE [Docket Nos. RM05-17-000 and RM05-25-000; in any event, these stem cell lines do Order No. 890] received March 7, 2007, pursu- run out. With the enormous potential By unanimous consent, leave of ab- ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee that many people believe embryonic sence was granted to: on Energy and Commerce.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13MR7.087 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE H2484 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 13, 2007 819. A letter from the Program Analyst, Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model the Department’s final rule — Revision of Department of Transportation, transmitting Galaxy and Model Gulfstream 200 Airplanes Class E Airspace; Iliamna, AK [Docket No. the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness [Docket No. FAA-2005-23478; Directorate FAA-2006-25182; Airspace Docket No. 06-AAL- Directives; Eurocopter France Model Identifier 2005-NM-175-AD; Amendment 39- 21] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received February 27, AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters [Docket 14602; AD 2006-10-18] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the No. 2003-SW-10-AD; Amendment 39-14621; AD February 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Committee on Transportation and Infra- 2003-21-09 R1] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received Feb- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- structure. ruary 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. tation and Infrastructure. 837. A letter from the Program Analyst, 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- 828. A letter from the Program Analyst, Department of Transportation, transmitting tation and Infrastructure. Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department’s final rule — Removal of 820. A letter from the Program Analyst, the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness Class E Airspace; Cedar Springs, GA [Docket Department of Transportation, transmitting Directives; Honeywell International Inc. No. FAA-2006-26155; Airspace Docket No. 06- the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness T5311A, T5311B, T5313A, T5317A, T5317A-1, ASO-15] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received February Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 and T5317B Series Turboshaft Engines and 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to (Regional Jet Series 100 and 440) Airplanes Lycoming Former Military T53-L11B, T53-L- the Committee on Transportation and Infra- [Docket No. FAA-2006-23936; Directorate 11D, T53-L-13B, T53-L-13B/D, and T53-L-703 structure. Identifier 2005-NM-215-AD; Amendment 39- Series Turboshaft Engines [Docket No. 98- 838. A letter from the Program Analyst, 14590; AD 2006-10-06] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received ANE-72-AD; Amendment 39-14620; AD 2006-11- Department of Transportation, transmitting February 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 16] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received February 27, the Department’s final rule — Revision of 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Class E Airspace; Hooper Bay, AK [Docket tation and Infrastructure. Committee on Transportation and Infra- No. FAA-2006-24675; Airspace Docket No. 06- 821. A letter from the Program Analyst, structure. AAL-14] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received February Department of Transportation, transmitting 829. A letter from the Attorney, Depart- 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness ment of Transportation, transmitting the the Committee on Transportation and Infra- Directives; Boeing Model 747-200B, 747-200C, Department’s final rule — Hazardous Mate- structure. 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747SP Series Air- rials Regulations: Transportation of Com- 839. A letter from the Program Analyst, planes [Docket No. FAA-2006-23819; Direc- pressed Oxygen, Other Oxidizing Gases and Department of Transportation, transmitting torate Identifier 2005-NM-223-AD; Amend- Chemical Oxygen Generators on Aircraft the Department’s final rule — Revision of ment 39-14588; AD 2006-10-04] (RIN: 2120-AA64) [Docket No. RSPA-04-17664 (HM-224B)] (RIN: Class E Airspace; Perryville, AK [Docket No. received February 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 2137-AD33) received February 27, 2007, pursu- FAA-2006-24748; Airspace Docket No. 06-AAL- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee 15] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received February 27, Transportation and Infrastructure. on Transportation and Infrastructure. 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the 822. A letter from the Program Analyst, 830. A letter from the Program Analyst, Committee on Transportation and Infra- Department of Transportation, transmitting Department of Transportation, transmitting structure. the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness the Department’s final rule — Modification 840. A letter from the Program Analyst, Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) of the Class B Airspace Area; Atlanta, GA Department of Transportation, transmitting PW535A Turboshaft Engines [Docket No. [Docket No. FAA-2006-25831; Airspace Docket the Department’s final rule — Revision of FAA-2006-24117; Directorate Identifier 2006- No. 06-AWA-1] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received Feb- Class E Airspace; Homer, AK [Docket No. NE-07-AD; Amendment 39-14570; AD 2006-08- ruary 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. FAA-2006-25762; Airspace Docket No. 06-AAL- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- 13] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received February 27, 25] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received February 27, tation and Infrastructure. 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the 831. A letter from the Program Analyst, Committee on Transportation and Infra- Committee on Transportation and Infra- Department of Transportation, transmitting structure. structure. the Department’s final rule — Re-Designa- 823. A letter from the Program Analyst, 841. A letter from the Program Analyst, tion of VOR Federal Airway V-431; Alaska Department of Transportation, transmitting Department of Transportation, transmitting [Docket No. FAA-2006-25186; Airspace Docket the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness the Department’s final rule — Revision of No. 06-AAL-18] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Model AT-501 Class E Airspace; Kodiak, AK [Docket No. February 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006-23647; Direc- FAA-2006-25763; Airspace Docket No. 06-AAL- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- torate Identifier 2006-CE-06-AD; Amendment 26] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received February 27, tation and Infrastructure. 39-14564; AD 2002-11-05 R1] (RIN: 2120-AA64) 832. A letter from the Program Analyst, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the received February 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 Department of Transportation, transmitting Committee on Transportation and Infra- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on the Department’s final rule — Revision of structure. Transportation and Infrastructure. Class E Airspace; Sheridan, WY [Docket No. 842. A letter from the Program Analyst, 824. A letter from the Program Analyst, FAA-2006-25038; Airspace Docket No. 06- Department of Transportation, transmitting Department of Transportation, transmitting ANM-4] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received February the Department’s final rule — Revision of the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to Class E Airspace; St. Michael, AK [Docket Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Lim- the Committee on Transportation and Infra- No. FAA-2006-25825; Airspace Docket No. 06- ited Model BAe 146 Airplanes and Model Avro structure. AAL-27] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received February 146-RJ Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2005-23215; 833. A letter from the Program Analyst, 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-212-AD; Department of Transportation, transmitting the Committee on Transportation and Infra- Amendment 39-14596; AD 2006-10-12] (RIN: the Department’s final rule — Change of structure. 2120-AA64) received February 27, 2007, pursu- Using Agency for Restricted Area R-2202, Big 843. A letter from the Program Analyst, ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee Delta, AK. [Docket No. FAA-2006-26133; Air- Department of Transportation, transmitting on Transportation and Infrastructure. space Docket No. 06-AAL-33] (RIN: 2120-AA66) the Department’s final rule — Revision of 825. A letter from the Program Analyst, received February 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 Class E Airspace; Tok Junction, AK [Docket Department of Transportation, transmitting U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on No. FAA-2006-25826; Airspace Docket No. 06- the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness Transportation and Infrastructure. AAL-28] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received February Directives; BURKHART GROB LUFT-UND- 834. A letter from the Program Analyst, 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to RAUMFAHRT GmbH & Co. KG, Model G 103 Department of Transportation, transmitting the Committee on Transportation and Infra- C Twin III SL Sailplanes [Docket No. FAA- the Department’s final rule — Change of structure. 2005-20768; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-16- Controlling Agency and Using Agency for 844. A letter from the Program Analyst, AD; Amendment 39-14554; AD 2006-08-01] (RIN: Restricted Areas R-6608A, B, C; Quantico, Department of Transportation, transmitting 2120-AA64) received February 27, 2007, pursu- VA. [Docket No. FAA-2006-26351; Airspace the Department’s final rule — Establishment ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee Docket No. 06-AS0-12] (RIN: 2120-AA66) re- of Restricted Area 5601F; Fort Still, OK on Transportation and Infrastructure. ceived February 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. [Docket No. FAA-2005-22680; Airspace Docket 826. A letter from the Program Analyst, 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- No. 05-ASW-3] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received Feb- Department of Transportation, transmitting tation and Infrastructure. ruary 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness 835. A letter from the Program Analyst, 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Department of Transportation, transmitting tation and Infrastructure. Model S-92A Helicopters [Docket No. FAA- the Department’s final rule — Establishment 845. A letter from the Program Analyst, 2006-24875; Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-03- of Class E Airspace; Kokhanok, AK [Docket Department of Transportation, transmitting AD; Amendment 39-14618; AD 2006-11-14] (RIN: No. FAA-2006-25180; Airspace Docket No. 06- the Department’s final rule — Establishment 2120-AA64) received February 27, 2007, pursu- AAL-19] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received February of Class D Airspace; Castle Airport, Atwater, ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to CA [Docket FAA 2006-25671; Airspace Docket on Transportation and Infrastructure. the Committee on Transportation and Infra- 06-AWP-15] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received Feb- 827. A letter from the Program Analyst, structure. ruary 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Department of Transportation, transmitting 836. A letter from the Program Analyst, 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness Department of Transportation, transmitting tation and Infrastructure.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:13 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L13MR7.000 H13MRPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMHOUSE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2485 846. A letter from the Program Analyst, dependents of employees; to the Committee sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, transmitting on Ways and Means. committee concerned. the Department’s final rule — Establishment By Mr. BARROW (for himself, Mr. By Mr. BLUMENAUER (for himself, of Alaskan High Altitude Reporting Points, MARSHALL, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. WEXLER, and Mr. WELLER): AK [Docket No. FAA-2006-26244; Airspace Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. LEWIS of H.R. 1497. A bill to amend the Lacey Act Docket No. 06-AAL-36] (RIN: 2120-AA66) re- Georgia, and Mr. SCOTT of Georgia): Amendments of 1981 to extend its protections ceived February 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. H.R. 1489. A bill to amend title XXI of the to plants illegally harvested outside of the 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- Social Security Act to eliminate the remain- United States, and for other purposes; to the tation and Infrastructure. der of the funding shortfalls in the State Committee on Natural Resources. 847. A letter from the Program Analyst, Children’s Health Insurance Program By Mr. BLUMENAUER (for himself, Department of Transportation, transmitting (SCHIP) for fiscal year 2007; to the Com- Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. MORAN the Department’s final rule — Establishment mittee on Energy and Commerce. of Virginia, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. SNY- of Class D Airspace; Eastman, GA; Correc- By Mr. DONNELLY (for himself and DER, Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, Mr. tion [Docket No. FAA-2006-25270; Airspace Mr. UPTON) (both by request): MCDERMOTT, Mr. FARR, and Mr. Docket No. 06-ASO-9] (RIN: 2120-AA66) re- H.R. 1490. A bill to provide for a presump- CAPUANO): ceived February 27, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. tion of service-connectedness for certain H.R. 1498. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- claims for benefits under the laws adminis- enue Code of 1986 to extend the transpor- tation and Infrastructure. tered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, tation fringe benefit to bicycle commuters; and for other purposes; to the Committee on to the Committee on Ways and Means. f Veterans’ Affairs. By Mr. CUMMINGS: REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON By Mr. DAVIS of Alabama (for himself H.R. 1499. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- and Mr. RAMSTAD): enue Code of 1986 to exempt from the harbor PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS H.R. 1491. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- maintenance tax certain commercial cargo Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of enue Code of 1986 to provide an incentive to loaded or unloaded at United States ports; to committees were delivered to the Clerk preserve affordable housing in multifamily the Committee on Ways and Means. for printing and reference to the proper housing units which are sold or exchanged; By Mr. DEFAZIO: H.R. 1500. A bill to provide for the sta- calendar, as follows: to the Committee on Ways and Means. By Mr. HONDA: bilization of prices for gasoline, and for other Mr. HASTINGS (FL): Committee on Rules. H.R. 1492. A bill to provide for the estab- purposes; to the Committee on Energy and House Resolution 239. Resolution providing lishment at the National Science Foundation Commerce, and in addition to the Commit- for consideration of the bill (H.R. 985) to of a program to promote and assist the tees on Ways and Means, Oversight and Gov- amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify teaching of inventiveness and innovation; to ernment Reform, the Judiciary, Natural Re- which disclosures of information are pro- the Committee on Science and Technology, sources, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to tected from prohibited personnel practices; and in addition to the Committee on Edu- be subsequently determined by the Speaker, to require a statement in nondisclosure poli- cation and Labor, for a period to be subse- in each case for consideration of such provi- cies, forms, and agreements to the effect quently determined by the Speaker, in each sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the that such policies, forms, and agreements case for consideration of such provisions as committee concerned. are consistent with certain disclosure pro- fall within the jurisdiction of the committee By Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania (for tections, and for other purposes (Rept. 110– concerned. himself and Mr. GENE GREEN of 48). Referred to the House Calendar. By Mr. MICA (for himself, Mr. DUNCAN, Texas): f Mr. SHUSTER, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, H.R. 1501. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Mr. PETRI, Mr. COBLE, Mr. EHLERS, Social Security Act to adjust the fee for col- TIME LIMITATION OF REFERRED Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. GARY G. MIL- lecting specimens for clinical diagnostic lab- BILL LER of California, Mr. HAYES, Mr. oratory tests under the Medicare Program; BROWN of South Carolina, Mr. to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XII the PLATTS, Mr. MACK, Mr. KUHL of New and in addition to the Committee on Ways following action was taken by the York, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mrs. and Means, for a period to be subsequently Speaker: SCHMIDT, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mrs. DRAKE, determined by the Speaker, in each case for [Omitted from the Record of March 12, 2007] Ms. FALLIN, and Mr. BUCHANAN): consideration of such provisions as fall with- H.R. 1493. A bill to authorize the Secretary in the jurisdiction of the committee con- H.R. 1362. Referral to the Committee on of Transportation to make grants to public cerned. Armed Services extended for a period ending transportation agencies, over-the-road bus By Ms. FALLIN (for herself and Mr. not later than March 14, 2007. operators, railroads, and other certain enti- COLE of Oklahoma): f ties to improve security, and for other pur- H.R. 1502. A bill to treat certain payments poses; to the Committee on Transportation made by Edmond, Oklahoma, as satisfying PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS and Infrastructure. its obligations under the water storage con- Under clause 2 of rule XII, public By Mr. MARKEY (for himself and Mr. trol for Lake Arcadia, Oklahoma, and for bills and resolutions were introduced ROGERS of Michigan): other purposes; to the Committee on Trans- H.R. 1494. A bill to improve the process for and severally referred, as follows: portation and Infrastructure. the development of needed pediatric medical By Mr. GRIJALVA: By Mr. MCKEON (for himself, Mr. devices; to the Committee on Energy and H.R. 1503. A bill to amend the Reclamation BOEHNER, Mr. WILSON of South Caro- Commerce. Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Fa- lina, Mr. EHLERS, Mr. SOUDER, Mr. By Mr. OBERSTAR (for himself and cilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the WALBERG, Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. SAM Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Interior to participate in the Avra/Black JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. Texas): Wash Reclamation and Riparian Restoration FORTUN˜ O, Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Ten- H.R. 1495. A bill to provide for the con- Project; to the Committee on Natural Re- nessee, Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, and servation and development of water and re- sources. Ms. FOXX): lated resources, to authorize the Secretary By Mr. LOBIONDO (for himself and Mr. H.R. 1486. A bill to amend the Elementary of the Army to construct various projects for MCINTYRE): and Seconday Education Act of 1965 to pro- improvements to rivers and harbors of the H.R. 1504. A bill to ensure the continuation vide parental choice for those students that United States, and for other purposes; to the and improvement of coastal restoration; to attend schools that are in need of improve- Committee on Transportation and Infra- the Committee on Transportation and Infra- ment and have been identified for restruc- structure. structure. turing; to the Committee on Education and By Mr. BAIRD (for himself, Mrs. CUBIN, By Mr. LOEBSACK (for himself and Labor. and Mr. MATHESON): Mr. BRALEY of Iowa): By Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia: H.R. 1496. A bill to provide incentives for H.R. 1505. A bill to designate the Federal H.R. 1487. A bill to amend title XXI of the pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology building located at 131 East 4th Street in Social Security Act to make available addi- companies, and medical device companies to Davenport, Iowa, as the ‘‘James A. Leach tional amounts to address funding shortfalls invest in research and development with re- Federal Building‘‘; to the Committee on in the State Children’s Health Insurance spect to antibiotic drugs, antivirals, diag- Transportation and Infrastructure. Program for fiscal year 2007; to the Com- nostic tests, and vaccines that may be used By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. mittee on Energy and Commerce. to identify, treat, or prevent serious and life- PLATTS, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of Cali- By Mr. KELLER (for himself, Mr. KIND, threatening infectious diseases; to the Com- fornia, Mr. KIRK, Mr. RANGEL, Mrs. and Mr. WELLER): mittee on Energy and Commerce, and in ad- BONO, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, H.R. 1488. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- dition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Mr. WOLF, Mr. LANTOS, Mr. YOUNG of enue Code of 1986 to expand the exclusion for and Ways and Means, for a period to be sub- Florida, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. employer-provided educational assistance to sequently determined by the Speaker, in KING of New York, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. include educational assistance provided to each case for consideration of such provi- TOM DAVIS of Virginia, Mr. SESTAK,

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Mr. GILCHREST, Ms. SOLIS, Mr. CAS- H.R. 1510. A bill to require enhanced disclo- the International Tracing Service (ITS) who TLE, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. GERLACH, Mr. sure to consumers regarding the con- have yet to ratify the May 2006 Amendments OLVER, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. WYNN, Mr. sequences of making only minimum required to the 1955 Bonn Accords Treaty, to expedite RAMSTAD, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. LOBIONDO, payments in the repayment of credit card the ratification process to allow for open ac- Mr. WEINER, Mr. REICHERT, Ms. debt, and for other purposes; to the Com- cess to the Holocaust archives located at Bad HOOLEY, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. INSLEE, Mr. mittee on Financial Services. Arolsen, Germany; to the Committee on For- SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. By Mr. ROHRABACHER: eign Affairs. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. H.R. 1511. A bill to amend the By Ms. WATERS (for herself, Mr. BACH- HODES, Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide US, Mr. DELAHUNT, Ms. LEE, Mr. Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Mr. KUHL of New relief with respect to rent and mortgage pay- PAYNE, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. GUTIERREZ, York, Mr. PETRI, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. ments for members of the reserve compo- and Mrs. MALONEY of New York): VAN HOLLEN, and Mr. PALLONE): nents who are called to active duty and to H. Res. 241. A resolution urging multilat- H.R. 1506. A bill to increase fuel economy amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to eral financial institutions to cancel com- standards for automobiles, and for other pur- allow a refundable credit to lessors for pay- pletely and immediately Haiti’s debts to poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- ments foregone by reason of such relief; to such institutions, and for other purposes; to merce. the Committee on Ways and Means, and in the Committee on Financial Services. By Mr. MCDERMOTT (for himself, Mr. addition to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- f PETRI, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. SHAYS, fairs, for a period to be subsequently deter- Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- ADDITIONAL SPONSORS sideration of such provisions as fall within WALSH of New York, Mr. PALLONE, Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors Mr. RAMSTAD, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. ´ were added to public bills and resolu- GILCHREST, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, By Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of Cali- Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, Mr. fornia (for herself, Mrs. MCCARTHY of tions as follows: WEINER, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mrs. New York, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. GRIJALVA, H.R. 20: Mr. PICKERING and Mr. BURGESS. NAPOLITANO, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. Mr. BERMAN, Mrs. BONO, Mr. H.R. 40: Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. STARK, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mrs. CARDOZA, Mr. LANTOS, Ms. HARMAN, H.R. 63: Mr. WESTMORELAND and Mr. TAUSCHER, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Ms. WATSON, Mr. SHERMAN, Mrs. MCCOTTER. Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. KEN- NAPOLITANO, Mr. BACA, Ms. WOOLSEY, H.R. 111: Mr. MCNULTY, Mrs. WILSON of NEDY, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. HONDA, Mr. Mrs. DAVIS of California, Ms. SOLIS, New Mexico, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mrs. BISHOP of New York, Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. BOYDA of Kansas, Mr. RENZI, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. Mr. TOWNS, Mr. DOGGETT, Ms. LORET- AL GREEN of Texas, Mrs. TAUSCHER, WU, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. MARKEY, and Mr. TA SANCHEZ of California, Mr. COO- Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California, Mr. SMITH of Washington. PER, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, and Mr. MCDERMOTT, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. H.R. 140: Mr. POE. LYNCH): GUTIERREZ, Mr. FARR, Mr. HIGGINS, H.R. 241: Mr. MCHUGH. H.R. 1507. A bill to ensure that proper in- Mr. CROWLEY, and Mr. KAGEN): H.R. 274: Mr. MORAN of Virginia. formation gathering and planning are under- H.R. 1512. A bill to amend the Immigration H.R. 281: Mr. BACA. taken to secure the preservation and recov- and Nationality Act to provide for com- H.R. 285: Mr. ALTMIRE. ery of the salmon and steelhead of the Co- pensation to States incarcerating undocu- H.R. 303: Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. BERMAN, and lumbia River Basin in a manner that pro- mented aliens charged with a felony or two Mr. KING of Iowa. tects and enhances local communities, en- or more misdemeanors; to the Committee on H.R. 358: Mr. GOODE, Mr. MCINTYRE, Mrs. sures effective expenditure of Federal re- the Judiciary. DRAKE, Mr. LAMPSON, and Mr. MCNERNEY. sources, and maintains reasonably priced, re- By Mr. PASCRELL (for himself, Mr. H.R. 395: Mr. GRIJALVA. liable power, to direct the Secretary of Com- PLATTS, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. BOSWELL, H.R. 413: Mr. COHEN. merce to seek scientific analysis of Federal Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. H.R. 464: Mr. ELLISON. efforts to restore salmon and steelhead listed CARNEY, Mr. CLAY, Mr. CUMMINGS, H.R. 472: Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, Mrs. H.R. 473: Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. and for other purposes; to the Committee on DAVIS of California, Mr. DELAHUNT, H.R. 477: Mr. DAVIS of Alabama and Mr. Natural Resources. Mr. DONNELLY, Mr. EMANUEL, Mr. YOUNG of Florida. By Mr. MEEKS of New York (for him- FARR, Ms. HERSETH, Mr. HINCHEY, Ms. H.R. 511: Mr. PICKERING, Mr. HASTINGS of self, Mr. FEENEY, Mr. WESTMORE- HIRONO, Mr. HOLT, Mr. JEFFERSON, Washington, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. MICA, Mr. LAND, Mr. HENSARLING, Mrs. MILLER Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. PETRI, Mr. of Michigan, Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. GAR- LOBIONDO, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. WHITFIELD, and Mr. LUCAS. RETT of New Jersey, Mr. GINGREY, MCCOTTER, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. H.R. 545: Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. CARTER, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. MILLER H.R. 549: Mr. ROTHMAN. GOODE, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. BARRETT of Florida, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, H.R. 553: Mr. ROSKAM and Mr. RYAN of Wis- of South Carolina, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts, Mr. consin. GOHMERT, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. FLAKE, PAYNE, Mr. PETRI, Mr. ROGERS of H.R. 562: Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. Mr. PITTS, Mr. NEUGEBAUER, Mr. Alabama, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. SMITH of H.R. 566: Ms. NORTON. AKIN, Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, Mr. New Jersey, Mr. SNYDER, Mr. STARK, H.R. 612: Mr. HALL of New York and Ms. PUTNAM, Mr. MACK, Mr. ROYCE, Mr. Ms. SUTTON, Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. VAN CORRINE BROWN of Florida. SESSIONS, Mr. PAUL, and Mr. TOWNS): HOLLEN, Mr. WAXMAN, and Mr. WELCH H.R. 678: Ms. DEGETTE. H.R. 1508. A bill to reform certain provi- of Vermont): H.R. 698: Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. CARDOZA, Mr. sions of section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley H. Con. Res. 91. Concurrent resolution ex- MICHAUD, Mr. BOUCHER, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. Act of 2002 to make compliance with that pressing the need for enhanced public aware- ROTHMAN, and Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. section more efficient, with the goal of ness of traumatic brain injury and support H.R. 727: Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. maintaining United States capital market for the designation of a National Brain In- H.R. 736: Mr. JONES of North Carolina. global competitiveness; to the Committee on jury Awareness Month; to the Committee on H.R. 751: Mrs. MYRICK. Financial Services. Energy and Commerce. H.R. 769: Mr. BUCHANAN. By Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts (for By Mr. HASTINGS of Florida (for him- H.R. 821: Ms. SCHWARTZ. himself, Mr. CAMP of Michigan, Mr. self, Mr. WEXLER, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, H.R. 880: Mr. MCCOTTER. CANTOR, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. DAVIS of Mr. KIRK, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Ms. H.R. 901: Mr. OBERSTAR and Mr. UDALL of Alabama, Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsyl- BERKLEY, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. LIN- Colorado. vania, Mr. HERGER, Mr. SAM JOHNSON DER, Mr. WEINER, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. H.R. 910: Mr. BOREN. of Texas, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, CANTOR, Mr. MCNULTY, Ms. H.R. 938: Mr. MICA. Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky, Mr. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mrs. MALONEY H.R. 972: Mr. GORDON. MCDERMOTT, Mr. MILLER of Florida, of New York, Mr. MEEK of Florida, H.R. 980: Mr. GRAVES, Mr. VISCLOSKY, Mr. Mr. POMEROY, Mr. RAMSTAD, Mrs. Mr. BERMAN, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. ROSS, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. YARMUTH, Mr. TOM JONES of Ohio, and Mr. WELLER): ISRAEL, Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of DAVIS of Virginia, Mrs. WILSON of New Mex- H.R. 1509. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- California, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of ico, Ms. HARMAN, Mr. SMITH of Washington, enue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the Florida, Mr. ROTHMAN, Mrs. MCCAR- Mr. PORTER, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, subpart F exemption for active financing in- THY of New York, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. Mr. ROTHMAN, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. GEORGE come; to the Committee on Ways and Means. FOSSELLA, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. ENGEL, MILLER of California, and Mr. SIRES. By Mr. PRICE of North Carolina (for Mr. NADLER, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, H.R. 997: Mr. HERGER, Mr. HOEKSTRA, Mr. himself, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. Mr. HONDA, Mr. LANTOS, Mr. CROW- GOODLATTE, Mr. CALVERT, Ms. GINNY BROWN- GRIJALVA, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. RYAN of LEY, Mr. DAVIS of Alabama, Mr. WAITE of Florida, Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. GARY Ohio, Mr. CONYERS, Ms. SCHWARTZ, SHIMKUS, and Mr. SESSIONS): G. MILLER of California, Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. Mr. ETHERIDGE, and Mr. UDALL of H. Res. 240. A resolution urging all member MICA, Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, and Mr. TAY- Colorado): countries of the International Commission of LOR.

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H.R. 998: Ms. HIRONO and Mr. YARMUTH. H.R. 1246: Mr. SARBANES. H. Con. Res. 21: Mr. DAVIS of Illinois and H.R. 1014: Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. JINDAL, and H.R. 1278: Mr. EHLERS. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Ms. FALLIN. H.R. 1279: Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. COOPER, Ms. H. Con. Res. 53: Mr. WYNN and Ms. HIRONO. H.R. 1022: Mr. BERMAN, Mr. DELAHUNT, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, and Mr. H. Con. Res. 88: Mr. STARK, Mr. BROWN of HIRONO, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. KUHL of New York. South Carolina, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, and Ms. PASCRELL, Ms. SLAUGHTER, and Ms. H.R. 1280: Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. PLATTS, and HARMAN. Mr. MURTHA. DEGETTE. H. Res. 55: Mr. RUSH, Ms. MCCOLLUM of H.R. 1049: Mr. MACK and Mr. BARRETT of H.R. 1282: Mr. CUELLAR and Mr. MCHUGH. Minnesota, and Mr. CONYERS. South Carolina. H.R. 1283: Mr. HALL of Texas, Mr. ISRAEL, H. Res. 107: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Ms. H.R. 1061: Mr. LATOURETTE and Mr. UPTON. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. KNOLLENBERG, HARMAN, Mr. KING of New York, and Mr. H.R. 1076: Mr. FILNER and Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, and HARE. H.R. 1093: Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Mr. LATHAM. Florida and Mr. WEXLER. H.R. 1284: Mr. HARE. H. Res. 111: Mr. ROHRABACHER. H.R. 1104: Mr. MCNULTY. H.R. 1303: Mr. WYNN. H. Res. 123: Mr. PASCRELL, and Mr. H.R. 1110: Mr. GEORGE MILLER of Cali- H.R. 1307: Mrs. MYRICK. GRIJALVA. fornia, Mr. MORAN of Kansas, Mr. SAXTON, H.R. 1314: Mr. CAMPBELL of California and H. Res. 146: Ms. NORTON. Mr. PALLONE, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. DOOLITTLE, Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. H. Res. 196: Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, H.R. 1324: Mr. LOBIONDO. H. Res. 221: Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia and Mr. YARMUTH, Mr. HOLT, Mr. GOODE, Mr. H.R. 1330: Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. PETERSON of Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Minnesota, and Mr. HILL. H. Res. 222: Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsyl- Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. MOORE of H.R. 1335: Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. vania, Mr. HARE, and Mr. KUCINICH. H.R. 1342: Mrs. MYRICK and Mr. GOODE. Kansas, Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida, H. Res. 224: Mr. BURTON of Indiana. H.R. 1365: Mr. FEENEY. Mr. GRAVES, Mrs. DRAKE, Mr. PAUL, Mr. H. Res. 230: Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- H.R. 1366: Mr. FEENEY. TIERNEY, Mr. ROSS, Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, fornia, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. HASTINGS of Flor- H.R. 1371: Mr. ELLSWORTH and Mr. Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. JONES of North Carolina, ida, Mr. SIRES and Mr. FORTUN˜ O. HASTERT. Mr. KAGEN, Ms. WOOLSEY, and Mr. WEXLER. H. Res. 231: Ms. FOXX. H.R. 1132: Mr. STARK, Mr. KAGEN, Ms. H.R. 1391: Ms. NORTON and Mr. CUMMINGS. DEGETTE, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. CUMMINGS, and Mr. H.R. 1413: Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida GONZALEZ. and Mrs. MYRICK. f H.R. 1137: Mr. BURTON of Indiana. H.R. 1430: Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. PLATTS, and Mr. BACHUS. H.R. 1147: Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. DAVIS of Ala- DELETIONS OF SPONSORS FROM bama, and Mr. PORTER. H.R. 1448: Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. H.R. 1150: Mr. REYES. DOGGETT, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. BURTON of Indi- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS H.R. 1153: Mr. POE. ana, Mr. ENGEL, Ms. HOOLEY, and Mr. OLVER. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 1188: Mr. LATHAM. H.J. Res. 9: Mr. LAHOOD, Mr. TERRY, and were deleted from public bills and reso- H.R. 1217: Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. H.R. 1238: Ms. DEGETTE and Ms. ZOE H.J. Res. 37: Mr. MCCOTTER and Mr. CAN- lutions as follows: LOFGREN of California. TOR. H. Res. 106: Mr. MOORE of Kansas.

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Vol. 153 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2007 No. 43 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was appoint the Honorable JON TESTER, a Sen- RECOGNITION OF THE called to order by the Honorable JON ator from the State of Montana, to perform REPUBLICAN LEADER the duties of the Chair. TESTER, a Senator from the State of The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Montana. ROBERT C. BYRD, President pro tempore. pore. The Republican leader is recog- PRAYER Mr. TESTER thereupon assumed the nized. The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- chair as Acting President pro tempore. f fered the following prayer: f U.S. ATTORNEYS Let us pray: Forever God, Lord of the beginning RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, let and the end, thank You for being our The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- me add to the majority leader’s obser- creator and sustainer. Uphold our Sen- pore. Under the previous order, leader- vation that with regard to the U.S. at- ators as they go forth today to do Your ship time is reserved. torneys bill this morning, we have cop- work. f ies of a couple of amendments that will Lord, keep them from the detours be offered to that bill. That should that prevent them from making real RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY allow us to go forward with the unani- progress and provide for all their needs. LEADER mous consent agreement, as I indicated Save them from perplexity and fear as The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- to the majority leader yesterday, You remind them that everything will pore. The majority leader is recog- which may allow us to vitiate cloture pass away, but You are eternal. Help nized. on that measure. them to avoid every sin and to forsake f Mr. REID. Mr. President, we agree every source of evil. generally with the amendments. They Give our lawmakers and all of us who SCHEDULE appear to be reasonable. I think it work with them Your strength to en- Mr. REID. Mr. President, there will would be a good way to set this matter dure and Your courage to triumph in be 60 minutes of morning business aside. We should be able to vitiate clo- things great and small that we attempt today, with the time equally divided ture. As we speak, the persons inter- for the good of all. between the Republicans and Demo- ested in the bill are looking at the We pray in Your majestic Name. crats. Following morning business, the amendments and, hopefully, the unani- Amen. Senate will resume consideration of S. mous consent can be done rapidly. f 4, and the managers will be here ready f PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE to proceed with amendments, which I understand do not require rollcall MORNING BUSINESS The Honorable JON TESTER led the Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: votes, and also to clear some managers’ The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the amendments. pore. Under the previous order, there United States of America, and to the Repub- There will be debate on two Coburn will now be a period for the transaction lic for which it stands, one nation under God, amendments until 11:45 this morning, of morning business for 60 minutes, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. and the Senate will conduct two roll- with the time to be equally divided be- f call votes. tween the leaders or their designees, ORDER OF PROCEDURE and with Senators permitted to speak APPOINTMENT OF ACTING therein for up to 10 minutes each. PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE I ask unanimous consent that no sec- ond-degree amendments be in order to The Senator from Washington is rec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The either Coburn amendment. ognized. clerk will please read a communication The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- f to the Senate from the President pro pore. Without objection, it is so or- tempore (Mr. BYRD). dered. CONDITIONS AT WALTER REED The assistant legislative clerk read Mr. REID. Mr. President, at conclu- HOSPITAL the following letter: sion of the second vote, the Senate will Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, by U.S. SENATE, recess for the regular Tuesday party now, most Americans have heard about PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, conferences and then return at 2:15 to the appalling conditions at Walter Washington, DC, March 13, 2007. To the Senate: continue debate on the remaining Reed, as exposed by the Washington Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, amendments to S. 4. Other rollcall Post articles. Those stories detailed of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby votes will occur this afternoon. conditions which not one of us should

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

S3013

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Their Army Secretary Harvey, Lieutenant weekend to see that some of these series also showed the administration General Kiley, and Major General brave men and women who have been is failing to provide adequate medical Weightman ignored for years the prob- injured in Iraq are now facing the in- care for our injured troops who face in- lems at Walter Reed, the buck stops dignity of being sent back before being excusably long waits for the most basic with the President. As the White House cleared for duty. care. If squalid living conditions and spokesperson said a few weeks ago, the According to a Salon.com article lack of adequate medical care are not administration has been aware of this from March 11, several dozen injured bad enough, troops face a daunting for some time. soldiers at Fort Benning, GA, are being maze of paperwork for the simplest Real accountability is not just find- sent back to Iraq as part of the Presi- things. ing fall guys; it is publicly owning up dent’s escalation plan. Those soldiers, One serviceman had to show his Pur- to failures and, even more important, the article tells us, have various med- ple Heart to even prove he had served changing course. Moreover, it is un- ical problems that should prevent them in Iraq. Others told us that when they likely the panels are the solutions they from returning to battle. But the returned from Iraq, their uniforms seem to be. In the past 7 years, we have President is sending them anyway. were caked in dirt and blood, and they seen many recommendations from Let me quote directly from the arti- were forced to spend endless hours try- many commissions—including those cle: ing to secure new, clean uniforms. A from the 9/11 Commission and the Iraq As the military scrambles to pour more severe shortage of caseworkers means Study Group—simply be ignored by the soldiers into Iraq, a unit of the Army’s 3rd patients endlessly search for answers White House. Infantry Division at Fort Benning, GA, is de- to routine questions. What good are fall guys and commis- ploying troops with serious injuries and Mr. President, our service men and sions if they produce no real change? other medical problems, including GIs who It is now undeniable that the admin- doctors have said are medically unfit for bat- women are not the only ones facing bu- tle. Some are too injured to wear their body reaucratic nightmares. We also learned istration has failed our troops and vet- armor, according to medical records. of problems their families face when erans. What is needed, and what these On February 15, Master Sgt. Jenkins and 74 they try to visit their loved ones at men and women deserve, are real solu- other soldiers with medical conditions from Walter Reed. From a lack of trans- tions that will meet the needs from the the 3rd Division’s 3rd Brigade were sum- lators for families of Hispanic soldiers, battlefield to the VA and everywhere moned to a meeting with the division sur- to complicated and outdated forms for in between. Our forces in battle deserve geon and brigade surgeon. These are the men hotel reimbursement, relatives find adequate body and humvee armor, responsible for handling each soldier’s communications gear, and equipment ‘‘physical profile,’’ an Army document that themselves spending countless hours lists for commanders an injured soldier’s on paperwork—time which could be to jam IEDs. What they don’t need is physical limitations because of medical spent with their injured sons, daugh- another day in the field without those problems—from being unable to fire a weap- ters, husbands, wives, fathers or moth- items. on to the inability to move and dive in three- ers. Our injured heroes returning from to-five second increments to avoid enemy Despite White House efforts, it was Iraq deserve adequate mental care, fire. Jenkins and other soldiers claim that eventually revealed that members of treatment for post-traumatic stress the division and brigade surgeons summarily this administration had known for disorder and traumatic brain injury, downgraded soldiers’ profiles, without even a years of the problems that plagued and they deserve less bureaucratic red- medical exam, in order to deploy them to Iraq. It is a claim division officials deny. Walter Reed. tape. What they don’t need is another The President’s response to Walter report of the administration’s failure Mr. President, that report is very dis- Reed has been slow and more media to care for them or a White House concerting. If it is true, it represents a strategy than substance. Unfortu- media strategy to cover those failures. new outrage and yet another example nately for our troops, the administra- Our veterans of Iraq deserve benefit of how the administration’s failure to tion has tried for weeks to paper over checks to be mailed on time so they plan for the war is being taken out on problems instead of offering us real so- can provide for their families and are our brave women and men. MSG Ron- lutions. Days after the first reports, not forced into homelessness. What ald Jenkins, who is one of the soldiers administration officials repeatedly at- they don’t need is another day without who told Salon he was ordered to Iraq tempted to play down the problems. the benefits they deserve. even though he has a spine problem They painted walls and held press con- In the end, what all of our brave men that doctors say would be damaged by ferences and told America that the and women need is an end to this ad- Army protective gear, said: problems were overblown. But the ministration’s excuses. Democrats This is not right. This whole thing is about press and the American public didn’t know what our troops deserve. We taking care of soldiers. If you are fit to fight, buy it; they have been misled too many know they deserve a Congress that will you are fit to fight. If you are not fit to fight, then you are not fit to fight. times by this administration. Stories not hide this administration’s mis- on the President’s failure to care for takes and will, instead, provide solu- I could not agree with Master Ser- our injured troops continue to appear. tions. Lastly, Democrats took steps to- geant Jenkins more. This whole After 2 weeks of endless news on the ward that goal. thing—the war, the buildup, the after- horrible conditions at Walter Reed, the The HEROES, Honoring and Ensuring math—must be about taking care of administration decided fall guys were Respect for Our Exceptional Soldiers, our soldiers. needed. plan will ensure that our service mem- Mr. President, far too frequently, First to go was MG George W. bers no longer fall through the cracks taking care of our soldiers has been lit- Weightman, the head of the hospital. and fail to receive the treatment they tle more than an afterthought for this The second—a bit higher on the food deserve. It calls for increased oversight administration. Unfortunately, the list chain—was Army Secretary Francis J. and coordination between the various of failures we see goes on and on. Sto- Harvey. Finally, yesterday, the admin- committees overseeing our troops and ries emerge every single day and, still, istration fired Lieutenant General our veterans. This effort is especially with this war, set to enter on Monday Kiley, the Army Surgeon General and important because so many of us know its fifth year, this administration has former head of Walter Reed. the problems at Walter Reed are not failed to make caring for our troops a On top of the fall guys, the adminis- unique. Instead, I fear much of the top priority. tration has created numerous commis- health care system for our troops is There has been more than enough sions to review the care of our injured broken because we failed to do our job. time to address problems facing our troops and veterans. From poor facilities to long waiting troops. Unfortunately, but not surpris- Mr. President, while firing people lines to overwhelming redtape, the sys- ingly, the administration has failed our who were involved in failures and cre- tem is failing our troops. Armed Forces.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.001 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3015 Mr. President, the administration Wyoming generally receives. We also structure. It certainly is important to and Republicans in Congress owe our rarely hear mentioned that their us, and we are making significant troops, their families, and our veterans States, these large States, receive hun- progress in that regard. The Federal a lot more. dreds of millions of dollars through the Government and the railroads have I am not going to sit idly by and wait same program, the homeland security agreements targeted at reducing the for them to act, and I am not going to grant program. But that is not even risk of hazardous materials that are in wait for another commission. I am half the story. These same large States high-threat urban areas around the Na- going to continue to be out here on al- conveniently fail to disclose the fact tion, and these arguments didn’t hap- most a daily basis to talk about it, to that their States also qualify for fund- pen overnight. I understand that, and fight for our troops, for our veterans, ing from the urban grant program, a that is proper. They are well thought and their families. They deserve noth- program that excludes my State and out, with the input from security and ing less. other rural States. industry professionals and all of the ex- I thank the Chair. I yield the floor, So this is one of those times when perts in Congress. Mandatory rerouting and I suggest the absence of a quorum. you have to take a look at all the would not eliminate the risks. Instead, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- States and realize this idea just of pop- it shifts them from one population to pore. The clerk will call the roll. ulation does not work. As we can see another. The assistant legislative clerk pro- on the floor of the Senate, population Forced rerouting could also foreclose ceeded to call the roll. is not the only condition for having routes that are top performers in terms Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I ask two Senators here, fortunately. In any of overall safety and security and re- unanimous consent that the order for event, from fiscal year 2003 through sult in increased risk in exposure and the quorum call be rescinded. 2006, homeland security funding for reduced safety and security. If we force The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- California has been $1.1 billion and New these trains to reroute, imagine the pore. Without objection, it is so or- York received $932 million, compared cost of the goods that will be passed dered. to Wyoming receiving approximately along to the consumer. Railroads are f $20 million its first year. In 4 years required by the Federal Government to HOMELAND SECURITY that figure has fallen to $10 million. transport hazardous materials. They At any rate, as I am suggesting, cannot pick up and abandon a line that Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I want- there is a certain amount of inequity is not profitable. ed to talk a little bit about the bill in terms of the funding formula in this Under this measure, railroads are that we are on, the State homeland se- bill. When we do receive Federal assist- going to have to build a new track and curity formula and the security bill. ance, that money goes a long way, of acquire a lot of land that bypasses Certainly, I am hopeful that we will be course. Unlike many of our urban major metropolitan areas. Imagine the able to complete that soon. I hope that counterparts, we make the best use of demand for the use of eminent domain, we can continue to move forward at a it and always have, but that doesn’t which is one of the difficulties that we little faster pace, perhaps, and do some mean that rural areas are not at risk. have, of course, and is necessary when of the things that need to be done. I In fact, as I said, in many ways you can you talk about this kind of infrastruc- understand the complication of many say it might be easier to attack the ture. of these bills and the importance of rural areas than some of the others. Finally, I would like to respond a lit- them, but I think we do need to con- Most people don’t know that Wyo- tle bit to some of the arguments that sider some of the things that are ahead ming is the largest net exporter of en- the other side has made with respect to of us—immigration, for example, and ergy in the United States. Our energy keeping this bill clear of extraneous health care, and some of those kinds of powers the Nation and is critical to and nongermane amendments. issues that are before us. maintaining our strong national secu- Last week, the minority leader re- This morning, I would like to spend a rity. So rail lines and transmission quested that the Senate vote on a few minutes on one concern I have in lines and refineries are very important package of security-related amend- the pending bill which has to do with not only to our State but to the Na- ments. The majority declined and de- rural America. During last week’s de- tion. cided to filibuster the package instead bate, the Senate effectively voted a There is no question that the econ- and block consideration. Instead of significant cut for rural States. Now, of omy favors dense areas. We have de- having these honest debates on amend- course, I understand we have to con- bated this, as a system, and I suppose ments to improve the bill, the majority sider the impact of homeland security, we will continue to do that. As a mat- sent out a conflicting message. On the but the idea that rural States are not ter of fact, we had a vote where I think one hand, they argued the amendment impacted I certainly don’t think is we lost by only one in terms of increas- to strengthen the security of the coun- completely true. Under the bill, my ing the basic amount States would re- try was nongermane and partisan. On State stands to receive roughly $10 mil- ceive. Hopefully, we can take another the other hand, they argued that a lion out of $3 billion—$10 million in look at this as we go about working union-backed elective bargaining pro- Wyoming. Some people think all we with the House. vision was relevant to our Nation’s se- have is cows and sheep and maybe an I would like to also comment on a curity and wasn’t partisan. oil well or two, but the fact is that we pending amendment which is incon- Mr. President, I am very troubled by do have a base of energy. As a matter sistent with the majority’s will to pro- the inconsistency, particularly on this of fact, in some ways that may be one hibit nongermane amendments. I don’t bill. I know many Members feel the of the most susceptible risks to secu- recall the 9/11 Commission making this same way. In fact, I would like to ref- rity. So I do think there needs to be a recommendation, but we have an erence the comments made on the floor little more discussion in that respect. amendment pending that would reroute of the Senate last week by the Senator For years now, the States of New hazardous materials through our Na- from Michigan, who came to the floor York and California have used Wyo- tion’s small towns instead of through expressing frustration with the lack of ming as a poster child for wasteful big cities. I don’t in any way want to progress on the bill. The Senator was homeland security because Wyoming infer that it is the intention of this concerned about amendments being of- receives a per capita amount. The per amendment to put small towns in fered by the Republicans that would capita amount is relatively high. Why? harm’s way. Unfortunately, the amend- strengthen our national security but Because we have a very small popu- ment has been filed and, indeed, will were not relevant to the 9/11 Commis- lation, half a million compared to 30 or put individuals in rural areas at more sion recommendations. It was stated, 35 million. So the per capita formula is risk than those in urban areas. and I quote: not an indication of the need for the There is no question that we need to I find myself needing to express concern State. It is easy for New York and Cali- secure the rails. Coming from a State about the place in which we find ourselves at fornia to play with the numbers and where the economy relies to a large ex- this point—unable to move forward with the sort of mislead the audience by leaving tent on railroads, I know all too well final bill and the relevant 9/11 Commission ouy the actual amount of money that that security is critical to this infra- amendments that have been offered because

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.002 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 of an effort by the Senate Republican leader port, but a collective bargaining provi- interests in the region. Let’s make it to offer a wide-ranging number of unrelated sion didn’t even make the list. clear. A 1-year date from now, with dis- amendments to the bill. I can only hope that when the bill cretion to the President to leave troops Unfortunately, this frustration was passes and it goes to conference that there to finish the training, with dis- directed at the wrong side of the aisle. conferees will do the right thing and cretion to the President to leave troops Union collective bargaining is not an drop the provision. Failure to do so there to chase al-Qaida, with discretion issue recommended by the 9/11 Commis- will only delay our effort to strengthen to the President to leave troops there sion and should not be in this bill. It this Nation’s security. to protect American facilities and seems to me we are hearing mixed mes- Mr. President, I yield the floor. forces, with the ability to have an sages from the other side. It appears Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I ask over-the-horizon presence—a 1-year that they are willing to include provi- unanimous consent that the remainder deadline from today, which would be sions backed by the unions but not of the time be controlled by this side of entering the 6th year of this war, is not willing to debate and vote on tough se- the aisle, that I be permitted to speak a precipitous withdrawal of any kind curity-related measures such as those for 8 minutes, that the Senator from Il- whatsoever. In fact, there are many contained in the Cornyn amendment. linois, Mr. OBAMA, be permitted to people in the country who think that is The amendment offered by the Sen- speak for 8 minutes, and then we will not soon enough. ator from Texas would do so much see how much time we have remaining. The fact is, this administration more to strengthen our national secu- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- wants to sow fear in Americans, so rity than the labor measure, but Mem- pore. Without objection, it is so or- they choose to debate something that bers on the other side have aggres- dered. is not the proposal of those of us who sively defended that amendment of last f have put this proposal forward. What week. Of these two measures, there can we propose to do is change the strategy EXTENSION OF MORNING be no debate as to which provision does of our mission so we can achieve suc- BUSINESS more to protect our Nation. The other cess. side of the aisle has it wrong. Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I ask What we have seen is that this open- I generally agree with what the Sen- unanimous consent that morning busi- endedness you just kind of say we need ator from Michigan said last week, but ness be extended until the hour of 11:15 to do this and we need to do that and you cannot have it both ways when it in order to accommodate folks on the we want the Iraqis to stand up and we comes to securing our Nation. If we other side of the aisle. want the police to do better and Prime want to limit this bill to debating and The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Minister Maliki said he is going to de- implementing the 9/11 recommenda- pore. Without objection, it is so or- liver—none of that delivers anything. tions, let’s not compromise national dered. The Iraqi politicians know that as long security at the same time by allowing f as there is no deadline, they can take collective bargaining of the TSA IRAQ as long as they want to work out what- screeners. Setting this policy would ever power struggles and differences greatly hinder TSA’s flexibility to re- Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, 9 months they have. So they are using the pres- spond to terrorism threats, flesh intel- ago, 13 Senators cast their vote for a 1- ence of American forces as cover for ligence, and emergencies as they arise. year deadline for redeployment of most their own goals, for their own desires, TSA needs to have the ability to move U.S. troops from Iraq. Our country has until we in the United States say to the screeners around as schedules and been waiting impatiently for Wash- them: Hey, folks, get serious. Our threats change. ington to find the right way forward young people are prepared—obviously, TSA was created to be a nimble agen- for Iraq and the right policy for our because we have been doing it for 4 cy. Let me give some examples of how troops. It seemed then, when those 13 years—to put their lives on the line in TSA has proven its ability to quickly votes were cast, as it does now, that order to help you have democracy, but respond. was the only way to help Iraq and the you have to grab that democracy, you During the August 2006 United King- Middle East to emerge from a night- have to make decisions, and you have dom air bombing threat, TSA screeners marish war that has delivered chaos to go in and police your neighborhoods. were briefed and deployed where they where it sought order, fear where it The only way you are going to were needed to respond to the threat. promised freedom, and open-ended es- change that is by being responsible and TSA has employed its flexibility to calation where the President promised demanding something. evacuate patients at the Texas VA Hos- us mission accomplished. This is a war It provides the President the discre- pital in the path of Hurricane Rita and which has cost us dearly in just about tion to be able to complete the train- helped with the evacuation of people in every possible measure of American in- ing. What else, after 5 years, would we New Orleans following Hurricane terest and power. want to be in Iraq for besides finishing Katrina. Today, Democrats stand nearly the training and standing up the Iraqi Last year, when Lebanon erupted united behind a strategy for success, a forces and chasing al-Qaida and fight- into violence and fighting broke out, strategy for success that includes a ing the legitimate war on terror? TSA was able to rapidly respond to ex- deadline needed to force the Iraqis to This 1-year deadline is sound policy. pedite the evacuation of thousands of stand up for Iraq. A lot has changed in It is based on the Iraq Study Group’s Americans in Lebanon and thousands the last 9 months, but I am more con- goal of redeploying U.S. combat forces of legitimate refugees. vinced than ever that a combination of from Iraq by the first quarter of 2008. It TSA deployed 27 of its officers to Cy- serious, sustained diplomacy, real di- is consistent with the timeframe for prus when fighting broke out. TSA was plomacy, leveraged by a 1-year dead- transferring control to the Iraqis that able to quickly respond, assisting air- line for the redeployment of U.S. was set forth by General Casey and the port authorities with verifying pas- troops, is the best way to achieve our schedule agreed upon by the Iraqi Gov- senger identification documents and goal of stability in Iraq and security in ernment itself. screening the large volume of evacuees. the region. Even the President has said, under This labor-backed provision has I listened to administration his new strategy, responsibility for se- nothing to do with enhancing our spokespeople in the last few days as curity would be transferred to Iraqis homeland security, and the President they went on television blasting the before the end of this year. If the Presi- has repeatedly said he will veto the bill Democratic proposal. It is interesting dent is telling us that responsibility if collective bargaining is included. If how they continue their habit of just for security can be transferred to the we are going to be sincere in improving setting up a straw man, putting some- Iraqis by the end of this year, don’t we homeland security, that is one thing, thing out there that has nothing to do have a right to hold the President ac- but moving forward with collective with the reality of the program, and countable for that goal? Don’t we have bargaining for TSA is unexplainable. then knocking it down. They are fond a right to hold the Iraqis accountable The 9/11 Commission made a lot of rec- of saying: a precipitous withdrawal for that goal? If the goal is to transfer ommendations, most of which I sup- from Iraq would be just terrible to our security to them by the end of this

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.005 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3017 year, how can you resist the notion last person in America who believes Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, I rise, that you are going to leave troops the enemy is waiting or watching the first, to offer strong words of support there to complete the training, chase clock. It is Iraqi politicians who are for the statement that was just offered al-Qaida, protect American forces, but watching the clock. They are the ones by the distinguished Senator from Mas- bring the bulk of our combat forces who are delaying and squabbling. The sachusetts. I also rise today to speak in home so they, indeed, will be standing enemy is busy doing what the enemy support of the Iraq resolution the Sen- up for their own security? has been doing. ate will consider tomorrow. The President has said it. The Iraq Moreover, the Vice President lumps The news from Iraq is very bad. Last Study Group has said it. The generals things together in the word ‘‘enemy’’ week, a suicide bomber stood outside a have said it. Now it is time for the Sen- here in a very strange way. Yes, the bookstore and killed 20 people. Other ate to put it on record as part of our ef- enemy is al-Qaida, and we are focused attacks killed 118 Shia pilgrims. On fort to support this objective. It is long on al-Qaida. But the fact is that this Sunday, a car bomb went off in central since time for the Iraqis to assume re- war in Iraq is fundamentally a civil Baghdad, and more than 30 people died. sponsibility for their country. We need war now. It is a struggle between Sunni The road from the airport into Bagh- this deadline to leverage the Iraqis into and Shia, and the last I knew, they are dad is littered with smoldering debris, making the hard compromises that are Iraqis and they are not our enemy. craters from improvised explosive de- necessary. They are fighting amongst each other vices, and the memories of our sons I might add, no young soldier from for the power and the future of Iraq. and daughters. the United States or Great Britain With each day, this administration The civil war in Iraq rages on. The ought to be dying so that Iraqi politi- becomes more detached from the reali- insurgents have started to change their cians can get more time to squabble, ties. tactics. They hide in buildings and more time to try to strike a better deal I believe if you look at the figures, along the streets and wait for our heli- for themselves. We ought to be working this is not a temporary surge. This copters. They have shot down at least 8 overtime in order to bring about a weekend, we learned that the Presi- U.S. helicopters in the last month. compromise that is ultimately the only dent’s escalation is going to involve More of our soldiers are dying or com- solution to what is happening in Iraq nearly 5,000 more troops than the 21,500 ing home with their bodies broken and today. that was initially announced and the their nerves shattered to a VA system Even now, we keep hearing the Iraqis Congressional Budget Office estimates completely unprepared for what they are close to a deal on sharing oil reve- that the total could eventually reach need to rebuild their lives. nues. But we still have not seen the 48,000 additional troops total. The It is not enough for the President to final agreement ratified. Without a original cost estimate was about $5.6 tell us victory in this war is simply a real deadline to force a deal, there is no billion but the CBO tell us the final matter of American resolve. The Amer- telling how long it will take. But we do amount could reach nearly five times ican people have been extraordinarily know that as long as there is no dead- that much. And it looks more and more resolved. They have seen their sons and line, the Iraqis will believe they can like the troop increase could last well daughters killed or wounded in the take as long as they want. into next year. streets of Fallujah. They have spent We also see that most people under- We also know American soldiers and hundreds of billions of dollars on this stand that when the Vice President Iraqi civilians will continue to die and effort—money they know could have talks about undermining the troops, be maimed while those politicians con- been devoted to strengthening our there is not one of us here who is not tinue to use the presence of American homeland security and our competitive outraged by what has happened to the forces as a cover for their other objec- standing as a nation. The failure has troops with respect to the lack of ade- tives. We saw that again last weekend, not been a failure of resolve. That is quate armor, the lack of adequate when Iraq’s neighbors and key players humvees, the lack of adequate support, not what has led us into chaos. It has from the international community fi- numbers of personnel and planning, been a failure of strategy, and it is nally got together at a conference in and, most importantly, the treatment time that the strategy change. There is Baghdad. The conference was a wel- of those soldiers when they have come no military solution to the civil war come development. We have been call- home—a VA budget that is inadequate, that rages on in Iraq, and it is time for ing for it for several years. It was long a disability system that is dysfunc- us to redeploy so that a political solu- overdue. But nothing tangible came tional, and obviously the treatment we tion becomes possible. out of it because, of course, no prepara- saw recently at Walter Reed. The news from Iraq is very bad, and tions and no diplomacy had been car- The Vice President needs to focus on it has been that way for at least 4 ried out leading up to it in order to get how you really support the troops. The years. We all wish the land the Presi- something substantive to come out of way you really support the troops is to dent and the Vice President speak of it. That is precisely why a deadline is get the policy in Iraq right. We have a exists. We wish there were an Iraq so critical and essential, to force ev- policy for success. They have had a 4- where the insurgency was in its last eryone to focus on the urgent need to year policy of failure that has made throes, where the people work with se- reach a political solution. Iran stronger, North Korea stronger, curity, where children play outside, The debate—this debate, a debate the Hamas stronger, Hezbollah stronger, where a vibrant new democracy lights Senate needs to have—offers a very weakened our relations in the region, up the nighttime sky. We wish for clear choice, a choice between a new and has certainly not served the inter- those things, but there is no alter- way forward and the old way that has ests of our national security. native reality to what we see and read taken us backward. It is time for the Senate to do what about in the news, to what we have ex- I might add, yesterday we saw a lit- this administration has stubbornly re- perienced these long 4 years. tle more of that old way as the rhetoric fused to do to recognize that we should I repeat, there is no military solution escalated. The Vice President said yes- honor lives lost with lives saved. That to this war. At this point, no amount of terday, ‘‘When Members speak not of starts by putting aside the hollow rhet- soldiers can solve the grievances at the victory but of time limits, deadlines, oric and straw men that have under- heart of someone else’s civil war. The and other arbitrary measures, they are mined a real debate for far too long and Iraqi people—Shia, Sunni, and Kurd— telling the enemy simply to watch the support a strategy that preserves our must come to the table and reach a po- clock and wait us out.’’ core interests in Iraq, in the region, litical settlement themselves. If they First of all, there is nothing arbi- and throughout the world. That is how want peace, they must do the hard trary about a date for next year. The we support the troops. work necessary to achieve it. Iraq Study Group put it forward, the Mr. President, we can do better. This Our failed strategy in Iraq has President said security responsibility resolution we have submitted is a way strengthened Iran’s strategic position, could be transferred by the end of this to do better. reduced U.S. credibility and influence year, and the generals put it forward. I yield the floor. around the world, and placed Israel and But more importantly, the Vice Presi- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- other nations in the region that are dent of the United States must be the pore. The Senator from Illinois. friendly to the United States in greater

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.020 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 peril. These are not signs of a well-laid toward the future. The road will not be Finally, the Finance Committee has plan. It is time for a profound change. smooth. I have to say there will be been doing the most difficult work of This is what we are trying to do here risks with any approach, but this ap- all, actually passing significant legisla- today. We are saying it is time to start proach is our last best hope to end this tion that would reduce the money that making plans to redeploy our troops so war so we can begin to bring our troops is not coming in because of the tax gap. they can focus on the wider struggle home and begin the hard work of secur- This has not been easy. I find the tax against terrorism, win the war in Af- ing our country and our world from the gap is one of those issues here in Con- ghanistan, strengthen our position in threats we face. gress that is a little bit like the weath- the Middle East, and pressure the The President has said he will con- er: Everyone talks about it but no one Iraqis to reach a political settlement. tinue down the road toward more is doing as much as should be done Even if this effort falls short, we will troops and more of the same failed about it. But the way people talk continue to try to accomplish what the policies. The President sought and won around here, they view the tax gap as American people asked for last Novem- authorization from Congress to wage somehow a cure-all for all budget prob- ber. this war from the start. But he is now lems. The tax gap can be used to pay I am glad to see, though, that this dismissing and ignoring the will of the for the alternative minimum tax prob- new effort is gaining consensus. I com- American people who are tired of years lem; if we want to expand spending on mend Senator REID for his efforts. He of watching the human and financial health care, tap into the tax gap; if we took the time to listen to so many of tolls mount. want to balance the budget, tap into us from both Chambers of Congress to The news from Iraq is very bad, but the tax gap. it can change if we in this Chamber say help develop this plan. Given the amount of faith people ‘‘enough.’’ Let this day be the day we The decision in particular to again have put into it, the tax gap has sud- begin the painful and difficult work of begin a phased redeployment, with the denly become one of those magic elix- moving from the crossroad. Let this goal of redeploying all our combat irs the peddlers used to sell in the Old day be the day we begin pulling toward forces by March 30, 2008, is the right West. You know how they said it will the future with a responsible conclu- step. It is a measure the Iraq Study cure all that ails you. That was the slo- sion to this painful chapter in our Na- Group spoke of, an idea I borrowed gan used by those slick salesmen 100 from them, an idea that, in a bill I in- tion’s history. Let this be the day when we finally send a message that is so years ago. So the tax gap has become troduced, now has more than 60 cospon- the elixir for all fiscal problems. I am sors from the House and Senate and clear and so emphatic that it cannot be ignored. surprised folks do not think the tax from both sides of the aisle. They have gap would cure baldness, as an exam- supported this plan since I announced a I yield the floor. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ple. So let’s get behind the dreams and similar plan in January. pore. The Senator from Iowa. get to the real story of the tax gap. The decision to allow some U.S. f I want to talk about three issues forces to remain in Iraq with a clear dealing with the tax gap. First, what is mission to protect U.S. and coalition TAX GAP the estimate of the tax gap? Second, personnel, conduct counterterrorism Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, the what are the elements of the tax gap? operations, and to train and equip Iraqi subject today is the tax gap. The tax Finally, what do we actually do in ad- forces is a smart decision. President al- gap is the difference between what is dition to all of those things we have Maliki spoke at a conference and paid voluntarily in taxes by 85 percent been doing to reduce the tax gap; in warned that the violence in Iraq could of the American people and what is ac- other words, to go after that final dol- spread throughout the region if it goes tually owed by people who do not pay lar we know is legally owed but not unchecked. By maintaining a strong all of the taxes that are legally owed. collected. presence in Iraq and the Middle East, The tax gap does not include things First, how is it the tax gap is esti- as both my bill and the leadership bill that are in the underground economy, mated, and what is it? The Senate Fi- does, we can ensure that the chaos does nor does it include illegal earnings. nance Committee’s Subcommittee on not spread. The tax gap is certainly not a new I should also add that the decision to Taxation and Internal Revenue Service issue. We have discussed it on the floor Oversight held a hearing 9 months ago, begin this phased redeployment within of the Senate many times. It has been 120 days is a practical one. Our mili- July 2006. It was chaired by the then- an issue for previous administrations chairman of that subcommittee, Sen- tary options have been exhausted. It is as well as this administration. In fact, ator KYL. We heard extensive testi- time to seek a political solution to this I suspect the tax gap has been an issue mony from senior IRS officials about war, and with this decision we send a for as long as there has been taxes. how the tax gap is estimated. The tax clear signal to the parties involved However, I would say in recent years gap has been based on reporting com- that they need to arrive at an accom- the Finance Committee, on which I pliance efforts known as the Taxpayer modation. serve, has certainly brought a new Compliance Measurement Program. While I strongly believe this war focus to the issue of the tax gap. This never should have been authorized, I has been very much a bipartisan effort. As many colleague will recall, these believe we must be as careful in ending I believe the level of attention given to efforts were viewed as too intrusive the war as we were careless getting in. the tax gap certainly reflects the en- into the lives of the taxpayers. So the While I prefer my approach as reflected ergy and focus of the new chairman of last taxpayer compliance measurement in my bill, I believe this resolution the committee, Senator MAX BAUCUS program that was done was back in does begin to point U.S. policy and Iraq from Montana. Chairman BAUCUS 1988. Senator BAUCUS and I recognized in the right direction. An end to the should be commended for his work in the need for the updated research and war and achieving a political solution this area. encouraged the Internal Revenue Serv- to Iraq’s civil war will not happen un- I also want to praise the chairman of ice to look at research that could pro- less we demand it. Peace with stability the Budget Committee, Senator vide useful data, useful information, does not just happen because we wish CONRAD of North Dakota, for putting without unduly burdening the honest for it. an additional spotlight on the tax gap taxpayer. It comes when we never give in and topic. The Finance Committee has The Internal Revenue Service then never give up and never tire of working been doing the hard work in this area, responded with a national research pro- toward a life on Earth worthy of our encouraging greater research by the In- gram. It is important to realize that human dignity. The decisions that ternal Revenue Service, asking for de- the national research program only have been made have led us to this tailed reports and recommendations dealt with a portion of the entire tax crossroad, in a moment of great peril. from the Treasury Department as well gap, primarily focusing on individual We have a choice. We can continue as the Congressional Joint Committee income taxes and not dealing with cor- down the road that has weakened our on Taxation, investigating specific as- porate tax. There are still significant credibility and damaged our strategic pects of the tax gap, holding hearings portions of the tax gap that are then interests in the region or we can turn to explore the details of the tax gap. based on that very old material going

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.022 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3019 back to some studies 20 years ago, par- be taken that are effective and will not CONCLUSION OF MORNING ticularly in the area of passthrough en- unduly burden taxpayers? We have to BUSINESS tities. bear in mind most taxpayers do com- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- I have a chart here that will make ply, and a significant amount of non- pore. Morning business is closed. reference to some of these portions, compliance is unintentional. I think f significant portions of the tax gap. all Members recognize that in the zeal This is easily brought to focus on the to get at the tax gap, we cannot wreck IMPROVING AMERICA’S SECURITY Internal Revenue chart we have here. the lives of the honest taxpayers. Most ACT OF 2007 Remember, this is for tax year 2001, the of the taxpayers, 85 percent, are not a The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- latest available information. You can problem. We cannot be like the fellow pore. Under the previous order, the see it is only those items in bold that who tears down his house to get at the Senate will resume consideration of S. have been updated from the recent na- mouse. Members on the other side 4, which the clerk will report. tional research program, primarily in should be particularly sensitive to the The legislative clerk read as follows: the area of individual income taxes and mindset of not taking on the honest A bill (S. 4) to make the United States self-employment taxes; these areas taxpayer when trying to take care of more secure by implementing unfinished rec- right here. the problem of the 15 percent, given ommendations of the 9/11 Commission to It would be nice to have an update on this was effectively what was being fight the war on terror more effectively, to all of this. But in order to get on top of promoted in 1994 with the wholesale re- improve homeland security, and for other it and get it done quickly, we asked the form of health care. Proponents in 1994 purposes. IRS to focus on these areas. With the wanted to change the health care sys- Pending: colors, you can see it is only the tem for 85 percent of the people for Reid amendment No. 275, in the nature of a green—underpayment of taxes—that whom the system worked to help the 15 substitute. Landrieu amendment No. 321 (to amend- we have high confidence in. The light percent of the people who did not have blue has been recently updated. We ment No. 275), to require the Secretary of health insurance. The voters were right Homeland Security to include levees in the have some better sense of what the in telling political leaders at that time costs are. list of critical infrastructure sectors. in 1994 that this did not make any Schumer/Clinton amendment No. 336 (to Unfortunately, it is the yellow—the sense. First we need to recognize that amendment No. 275), to prohibit the use of bigger parts of the chart—that is de- the Internal Revenue Service is al- the peer review process in determining the pendent upon the older numbers some- allocation of funds among metropolitan times going back years and years. That ready, through enforcement, doing quite a bit to deal with the tax gap. areas applying for grants under the Urban is the yellow portion I have already re- Area Security Initiative. ferred to. This chart reflects the Internal Rev- Coburn amendment No. 325 (to amendment In terms many can better under- enue Service’s testimony before the No. 275), to ensure the fiscal integrity of stand, think of the yellow estimates as Budget Committee and estimates the grants awarded by the Department of Home- being the broad side of the barn in IRS activities will reduce the tax gap, land Security. the $345 billion total, by nearly $70 bil- Coburn amendment No. 294 (to amendment terms of accuracy. So there we have it. No. 275), to provide that the provisions of the At the end of the day the tax gap, lion by the year 2007. This reflects $17 act shall cease to have any force or effect on based on many old estimates, is billion in direct enforcement revenue and after December 31, 2012, to ensure con- thought to be $345 billion for tax year and the rest in direct compliance ef- gressional review and oversight of the act. 2001. That reflects a noncompliance fects. So we start with that as the base, Kyl modified amendment No. 357 (to rate of 16 percent. So basically, 84 per- the work of the Internal Revenue Serv- amendment No. 275), to amend the data-min- cent of the tax dollars are coming in as ice, which is already reducing approxi- ing technology reporting requirement to required by law. We have a tax gap mately 20 percent of the tax gap, with avoid revealing existing patents, trade se- crets, and confidential business processes, then of a remaining 16 percent. Commissioner Everson’s statements and to adopt a narrower definition of data- Now I will turn to what are the ele- last year that the Internal Revenue mining in order to exclude routine computer ments of the tax gap. Again the chart Service could bring in somewhere be- searches. from the Internal Revenue Service pro- tween $50 billion and $100 billion a year Biden amendment No. 383 (to amendment vides a useful blueprint. Nonfiling is without dramatically changing the re- No. 275), to require the Secretary of Home- about $27 billion. These are the people lationship between the IRS and tax- land Security to develop regulations regard- who do not even file their taxes. Then payers; in other words, not being more ing the transportation of high-hazard mate- there is the underreporting of $285 bil- egregious against the honest taxpayer. rials. lion. The Internal Revenue Service di- Schumer modified amendment No. 367 (to Well, the IRS is already doing that, ac- amendment No. 275), to require the Adminis- vides that into four categories: indi- cording to its Commissioner. trator of the Transportation Security Ad- vidual taxes at $197 billion; employ- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ministration to establish and implement a ment taxes, $54 billion; corporate in- pore. The Senator’s time has expired. program to provide additional safety meas- come taxes at $30 billion; and estate ures for vehicles that carry high-hazardous tax and excise taxes of $4 billion. Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I materials. Underpayment of taxes, which is the have to have 10 more minutes, maybe Stevens amendment No. 299 (to amendment amount people admit they owe on their less than that. No. 275), to authorize NTIA to borrow tax returns but do not pay on time, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- against anticipated receipts of the Digital happens to be $33 billion. pore. The Senator will have to pro- Television Transition and Public Safety Clearly individuals make up the big- Fund to initiate migration to a national IP- pound a unanimous-consent request to enabled emergency network capable of re- gest part, with individuals under- that effect. ceiving and responding to all citizen-acti- reporting nonbusiness income and busi- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I think vated emergency communications. ness income, and overstating adjust- we have votes that are scheduled at Schumer/Clinton amendment No. 337 (to ments, deductions, and exemptions 11:45. amendment No. 275), to provide for the use of being the elements of the tax gap for funds in any grant under the Homeland Se- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- individuals. A good deal of this is con- curity Grant Program for personnel costs. pore. That is correct. centrated in the areas of self-employ- Bond/Rockefeller amendment No. 389 (to amendment No. 275), to provide the sense of ment and schedule C of the tax return. Ms. COLLINS. Perhaps the Presiding Officer could review—— the Senate that the Committee on Homeland Now that we have gone through how Security and Governmental Affairs and the we measure the tax gap and what Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I will Select Committee on Intelligence of the Sen- makes up the tax gap, the most impor- complete my statement later, but I ate should submit a report on the rec- tant thing people want to know is— wish people would get it straight. If I ommendations of the 9/11 Commission with they do not want a definition of the were told I could come over here and respect to intelligence reform and congres- problem—what can be done to close it? finish my statement, and do it in sional intelligence oversight reform. That is what my constituents ask me. morning business, I would like to be AMENDMENTS NOS. 294 AND 325 I believe the real question is one I able to do it; otherwise, I would have The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- would state this way: What steps can waited to do it tonight. pore. Under the previous order, the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:48 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.007 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 time until 11:45 a.m. shall be for debate under his leadership as chairman. We COBURN. I must reluctantly oppose the on Coburn amendments Nos. 294 and held one under my leadership as chair- amendment—not the amendment he 325, and the time shall be equally di- man earlier this month on improper wanted to offer. The amendment he vided between Senators COBURN and payments. We are going to focus, early wanted to offer, he is not going to have LIEBERMAN or their designees. this year, particularly on some of the a chance to offer. But the amendment The Senator from Connecticut. big agencies—Homeland Security, he is offering, I have to oppose. Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I which still does not comply with the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- yield 5 minutes of our time to Senator law; the Department of Defense, which pore. Who yields time? BROWN of Ohio. He has a statement to still does not comply with the law—to The Senator from Oklahoma. make as in morning business. provide a strong impetus for them to Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I ask The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- begin complying with the law or at the Presiding Officer to notify me when pore. The Senator from Ohio. least to get on the right track. I have 5 minutes remaining of my time. Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask Senator COBURN has an amendment The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- unanimous consent to speak for 5 min- he has offered, one that is opposed by pore. The Senator will be so notified. utes as in morning business. the National Governors Association Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, it is a The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- and by a number of other groups. What curious thing that when we have hear- pore. Without objection, it is so or- he would attempt to do—and what I ings in the Senate, we find out prob- dered. think his purpose is; his goal is meri- lems and then offer real solutions that Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I thank torious—is to compel the Department have teeth—as Senator CARPER just my friend from Connecticut. of Homeland Security to comply with said, to put them under the gun. No- (The remarks of Mr. BROWN are print- the Improper Payments Act. He does so body wants to put them under the gun. ed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Morning in a way that holds at risk State and This amendment on improper pay- Business.’’) local governments and their ability to ments gives the Department of Home- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I thank receive homeland security grants, real- land Security 18 months to comply be- the Senator from Connecticut and ly three out of I think the four major fore any State will see any harm from yield the floor. grant programs that are handled by this. The fact is, the States are not The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Homeland Security that we are dis- without some responsibility because pore. Who yields time? cussing today with this bill. some of the improper payments go to The Senator from Connecticut. The reason why the National Gov- some grants that go in the State. Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I ernors Association and I think other The American people need to ask: Is yield 5 minutes of the time on our side State and local governmental entities the Congress really serious about con- to the Senator from Delaware. are opposing the amendment is because trolling spending? They are not. This The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- they could be held at risk of not receiv- amendment is not going to pass. All we pore. The Senator from Delaware is ing the grants for a lot of fire depart- are saying is: Here is a law they were recognized. ments and other first responders and supposed to be in compliance with in Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I thank other State and local agencies, through 2004. It says: If you are not going to be the chairman. no fault of their own but because the in compliance with it—they have not, We heard, a few minutes earlier, from Department of Homeland Security is they have not, they have not—we are Senator GRASSLEY of Iowa, the ranking not complying with the Improper Pay- saying, to be accountable, you have to Republican on the Finance Committee. ments Act. be transparent, you have to have re- He talked at some length about the tax Senator COBURN was prepared to offer sults. The results are complying with gap, which some suggest may be cost- a second-degree amendment, one I the Improper Payments Act. ing our Treasury roughly $300 billion think he and his staff worked on with We also think there ought to be com- this year, last year, and next year as OMB that I think was a far better ap- petition for some of the grants. There well. These are moneys which are be- proach to getting the attention of is not in this bill. There ought to be a lieved to be owed but not being col- Homeland Security to comply with the priority set. There ought to be respon- lected by the IRS. When we talk about Improper Payments Act. He is not siveness. There ought to be spending reducing our Nation’s budget deficit— going to be able to offer the second-de- discipline. something we all know we need to do— gree amendment. As a result, we have As this amendment goes down—and among the ways to do it is to close the no choice but to debate and vote on his it will—the Senators are going to re- tax gap. initial amendment, which we took up ject the very idea of having account- Another way to do it is to address in committee. I asked him not to offer ability, the very thing they talk about what are called improper payments. it in committee during the markup. He with earmarks. The reason they cannot Senator COBURN and I lead a sub- did not, and today his only choice is to give up earmarks is because they can- committee in Governmental Affairs offer that same amendment. Unfortu- not let the administration and the and Homeland Security called the Fed- nately, I cannot support it. agencies manage the money. eral Financial Management Sub- He is onto a good idea. The idea is we But here is a tool to force Homeland committee. We have been exploring the need to put not just Homeland Secu- Security to manage its money, to hold issue of improper payments. We have rity but the Department of Defense— them accountable and say in 18 months had for a number of years an improper and a bunch of other Federal agencies from now, if you have not done the payments law that says Federal agen- that are not complying with this law— work every other agency of this Gov- cies have to not continue making im- we need to put them under the gun and ernment is supposed to have done, then proper payments. say: You have to start complying—and we are going to hold you accountable We found out about 2 years ago to provide pressure, incentives, sticks, by cutting off the money. That is roughly $50 billion in improper pay- carrots to get them in compliance with tough love. It is putting them under ments were made by Federal agencies— the law. the gun. That is exactly what we need mostly overpayments, some underpay- I think we will be holding our second to do. ments. Unfortunately, that is just the hearing later this month on further Do you know what will happen if my tip of the iceberg. It turns out im- looking at the Improper Payments Act. amendment is accepted and it comes proper payments made for the last year We are going to be bringing before us through? Homeland Security will re- have been down to about $41 billion, the Department of Homeland Security port its improper payments. But if we but it does not include the Department to find out what is their problem, why do not, I want you to think about what of Defense, it does not include im- are they unable to comply with the happens when you reject this amend- proper payments made by Homeland law. Do we need to make changes in ment. What is the consequence for Security, and it does not include im- the law or do they just need to get on every other agency of the Federal Gov- proper payments that crop up in some the ball? It may be a combination of ernment to now not comply with the other parts of our Federal Government. the two. Improper Payments Act? There is no Senator COBURN and I have been To that end, I look forward to work- cost in not complying with the Im- holding hearings. Last year, it was ing with my colleague, Senator proper Payments Act.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.009 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3021 According to the GAO, the following interest groups that are going to get In general, I think this is a very good portions of Homeland Security do not the money. In fact, some of the prob- bill. But I have serious reservations meet anywhere close the Improper lems with the money is the responsi- about the method by which this bill al- Payments Act. That is the Customs bility of the Governors. If I were a Gov- locates State homeland security and Border Protection, that is the Of- ernor, I would not want you checking grants. fice of Grants and Training. They have on my money. It is natural for them to Last week, I came to the floor to not done a thing to be in compliance oppose it. But it is normal for us to offer an amendment to make this fund- with this money. protect the taxpayers by saying that ing allocation more based on risk. My Now, we can look the other way and every agency ought to apply and re- amendment was an attempt to meet we can say we are not going to enforce spond to the law under improper pay- the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation the law, but the next thing I am going ments. It is simple. We should ask that that ‘‘[h]omeland security assistance to do, as a Senator—if we are not going Homeland Security follow the law. should be based strictly on an assess- to enforce the improper payments law, When you vote against this amend- ment of risks and vulnerabilities [and] then let’s get rid of it. The American ment, what you are telling Homeland federal homeland security assistance people deserve to have the law en- Security, the Defense Department, the should not remain a program for gen- forced. It is a good law. It helps us hold Department of Health and Human eral revenue sharing.’’ the agencies accountable, the very Services, and all of the other depart- That is why my amendment sought thing that the $26 to $27 billion worth ments is that they don’t have to com- to send the most dollars to those areas of earmarks says we cannot do. ply because now we are going to be at the greatest risk of an attack. As Now we have an opportunity to do it, toothless and say there are no con- compared to the funding formula in the and we are going to vote against it. sequences whatsoever. underlying bill, my amendment would Why? Because we may put something Some will say this puts these grants have better protected our borders, our at risk. Well, quality and results de- at risk. There are no grants at risk. ports, our railroads, our subways, our pend on us putting this at risk, to force There is $4.8 billion sitting in the chemical plants, our nuclear power this agency, FEMA, to come into com- queue right now that won’t be spent for plants, our food supply, and our fire- pliance with a law that is on the books 18 months. This bill authorizes another fighters, police officers and EMTs. with which they have refused to com- $3.2 billion to follow after that. Unfortunately, my amendment was If they cannot comply in 18 months, ply. defeated, as was a similar amendment we need to stop and take a timeout and Senator CARPER mentioned the $40 offered by Senators FEINSTEIN and ask: Why can’t you tell us where you billion of improper payments. That CORNYN. I think this was an unfortu- only represents 40 percent of the Fed- are spending money that you should nate mistake by the Senate, and I am not be spending? Why can’t you comply eral Government. There is at least $100 hopeful that this mistake will be cor- with the very simple things this act billion of our money—the taxpayers’ rected in conference. asks? Why can’t they do a risk assess- money—which is being paid out which If the funding formula is not fixed, ment in 18 months, develop a statis- should not be paid out, and probably however, I believe it is perfectly appro- tically valid estimate of where the $20 billion of it is in the Pentagon. We priate for us to reexamine this issue 5 problems are? They cannot do that in know the Department of Health and years from now to ensure that the allo- 18 months, develop a corrective action Human Services has not complied with cation of homeland security funding plan? They cannot do that in 18 the Improper Payments Act on Med- provides the necessary resources to months? They cannot report to us in 18 icaid, and that is estimated somewhere communities most at risk. months? between $20 billion and $30 billion. So To oppose this amendment says we For this reason, I will support the we know of at least $100 billion. don’t care about improper payments. It amendment offered by my colleague I want you to think for a minute is going to be like a lot of other laws from Oklahoma. when you vote against this amendment on the books: we don’t have standing; I, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- what you tell every other agency in the as a Senator, don’t have any standing pore. The Senator from Connecticut is Federal Government: There is no con- to sue the Federal Government to recognized. sequence whatsoever to not meeting make it comply. The reason we won’t Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, the Improper Payments Act of 2002. have standing is because we don’t have may I ask how much time we have on There will be no consequence even the courage to do what is right for the our side? though we are going to say you have American taxpayers. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- not done it. Here is a way to do it, to The last election had a lot to do with pore. There is 5 minutes 4 seconds. force Homeland Security to be ac- spending. This is going to be a vote to Mr. LIEBERMAN. I yield 2 minutes countable and to recognize they have say whether we really meant what we of that time to the Senator from an obligation under the law to report said when we said we were going to Maine. and look at the risk factors. start taking better care of the Amer- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Now, what does the Improper Pay- ican taxpayers’ dollars; that we were pore. The Senator from Maine is recog- ments Act ask agencies to do? Every- going to make the Government more nized. thing we would want done with our accountable, more transparent and effi- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am own money: cient. We are going to see a vote very sympathetic to the frustration ex- Perform a risk assessment. Is there a against this amendment, and the pressed by the Senator from Oklahoma. risk for improper payments? Homeland American people are going to get Our committee, last year, had exten- Security hasn’t even done that. shortchanged once again because we sive hearings looking at waste, fraud, Develop a statistically valid estimate don’t have the courage to go up against and abuse in the spending of funds in of improper payments. In other words, the monied interests that get the the wake of Hurricane Katrina. We doc- go look at it and do a study to see is grants and say we ought to at least umented over a billion dollars of waste there potential that money is going have transparency. or fraudulent spending. So the Senator out the door that should not go out the There is another tool coming back has put his finger on a very important door. called the Transparency and Account- problem. Develop a corrective action plan. ability Act of 2006, and the American I am very concerned about the prac- Report the results of these activities taxpayers are going to know whether tical impact of the Senator’s amend- to us, the Congress, the people’s rep- improper payments are made. We are ment. The Senator, at one point, had a resentatives. not going to do our job. second-degree amendment, which he By voting against this amendment, I reserve the remainder of my time. has decided not to offer, which ad- you are telling Homeland Security Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, I rise dressed part of my concern. The Sen- they don’t have to comply, that there today in support of the amendment of- ator has said this morning that the De- is no teeth; it will never be done. Why fered by my good friend from Okla- partment would have 18 months to would the Governors Association op- homa that would sunset the provisions comply with the provisions of the Im- pose this? Because they are the monied of this bill after 5 years. proper Payments Act. But, in fact, the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.011 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 plain language of his amendment says Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, let me fered today. They deserve to force the Secretary shall not award any address Senator LIEBERMAN for a them to do what the law says on im- grants or distribute any grant funds minute. The very thing he says he proper payments, and they deserve for under any grant program under this doesn’t want to do now, we did exactly us to make a reevaluation 4 years from act until the certification, risk assess- on the PATRIOT Act. Why would I now on what ought to be different. We ment, and estimates that his amend- want to sunset that? The American ought to reassess what we are doing ment calls for have been completed. people would like to see every piece of and reevaluate how we do it, and we The result of that, because our legisla- legislation that we do that has to do ought to say we need to apply more re- tion includes some grant money for with authorization and spending sources to that problem. The American interoperability under the Commerce sunsetted. There are good reasons for people deserve to know they are get- Committee provisions in the bill, for that. We don’t know what the ter- ting value for their money. Right now, this year, is that it halts those funding rorism situation will be in 5 years. We they are not getting that in homeland programs, those grant programs. The don’t know all of the aspects of what security and in multiple areas because result is to penalize first responders, we are dealing with. What we know is we cannot even find out. State and local governments, for the that 4 years from now, if this is So here we are crying that we cannot faults that are largely from the De- sunsetted, we will be working on a new have earmarks because the agencies partment of Homeland Security. I bill that is based on the realities of the are going to run what they want to don’t think that is fair. That is why world at that time. run. We have an opportunity to not let the National Governors Association Instead, what the opposition to this them run, and we are going to run and the National Emergency Managers sunset amendment says is what we are against it. It is counterintuitive to me Association strongly oppose this doing now we know, without a doubt, is that we would be on both sides of this amendment. exactly what we need to do in 5 years issue. In addition, the Department has ex- from now in every area. I would put it The fact is, the Federal Government pressed great concern about this to you that none of us knows exactly is unaccountable in many ways, and amendment. In fact, the Department’s what we need to do 5 years from now. the American people know that. On Office of General Counsel has written A sunset won’t cause this to lapse. It these two amendments, the American to me that they ‘‘strongly oppose the will cause the Congress to act in year people are going to ask: How did they amendment prohibiting the Secretary 4 to reauthorize the bill when it ex- vote? And they are going to say, once from awarding any grant, or distrib- pires. again: What are they thinking? They uting any grant funds, until the Sec- I have 5 minutes left. Let me talk are protecting the interests they have retary has submitted the certifications about this. We should get reports on there now and putting at risk the in- and other analyses in response to Sen- what we have done. We should report terests of the next generation—because ator COBURN’s amendment.’’ So it is and react in a very commonsense way we don’t do something simple like sun- not just the Governors and the emer- to what this bill has done over the next set a bill or make an agency comply gency managers. It is also the Depart- 4 or 5 years. We should review that. We with improper payments. ment of Homeland Security that should then reform what we are doing What would happen if there was a 1- strongly opposes the Coburn amend- now so that it has better application month delay in grants? Nothing. But ment. and wiser use of resources, and then we what would happen if we got the im- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- should reauthorize. proper payment data from Homeland pore. The Senator from Connecticut is To oppose sunsetting this speaks of Security? Plenty. Then we could act on recognized. an arrogance that is unbelievable of it and hold them accountable in the ap- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I this body. We cannot know what we propriations bills. Then we can do our want to speak very briefly on what I need to do 5 years from now in terms of jobs and do something about it. believe is the first of two amendments homeland security. We don’t know. It I withhold the remainder of my time. offered by the Senator from Oklahoma, is an ever-changing situation. To imply Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, our amendment No. 294, the sunset of the that this will lapse—everybody here friend is making some points I agree entire text of the underlying bill, S. 4. This would sunset all of the provi- knows that is not the fact. We are not with, as does Senator COLLINS and sions of this legislation in 5 years. Ob- about to let it lapse. We are going to do most Members. Our problem is that in viously, the terrorism threat in the what is necessary for our country. each of the two amendments, the in- legislation that we have passed since 9/ This amendment tells us that we strument he has chosen is very blunt. I 11, particularly in the Homeland Secu- ought to relook at it because we don’t wish we had more time to work on rity Act of 2002 and the 9/11 legislation have that kind of wisdom. If we think these. If they don’t survive the two of 2004, will not go away in 5 years. we do, we should not be here because votes today, I look forward to going Many parts of this bill amend existing that means we are going to be making back in committee to work on these underlying provisions that do not sun- a lot of mistakes. So I will go back to generally. set. Thus, if we pass the Coburn amend- that. Let me go back. Why do I say they are blunt? The Na- ment No. 294, we would be amending Why would Homeland Security op- tional Governors Association explained provisions for homeland security pose the Improper Payments Act, as why they thought the improper pay- grants, information sharing, interoper- read by Senator COLLINS? Because they ments would lead to the termination of ability. Then in 5 years these homeland have not complied. They have no inten- homeland security grant funding to the security programs would revert back to tion of ever complying. The one thing States. There are some estimates by earlier rules and realities, which we that the 9/11 Commission said that this the administration that it would have found in this bill to be inad- Congress has not done is to have one threaten Medicare payments. Doing equate. I think that would be a disrup- committee responsible for oversight of something about this is good, but why tive and, in many ways, a bizarre re- Homeland Security. Senator CARPER have the ultimate punishment be on sult. and I spent a lot of time last year, as the beneficiaries? If this called for reauthorization, as did Senator LIEBERMAN and Senator The same is true of the sunset provi- other legislation does, not immediate COLLINS in full committee, and we in sion. Incidentally, the money author- sunset, I would say it would be more our subcommittee, on Oversight of izations in this bill are sunsetted. It is reasonable to consider. But that is why Homeland Security. We found a billion different from the PATRIOT Act, I oppose Coburn amendment No. 294. dollars wasted in Katrina. We found where the provisions with the sunset Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, how tons of improper payments in Home- were very controversial. In this bill, I much time remains? land Security. We found that, in fact, don’t think there is any controversy The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- there is no accountability. There is no about the underlying proposals. pore. Six minutes. accountability in the Department of I still respectfully oppose these two Mr. COBURN. For the opposition? Homeland Security. amendments, and I hope that if they The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The American public deserves to don’t succeed, my colleague and I can pore. Forty-six seconds. have the two amendments I have of- work in the committee to bring forth a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.013 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3023 version of both that we can both sup- Collins Lautenberg Rockefeller Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Conrad Levin Salazar port. Dodd Lieberman Sanders Senator from South Dakota (Mr. JOHN- Mr. COBURN. I inquire of the Chair Dorgan Lincoln Schumer SON) is necessarily absent. how much time is remaining. Durbin Lott Smith Mr. LOTT. The following Senators The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Feingold Menendez Snowe were necessarily absent: the Senator Feinstein Mikulski Specter pore. The Senator from Oklahoma has Harkin Murkowski Stabenow from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN) and the 1 minute 17 seconds. Inouye Murray Stevens Senator from Alaska (Ms. MURKOWSKI). Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I hope Kennedy Nelson (FL) Tester The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Kerry Nelson (NE) Voinovich the American people will look at these Klobuchar Pryor Webb any other Senators in the Chamber de- commonsense amendments and look at Kohl Reed Whitehouse siring to vote? how their Senators vote. The one way Landrieu Reid Wyden The result was announced—yeas 66, to get things done is to put somebody NAYS—38 nays 31, as follows: in a bind. The fact is, this is the law. It Alexander Ensign Martinez [Rollcall Vote No. 71 Leg.] is already the law, and we are saying Allard Enzi McCaskill YEAS—66 Brownback Graham McConnell we are going to put some teeth behind Akaka Domenici Mikulski Burr Grassley Obama the law and make you do it. Alexander Dorgan Murray Chambliss Gregg Roberts Baucus Durbin Nelson (NE) I raise one final point. If my col- Coburn Hagel Sessions Corker Hatch Bayh Feinstein Obama leagues vote against this, what they Shelby Bennett Hagel Pryor are saying to every other agency is: Cornyn Hutchison Sununu Craig Inhofe Biden Harkin Reed Thomas There is no consequence to not report- Crapo Isakson Bingaman Inouye Reid Thune ing and doing what you are supposed to DeMint Kyl Bond Isakson Roberts Vitter Boxer Kennedy Rockefeller do under the Improper Payments Act Dole Leahy Domenici Lugar Warner Brownback Kerry Salazar of 2002. That is the signal we will be Byrd Klobuchar Sanders sending. NOT VOTING—2 Cantwell Kohl Schumer Johnson McCain Cardin Landrieu Shelby The American people want the signal Carper Lautenberg Snowe the other way. With $100 billion of The motion was agreed to. Casey Leahy Specter their tax money paid out the door, that Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I Clinton Levin Stabenow is improper, most of it overpayments, move to reconsider the vote and to lay Cochran Lieberman Stevens Coleman Lincoln Sununu and we are saying we are letting one of that motion on the table. Collins Lott Voinovich the biggest agencies of the Federal The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Conrad Lugar Warner Government off the hook. objection, it is so ordered. Crapo McConnell Whitehouse Dodd Menendez Wyden If my colleagues want to vote for AMENDMENT NO. 325 that, that is fine, but I hope we are The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under NAYS—31 held accountable for that vote in the the previous order, there will now be a Allard Ensign McCaskill next election cycle when we claim we 2-minute debate equally divided on the Brown Enzi Nelson (FL) Bunning Feingold want the Government to be efficient, Coburn amendment No. 325. Sessions Burr Graham Smith we claim we want it smaller, we claim Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, this is a Chambliss Grassley Tester we want to get good value for the real simple amendment. The improper Coburn Gregg Thomas American taxpayer value. These votes payments law was passed in 2002. By Corker Hatch Thune Cornyn Hutchison Vitter surely will not show that, if my col- 2004, all Government agencies were Craig Inhofe Webb leagues vote against these two amend- supposed to come under it. The Home- DeMint Kyl ments. land Security Department has never Dole Martinez I yield the floor. filed, under the six major agencies, an NOT VOTING—3 The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. improper payments report. Johnson McCain Murkowski WHITEHOUSE). All time has expired. People will say: Well, this will cut off The motion was agreed to. Under the previous order, the ques- funding. No. 1, it would not cut off any Mr. LIEBERMAN. I move to recon- tion is on agreeing to amendment No. funding for 18 months. No. 2, if you sider the vote and to lay that motion 294 offered by the Senator from Okla- vote against this, you are sending a on the table. homa. signal to every other agency that they The motion to lay on the table was Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I do not have to comply with the im- agreed to. move to table amendment No. 294 of- proper payments law. Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, we fered by the Senator from Oklahoma, Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I had hoped at this point to offer another and I ask the vote be taken by the yeas intend to move to table this Coburn consent request to the Senate about and nays. amendment, and, obviously, I look for- ward to working with the Senator in several amendments we thought were The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a cleared on both sides. Unfortunately, sufficient second? There appears to be our committee. Basically, the funding on this bill is there is objection on that so we will a sufficient second. have to wait. The clerk will call the roll. subjected to the improper payments law. As a letter from the National Gov- Pursuant to the consent agreement The legislative clerk called the roll. we passed last week, we are going to Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the ernors Association makes clear, the Coburn amendment would effectively, final passage on this bill today. When Senator from South Dakota (Mr. JOHN- we come back after the party lunches SON) is necessarily absent. and I quote, ‘‘stop all State homeland security grant expenditures.’’ at 2:15, we will begin to dispose of the Mr. LOTT. The following Senator pending germane amendments in what- was necessarily absent: the Senator That is unfair, unnecessary, and that is why I will move to table. ever way we can at that time. Then from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). Mr. President, I yield back all re- this afternoon we will go to final pas- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there maining time on both sides, and I move sage. There definitely will be addi- any other Senators in the Chamber de- to table the amendment offered by the tional votes this afternoon on this im- siring to vote? Senator from Oklahoma and ask for portant legislation. The result was announced—yeas 60, the yeas and nays. I ask that the Senate stand in recess nays 38, as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a under the previous order. [Rollcall Vote No. 70 Leg.] sufficient second? f YEAS—60 There is a sufficient second. RECESS Akaka Bond Cardin The question is on agreeing to the Baucus Boxer Carper motion. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Bayh Brown Casey The clerk will call the roll. the previous order, the hour of 12:30 Bennett Bunning Clinton Biden Byrd Cochran The assistant legislative clerk called having arrived, the Senate stands in re- Bingaman Cantwell Coleman the roll. cess until 2:15 p.m.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.015 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3024 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 Thereupon, at 12:34 p.m., the Senate towns, had to be evacuated because it Also overlaid on the CT-Analyst display recessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassem- was so deadly. are the results of the backtrack function bled when called to order by the Pre- So I asked the question of the Naval (sensor readings and observations deter- mining a probable source location as shown siding Officer (Mr. CARPER). Research Center. As you know, some of our best scientists in the world are in blue and purple). CT-Analyst performs The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- multi-sensor fusion operations based on the ator from Connecticut is recognized. there. I asked: What would happen? very limited information about the contami- f What would happen if a 90-ton tanker nant density. A number of sensors are active containing chlorine were to be blown and operating in automatic (triangles) and IMPROVING AMERICA’S SECURITY up in a major metropolitan area? manual (circles) modes to register the pres- ACT OF 2007—Continued Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- ence or absence of the agent plume at their Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I sent that the report submitted to me location. Red indicates a ‘‘hot’’ sensor say to my colleagues, on the pending be printed in the RECORD. (something considered dangerous) and blue legislation, S. 4, the Senate has now There being no objection, the mate- indicates a ‘‘cold’’ reading where the con- used up all the time postcloture so that rial was ordered to be printed in the taminant agent density is below the thresh- RECORD, as follows: old for detection. Please note that the ‘‘Es- what stands—if I could put it in a more cape’’ function has also been activated in Advanced simulation technology gives us a negative light than I should—before this composite display, projecting optimal the Senate and the vote on final pas- practical breakthrough for analyzing and treating urban contaminant accidents, pol- evacuation routes. These recommended evac- sage of this important legislation is lutant incidents, and in combating Chem- uation routes suggest walking paths for disposition of the remaining germane ical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) ter- rapid egress from the path of the advancing amendments and any other matters rorism. Today the nation is striving to de- plume and continue out to the edges of the that can be passed by consent. velop plans and corresponding procedures to contamination footprint. This entire assess- We are working on a managers’ prepare for these contingencies. The ability ment takes about 50 milliseconds on a typ- ical windows laptop computer. amendment which would contain the to construct accurate, easy-to-understand The figure above shows the contaminant matters about which there is unani- analyses of dangerous contaminant release incidents is an absolutely crucial component concentration just three minutes after a mous consent. We are whittling down of civil defense planning and execution. railroad tank car accident has occurred the number of germane amendments When decisions have to be made during an along the indicated section of track where that will need to be voted on. I say to actual crisis, essentially infinite speed is re- the right-of-way turns toward the east as my colleagues we hope to be able soon quired of the predictions and yet the anal- shown by the yellow arrow. A large quantity to announce when the last few votes on yses must be performed with high accuracy. of contaminant has been released in a couple amendments and final passage will When responding to a CBR crisis, waiting of minutes. The time is late evening and the occur. But they will definitely occur even one minute to perform simplified sup- brisk breeze, from the southeast in this sce- port computations can be far too long for nario, blows the cloud up toward a quarter of this afternoon. timely situation assessment. State-of-the- a million people celebrating Fourth of July I thank the Chair, and pending fur- art, engineering-quality three-dimensional on the Mall near the Blatherburg Monument. ther developments, I suggest the ab- predictions that one might be more inclined The large gray area is the contamination sence of a quorum. to believe can take hours or days. The an- footprint predicted by CT-Analyst TM; this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The swer to this dilemma is to do the most accu- area can become highly contaminated in the clerk will call the roll. rate computations possible well ahead of first half an hour. It is a good idea to get to The assistant legislative clerk pro- time and then to capture their salient re- outside the footprint and stay outside of it ceeded to call the roll. sults in a highly compressed database that until an ‘‘all clear’’ is given. The bands of can be recalled, manipulated, and displayed color downwind of the source, originating at Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I ask instantly during a crisis. Dispersion unanimous consent that the order for the bright blue stars along the track, indi- Nomograph TM technology was invented at cate the contaminant concentration in the the quorum call be rescinded. NRL to provide this capability. cloud moving with the wind toward the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without This presentation is based on a portable upper left. The table tells how to interpret objection, it is so ordered. software tool called CT-Analyst TM that uses the colors in easily understood terms. The Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I have dispersion nomographs to combine informa- actual numbers, of course, can only be made spoken to the manager of the bill, and tion from sensors and eyewitness reports to specific and quantitative when the absolute I am—with his permission and their find contaminant sources in an urban maze size of the source is known. Each color of buildings, to track airborne contaminant marks approximately a factor of two range permission—going to speak. But as plumes accurately across the city, and to soon as they are ready to reclaim the of concentration values. People breathing plan evacuation routes. In a crisis, real time yellow green and ‘‘hotter’’ colors are in a floor, to close this down, I am prepared users don’t have to wait for any of these re- very deadly situation. Not all colors appear to stop at that point, or before. sults because personnel defense plans and on each figure because the contaminant con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without strategies can be adapted to current situa- centration drops as the plume (cloud) objection, the Senator is recognized. tion assessments with no delay for com- spreads. puting. This presentation uses CT-Analyst to AMENDMENT NO. 383 The diagonal purple lines in this and the show the evolution of a large contaminant following figures mark general suggested Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I know plume caused by the rupture of a railroad evacuation routes. The gaps in these lines there is not a lot of time, but the tank car adjacent to the Blathersburg Mall. Detailed, three-dimensional FAST3D–CT show a kind of ‘‘no man’s land’’ where the amendment that is at the desk, No. 383, plume will go first and in highest concentra- that I have—I ask it be called up and simulations (such as shown at left) are com- pressed by more than a factor of 10,000 to tion. People should walk briskly away from be considered. the center of the advancing plume along the This is all about rail safety. The Fed- produce compact data structures called Dis- persion Nomographs TM. These ‘‘nomographs’’ general direction of these evacuation paths eral Government currently has no say allow CT-Analyst TM to make accurate, in- skirting around buildings and keeping to on where 90-ton rail tankers, filled stantaneous predictions including the effects reasonable walking routes as required. Don’t with chlorine or other hazardous of buildings (as shown at right). This exam- run and don’t get in or stay in a car. chemicals, are shipped around the Na- ple shows the situation twenty minutes after These two figures show the advancing tion. The Naval Research Laboratory, a contaminant release occurred at the loca- plume at five minutes (left) and ten minutes tion marked by the blue star with the wind (right) after the release occurred. Three ad- at my request, some months ago, jacent blue stars are used to mark the ex- issued a report. The context of my in- from 295 degrees at 3 m/s. This CT-Analyst display shows the instantaneous plume at 20 tended region over which this release has oc- quiry with them was: What would hap- minutes (light red) superimposed on the foot- curred from a moving railroad tank car. The pen if one of these 90-ton chlorine gas print of the likely contamination region yellow arrow indicates the direction of mo- tanker cars exploded—for example, (light gray). The footprint can eventually be- tion along the track and the pink arrow is where a terrorist put C–2 underneath come contaminated beyond tolerable limits the prevailing wind direction in each figure. there in a populated area and blew it sometime during the scenario. The plume re- The brisk breeze here is a worst case because up? gion displayed surrounds the instantaneous slower winds allow much easier evacuation from the affected area and much faster winds What made me think of it was, you plume—with a safety buffer zone. CT-Ana- lyst is in use at a number of locations (see dissipate the cloud so quickly that fewer may remember almost 2 years ago now, figure), was extended for Operation Iraqi people at any one spot receive critical dos- out in North Dakota, one of these Freedom, and is being modified as a CBR ages. tankers leaked, and the end result was Emergency Assessment System for installa- Almost everywhere in the plume after five a number of adjoining towns, small tion in Navy bases over seas. minutes has elapsed (colored region)

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If 100,000 people 100,000 people could be seriously receive critical (lethal) doses in the absence and prompt communication can define the of any defensive action, they are crossing safe routes away from an invisible cloud. harmed or even killed in the first half this critical dose threshold at the rate of a These CBR emergency assessment tools an hour.’’ hundred people per second. Thus there is an have been used to evaluate and compare a Said another way: What happens if enormous benefit to immediate warning number of possible CBR defense strategies. one of these is blown up in a freight delay and speedy defensive response. The model on which this graph is based fol- yard in Philadelphia, PA, right along Based on a number of other simulations lows hundreds of thousands of people who the Schuylkill River, 10 blocks, 15 not shown here and a consistent analytic begin walking (evacuating) in a specified di- blocks from City Hall, the University theory, a warning issued within 3 minutes is rection relative to the wind once a warning of Pennsylvania, Drexel University—a possible with an automated sensor network is issued. The computed contaminant density is integrated to determine each persons dose. very populated area? Within one-half and near complete situation assessment and hour, 100,000 people could be seriously response should be possible within five min- This ‘‘warning delay’’ is varied to measure utes. Though many procedural and commu- the reduced effectiveness of evacuation as harmed or even killed. nication problems remain to be solved, these the warning delay gets too long. Zero (0) de- How long would it take to evacuate times should be adopted as goals because so grees is walking downwind, 90 degrees is that area? Imagine evacuating down- many lives will depend on making these re- across the wind (perpendicular) to the plume town New York City, Baltimore, sponse times as short as possible. Between centerline, and 180 degrees is walking Miami, Seattle—you name the city. five minutes and the current goal of issuing upwind. So what is the problem? Well, the a warning in 15 minutes, 60,000 people or We have shown that plausible accidents or problem is—and we have seen in recent more could be critically dosed. terrorist attacks in an urban environment reports—insurgents in Iraq are using These two figures show the advancing can put 100,000 people or more at risk in a 15 to 30-minute time span. During this interval chlorine in their attacks on civilians. plume in the previous scenario at 15 minutes There is little doubt terrorists who are (left) and 30 minutes (right) after the release several square miles of city can become le- has occurred. By 30 minutes the plume has thally exposed and people can die at the rate targeting us here at home are paying spread laterally about as much as it will but of 100 per second. Clearly there is a very attention. In these roadside bombs, it is still quite toxic and still expanding great premium or fast effective response. they are—thank God they have not downwind off the edge of the nomograph. At The point is—we already have accurate, gotten it down very well yet—but they 30 minutes the plume extends three to four fast tools based on tested scientific models are injecting chlorine into that car- miles downwind, is about 1.5 miles wide at for computing the detailed airflow and con- nage they cause because they know the its widest, and is still dangerously toxic as verting these data sets directly to critical consequence of the dissemination of indicated by the large yellow-green region civil defense information. An urban CBR Emergency Assessment System (CBREAS) the highly toxic substance in a popu- above right. If people are standing or sitting lated area. as much as 15 feet apart in all directions at based on this new technology can instantly Nevertheless, we continue to allow an event on the Mall, there would be well combine information from eyewitness re- over 100,000 people per square mile. Further- ports and CBR sensors to locate hidden these 90-ton—that is a standard: 90- more, the contaminant plume in this sce- sources, can estimate regions about to be- ton—rail tanks containing chlorine and nario will be dangerous over several square come contaminated, and can predict effec- other hazardous chemicals to roll un- miles. Therefore, in the absence of an early tive evacuation paths. This new technology protected through the hearts of our warning and concerted action (rapid evacu- faithfully incorporates the 3D structure of largest cities in high-threat areas. We ation away from the centerline of the plume) urban building mazes and has reasonable know the rail industry has adamantly sun, wind, and information-display options. over 100,000 people could be seriously harmed opposed any attempt to allow local of- or even killed in the first half an hour. The challenge is to harness these tools effec- tively in the current political climate. If po- ficials, in conjunction with the Depart- Although this is a dire scenario, the people ment of Homeland Security and secu- several miles downwind from the source, in lice, fire department personnel, and emer- this example a couple miles off the upper left gency first responders use this technology to rity people, to reroute these tankers. corner of the figures, have plenty of time to obtain a minute-by-minute situation assess- Now, again, look where this tanker is walk out of the way of the plume given a ment and implement an action plan, they sitting, as shown in this picture. Do warning in five minutes or less. They would can reduce exposures, even of large crowds in these buildings look familiar to you? the open, by 85 to 95% provided that an early have to walk only about 3⁄4 of a mile at most This is an actual photograph of a 90- to get completely out of the plume and warning is issued. ton chlorine gas tanker car sitting in Sales Pitch: The CT-Analyst contaminant would have 20 to 25 minutes to do this. Walk- the direct view—if you look over the ing is recommended in urban areas since the transport system is ACCURATE. Plume en- velopes are 80–90% as accurate as state-of- top of it, you can see the Hart Build- roadways should be kept open for emergency ing, you can see the Dirksen Building, traffic and will gridlock instantly if every- the-art 3D computational fluid dynamics. one tries to leave in their cars at the same CT-Analyst is VERY FAST with perform- and you can see the U.S. Capitol. time. ance 1000 to 10000 times faster than real By the way, I know my friend, the The message is clear, walking perpen- time. This can make the difference in saving Presiding Officer, a former board mem- dicular to the wind away from the centerline tens of thousands of lives in a real attack. It ber of Amtrak, a guy who has fought of the plume is the only effective direction is also very EASY TO USE. Two hours of very hard to protect Amtrak—we take to walk, as indicated automatically by CT- training should be adequate. CT-Analyst can the train almost every day together Analyst. There is a wide range of angles, plus also be used for war games, virtual reality training, site defense planning and execu- back and forth to and from Delaware— or minus 30 degrees, for which this strategy I say to my colleagues, go on down to is effective but the effectiveness declines the tion, and sensor network optimization. The CT-Analyst software has stabilized and is the station this afternoon and follow longer the delay in receiving a warning. For us down whenever we finish and get on large contaminant sources, simple theory very rugged. The software also allows the and detailed computer simulations both sug- user to displace plumes by dragging the the train. If it is not an Acela, stand in gest that 85 to 95% of the people who would source across the screen, and can ‘‘back- the back car of an Amfleet train. You otherwise be exposed can avoid exposure, re- track’’ to find hidden sources. CT-Analyst can look out the back window. Watch gardless of what the agent is, when the ap- will also project optimal evacuation routes. as we pull out of the station. Tell me propriate warning is issued without delay. Mr. BIDEN. Let me summarize the how many cops you see. Tell me how What also becomes apparent is that solid report. many cameras you see. Tell me how information, as well as prompt warning and The answer was ‘‘over 100,000 people much protection exists there. action, reduces exposure. Knowing the loca- could be seriously harmed or even Look at this tanker car, shown in tion of the contaminant source, the wind killed in the first half an hour.’’ Let this picture, sitting right out there—in speed, and its direction can save tens of me say that again. One of these tank- thousands of lives. Combining an integrated the middle of nowhere, in the middle of city sensor net with accurate models incor- ers filled with chlorine gas—and there everywhere. porating the unique building/terrain features are hundreds, up and down the road, So, folks, the idea we do not even is the key to defining the centerline of the going through major metropolitan have as an option the ability of our se- plume based on source location and thus de- areas, from Los Angeles to New York curity people and the mayors and local

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This amendment swer was that if that were to occur in the less likelihood it will be picked as will ensure that the Senate is on the a highly populated area, ‘‘over 100,000 a target. right side of the issue as well. could be seriously harmed or even Because someone could legitimately Mr. President, I was asked by my col- killed in the first half hour.’’ argue: BIDEN, you are taking this out league from Connecticut, one of the Imagine how many people we get to of the route—and we have other maps two managers, that he be added as a evacuate reasonably so that there is es- showing the routes of the various alter- cosponsor. I ask unanimous consent his sentially no one left in a half hour. If native routes that could be used to name be added. the gun goes off right now, how long avoid the major cities. Now, they could The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without does it take downtown Manhattan or say: You are going to be going through objection, it is so ordered. downtown Washington, DC, or Capitol more rural areas. Yes, serious damage Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I under- Hill to evacuate people so they are not could be done in rural areas, but the stand that a man with whom I hardly around? If you don’t evacuate—to say prize for the terrorist is much lower. disagree, Senator INOUYE, has reserva- it another way—within a half hour, a The likelihood of them concluding that tions. I hope he will reconsider those whole lot more than 100,000 people will instead of coming down from, for ex- reservations. Again, all we are doing is be seriously injured or will die. ample, Newark, NJ, all the way down letting the Department of Homeland I know the Senator from Connecticut into Augusta—you can, in fact, reroute Security, in conjunction with local of- supports this amendment. I don’t know these on Norfolk Southern, which goes ficials, make the judgment whether the what the view of our colleague from through much less populated areas. risk is so high that it warrants it being Maine is. I hope they understand how People legitimately say: Aren’t you rerouted. Of all the cargo on all of the limited this amendment is, how con- putting those folks at risk? No matter tracks in America, we are talking sequential it is. I hope my colleagues, where these cars are, we are at risk. about .36 of 1 percent, all that is trans- when it comes time to vote, will vote But again, where is the likely target? ported on rail. So we are not asking in favor of this amendment. Where are terrorists going to risk their much. The downside of us being mis- I thank the Chair and I thank the lives to be able to go in and do damage? taken is significant. managers. I yield the floor. They will do it where the most people I close by quoting from the rail in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- are. dustry’s letter opposing this amend- ator from Maine is recognized. So I know the rail industry, as I said, ment. They say: Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, the is adamantly opposed to amendment Rerouting would not eliminate the risk, amendment offered by the senior Sen- No. 306, and is likely opposed to the up- but instead shift it from one population to ator from Delaware is actually more dated version we will vote on today. another. under the jurisdiction of the Commerce But in the face of such risks, I do not That is true, but this amendment Committee than the Homeland Secu- know how we can let their opposition says the Department of Homeland Se- rity Committee. Nevertheless, in the determine whether we go forward. curity, not the rail industry, should de- This amendment is very limited. It absence of a member of the Commerce termine how to weigh and respond to simply states the Secretary of Home- Committee on the Senate floor, I want land Security, not the rail industry— this known potentially catastrophic to express my concern about the the rail industry is not the bad guy— risk. What did we just debate last week amendment. should determine the most secure on the floor? The allocation of re- As I understand it, the effect of the routes for the shipments of the most sources for Homeland Security should amendment would be to require that dangerous chemicals, and that owner- be going toward the danger lines. There hazardous materials on rail cars be ship of the track is not to be consid- is nothing that is risk free—nothing. It routed around high-threat areas, with ered in making this risk-based deter- is a little like my friend from Delaware some exceptions. mination; meaning, if you have some- and I have heard so much every time The problem is that the Commerce thing going down on a CSX track that we come up with rail security legisla- Committee title on rail security al- is owned by CSX, they should be able tion. We are told we cannot secure ready has a section that addresses haz- to use and be diverted to a Norfolk every mile of track. That is true, we ardous materials by requiring a mitiga- Southern track. I could give you exam- can’t, but there is a big difference with tion plan that can include rerouting ples all across the country, as the Pre- a terrorist taking a single train off a but only when the homeland security siding Officer knows. track somewhere in rural America and advisory system is at a high or severe Again, all I am saying is, let the De- a terrorist taking a train at 140 miles level of threat or when specific intel- partment of Homeland Security deter- an hour into the most visited area in ligence indicates that there is a spe- mine whether the most dangerous Washington, DC, Union Station, at a cific or imminent threat. chemicals are able to be diverted high speed. I think this amendment, while well- around the most populated areas in our There is a difference between blowing intentioned, creates all sorts of prac- country. And do not—do not—in fact, up a tunnel underneath the Chesapeake tical problems. The Chamber of Com- use as an impediment the idea the Bay or the Hudson River and blowing merce, which is rating this as a key track upon which it is being carried is up a tunnel in the middle of some rural vote, lists some of those that I want to not owned by the company whose car is area. Terrorists pick targets for the read from a letter that we received on that track. greatest effect. So the idea that we from the Chamber today. The letter That is all we are doing, Mr. Presi- would not reroute—if the Department reads: dent. The amendment would apply to of Homeland Security determined it The Biden amendment, which would re- only .36 percent—less than a third of a made sense—a series of chlorine gas quire mandatory rerouting of shipments of percent—of all the shipments that tankers from a major metropolitan hazardous materials around high threat cor- occur on our rail system. It only ap- area to a more rural area seems to me ridors, would not reduce risk to homeland se- to be such a silly argument to make. curity. It would only reallocate risk among plies to through-shipments; it does not population centers. In fact, the amendment apply to the destination city. Some of The idea is, how do we reduce the would actually increase risk by either elimi- this stuff goes into large populations, risk for the most people of the United nating routes that provide optimal overall where that is the end point. It doesn’t States of America? Again, I will end safety and security, or by adding hundreds of say it cannot go there, but it does say where I began. When this was called to miles and additional days to the journeys of we should reduce the probability of my attention some years ago, I went to shipments of hazardous materials via less di- catastrophic damage by allowing them the Naval Research Laboratory and I rect routes. to be rerouted, if that is the judgment asked them—and I have included this In other words, if we are causing this of the Department of Homeland Secu- in my statement—to tell me what hazardous material to be on its journey rity. would happen—and, again, it doesn’t far longer because it is not going by

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The letter goes on to stop this car, or any other car, from cation of resources goes in this place to point out that the railroads have been going to such a facility. deal with protecting the most people working with the Federal Government, Let me emphasize again that there is who can be protected: The shipment with chemical manufacturers, and with no prohibition on end point distribu- originates or the point of destination is consumers to explore the use of coordi- tion. If the car is designed to go to a fa- in the high-threat corridor; no prac- nated routing arrangements to reduce cility in the center of a city, it goes to tical alternative routes exist. If they mileage and time in the transit of the center of the city. There is nothing don’t exist, it doesn’t get rerouted. Re- highly hazardous materials. you can do about that. That is very dif- routing would not increase the likeli- This amendment seems to be going in ferent than—I am making up these hood of an attack. It would decrease the opposite direction. Another one of numbers for illustration—you may the likelihood of an attack because my colleagues has raised the issue of have one of these tankers going in once people attack targets that have the chlorine shipments to wastewater a month versus 50 going through the maximum impact. This would not in- treatment plants. Those shipments same city in a month or 100 in a month. crease the total number of cars on the need to be made. It raises a lot of prac- This is all about percentages. You play track. It would allow the potential for tical questions about how to move this the percentages. Again, it is true, re- homeland security to reroute them material. Another colleague raised the routing may render cities in North Da- away from the places that would do the issue to me of whether this would re- kota—well, they would not be rerouted most damage. sult in more trucks on our highways in North Dakota, but I referenced the I thank the Chair and yield the floor. carrying hazardous materials. small towns. There was a chlorine gas The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- So I think that while I agree with the tanker car going across the top of the ator from Maine. overall intent of the amendment, I am Nation and, thank God, what happened Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I do ex- much more comfortable with the ap- was it went off in a rural part of the pect additional Members on my side of proach taken by the Commerce Com- world. You were able to evacuate the the aisle to come and debate this issue. mittee—a committee which, unfortu- three cities and nobody died. Had that I wish to clarify that the language, nately, I don’t serve on, so I don’t have same thing occurred in the middle of as I read it, in the Senator’s amend- the level of expertise that its members Chicago, you would not be able to evac- ment, is not discretionary, it is manda- have in talking about this issue. I do uate the city. We would not have had tory. It does allow for some certain sig- expect some members of the Commerce time. nificant exceptions for the Department Committee to come to the floor and de- So, yes, it is true. Are you going to to make findings on, but it clearly bate this issue. put a different population at risk? Yes, says: I do want my colleagues to know about one-tenth, one-twentieth, one The regulations issued under this section that the distinguished Senator’s one-hundredth or one one-thousandth shall— amendment is controversial, that it of the population, depending on where (1) except as provided in— may have unintended consequences. it is rerouted. So it is a little bit like The subsections part— Based on my knowledge of the issue, I saying: Why do we spend so much provide that any rail shipment containing hope it will be defeated. money worrying about the Sears high hazard materials be rerouted around Thank you. Tower? It is there, it is big, and it is a any high threat corridor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- target. Is it possible that a terrorist So I don’t see it as giving the Depart- ator from Delaware is recognized. would go into a building that is two ment great discretion if that deter- Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I appre- stories and blow it up? Yes. Can they mination is made because of the word ciate the comments of the Senator fly an aircraft into a rural town grain ‘‘shall,’’ which is not permissive, it is from Maine. She may have misunder- elevator? Yes. But that is not what we mandatory. There are some exceptions stood two aspects of the amendment. are worried about. They are not likely later which the Senator has referred One, it doesn’t mandatorily require re- to do that. They are likely to fly a to, such as the origination point or routing at all. It says the Department plane, plant a bomb, do something dev- point of destination being within the of Homeland Security can reroute, if astating where the most people are. high-threat corridor. But as I read the they determine it should be rerouted. So I find it to be a totally disingen- amendment, it pretty clearly calls for No. 2, the freight industry, where uous argument. This is about the bot- rerouting. they made the judgment on how much tom line. I measure the bottom line— I wanted to clarify that issue. Maybe further in distance it would travel if, in as I suspect all of us would if we I misunderstood the Senator from fact, you were to reroute, factored in thought about it—in human life. Delaware, but I thought he was saying only that it had to be rerouted on their The bottom line, in terms of the dol- it did not require rerouting. own tracks. So the idea being that they lars, the impact that would occur in a Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, if the Sen- would not be able to—this happens all catastrophic circumstance is if there is ator will yield, she is correct, but it the time, where other tracks are used; a town of 1,000 people and a town of 6 only requires the Secretary to do it if for example, the Chesapeake using Nor- million people, there is a phenomenal he or she concludes that there is a folk Southern track. difference whether that chlorine gas safer way to reroute the shipment. If No. 3, the Chamber of Commerce is tanker car gets exploded. the conclusion made by the Secretary opposed because it costs more money. Let me summarize. It is indicated by is that in a high-risk corridor the re- A lot of these things cost more money. the Department of Homeland Security routing would not result in an in- Will it cost more money to be able to again that an explosion of a rail tanker creased safety margin for the ship- reroute up to one-third of 1 percent of carrying chlorine would kill 17,500 indi- ment, then he or she need not reroute the freight on rail? Yes. But I ask the viduals, require the hospitalization of it. But it is correct, the presumption rhetorical question: What will it cost if another 100,000—and only then if we is, in a high-risk corridor we reroute if one of these tankers goes off in a popu- evacuate within a half an hour. We can it is not a point of destination or origin lated area? What will the cost then be evacuate a city of 1,000 people in half but only if the determination by the to the very businesses that are most an hour. We cannot evacuate a city of Secretary is that the shipment, in fact, concerned about it? 4 million people in half an hour. So it would be safer to be rerouted. It is on Fourth, this doesn’t affect destina- matters. page 4 of the amendment. It is section tion. If the chlorine gas tanker car is If this rail tanker goes off in New 2, subparagraph E, ‘‘Transportation going to a water treatment facility, it York City, my friend from New York is and Storage of High Hazard Materials still goes to that facility. Nothing going to be on the floor again pointing through High Threat Corridor’’ areas. changes. What we could have changed out the catastrophic impact. If it goes It says: is what we did in Delaware, not use off in rural Delaware, it will be a trag- In General.—The standards for the Sec- chlorine. There are other means by edy for me and my constituency, but retary to grant exceptions under section

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:27 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.034 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3028 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 (d)(4) shall require a finding by the Secretary We were told by the Attorney Gen- man. He doesn’t seem to me to be one that— eral he would ‘‘never, ever make a of these hard popular warriors who (A) the shipment originates or the point of change for political reasons.’’ It now populate the administration in such destination is in the high threat corridor; (B) there is no practical alternative route; turns out all this was false, as the evi- large numbers and, frankly, we have (C) there is an unanticipated, temporary dence makes clear this approach was seen in Justice Department appointees emergency that threatens the lives of per- based purely on politics to punish pros- throughout the Justice Department in sons or property in the high threat corridor; ecutors who were perceived to be too far too great a number. But simply (D) there would be no harm to persons or light on Democrats or too tough on Re- being a nice person, being a ‘‘nice guy’’ property beyond the owners or operator of publicans. is not enough, particularly when you the railroad in the event of a successful ter- rorist attack on shipment; or We were told by the Attorney Gen- are not performing your job. (E) rerouting would increase the likelihood eral this was ‘‘an overblown personnel The Attorney General got up and of a terrorist attack on the shipment. matter.’’ It now turns out, however, said: The bottom line is that it should be that far from being a low-level per- I am ultimately responsible, but simply left to the discretion of the Secretary sonnel matter, this was a longstanding claiming responsibility is not enough. to decide not to reroute rather than plan to exact political vendettas or He said: the privately owned railroad. I thank make political payoffs. I was not involved in any memos or discus- the Senator for her clarification. We were told the White House was sions of what was going on. I yield the floor. not involved in the plan to fire these That is his quote. Ms. COLLINS. I suggest the absence U.S. attorneys. It now turns out this He said: of a quorum. was a complete falsehood. Harriet Many decisions are delegated. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Miers was one of the masterminds of Mr. President, did the Attorney Gen- clerk will call the roll. this plan, as demonstrated by numer- The bill clerk proceeded to call the ous e-mails made public today. She eral not know that eight U.S. attor- roll. communicated extensively with Kyle neys were to be fired? If he didn’t Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask Sampson about firing of U.S. attor- know, he shouldn’t be Attorney Gen- unanimous consent that the order for neys. In fact, she originally wanted to eral, plain and simple. That is not a the quorum call be rescinded. fire and replace the top prosecutors in minor personnel decision. That is a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without all 93 districts in the country. major act that has now shaken the in- objection, it is so ordered. We were told that Karl Rove had no tegrity of the U.S. Attorney’s Offices— Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I will involvement in getting his protege ap- not only those in question but all of speak briefly because I know the floor pointed U.S. attorney in Arkansas. In them—to the core. To simply say decisions were dele- leader for the minority side has people fact, there is a letter from the Depart- gated, that is a sorry excuse. And then, coming to speak to respond to the ment of Justice: amendment. I am not speaking on the of course, if the Attorney General The Department is not aware of Karl Rove knew, that one doesn’t work either. amendment. playing any role in the decision to appoint The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. Griffin. The Attorney General has said: objection, the Senator is recognized. Mr. Griffin was the attorney whom I will do the best I can to maintain the confidence of the American people. U.S. ATTORNEYS they appointed. It now turns out this Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I rise was a falsehood, as demonstrated by Mr. Attorney General, you have al- because I heard Attorney General Mr. Sampson’s e-mail: ready lost that confidence. It has not simply been on this issue, although Gonzales speak about the growing, dis- Getting him— heartening, and alarming scandal with this is the straw that has broken the Griffin— the U.S. attorneys. I wish to say, first, camel’s back, and when you sat in a that this is a serious issue. In every was important to Harriet, Karl, et cetera. room with Senator LEAHY and Senator district in America, the U.S. attorney We were told the change to the PA- FEINSTEIN and Senator SPECTER and represents the enforcer of the Federal TRIOT Act was an innocent attempt to myself last Thursday and seemed to law without fear or favor. U.S. attor- fix a legal loophole, to help the war on give this crisis, most considered crisis, neys over decades have built up a rep- terrorism, not a cynical strategy to by- the back of your hand and say it is not utation of being not part of politics pass the Senate’s role in serving as a terribly important and don’t worry, we but, rather, enforcing the law, as they check and balance. It now turns out will fix it without caring about it, my say, without fear or favor. this, too, was a falsehood—another total confidence was shaken, and I be- Over every Justice Department office one—as demonstrated by an e-mail lieve the others in the room felt the in every corner of the land is the eagle from Mr. Sampson: same. perched on a branch, with her claw I strongly recommend that as a matter of This was, as I said, the straw that holding a bunch of arrows. When you administration, we utilize the new statutory broke the camel’s back. It was hardly see that symbol, it denotes strength, provisions that authorize the AG to make the only decision. On issue after issue, but it denotes fairness and impar- USA appointments. the Attorney General has not stood up tiality. That fairness, that impar- Mr. Sampson specifically argued that for the rule of law, which is his fore- tiality has received a serious blow— by using these provisions, the adminis- most duty. On issue after issue, wheth- maybe not a mortal blow because of tration ‘‘can give far less deference to er it be wiretaps, whether it be na- the resilience of our country, but a se- home State Senators and thereby get tional security letters, whether it be rious blow—over what has happened in (1) our preferred person appointed and the unitary theory of the Executive, al- the Justice Department over the last (2) do it faster and more efficiently at lowing the Executive to do everything several months. less political cost to the White House.’’ with no checks and balances, this Sec- What we have had in the past is So it has been misstatement after retary has been a rubberstamp for poli- misstatement after misstatement misstatement. To put it delicately, cies that the courts have found repeat- about what has happened. The story prevarication after prevarication, edly unconstitutional. has kept changing, we can’t get the changes in stories, coverups in stories. The Attorney General, unfortu- truth, and that is why we had no choice And the only reason, frankly, we are nately, in my judgment, misconceives but to undertake our own investiga- getting to the truth is we have the ma- his role. The Attorney General tion. jority, and we have the ability to sub- misconceives his role because he still Let me say that time and time again poena and have hearings and inves- sees himself as counsel to the Presi- we have heard falsehoods. We were told tigate. dent, his previous job, where he that all seven of the eight U.S. attor- A few minutes ago, Attorney General rubberstamped everything the Presi- neys were fired for performance rea- Gonzales spoke. I have to say I have no dent did. But when you are the Presi- sons. It now turns out this was false, as animus toward Attorney General dent’s counsel, your job is to serve the their glowing performance evaluations Gonzales. In fact, I like the man. He President, period. When you become attest. seems to me to be a genuinely nice Attorney General, you have a higher

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:27 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.035 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3029 duty. That duty is the rule of law—to bloc to the consideration of the fol- (i) A thorough description of the data min- preserve it, to protect it, to defend it. lowing amendments, that they be ing activity, its goals, and, where appro- For whatever reason, the Attorney agreed to en bloc, and that the motions priate, the target dates for the deployment General doesn’t see that as his role. His of the data mining activity. to reconsider be laid upon the table: (ii) A thorough description of the data time in office should be over. First, the Kyl amendment, No. 357, mining technology that is being used or will The U.S. attorneys scandal and all with a Feingold second-degree amend- be used, including the basis for determining the other instances where the Attorney ment, No. 441. whether a particular pattern or anomaly is General did not protect the rule of law Second, a Schumer amendment, No. indicative of terrorist or criminal activity. are just too great a weight for the of- 337, with a modification that is at the (iii) A thorough description of the data fice to bear. To simply say ‘‘I am re- desk, and with an Ensign second-degree sources that are being or will be used. sponsible’’ and not tell people what it amendment, No. 448. (iv) An assessment of the efficacy or likely is all about makes no sense. We just efficacy of the data mining activity in pro- Third, a Bond amendment, No. 389, viding accurate information consistent with saw Scooter Libby be convicted. Many with a modification at the desk. and valuable to the stated goals and plans said he was a fall guy. We are not going Fourth, and finally, a Stevens for the use or development of the data min- to have another Scooter Libby, another amendment, No. 299. ing activity. fall guy. Kyle Sampson did many The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there (v) An assessment of the impact or likely wrong things, and it is very possible he objection? impact of the implementation of the data broke the criminal law, but, as Harry Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, mining activity on the privacy and civil lib- Truman said, the buck stops at the top. these amendments have been cleared erties of individuals, including a thorough The buck stops with the Attorney Gen- description of the actions that are being on this side of the aisle, and I do not taken or will be taken with regard to the eral. It defies belief that his chief of object. property, privacy, or other rights or privi- staff was making all these major deci- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without leges of any individual or individuals as a re- sions without his knowledge, particu- objection, it is so ordered. sult of the implementation of the data min- larly when it is clear that at least on a The amendment (No. 441), to amend- ing activity. few instances he admits he had phone ment No. 357, was agreed to, as follows: (vi) A list and analysis of the laws and reg- calls from the President and from oth- (Purpose: To require appropriate reports re- ulations that govern the information being ers about this issue. garding data mining by the Federal Gov- or to be collected, reviewed, gathered, ana- I want to say one other thing, be- ernment) lyzed, or used in conjunction with the data cause this issue is not going to go mining activity, to the extent applicable in On page 1, strike ‘‘(1) DATA-MINING.—’’ and the context of the data mining activity. away. This issue is going to stay with all that follows through ‘‘(c) REPORTS ON (vii) A thorough discussion of the policies, us until we find out everything that DATA MINING ACTIVITIES BY FEDERAL AGEN- procedures, and guidelines that are in place has happened, for the sake of punishing CIES.—’’ on page 2, and insert the following: or that are to be developed and applied in the those who did wrong but also, more im- (1) DATA MINING.—The term ‘‘data mining’’ use of such data mining activity in order portantly, to clear the air and restore means a program involving pattern-based to— the good name of the U.S. attorneys queries, searches, or other analyses of 1 or (I) protect the privacy and due process more electronic databases, where— rights of individuals, such as redress proce- who were fired incorrectly and of the (A) a department or agency of the Federal U.S. attorneys—a more numerous dures; and Government, or a non-Federal entity acting (II) ensure that only accurate and com- group—who were not involved in this on behalf of the Federal Government, is con- plete information is collected, reviewed, issue but whose reputations have been ducting the queries, searches, or other anal- gathered, analyzed, or used, and guard called into question. Tomorrow, if yses to discover or locate a predictive pat- against any harmful consequences of poten- someone is indicted by a U.S. attorney tern or anomaly indicative of terrorist or tial inaccuracies. who had no involvement in this scandal criminal activity on the part of any indi- (C) ANNEX.— and their defense attorney says politics vidual or individuals; (i) IN GENERAL.—A report under subpara- was involved, the public may believe it, (B) the queries, searches, or other analyses graph (A) shall include in an annex any nec- are not subject-based and do not use personal given what we have seen happen thus essary— identifiers of a specific individual, or inputs (I) classified information; far. So it is our obligation, it is our associated with a specific individual or group (II) law enforcement sensitive information; moral imperative to get to the bottom of individuals, to retrieve information from (III) proprietary business information; or of this, to clear the air, and to restore the database or databases; and (IV) trade secrets (as that term is defined the reputation of U.S. Attorney’s Of- (C) the purpose of the queries, searches, or in section 1839 of title 18, United States fices now and into the future, and that other analyses is not solely— Code). is just what we will do. (i) the detection of fraud, waste, or abuse (ii) AVAILABILITY.—Any annex described in Madam President, I yield the floor, in a Government agency or program; or clause (i)— and I suggest the absence of a quorum. (ii) the security of a Government computer (I) shall be available, as appropriate, and The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. system. consistent with the National Security Act of (2) DATABASE.—The term ‘‘database’’ does 1947 (50 U.S.C. 401 et seq.), to the Committee MCCASKILL). The clerk will call the not include telephone directories, news re- on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- roll. porting, information publicly available to fairs, the Committee on the Judiciary, the The bill clerk proceeded to call the any member of the public without payment Select Committee on Intelligence, the Com- roll. of a fee, or databases of judicial and adminis- mittee on Appropriations, and the Com- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, trative opinions or other legal research mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- I ask unanimous consent that the order sources. fairs of the Senate and the Committee on for the quorum call be rescinded. (c) REPORTS ON DATA MINING ACTIVITIES BY Homeland Security, the Committee on the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without FEDERAL AGENCIES.— Judiciary, the Permanent Select Committee objection, it is so ordered. (1) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (d) of this sec- on Intelligence, the Committee on Appro- tion shall have no force or effect. priations, and the Committee on Financial AMENDMENTS NOS. 441, 357, 448, 337, 389, AND 299, (2) REPORTS.— Services of the House of Representatives; EN BLOC and Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, (A) REQUIREMENT FOR REPORT.—The head of each department or agency of the Federal (II) shall not be made available to the pub- we are making progress in disposing of Government that is engaged in any activity lic. the final amendments pending as we to use or develop data mining shall submit a (D) TIME FOR REPORT.—Each report re- head toward final passage of S. 4. So at report to Congress on all such activities of quired under subparagraph (A) shall be— this time, I would like to propound a the department or agency under the jurisdic- (i) submitted not later than 180 days after unanimous consent request that there tion of that official. The report shall be pro- the date of enactment of this Act; and are a number of pending amendments duced in coordination with the privacy offi- (ii) updated not less frequently than annu- cer of that department or agency, if applica- ally thereafter, to include any activity to which I understand can be considered use or develop data mining engaged in after and agreed to without the necessity of ble, and shall be made available to the pub- lic, except for an annex described in subpara- the date of the prior report submitted under a rollcall vote, and two of these amend- graph (C). subparagraph (A). ments will have second-degree amend- (B) CONTENT OF REPORT.—Each report sub- (d) REPORTS ON DATA MINING ACTIVITIES BY ments. mitted under subparagraph (A) shall include, FEDERAL AGENCIES.— I now ask unanimous consent that it for each activity to use or develop data min- The amendment (No. 357), as modi- be in order for the Senate to proceed en ing, the following information: fied, as amended, was agreed to.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:48 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.038 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3030 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 The amendment (No. 337), as modi- (f) TERMINATION OF ASSISTANCE.—The tion for intelligence-related nominations, fied, was agreed to, as follows: availability of eligible participants of the and streamlining procedures for the referral On page 86, after line 20,: Law Enforcement Assistance Force shall of intelligence-related legislation, but other (c) EXCEPTION.—The limitations under sub- continue for a period equal to the shorter aspects of the 9/11 Commission recommenda- paragraph (A) shall not apply to activities of— tions regarding intelligence oversight have permitted under the full-time counter- (1) the period of the major disaster; or not been implemented. ENSE OF THE SENATE.—It is the sense terrorism staffing pilot, as described in the (2) 1 year. (b) S of the Senate that the Committee on Home- Fiscal Year 2007 Program Guidance of the (g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section— land Security and Governmental Affairs and Department for the Urban Area Security Ini- (1) the term ‘‘eligible participant’’ means the Select Committee on Intelligence of the tiative. an individual participating in the Law En- forcement Assistance Force; Senate each, or jointly, should— The amendment (No. 448), to amend- (1) undertake a review of the recommenda- ment No. 337, was agreed to, as follows: (2) the term ‘‘Law Enforcement Assistance Force’’ means the Law Enforcement Assist- tions made in the final report of the 9/11 (Purpose: To establish a Law Enforcement ance Force established under subsection (a); Commission with respect to intelligence re- Assistance Force in the Department of and form and congressional intelligence over- Homeland Security to facilitate the con- (3) the term ‘‘major disaster’’ has the sight reform; tributions of retired law enforcement offi- meaning given that term in section 102 of the (2) review and consider any other sugges- tions, options, or recommendations for im- cers during major disasters) Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer- proving intelligence oversight; and At the appropriate place, insert the fol- gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122). (3) not later than December 21, 2007, submit lowing: (h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— to the Senate a report that includes the rec- SEC. 15 ll. LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE There are authorized to be appropriated such FORCE. ommendations of the Committee, if any, for sums as may be necessary to carry out this carrying out such reforms. (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall section. establish a Law Enforcement Assistance The amendment (No. 299) was agreed Force to facilitate the contributions of re- The amendment (No. 337), as modi- to. fied, as amended, was agreed to. tired law enforcement officers and agents AMENDMENT NO. 448 The amendment (No. 389), as modi- during major disasters. Mr. ENSIGN. Madam President, I (b) ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS.—An individual fied, was agreed to, as follows: may participate in the Law Enforcement As- speak today about my amendment to At the appropriate place, insert the fol- create the law enforcement assistance sistance Force if that individual— lowing: (1) has experience working as an officer or force. This amendment is a common- SEC. ll. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING A agent for a public law enforcement agency REPORT ON THE 9/11 COMMISSION sense idea and I hope my colleagues and left that agency in good standing; RECOMMENDATIONS WITH RESPECT would adopt this amendment. (2) holds current certifications for fire- TO INTELLIGENCE REFORM AND My amendment proposes the creation arms, first aid, and such other skills deter- CONGRESSIONAL INTELLIGENCE of a law enforcement assistance force mined necessary by the Secretary; OVERSIGHT REFORM. which is a system for retired law en- (3) submits to the Secretary an applica- (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the fol- forcement personnel to apply to DHS, tion, at such time, in such manner, and ac- lowing findings: companied by such information as the Sec- (1) The National Commission on Terrorist and complete the necessary paperwork retary may reasonably require, that author- Attacks Upon the United States (referred to and training, before a disaster occurs. izes the Secretary to review the law enforce- in this section as the ‘‘9/11 Commission’’) Then, when disaster happens, DHS ment service record of that individual; and conducted a lengthy review of the facts and would have a pool of qualified first re- (4) meets such other qualifications as the circumstances relating to the terrorist at- sponders who could be called into ac- Secretary may require. tacks of September 11, 2001, including those tion. These volunteers would be de- (c) LIABILITY; SUPERVISION.—Each eligible relating to the intelligence community, law tailed to a Federal, State, or local law participant shall, upon acceptance of an as- enforcement agencies, and the role of con- enforcement agency to work side by signment under this section— gressional oversight and resource allocation. (A) be detailed to a Federal, State, or local (2) In its final report, the 9/11 Commission side with law enforcement located in government law enforcement agency; and found that— affected communities. The amendment (B) work under the direct supervision of an (A) congressional oversight of the intel- also provides that DHS would reim- officer or agent of that agency. ligence activities of the United States is dys- burse volunteers for their costs. (d) MOBILIZATION.— functional; The need for properly trained first re- (1) IN GENERAL.—In the event of a major (B) under the rules of the Senate and the sponders was never greater than it was disaster, the Secretary, after consultation House of Representatives in effect at the immediately after Hurricane Katrina. with appropriate Federal, State, and local time the report was completed, the commit- In the wake of this disaster, I toured government law enforcement agencies, may tees of Congress charged with oversight of request eligible participants to volunteer to the intelligence activities lacked the power, the gulf region and saw the devastation assist the efforts of those agencies respond- influence, and sustained capability to meet firsthand. A situation caused by nat- ing to such emergency and assign each will- the daunting challenges faced by the intel- ural disaster was made worse by the ing participant to a specific law enforcement ligence community of the United States; way Federal, State and local govern- agency. (C) as long as such oversight is governed by ment responded. I say this not to criti- (2) ACCEPTANCE.—If the eligible participant such rules of the Senate and the House of cize anyone but to propose a way to accepts an assignment under this subsection, Representatives, the people of the United improve how America will respond in that eligible participant shall agree to re- States will not get the security they want the future. main in such assignment for a period equal and need; In the aftermath of any disaster, to not less than the shorter of— (D) a strong, stable, and capable congres- (A) the period during which the law en- sional committee structure is needed to give there is an acute need for trained res- forcement agency needs the services of such the intelligence community of the United cue and recovery personnel. These participant; States appropriate oversight, support, and needs are often met by volunteers who, (B) 30 days; leadership; and having seen their fellow Americans in (C) such other period of time agreed to be- (E) the reforms recommended by the 9/11 need, travel across country to answer tween the Secretary and the eligible partici- Commission in its final report will not suc- the call for help. In the aftermath of pant. ceed if congressional oversight of the intel- Katrina, there was no shortage of vol- ligence community in the United States is (3) REFUSAL.—An eligible participant may unteers who answered this call. Their refuse an assignment under this subsection not changed. without any adverse consequences. (3) The 9/11 Commission recommended willingness to help is a testament to (e) EXPENSES.— structural changes to Congress to improve the American spirit. Unfortunately, (1) IN GENERAL.—Each eligible participant the oversight of intelligence activities. these volunteers were not used in a shall be allowed travel expenses, including (4) Congress has enacted some of the rec- way that was equal to their spirit or per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates au- ommendations made by the 9/11 Commission the needs of the people affected by this thorized for employees of agencies under sub- and is considering implementing additional storm. chapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. As the media reported, FEMA di- States Code, while carrying out an assign- (5) The Senate adopted Senate Resolution verted many volunteer first responders ment under subsection (d). 445 in the 108th Congress to address some of (2) SOURCE OF FUNDS.—Expenses incurred the intelligence oversight recommendations to places outside of the disaster area. under paragraph (1) shall be paid from of the 9/11 Commission by abolishing term Some highly skilled emergency re- amounts appropriated to the Federal Emer- limits for the members of the Select Com- sponse volunteers were sent to Arkan- gency Management Agency. mittee on Intelligence, clarifying jurisdic- sas to prepare paperwork. Others were

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:48 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.040 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3031 diverted to Atlanta to hand out fliers Mr. CHAMBLISS. Madam President, pediments that led to our intelligence and still others were forced to attend I rise today in support of Senate community’s underperformance in the ‘‘sensitivity training’’ seminars. Mean- amendment No. 389 offered by my col- last years of the 20th century, leaving while, in the hardest hit areas of the league from Missouri, Senator BOND. It us more vulnerable to the attacks of gulf region, people suffered. Many is appropriate that this amendment be September 11. The second and recently needed basic medical care and supplies. offered to the 9/11 bill as it is a first confirmed Director of the Office of Na- The resources of local first responders step in implementing one of the few tional Intelligence, Mike McConnell, and government officials were strained. outstanding recommendations made by assumes leadership in a structure that The local responders needed reinforce- the 9/11 Commission—to reform con- is up and running, if still on its shake- ments, especially when lawlessness gressional oversight of the intelligence down cruise. In Mike McConnell we broke out. Responding to a disaster is community. I am proud to be a cospon- have a leader that will take the DNI to always a difficult job. But like we ad- sor of this important amendment and the levels of authority and accomplish- vise at-risk communities to take steps thank Senator BOND for his leadership ment we in Congress who created the to prepare for potential disasters, the on this issue. Office of the DNI intended. Federal Government also has an obli- The 9/11 Commission suggested that Throughout the IC we have seen gation to prepare in advance as well. the rules of the House of Representa- many promising developments. Agen- My amendment creates a process to tives and the Senate lack the power, cies are infused with resources and enable FEMA and DHS to put qualified influence and sustained capability to focus, and they are addressing our pri- first responders in place in the imme- effectuate oversight of the intelligence ority and hard targets like no other diate aftermath of disaster. It will en- community. As such, they rec- time during my 30 years in the Senate. sure a better Federal response by pro- ommended that Congress establish one Mike Hayden at CIA is providing lead- viding State and local communities committee in each House of Congress ership to an organization that is truly with the reinforcements they need. I with both authorizing and appropria- beginning to reach out of its petrified believe there is a willingness on the tion authority for the intelligence structures and mindset of the past to part of retired law enforcement to vol- community or create a joint com- bravely and creatively take on the in- unteer their experience and expertise mittee based on the model of the old telligence challenges of today and to- in times of crisis. In fact, the idea for Joint Committee on Atomic Energy. morrow. As a member of the Intel- this amendment was given to me by a Just this year, the House of Rep- ligence Committee, I make every effort friend of mine, Tom Page, who is a re- resentatives amended their rules to to commend and encourage all of these tired Las Vegas Metro Police officer. I create a new panel on the Appropria- positive developments, and I know I am thank him for this suggestion and I tions Committee with members of both joined by most of my colleagues. urge my colleagues to adopt the the Intelligence Committee and the That is the good news. The bad news amendment. Appropriations Committee. While the is that intelligence reform has many AMENDMENT NO. 389 House provision does not meet the 9/11 unfinished aspects. There are still deep Mr. BOND. Madam President, I would Commission recommendation in full, cultural problems with the way certain like to commend Senators LIEBERMAN the Senate has not acted at all. As IC organizations, particularly the CIA, and COLLINS for all their hard work on every Member of this body knows, re- work. We still have far to go and ad- S. 4 and I would especially like to forming Congress, especially the Sen- dressing the challenge of hard targets, thank them for their support of my ate, can be difficult and will face much like North Korea and Iran. All of these amendment calling for further congres- resistance. However, the Senate should challenges will take time and leader- sional review and action with regard to not be an exception to government re- ship to address. The 9/11 Commission’s report on the the recommendations of the 9/11 Com- form after September 11, 2001. We intelligence failures leading to Sep- mission. should lead by example. We owe the The 9/11 Commission identified many tember 11 also focused how Congress American public and the families of shortfalls, some in the intelligence needed to change. The report stated: those lost on September 11, 2001 to con- community and some in congressional Under the terms of existing rules and reso- tinue to improve intelligence collec- oversight. lutions the House and Senate intelligence We can never ease the pain and an- tion and coordination as well as to im- committees lack the power, influence, and guish of the 9/11 families resulting from prove congressional oversight. sustained capability to meet this challenge. I know many have ideas on reform in the deaths of their loved ones. It is pos- The Commission recommended: the Senate, and we should explore sible, however, to do everything within Either Congress should create a joint com- our power to ensure more American those. We need to find the most effec- mittee for intelligence . . . or it should cre- families are not subjected to a similar tive way to conduct vital, and often ate House and Senate committees with com- nightmare. difficult, intelligence oversight. That bined authorizing and appropriations powers. We owe it to the 9/11 families as well is why this amendment is so impor- We began to improve congressional as the American people to adopt re- tant—it asks the Senate Select Com- oversight with S. Res. 445, passed im- forms that will improve intelligence mittee on Intelligence and the Home- mediately after the Intelligence Re- collection and dissemination, as well land Security and Governmental Af- form and Terrorism Prevention Act of as will improve congressional over- fairs Committee to each review the 9/11 2004. We removed term limits, raised sight. Commission’s recommendation. Mem- the stature of the committee to an A Putting our own house in order may bers of the Senate with expertise in re- Committee, and returned to the use of not be popular, but it is the right thing form and intelligence will review the designated staff. But this was tin- to do. oversight process and develop rec- kering in comparison to the 9/11 Com- I look forward to working with the ommendations on the most valuable re- mission’s recommendation. chairman and ranking member, as well forms. I recognize this is a difficult ques- as the members of the Homeland Secu- In conclusion, I hope all my col- tion, for all of the reasons of congres- rity and Governmental Affairs Com- leagues will support this amendment sional resistance and established pre- mittee to continue to improve U.S. in- and work with the committees in the rogatives. But I think that we should telligence and congressional oversight Senate to improve the congressional not abandon addressing the very sub- of U.S. intelligence. oversight process. stantive question of the current struc- In closing, I would also like to thank Mr. HATCH. Madam President, we ture that greatly limits intelligence Ms. Holly Idelson of Senator certainly know how complicated and committee control over intelligence LIEBERMAN’s staff and Mr. Brandon even vexing the process of reforming community appropriations. Milhorn of Senator COLLINS’s staff for the intelligence community is. On the Therefore, I am pleased that amend- their assistance to me and my staff. one hand, we now have in place a new ment No. 389 has been accepted to S. 4, Both of these young people went out of structure, with an overarching office of and I commend the author of this their way to assist us, and I am grate- the Director of National Intelligence, amendment, the vice chairman of the ful to them for their courteous de- that is responsible for addressing many Senate Select Committee on Intel- meanor and their professional conduct. of the institutional and structural im- ligence, Senator BOND. I am pleased to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:48 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.009 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3032 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 note that this amendment has the co- name, is more of a clutter—a collection issues that have to be managed aggres- sponsorship of the chairman of the of various ideas, some of which the 9/11 sively and with fluidity by the leader- committee, Senator ROCKEFELLER. Commission agrees with, some of which ship of the TSA and the TSA teams on This amendment requests a joint re- I suspect they never even thought of the ground. view of this question be conducted by discussing and, as a practical matter, To create a unionized TSA will take both the Intelligence and the Home- the bill as a whole, in my humble opin- away that flexibility, that efficiency. land Security Committees, and be pre- ion, in its present form would actually It will take away the ability to assure sented by year’s end. This is not a rad- end up undermining rather than im- the people who are doing the screening ical proposal, in and of itself, but keeps proving our safety as a nation. There will be the best we can get and they are the Senate focused on an unresolved are a number of reasons for that, but at doing it in the most effective way that question, a question whose importance the moment the most significant rea- can be done. In my opinion, putting to the question of congressional over- son is the unionization language in this this language in this bill, if it were to sight of our intelligence community bill which essentially says the TSA pass, would undermine security gen- cannot be underestimated. will become a unionized organization. erally. Intelligence reform is an ongoing When we originally set up the TSA, There are other issues with this bill process. I happen to believe that, when which was a matter of considerable de- which I can assure you, in my reading our institutional will flags or is di- bate on this floor, that issue was at the of the 9/11 Commission report, they did verted, we should remind ourselves of essence, at the center, of the discussion not think of in the terms this bill is the costs of intelligence failure, and as to why and how we were going to set structured: specifically, the formula steel ourselves to the fact that intel- up the TSA. The belief was at the time for the distribution of funds. I chaired ligence will play a larger role in our we set up the TSA and the commit- the Appropriations subcommittee national defense for the foreseeable fu- ment was at that time that we would which had responsibility for distrib- ture. And we should never abandon our not create a unionized organization. uting funds relative to terrorist activ- oversight of intelligence reform, our Why was that? It is not that unions ity in this country. We do have this dedication to supporting the most dy- do not do good work. Unions do ex- pool of funds which is distributed to all namic intelligence community, and our traordinary work. They have been one the States and all the regions in this responsibility to conducting this over- of the great forces in American culture country under a formula. My opinion is sight in the most effective manner pos- for producing and mainstreaming many if you want to effectively use that sible. Americans, from the standpoint of in- money, it should be threat based. That Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, come and social activity, having a should be the No. 1 priority and the No. 1 criterion. Is the money going where I thank the Chair and my friend from group to participate with. They have the threat is highest? Maine, and I notify our colleagues that been an extraordinarily positive force. We know there are certain targets in we are working very hard to eliminate But the belief was—and it is an accu- the remaining objections on compo- this country which are high-threat rate belief arrived at after considerable areas: New York City, the subway sys- nents of the managers’ amendment. We thought and a great deal of debate— anticipate at least one more rollcall tem specifically, but a lot of parts of that unionizing TSA would be like New York City; Los Angeles; Wash- vote on one of the pending amendments unionizing the military, to give an ex- and then final passage, and hopefully ington, DC. These are clearly high-pri- ample. ority targets when you are talking that will happen soon. The TSA is the front line of our de- about terrorists. Terrorists have goals. Pending that, Madam President, I fense relative to protecting airplanes suggest the absence of a quorum. One of their goals is to destroy our cul- that fly in America today. We know air The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ture and kill as many Americans as traffic is the No. 1 source for attack clerk will call the roll. they can, according to al-Qaida, but The assistant legislative clerk pro- from the al-Qaida interests. We know another is to make a statement inter- ceeded to call the roll. that they, in their handbooks and their nationally. That is why they picked Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I ask training manuals, constantly come the World Trade Center. That was a unanimous consent the order for the back to the use of aircraft as a weapon, recognized international symbol. quorum call be rescinded. and unfortunately we saw them use it I know there are places in New The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without on 9/11. Hampshire that are probably suscep- objection, it is so ordered. Having a secure transportation in- tible to terrorist attack. I am sure The Senator from New Hampshire is dustry, especially in the aircraft area, they are. But the fact is, it is unlikely, recognized. is absolutely critical to our protecting if you are ordering priorities, that Mr. GREGG. Madam President, while our Nation from acts of terrorism. most of them are going to be very high we are waiting here to line up a vote on That is why we put in place the TSA. on a priority list for terror attack— this amendment and this bill, I will They are the front line of securing our certainly one structured by an al-Qaida speak briefly relative to my thoughts air transportation system in this coun- type organization. They may be from on how this bill is evolving. Like ev- try. They are like a military force. domestic terrorism; that is different— eryone, I was very impressed with the Their purpose is to be moved around domestic terrorism such as hit Okla- work of the 9/11 Commission. I think quickly to areas of weakness. Their homa City. But if there were a struc- they did a superb job of pointing out purpose is to make sure they execute tured terrorist attack from an Islamic what were, unfortunately, very signifi- efficiently the review of people getting fundamentalist group, we can prioritize cant problems which we have as a na- on aircraft to make sure those people what is the terrorist threat and what is tion relative to our preparedness to are appropriately screened. not the terrorist threat. fight terrorism. I had the good fortune You cannot have incompetence. You The money should go to the threat. to chair the Homeland Security Sub- can’t have inefficiency. You can’t have Now how does that affect New Hamp- committee of the Appropriations Com- poorly trained people or people who do shire? It means New Hampshire would mittee for the last 2 years and spent a not sort of get with the program. You get less money. As the chairman of an considerable time before that working must have a very disciplined, focused Appropriations subcommittee, I had re- on the accounts of the FBI. We worked group of individuals managing the se- sponsibility for this area up until this hard, honestly, to try to address some curity at our airports. That is the goal year, when I switched over to foreign of the issues which were raised by the we were hoping to accomplish with the affairs accounts. I strongly promoted 9/11 Commission and, as a practical TSA. the program of putting the money matter, the great majority of the It was fully understood, because I where the threat was, to the disadvan- issues raised by the 9/11 Commission was involved in the debate, that when tage of New Hampshire, because I felt have been addressed and are moving we set up the TSA it would not be that was the way it should be done. forward, hopefully, to a constructive unionized because union rules inher- Now this bill comes along and tries resolution. ently create delay and they create to reorder that in a way that essen- This bill, although it has the 9/11 stricture and straitjackets and make it tially says every State, every commu- Commission imprimatur on it as its very difficult to manage different nity will get, for lack of a better word,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:27 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.029 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3033 ‘‘walking around money’’ for purposes not just to the original 9/11 Commis- party lines to support final passage of of buying security, to the detriment of sion in 2004, which was the basis of the the legislation. the high-threat areas. We only have so Intelligence Reform Terrorism Preven- I hope soon to be able to propound a much money. tion Act of that year, but it is a re- series of unanimous consent agree- Once we have secured the high-threat sponse directly to the appeal the 9/11 ments. I am waiting for final clearance areas and we are fairly comfortable, Commission issued in December of 2005 from my ranking member. As soon as then we can start distributing it maybe that there was unfinished business. that happens I will rise to do so. more broadly and without any account- That appeal was not only seconded AMENDMENT NO. 448 ability for threat. But initially the dis- but echoed and amplified by the var- I ask unanimous consent that not- tribution should be based on threat. ious organizations representing fami- withstanding its adoption, the Ensign Yes, every State should get some, but lies who lost loved ones on 9/11 in the amendment No. 448 be considered a it should not be under the formula that terrorist attack of that day. first-degree amendment, agreed to, and is in this bill. It should be a much So this legislation before the Senate that it be inserted at the appropriate lower absolute commitment of dollars now, about to go to final amendment place in the bill. and a much higher commitment of dol- consideration and adoption, includes The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without lars in the threat area. This is what improvements in information sharing— objection, it is so ordered. bothers me about this bill. the critical question of connecting the Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, In addition, there is the ability of dots before the terrorists can strike us I suggest the absence of a quorum. people to get access to classified intel- so we can stop them from doing so. It The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ligence briefings and materials. This is creates a new dedicated grant fund to clerk will call the roll. playing with fire when we start signifi- support interoperable communications The legislative clerk proceeded to cantly expanding access to this type of equipment—complicated words which call the roll. material. Because it is this material simply mean whether in a crisis, a po- Mr. SPECTER. Madam President, I falling into the wrong hands by acci- tential terrorist attack, or a natural ask unanimous consent that the order dent, which it might be, or just over- disaster such as Katrina, our fire- for the quorum call be rescinded. sight, because it is in so many hands, fighters, our police officers, our emer- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without because it is expanded by this bill and gency responders can talk to each objection, it is so ordered. going into so many hands, that if it other as they were not able to do on REQUESTED RESIGNATIONS OF SEVEN UNITED falls into the wrong places, people can 9/11. STATES ATTORNEYS trace the source, and protecting these This is a balanced, progressive rec- Mr. SPECTER. Madam President, I sources of where we get intelligence is ommendation to solve once and for all have sought recognition to comment absolutely the most critical thing we by legislation the ongoing dispute about the events in the Department of have to do. If we have a good source of about how to distribute homeland secu- Justice over the course of the past 10 intelligence on how people want to at- rity grant funding. We have improved days, with respect to the request for tack us, protecting that source is abso- the security requirements of the so- the resignations of seven United States lutely essential. called visa waiver program. We have attorneys and the disclosures that the Some of the intelligence material strengthened the Privacy and Civil FBI was improperly using national se- that will be released under this bill— Liberties Board and done much else. curity letters. with good intentions, but, unfortu- There is a lot constructive here. One of With respect to the matter about the nately, the Congress tends to be a the parts of this legislation that I be- request for resignations of the United sieve, and no matter how aggressively lieve still should be the least con- States attorneys, I believe it is impor- people try to protect that information, troversial and, frankly, not the most tant for the Judiciary Committee to it seems to get out—could easily ex- important but an act of fairness con- proceed with its inquiry to find out ex- pand the number of people available sistent with our effort to improve actly what happened. There is no who have access to this information to homeland security, was simply to give doubt—I think it is undisputed—that a point where the security of the ad- the transportation security officers at the Attorney General has the authority ministration will come into question. the Transportation Security Agency, to replace United States attorneys. So these are very serious issues rel- who now can join a union but cannot There is a serious question if they are ative to this bill. The most serious is collectively bargain, the same right to replaced for improper motives. the unionization of a nonunion, lean, collectively bargain in very limited We know when President Clinton was effective organization which would pro- areas without the right to strike, the elected, one of his first acts in early tect our transportation system, espe- same rights that most other employees 1993, when he took office, was to re- cially air traffic; the failure to put the at the Department of Homeland Secu- place all 93 of the United States attor- money on the target which is threat- rity, including law enforcement per- neys. I had the occasion recently to ened; and the issue of expanding the sonnel, have and continue to have, discuss this with the Attorney General availability of very sensitive intel- without impeding their carrying out of of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, who was ligence information in a way that their law enforcement public safety a U.S. attorney at that time for the might undermine the sources of that functions. That includes the Border Pa- Western District of Pennsylvania. In information. trol, obviously at the Capitol that in- 1993, he had the position in the United Those are the reservations I have cludes our Capitol Police, and through- States attorneys organization to make about this bill. That is why I will not out America it includes firefighters those telephone calls. That was han- be able to support the bill when it and police officers. dled in due course, and nobody chal- comes up for final passage should it be It is unfortunate that is so much the lenged the President’s authority to re- in its present form. focus of discussion about this bill be- place United States attorneys. I yield the floor. cause this bill is a direct response to Now, questions have arisen as to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the appeals of the 9/11 Commissioners whether United States attorneys were ator from Connecticut. and the 9/11 families to take construc- replaced improperly—for example, the Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, tive action to respond to the state- question has been raised as to U.S. At- we are coming to the moment when we ments that the Commission itself made torney Lam in the Southern District of adopt the managers’ amendment and in 2004 and again in 2005: America is California, in San Diego, and whether proceed to final passage. I want to re- safer than it was on 9/11/01 but not yet she was replaced because of her convic- spond to some of the things said by my safe enough. tion of former Congressman Duke friend from New Hampshire. This bill, which is not controversial Cunningham, now serving an 8-year The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and ought to receive nonpartisan sup- sentence, and whether she was about to objection, the Senator may proceed. port, will make the people of America, investigate other people who were po- Mr. LIEBERMAN. In response to my in an age of terrorism, safer yet than litically powerful. friend from New Hampshire, two they have been before. It is why I Ms. Lam was questioned about that. I things: One is, S. 4 is a direct response strongly urge my colleagues across asked her whether she considered the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:48 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.046 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3034 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 request for her resignation to be inap- to make a determination as to whether rights. If it weren’t for the fact we in- propriate. She said she was surprised people are willing to come in volun- serted in the reauthorization the au- by it. I pressed her for her own conclu- tarily. When you talk about subpoenas, thority of the inspector general to sion. I think we may need more by way the first public reaction is: Why do make these audits, we would not have of inquiry to examine what her per- they have to be subpoenaed? Why don’t found out what was going on. formance ratings were to see if there they come in voluntarily? Do they So then in evaluating what the De- was a basis for her being asked to re- have something to hide? The next in- partment of Justice has done, I think sign. ference or question is: Are they guilty it is important to look thoroughly at We had a situation with Mr. of something that they have to be sub- the issues raised by the inspector gen- Cummins, who was a U.S. attorney in poenaed? eral. It is a thick volume. We are going the Eastern District of Arkansas. He So let us proceed in the regular to need oversight hearings. Senator received a telephone call, which he course of business. I was a district at- LEAHY, chairman of the Judiciary Com- then relayed to other dismissed United torney for some 8 years and an assist- mittee, already announced that. I States attorneys, and he did it by e- ant DA before that, and I have been on think we may have to go further and mail very shortly after the telephone the Judiciary Committee for 27 years. consider changing the authority of the call. The question I had for Mr. The regular way to do business is to FBI under the PATRIOT Act. If they do Cummins was, what was said? The e- ask people to come in. If they refuse, not use the powers within the confines mail did not contain the language of then you can talk about subpoenas and the Congress has prescribed and the the caller from the Department of Jus- you can get tough if it is necessary to President authorized, then we may tice. It had Mr. Cummins’ sense, or do that. have to limit their power. feelings, that it was a warning. After I regret I could not be here when Sen- There are serious issues that con- little discussion, one lawyer to an- ator SCHUMER was on the floor earlier front the Department of Justice at this other, he said it may have been friend- today. He has made public statements time and the Judiciary Committee, in ly advice. Well, that perhaps requires a about the Attorney General politi- its oversight capacity and investiga- little more analysis, if not a little cizing the office. Well, that may be tive capacity, has the full authority of more inquiry. Senator SCHUMER’s opinion, his judg- power to find out what the facts are, Then we have the situation with the ment. But let’s get down to specific and we will speak plainly. I will have U.S. attorney from New Mexico, where, facts as to what is involved in the no hesitation in making a factually according to the news reports—and we politicization. We are all working here based judgment if they have acted im- have to find this out from the actual in a political field. I, frankly, have a properly. Let us see the background of the fir- witnesses—there had been concerns ex- concern to see Senator PETE DOMENICI pressed by people in New Mexico as to on the Web site of the Democratic Sen- ing of these U.S. attorneys, and let us whether he was doing his job properly. ate Campaign Committee. I have a lit- see what the details are on the na- tional security letters and what the On those concerns—at least according tle concern about some of the state- Department of Justice does to correct to the press—we have to find this out ments that have been made by Mem- the situation. from the witnesses. Those calls, ac- bers of this body, rushing to judgment, I yield the floor. cording to members of the press, or ac- before we have had these witnesses in. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- cording to what has been reported in There has been a request for wit- ator from Connecticut is recognized. the press, were relayed to White House nesses from the administration, from AMENDMENT NO. 291; AMENDMENT NO. 293, AS officials, and they passed them on to the White House. Well, why condemn MODIFIED; AMENDMENT NO. 341; AMENDMENT the Department of Justice. the parties and condemn the Depart- NO. 323; AMENDMENT NO. 290, AS FURTHER We have to look at that and ask our- ment until we have found out what the MODIFIED; AMENDMENT NO. 368; AMENDMENT selves the question of whether there is facts are? My view, as I expressed last NO. 392; AMENDMENT NO. 332, AS MODIFIED; impropriety in that. If the Department Thursday in the Judiciary Committee’s AMENDMENT NO. 391; AMENDMENT NO. 431; of Justice is to evaluate whether a executive session, has been to tone AMENDMENT NO. 348; AMENDMENT NO. 404; United States attorney ought to be re- down the rhetoric. We are now on the AMENDMENT NO. 388, AS MODIFIED; AMEND- tained, is it relevant as to what people heels of the issue of the request for res- MENT NO. 411, AS MODIFIED; AMENDMENT NO. 456; AMENDMENT NO. 414, AS MODIFIED; AMEND- think about him or her? The comments ignations of the United States attor- MENT NO. 412, AS MODIFIED; AMENDMENT NO. may require that we look at whether neys. 354, AS MODIFIED he was doing the job. Those are mat- We have the disclosures that the Fed- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, ters we have yet to determine. So when eral Bureau of Investigation had mis- I am very happy to indicate to our col- we have declarations made on the Sen- used the national security letters. We leagues we have reached agreement on ate floor that are conclusory, con- gave them broader powers in the PA- a series of unanimous consent requests demning the Department of Justice for TRIOT Act. We broadened the powers that will allow us to move to final pas- what it has done, I say that is pre- from cases involving foreign powers to sage. mature. national security matters generally. I ask unanimous consent that the When the issue came up about the We put in a provision as to exigent cir- pending amendment be set aside and hearing that was a week ago today, in cumstances, which means an emer- the Senate proceed to the consider- my capacity as ranking member of the gency. Until we find, at least prelimi- ation of a series of amendments, which committee, I was asked to waive the 7- narily, that the FBI used the exigent have been cleared on our side and by day rule, and I agreed to do so. I agreed category more broadly—in some situa- Senator COLLINS on her side. The to do so because I thought it was im- tions, they were to get statements on amendments are as follows: portant to move ahead promptly. When probable cause for the judicial author- Sununu amendment No. 291; Grassley Senator LEAHY has raised the issue ization. In giving the FBI these broader amendment No. 293, with a modifica- about other witnesses coming in, I powers under the—Madam President, tion; Coleman amendment No. 341; think he is correct on that. The issue the Senate is not in order. Feinstein amendment No. 323; Salazar was raised about bringing in former The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- amendment No. 290, with a further White House Counsel Harriet Miers, ate will be in order. modification; Carper amendment No. issues were raised about bringing in Mr. SPECTER. We gave the FBI 368; Akaka amendment No. 392; people from the Department of Justice these broader powers under the PA- Lieberman amendment No. 332, with a and other people in the office of the TRIOT Act because of the importance modification; Lieberman-Collins White House Counsel. I think that of fighting terrorism, and that is a amendment No. 391; Lieberman-Collins ought to be done. I do not think it is major problem of the United States amendment No. 431; Wyden-Bond necessary to subpoena them. We will today, an enormous problem world- amendment No. 348; Byrd amendment see. wide. We are concerned that where the No. 404; Pryor amendment No. 388, with Before subpoenas ought to be issued, FBI exercises these greater powers a modification; Lieberman-McCain or before there even ought to be an there has to be an appropriate regard amendment No. 411, with a modifica- issue raised about subpoenas, we ought for civil liberties and for constitutional tion; Landrieu amendment No. 456;

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:27 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.047 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3035 Coleman amendment No. 414, with a (B) approving and overseeing the corpora- (B) will report to the chief executive offi- modification; Inouye-Stevens- tion’s strategic plan and maintaining stra- cer and the audit committee of the Board of Lieberman amendment No. 412, with a tegic oversight of operational matters; Governors; and modification; Menendez amendment (C) selecting, evaluating, and determining (C) will have access to anyone and any doc- the level of compensation of the corpora- uments in The American National Red Cross. No. 354, with a modification. tion’s chief executive officer; (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of I ask unanimous consent that these (D) evaluating the performance and estab- Congress that— amendments be agreed to en bloc; that lishing the compensation of the senior lead- (1) charitable organizations are an indis- the motions to reconsider be laid on ership team and providing for management pensable part of American society, but these the table, en bloc; that any statements succession; organizations can only fulfill their impor- thereon be printed in the RECORD as if (E) overseeing the financial reporting and tant roles by maintaining the trust of the read; and that consideration of these audit process, internal controls, and legal American public; compliance; items appear separately in the RECORD. (2) trust is fostered by effective governance (F) holding management accountable for and transparency, which are the principal The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there performance; objection? goals of the recommendations of the Board (G) providing oversight of the financial of Governors in the Governance Report and Without objection, it is so ordered. stability of the corporation; this title; The amendments were agreed to, as (H) ensuring the inclusiveness and diver- (3) Federal and State action play an impor- follows: sity of the corporation; tant role in ensuring effective governance AMENDMENT NO. 291 (I) providing oversight of the protection of and transparency by setting standards, root- (Purpose: To ensure that the emergency the brand of the corporation; and ing out violations, and informing the public; (J) assisting with fundraising on behalf of communications and interoperability com- and the corporation. munications grant program does not ex- (4) while The American National Red Cross (6)(A) The selection of members of the clude Internet Protocol-based interoper- is and will remain a Federally chartered in- Board of Governors is a critical component able solutions) strumentality of the United States, and it of effective governance for The American has the rights and obligations consistent On page 121, between lines 2 and 3, insert National Red Cross, and, as such, it is in the the following: with that status, The American National national interest that The American Na- Red Cross nevertheless should maintain ap- ‘‘(k) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in tional Red Cross amend its bylaws to provide this section shall be construed or interpreted propriate communications with State regu- a method of selection consistent with that lators of charitable organizations and should to preclude the use of funds under this sec- described in the Governance Report. cooperate with them as appropriate in spe- tion by a State for interim or long-term (B) The new method of selection should re- cific matters as they arise from time to Internet Protocol-based interoperable solu- place the current process by which— time. tions, notwithstanding compliance with the (i) 30 chartered unit-elected members of Project 25 standard.’’. the Board of Governors are selected by a SEC. l03. ORGANIZATION. AMENDMENT NO. 293, AS MODIFIED non-Board committee which includes 2 mem- Section 300101 of title 36, United States At the end, add the following: bers of the Board of Governors and other in- Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘a Feder- TITLElMODERNIZATION OF THE dividuals elected by the chartered units ally chartered instrumentality of the United AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS themselves; (ii) 12 at-large members of the Board of States and’’ before ‘‘a body corporate and SEC. l01. SHORT TITLE. Governors are nominated by a Board com- politic’’; and This title may be cited as the ‘‘The Amer- mittee and elected by the Board of Gov- (2) in subsection (b), by inserting at the ican National Red Cross Governance Mod- ernors; and end the following new sentence: ‘‘The cor- ernization Act of 2007’’. (iii) 8 members of the Board of Governors poration may conduct its business and af- SEC. l02. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. are appointed by the President of the United fairs, and otherwise hold itself out, as the (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the fol- States. ‘American Red Cross’ in any jurisdiction.’’. lowing findings: (C) The new method of selection described SEC. l04. PURPOSES. (1) Substantive changes to the Congres- in the Governance Report reflects the single Section 300102 of title 36, United States sional Charter of The American National category of members of the Board of Gov- Code, is amended— Red Cross have not been made since 1947. ernors that will result from the implementa- (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of para- (2) In February 2006, the board of governors tion of this title: graph (3); of The American National Red Cross (the (i) All Board members (except for the (2) by striking the period at the end of ‘‘Board of Governors’’) commissioned an chairman of the Board of Governors) would paragraph (4) and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and independent review and analysis of the Board be nominated by a single committee of the (3) by adding at the end the following para- of Governors’ role, composition, size, rela- Board of Governors taking into account the graph: tionship with management, governance rela- criteria outlined in the Governance Report tionship with chartered units of The Amer- to assure the expertise, skills, and experi- ‘‘(5) to conduct other activities consistent ican National Red Cross, and whistleblower ence of a governing board. with the foregoing purposes.’’. and audit functions. (ii) The nominated members would be con- SEC. l05. MEMBERSHIP AND CHAPTERS. (3) In an October 2006 report of the Board of sidered for approval by the full Board of Gov- Section 300103 of title 36, United States Governors, entitled ‘‘American Red Cross ernors and then submitted to The American Code, is amended— Governance for the 21st Century’’ (the ‘‘Gov- National Red Cross annual meeting of dele- (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘, or as ernance Report’’), the Board of Governors gates for election, in keeping with the stand- otherwise provided,’’ before ‘‘in the bylaws’’; recommended changes to the Congressional ard corporate practice whereby shareholders (2) in subsection (b)(1)— Charter, bylaws, and other governing docu- of a corporation elect members of a board of (A) by striking ‘‘board of governors’’ and ments of The American National Red Cross directors at its annual meeting. inserting ‘‘corporation’’; and to modernize and enhance the effectiveness (7) The United States Supreme Court held (B) by inserting ‘‘policies and’’ before ‘‘reg- of the Board of Governors and governance The American National Red Cross to be an ulations related’’; and structure of The American National Red instrumentality of the United States, and it (3) in subsection (b)(2)— Cross. is in the national interest that the Congres- (A) by inserting ‘‘policies and’’ before ‘‘reg- (4) It is in the national interest to create a sional Charter confirm that status and that ulations shall require’’; and more efficient governance structure of The any changes to the Congressional Charter do (B) by striking ‘‘national convention’’ and American National Red Cross and to enhance not affect the rights and obligations of The inserting ‘‘annual meeting’’. the Board of Governors’ ability to support American National Red Cross to carry out SEC. l06. BOARD OF GOVERNORS. the critical mission of The American Na- its purposes. Section 300104 of title 36, United States tional Red Cross in the 21st century. (8) Given the role of The American Na- Code, is amended to read as follows: (5) It is in the national interest to clarify tional Red Cross in carrying out its services, the role of the Board of Governors as a gov- programs, and activities, and meeting its ‘‘§ 300104. Board of governors ernance and strategic oversight board and various obligations, the effectiveness of The ‘‘(a) BOARD OF GOVERNORS.— for The American National Red Cross to American National Red Cross will be pro- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The board of governors is amend its bylaws, consistent with the rec- moted by the creation of an organizational the governing body of the corporation with ommendations described in the Governance ombudsman who— all powers of governing and directing, and of Report, to clarify the role of the Board of (A) will be a neutral or impartial dispute overseeing the management of the business Governors and to outline the areas of its re- resolution practitioner whose major function and affairs of, the corporation. sponsibility, including— will be to provide confidential and informal ‘‘(2) NUMBER.—The board of governors shall (A) reviewing and approving the mission assistance to the many internal and external fix by resolution, from time to time, the statement for The American National Red stakeholders of The American National Red number of members constituting the entire Cross; Cross; board of governors, provided that—

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:48 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.048 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3036 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 ‘‘(A) as of March 31, 2009, and thereafter, ‘‘(3) shall appoint such officers of the cor- ‘‘§ 300107. Annual meeting there shall be no fewer than 12 and no more poration, including a chief executive officer, ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The annual meeting of than 25 members; and with such duties, responsibilities, and terms the corporation is the annual meeting of del- ‘‘(B) as of March 31, 2012, and thereafter, of office as may be provided in the bylaws or egates of the chapters. there shall be no fewer than 12 and no more a resolution of the board of governors; and ‘‘(b) TIME OF MEETING.—The annual meet- than 20 members constituting the entire ‘‘(4) may remove members of the board of ing shall be held as determined by the board board. governors (other than the chairman), offi- of governors. Procedures to implement the preceding sen- cers, and employees under such procedures ‘‘(c) PLACE OF MEETING.—The board of gov- tence shall be provided in the bylaws. as may be provided in the bylaws or a resolu- ernors is authorized to determine that the ‘‘(3) APPOINTMENT.—The governors shall be tion of the board of governors. annual meeting shall not be held at any appointed or elected in the following man- ‘‘(d) ADVISORY COUNCIL.— place, but may instead be held solely by ner: ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There shall be an ad- means of remote communication subject to ‘‘(A) CHAIRMAN.— visory council to the board of governors. such procedures as are provided in the by- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The board of governors, ‘‘(2) MEMBERSHIP; APPOINTMENT BY PRESI- laws. in accordance with procedures provided in DENT.— ‘‘(d) VOTING.— the bylaws, shall recommend to the Presi- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The advisory council ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In matters requiring a dent an individual to serve as chairman of shall be composed of no fewer than 8 and no vote at the annual meeting, each chapter is the board of governors. If such recommenda- more than 10 members, each of whom shall entitled to at least 1 vote, and voting on all tion is approved by the President, the Presi- be appointed by the President from principal matters may be conducted by mail, tele- dent shall appoint such individual to serve as officers of the executive departments and phone, telegram, cablegram, electronic mail, chairman of the board of governors. senior officers of the Armed Forces whose or any other means of electronic or tele- ‘‘(ii) VACANCIES.—Vacancies in the office of positions and interests qualify them to con- phone transmission, provided that the person the chairman, including vacancies resulting tribute to carrying out the programs and voting shall state, or submit information from the resignation, death, or removal by purposes of the corporation. from which it can be determined, that the the President of the chairman, shall be filled ‘‘(B) MEMBERS FROM THE ARMED FORCES.— method of voting chosen was authorized by in the same manner described in clause (i). At least 1, but not more than 3, of the mem- such person. ‘‘(iii) DUTIES.—The chairman shall be a bers of the advisory council shall be selected ‘‘(2) ESTABLISHMENT OF NUMBER OF VOTES.— member of the board of governors and, when from the Armed Forces. ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The board of governors present, shall preside at meetings of the ‘‘(3) DUTIES.—The advisory council shall shall determine on an equitable basis the board of governors and shall have such other advise, report directly to, and meet, at least number of votes that each chapter is entitled duties and responsibilities as may be pro- 1 time per year with the board of governors, to cast, taking into consideration the size of vided in the bylaws or a resolution of the and shall have such name, functions and be the membership of the chapters, the popu- board of governors. subject to such procedures as may be pro- lations served by the chapters, and such ‘‘(B) OTHER MEMBERS.— vided in the bylaws. other factors as may be determined by the ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Members of the board of ‘‘(e) ACTION WITHOUT MEETING.—Any ac- board. governors other than the chairman shall be ‘‘(B) PERIODIC REVIEW.—The board of gov- elected at the annual meeting of the corpora- tion required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the board of governors or of ernors shall review the allocation of votes at tion in accordance with such procedures as least every 5 years.’’. may be provided in the bylaws. any committee thereof may be taken with- SEC. l09. ENDOWMENT FUND. ‘‘(ii) VACANCIES.—Vacancies in any such out a meeting if all members of the board or Section 300109 of title 36, United States elected board position and in any newly cre- committee, as the case may be, consent Code is amended— ated board position may be filled by a vote of thereto in writing, or by electronic trans- (1) by striking ‘‘nine’’ from the first sen- the remaining members of the board of gov- mission and the writing or writings or elec- ernors in accordance with such procedures as tronic transmission or transmissions are tence thereof; and may be provided in the bylaws. filed with the minutes of proceedings of the (2) by striking the second sentence and in- ‘‘(b) TERMS OF OFFICE.— board or committee. Such filing shall be in serting the following: ‘‘The corporation shall ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The term of office of paper form if the minutes are maintained in prescribe policies and regulations on terms each member of the board of governors shall paper form and shall be in electronic form if and tenure of office, accountability, and ex- be 3 years, except that— the minutes are maintained in electronic penses of the board of trustees.’’. ‘‘(A) the board of governors may provide form. SEC. l10. ANNUAL REPORT AND AUDIT. under the bylaws that the terms of office of ‘‘(f) VOTING BY PROXY.— Subsection (a) of section 300110 of title 36, members of the board of governors elected to ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Voting by proxy is not United States Code, is amended to read as the board of governors before March 31, 2012, allowed at any meeting of the board, at the follows: may be less than 3 years in order to imple- annual meeting, or at any meeting of a chap- ‘‘(a) SUBMISSION OF REPORT.—As soon as ment the provisions of subparagraphs (A) ter. practicable after the end of the corporation’s and (B) of subsection (a)(2); and ‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—The board may allow the fiscal year, which may be changed from time ‘‘(B) any member of the board of governors election of governors by proxy during any to time by the board of governors, the cor- elected by the board to fill a vacancy in a emergency. poration shall submit a report to the Sec- retary of Defense on the activities of the cor- board position arising before the expiration ‘‘(g) BYLAWS.— of its term may, as determined by the board, poration during such fiscal year, including a ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The board of governors serve for the remainder of that term or until may— complete, itemized report of all receipts and the next annual meeting of the corporation. ‘‘(A) at any time adopt bylaws; and expenditures.’’. ‘‘(2) STAGGERED TERMS.—The terms of of- ‘‘(B) at any time adopt bylaws to be effec- SEC. l11. COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE fice of members of the board of governors tive only in an emergency. UNITED STATES AND OFFICE OF THE (other than the chairman) shall be staggered OMBUDSMAN. ‘‘(2) EMERGENCY BYLAWS.—Any bylaws such that, by March 31, 2012, and thereafter, adopted pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) may (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 3001 of title 36, 1 1 ⁄3 of the entire board (or as near to ⁄3 as provide special procedures necessary for United States Code, is amended by redesig- practicable) shall be elected at each succes- managing the corporation during the emer- nating section 300111 as section 300113 and by sive annual meeting of the corporation with gency. All provisions of the regular bylaws inserting after section 300110 the following the term of office of each member of the consistent with the emergency bylaws re- new sections: board of governors elected at an annual main effective during the emergency. ‘‘§ 300111. Authority of the Comptroller Gen- meeting expiring at the third annual meet- eral of the United States ing following the annual meeting at which ‘‘(h) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this sec- ‘‘The Comptroller General of the United such member was elected. tion— ‘‘(1) the term ‘entire board’ means the States is authorized to review the corpora- ‘‘(3) TERM LIMITS.—No person may serve as tion’s involvement in any Federal program a member of the board of governors for more total number of members of the board of gov- or activity the Government carries out than such number of terms of office or years ernors that the corporation would have if under law. as may be provided in the bylaws. there were no vacancies; and ‘‘(c) COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS.—The ‘‘(2) the term ‘emergency’ shall have such ‘‘§ 300112. Office of the Ombudsman board— meaning as may be provided in the bylaws.’’. ‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The corporation ‘‘(1) may appoint, from its own members, SEC. l07. POWERS. shall establish an Office of the Ombudsman an executive committee to exercise such Paragraph (a)(1) of section 300105 of title with such duties and responsibilities as may powers of the board when the board is not in 36, United States Code, is amended by strik- be provided in the bylaws or a resolution of session as may be provided in the bylaws; ing ‘‘bylaws’’ and inserting ‘‘policies’’. the board of governors. ‘‘(2) may appoint such other committees or ‘‘(b) REPORT.— advisory councils with such powers as may SEC. l08. ANNUAL MEETING. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Office of the Om- be provided in the bylaws or a resolution of Section 300107 of title 36, United States budsman shall submit annually to the appro- the board of governors; Code, is amended to read as follows: priate Congressional committees a report

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concerning any trends and systemic matters section shall be conducted in consultation AMENDMENT NO. 368 that the Office of the Ombudsman has identi- with the Attorney General of the United (Purpose: To make funds available for the fied as confronting the corporation. States, the Secretary of State, the Secretary activities of the Public Interest Declas- ‘‘(2) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- of Defense, the Secretary of Health and sification Board) TEES.—For purposes of paragraph (1), the ap- Human Services, and the Secretary of the At the end of title XI, add the following: propriate Congressional committees are the Treasury. SEC. 1104. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE following committees of Congress: (b) CONTENTS OF REVIEW.—Each quadren- PUBLIC INTEREST DECLASSIFICA- ‘‘(A) SENATE COMMITTEES.—The appropriate nial homeland security review shall— TION BOARD. Congressional committees of the Senate (1) delineate a national homeland security Section 21067 of the Continuing Appropria- are— strategy consistent with the most recent Na- tions Resolution, 2007 (division B of Public ‘‘(i) the Committee on Finance; tional Response Plan prepared under Home- Law 109–289; 120 Stat. 1311), as amended by ‘‘(ii) the Committee on Foreign Relations; land Security Presidential Directive-5 or any Public Law 109–369 (120 Stat. 2642), Public ‘‘(iii) the Committee on Health, Education, directive meant to replace or augment that Law 109–383 (120 Stat. 2678), and Public Law Labor, and Pensions; directive; 110–5, is amended by adding at the end the ‘‘(iv) the Committee on Homeland Security (2) describe the interagency cooperation, following new subsection: and Governmental Affairs; and preparedness of Federal response assets, in- ‘‘(c) From the amount provided by this sec- ‘‘(v) the Committee on the Judiciary. frastructure, budget plan, and other ele- tion, the National Archives and Records Ad- ‘‘(B) HOUSE COMMITTEES.—The appropriate ments of the homeland security program and ministration may obligate monies necessary Congressional committees of the House of policies of the United States associated with to carry out the activities of the Public In- Representatives are— the national homeland security strategy re- terest Declassification Board.’’. ‘‘(i) the Committee on Energy and Com- quired to execute successfully the full range AMENDMENT NO. 392 merce; of missions called for in the national home- ‘‘(ii) the Committee on Foreign Affairs; land security strategy delineated under para- (Purpose: To provide for the Secretary to en- ‘‘(iii) the Committee on Homeland Secu- graph (1); and sure that chemical, biological, radio- rity; (3) identify— logical, and nuclear detection equipment ‘‘(iv) the Committee on the Judiciary; and (A) the budget plan required to provide suf- and technologies are integrated as appro- ‘‘(v) the Committee on Ways and Means.’’. ficient resources to successfully execute the priate with other border security systems (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of full range of missions called for in that na- and detection technologies, and for other sections for chapter 3001 of title 36, United tional homeland security strategy at a low- purposes) States Code, is amended by striking the item to-moderate level of risk; and At the end of title XV, add the following: relating to section 300111 and inserting the (B) any additional resources required to SEC. llll. INTEGRATION OF DETECTION following: achieve such a level of risk. EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGIES. ‘‘300111. Authority of the Comptroller Gen- (c) LEVEL OF RISK.—The assessment of the (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall have eral of the United States. level of risk for purposes of subsection (b)(3) responsibility for ensuring that chemical, bi- ‘‘300112. Office of the Ombudsman. shall be conducted by the Director of Na- ological, radiological, and nuclear detection ‘‘300113. Reservation of right to amend or re- tional Intelligence. equipment and technologies are integrated peal.’’. (d) REPORTING.— as appropriate with other border security AMENDMENT NO. 341 (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall sub- systems and detection technologies. (Purpose: To provide for an additional pro- mit a report regarding each quadrennial (b) REPORT.—Not later than 6 months after gram requirement for the border interoper- homeland security review to Congress and the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec- ability demonstration project) shall make the report publicly available on retary shall submit a report to Congress that contains a plan to develop a departmental On page 124, line 16, strike ‘‘and’’ after the the Internet. Each such report shall be sub- technology assessment process to determine semicolon. mitted and made available on the Internet On page 124, line 18, strike the period and not later than September 30 of the year in and certify the technology readiness levels of insert ‘‘; and’’. which the review is conducted. chemical, biological, radiological, and nu- clear detection technologies before the full On page 124, between lines 18 and 19, insert (2) CONTENTS OF REPORT.—Each report sub- the following: mitted under paragraph (1) shall include— deployment of such technologies within the (9) identify solutions to facilitate commu- (A) the results of the quadrennial home- United States. nications between emergency response pro- land security review; AMENDMENT NO. 332, AS MODIFIED viders in communities of differing popu- (B) the threats to the assumed or defined On page 54, strike line 5 and all that fol- lation densities. national homeland security interests of the lows through page 57, line 9, and insert the AMENDMENT NO. 290, AS MODIFIED FURTHER United States that were examined for the following: At the appropriate place, insert the fol- purposes of the review and the scenarios de- ‘‘(a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary, lowing: veloped in the examination of those threats; through the Administrator, may award SEC. ll. QUADRENNIAL HOMELAND SECURITY (C) the status of cooperation among Fed- grants to State, local, and tribal govern- REVIEW. eral agencies in the effort to promote na- ments for the purposes of this title. (a) IN GENERAL.— tional homeland security; ‘‘(b) PROGRAMS NOT AFFECTED.—This title (1) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than the (D) the status of cooperation between the shall not be construed to affect any author- end of fiscal year 2008, the Secretary shall es- Federal Government and State governments ity to award grants under any of the fol- tablish a national homeland security strat- in preparing for emergency response to lowing Federal programs: egy. threats to national homeland security; and ‘‘(1) The firefighter assistance programs (2) REVIEW.—Four years after the estab- (E) any other matter the Secretary con- authorized under section 33 and 34 of the lishment of the national homeland security siders appropriate. Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of strategy, and every 4 years thereafter, the (e) RESOURCE PLAN.—Not later than 30 days 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229 and 2229a). Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive ex- after the date of enactment of this Act, the ‘‘(2) The Urban Search and Rescue Grant amination of the national homeland security Secretary shall provide to Congress and Program authorized under the Robert T. strategy. make publicly available on the Internet a de- Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- (3) SCOPE.—In establishing or reviewing the tailed resource plan specifying the estimated sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). national homeland security strategy under budget and number of staff members that ‘‘(3) Grants to protect critical infrastruc- this subsection, the Secretary shall conduct will be required for preparation of the initial ture, including port security grants author- a comprehensive examination of interagency quadrennial homeland security review. ized under section 70107 of title 46, United cooperation, preparedness of Federal re- AMENDMENT NO. 323 States Code, and the grants authorized in sponse assets, infrastructure, budget plan, title XIII and XIV of the Improving Amer- (Purpose: To provide for the inclusion of ex- and other elements of the homeland security ica’s Security Act of 2007. ecutive level training in certain cur- program and policies of the United States ‘‘(4) The Metropolitan Medical Response riculum for training) with a view toward determining and express- System authorized under section 635 of the ing the homeland security strategy of the On page 23, strike lines 11 through 15, and Post-Katrina Emergency Management Re- United States and establishing a homeland insert the following: form Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 723). security program for the 20 years following (a) CURRICULUM.—The Secretary, acting ‘‘(5) Grant programs other than those ad- that examination. through the Chief Intelligence Officer, ministered by the Department. (4) REFERENCE.—The establishment or re- shall— ‘‘(c) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS.— view of the national homeland security (1) develop curriculum for the training of ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The grant programs au- strategy under this subsection shall be State, local, and tribal government officials thorized under this title shall supercede all known as the ‘‘quadrennial homeland secu- relating to the handling, review, and devel- grant programs authorized under section 1014 rity review’’. opment of intelligence material; and of the USA PATRIOT Act (42 U.S.C. 3714). (5) CONSULTATION.—Each quadrennial (2) ensure that the curriculum includes ex- ‘‘(2) PROGRAM INTEGRITY.—Each grant pro- homeland security review under this sub- ecutive level training. gram under this title, section 1809 of this

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:48 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.012 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3038 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 Act, or section 662 of the Post-Katrina Emer- Management Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 763; ‘‘SEC. 622. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORM- gency Management Reform Act of 2006 (6 Public Law 109-295). ANCE GRANTS PROGRAM. U.S.C. 763) shall include, consistent with the ‘‘SEC. 2010. SENSE OF THE SENATE. ‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 ‘‘It is the sense of the Senate that, in order ‘‘(1) POPULATION.—The term ‘population’ (31 U.S.C. 3321 note), policies and procedures to ensure that the Nation is most effectively means population according to the most re- for— able to prevent, prepare for, protect against, cent United States census population esti- ‘‘(A) identifying activities funded under respond to, recovery from, and mitigate mates available at the start of the relevant any such grant program that are susceptible against all hazards, including natural disas- fiscal year. to significant improper payments; and ters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made ‘‘(2) STATE.—The term ‘State’ has the ‘‘(B) reporting the incidence of improper disasters— meaning given that term in section 101 of the payments to the Department. ‘‘(1) the Department should administer a Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101). ‘‘(3) ALLOCATION.—Except as provided coherent and coordinated system of both ter- ‘‘(b) IN GENERAL.—There is an Emergency under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the rorism-focused and all-hazards grants, the Management Performance Grants Program allocation of grants authorized under this essential building blocks of which include— to make grants to States to assist State, title shall be governed by the terms of this ‘‘(A) the Urban Area Security Initiative local, and tribal governments in preparing title and not by any other provision of law. and State Homeland Security Grant Pro- for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating against all hazards. ‘‘(d) MINIMUM PERFORMANCE REQUIRE- gram established under this title (including ‘‘(c) APPLICATION.— MENTS.— funds dedicated to law enforcement ter- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each State may apply ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator rorism prevention activities); for a grant under this section, and shall sub- shall— ‘‘(B) the Emergency Communications mit such information in support of an appli- ‘‘(A) establish minimum performance re- Operability and Interoperable Communica- cation as the Administrator may reasonably quirements for entities that receive home- tions Grants established under section 1809; require. land security grants; and ‘‘(2) ANNUAL APPLICATIONS.—Applicants for ‘‘(B) conduct, in coordination with State, ‘‘(C) the Emergency Management Perform- grants under this section shall apply or re- regional, local, and tribal governments re- ance Grants Program authorized under sec- apply on an annual basis for grants distrib- ceiving grants under this title, section 1809 tion 662 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Man- uted under the program. of this Act, or section 662 of the Post-Katrina agement Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 763); ‘‘(d) ALLOCATION.—Funds available under Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 and the Emergency Management Performance (6 U.S.C. 763), simulations and exercises to ‘‘(2) to ensure a continuing and appropriate Grants Program shall be allocated as fol- test the minimum performance requirements balance between terrorism-focused and all- lows: established under subparagraph (A) for— hazards preparedness, the amounts appro- ‘‘(1) BASELINE AMOUNT.— priated for grants under the Urban Area Se- On page 66, between lines 19 and 20, insert ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in the following: curity Initiative, State Homeland Security subparagraph (B), each State shall receive an ‘‘(h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— Grant Program, and Emergency Manage- amount equal to 0.75 percent of the total There are authorized to be appropriated for ment Performance Grants Program in any funds appropriated for grants under this sec- grants under this section— fiscal year should be in direct proportion to tion. the amounts authorized for those programs ‘‘(1) for fiscal year 2007, such sums as are ‘‘(B) TERRITORIES.—American Samoa, the necessary; for fiscal year 2008 under the amendments Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Is- ‘‘(2) for each of fiscal years 2008, 2009, and made by titles II and IV, as applicable, of the lands, Guam, and the Virgin Islands each 2010, $1,278,639,000; and Improving America’s Security Act of 2007.’’. shall receive an amount equal to 0.25 percent ‘‘(3) for fiscal year 2011, and each fiscal On page 106, strike lines 1 through 9, and of the amounts appropriated for grants under year thereafter, such sums as are necessary. insert the following: this section. On page 77, strike line 3 and all that fol- (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- ‘‘(2) PER CAPITA ALLOCATION.—The funds re- lows through page 80, line 7, and insert the tents in section 1(b) of the Homeland Secu- maining for grants under this section after following: rity Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 note) is amended allocation of the baseline amounts under ‘‘(j) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— by striking the items relating to title XVIII paragraph (1) shall be allocated to each State There are authorized to be appropriated for and sections 1801 through 1806, as added by in proportion to its population. grants under this section— the SAFE Port Act (Public Law 109–347; 120 ‘‘(3) CONSISTENCY IN ALLOCATION.—Notwith- ‘‘(1) for fiscal year 2007, such sums as are Stat. 1884), and inserting the following: standing paragraphs (1) and (2), in any fiscal necessary; ‘‘TITLE XIX—DOMESTIC NUCLEAR year in which the appropriation for grants ‘‘(2) for each of fiscal years 2008, 2009, and DETECTION OFFICE under this section is equal to or greater than 2010, $913,180,500; and ‘‘Sec. 1901. Domestic Nuclear Detection Of- the appropriation for Emergency Manage- ‘‘(3) for fiscal year 2011, and each fiscal fice. ment Performance Grants in fiscal year 2007, year thereafter, such sums as are necessary. ‘‘Sec. 1902. Mission of Office. no State shall receive an amount under this ‘‘SEC. 2005. TERRORISM PREVENTION. ‘‘Sec. 1903. Hiring authority. section for that fiscal year less than the On page 84, strike line 19 and insert the fol- ‘‘Sec. 1904. Testing authority. amount that State received in fiscal year ‘‘Sec. 1905. Relationship to other Depart- lowing: 2007. ment entities and Federal agen- ‘‘(e) ALLOWABLE USES.—Grants awarded ‘‘SEC. 2006. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF FUNDS. cies. On page 85, line 25, strike ‘‘611(j)(8)’’ and under this section may be used to prepare ‘‘Sec. 1906. Contracting and grant making for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate insert ‘‘611(j)(9)’’. authorities. On page 86, line 2, strike ‘‘5196(j)(8))’’ and against all hazards through— ‘‘TITLE XX—HOMELAND SECURITY insert ‘‘5196(j)(9))’’. ‘‘(1) any activity authorized under title VI GRANTS On page 87, strike line 22 and insert the fol- or section 201 of the Robert T. Stafford Dis- lowing: ‘‘Sec. 2001. Definitions. aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ‘‘Sec. 2002. Homeland Security Grant Pro- (42 U.S.C. 5195 et seq. and 5131); ‘‘SEC. 2007. ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINA- gram. ‘‘(2) any activity permitted under the Fis- TION. ‘‘Sec. 2003. Urban Area Security Initiative. cal Year 2007 Program Guidance of the De- On page 89, line 7, strike ‘‘under this title’’ ‘‘Sec. 2004. State Homeland Security Grant partment for Emergency Management Per- and insert ‘‘under section 2003 or 2004’’. Program. formance Grants; and On page 91, strike line 16 and insert the fol- ‘‘Sec. 2005. Terrorism prevention. ‘‘(3) any other activity approved by the Ad- lowing: ‘‘Sec. 2006. Restrictions on use of funds. ministrator that will improve the emergency ‘‘Sec. 2007. Administration and coordina- ‘‘SEC. 2008. ACCOUNTABILITY. management capacity of State, local, or On page 94, lines 13 and 14, strike ‘‘the tion. ‘‘Sec. 2008. Accountability. tribal governments to coordinate, integrate, Homeland Security Grant Program’’ and in- and enhance preparedness for, response to, sert ‘‘grants made under this title’’. ‘‘Sec. 2009. Auditing. ‘‘Sec. 2010. Sense of the Senate.’’. recovery from, or mitigation against all-haz- On page 97, strike lines 7 and 8 and insert ards. TITLE III—COMMUNICATIONS the following: ‘‘(f) COST SHARING.— OPERABILITY AND INTEROPERABILITY ‘‘SEC. 2009. AUDITING. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in ‘‘(a) AUDITS OF GRANTS.— On page 126, between lines 14 and 15, insert subsection (i), the Federal share of the costs On page 104, strike line 7 and all that fol- the following: of an activity carried out with a grant under lows through page 105, line 9, and insert the TITLE IV—EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT this section shall not exceed 50 percent. following: PERFORMANCE GRANTS PROGRAM ‘‘(2) IN-KIND MATCHING.—Each recipient of a ‘‘(d) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term SEC. 401. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORM- grant under this section may meet the ‘Emergency Management Performance ANCE GRANTS PROGRAM. matching requirement under paragraph (1) Grants Program’ means the Emergency Man- Section 622 of the Post-Katrina Emergency by making in-kind contributions of goods or agement Performance Grants Program under Management Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. services that are directly linked with the section 662 of the Post-Katrina Emergency 763) is amended to read as follows: purpose for which the grant is made.

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‘‘(g) DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS.—The Admin- On page 66, strike lines 3 through 8 and in- On page 202, strike lines 20 through 24, and istrator shall not delay distribution of grant sert the following: insert the following: funds to States under this section solely be- ‘‘(2) STATE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS.— SEC. 706. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. cause of delays in or timing of awards of ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Each State shall provide Nothing in this title may be construed to other grants administered by the Depart- the eligible metropolitan area not less than supercede any preparedness or business con- ment. 80 percent of the grant funds. Any funds re- tinuity standards, requirements, or best ‘‘(h) LOCAL AND TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS.— tained by a State shall be expended on items practices established— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In allocating grant funds or services approved by the Administrator (1) under any other provision of Federal received under this section, a State shall that benefit the eligible metropolitan area. law; or take into account the needs of local and trib- ‘‘(B) FUNDS RETAINED.—A State shall pro- (2) by any sector-specific agency, as de- al governments. vide each relevant eligible metropolitan area fined under Homeland Security Presidential ‘‘(2) INDIAN TRIBES.—States shall be respon- with an accounting of the items or services Directive-7. sible for allocating grant funds received on which any funds retained by the State AMENDMENT NO. 348 under this section to tribal governments in under subparagraph (A) were expended. (Purpose: To require that a redacted version order to help those tribal communities im- On page 82, line 4, strike ‘‘or other’’ and in- of the Executive Summary of the Office of prove their capabilities in preparing for, re- sert ‘‘and other’’. Inspector General Report on Central Intel- sponding to, recovering from, or mitigating On page 83, line 15, before the semicolon, ligence Agency Accountability Regarding against all hazards. Tribal governments shall insert the following: ‘‘, including through re- Findings and Conclusions of the Joint In- be eligible for funding directly from the view of budget requests for those programs’’. quiry into Intelligence Community Activi- States, and shall not be required to seek On page 90, between lines 4 and 5, insert ties Before and After the Terrorist Attacks funding from any local government. the following: of September 11, 2001 is made available to ‘‘(i) EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTERS IM- ‘‘(3) EXISTING PLANNING COMMITTEES.— the public) PROVEMENT PROGRAM.— Nothing in this subsection may be construed ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may to require that any State or metropolitan At the appropriate place, insert the fol- lowing: award grants to States under this section to area create a planning committee if that plan for, equip, upgrade, or construct all-haz- State or metropolitan area has established SEC. lll. AVAILABILITY OF THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE REPORT ON CEN- ards State, local, or regional emergency op- and uses a multijurisdictional planning com- erations centers. TRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY AC- mittee or commission that meets the re- COUNTABILITY REGARDING THE ‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS.—No grant awards quirements of this subsection. TERRORIST ATTACKS OF SEP- under this section (including for the activi- AMENDMENT NO. 431 TEMBER 11, 2001. ties specified under this subsection) shall be (a) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—Not later than (Purpose: To clarify the coordination of the used for construction unless such construc- 30 days after the date of the enactment of accreditation and certification program for tion occurs under terms and conditions con- this Act, the Director of the Central Intel- the private sector, and for other purposes) sistent with the requirements under section ligence Agency shall prepare and make 611(j)(9) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster On page 194, lines 18 and 19, strike ‘‘and available to the public a version of the Exec- Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 each private sector advisory council created utive Summary of the report entitled the U.S.C. 5196(j)(9). under section 102(f)(4)’’ and insert ‘‘each pri- ‘‘Office of Inspector General Report on Cen- ‘‘(3) COST SHARING.— vate sector advisory council created under tral Intelligence Agency Accountability Re- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Federal share of the section 102(f)(4), and appropriate private sec- garding Findings and Conclusions of the costs of an activity carried out with a grant tor advisory groups such as sector coordi- Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community under this subsection shall not exceed 75 per- nating councils and information sharing and Activities Before and After the Terrorist At- cent. analysis centers’’. tacks of September 11, 2001’’ issued in June ‘‘(B) IN KIND MATCHING.—Each recipient of On page 195, line 12, strike ‘‘the American 2005 that is declassified to the maximum ex- a grant for an activity under this section National Standards Institute and’’ and insert tent possible, consistent with national secu- may meet the matching requirement under ‘‘representatives of organizations that co- rity. subparagraph (A) by making in-kind con- ordinate or facilitate the development of and (b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Director of tributions of goods or services that are di- use of voluntary consensus standards’’. the Central Intelligence Agency shall submit rectly linked with the purpose for which the On page 195, lines 14 through 16, strike to Congress a classified annex to the re- grant is made. ‘‘and each private sector advisory council dacted Executive Summary made available ‘‘(j) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— created under section 102(f)(4)’’ and insert ‘‘, under subsection (a) that explains the reason There are authorized to be appropriated for each private sector advisory council created that any redacted material in the Executive grants under this section— under section 102(f)(4), and appropriate pri- Summary was withheld from the public. vate sector advisory groups such as sector ‘‘(1) for fiscal year 2007, such sums as are AMENDMENT NO. 404 necessary; coordinating councils and information shar- (Purpose: To require the Secretary of Home- ‘‘(2) for each of fiscal years 2008, 2009, and ing and analysis centers’’. land Security to notify Congress not later 2010, $913,180,500; and On page 196, line 21, strike ‘‘and’’ after the than 30 days before waiving any eligibility ‘‘(3) for fiscal year 2011, and each fiscal semicolon. requirement under the visa waiver pro- year thereafter, such sums as are nec- On page 196, strike lines 17–23 and insert gram established under section 217 of the essary.’’. the following: Immigration and Nationality Act) AMENDMENT NO. 391 ‘‘(C) consider the unique nature of various On page 133, line 20, strike ‘‘(C)’’ and insert (Purpose: To improve the guidelines for fu- sectors within the private sector, including preparedness, business continuity standards, the following: sion centers operated by State or local (C) in subsection (d), by adding at the end governments, to improve the awarding and or best practices, established— ‘‘(i) under any other provision of Federal the following: ‘‘The Secretary of Homeland administration of homeland security Security may not waive any eligibility re- grants, and for other purposes) law; or ‘‘(ii) by any sector-specific agency, as de- quirement under this section unless the Sec- On page 37, line 5, strike ‘‘within the fined under Homeland Security Presidential retary notifies the appropriate congressional scope’’ and all that follows through ‘‘(6 Directive-7; and committees not later than 30 days before the U.S.C. 485)’’ on line 8 and insert ‘‘and intel- ‘‘(D) coordinate the program, as appro- effective date of such waiver.’’; ligence’’. (D) On page 37, lines 9 and 10, strike ‘‘local priate, with— AMENDMENT NO. 388, AS MODIFIED emergency response providers’’ and insert ‘‘(i) other Department private sector re- ‘‘local government agencies (including emer- lated programs; and On page 105, after line 9, insert the fol- gency response providers)’’. ‘‘(ii) preparedness and business continuity lowing: On page 37, line 25, strike ‘‘and’’. programs in other Federal agencies. SEC. 203. EQUIPMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE On page 38, line 3, strike the period and in- On page 201, between lines 9 and 10, insert TRAINING sert ‘‘; and’’. the following: (a) SENSE OF THE SENATE.—It is the Sense On page 38, between lines 3 and 4, insert ‘‘(e) COMPLIANCE BY ENTITIES SEEKING CER- of the Senate that the Department of Home- the following: TIFICATION.—Any entity seeking certification land Security shall conduct no fewer than ‘‘(9) incorporate emergency response pro- under this section shall comply with all ap- 7,500 trainings annually through the Domes- viders, and, as appropriate, the private sec- plicable statutes, regulations, directives, tic Preparedness Equipment Technical As- tor, into all relevant phases of the intel- policies, and industry codes of practice in sistance Program. ligence and fusion process through full time meeting certification requirements. (b) REPORT.—The Secretary of Homeland representatives or liaison officers. On page 201, line 10, strike ‘‘(e)’’ and insert Security shall report no later than Sep- On page 63, line 13, before the semicolon, ‘‘(f)’’. tember 30 annually to the Senate Homeland insert the following: ‘‘the inclusion of which On page 201, line 13, strike ‘‘(f)’’ and insert Security and Governmental Affairs Com- will enhance regional efforts to prevent, pre- ‘‘(g)’’. mittee, the House Homeland Security Com- pare for, protect against, respond to, and re- On page 201, line 18, strike ‘‘(g)’’ and insert mittee, Senate Appropriations Sub- cover from acts of terrorism’’. ‘‘(h)’’. committee on Homeland Security, and the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:49 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.014 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3040 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 House Appropriations Subcommittee on the global promotion of democratic prin- the Commander of the United States Central Homeland Security— ciples, practices, and values, which held its Command for the Department of State for (1) on the number of trainings conducted First Ministerial Conference in Warsaw, Po- personnel and foreign service officers has that year through the Domestic Prepared- land, in June 2000. been fulfilled. ness Equipment Technical Assistance Pro- (4) DEPARTMENT.—The term ‘‘Department’’ SEC. 1613. TRANSPARENCY OF UNITED STATES gram; and means the Department of State. BROADCASTING TO ASSIST IN OVER- (2) if the number of trainings conducted (5) UNDER SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Under SIGHT AND ENSURE PROMOTION OF that year is less than 7,500, an explanation of Secretary’’ means the Under Secretary of HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY IN why fewer trainings were needed. State for Democracy and Global Affairs. INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTS. (a) TRANSCRIPTS.—The Broadcasting Board AMENDMENT NO. 411, AS MODIFIED Subtitle A—Liaison Officers and Fellowship of Governors shall transcribe into English all At the end, add the following new title: Program to Enhance the Promotion of De- original broadcasting content. TITLE XVI—ADVANCEMENT OF mocracy (b) PUBLIC TRANSPARENCY.—The Broad- DEMOCRATIC VALUES SEC. 1611. DEMOCRACY LIAISON OFFICERS. casting Board of Governors shall post all SECTION 1601. SHORT TITLE. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State English transcripts from its broadcasting This title may be cited as the ‘‘Advance shall establish and staff Democracy Liaison content on a publicly available website with- Democratic Values, Address Non-democratic Officer positions, under the supervision of in 30 days of the original broadcast. Countries, and Enhance Democracy Act of the Assistant Secretary, who may be as- (c) BROADCASTING CONTENT DEFINED.—In 2007’’ or the ‘‘ADVANCE Democracy Act of signed to the following posts: this section, the term ‘‘broadcasting con- 2007’’. (1) United States missions to, or liaison tent’’ includes programming produced or with, regional and multilateral organiza- SEC. 1602. FINDINGS. broadcast by United State international tions, including the United States missions Congress finds that in order to support the broadcasters, including— to the European Union, African Union, Orga- expansion of freedom and democracy in the (1) Voice of America; nization of American States and any other world, the foreign policy of the United (2) Alhurra; appropriate regional organization, Organiza- States should be organized in support of (3) Radio Sawa; tion for Security and Cooperation in Europe, transformational diplomacy that seeks to (4) Radio Farda; the United Nations and its relevant special- work through partnerships to build and sus- (5) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; ized agencies, and the North Atlantic Treaty tain democratic, well-governed states that (6) Radio Free Asia; and Organization. will respect human rights and respond to the (7) The Office of Cuba Broadcasting. (2) Regional public diplomacy centers of needs of their people and conduct themselves Subtitle B—Annual Report on Advancing the Department. responsibly in the international system. Freedom and Democracy (3) United States combatant commands. SEC. 1603. STATEMENT OF POLICY. (4) Other posts as designated by the Sec- SEC. 1621. ANNUAL REPORT. It should be the policy of the United retary of State. (a) REPORT TITLE.—Section 665(c) of the States— (b) RESPONSIBILITIES.—Each Democracy Li- Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal (1) to promote freedom and democracy in aison Officer should— Year 2003 (Public Law 107–228; 22 U.S.C. 2151n foreign countries as a fundamental compo- (1) provide expertise on effective ap- note) is amended in the first sentence by in- nent of the foreign policy of the United proaches to promote and build democracy; serting ‘‘entitled the Advancing Freedom States; (2) assist in formulating and implementing and Democracy Report’’ before the period at (2) to affirm internationally recognized strategies for transitions to democracy; and the end. human rights standards and norms and to (3) carry out other responsibilities as the (b) SCHEDULE FOR SUBMISSION.—If a report condemn offenses against those rights; Secretary of State and the Assistant Sec- entitled the Advancing Freedom and Democ- (3) to use instruments of United States in- retary may assign. racy Report pursuant to section 665(c) of the fluence to support, promote, and strengthen (c) NEW POSITIONS.—The Democracy Liai- Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal democratic principles, practices, and values, son Officer positions established under sub- Year 2003, as amended by subsection (a), is including the right to free, fair, and open section (a) should be new positions that are submitted under such section, such report elections, secret balloting, and universal suf- in addition to existing officer positions with shall be submitted not later than 90 days frage; responsibility for other human rights and de- after the date of submission of the report re- (4) to protect and promote fundamental mocracy related issues and programs. quired by section 116(d) of the Foreign As- freedoms and rights, including the freedom (d) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER AUTHORITIES.— sistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151n(d)). of association, of expression, of the press, Nothing in this section may be construed as (c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section and of religion, and the right to own private removing any authority or responsibility of 665(c) of the Foreign Relations Authorization property; a chief of mission or other employee of a dip- Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107–228; (5) to protect and promote respect for and lomatic mission of the United States pro- 2151n note) is amended by striking ‘‘30 days’’ adherence to the rule of law; vided under any other provision of law, in- and inserting ‘‘90 days’’. (6) to provide appropriate support to non- cluding any authority or responsibility for SEC. 1622. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON TRANS- governmental organizations working to pro- the development or implementation of strat- LATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS RE- mote freedom and democracy; egies to promote democracy. PORTS. It is the sense of Congress that the Sec- (7) to provide political, economic, and SEC. 1612. DEMOCRACY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM. retary of State should continue to ensure other support to countries that are willingly (a) REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAM.—The Sec- and expand the timely translation of Human undertaking a transition to democracy; retary of State shall establish a Democracy Rights and International Religious Freedom (8) to commit to the long-term challenge of Fellowship Program to enable Department reports and the Annual Report on Advancing promoting universal democracy; and officers to gain an additional perspective on Freedom and Democracy prepared by per- (9) to strengthen alliances and relation- democracy promotion abroad by working on sonnel of the Department of State into the ships with other democratic countries in democracy issues in congressional commit- principal languages of as many countries as order to better promote and defend shared tees with oversight over the subject matter possible. Translations are welcomed because values and ideals. of this title, including the Committee on information on United States support for SEC. 1604. DEFINITIONS. Foreign Relations and the Committee on Ap- universal enjoyment of freedoms and rights In this title: propriations of the Senate and the Com- serves to encourage individuals around the (1) ANNUAL REPORT ON ADVANCING FREEDOM mittee on Foreign Affairs and the Com- globe seeking to advance the cause of free- AND DEMOCRACY.—The term ‘‘Annual Report mittee on Appropriations of the House of dom in their countries. on Advancing Freedom and Democracy’’ re- Representatives, and in nongovernmental or- fers to the annual report submitted to Con- ganizations involved in democracy pro- Subtitle C—Advisory Committee on Democ- gress by the Department of State pursuant motion. racy Promotion and the Internet Website of to section 665(c) of the Foreign Relations Au- (b) SELECTION AND PLACEMENT.—The As- the Department of State thorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law sistant Secretary shall play a central role in SEC. 1631. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DEMOC- 107–228; 22 U.S.C. 2151n note), in which the the selection of Democracy Fellows and fa- RACY PROMOTION. Department reports on actions taken by the cilitate their placement in appropriate con- Congress commends the Secretary of State United States Government to encourage re- gressional offices and nongovernmental or- for creating an Advisory Committee on De- spect for human rights and democracy. ganizations. mocracy Promotion, and it is the sense of (2) ASSISTANT SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘As- (c) EXCEPTION.—A Democracy Fellow may Congress that the Committee should play a sistant Secretary’’ means the Assistant Sec- not be assigned to any congressional office significant role in the Department’s trans- retary of State for Democracy, Human until the Secretary of Defense certifies to formational diplomacy by advising the Sec- Rights, and Labor. the Committee on Armed Services and the retary of State regarding United States ef- (3) COMMUNITY OF DEMOCRACIES AND COMMU- Committee on Foreign Relations of the Sen- forts to promote democracy and democratic NITY.—The terms ‘‘Community of Democ- ate and the Committee on Armed Services transition in connection with the formula- racies’’ and ‘‘Community’’ mean the associa- and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the tion and implementation of United States tion of democratic countries committed to House of Representatives that the request of foreign policy and foreign assistance.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:49 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.020 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3041 SEC. 1632. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE INTER- and strengthen the institutional structure of the greatest average annual number of arriv- NET WEBSITE OF THE DEPARTMENT the Community of Democracies, develop ing foreign visitors. OF STATE. interministerial projects, enhance the (b) PROGRAM ELEMENTS.—The program It is the sense of Congress that— United Nations Democracy Caucus, manage shall include— (1) the Secretary of State should continue policy development of the United Nations (1) enhanced queue management in the and further expand the Secretary’s existing Democracy Fund, and enhance coordination efforts to inform the public in foreign coun- Federal Inspection Services area leading up with other regional and multilateral bodies to primary inspection; tries of the efforts of the United States to with jurisdiction over democracy issues. (2) assistance for foreign travelers once promote democracy and defend human rights (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS ON INTERNATIONAL they have been admitted to the United through the Internet website of the Depart- CENTER FOR DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION.—It is States, in consultation, as appropriate, with ment of State; the sense of Congress that the International relevant governmental and nongovernmental (2) the Secretary of State should continue Center for Democratic Transition, an initia- entities; and to enhance the democracy promotion mate- tive of the Government of Hungary, serves to rials and resources on that Internet website, promote practical projects and the sharing of (3) instructional videos, in English and as such enhancement can benefit and encour- best practices in the area of democracy pro- such other languages as the Secretary deter- age those around the world who seek free- motion and should be supported by, in par- mines appropriate, in the Federal Inspection dom; and ticular, other European countries with expe- Services area that explain the United States (3) such enhancement should include where riences in democratic transitions, the United inspection process and feature national, re- possible and practical, translated reports on States, and private individuals. gional, or local welcome videos. democracy and human rights prepared by Subtitle F—Funding for Promotion of (c) ADDITIONAL CUSTOMS AND BORDER PRO- personnel of the Department, narratives and Democracy TECTION OFFICERS FOR HIGH VOLUME PORTS.— histories highlighting successful nonviolent Subject to the availability of appropriations, democratic movements, and other relevant SEC. 1661. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE UNITED before the end of fiscal year 2008 the Sec- NATIONS DEMOCRACY FUND. material. retary of Homeland Security shall employ It is the sense of Congress that the United Subtitle D—Training in Democracy and not less than an additional 200 Customs and States should work with other countries to Human Rights; Promotions Border Protection officers to address staff enhance the goals and work of the United shortages at the 20 United States inter- SEC. 1641. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON TRAINING IN Nations Democracy Fund, an essential tool national airports with the highest average DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS. to promote democracy, and in particular number of foreign visitors arriving annually. It is the sense of Congress that— support civil society in their efforts to help (1) the Secretary of State should continue consolidate democracy and bring about AMENDMENT NO. 354, AS MODIFIED to enhance and expand the training provided transformational change. to foreign service officers and civil service Beginning with line 1 on page 1, strike employees on how to strengthen and pro- SEC. 1662. THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY through the end of the amendment and in- FUND. mote democracy and human rights; and sert the following: The purpose of the Human Rights and De- (2) the Secretary of State should continue At the appropriate place, insert the fol- mocracy Fund should be to support innova- the effective and successful use of case stud- lowing: tive programming, media, and materials de- ies and practical workshops addressing po- signed to uphold democratic principles, sup- SEC. ll. PLAN FOR 100 PERCENT SCANNING OF tential challenges, and work with non-state port and strengthen democratic institutions, CARGO CONTAINERS. actors, including nongovernmental organiza- promote human rights and the rule of law, Section 232(c) of the Security and Account- tions that support democratic principles, and build civil societies in countries around ability For Every Port Act (6 U.S.c. 982(c)) is practices, and values. the world. amended— SEC. 1642. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON ADVANCE DE- AMENDMENT NO. 456 (1) by striking ‘‘Not later’’ and inserting MOCRACY AWARD. the following: (Purpose: To require the Secretary of Home- It is the sense of Congress that— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later’’; (1) the Secretary of State should further land Security to include levees in the list (2) by resetting the left margin of the text strengthen the capacity of the Department of critical infrastructure sectors) thereof 2 ems from the left margin; and to carry out result-based democracy pro- At the appropriate place, insert ‘‘The Sec- (3) by inserting at the end thereof the fol- motion efforts through the establishment of retary shall include levees in the Depart- lowing: awards and other employee incentives, in- ment’s list of critical infrastructure sectors. ‘‘(2) PLAN FOR 100 PERCENT SCANNING OF cluding the establishment of an annual AMENDMENT NO. 414, AS MODIFIED CARGO CONTAINERS.— award known as Outstanding Achievements Insert at the appropriate place: ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The first report under in Advancing Democracy, or the ADVANCE (a) DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.—Not later paragraph (1) shall include an initial plan to Democracy Award, that would be awarded to than 120 days after the date of enactment of scan 100 percent of the cargo containers des- officers or employees of the Department; and this Act, the Secretary shall— tined for the United States before such con- (2) the Secretary of State should establish (1) establish a demonstration project to tainers arrive in the United States. the procedures for selecting recipients of conduct demonstrations of security manage- ‘‘(B) PLAN CONTENTS.—The plan under sub- such award, including any financial terms, ment systems that— paragraph (A) shall include— associated with such award. (A) shall use a management system stand- ‘‘(i) specific annual benchmarks for the SEC. 1643. PROMOTIONS. ards approach; and percentage of cargo containers destined for The precepts for selection boards respon- (B) may be integrated into quality, safety, the United States that are scanned at a for- sible for recommending promotions of for- environmental and other internationally eign port; eign service officers, including members of adopted management systems; and ‘‘(ii) annual increases in the benchmarks the senior foreign service, should include (2) enter into 1 or more agreements with a described in clause (i) until 100 percent of the consideration of a candidate’s experience or private sector entity to conduct such dem- cargo containers destined for the United service in promotion of human rights and de- onstrations of security management sys- States are scanned before arriving in the mocracy. tems. United States, unless the Secretary explains SEC. 1644. PROGRAMS BY UNITED STATES MIS- AMENDMENT NO. 412, AS MODIFIED in writing to the appropriate congressional SIONS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES AND committees that inadequate progress has (Purpose: To provide for model ports of entry ACTIVITIES OF CHIEFS OF MISSION. been made in meeting the criteria in section and modify the international registered It is the sense of Congress that each chief 232(b) for expanded scanning to be practical traveler program) of mission should provide input on the ac- or feasible; tions described in the Advancing Freedom On page 2, after the item relating to sec- ‘‘(iii) an analysis of how to effectively in- and Democracy Report submitted under sec- tion 405, insert the following: corporate existing programs, including the tion 665(c) of the Foreign Relations Author- Sec. 406. Model ports-of-entry. Container Security Initiative established by ization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law On page 148, between lines 7 and 8, insert section 205 and the Customs-Trade Partner- 107–228; 22 U.S.C. 2151n note), as amended by the following: ship Against Terrorism established by sub- section 1621, and should intensify democracy SEC. 406. MODEL PORTS-OF-ENTRY. title B, to reach the benchmarks described in and human rights promotion activities. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Home- clause (i); and Subtitle E—Alliances With Democratic land Security shall— ‘‘(iv) an analysis of the scanning equip- Countries (1) establish a model ports-of-entry pro- ment, personnel, and technology necessary SEC. 1651. ALLIANCES WITH DEMOCRATIC COUN- gram for the purpose of providing a more ef- to reach the goal of 100 percent scanning of TRIES. ficient and welcoming international arrival cargo containers. (a) ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OFFICE FOR THE process in order to facilitate and promote ‘‘(C) SUBSEQUENT REPORTS.—Each report COMMUNITY OF DEMOCRACIES.—The Secretary business and tourist travel to the United under paragraph (1) after the initial report of State should, and is authorized to, estab- States, while also improving security; and shall include an assessment of the progress lish an Office for the Community of Democ- (2) implement the program initially at the toward implementing the plan under sub- racies with the mission to further develop 20 United States international airports with paragraph (A).’’.

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AMENDMENTS NOS. 423, 424, 340, 307, 358, 359, 394, SEC. 1337. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. section by a sector-specific agency, including 415, AND 371 EN BLOC the assignment of a level of classification of such information, shall be binding on Con- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, AMENDMEND NO. 307 TO AMENDMENT NO. 275 (Purpose: To modify the criteria that the gress, the Department, and that other Fed- on behalf of the Commerce Committee, eral agency.’’. I ask unanimous consent that the Secretary of Homeland Security will use to develop a hazardous material tracking On page 236, after line 23, insert the fol- pending amendment be set aside and pilot program for motor carriers) lowing: the Senate proceed en bloc to the con- On page 305, strike lines 8 through 15 and SEC. 1004. PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS. sideration of a series of amendments insert the following: Not later than 6 months after the last day which have been cleared by the chair (v) technology that allows the installation of fiscal year 2007, and for each year there- and ranking member of the Commerce by a motor carrier of concealed electronic after, the Secretary, in cooperation with the Committee, Senators INOUYE and STE- devices on commercial motor vehicles that Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of VENS. can be activated by law enforcement au- Transportation, the Secretary of Defense, thorities and alert emergency response re- and the Secretary of Energy shall submit to The amendments are as follows: sources to locate and recover high hazard the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Inouye-Stevens amendment No. 423 materials in the event of loss or theft of such Urban Affairs and the Committee on Home- with a modification; Inouye-Stevens materials and consider the addition of this land Security and Governmental Affairs of amendment No. 424 with a modifica- type of technology to the required commu- the Senate and the Committee on Financial tion; Rockefeller amendment No. 340; nications technology attributes under para- Services and the Committee on Homeland Kerry amendment No. 307; Murray graph (1). Security of the House of Representatives a amendment No. 358 with a modifica- report that details the actions taken by the Federal Government to ensure, in accord- AMENDMENT NO. 394 TO AMENDMENT NO. 275 tion; Lautenberg amendment No. 359 ance with subsections (a) and (c) of section with a modification; Cardin amend- (Purpose: To require Amtrak contracts and 101 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 ment No. 394. leases involving the State of Maryland to U.S.C. App. 2071), the preparedness of indus- be governed by the laws of the District of On behalf of the Banking Committee, try— Columbia) (1) to reduce interruption of critical infra- Senators DODD and SHELBY, I ask that On page 299, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following amendments within their structure operations during a terrorist at- the following: tack, natural catastrophe, or other similar jurisdiction which they have cleared SEC. 1337. APPLICABILITY OF DISTRICT OF CO- national emergency; and also be considered: Dodd amendment LUMBIA LAW TO CERTAIN AMTRAK (2) to minimize the impact of such catas- CONTRACTS. No. 415, Kohl amendment No. 371 with a trophes, as so described in section 1001(a)(1). modification. Section 24301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the The amendment (No. 423), as modi- Madam President, I ask unanimous following: fied, was agreed to, as follows: consent that these amendments be ‘‘(o) APPLICABILITY OF DISTRICT OF COLUM- AMENDMENT NO. 423 AS MODIFIED agreed to en bloc, the motions to re- BIA LAW.—Any lease or contract entered into consider be laid upon the table, en bloc, between the National Railroad Passenger On page 203, beginning with line 4, strike Corporation and the State of Maryland, or that any statements thereon be printed through line 5 on page 215 and insert the fol- any department or agency of the State of lowing: in the RECORD, and that the consider- Maryland, after the date of the enactment of SEC. 801. TRANSPORTATION SECURITY STRA- ation of these amendments appear sep- this subsection shall be governed by the laws TEGIC PLANNING. arately in the RECORD. of the District of Columbia.’’. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 114(t)(1)(B) of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without AMENDMENT NO. 415 TO AMENDMENT NO. 275 title 49, United States Code, is amended to objection, it is so ordered. (Purpose: To amend title X, with respect to read as follows: critical infrastructure protection efforts ‘‘(B) transportation modal and intermodal The amendments (Nos. 340, 307, 394, by Federal departments and agencies) security plans addressing risks, threats, and and 415) were agreed to, as follows: On page 233, strike lines 8 through 15. vulnerabilities for aviation, bridge, tunnel, On page 233, line 16, strike ‘‘(c)’’ and insert commuter rail and ferry, highway, maritime, AMENDMENT NO. 340 TO AMENDMENT NO. 275 ‘‘(b)’’. pipeline, rail, mass transit, over-the-road (Purpose: To reinstate the State registration On page 233, line 19, strike ‘‘(d)’’ and insert bus, and other public transportation infra- fee system for commercial motor vehicles ‘‘(c)’’. structure assets.’’. On page 234, strike lines 17 through 21 and until the Unified Carrier Registration Sys- (b) CONTENTS OF THE NATIONAL STRATEGY insert the following: tem Plan Agreement is fully implemented) FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY.—Section (2) CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.— 114(t)(3) of such title is amended— On page 4, strike the item relating to (A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall sub- (1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ‘‘, section 1336 and insert the following: mit with each report under this subsection a based on risk assessments conducted by the classified annex containing information re- Sec. 1336. Unified carrier registration sys- Secretary of Homeland Security (including quired to be submitted under this subsection tem plan agreement. assessments conducted under section 1321 or that cannot be made public. 1403 of the Improving America’s Security Act Sec. 1337. Authorization of appropriations. (B) RETENTION OF CLASSIFICATION.—The of 2007 or any provision of law amended by On page 298, strike line 8 and insert the fol- classification of information required to be such title),’’ after ‘‘risk based priorities’’; lowing: provided to Congress, the Department, or (2) in subparagraph (D)— any other department or agency under this (A) by striking ‘‘and local’’ and inserting SEC. 1336. UNIFIED CARRIER REGISTRATION SYS- section by a sector-specific agency, including TEM PLAN AGREEMENT. ‘‘, local, and tribal’’; and the assignment of a level of classification of (B) by striking ‘‘private sector cooperation (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding section such information, shall be binding on Con- and participation’’ and inserting ‘‘coopera- 4305(a) of the SAFETEA–LU Act (Public Law gress, the Department, and that other Fed- tion and participation by private sector enti- 109–59)— eral agency. ties’’; On page 235, line 21, strike ‘‘private sector’’ (1) section 14504 of title 49, United States (3) in subparagraph (E)— and all that follows through page 236, line 4 Code, as that section was in effect on Decem- (A) by striking ‘‘response’’ and inserting ber 31, 2006, is re-enacted, effective as of Jan- and insert ‘‘private sector.’’. On page 236, line 8, insert ‘‘a report’’ after ‘‘prevention, response,’’; and uary 1, 2007; and (B) by inserting ‘‘and threatened and exe- (2) no fee shall be collected pursuant to ‘‘submit’’. On page 236, beginning on line 11, strike ‘‘a cuted acts of terrorism outside the United section 14504a of title 49, United States Code, report’’ and insert the following: ‘‘, and to States to the extent such acts affect United until 30 days after the date, as determined by each Committee of the Senate and the House States transportation systems’’ before the the Secretary of Transportation, on which— of Representatives having jurisdiction over period at the end; (A) the unified carrier registration system the critical infrastructure or key resource (4) in subparagraph (F), by adding at the plan and agreement required by that section addressed by the report,’’. end the following: ‘‘Transportation security has been fully implemented; and On page 236, strike lines 18 and 19 and in- research and development projects shall be (B) the fees have been set by the Secretary sert the following: based, to the extent practicable, on such under subsection (d)(7)(B) of that section. ‘‘(2) CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.— prioritization. Nothing in the preceding sen- (b) REPEAL OF SECTION 14504.—Section 14504 ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The report under this tence shall be construed to require the ter- of title 49, United States Code, as re-enacted subsection may contain a classified annex. mination of any research or development by this Act, is repealed effective on the date ‘‘(B) RETENTION OF CLASSIFICATION.—The project initiated by the Secretary of Home- on which fees may be collected under section classification of information required to be land Security before the date of enactment 14504a of title 49, United States Code, pursu- provided to Congress, the Department, or of the Improving America’s Security Act of ant to subsection (a)(2) of this section. any other department or agency under this 2007.’’; and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:48 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.049 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3043 (5) by adding at the end the following: consult, as appropriate, with Federal, State, manager for the implementation and man- ‘‘(G) Short- and long-term budget rec- and local agencies, tribal governments, pri- agement of that environment. ommendations for Federal transportation se- vate sector entities (including nonprofit em- ‘‘(5) REPORTS TO CONGRESS.— curity programs, which reflect the priorities ployee labor organizations), institutions of ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days of the National Strategy for Transportation higher learning, and other entities. after the date of enactment of this sub- Security. ‘‘(7) PLAN DISTRIBUTION.—The Secretary of section, the Secretary shall submit to the ‘‘(H) Methods for linking the individual Homeland Security shall make available an appropriate congressional committees a re- transportation modal security plans and the unclassified version of the National Strategy port containing the Plan. programs contained therein, and a plan for for Transportation Security, including its ‘‘(B) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than 1 addressing the security needs of intermodal component transportation modal security year after the date of enactment of this sub- transportation hubs. plans, to Federal, State, regional, local and section, the Secretary shall submit to the ‘‘(I) Transportation security modal and tribal authorities, transportation system appropriate congressional committees an an- intermodal plans, including operational re- owners or operators, private sector stake- nual report on updates to and the implemen- covery plans to expedite, to the maximum holders (including non-profit employee labor tation of the Plan. extent practicable, the return to operation of organizations), institutions of higher learn- ‘‘(6) SURVEY.— an adversely affected transportation system ing, and other appropriate entities.’’. ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall con- following a major terrorist attack on that SEC. 802. TRANSPORTATION SECURITY INFORMA- duct a biennial survey of the satisfaction of system or another catastrophe. These plans TION SHARING. the recipients of transportation intelligence shall be coordinated with the resumption of (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 114 of title 49, reports disseminated under the Plan, and in- trade protocols required under section 202 of United States Code, is amended by adding at clude the results of the survey as part of the the SAFE Port Act (6 U.S.C. 942).’’. the end the following: annual report to be submitted under para- (c) PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS.—Section graph (5)(B). 114(t)(4) of such title is amended— ‘‘(u) TRANSPORTATION SECURITY INFORMA- ‘‘(B) INFORMATION SOUGHT.—The survey (1) in subparagraph (C)— TION SHARING PLAN.— ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT OF PLAN.—The Sec- conducted under subparagraph (A) shall seek (A) in clause (i), by inserting ‘‘, including information about the quality, speed, regu- the transportation modal security plans’’ be- retary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the program manager of the informa- larity, and classification of the transpor- fore the period at the end; and tation security information products dis- (B) by striking clause (ii) and inserting the tion sharing environment established under seminated from the Department of Home- following: section 1016 of the Intelligence Reform and land Security to public and private stake- ‘‘(ii) CONTENT.—Each progress report sub- Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (6 U.S.C. holders. mitted under this subparagraph shall include 485), the Secretary of Transportation, and ‘‘(7) SECURITY CLEARANCES.—The Secretary the following: public and private stakeholders, shall estab- shall, to the greatest extent practicable, ‘‘(I) Recommendations for improving and lish a Transportation Security Information take steps to expedite the security clear- implementing the National Strategy for Sharing Plan. In establishing the plan, the ances needed for public and private stake- Transportation Security and the transpor- Secretary shall gather input on the develop- holders to receive and obtain access to clas- tation modal and intermodal security plans ment of the Plan from private and public sified information distributed under this sec- that the Secretary of Homeland Security, in stakeholders and the program manager of tion as appropriate. consultation with the Secretary of Transpor- the information sharing environment estab- ‘‘(8) CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIAL.—The tation, considers appropriate. lished under section 1016 of the Intelligence Secretary, to the greatest extent prac- ‘‘(II) An accounting of all grants for trans- Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 ticable, shall provide public and private portation security, including grants for re- (6 U.S.C. 485). stakeholders with specific and actionable in- search and development, distributed by the ‘‘(2) PURPOSE OF PLAN.—The Plan shall pro- formation in an unclassified format. Secretary of Homeland Security in the most mote sharing of transportation security in- ‘‘(9) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: recently concluded fiscal year and a descrip- formation between the Department of Home- ‘‘(A) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- tion of how such grants accomplished the land Security and public and private stake- TEES.—The term ‘appropriate congressional goals of the National Strategy for Transpor- holders. committees’ has the meaning given that tation Security. ‘‘(3) CONTENT OF PLAN.—The Plan shall in- term in subsection (t), but shall also include ‘‘(III) An accounting of all— clude— the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, ‘‘(aa) funds requested in the President’s ‘‘(A) a description of how intelligence ana- and Urban Development. budget submitted pursuant to section 1105 of lysts within the Department of Homeland ‘‘(B) PLAN.—The term ‘Plan’ means the title 31 for the most recently concluded fis- Security will coordinate their activities Transportation Security Information Shar- cal year for transportation security, by within the Department and with other Fed- ing Plan established under paragraph (1). mode; and eral, State, and local agencies, and tribal ‘‘(C) PUBLIC AND PRIVATE STAKEHOLDERS.— ‘‘(bb) personnel working on transportation governments, including coordination with The term ‘public and private stakeholders’ security by mode, including the number of existing modal information sharing centers means Federal, State, and local agencies, contractors. and the center established under section 1406 tribal governments, and appropriate private ‘‘(iii) WRITTEN EXPLANATION OF TRANSPOR- of the Improving America’s Security Act of entities. TATION SECURITY ACTIVITIES NOT DELINEATED 2007; ‘‘(D) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ IN THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR TRANSPOR- ‘‘(B) the establishment of a point of con- means the Secretary of Homeland Security. TATION SECURITY.—At the end of each year, tact, which may be a single point of contact, ‘‘(E) TRANSPORTATION SECURITY INFORMA- the Secretary of Homeland Security shall for each mode of transportation within the TION.—The term ‘transportation security in- submit to the appropriate congressional Department of Homeland Security for its formation’ means information relating to committees a written explanation of any ac- sharing of transportation security informa- the risks to transportation modes, including tivity inconsistent with, or not clearly delin- tion with public and private stakeholders, aviation, bridge and tunnel, mass transit, eated in, the National Strategy for Transpor- including an explanation and justification to passenger and freight rail, ferry, highway, tation Security, including the amount of the appropriate congressional committees if maritime, pipeline, and over-the-road bus funds to be expended for the activity and the the point of contact established pursuant to transportation.’’. number of personnel involved.’’; and this subparagraph differs from the agency (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘Se- within the Department that has the primary (b) CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT OF SECURITY lect’’. authority, or has been delegated such au- ASSURANCE FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE STAKE- (d) PRIORITY STATUS.—Section 114(t)(5)(B) thority by the Secretary, to regulate the se- HOLDERS.— of such title is amended— curity of that transportation mode; (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in (1) in clause (iii), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the ‘‘(C) a reasonable deadline by which the paragraph (2), the Secretary shall provide a end; Plan will be implemented; and semiannual report to the Committee on (2) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause ‘‘(D) a description of resource needs for ful- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- (v); and filling the Plan. fairs, the Committee on Commerce, Science, (3) by inserting after clause (iii) the fol- ‘‘(4) COORDINATION WITH THE INFORMATION and Transportation, and the Committee on lowing: SHARING ENVIRONMENT.—The Plan shall be— Banking, Housing, and Urban Development ‘‘(iv) the transportation sector specific ‘‘(A) implemented in coordination with the of the Senate and the Committee on Home- plan required under Homeland Security Pres- program manager for the information shar- land Security and the Committee on Trans- idential Directive–7; and’’. ing environment established under section portation and Infrastructure of the House of (e) COORDINATION AND PLAN DISTRIBUTION.— 1016 of the Intelligence Reform and Ter- Representatives that— Section 114(t) of such title is amended by rorism Prevention Act of 2004 (6 U.S.C. 485); (A) identifies the job titles and descrip- adding at the end the following: and tions of the persons with whom such infor- ‘‘(6) COORDINATION.—In carrying out the re- ‘‘(B) consistent with the establishment of mation is to be shared under the transpor- sponsibilities under this section, the Sec- that environment, and any policies, guide- tation security information sharing plan es- retary of Homeland Security, in consultation lines, procedures, instructions, or standards tablished under section 114(u) of title 49, with the Secretary of Transportation, shall established by the President or the program United States Code, as added by this Act,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:49 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.022 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3044 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 and explains the reason for sharing the infor- who submits a report under paragraph (1) ing facilities, procurement of additional ca- mation with such persons; and any such report shall be treated as a nines, and increasing staffing and oversight (B) describes the measures the Secretary record containing protected information to commensurate with the increased training has taken, under section 114(u)(7) of that the extent that it does not consist of pub- and deployment capabilities required by title, or otherwise, to ensure proper treat- licly available information. paragraph (1). ment and security for any classified informa- ‘‘(3) ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT.—If a re- (3) ULTIMATE EXPANSION.—The Secretary tion to be shared with the public and private port submitted under paragraph (1) identifies shall continue to increase the training ca- stakeholders under the plan; and the person making the report, the Secretary pacity and all other necessary program ex- (C) explains the reason for the denial of shall respond promptly to such person and pansions so that by December 31, 2009, the transportation security information to any acknowledge receipt of the report. number of canine teams sufficient to meet stakeholder who had previously received ‘‘(4) STEPS TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS.—The the Secretary’s homeland security mission, such information. Secretary shall review and consider the in- as determined by the Secretary on an annual (2) NO REPORT REQUIRED IF NO CHANGES IN formation provided in any report submitted basis, may be trained at this facility. STAKEHOLDERS.—The Secretary is not re- under paragraph (1) and shall take appro- (b) ALTERNATIVE TRAINING CENTERS.— quired to provide a semiannual report under priate steps under this title to address any Based on feasibility and to meet the ongoing paragraph (1) if no stakeholders have been problems or deficiencies identified. demand for quality explosives detection ca- added to or removed from the group of per- ‘‘(5) RETALIATION PROHIBITED.—No em- nines teams, the Secretary shall explore the sons with whom transportation security in- ployer may discharge any employee or other- options of creating the following: formation is shared under the plan since the wise discriminate against any employee with (1) A standardized Transportation Security end of the period covered by the last pre- respect to the compensation to, or terms, Administration approved canine program ceding semiannual report. conditions, or privileges of the employment that private sector entities could use to pro- The amendment (No. 424), as modi- of, such employee because the employee (or vide training for additional explosives detec- fied, was agreed to as follows: a person acting pursuant to a request of the tion canine teams. For any such program, employee) made a report under paragraph the Secretary— AMENDMENT NO. 424, AS MODIFIED (1).’’. (A) may coordinate with key stakeholders, On page 4, strike the item relating to sec- On page 330, beginning in line 7, strike including international, Federal, State, tion 1366 and insert the following: ‘‘paragraph (2);’’ and insert ‘‘subsection (g);’’. local, private sector and academic entities, Sec. 1366. In-line baggage system deploy- On page 332, strike lines 21 and 22 and in- to develop best practice guidelines for such a ment. sert the following: standardized program; (B) shall require specific training criteria On page 5, after the item relating to sec- SEC. 1366. IN-LINE BAGGAGE SYSTEM DEPLOY- MENT. to which private sector entities must adhere tion 1376, insert the following: On page 337, line 5, strike ‘‘fully imple- as a condition of participating in the pro- Sec. 1377. Law enforcement biometric cre- ment’’ and insert ‘‘begin full implementation gram; and dential. of’’. (C) shall review the status of these private Sec. 1378. Employee retention internship On page 338, strike lines 1 through 4 and in- sector programs on at least an annual basis. program. sert the following: (2) Expansion of explosives detection ca- On page 5, after the item relating to sec- ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall nine team training to at least 2 additional tion 1384, insert the following: establish an Office of Appeals and Redress to national training centers, to be modeled Sec. 1385. Requiring reports to be submitted implement, coordinate, and execute the after the Center of Excellence established at to certain committees. process established by the Secretary pursu- Lackland Air Force Base. On page 254, line 11, strike ‘‘Administra- ant to subsection (a). The Office shall in- (c) DEPLOYMENT.—The Secretary— tion,’’ and insert ‘‘Administration and other clude representatives from the Transpor- (1) shall use the additional explosives de- agencies within the Department,’’. tation Security Administration, U.S. Cus- tection canine teams as part of the Depart- On page 254, line 12, insert ‘‘Federal’’ after toms and Border Protection, and other agen- ment’s layers of enhanced mobile security ‘‘appropriate’’. cies or offices as appropriate. across the Nation’s transportation network On page 267, line 11, strike ‘‘through the’’ On page 338, line 19, strike ‘‘and’’. and to support other homeland security pro- and insert ‘‘in consultation with’’. On page 339, line 3, strike ‘‘positives.’’’. grams, as deemed appropriate by the Sec- On page 267, line 19, strike ‘‘and, through and insert ‘‘positives; and’’. retary; and the Secretary of Transportation, to Am- On page 339, between lines 3 and 4, insert (2) may make available explosives detec- trak,’’ and insert ‘‘and to Amtrak’’ the following: tion canine teams to all modes of transpor- On page 269, strike lines 20 through 23 and ‘‘(C) require air carriers and foreign air tation, for areas of high risk or to address insert the following: carriers take action to properly and auto- specific threats, on an as-needed basis and as (d) CONDITIONS.—Grants awarded by the matically identify passengers determined, otherwise deemed appropriate by the Sec- Secretary to Amtrak under subsection (a) under the process established under sub- retary. shall be disbursed to Amtrak through the section (a), to have been wrongly identi- SEC. 1377. LAW ENFORCEMENT BIOMETRIC CRE- Secretary of Transportation. The Secretary fied.’’. DENTIAL. of Transportation may not disburse such On page 339, line 21, strike ‘‘utilizing ap- (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (6) of section funds unless Amtrak meets the conditions propriate records in’’ and insert ‘‘as well as’’. 44903(h) of title 49, United States Code, is set forth in section 1322(b) of this title. On page 342, line 9, strike ‘‘47135(m));’’ and amended to read as follows: On page 269, line 19, after the period insert insert ‘‘47134(m));’’ ‘‘(6) USE OF BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY FOR ‘‘Not later than 240 days after the date of en- On page 342, line 21, strike ‘‘47135(m)).’’ and ARMED LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAVEL.— actment of this Act, the Secretary shall pro- insert ‘‘47134(m)).’’ ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year vide a report to the Committees on Com- On page 343, beginning in line 9, strike ‘‘to after the date of enactment of the Improving merce, Science and Transportation and the Transportation Security Administration America’s Security Act of 2007, the Sec- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- before entering United States airspace; and’’ retary of Homeland Security shall— fairs in the Senate and the Committee on and insert ‘‘at the same time as, and in con- ‘‘(i) consult with the Attorney General Homeland Security in the House on the fea- junction with, advance notification require- concerning implementation of this para- sibility and appropriateness of requiring a ments for Customs and Border Protection be- graph; non-federal match for the grants authorized fore entering United States airspace; and’’. ‘‘(ii) issue any necessary rulemaking to in subsection (a).’’. On page 344, beginning with line 14, strike implement this paragraph; and On page 281, beginning in line 24, strike through line 12 on page 345 and insert the fol- ‘‘(iii) establishing a national registered ‘‘terrorists.’’ and insert ‘‘terrorists, includ- lowing: armed law enforcement program for law en- ing observation and analysis.’’. SEC. 1376. NATIONAL EXPLOSIVES DETECTION forcement officers needing to be armed when On page 286, line 7, strike the closing CANINE TEAM TRAINING CENTER. traveling by air. quotation marks and the second period. (a) IN GENERAL.— ‘‘(B) PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.—The pro- On page 286, between lines 7 and 8, insert (1) INCREASED TRAINING CAPACITY.—Within gram shall— the following: 180 days after the date of enactment of this ‘‘(i) establish a credential or a system that ‘‘(f) PROCESS FOR REPORTING PROBLEMS.— Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security incorporates biometric technology and other ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT OF REPORTING PROC- shall begin to increase the capacity of the applicable technologies; ESS.—The Secretary shall establish, and pro- Department of Homeland Security’s Na- ‘‘(ii) provide a flexible solution for law en- vide information to the public regarding, a tional Explosives Detection Canine Team forcement officers who need to be armed process by which any person may submit a Program at Lackland Air Force Base to ac- when traveling by air on a regular basis and report to the Secretary regarding railroad commodate the training of up to 200 canine for those who need to be armed during tem- security problems, deficiencies, or teams annually by the end of calendar year porary travel assignments; vulnerabilities. 2008. ‘‘(iii) be coordinated with other uniform ‘‘(2) CONFIDENTIALITY.—The Secretary shall (2) EXPANSION DETAILED REQUIREMENTS.— credentialing initiatives including the keep confidential the identity of a person The expansion shall include upgrading exist- Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12;

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:17 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.022 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3045 ‘‘(iv) be applicable for all Federal, State, (2) Section 121(c) of this Act. (B) the potential savings from imple- local, tribal and territorial government law (3) Section 2002(e)(3) of the Homeland Secu- menting the technologies at selected airport enforcement agencies; and rity Act of 2002, as added by section 202 of exits; ‘‘(v) establish a process by which the travel this Act. (C) the types of configurations expected to credential or system may be used to verify (4) Subsections (a) and (b)(2)(B)(ii) of sec- be deployed at such airports; and the identity, using biometric technology, of tion 2009 of the Homeland Security Act of (D) the expected financial contribution a Federal, State, local, tribal, or territorial 2002, as added by section 202 of this Act. from each airport. law enforcement officer seeking to carry a (5) Section 302(d) of this Act. (2) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 1 year weapon on board an aircraft, without unnec- (6) Section 7215(d) of the Intelligence Re- after the technologies are deployed at the essarily disclosing to the public that the in- form and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (6 airports participating in the pilot program, dividual is a law enforcement officer. U.S.C. 123(d)). the Administrator shall submit a final report ‘‘(C) PROCEDURES.—In establishing the pro- (7) Section 7209(b)(1)(C) of the Intelligence to the congressional committees described in gram, the Secretary shall develop proce- Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 paragraph (3) that describes— dures— (8 U.S.C. 1185 note). (A) the security measures deployed; ‘‘(i) to ensure that only Federal, State, (8) Section 504(c) of this Act. (B) the projected cost savings; and local, tribal, and territorial government law (9) Section 705 of this Act. (C) the efficacy of the program and its ap- enforcement officers with a specific need to (10) Section 803(d) of this Act. plicability to other airports in the United be armed when traveling by air are issued a (11) Section 510(a)(7) of the Homeland Secu- States. law enforcement travel credential; rity Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 320(a)(7)). (3) CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—The re- ‘‘(ii) to preserve the anonymity of the (12) Section 510(b)(7) of the Homeland Secu- ports required under this subsection shall be armed law enforcement officer without call- rity Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 320(b)(7)). submitted to— ing undue attention to the individual’s iden- (13) Section 1002(b) of this Act. (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, tity; (b) SENATE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECU- and Transportation of the Senate; ‘‘(iii) to resolve failures to enroll, false RITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS.—The (B) the Committee on Appropriations of matches, and false non-matches relating to Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- the Senate; use of the law enforcement travel credential ernmental Affairs of the Senate shall receive (C) the Committee on Homeland Security or system; and the reports required by the following provi- and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; ‘‘(iv) to invalidate any law enforcement sions of law in the same manner and to the (D) the Committee on Homeland Security travel credential or system that is lost, sto- same extent that the reports are to be re- of the House of Representatives; and len, or no longer authorized for use. ceived by the Committee on Commerce, (E) the Committee on Appropriations of (b) REPORT.—Within 180 days after imple- Science, and Transportation of the Senate: the House of Representatives. menting the national registered armed law (1) Section 1321(c) of this Act. (d) USE OF EXISTING FUNDS.—Provisions enforcement program required by section (2) Section 1323(f)(3)(A) of this Act. contained within this section will be exe- 44903(h)(6) of title 49, United States Code, the (3) Section 1328 of this Act. cuted using existing funds. Secretary of Homeland Security shall trans- (4) Section 1329(d) of this Act. The amendment (No. 359), as modi- mit a report to the Senate Committee on (5) Section 114(v)(4)(A)(i) of title 49, United fied, was agreed to as follows: Commerce, Science, and Transportation. If States Code. the Secretary has not implemented the pro- (6) Section 1341(a)(7) of this Act. AMENDMENT NO. 359, AS MODIFIED gram within 180 days after the date of enact- (7) Section 1341(b)(2) of this Act. At the appropriate place, insert the fol- ment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a (8) Section 1345 of this Act. lowing: report to the Committee within 180 days ex- (9) Section 1346(f) of this Act. SEC. ll. DHS INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT ON plaining the reasons for the failure to imple- (10) Section 1347(f)(1) of this Act. HIGHWAY WATCH GRANT PROGRAM. ment the program within the time required (11) Section 1348(d)(1) of this Act. Within 90 days after the date of enactment by that section, and a further report within (12) Section 1366(b)(3) of this Act. of this Act, the Inspector General of the De- each successive 180-day period until the pro- (13) Section 1372(b) of this Act. partment of Homeland Security shall submit gram is implemented explaining the reasons (14) Section 1375 of this Act. a report to the Senate Committee on Com- for such further delays in implementation (15) Section 3006(i) of the Digital Television merce, Science, and Transportation and until the program is implemented. The Sec- Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (47 Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- retary shall submit each report required by U.S.C. 309 note). ernmental Affairs on the Trucking Security this subsection in classified format. (16) Section 1381(c) of this Act. Grant Program for fiscal years 2004 and 2005 SEC. 1378. EMPLOYEE RETENTION INTERNSHIP (17) Subsections (a) and (b) of section 1383 that— PROGRAM. of this Act. (1) addresses the grant announcement, ap- The Assistant Secretary of Homeland Se- plication, receipt, review, award, moni- curity (Transportation Security Administra- The amendment (No. 358), as modi- toring, and closeout processes; and tion), shall establish a pilot program at a fied, was agreed to as follows: (2) states the amount obligated or ex- small hub airport, a medium hub airport, AMENDMENT NO. 358, AS MODIFIED pended under the program for fiscal years and a large hub airport (as those terms are At the appropriate place, insert the fol- 2004 and 2005 for— defined in paragraphs (42), (31), and (29), re- lowing: (A) infrastructure protection; spectively, of section 40102 of title 49, United SEC. ll. PILOT PROJECT TO REDUCE THE NUM- (B) training; States Code) for training students to perform BER OF TRANSPORTATION SECU- (C) equipment; screening of passengers and property under RITY OFFICERS AT AIRPORT EXIT (D) educational materials; section 44901 of title 49, United States Code. LANES. (E) program administration; The program shall be an internship for pre- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the (E) marketing; and employment training of final-year students Transportation Security Administration (re- (F) other functions. from public and private secondary schools ferred to in this section as the ‘‘Adminis- The amendment (No. 371), as modi- located in nearby communities. Under the trator’’) shall conduct a pilot program to program, participants shall perform only identify technological solutions for reducing fied, was agreed to as follows: those security responsibilities determined to the number of Transportation Security Ad- AMENDMENT NO. 371, AS MODIFIED, TO be appropriate for their age and in accord- ministration employees at airport exit lanes. AMENDMENT NO. 275 ance with applicable law and shall be com- (b) PROGRAM COMPONENTS.—In conducting On page 370, line 10, after ‘‘workers’’, insert pensated for training and services time while the pilot program under this section, the Ad- ‘‘the elderly’’. participating in the program. ministrator shall— AMENDMENTS NOS. 321 AND 336, WITHDRAWN On page 361, after line 22, insert the fol- (1) utilize different technologies that pro- AMENDMENT NO. 367, AS FURTHER MODIFIED lowing: tect the integrity of the airport exit lanes Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, SEC. 1385. REQUIRING REPORTS TO BE SUB- from unauthorized entry; and MITTED TO CERTAIN COMMITTEES. (2) work with airport officials to deploy I now ask unanimous consent that (a) SENATE COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND such technologies in multiple configurations amendments Nos. 321 and 336 be with- TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE.—The Com- at a selected airport or airports at which drawn and that amendment No. 367 be mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- some of the exits are not co-located with a further modified with the changes at tation of the Senate shall receive the reports screening checkpoint. the desk and that the amendment be required by the following provisions of law in (c) REPORTS.— considered and agreed to and the mo- the same manner and to the same extent (1) INITIAL BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 tion to reconsider be laid upon the that the reports are to be received by the days after the enactment of this Act, the Ad- Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- ministrator shall conduct a briefing to the table. ernmental Affairs of the Senate: congressional committees set forth in para- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (1) Section 1016(j)(1) of the Intelligence Re- graph (3) that describes— objection, it is so ordered. form and Terrorist Prevention Act of 2004 (6 (A) the airports selected to participate in The amendment (No. 367), as further U.S.C. 485(j)(1)). the pilot program; modified, was agreed to as follows:

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On page 303, strike line 12 and all that fol- (e) LIMITATION.—The Secretary may not Cochran Hutchison Salazar lows through page 305, line 18, and insert the mandate the installation or utilization of Coleman Inhofe Sanders following: the technology described under (a)(2)(C)(v) Collins Inouye Schumer of Transportation, shall develop a program without additional congressional action on Conrad Isakson Sessions to facilitate the tracking of motor carrier that matter. Corker Kyl Shelby Cornyn Landrieu Smith shipments of high hazard materials, as de- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, Craig Leahy fined in this title, and to equip vehicles used Snowe I now ask unanimous consent that fol- Crapo Lincoln Stabenow in such shipments with technology that pro- DeMint Lott lowing adoption of the substitute Stevens vides— Dole Lugar Sununu (A) frequent or continuous communica- amendment and the bill has been read Domenici Martinez Tester tions; a third time, there then be 20 minutes Dorgan McConnell Thomas (B) vehicle position location and tracking for debate prior to the vote on passage Ensign Mikulski Enzi Murkowski Thune capabilities; and of the bill, and that each of the fol- Vitter (C) a feature that allows a driver of such Graham Murray lowing be afforded 5 minutes: Senators Grassley Nelson (FL) Voinovich vehicles to broadcast an emergency message. COLLINS, LIEBERMAN, MCCONNELL, and Gregg Nelson (NE) Warner (2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In developing the REID. Hagel Pryor Webb program required by paragraph (1), the Sec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Harkin Roberts Wyden retary shall— objection? Hatch Rockefeller (A) consult with the Secretary of Trans- Ms. COLLINS. Reserving the right to portation to coordinate the program with NAYS—25 any ongoing or planned efforts for motor car- object, I may have missed the complete Bayh Feingold McCaskill rier or high hazardous materials tracking at unanimous-consent request because I Biden Feinstein Menendez the Department of Transportation; did not have that final page of the Boxer Kennedy Obama (B) take into consideration the rec- agreement. Will the Senator inform me Brown Kerry Reed Byrd Klobuchar Reid ommendations and findings of the report on whether there is a vote ordered on the Carper Kohl the Hazardous Material Safety and Security Biden amendment. Specter Casey Lautenberg Whitehouse Operation Field Test released by the Federal Mr. LIEBERMAN. Yes, Madam Presi- Dodd Levin Motor Carrier Safety Administration on No- dent. I thank my friend from Maine. I Durbin Lieberman vember 11, 2004; and am sorry she didn’t get this page. What NOT VOTING—2 (C) evaluate— I will do after this unanimous-consent (i) any new information related to the request, hopefully, is agreed to, setting Johnson McCain costs and benefits of deploying, equipping, The motion was agreed to. and utilizing tracking technology, including 20 minutes of debate and final passage, portable tracking technology, for motor car- is to ask what the pending business is, Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, riers transporting high hazard materials not which is the Biden amendment, and I move to reconsider the vote, and I included in the Hazardous Material Safety then I will urge action on the amend- move to lay that motion on the table. and Security Operation Field Test Report re- ment. The motion to lay on the table was leased by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there agreed to. Administration on November 11, 2004; objection? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (ii) the ability of tracking technology to Ms. COLLINS. I have no objection. objection, the substitute amendment, resist tampering and disabling; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without as amended, is agreed to. (iii) the capability of tracking technology objection, it is so ordered. to collect, display, and store information re- The substitute amendment (No. 275), garding the movement of shipments of high AMENDMENT NO. 383 as amended, was agreed to. hazard materials by commercial motor vehi- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cles; what is the pending amendment? question is on the engrossment and (iv) the appropriate range of contact inter- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Amend- third reading of the bill. vals between the tracking technology and a ment No. 383 offered by Senator BIDEN. The bill was ordered to be engrossed commercial motor vehicle transporting high Mr. LIEBERMAN. I ask for the yeas for a third reading and was read the hazard materials; and nays. third time. (v) technology that allows the installation The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a by a motor carrier of concealed and portable sufficient second? IMPLEMENTED RECOMMENDATION electronic devices on commercial motor ve- Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I Mr. BAUCUS. Madam President, I hicles that can be activated by law enforce- move to table the Biden amendment. note that the underlying legislation ment authorities to disable the vehicle and The PRESIDING OFFICER. First, is contains a sense of the Senate resolu- alert emergency response resources to locate tion that the Senate should implement and recover high hazard materials in the there a sufficient second? event of loss or theft of such materials; and There appears to be a sufficient sec- the recommendation of the 9/11 Com- (vi) whether installation of the technology ond. mission to ‘‘create a single, principal described in clause (v) should be incor- The yeas and nays were ordered. point of oversight and review for home- porated into the program under paragraph Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I land security.’’ This provision was (1); move to table the Biden amendment, added during committee markup by the (vii) the cost, benefit, and practicality of and I ask for the yeas and nays. Homeland Security and Governmental such technology described in (v) in the con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Affairs Committee. I would ask my col- text of the overall benefit to national secu- sufficient second on the motion to league, hasn’t the Senate already im- rity, including commerce in transportation; table? plemented this recommendation? and There appears to be a sufficient sec- Mr. GRASSLEY. Indeed, we have. (viii) other systems the secretary deter- ond. mined appropriate. Near the end of the 108th Congress we (b) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 1 year The question is on agreeing to the passed S. Res. 445, which created the after the date of the enactment of this Act, motion. The clerk will call the roll. Committee on Homeland Security and the Secretary, through the Transportation The legislative clerk called the roll. Governmental Affairs as the principal Security Administration, shall promulgate Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the point of oversight and review for home- regulations to carry out the provisions of Senator from South Dakota (Mr. JOHN- land security in the Senate. subsection (a). SON) is necessarily absent. UNDING Mr. BAUCUS. I appreciate the Sen- (c) F .—There are authorized to be Mr. LOTT. The following Senator appropriated to the Secretary to carry out ator’s recollection. S. Res. 445 estab- this section, $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years was necessarily absent: the Senator lished the Committee on Homeland Se- 2008, 2009, and 2010, of which— from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). curity and Governmental Affairs. It The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there (1) $3,000,000 per year may be used for also provided that the newly estab- equipment; and any other Senators in the Chamber de- lished committee would have referral (2) $1,000,000 per year may be used for oper- siring to vote? ations. The result was announced—yeas 73, and oversight of all matters relating to (d) REPORT.—Within 1 year after the nays 25, as follows: the Department of Homeland Security, issuance of regulations under subsection (b), with certain exceptions. One of those the Secretary shall issue a report to the Sen- [Rollcall Vote No. 72 Leg.] exceptions was with respect to func- ate Committee on Commerce, Science, and YEAS—73 tional oversight of customs revenue or Transportation, the Senate Committee on Akaka Bingaman Cantwell commercial functions performed by Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Alexander Bond Cardin fairs and the House Committee on Homeland Allard Brownback Chambliss any personnel of the Department of Security on the program developed and eval- Baucus Bunning Clinton Homeland Security. Does the Senator uation carried out under this section. Bennett Burr Coburn recall the basis for that exception?

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:17 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.029 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3047 Mr. GRASSLEY. Indeed, I do. This is mittee’s focus on customs functions risked-based—to place blast-resistant an issue that goes back to the creation and commercial operations, coupled containers on passenger planes. How- of the Department of Homeland Secu- with the Homeland Security and Gov- ever, the program does not implement rity and passage of the Homeland Secu- ernmental Affairs Committee’s focus the 9/11 Commission recommendation rity Act of 2002. The Finance Com- on border security and the Commerce to require one blast-resistant cargo mittee held a hearing in July 2002, fol- Committee’s expertise relating to our container on every plane. lowed by a letter to the chairman and Nation’s seaports. The 9/11 Commission recommended, ranking member of the Governmental Mr. GRASSLEY. Indeed. The enact- ‘‘TSA should require that every pas- Affairs Committee. We stressed the im- ment of that legislation demonstrates senger aircraft carrying cargo deploy portance of preserving the revenue col- that the retention of Finance Com- at least one hardened container to lection and trade facilitation functions mittee jurisdiction over customs rev- carry any suspect cargo.’’ Therefore, of the U.S. Customs Service, even as enue functions and commercial oper- all passenger planes should have at that agency moved into the Depart- ations does not in any way diminish least one blast-resistant container for ment of Homeland Security with an the effective oversight of other func- cargo. added national security focus. tions within the Department of Home- Mr. INOUYE. I expect that TSA Mr. BAUCUS. I appreciate the Sen- land Security by the Committee on would examine this recommendation ator’s recollection of our efforts on this Homeland Security and Governmental when developing a plan to deploy blast- issue. I would add that following that Affairs, nor does it detract from the resistant cargo containers on air- hearing and our letter, we worked Homeland Security and Governmental planes. closely with the Committee on Govern- Affairs Committee as the principal Mrs. BOXER. I thank the Senator for mental Affairs to develop text that point of oversight and review for home- his support. We owe this to the Amer- would keep intact the commercial land security matters in the U.S. Sen- ican people. We cannot allow terrorists functions of the Customs Service. ate. In fact, by drawing on the focus to exploit holes in our aviation secu- Under the final legislation, authorities and expertise of both committees, we rity system. vested in the Secretary of the Treasury improve overall Senate oversight of OVERSIGHT relating to customs revenue functions the homeland security interests and Mr. INOUYE. Madam Pesident, the remained with the Secretary of the economic security interests of the expertise exhibited under the Com- Treasury unless delegated to the Sec- United States. merce Committee’s jurisdiction is re- retary of Homeland Security. By order Mr. BAUCUS. I agree entirely. Con- flected in the substitute amendment to of the Secretary, dated May 15, 2003, sequently, I must note for the record S. 4, before us today, which incor- Treasury Order 100–16, the Secretary of that I don’t see any need to include the porates three Commerce Committee re- the Treasury delegated to the Sec- sense of the Senate resolution that has ported bills: S. 184, the Surface Trans- retary of Homeland Security general been added to the underlying legisla- portation and Rail Security Act of 2007; authority over customs revenue func- tion by the Committee on Homeland S. 509, the Aviation Security Improve- tions, subject to certain exceptions Security and Governmental Affairs. ment Act; and S. 385, the Interoperable that preserved Treasury’s oversight of Mr. GRASSLEY. I agree with my col- Emergency Communications Act. Prior the Customs Service with respect to league and note the same. However, to the reorgnization of the Senate policy matters and the authority to since it is merely a sense-of-the-Senate Homeland Security and Governmental issue regulations and determinations. resolution, and is not binding in any Affairs Committees, HSGAC, and That delegation of authority remains way, I think it is sufficient to note our thereafter, the Commerce Committee’s in place to this day. objections for the record at this time. jurisdiction under the Senate rules Mr. GRASSLEY. Yes. And I believe The provision is not worth objecting to over all aspects of transportation safe- we can both agree that our efforts were any more than that. We have already ty and security issues encompassing successful in preserving the revenue established a principal point of over- maritime, Coast Guard, aviation, rail, functions, commercial functions, and sight and review for homeland security pipeline, and trucking, and tele- commercial operations of the Customs in the U.S. Senate. The current balance communications matters, remain un- Service within the Department of reflected in S. Res. 445 has been proven touched. Homeland Security, including over- to work and need not be disturbed. Some unfairly claim that problems sight of those functions and commer- Mr. BAUCUS. I agree. we are having improving our national cial operations within the Committee CARGO SECURITY ON PASSENGER PLANES security result from an outdated com- on Finance. Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I am mittee system. I respectfully disagree. Mr. BAUCUS. I concur entirely. And pleased that in this new Congress, we This claim is simply a sound bite that those efforts served as the context for are able to take up and pass a bill that ignores the truth and short changes the the retention of Finance Committee implements the 9/11 Commission rec- potential for real solutions. The real oversight of customs revenue functions ommendations. Even though aviation problem is the result of creating a new and commercial operations in S. Res. security has improved greatly in the department from scratch by merging 22 445. The Finance Committee has exer- last 5 years, there are still holes in the Federal agencies with varying mis- cised oversight of those functions for system—as we discovered last summer sions, without any true realignment almost 200 years, and we as a nation with the aviation terrorist plot uncov- for non-security related missions, into continue to benefit from that accumu- ered by the British authorities. There- one mammoth Federal department and lated expertise. fore, implementing these recommenda- then refusing to fully fund the nec- Mr. GRASSLEY. That is right. In tions is crucial. essary initiatives. fact, we can point to the enactment of Mr. INOUYE. I agree with the Sen- I am surprised that a few of my col- the Security and Accountability For ator from California that imple- leagues would suggest that through Every Port Act of 2006, otherwise menting these recommendations is cru- oversight through several committees known as the SAFE Port Act, as an ex- cial to continuing to increase aviation of the Department, its Agencies, and ample of that. security, to prevent our Nation from the $34.8 billion in programs weakens Mr. BAUCUS. I agree. The SAFE experiencing a tragedy like 9/11 again. DHS. To the contrary, using the sev- Port Act demonstrated that the Fi- Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, one eral committees, each with its own sig- nance Committee and Homeland Secu- hole in aviation security is the cargo nificant expertise, actually improves rity and Governmental Affairs Com- that is carried on passenger planes. the quality and scope of congressional mittee, together with the Commerce The bill does strengthen security for oversight, and therefore, the effective- Committee, could work together to cargo on passenger planes. First, the ness and accountability of the Depart- enact strong legislation to secure our bill requires screening of all of the ment itself. It is the failure to conduct borders and protect the trade-based cargo going on passenger aircraft. Sec- agency oversight that causes the most economic security of our country. That ond, the bill requires the Transpor- harm, as we have seen at DHS over the legislation is strong precisely because tation Security Administration to im- past few years. Well coordinated and it was the product of the Finance Com- plement a program—either random or responsible engagement with DHS by

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Res. 445 embraced that approach, stand the complexity of the systems 2007, which has been incorporated into and S. 4 which will pass the Senate operations from safety standards to the 9/11 legislation as title XIV. Tran- today demonstrates the success of that market place realities. The two cannot sit security has long been a focus of the approach. In fact, the SAFE Ports Act, be separated and the Senate vote effec- Banking Committee, where we have Public Law 109–347, and S. 4 are a re- tively affirmed those arguments. held several hearings and reported flection of the positive progress Con- Mr. INOUYE. I agree. Without such similar legislation in each of the last gress can make when committees work context, security decisions will be two Congresses. While the Banking together in our respective fields of ex- made in a vacuum that, at best, might Committee’s previous legislation also pertise to conduct oversight and craft produce misguided or extraneous ef- passed the Senate, once as a free- legislation to address identified forts, and, at worst, could cripple the standing bill and as title VII of the vulnerabilities. transportation modes that ensure the SAFE Port Act, it has yet to become Mr. STEVENS. I concur with my free flow of commerce and travel that law. I will continue to work very close- chairman, Senator INOUYE. The Com- our Nation has been built upon. The ly with Senator SHELBY, who was a merce Committee has worked for over Commerce Committee has passed three leader on this issue as chairman of the a decade to improve transportation se- of the most significant transportation Banking Committee, to work through curity and has had to deal with the in- security bills considered since 9/11 and the conference process with our coun- ertia of the Federal Government as has been successful because of its un- terparts in the House of Representa- well as fight entrenched interests to derstanding of the industry and past tives to make this provision law. I ap- change the way we secure our transpor- work on safety and security issues. The preciate the leader’s support and com- tation system. As far back as 1996 we distinguished majority leader and Sen- mitment to having the Banking Com- began discussing the security advan- ator MCCONNELL recognized this when mittee continue to take responsibility tages of transferring security functions crafting S. Res 445 and the Senate ap- on this title. from the airline industry to the Fed- proved. Transportation security was also ad- eral Government. Similarly, we initi- Mr. REID. My colleagues from the dressed more broadly in title VIII of ated action on the Maritime Transpor- Senate Commerce Committee are cor- this legislation. As title VIII called for tation Security Act of 2002 prior to 9/11 rect. S. Res. 445, as introduced by me national transportation security and in order to address a broad range of and Senator MCCONNELL and as passed information plans, I worked very close- criminal activity at our ports. The at- by the Senate, proposed continued ly with my fellow chairmen and rank- tacks of 9/11 created sufficient public oversight of transportation security by ing members from the Commerce Com- pressure for Congress to fundamentally the Commerce Committee. mittee, Senators INOUYE and STEVENS, change the way the Federal Govern- Mr. INOUYE. The Department con- who have jurisdiction over other modes ment secures our aviation system and sists of 22 separate agencies. These of transportation security besides pub- ports. agencies are responsible for everything In particular, Aviation and Transpor- from international trade to animal lic transportation. Together we tation Security Act, ATSA, Public Law health inspection. It would be unwise reached an agreement, represented in 107–71, established the Transportation for the Senate to suggest that a single the Inouye amendment, No. 423, be- Security Administration, TSA, within committee should manage oversight of tween the Commerce, Banking, and the Department of Transportation to those 22 agencies and each of their Homeland Security Committees. I am be ‘‘responsible for security in all multiple missions just because the Sec- very pleased that this amendment was modes of transportation, including: retary does not like to travel to the agreed to, and it is my intention to carrying out chapter 449, relating to Hill and testify. The Senate cannot ab- continue our close working relation- civil aviation security, and related re- dicated its oversight responsibilities ship on these issues throughout the search and development activities; and because the Department thinks it conference process. security responsibilities over other takes up too much time. The Banking Committee was also modes of transportation that are exer- And so, I respectfully but deeply dis- very engaged in other areas of the bill cised by the Department of Transpor- agree with the nonbinding measure in that involved the committee’s jurisdic- tation.’’ the underlying bill suggesting that this tion. Since 9/11, we have worked with The creation of the Department of Senate should neglect its oversight and overseen the Federal financial reg- Homeland Security, DHS, and the Sen- duty—and put aside much of its long- ulators as they have implemented so- ate Homeland Security and Govern- standing expertise—because the De- phisticated preparedness requirements mental Affairs Committee, HSGAC, did partment is too busy to come tell us for the institutions under their juris- not alter TSA’s authority or the Com- what they are doing. While I and many diction. Title VII, as proposed, author- merce Committee’s subject matter ju- of my colleagues discussed striking ized the Secretary of the Department risdiction. The Senate engaged in a this provision from the underlying bill, of Homeland Security to create an- healthy debate on the floor and made the majority leader noted that it was other series of requirements. Although clear that the authority being trans- simply the work product of one com- these requirements are voluntary, Fed- ferred to the HSGAC under S. Res. 445 mittee. I would like to ask the major- eral financial regulators and the finan- did not affect the Commerce Commit- ity leader if it is intention to continue cial services industry have expressed tee’s jurisdictional authority over to operate under S. Res. 445 given the concerns about the impact of these re- transportation security programs, the recent success of legislation like Pub- quirements, and I share their concerns. Coast Guard and communications mat- lic Law 109–347 and S. 4. A letter from the Board of Governors of ters conducted through the Federal Mr. REID. The Senator is correct. S. the Federal Reserve System staff dated Communications Commission, FCC, Res. 445 determines Senate oversight March 1, 2007 explains that the ‘‘vol- and the Department of Commerce. In and jurisdictional authorities. untary standards [of Title VII are] not large part, the debate focused on the TRANSIT SECURITY appropriate to meet the objective of difficulty of separating transportation Mr. DODD. Madam President, I greater preparedness and resiliency.’’ safety issues from transportation secu- thank the majority leader for this col- The letter states that it would ‘‘be de- rity issues. It is difficult, if not impos- loquy and for his work with the chair- sirable that Title VII reflect the unique sible, to separate safety and security men and ranking members of many of relationships that already exist within issues from general transportation pol- the committees who have been in- the banking and finance sector and not icy. To consider security without un- volved in putting together the legisla- impose any new requirements that du- derstanding the impacts of the safety tion to implement the recommenda- plicate actions that have already been

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.032 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3049 taken by the Federal financial institu- relative classification levels of this in- cide whether to engage in collective tions regulators.’’ The American Bank- formation. Without this provision, I bargaining with airport baggage ers Association in a letter dated Feb- am afraid someone at DHS or else- screeners, and TSA concluded that ruary 28, 2007, stated ‘‘ABA is con- where, who is unfamiliar with the sen- such negotiations would weaken its cerned that this program would be re- sitivities of a specific sector of the ability to protect the American people. dundant to and potential conflict with economy, might unintentionally di- This authority was not recommended the existing process by which the bank- vulge critical information that could in the 9/11 Commission Report. ing industry develops business con- be harmful to U.S. infrastructure. Now let’s be clear—the issue here is tinuity standards, as well as with ex- Finally, although it pertains to the not whether TSA employees should be isting business continuity regulatory assessment of U.S. critical infrastruc- allowed to join a union but whether requirements.’’ Also, the Office of Man- ture, title X does not include any re- TSA must collectively bargain with agement and Budget issued a State- porting requirement on the govern- Government unions before it changes ment of Administration Policy on Feb- ment’s ability to ensure that U.S. in- personnel and policies. At the present ruary 28, 2007, that stated, ‘‘These dustry reduces interruption of critical time, airport screeners may volun- standards may increase the regulatory infrastructure operations during a na- tarily join a union and TSA will with- burden.’’ tional emergency and minimizes the hold union dues at an employee’s re- I have proposed amendments in- impact of such a catastrophe. My quest. The union, however, has no tended to address these concerns, amendment requires reports to the standing to negotiate with TSA on be- working with Chairman LIEBERMAN and Committees on Banking, Housing and half of their members. Ranking Member COLLINS. The final Urban Affairs as well as to Homeland I would just note that this restric- legislation will include an amendment Security and Governmental Affairs, tion is not unique to TSA. Other Fed- to clarify that institutions in a sector, along with their House committee eral agencies that collect and respond such as financial services, must obey counterparts, on compliance with sub- to intelligence in an effort to address their sector regulators and to empha- sections (a) and (c) of section 101 of the homeland security, such as the FBI, size that this program is voluntary and Defense Production Act of 1950 to meet CIA, and Secret Service, all have the does not supersede the institutions’ re- this requirement. As chairman of the same restriction. This is done as an ac- sponsibilities to maintain the high Committee with jurisdiction over this knowledgement that highly sensitive standards required by their regulators. law, it is important to me that we security information should only be re- Another amendment that I authored oversee appropriate U.S. industrial pre- leased on a need-to-know basis. Collec- pertains to title X of the underlying paredness to meet critical infrastruc- tive bargaining, conversely, would re- bill. I commend Senators LIEBERMAN ture needs in times of national emer- quire the release of sensitive informa- and COLLINS for their efforts in ad- gency. I appreciate the cooperation of tion to external negotiators and arbi- dressing an important issue under this my colleagues in the development of trators, which would increase the risk title—to ensure that the Department of all of these important provisions. of sensitive information getting in the Once again, I thank the majority Homeland Security thoroughly dis- wrong hands. cerns the risks to America’s critical in- leader for his excellent work in bring- TSA must be able to quickly shift frastructure. As originally drafted, ing all of these committees together employees based on intelligence and however, I was concerned that the bill and fashioning an excellent bill. This airport traffic demands while modi- would not ensure that DHS adequately demonstrates that the jurisdictional fying procedures at a moment’s notice. consults with the Federal agencies best lines established in S. Res. 445 continue For example, this past August, fol- to work. equipped to assess and prioritize risks lowing an attempted United Kingdom Mr. REID I thank the Senator from in specific sectors of the economy. airline bombing, TSA overhauled its From the perspective of the Banking, Connecticut. The Senator is correct that S. Res. 445 determines Senate procedures in less than 12 hours to pre- Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, vent terrorists from smuggling liquid I can tell you, for example, that no one oversight and jurisdictional authori- ties, and I acknowledge the important explosives onto any U.S. flights. Not has greater expertise or technical re- only did this flexibility ensure that no sources for assessing the vulner- role that the Banking Committee has played and will continue to play on U.S. flights were cancelled due to the abilities of our financial infrastructure change, most importantly, it ensured than our Federal financial regulators. this legislation. Mr. CHAMBLISS. Madam President I the safety and security of the United It is for that reason that my amend- rise today in opposition to this final States. This past December, during a ment effectively removed language bill because I believe one of the provi- major snowstorm in Denver, local TSA that would place limits on the DHS’ sions included will greatly undermine employees were unable to get to the use of information from sector-specific our homeland security efforts. Specifi- airport. However, due to the current agencies in the formulation of their cally, the provision would mandate policies, TSA was able to deploy offi- risk assessments and prioritized lists. that the Transportation Security Ad- cers from Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, It is my belief that we need to encour- ministration have the ability to collec- and Colorado Springs to the Denver age greater coordination between these tively bargain with Government unions airport. This deployment allowed TSA specialized agencies and the Depart- representing airport security screeners. to open every security lane in Denver ment of Homeland Security, not re- This will create unnecessary red tape around the clock at the airport until strict it. This is true in areas outside and bureaucracy and tie the hands of they were back to normal operations. of the financial services sector. In mat- our security personnel. While this pro- So in circumstances like these, TSA ters of public health, DHS should con- vision may be beneficial to the union cannot spend days, weeks, or months sult the Department of Health and bosses, it is not beneficial to Georgians negotiating over officer assignments Human Services. In manners of farm- and the American people. and new schedules before implementing ing and food development, the Depart- TSA must have the flexibility to re- them. ment of Agriculture should be con- spond when our security is threatened. We should remember that TSA exists sulted. In matters related to drinking In this current era of unpredictable to protect American lives, and its focus water and water treatment systems, threats, TSA must be able to contin- must remain on homeland security and the Environmental Protection Agency ually change its systems to meet the not on labor negotiations. I am ex- should be consulted. That is why my changing security environment. If we tremely concerned that the provision amendment endeavors to better inte- mandate that TSA must negotiate with included in this bill will lead to a grate our efforts to understand critical the unions for every change in cir- change in culture within the agency, infrastructure vulnerabilities and cumstance, it will negate the agency’s and I just don’t think our hard-working hopefully develop protections in all of ability to respond quickly to terrorist TSA employees gain much from this. these areas. In addition, my amend- threats and other emergencies. I just I am proud of our dedicated TSA em- ment ensures that the agencies most don’t think that is common sense. ployees in Georgia, and we already familiar with the sensitive data shared In fact, when TSA was created, the have a ‘‘pay for performance’’ system with DHS and Congress determine the agency was given the authority to de- in place that weeds out nonperformers.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:17 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.035 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3050 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 The system is based upon technical emergency planning agenda. The first of if we have another emergency or dis- competence, readiness for duty, and amendment, which is supported by the aster. Unfortunately, two crucial pro- operational performance. But under American Public Health Association, is visions intended to safeguard the needs the proposed changes, the most effec- an important step towards ensuring of seniors were not included in the tive security employees will be pun- that seniors are protected when the final bill due to partisan efforts to ished by the change in pay practices. next national emergency occurs. limit Democratic amendments. Hurri- Finally, we should be concerned This amendment would ensure that canes Katrina and Rita taught us many about what this means to passengers any recipient of a homeland security painful lessons that should never be and the American taxpayers. The col- grant, under title II, will include in its forgotten. I will not forget and I intend lective bargaining system would not State, local, or tribal homeland secu- to pursue legislation aimed at explic- reward good screening performance or rity plan the evacuation, transpor- itly safeguarding the needs of Amer- customer service. Additionally, imple- tation, and health care needs of the el- ica’s seniors in the event of an emer- menting the infrastructure for collec- derly. gency. The time to act to protect our tive bargaining would cost hundreds of It would also require that the needs seniors is now. millions of dollars and TSA would be of the elderly are incorporated into any Mr. REED. Madam President, today forced to relocate thousands of per- preparedness exercises or trainings for the Senate will vote on a matter of ut- sonnel. For Georgians, fewer personnel emergency responders to ensure they most importance—enacting the re- means fewer screening lanes and longer are adequately prepared to safeguard maining 9/11 Commission recommenda- lines at airports like Hartsfield-Jack- our seniors in the event of an emer- tions. Since their publication 21⁄2 years son International Airport in Atlanta. gency. ago, roughly half of the recommenda- Our national security is too impor- This amendment would have sent a tions have been left unaddressed, while tant to risk. It is no accident that we strong signal to States and commu- many that have been adopted into law have not had a terrorist attack on do- nities that are engaged in emergency have not been effectively implemented. mestic soil since September 11, 2001. planning that seniors must be a pri- S. 4, the Improving America’s Security But that is not to say that it can’t hap- ority. Unfortunately, this is one of the Act, is a critical step to ensuring our pen again. The terrorists only have to amendments pulled from a manager’s Nation’s safety. package of approved amendments at get it right once. But we have to get it This bill includes an important new right every time. So let’s not hinder the last minute. I am also pleased to be an original interoperability grant program. Trage- our ability to do that. Our homeland dies such as September 11, the Station cosponsor of Senator WYDEN’s amend- security infrastructure must be able to Fire in my home State of Rhode Island, operate in real time. We should not tie ment to establish a Special Needs Reg- istry Pilot Project, which is supported and Hurricane Katrina have dem- the very hands we rely upon to protect onstrated the need for interoperable us here at home. It is disappointing by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. One of the most communications equipment among that this provision is included in this first responders. More communities re- bill, and I urge my colleagues to oppose useful recommendations from our Aging Committee hearing last year was quire access to funding to create inter- final passage. operable communications networks, Mr. KOHL. Madam President, I rise to follow the lead of counties like and I have long supported increasing today to discuss three proposed amend- Miami-Dade in Florida. They have suc- accessibility for interoperability ments to S. 4, Improving America’s Se- cessfully set up a voluntary registry grants to local and state governments. curity by Implementing Unfinished where seniors can list where they live, Recommendations of the 9/11 Commis- their transportation limitations, their I am also pleased that this bill in- sion Act. I thank Senators LIEBERMAN, health needs, and whether they may cludes a transit security program that COLLINS, DODD and SHELBY for working need help getting food and other sup- I helped author as a member of the with me and my staff on provisions to plies during an emergency. Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs protect seniors in the event of an emer- It’s clear that more cities and coun- Committee. The committee has been gency. Unfortunately, two important ties could benefit from these kinds of well aware of the need for this legisla- provisions were pulled at the behest of special needs registries. That’s why tion since the tragic events of 9/11, Republicans to limit the number of this amendment would have created a spending significant time and effort to amendments offered by Democrats. pilot project for local emergency man- improve our Nation’s transit security It has been almost 2 years since our agement agencies to set up and test system. The Senate has passed transit Nation reeled from the tragic and these registries, allowing first respond- security legislation in the last two shameful images of seniors abandoned ers to locate and care for seniors before Congresses, only to have them each during the aftermath of Hurricane and during emergencies. It was our stall prior to enactment. While our Na- Katrina. Sadly, we now know that 71 hope that this pilot project would have tion acted quickly after 9/11 to secure percent of the people who died were helped spark a nationwide effort to es- airports and airplanes against terror- older than 60. Last year, as the ranking tablish special needs registries; unfor- ists, major vulnerabilities remain in member of the Special Committee on tunately this amendment was also surface transportation. As the 9/11 Aging, we held a hearing to examine pulled at the last minute. Commission concluded, ‘‘opportunities how prepared the Nation is to care for On a brighter note, I thank Chairman to do harm are as great, or greater, in our seniors in the event of a national DODD and Ranking Member SHELBY maritime and surface transportation’’ emergency. What we learned was dis- again for working with me and Senator as in commercial aviation. The time to heartening. COLEMAN to successfully include a pro- act is now. We learned that our Nation is woe- vision, supported by the American Pub- Transit is vital to providing mobility fully unprepared to meet the unique lic Health Association, in title XIV for millions of Americans and offers needs of our seniors in the event of a that would ensure that public transpor- tremendous economic benefits to our terrorist attack, natural disaster, or tation workers are trained to meet the Nation. In the United States, people other emergency. Cookie cutter emer- evacuation needs of seniors in the use public transportation over 32 mil- gency plans are of little use to seniors, event of a crisis. This is particularly lion times each weekday compared to 2 especially those who depend on others important since so many of our seniors million passengers who fly daily. Para- for assistance in their daily lives. We utilize public transportation for access doxically, it is the very openness of the need specific plans, programs, and in- to their everyday needs. Furthermore, system that makes it vulnerable to ter- formation for all seniors facing emer- only public transportation has the ca- rorism. When one considers this and gencies. pacity to move millions of people and the fact that roughly $7 per passenger That is why Senators WYDEN, COLE- provide first responders with critical is invested in aviation security, but MAN and I offered several amendments support in major evacuations of urban less than one cent is invested in the se- to the 9/11 legislation to ensure that areas. curity of each transit passenger, the the Department of Homeland Security This provision will go a long way to need for an authorized transit security place seniors on the forefront of its ensure that our seniors are taken care program is clear.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:33 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.058 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3051 In addition, the bill provides impor- It is my hope that this bill represents going on behind the closed doors of the tant protections for Transportation Se- a lasting shift in priorities, a shift to- executive branch, so that we can start curity Officers at the Transportation wards an enhanced focus on the most to have the policy discussion about Security Administration that have pressing threats facing our country. We data mining that is long overdue. been long absent, including whistle- are still spending almost twice as much I am concerned about the ongoing de- blower protections, the right to appeal on Iraq as is allocated for homeland se- velopment of the Information Sharing to the Merit Systems Protection curity, diplomacy, and international Environment without adequate privacy Board, and certain collective bar- assistance combined. The billions we and civil liberties guidelines. In the In- gaining rights. spend each month in Iraq could be in- telligence Reform and Terrorism Pre- Lastly, while Providence is now 1 of vested in the protection of critical in- vention Act of 2004, Congress mandated 39 urban areas eligible for the Urban frastructure and our system of na- that the President create an Informa- Area Security Initiative grants, some- tional preparedness and response that tion Sharing Environment, ISE, for the thing that I have long sought, believ- failed in the wake of Hurricane sharing of terrorism information ing the city faces risks from terrorism, Katrina. As we consider the budget res- among Federal agencies, State and I was disappointed that Senator olution and the defense and homeland local governments, and the private sec- LEAHY’s amendment to restore the security appropriations bills this year, tor. This is a critical goal in our coun- minimum allocation to 0.75 percent for I encourage my colleagues to take a terterrorism efforts. But that legisla- States under the State Homeland Secu- broader view when it comes to our na- tion also required that the President rity Grant Program failed. With this tional security priorities and make the issue privacy guidelines for the ISE, in funding, Rhode Island has been able to tradeoffs that must be made. recognition of the serious privacy and make critical improvements, but ade- I am particularly pleased that the civil liberties implications of facili- quate funding is still needed, and it is Federal Agency Data Mining Reporting tating more sharing of information my hope that the highest minimum Act is included in this bill as section among these entities. Those privacy funding level will prevail in conference 504. I have been working on this legis- guidelines were issued in December, with the House of Representatives. lation for a number of years with Sen- but in my view are wholly inadequate. Implementing the final recommenda- ator SUNUNU, Senator LEAHY, and Sen- They touch on the most significant pri- tions of the 9/11 Commission builds and ator AKAKA. I am glad that Senator vacy issues and provide a framework improves on the work that has been SUNUNU and Senator AKAKA success- for agencies to think about the privacy done since the attacks of September 11, fully offered the legislation as an issues that might arise, but they do not and I am pleased to support this bill. amendment to S. 4 when it was before include specific guidelines and rules for Mr. FEINGOLD. Madam President, I the Homeland Security and Govern- protecting privacy. That is why I filed want to add my thoughts to the debate mental Affairs Committee. an amendment to S. 4 that would have on the Improving America’s Security Many law-abiding Americans are un- provided more direction to the ISE pro- Act of 2007. derstandably concerned about the spec- gram manager about what should be First, I preface my remarks by ap- ter of secret government programs ana- included in these privacy guidelines plauding the chairman and ranking lyzing vast quantities of public and pri- and the need for more specific govern- member of the Homeland Security and vate data about their pursuits, in ment-wide rules for the ISE. I was dis- Governmental Affairs Committee for search of patterns of suspicious activ- appointed that my amendment was not their work on this important bill. This ity. Four years after we first learned included, but will continue to work to bill makes crucial and long overdue about the Defense Department’s pro- ensure that the guidelines for imple- improvements in transportation secu- gram called Total Information Aware- mentation of the ISE are sufficient to rity, critical infrastructure protection, ness, there is still much Congress does protect the privacy of Americans. and emergency response capabilities. not know about the Federal Govern- The bill mandates the declassifica- There is no higher priority than pro- ment’s work on data mining. This bill tion of the aggregate amount of the in- tecting homeland security, and this is an important step in allowing Con- telligence budget. This reform has a bill is a key component in that effort. gress to conduct oversight of any such long history going back to the Church Nearly 6 years since the horrific at- programs or related research develop- and Pike Commissions. It is supported tacks of September 11, we are still ment efforts. by the current Senate Select Com- struggling to give our first responders, The Federal Agency Data Mining Re- mittee on Intelligence. It was also one law enforcement officers, and the em- porting Act would require Federal of the recommendations of the 9/11 ployees of the Department of Homeland agencies to report annually on their Commission, which stated that ‘‘when Security the resources they need to development and use of data mining even aggregate categorical numbers re- keep us safe. I thank these brave men technologies to discover predictive or main hidden it is hard to judge prior- and women who work daily to protect anomalous patterns indicating crimi- ities and foster accountability.’’ I con- this Nation. They are on the front lines nal or terrorist activity the types of cur with the Commission, that aggre- of the fight against terrorism. They are pattern-based data analysis that raise gate budget figures ‘‘provid[e] little in- the ones who are called on to stop and the most serious privacy concerns. As sight into U.S. intelligence sources and respond to any future attack upon our amended on the floor, it would also methods.’’ Sharing this information Nation. This bill includes important re- allow classified information, law en- with the American people will, how- sources these brave men and women forcement sensitive information, trade ever, provide a greater level of trans- need to perform their critical tasks. secrets, and proprietary business infor- parency and accountability and in the I am pleased that the Senate has in- mation to be provided to the relevant end make us more secure. creased funding for State homeland se- committees separately, in a nonpublic I was pleased to support Senator curity grants, emergency management form, under appropriate security meas- MCCASKILL’s amendment to ensure performance grants, emergency com- ures. that workers at the Transportation Se- munications and the Urban Area Secu- Intelligence and law enforcement curity Administration are afforded the rity Initiative. I have long advocated agencies would not be doing their job if same workplace protections as other for greater funding of emergency man- they did not take advantage of new DHS employees. The low retention rate agement grants because they are cru- technologies. But when it comes to at TSA resulting in part from lack of cial in assisting State and local offi- pattern-based data mining, Congress workers’ rights threatens our security. cials in preparing for all-hazards emer- needs to understand whether it can be This amendment will address this con- gencies. These grants provide emer- effective in identifying terrorists, and cern while giving administrators the gency managers with the resources Congress needs to consider the privacy flexibility they need to respond to im- they need to increase coordination and and civil liberties implications of de- minent threats. planning so that if an emergency oc- ploying such technology domestically. I am pleased that this bill includes curs, State and local officials will re- I hope these reports will help Con- provisions to ensure proper oversight spond much more efficiently and effec- gress—and to the extent possible, the of homeland security grants. I am tively. public—finally understand what is deeply troubled by reports of improper

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.023 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3052 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 oversight of expenditures at DHS, in- The legislation also includes lan- find ways to improve passenger and cluding an article in the Washington guage that I authored that directs the baggage security screening on pas- Post last November stating that the Secretary of Homeland Security to es- senger rail service between the U.S. Department was unable to locate one- tablish international border commu- and Canada. The bill will hopefully third of the files needed to perform an nity interoperable communications move us closer to addressing something audit of its contracts. I therefore sup- demonstration projects on the north- I have been trying to get implemented ported Senator COBURN’s amendment ern and southern borders to improve at our northern car and truck border to require DHS to perform audits on collaboration and help identify com- crossings for years: establishing a homeland security grants. While I un- mon frequencies for cross border com- preclearance system. The study is re- derstand concerns that this require- munications. These interoperable com- quired to identify what exactly is need- ment could have led to delays in the munications demonstration projects ed to perform prescreening of rail pas- issuance of grants in fiscal year 2008, I will address the interoperable commu- sengers on the northern border. did not think it was unreasonable to nications needs of police officers, fire- I am pleased that the Senate retained require DHS to conduct the audits re- fighters, emergency medical techni- language that will require that TSA quired in a timely manner. I will con- cians, National Guard, and other emer- screeners finally come under an unam- tinue to work with my colleagues to gency response providers at our borders biguous personnel system. A further improve oversight of homeland secu- by identifying common international amendment that I supported will fi- rity funding. cross-border frequencies for commu- nally give Transportation Security Ad- I supported several amendments that nications equipment; fostering the ministration screeners the whistle- would have added funding for critical standardization of interoperable com- blower protections afforded to most security needs not fully addressed in munications equipment; identifying so- other Federal workers, including law this bill. I do not take lightly a deci- lutions that will expeditiously facili- enforcement officers. It also gives sion to vote in favor of spending more tate communications interoperability them the right to appeal suspensions money. Fiscal responsibility is one of across national borders; ensuring that and to collectively bargain, just like my highest priorities, but it is impera- emergency response providers can com- their counterparts in the Border Con- tive that we provide the resources municate with one another and the trol, FEMA and the Capitol Police. needed to combat terrorism. public at disaster sites or in the event The bill also requires studies on how I voted for this bill because it makes of a terrorist attack or other cata- to improve the safety of transporting key changes to address security needs. strophic event; and providing training radioactive and hazardous materials However, our Nation’s vulnerabilities and equipment for relevant personnel and shipments of explosives and radio- demand more and I will continue to to enable those units to deal with active materials on our highways. I am work to ensure that our vital homeland threats and contingencies in a variety pleased that this legislation requires security needs are met. of environments. Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, I sup- the screening of all cargo carried on Also included in the legislation is passenger airplanes within 3 years. port the Improving America’s Security language that I authored that will re- Act of 2007 because it takes a giant The intelligence failures before the quire the Department of Homeland Se- step in implementing the recommenda- Iraq war were, to a significant degree, curity to conduct a cost-benefit anal- tions of the 9/11 Commission. Keeping the result of the CIA shaping intel- ysis of the Western Hemisphere Travel America safe requires more than ex- ligence to support administration pol- Initiative, WHTI, before publishing the pensive weapons and war funding; it icy. The CIA’s errors were all in one di- final rule. The WHTI will require indi- also requires a commitment to home- rection, making the Iraqi threat clear- viduals from the United States, Can- land security. This legislation shows er, sharper and more imminent, there- ada, and Mexico to present a passport that commitment. by promoting the decision to remove We learned on September 11 and dur- or other document proving citizenship Saddam from power. Nuances, quali- ing Hurricane Katrina how important before entering the United States. Al- fications and caveats were dropped. it is for our first responders to be able though we all share the goals of the ‘‘Slam dunk’’ was the assessment. to communicate with each other. For Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Among the most important things we years, I have been urging the Depart- to make our borders as secure as they can do to keep this from happening ment of Homeland Security to estab- can be, we need to make sure that we again is to strengthen congressional lish a dedicated funding source for are achieving that goal in a way that oversight to ensure that intelligence interoperable communications equip- will not cause economic harm to our community assessments are objective ment. I am pleased that this legislation States. I am also pleased that language and uninfluenced by the policy judg- creates a grant program dedicated to was included in the bill that I worked ments of whatever administration is in improving operability and interoper- with Senator COLEMAN on to require power. The 9/11 Commission agreed, ability at local, regional, State and the Department of Homeland Security stating in its report that ‘‘Of all our Federal levels. to sign a memorandum of under- recommendations, strengthening con- I am also pleased that this legisla- standing with one or more States to gressional oversight may be among the tion moves us closer to the equitable conduct a pilot project to see whether most difficult and important.’’ Section distribution of homeland security secure driver’s licenses could be used as 1102 of S. 4 bill is directed at that goal. grant funding. For 5 years, the largest a form of documentation for travel be- Too often Congress is stonewalled or homeland security grant programs tween the U.S. and Canada under the slow-walked by the executive branch in have distributed funds using a formula WHTI. The amendment also provides accessing intelligence information nec- that arbitrarily sets aside a large por- that DHS must evaluate the pilot essary to make policy and conduct tion of funds to be divided equally project and map out next steps, includ- oversight of the intelligence commu- among the States, regardless of size or ing an expansion if appropriate. nity. Section 1102 of this bill adds a need. The current ‘‘small State for- This legislation also takes important new section 508 to the National Secu- mula’’ has severely disadvantaged steps to shore up rail, transit and cargo rity Act that will ensure Congress has States such as Michigan with high pop- security in the United States. The leg- access to intelligence information crit- ulations. In addition, it reduces the islation establishes a grant fund for ical to do its job. amount of funding that can be allo- system wide Amtrak security improve- Section 508 requires elements of the cated to States with highest risks. Al- ments and much needed infrastructure intelligence community to provide, though I am disappointed that the Sen- upgrades as well as authorizes an exist- upon request from congressional com- ate failed to pass two amendments that ing grant program for improving inter- mittees of jurisdiction, timely access I supported that would have lowered city bus and bus terminal security. It to intelligence information. The re- the minimum funding level even fur- establishes a grant program for freight quirement would apply unless the ther, the .45 percent minimum in the and passenger rail security upgrades President certified that the requested underlying bill is an improvement from and requires railroads shipping high- documents were not being provided be- the current .75 percent base funding hazard materials to create threat miti- cause the President was asserting a amount. gation plans. It authorizes studies to constitutional privilege. Requiring the

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Section 225 was stripped from be allocated based on risk assessment party controls the Congress. the intelligence reform bill in con- criteria, as are the funds under the sev- In addition to providing information ference. Section 509 is also similar to a eral separate discretionary programs in a timely manner, we expect the in- provision that passed the Senate twice that Congress has established for solely telligence community to provide Con- previously. Once as part of the fiscal urban and high-risk areas, which also gress its assessment of intelligence year 1998 Intelligence Authorization are governed by risk assessment cal- matters uninfluenced by the policy Act and once as a stand alone measure culations. goals of the administration. However, S. 1668, in the 105th Congress. S. 1668 Unfortunately, this amendment lost an Office of Management and Budget— passed the Senate 93–1. by a vote of 49 yeas to 50 nays. This is OMB—memorandum directs executive Section 509 is also consistent with a marked change from just last year, branch agencies to clear, through OMB, congressional findings passed in the when the 0.75 percent minimum alloca- legislative proposals, agency reports, 105th Congress as part of the Intel- tion was overwhelmingly defended and testimony on pending legislation. ligence Community Whistleblower Pro- when 64 Senators voted against an The memo also states that ‘‘If agencies tection Act of 1998 and incorporated by amendment that would have lowered are asked by Congressional Commit- reference into the intelligence reform the minimum to 0.25 percent. Fifteen tees to report or testify on pending leg- bill. Those findings state among other Senators changed their votes from last islation or wish to volunteer a report, things that: year, including HSGAC Chairman similar clearance procedures are fol- Congress, as a co-equal branch of Govern- LIEBERMAN and Ranking Member COL- lowed.’’ ment, is empowered by the Constitution to LINS, whose States stand to lose the Our intelligence agencies should not serve as a check on the executive branch; in most from the decreased minimum. have to get permission from the OMB, that capacity, it has a ‘‘need to know’’ of al- legations of wrongdoing within the executive The bill that passed the Senate today or any other executive branch official would reduce the all-State minimum to share their views with the Congress. branch, including allegations of wrongdoing in the Intelligence Community; . . . for SHSGP and the Law Enforcement Section 1102 of the bill adds a new sec- (N)o basis in law exists for requiring prior Terrorism Prevention Program to 0.45 tion 508 (d) to the National Security authorization of disclosures to the intel- percent. The House bill reduces it even Act that says no executive branch offi- ligence committees of Congress by employ- further to 0.25 percent. Due to the for- cial can require the intelligence com- ees of the executive branch of classified in- mula differences, there is no guarantee munity to get permission to testify or formation about wrongdoing within the In- telligence Community . . . that the minimum will not be even fur- to submit testimony, legislative rec- ther reduced during conference nego- I am pleased that the Senate will ommendations or comments to the tiations. Small- and medium-sized soon pass this legislation, for the fami- Congress. Section 508 (d) is based on States face the loss of millions of dol- lies and friends of those we lost on Sep- authority that exists for numerous lars for our first responders if the min- tember 11, 2001, and for the safety and other executive branch agencies, in- imum is lowered. cluding the Securities and Exchange security of our Nation. By reducing the all-State minimum Commission, the Board of Governors of Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I will to 0.45 percent, the underlying bill the Federal Reserve, the Federal De- vote today in favor of final passage of would reduce the guaranteed dollar posit Insurance Corporation, the Comp- the Improving America’s Security by amount for each State by 40 percent. troller of the Currency, the Director of Implementing Unfinished Rec- With appropriations for formula grants the Office of Thrift Supervision, the ommendations of the 9/11 Commission having been cut by 60 percent since Federal Housing Finance Board, and Act of 2007, S. 4, but I do so with a 2003—from $2.3 billion in 2003, to $900 the National Credit Union Administra- heavy heart. million in fiscal year 2007—further re- tion. I am truly disappointed that the A CRS legal review of direct report- chairman and ranking member of the ductions in first responder funding ing requirements like the one created Committee on Homeland Security and would hamper even more each State’s by section 508 (d) states that ‘‘direct Governmental Affairs, Senators efforts to prevent and deal with poten- tial terrorist attacks. reporting provisions are well within LIEBERMAN and COLLINS, decided to ar- the Congress’s constitutional authority bitrarily lower the minimum alloca- In fiscal year 2007, State Homeland to inform itself in order to perform its tion for States under the State Home- Security and Law Enforcement Ter- legislative function which has been land Security Grant Program and the rorism grants were funded at $525 mil- consistently acknowledged by Supreme Law Enforcement Terrorism Preven- lion and $375 million, respectively, for Court decisions, and dates back to the tion Program from the 0.75 percent a total of $900 million. Under the cur- early enactments of the First Congress that has existed for the past 5 years to rent all-State minimum of 0.75 percent, in 1789.’’ The CRS review calls Depart- 0.45 percent. Not only would this the base amount States receive is $6.75 ment of Justice objections to direct re- change to the formula result in the loss million. Based on fiscal year 2007 lev- porting requirements ‘‘without sub- of millions in homeland security fund- els, each State would face a loss of an stantial merit.’’ ing for the fire, police, and rescue de- estimated $2.7 million, or 40 percent, Finally, it is important for whistle- partments in small- and medium-sized under the new 0.45 percent formula, blowers to know that they can come di- States, like Vermont, Connecticut, and which would be a real blow to our first rectly to Congress if they have evi- Maine, it also would deal a crippling responders. dence that someone has made a false blow to their efforts to launch feder- And the cuts will be even deeper statement to the Congress. And the ally mandated multiyear plans to build should the President’s budget request Congress has a right to that informa- and sustain their terrorism prepared- for next year be approved. The Presi- tion—even if it is classified. ness. dent has requested only $250 million for Section 1102 of the bill adds a new During the Senate floor debate on S. these two important first responder section 509 to the National Security 4, I offered with Senators THOMAS, STE- grant programs. Act making it clear that intelligence VENS, ROBERTS, PRYOR, SANDERS, ENZI, My colleagues from our largest community employees and contractors HATCH, WHITEHOUSE, and LINCOLN an States—and apparently some small- can report classified information di- amendment to restore the minimum and medium-sized States—seem to for- rectly to appropriate Members of Con- allocation for States under the State get that the terrorist attacks of 9/11 gress and cleared staff if the employee Homeland Security Grant Program added to the responsibilities and risks reasonably believes that the informa- from 0.45 percent, which is proposed by of first responders nationwide. I wrote tion provides direct and specific evi- the underlying bill, to 0.75 percent, the current all-State minimum for- dence of a false or inaccurate state- which is current law. As with current mula as part of the USA PATRIOT Act

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These com- ceives at least 0.75 percent of the na- can during conference negotiations to prehensive new requirements would im- tional allotment to help meet their na- ensure continued support and resources prove and strengthen government in- tional domestic security needs. for our police, fire, and EMS services in formation sharing structures, which Every State—rural or urban, small or every State if we expect them to con- will mean a more integrated intel- large—has basic domestic security tinue protecting us from terrorist or ligence network and a more secure Na- needs and deserves to receive Federal responding to terrorist attacks, as well tion. funds under this partnership to meet as carrying out their ongoing respon- The 9/11 Commission gave Congress a both those needs and the new homeland sibilities in helping to keep our com- critically important job by charging us security responsibilities the Federal munities safe and prepared. with making structural changes to Government demands. Of course, high- Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, now close the gaps in America’s homeland density urban areas and high-risk cen- is the time to implement the unfin- security defenses. This legislation re- ters have even greater needs, which is ished recommendations of the 9/11 sponds to that challenge, and I support why this year alone we provided $1.3 Commission. its final passage. billion for homeland security programs I commend Senators LIEBERMAN and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under for which only a small number of urban COLLINS for their leadership and the the previous order, there will be 20 areas are eligible to apply. All of these Senate Homeland Security and Govern- minutes of debate divided between the needs deserve and need to be met. I mental Affairs Committee for its work managers and the leaders. have worked hard over the years to on this important legislation. More The Senator from Maine is recog- help address the needs of larger States than 5 years after 9/11 despite tens of nized. and high-density areas, and I have op- billions of dollars spent America’s Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I posed the Bush Administration’s ef- ports, rails, airports, borders, nuclear first want to thank our colleagues for forts to pit our States against each powerplants and chemical plants still their cooperation in moving forward other, as they have tried to mask their are not completely safe. It has been this very important piece of legisla- efforts to cut overall funding for first more than 2 years since the 9/11 Com- tion. When the 9/11 Commission com- responders. mission issued its final recommenda- pleted its report and made its findings Smaller States, especially, would tions, and here we are, today, still de- to Congress, the Homeland Security never be able to fulfill those essential bating the same issues. Committee, which I chaired at the duties on top of their daily responsibil- This legislation builds upon previous time, worked very hard to produce a ities without Federal support, espe- efforts to enhance homeland security major overhaul of our intelligence cially given that DHS is currently sug- and includes several critical provisions community—in fact, the most sweeping gesting that States will pay for REAL to allocate homeland security re- changes in more than 50 years. ID implementation, an estimated $16 sources based on risk, ensure that first That legislation, for example, cre- billion, with first responder grants. My responders have interoperable commu- ated the Director of National Intel- colleagues should be warned that if the nications equipment, and improve gov- ligence and also established the Na- minimum drops further—compounded ernment-wide information sharing. tional Counterterrorism Center, which by substantial drops in overall first re- I especially am pleased to note three brings together analysts from the 15 sponder funding—then small- and me- provisions included in this bill that I agencies involved in intelligence gath- dium-sized States will not be able to have championed for some time. This ering and analysis. We took a major meet those Federal mandates for ter- legislation specifies that States can step forward. rorism prevention, preparedness, and use Federal grants to design, conduct, Now we are on the verge of finishing response. and evaluate mass evacuation plans the job. I salute the chairman of the Some from urban States argue that and exercises. While most cities and committee, Senator LIEBERMAN, for Federal money to fight terrorism is States have evacuation plans, the lack making this legislation the top pri- being sent to areas that do not need it of training drills and exercises makes ority of our committee under his chair- and is ‘‘wasted’’ in small towns. They it difficult to address problems and manship. The legislation is going to claim the formula is highly politicized work out solutions before lives are at help implement the unfinished rec- and insists on the redirection of funds risk in a real emergency. As we learned ommendations of the 9/11 Commission. to urban areas that they believe face from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, As I said, most of the recommendations heightened threat of terrorist attacks. there is no substitute for being pre- were included in the 2004 Intelligence What critics of the all-State min- pared. We may only have one chance to Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act. imum seem to forget since the Sep- get it right. But there were some significant ones tember 11 terrorist attacks, the Fed- In addition, this legislation makes that were not completed. Thus, this eral Government has asked all State important structural changes to legislation improves intelligence and and local first responders to defend us strengthen the Privacy and Civil Lib- information sharing, and it authorizes as never before on the front lines in the erties Oversight Board. Again, I com- the Homeland Security Grant Pro- war against terrorism. Emergency re- mend Senators LIEBERMAN and COLLINS gram, which has been so important in sponders in one State have been given for including a broad statutory man- improving the capabilities of our com- the same obligation as those in any date and subpoena power for the Board. munities and States which are, after other State to provide enhanced pro- This bill also would require Senate all, our partners in improving home- tection, preparedness, and response confirmation for the chair and the land security. against terrorists. vice-chair of the Board, as well as man- We worked very hard, the chairman The attacks of 9/11 added to the re- datory public reporting by the Board and I and the rest of the committee sponsibilities and risks of first respond- and reports for Congress. These provi- members, to devise a formula that ers across the country. In recent years, sions are key to ensuring the integrity would be fair to all States, that would due to the 0.75 percent all-State min- of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Over- allocate the majority of the funding imum allocation for formula grants sight Board. based on an analysis of risk, vulner- that has existed in law, first responders Finally, this bill improves intel- ability, and consequences but also en- have received resources to help them ligence and information sharing within sure that each and every State receive meet their new responsibilities and the Federal Government and with a predictable, steady level of funding have made our neighborhoods safer and State and local governments. I am so that each State can be improved and our communities better prepared. pleased that the bill we consider today have a basic preparedness level. There is much left undone in secur- would make the program manager for I think we struck the right balance ing our Nation. I hope that the Sen- the Information Sharing Environment, in that area. This bill would authorize ate’s conferees will resist calls for fur- ISE, permanent and authorize addi- a bit over $3 billion for each of the next ther needless reductions to the all- tional funds and staff to accomplish 3 years for this new Homeland Security State minimum base and risk the pre- the ISE mission. The bill also requires Grant Program. Included in that pro- paredness efforts in small States like additional reports to Congress on the gram is an emphasis on prevention. We

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This bill will strengthen bers of the Border Patrol or other law Our legislation would do that by pro- our ability not just to respond to ter- enforcement agencies in the Depart- viding that at least 25 percent of the rorist attacks but also to prepare our ment of Homeland Security in any way overall funding for the urban areas and Federal, State, and local governments adversely affects the carrying out of State Homeland Security Grant Pro- to respond to natural disasters. In that the duties to protect the American peo- grams must be used for law enforce- sense, S. 4 is not only a response to fin- ple. ment terrorism prevention activities. ish the mission given us by the 9/11 Madam President, I also want to Another important section of this Commission that learns from the les- thank the chairman and ranking mem- bill creates a program to deal with sons of the first months of implementa- ber of the Commerce Committee, Sen- communications equipment interoper- tion of that Commission report, but it ators INOUYE and STEVENS, for pro- ability. We know that lives were lost also applies to lessons learned from ducing the rail and aviation security on 9/11 because the various first re- Hurricane Katrina. We are trying to portions of this bill, and the chairman sponders could not communicate with create an all-hazards approach in our and ranking member of the Banking one another. As a result, firefighters, Government that increases our home- Committee, Senators DODD and SHEL- police officers, and emergency medical land security against the threat of a BY, who contributed important mass personnel lost their lives and suffered terrorist attack and also prepares our transit security provisions. injuries. Much to our dismay, we also Government to respond better to nat- I would be remiss if I didn’t also found as part of our investigation into ural disasters. I do not want to repeat thank the majority leader, Senator the failed response to Hurricane some of the points in this legislation REID, for working with all of the com- Katrina that exactly those same inter- that Senator COLLINS focused on. I will mittees involved to bring this com- operability problems were occurring in just pick a few additionally. prehensive measure before tbe Senate. Louisiana, in particular. We simply One is that S. 4 recognizes that 85 We have had 2 weeks of often spirited must tackle this problem. It is too big percent of the critical infrastructure in debate, and votes on some important a problem and too expensive a problem our country that is potentially a target amendments. Now, I believe we are for States and communities to do on for terrorist attack in our great open ready to pass this bill, and I look for- their own. That is why we have a part- society is privately owned. For the ward to working with my colleagues to nership, a grant program that would be first time, we establish a voluntary conference this measure with the administered by FEMA and dedicated program where the private sector can House, and moving the legislation onto to improving the survivability and the come in and have their facilities cer- the President’s desk for signature. interoperability of communications tified as, I would use the term ‘‘ter- September 11, 2001, was a tragedy of equipment used by our courageous first rorist resistant.’’ unspeakable proportions, and it is for responders and emergency managers. In another section we declassify the the men and women who died in the Again, that program would authorize bottom line of the intelligence budget. terrorist attacks that we work to enact $3.3 billion over the next 5 years. That was a specific recommendation of this legislation. The attacks changed The bill also makes a number of im- the 9/11 Commission in the interests of the course of history for our Nation portant improvements to prevent ter- and marked our nascent century as a rorists from traveling to our country; transparency and accountability. We also greatly improve the provi- new and dangerous era. Overnight, we to strengthen the Privacy and Civil sions that in our law and policy are became aware of our vulnerability to Liberties Oversight Board; to improve aimed at disrupting terrorist infiltra- an enemy that doesn’t wear uniforms private sector preparedness, since we tion of our borders. This bill requires nor follows any traditional laws of know that 85 percent of critical infra- the Department of Homeland Security combat. Rather, they move silently structure is in the private sector; and and the Department of State to among us, probing for weaknesses to improve transportation security planning and overall security of our strengthen the security provisions of while plotting attacks on innocent ci- transportation system. the so-called visa waiver program. It vilians. It has been a great pleasure to work also authorizes an electronic travel The families of those we lost on 9/11 with the chairman and the members of system that would require travelers to have worked with us for years to get our committee, as well as the Com- apply in advance for authorization to the 9/11 Commission recommendations merce Committee and other Members visit the United States, thus allowing implemented. I must thank them as who have been interested, to bring this their names to be checked against ter- well for their steadfast and courageous bill to the floor, and I believe it will rorist watch lists. advocacy often in the face of seemingly help make our Nation safer. I am very proud of the bill we present insurmountable odds. They worked The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- after almost 2 weeks of debate to our with us to pass the bill that Senator ator from Connecticut. colleagues in the Senate for final con- MCCAIN and I introduced to create the Mr. LIEBERMAN. Madam President, sideration. I know it will strengthen 9/11 Commission. They monitored the first, let me thank my ranking mem- the homeland security of the American work of the 9/11 Commission, and testi- ber, the Senator from Maine. I was people. It enjoyed strong nonpartisan fied before its members. And then they thinking, as she was speaking, that support in our committee, coming out helped us win the fight to implement when the transition occurred at the be- with a vote of 16 to 0 with one absten- the Commission’s recommendations in ginning of this 110th session of Con- tion. the Intelligence Reform and Terrorist gress I said to her, all that would I gather there will be a significant Prevention Act of 2004. change in our working relationship was number of ‘‘no’’ votes on the final pas- In January, Senator COLLINS and I our title, the title that each of us had. sage because of one section, and I re- held a hearing on this legislation and As I look back on our work together on gret that. I wish our colleagues would heard from three family members who this bill, S. 4, I am pleased to say that vote favorably because I know they urged us to complete the job of enact- we worked with the same spirit of co- support almost all of this bill because ing and implementing the 9/11 Commis- operation that we did under her chair- it is good for the security of the Amer- sion’s recommendations. When we pass manship in 2004 when we had our first ican people at home. this bill today, they will be watching. legislative response to the 9/11 Com- The one section, obviously, is the one And they will know that they had a mission and we adopted the Intel- that deals with the collective bar- hand in its success. ligence Reform and Terrorist Preven- gaining rights of transportation secu- Senator REID made adoption of this tion Act of 2004. So I thank Senator rity officers. I sure hope we can con- legislation a priority for this Congress. COLLINS. tinue to discuss this section: why we Here is why: This bill will strengthen I thank her staff for their work, and think it is fair, why we are totally con- our ability not just to respond to ter- I thank my staff as well. vinced its implementation will have no rorist attacks but also to prepare our

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Thanks of terrorist attack, but also prepares porting by foreign countries in the visa also to Eric Anderson, Christian our government to respond better to waiver program of lost or stolen pass- Beckner, Janet Burrell, Scott Camp- natural disasters since it failed to pre- ports, requiring countries to share in- bell, Troy Cribb, Aaron Firoved, Elyse pare or respond adequately to Hurri- formation about prospective visitors Greenwald, Beth Grossman, Seamus cane Katrina. who may pose a threat to the U.S., and Hughes, Holly Idelson, Kristine Lam, How do we do this? Let me briefly de- authorizing an electronic travel system Nate Lesser, Jim Mcgee, Sheila Menz, scribe a few of the provisions in this that would require travelers to apply Larry Novey, Deborah Parkinson, Les- bill. in advance for authorization to visit lie Phillips, Alistair Reader, Patricia First, we would improve information the U.S., thus allowing their names to Rojas, Laurie Rubenstein, Mary Beth and intelligence sharing among Fed- be checked against terrorist watch Schultz, Adam Sedgewick, Todd Stein, eral, State, and local officials. We Donny Williams, Jason Yanussi, and know that before 9/11, different agen- lists. Fifth, this bill moves to ensure that Wes Young—all on my committee staff. cies had different pieces of information as we fight terrorism, we do not tram- And thanks to Purva Rawal, Vance that, had they been put together, Serchuk, and Cherrie Daniels on my should have aroused suspicion about ple on the rights of Americans we are pledged to defend. Included here are personal office staff. the attack that was to come. One of I must also thank Senator COLLINS’ the most important innovations since provisions to strengthen the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board by staff director Brandon Milhorn and the 9/11 has been the establishment of fu- Senator’s entire staff for working with sion centers to share information with- requiring its members to be confirmed by the Senate and by giving the Board us to move this very important legisla- in and between States. This legislation tion. would create standards for the fusion subpoena power through the Attorney General. But bottom line, thank you to our centers, require the Department of colleagues, thanks to the 9/11 Commis- Homeland Security to provide support This legislation also includes a provi- sion similar to one I was pleased to co- sion, thanks to the 9/11 families who and coordination, and authorize the as- have stuck with this mission to protect signment of homeland security intel- sponsor in committee with Senator MCCASKILL that will ensure Transpor- the American people from ever having ligence analysts to the fusion centers to suffer the grievous loss they did at to serve as conduits for sharing infor- tation Security Administration screen- ers—known as Transportation Security the hands of terrorists on 9/11. mation. The legislation also encour- I hope our colleagues will join to- Officers—have the same employment ages the elimination of the ‘‘need to gether across party lines to support rights as others in TSA and throughout know’’ standard, which allows the in- this very nonpartisan homeland secu- the Department of Homeland Security. formation holder in a given Federal rity measure. agency to control dissemination, and There is no good reason to deny TSOs I yield the floor. instead, encourages a ‘‘need to share’’ these rights. Other law enforcement of- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re- standard—obviously with appropriate ficers at Immigration and Customs En- publican leader. safeguards. forcement and Customs and Border Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, Second, this legislation provides sup- Protection have these rights, with no let me congratulate Chairman port and resources to first responders negative effect on their performance of LIEBERMAN and Ranking Member COL- through a balanced and better funded their security mission. In fact, Capitol LINS on their Herculean effort on this Homeland Security Grant Program. We Police also enjoy these rights and pro- legislation. I particularly commend would authorize over $3.1 billion for tections. This is simply a question of our ranking member, Senator COLLINS, each of the next 3 years for key grants equality. for fighting the good fight when there to reverse a precipitous decline in So this is a comprehensive bill. There were some reservations on our side funding for homeland security over the are many other worthy aspects that I about a major portion of this bill which past 4 years. We believe we have have not described. But I am convinced will compel me to vote against the bill. achieved a balanced proposal that gives that, as a package, if this legislation I know Senator COLLINS made every ef- the vast majority of the money out passes and becomes law, the American fort to strip the provision that I and based on risk but still recognizes that people will be safer from the con- others find so offensive, but regretfully risk is an art, not a science, and terror- sequences of natural disasters, such as the provision was not stripped. ists could strike anywhere. In an all- Hurricane Katrina, than they are In a few minutes the Senate will vote hazards approach, first responders ev- today. And we will have done every- on final passage of Improving Amer- erywhere need assistance to protect thing possible to make sure no other ica’s Security Act of 2007. It has, as I not just against a potential terrorist Americans suffer the loss that so many indicated, some good features. At its attack but also against natural disas- experienced after the brutal terrorist core, it seeks to improve America’s se- ters. attacks of 9/11. curity, but on balance it would also do Third, we will help first responders In the preface to the 9/11 Report, much to weaken it. I plan to vote attain the interoperable communica- Chairman Kean and Vice Chairman against the bill, and I urge my Senate tions we know they need to save lives. Hamilton wrote, quoting here, ‘‘We colleagues to do the same. We have known of this problem for dec- hope our report will encourage our fel- But, before I cast my vote, a little ades, and on 9/11, when fire fighters and low citizens to study, reflect—and background. Many of our Democratic police officers could not communicate act.’’ friends spent last year campaigning on with one another inside the World We have studied. We have reflected. the claim that Republicans ignored the Trade Center, hundreds of first re- Now is the time to act to build a safer recommendations of the 9/11 Commis- sponders lost their lives. So, we have and more secure America for the gen- sion. We didn’t. Of the Commission’s 39 created a grant program—authorized at erations to come. recommendations, we implemented 37. $3.3 billion over 5 years—that will re- Finally, I would like to pay tribute Nor are the remaining two rec- quire States to spend their grant to my dedicated and exceptional staff, ommendations at issue today. Both money consistent with their statewide who have sacrificed nights, weekends, parties agree they should not be in the communications interoperability plans family time in the name of a safer bill, so the two provisions that we did and the National Emergency Commu- America. not adopt of the 9/11 Commission, both nications Plan. In other words, their I particularly want to thank my sides agreed we should not adopt. So I spending must be part of a statewide Homeland Security Committee staff di- will oppose this bill on the basis of my plan connected to the national plan. rector Mike Alexander for his leader- answer to a simple question: Does it Fourth, this legislation contains pro- ship in expertly guiding this legislation weaken America’s security or strength- visions to improve our ability to dis- through drafting, markup, floor en it? The answer that I and many of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.062 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3057 my colleagues have come with is, re- the bill, such as new performance ranking member, Senator COLLINS, for gretfully, the former. standards and auditing requirements their efforts on this bill. This bill would weaken America’s se- for DHS grants. But we will let them I said before this legislation was curity because of a single dangerous have their applause line. taken up on the floor that we have two provision, and that at the insistence of Republicans have never played games people who set the example for how big labor that Democrats include col- with national security, and we are not you should legislate. They got along lective bargaining rights for airport se- going to start now. Therefore, I will well in their committee. When she was curity screeners, rights that Congress vote against the bill, and for the sake chairman, Senator LIEBERMAN worked has refused to give them in the past be- of the American people and their con- well with her, and it has worked the cause of the impact it would have on tinued security, I would strongly urge same way. I commend and applaud our ability to react to terrorist my other colleagues to do the same, both of these legislators. They have threats. while saying once again how much I done a tremendous job trying to work Congress would not grant screeners commend the Senator from Maine for through this issue. Anything that has collective bargaining rights back in her efforts to get this bill in the proper been slowed down in this legislation 2002. We have had this debate before. form, and there are provisions in the has not been their fault—in fact, quite We had it at the time of the creation of bill not as a result of any of the efforts to the contrary. They have worked the Department of Homeland Secu- of the ranking member of the com- tirelessly to bring this legislation here rity—if it has a familiar ring to it, to mittee. I commend her for her efforts today so we can have this vote. They many of my colleagues, we chose not to but, regretfully, must oppose final pas- reported a strong bill out of the Home- adopt that provision then, and we sage. land Security and Governmental Af- hopefully will not, ultimately, this I yield the floor. fairs Committee. It has only been time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- strengthened by the amendment proc- The difference is the Democrats are jority leader. ess before the full Senate over the past letting the fight play out. They are Mr. REID. Madam President, this several days. stretching it out based on a political should be a time of celebration, not a Now, we do not need to redebate the calculation. They already know how time of finger-pointing. In fact, the issue regarding collective bargaining. this showdown is going to end. The fact is, it is true that a number of rec- Collective bargaining has been in this President threatened to veto any bill ommendations the 9/11 Commission country for a long time, and it is here that makes airport security more like recommended we did do. But, as you to stay. There is nothing in this piece the department of motor vehicles. So know, the Commissioners themselves of legislation that is in any way going they are delaying passage knowing it graded the administration on what to impair the security of this Nation. won’t be accepted, for an applause line needed to be done to implement the I wish to thank the entire 9/11 Com- down the road. Commission’s recommendations. That mission for their service, but especially Republicans tried to inject meaning is where we get into the Es, Fs, and in- I wish to thank 9/11 Commissioner Tim into this bill to include provisions that completes. So there is no question this Roemer and the 9/11 family, but espe- would improve security. For example, legislation absolutely is totally nec- cially Carol Ashley, Beverly Eckert, we proposed an amendment that would essary. Mary Fetchet, and Carie Lemack, make it a crime to recruit terrorists, Following the terrible attacks on members of Families of September 11 that would authorize the deportation September 11, our country turned to a and VOICES of September 11th. Their of suspected terrorists, that would respected group of Democrats and Re- input in this legislation has been essen- make it easier to detain dangerous ille- publicans, the 9/11 Commission, an tial. Former Congressman Roemer gal aliens and would increase penalties independent bipartisan Commission, to spent time here on the Senate floor. No for people who cruelly call families of review the lessons of that tragic day one could ever accuse Congressman soldiers overseas and falsely report and to find a better way to protect the Roemer of being some wild-eyed lib- their loved one has died. But our col- homeland fight on the war on ter- eral. He is a moderate, and he is from leagues on the other side of the aisle rorism. Under difficult circumstances, the State of Indiana. He has worked rejected all of those provisions, opting including a lack of cooperation, in in- very hard on the Commission and to instead to pump for big labor. They are stances, from the White House, the move this legislation forward. I under- turning their backs on their own cam- Commission did an outstanding job. line and underscore my appreciation paign promises in the process by ignor- In July of 2004, it made a number of for his input and also for the families ing a key recommendation of the 9/11 recommendations to Congress and the and the two letters they wrote during Commission that the United States do administration about how best to se- the debate. Their letters served as a re- everything in its power to constrain cure America from al-Qaida and other minder of what this legislation is terrorists’ mobility. terrorist groups. Their recommenda- about: protecting America against ter- TSA workers showed that mobility tions were commonsense solutions. rorism. Our country will be safer, after the United Kingdom bombing These commonsense solutions were de- stronger, and more secure as a result of threat in August when they showed up signed to keep America safe. But, un- their efforts. for work that morning at 4 a.m. and fortunately, over the last 21⁄2 years, The first responsibility of Govern- they were briefed on the situation many of the Commission’s rec- ment is to protect our people—the peo- overseas and they immediately imple- ommendations have been ignored, and ple of Colorado, the people of Nevada, mented new protocols. Anyone who too many of our communities remain the people of Maine, the people of Con- traveled to or from an American air- dangerously unprepared to prevent or necticut, Alabama, Nebraska, and Mis- port that day would not even have respond to a terrorist attack. souri. The Senators are here assem- known anything had happened. The Today, in a few minutes, the Senate bled, everyone in their seats. Our No. 1 execution was seamless. It was a dif- will correct that mistake. We will en- job is to protect our people. By passing ferent story in Great Britain, where hance the security of our transpor- the legislation today, we will help en- collective bargaining is the norm. Doz- tation system at our ports. We will sure the Senate meets its obligation, ens of flights were canceled while new provide America’s first responders with and we will, once and for all, write the procedures were instituted. The Demo- the technology they need to commu- lesson of that terrible September 11 crats know Americans will not stand nicate with each other when a Katrina day into law. for that approach to terrorism in our or another terrorist attack strikes, and In their report to the Nation, the 9/11 country, but they are counting on the we will put new security requirements Commission wrote, ‘‘The men and President and the Republicans to stop in place to keep terrorists from trav- women of the World War II generation it for them. That way, they can call us eling to the United States. rose to the challenges of the 1940s and obstructionists and get another ap- This is an important piece of legisla- the 1950s. They restructured the gov- plause line in the bargain and maybe tion we are going to pass. We are going ernment so it could protect the coun- even a headline or two. It is a shame to pass it, as I said, in a short time. I try. That is now the job of the genera- because there are some good things in thank Chairman LIEBERMAN and his tions that experienced 9/11.’’

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:33 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.060 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3058 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 That is what the legislation is all Casey Kohl Reed tonic that can be used to cure all sorts Clinton Landrieu Reid about. Coleman Lautenberg Rockefeller of ailments. Some people see $345 bil- Again, I applaud and commend the Collins Leahy Salazar lion in AMT relief or health care spend- two managers of the bill, those who of- Conrad Levin Sanders ing or national debt reduction without fered amendments and debated the Dodd Lieberman Schumer thinking about what would be involved Dole Lincoln Smith issue. This is good legislation, good for Dorgan McCaskill Snowe in actually collecting the money. So I the country. It makes America a better Durbin Menendez Specter am raising the question: Do people place. I urge my colleagues to vote for Feingold Mikulski Stabenow think through whether every dollar Feinstein Murkowski Stevens will be brought into the Federal Treas- this legislation so we can take another Harkin Murray Tester step to fulfilling the directives we were Inouye Nelson (FL) Voinovich ury? given by the 9/11 Commission. Kennedy Nelson (NE) Webb The IRS is already making some I yield the floor. Kerry Obama Whitehouse progress in closing the tax gap. This Klobuchar Pryor Wyden The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- morning I mentioned the Internal Rev- ator from Maine. NAYS—38 enue Service told the Budget Com- Ms. COLLINS. I ask unanimous con- Alexander DeMint Lott mittee it could reduce the tax gap by sent that a list of the homeland secu- Allard Domenici Lugar nearly $70 billion, of that $345 billion, Bennett Ensign Martinez rity staffers on the Republican side in the year 2007. Brownback Enzi McConnell So where does that leave us? Can we who worked so hard on this bill be Bunning Graham Roberts do more in enforcement? The adminis- printed in the RECORD at this point. Burr Grassley Sessions Chambliss Gregg tration has proposed an increase in There being no objection, the mate- Shelby Coburn Hagel Sununu funding for the Internal Revenue Serv- rial was ordered to be printed in the Cochran Hatch Thomas Corker Hutchison ice. That increase looks toward the tax RECORD, as follows: Thune Cornyn Inhofe gap with funds directed toward in- Vitter Brandon Milhorn, Andy Weis, Rob Strayer, Craig Isakson Warner creased data matching, improved re- Amy Hall, Allison Boyd, Kate Alford, John Crapo Kyl search, as well as more auditors—audi- Grant, Amanda Wood, Jennifer Tarr, Asha Mathew, Brooke Hayes, Priscilla Henley, NOT VOTING—2 tors to make sure that more money Jane Alonso, Jay Meroney, Melvin Albritton, Johnson McCain comes in. I suggest my colleagues Mark LeDuc, Tom Bishop, Doug Campbell, The bill (S. 4), as amended, was might also want to make certain that Emily Meeks, and Neil Cutter. passed, as follows: if we consider adding more Internal Ms. COLLINS. I also wish to add my (The bill will be printed in a future Revenue Service employees, we have greater confidence that the Internal voice in thanks to the families of the edition of the RECORD.) victims of 9/11. They have truly been Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I Revenue Service is utilizing current re- the committee’s inspiration as we move to reconsider the vote. sources effectively. In other words, be- worked on these issues for the last 4 Ms. COLLINS. I move to lay that mo- fore we hire more people, we ought to years. tion on the table. make sure the existing employees at I yield the floor. The motion to lay on the table was the Internal Revenue Service are being The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- agreed to. used in the most efficient way to bring jority leader. Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I in the most money possible. That doesn’t preclude more money, Mr. REID. For the information of all suggest the absence of a quorum. but that is a necessary first step before Members, we are working—Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. The we automatically think of more money MCCONNELL and I—on a consent agree- clerk will call the roll. and more employees. ment to deal with the Iraq debate to- The legislative clerk proceeded to For instance, the IRS has hundreds of morrow. Hopefully, we will be able to call the roll. employees, according to a Treasury in- resolve the Iraq debate. Thursday, we Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask spector general for tax administration will be able to deal with the U.S. attor- unanimous consent that the order for report, that do part- or full-time union neys bill and some judicial nominees. the quorum call be rescinded. work. This is thousands and thousands We do not have that worked out yet, so The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. of work hours that could be spent everyone stay tuned. MENENDEZ). Without objection, it is going after the tax gap. What could we This will be the last vote today. so ordered. gain if we directed all those union The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask hours to actually working on the tax SALAZAR). The bill having been read to speak as in morning business for gap before we appropriate more money the third time, the question is, Shall it such time as I might consume, and if to hire more employees? pass? there are other Members who are won- So we have proposals then for in- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I dering how long that might be, it creased enforcement. Let me remind ask for the yeas and nays. wouldn’t be probably for more than 15 my colleagues, though, that the Joint The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a minutes at the most. Committee on Taxation—that is a con- sufficient second? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- gressional committee that specializes There appears to be a sufficient sec- ator from Iowa is recognized. in watching the Tax Code and making ond. f estimates and studying all ways to The clerk will call the roll. TAX GAP: BLUE SMOKE make the Tax Code more efficient and The legislative clerk called the roll. bring in more money—that committee Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I will not give us a score for additional Senator from South Dakota (Mr. JOHN- wish to finish the discussion I started dollars based on increased enforce- SON) is necessarily absent. earlier today about the tax gap and ef- ment. So we can talk all we want about Mr. LOTT. The following Senator forts to close it. As I said this morning, hiring more people to bring in more was necessarily absent: the Senator the tax gap is the difference between revenue, but until that revenue is in from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). what is paid in taxes and what is actu- the bank, the Joint Committee on Tax- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there ally owed. While more reliable and ation isn’t going to give us any credit any other Senators in the Chamber de- timely data on the tax gap is greatly for it. siring to vote? needed, the tax gap was thought to be As we are looking at budget debates The result was announced—yeas 60, $345 billion for the tax year 2001, which over this week and next week, keep nays 38, as follows: seemed to be the year that the IRS had that in mind. That isn’t going to get the latest information where they [Rollcall Vote No. 73 Leg.] Senators anywhere in terms of reduc- could put together something that was ing projected deficits or paying for tax YEAS—60 fairly solid for that year. cuts or bringing in more money to Akaka Bingaman Byrd I also pointed out this morning that Baucus Bond Cantwell spend someplace else. Bayh Boxer Cardin many of my colleagues in the Senate It is important to emphasize the Biden Brown Carper see the tax gap as a sort of magical Commissioner of the Internal Revenue

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.062 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3059 Service made it clear to the Budget gap without at the same time putting history of our country—and the S&P Committee a few days ago at a hearing forward their own detailed, concrete, 500 index has consistently moved up- that we cannot audit our way out of Joint Tax Committee-scored proposals ward. Again, a failure to extend tax re- the tax gap. The Commissioner also that show how it can be done. lief or make it permanent puts all this warned about increasing the IRS budg- That brings me to a chart. This chart at risk, and at risk for nothing. et too quickly if we decide to go the shows there is a lot of smoke and mir- Anyone serious about deficit reduc- route of hiring more people by giving rors when it comes to the tax gap, in tion needs to also look, then, at the more money because he said a big in- other words, all the people who are spending side of the ledger. In a third crease in staffing would harm tax- saying they are going to use the tax visit that I had with my colleagues payers’ rights if the IRS was not able gap to reduce the deficit, to fund tax from the Senate floor, I pointed out to grow in a managed way to control cuts or even to take the money and that Democratic revenue raisers did the outcome. spend it on some new program or in- not come close to covering new spend- We can look at what we can possibly crease spending on existing programs. ing contained in Democratic amend- do legislatively beyond greater en- There are a lot of ideas out there. ments when we had the budget up ex- forcement. The Democratic leadership What I want this chart to dem- actly 12 months ago this month. In hasn’t proposed anything new, but the onstrate to us is that there is a lot of many cases, I showed the same offset administration has put forward some smoke and mirrors when it comes to was used in multiple amendments to proposals in the budget—in its own the tax gap. We can’t use smoke and pay for multiple projects, just like budget, meaning the budget of the ex- mirrors to pay for tax cuts or to de- every dollar coming into the Federal ecutive branch. Many of the adminis- crease the deficit; we have to have pro- Treasury could be spent two, three, tration’s proposals deal with informa- posals that are in detail, black and four times, and somehow just multiply tion reporting. Information reporting white, and are scored by the Joint and, like blue smoke, solve all of our is an important way to improve tax Committee on Taxation, our experts problems. compliance. This is very clear from all who are on top of the Tax Code and If the Democratic leadership is seri- the work that has been done so far on how much money will come in or how ous about pay-go, and that is short for the tax gap. much money we lose if we cut taxes. pay as you go, and if they are serious However, information reporting Tax gap proposals shouldn’t be used about deficit reduction, they need to be places additional burdens on taxpayers, for spending. The tax gap is appro- realistic about where the money is and it is very frustrating that we often priately viewed as unfairly placing a going to come from to cover any new find the Internal Revenue Service is heavier burden on compliant tax- spending proposals. The budget plan not doing enough to match or review payers, 85 percent of the people who advocated by the other side last year the documents taxpayers are already pay what they owe and file accord- would have either increased the deficit providing the IRS as a paper trail to ingly. or gutted tax relief that was passed in make sure all taxes are paid. Needless If we enact tax-gap closers, they 2001 and 2003, including items such as to say, this greatly limits the benefit should be used to reduce taxes or re- the alternative minimum tax fix that information reporting provides. duce the deficit, not to increase spend- we did, and all of these things the Setting these concerns aside, the ad- ing. other side of the aisle claims to sup- ministration in their budget has pro- Let me conclude my discussion of the port and yet have proposals that would posed, one, information reporting on tax gap by saying you can have a blue gut them or increase the deficit. payment to corporations; two, basis re- Moon, you can have blue cheese, you I want to state my intention to fully porting on securities sales; three, can have blue-suede shoes, but when it cooperate with my colleagues of both broker reporting; four, reporting of comes to balancing the budget, you parties to produce a budget that pre- merchant payment card reimburse- can’t do it with blue smoke and mir- serves our growing economy while ad- ment; five, increase information return rors. That, unfortunately, is what so dressing the needs of our government. I penalties; six, taxpayer identification much of the tax gap is right now: blue am particularly looking forward to ex- number verification for independent smoke. ploring ways to use the Tax Code to contractors; and seven, information re- I strongly encourage the Budget help more Americans acquire health porting on certain Government pay- Committee chairman and other Sen- insurance. I am also looking forward to ments. ators not to use blue smoke during the using the budget resolution to ensure, The administration has proposed upcoming budget resolution debates. on a revenue-neutral basis, that we other proposals, including increased That is going to happen Wednesday and continue to pursue tax simplification penalties, expanded IRS access to in- Thursday in the Budget Committee and tax reform. In order to produce the formation, and required electronic fil- this week. It is going to happen all best possible budget, we must be care- ing as some of the other new proposals. next week on the floor of the Senate. ful not to endanger our growing econ- This is a very comprehensive list of Now I will review some of the issues omy. We must be willing to examine proposals coming from the administra- we must consider as the Senate works spending. We must not just focus on tion. Is it everything? No, but it seems on its budget resolution. In an earlier revenues, and in the whole process, we to me this is a serious start and shows visit with my colleagues in the Senate, have to be intellectually honest about that people within Treasury, within I discussed the importance of pre- how far we can push revenue raisers the Office of Management and Budget, venting a tax hike on the American and other offsets. In other words, avoid and maybe even within the White people. Anyone who considers them- the smoke and mirrors. House, are very concerned about clos- selves a deficit hawk needs to do more Mr. President, I yield the floor. ing the tax gap. than raise taxes. So I challenge the Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I ask If Senators who have attacked the new Democratic majority to also ex- unanimous consent that I be allowed to Secretary of Treasury and the Internal amine the spending side of the ledger; speak in morning business for 10 min- Revenue Service believe more can be that is, if they are truly serious about utes. done, I suggest they should come for- deficit reduction. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ward with their own proposals and add In another visit with my colleagues objection, it is so ordered. to the multitude I read coming from from the floor of the Senate, I high- Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I the executive branch of Government. lighted a study prepared by Goldman thank Senator GRASSLEY for his re- I think Senators will find that while Sachs. That study shows that the like- marks and would share his concerns it is easy to complain about what is ly result of letting tax relief expire that we have to be intellectually hon- coming out of the Treasury’s kitchen, could lead to a recession. Since tax re- est about the numbers with which we it is a lot harder to get in there and do lief was enacted, Federal revenues have are dealing. We are not going to be able it themselves. I think Senators need to increased, employment has increased, to have the kind of revenue collection be careful—very careful—at putting household wealth has increased—in enhancement that some have suggested out pie-in-the-sky numbers for what fact, household wealth has increased to is possible. I wish it were so. I pay my can be achieved by reducing the tax the highest level it has ever been in the taxes. Most people pay their taxes. It is

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.064 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3060 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 not right for people to cheat on their ville, from Chillicothe to Lorain, from IN HONOR OF VACLAV HAVEL taxes. It cheats all of us when that oc- Dayton to Youngstown spoke out for Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, 30 years curs. From experience, we know that change in our Nation’s trade policy. ago, the Charter 77 movement was es- we can’t get that big of an enhance- For too long, our Government has tablished with the simple goal of ensur- ment, at least that is what the experts stood idly by as U.S. companies that ing that the citizens of Czechoslovakia tell us. We cannot get the enhancement benefit from our tax policy, that get could ‘‘live and work as free human from collections that some have sug- Government contracts, that benefit beings.’’ Today, as cochairman of the gested that we can. They will use mon- from community support move their Commission on Security and Coopera- ies projected to be collected—that is, operations overseas. For too long, our tion in Europe, I join with my col- they will say we are going to collect a Government has pursued fundamen- leagues in celebrating the founding of lot more to justify spending—and then tally flawed trade agreements that fail Charter 77 and honoring those men and when the revenue doesn’t come in, all to secure labor and other standards, women who, through their personal we have done is increase the debt. fail to establish a policy to support acts of courage, helped bring freedom So that is a problem and I am pleased business development at home, and fail to their country. Senator GRASSLEY has raised it and we to provide for national security re- When the Charter 77 manifesto was might as well deal with it openly. views. issued, three men were chosen to be the (The remarks of Mr. SESSIONS per- first spokespersons of this newly But in this Congress, a new direction taining to the introduction of S. 863 are formed movement: a renowned Euro- has begun. Thirty Members, last week, located in today’s RECORD under pean philosopher, Jan Patocka; Jiri of a fair trade coalition, that began ‘‘Statements on Introduced Bills and Hajek, who had been Czechoslovakia’s with the Central American Free Trade Joint Resolutions.’’) Foreign Minister during the Prague Agreement, gathered on Capitol Hill to Mr. SESSIONS. I yield the floor and Spring; and the playwright, Vaclav reaffirm that we need a new direction suggest the absence of a quorum. Havel. They had the authority to speak for trade. Senator DORGAN, Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. The for the movement and to issue docu- GRAHAM, and I have introduced legisla- clerk will call the roll. ments on behalf of signatories. The assistant legislative clerk pro- tion that would ban sweatshop imports Tragically, Jan Patocka paid with ceeded to call the roll. and address concerns with China. his life for his act of bravery and cour- Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent What is more distressing than age. After signing the charter and that the order for the quorum call be Halliburton’s news to abandon the meeting with Dutch Ambassador Max rescinded. United States for the Mideast is that it van der Stoel, he was subjected to pro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without owes the Government at least $2.7 bil- longed interrogation by the secret po- objection, it is so ordered. lion as a result of bad, possibly even il- lice. It is widely believed this interro- f legal business practices in Iraq—prac- gation triggered a heart attack, result- MORNING BUSINESS tices which allowed for contaminated ing in his death on March 13, 1977. water to be served to our troops, which Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- In spite of the chilling message from hired unauthorized security forces, and imous consent that there now be a pe- the regime, Jiri Hajek and Vaclav which shamelessly overcharged our riod of morning business with Senators Havel continued to work with other Government. Will Halliburton pay permitted to speak therein for up to 10 chartists, at tremendous personal cost. their debt before leaving town or will minutes each. Two-hundred and thirty signatories The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without they try to leave American taxpayers— were called in for interrogation; 50 objection, it is so ordered. who have already afforded them bil- houses were subjected to searches. lions in profits—holding the bag? Con- Many supporters lost their jobs or f gress must do all it can to assess the faced other forms of persecution; many TRADE POLICY debt and ensure that Halliburton, be- were sent to prison. In fact, the harsh Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, it is only fore they leave town, pays their debt to treatment of the Charter 77 signatories Tuesday, and already we have a laun- our country. led to the creation of another human dry list this week of reasons why we It is unclear whether the administra- rights group, the Committee for the need a new direction for trade policy in tion will take any action to safeguard Defense of the Unjustly Persecuted, our country. our Nation’s interests when it comes to known by its Czech acronym, VONS. In First, we learned that Halliburton, Halliburton, but it is clear they are not October 1979, six VONS leaders includ- the beneficiary of more than $20 billion yet ready for a new direction on trade. ing Vaclav Havel, were tried for sub- in no-bid Government contracts, is The latest attempt at another flawed version and sentenced to prison terms going to, in a sense, take the money trade agreement is not even inked, and of up to 5 years. and run by moving its headquarters out the first corporation is moving off- Perhaps the regime’s harsh tactics of the United States and to Dubai in shore. reflected its knowledge that, ulti- mately, it could only retain control the United Arab Emirates. Then we That is why we need a new direction through force and coercion. Certainly, learned the United States is again dis- for trade. That is why we need a trade there was no perestroika or glasnost in cussing trade deals with the United policy that rewards companies that Husak’s Czechoslovakia, no goulash Arab Emirates. These trade talks first keep production, and headquarters, in communism as in neighboring Hun- fell apart last year during the Dubai the United States, investing at home gary. And so, the regime was threat- Ports World scandal. as well as in opportunities abroad. Because of our fundamentally flawed ened by groups that might have seemed That is why, as we learned during the trade policy, our Government nearly inconsequential elsewhere: by the psy- Dubai Ports scandal, we need a na- sold our port security to state-owned chedelic band, ‘‘Plastic People of the tional security review of all future companies in the Middle East, and be- Universe;’’ by a musical appreciation trade agreements. cause of our fundamentally flawed group known as the Jazz Section; by trade policy, our Government contin- Halliburton’s decision to relocate its environmentalists, historians, philoso- ued to award no-bid contracts to Halli- headquarters also underscores the crit- phers and, of course, playwrights. burton despite the fact that its subsidi- ical importance of freeing our Nation Mr. President, 1989 was an extraor- aries have come under fire for doing from its addiction to oil. dinary year—a year in which the re- business with the Government of Iran Government should foster a climate gime sought to control everything and, and for potential contract fraud in where companies are rewarded for in the end, could control nothing. In Iraq. It is time for a trade policy that being good patriot corporations. It is May, Hungary opened its borders. In rewards good corporate citizens, not time our Government stop rewarding June, free elections were held for par- one that allows our Nation’s security the Halliburtons of the world and start liamentary seats in Poland for the first assets to be sold to the highest bidder. investing in those businesses that want time in decades. By August, 5,000 East Last November, in my home State of to help build our Nation, not cheat us Germans were fleeing to Austria Ohio, voters from Toledo to Steuben- and then leave us. through Hungary every single week.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:17 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.066 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3061 Demonstrations in East Germany con- gained important insight into the Club just outside of Pittsburgh. And in tinued to rise, forcing Eric Honecker to winemaking business by working 1987, Larry repeated his victory in the resign in October. On November 9, the alongside their father in the family PGA Championship with a playoff vic- Berlin Wall was breached. vineyard. As a precocious and driven tory over Lanny Wadkins at PGA Na- But while Communist leaders in 17-year-old boy, Ernest sold a railcar tional Golf Club in Palm Beach Gar- other countries saw the writing on the full of family grapes during a trip to dens, FL. In addition, he played on the wall, authorities in Prague continued Chicago for $17,000, a considerable sum U.S. Ryder Cup team in 1979, 1981, and to believe they could somehow cling to of money during those days. From that 1987. power. Ironically, the regime’s repres- point forward, it was apparent that Er- I have known Larry for almost 40 sive tactics were part of its final nest was a gifted and determined entre- years. In fact, I sold him a house when undoing. preneur who was destined for great suc- he was first starting out. It is also a On November 17, 1989, significant stu- cess in the winemaking business. huge point of pride that I am a member dent demonstrations were held in After his parents unexpectedly of the Atlanta Country Club where Prague. Human rights groups released passed away, Ernest accepted the man- Larry Nelson plays today. However, videotapes of police and militia vi- tle of the head of the business and the Larry is more than a terrific golfer. He ciously beating the demonstrators and family at the age of 24 and founded E. is also a wonderful husband and father these tapes were rapidly and widely and J. Gallo Winery in 1933 using a as well as a devout Christian. circulated through the underground. $5,000 loan from Ernest’s mother-in-law It gives me a great deal of pleasure Shortly thereafter, VONS received and his brother Julio’s entire savings and it is a privilege to recognize on the credible information that a student of less than $1,000. Throughout his floor of the U.S. Senate the contribu- demonstrator had been beaten to stewardship of the winery that would tions of my friend Larry Nelson. He is death. The alleged death so outraged become one of the world’s most prolific an inspiration to us all.∑ Czechoslovak society that it triggered and recognized winemaking companies, f massive demonstrations. Within days, Ernest consistently demonstrated an MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE Czechoslovakia’s Communist regime unparalleled ability to produce afford- collapsed like a house of cards. able, popular, and high quality prod- As it turned out, no one had actually ucts. ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED been killed during the November 17 A wine connoisseur in the truest protests; the story of the student death sense of the word, Ernest was a perfec- At 2:48 p.m., a message from the had been concocted by the secret police tionist who left his imprint on nearly House of Representatives, delivered by to discredit VONS but was all too be- every aspect of the winemaking proc- Ms. Niland, one of its reading clerks, lievable. As concisely stated by Mary ess; from overseeing production, to de- announced that the Speaker has signed Battiata, a reporter for the Washington vising brilliant marketing plans, to the following enrolled bills: Post, ‘‘. . . a half-baked secret police regularly traveling across the country H.R. 342. An act to designate the United plan to discredit a couple of dissidents to make sure that wine displays were States courthouse located at 555 Independ- properly presented in markets. Simply ence Street in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as apparently boomeranged and turned a the ‘‘Rush Hudson Limbaugh, Sr. United sputtering student protest into a na- put, Ernest was a consummate wine- States Courthouse’’. tional rebellion.’’ On December 29, maker who was absolutely dedicated to H.R. 544. An act to designate the United Vaclav Havel—who had been in prison honing and perfecting his craft. States courthouse at South Federal Place in just a few months earlier—was elected Ernest Gallo has left behind a legacy Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the ‘‘Santiago E. President of Czechoslovakia by the of success and the well-deserved rec- Campos United States Courthouse’’. Federal Parliament. ognition as one of the leading figures of H.R. 584. An act to designate the Federal Jan Patocka once wrote, ‘‘The real American winemaking. This son of building located at 400 Maryland Avenue California’s Central Valley will be Southwest in the District of Columbia as the test of a man is not how well he plays ‘‘Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of the role he has invented for himself but greatly missed. Education Building’’. how well he plays the role that destiny Ernest Gallo was preceded in death The enrolled bills were subsequently assigned to him.’’ It seems that destiny by his beloved wife of 62 years, Amelia, signed by the President pro tempore had a particular role for Vaclav Havel, and son, David. He is survived by his (Mr. BYRD). not one that he invented or envisioned son, Joseph, and four grandchildren.∑ for himself, but one that he has played f At 5:54 p.m., a message from the with courage and grace, with dignity HONORING LARRY NELSON House of Representatives, delivered by and honor. Today, we honor Vaclav ∑ Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, today I Mr. Hays, one of its reading clerks, an- Havel and the Charter 77 movement he nounced that the House has passed the helped to found. wish to honor in the RECORD of the Senate the induction of my friend and following bills, in which it requests the f a wonderful Georgian, Larry Nelson of concurrence of the Senate: ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS Marietta, to the World Golf Hall of H.R. 85. An act to provide for the establish- Fame. ment of centers to encourage demonstration Larry was born on September 10, 1947, and commercial application of advanced en- IN MEMORY OF ERNEST GALLO ergy methods and technologies. in Ft. Payne, AL, and was raised in H.R. 1068. An act to amend the High-Per- ∑ Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today, I Acworth, GA. Growing up, he preferred formance Computing Act of 1991. ask my colleagues to join me in hon- baseball and basketball. It wasn’t until H.R. 1126. An act to reauthorize the Steel oring the memory of the late Ernest after he returned from military service and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Gallo, a true American success story in Vietnam that he actually swung a Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988. who came from a humble beginning to golf club. The first time he played he f head the world’s largest winemaking broke 100. Within 9 months of taking MEASURES REFERRED company. Mr. Gallo passed away in the up the game in earnest, Larry broke 70. peaceful company of his family and In 1973, Larry successfully went The following bills were read the first loved ones at his home in Modesto, through the PGA Tour Qualifying and the second times by unanimous California on March 6, 2007. He was 97 School, and his breakthrough came in consent, and referred as indicated: years old. 1979 when he won twice on the tour and H.R. 85. An act to provide for the establish- The first son of Joseph and Susie finished second on the money list. In ment of centers to encourage demonstration Gallo, immigrants who hailed from 1981, Larry won the PGA Championship and commercial application of advanced en- Italy’s renowned winemaking region of at the Atlantic Athletic Club by four ergy methods and technologies; to the Com- mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. Piedmont, Ernest Gallo was born in strokes over Fuzzy Zoeller. In 1983, he H.R. 1068. An act to amend the High-Per- Jackson, in the Sierra Nevada foothills won his second major, the U.S. Open, formance Computing Act of 1991; to the Com- region of California. Ernest and his at one of the toughest championship mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- younger brothers, Julio and Joe, courses in the world, Oakmont Country tation.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.054 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3062 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 H.R. 1126. An act to reauthorize the Steel grams, National Marine Fisheries Service, formation for the United States’’; to the and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Department of Commerce, transmitting, pur- Committee on Energy and Natural Re- Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988; to suant to law, the report of a rule entitled sources. the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- ‘‘Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fish- EC–937. A communication from the Attor- sources. eries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast ney, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renew- f Groundfish Fishery; Biennial Specifications able Energy, Department of Energy, trans- and Management Measures; Amendment 16-4; mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule EXECUTIVE AND OTHER Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery’’ (RIN0648- entitled ‘‘Energy Efficiency Program for COMMUNICATIONS AU57) received on March 8, 2007; to the Com- Certain Commercial and Industrial Equip- The following communications were mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- ment: Efficiency Standards for Commercial tation. Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Water-Heat- laid before the Senate, together with EC–928. A communication from the Assist- ing Equipment’’ ((RIN1904-AB16)(RIN1904- accompanying papers, reports, and doc- ant Administrator for Fisheries, National AB17)(RIN1904-AB44)) received on March 8, uments, and were referred as indicated: Marine Fisheries Service, Department of 2007; to the Committee on Energy and Nat- EC–919. A communication from the Chief Commerce, transmitting, pursuant to law, ural Resources. Counsel, Federal Emergency Management the report of a rule entitled ‘‘2006-2007 Pa- EC–938. A communication from the Chair- Agency, Department of Homeland Security, cific Mackerel Annual Specifications; Coast- man, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of al Pelagic Species Fisheries; Fisheries Off transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Final Flood Elevation Deter- West Coast States’’ (RIN0648-AU27) received proposed legislation to authorize appropria- minations’’ (72 FR 7351) received on March 8, on March 8, 2007; to the Committee on Com- tions for fiscal year 2008; to the Committee 2007; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, merce, Science, and Transportation. on Environment and Public Works. and Urban Affairs. EC–929. A communication from the Assist- EC–939. A communication from the Assist- EC–920. A communication from the Sec- ant Administrator for Fisheries, National ant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), retary of Transportation, transmitting, pur- Marine Fisheries Service, Department of transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- suant to law, a report entitled ‘‘Five-Year Commerce, transmitting, pursuant to law, ative to navigation improvements to the ITS Program Plan’’; to the Committee on the report of a rule entitled ‘‘2007 Specifica- Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from High Is- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. tions for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery’’ land to Brazos River; to the Committee on EC–921. A communication from the Acting (RIN0648-AT67) received on March 8, 2007; to Environment and Public Works. Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and EC–940. A communication from the Assist- partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- Transportation. ant Administrator, Office of Administration ant to law, the report of a rule entitled EC–930. A communication from the Assist- and Resources Management, Environmental ‘‘Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone ant Administrator for Fisheries, National Protection Agency, transmitting, pursuant Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in Marine Fisheries Service, Department of to law, a report relative to the Agency’s the Gulf of Alaska’’ (ID No. 011707G) received Commerce, transmitting, pursuant to law, competitive sourcing efforts for fiscal year on March 8, 2007; to the Committee on Com- the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Final Rule to 2006; to the Committee on Environment and merce, Science, and Transportation. Implement Management Measures for Carib- Public Works. EC–922. A communication from the Acting bean Closures and Dehooking Requirements EC–941. A communication from the Assist- Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- for the Atlantic Shark Fishery’’ (ID No. ant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- 082305E) received on March 8, 2007; to the transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘In- Committee on Commerce, Science, and ative to an ecosystem restoration project on crease the Trip Limit in the Commercial Transportation. the Snake River; to the Committee on Envi- Hook-and-Line Fishery for King Mackerel in EC–931. A communication from the Acting ronment and Public Works. the Florida East Coast’’ (ID No. 010507D) re- Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- EC–942. A communication from the Con- ceived on March 8, 2007; to the Committee on partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- gressional Review Coordinator, Animal and Commerce, Science, and Transportation. ant to law, the report of a rule entitled Plant Health Inspection Service, Department EC–923. A communication from the Acting ‘‘Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Processor law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Importa- partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- Vessels Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the tion of Mangoes from India’’ (Docket No. ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Clo- Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Manage- APHIS-2006-0121) received on March 12, 2007; sure for Commercial King Mackerel Run- ment Area’’ (ID No. 020907G) received on to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, Around Gillnet Fishery in the Southern March 8, 2007; to the Committee on Com- and Forestry. Florida West Coast Zone’’ (ID No. 010507C) merce, Science, and Transportation. EC–943. A communication from the Con- received on March 8, 2007; to the Committee EC–932. A communication from the Acting gressional Review Coordinator, Animal and on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- Plant Health Inspection Service, Department EC–924. A communication from the Acting partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Karnal partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- ‘‘Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Bunt; Regulated Areas’’ (Docket No. APHIS- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 of 2006-0149) received on March 12, 2007; to the ‘‘Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone the Gulf of Alaska’’ (ID No. 020907F) received Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels 60 on March 8, 2007; to the Committee on Com- Forestry. Feet Length Overall and Using Pot Gear in merce, Science, and Transportation. EC–944. A communication from the Chair- the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Manage- EC–933. A communication from the Acting man and Chief Executive Officer, Farm Cred- ment Area’’ (ID No. 012507A) received on Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- it Administration, transmitting, pursuant to March 8, 2007; to the Committee on Com- partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- law, the Agency’s proposed fiscal year 2008 merce, Science, and Transportation. ant to law, the report of a rule entitled budget; to the Committee on Agriculture, EC–925. A communication from the Deputy ‘‘Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Nutrition, and Forestry. Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Pro- Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 610 of EC–945. A communication from the Prin- grams, National Marine Fisheries Service, the Gulf of Alaska’’ (ID No. 020807B) received cipal Deputy, Office of the Under Secretary Department of Commerce, transmitting, pur- on March 8, 2007; to the Committee on Com- of Defense (Personnel and Readiness), trans- suant to law, the report of a rule entitled merce, Science, and Transportation. mitting, pursuant to law, the report of an of- ‘‘Interim Final Rule to Reduce Overfishing EC–934. A communication from the Com- ficer authorized to wear the insignia of the of Atlantic Sea Scallops in the 2007 Fishing mandant, United States Coast Guard, De- grade of rear admiral (lower half) in accord- Year by Modifying Elephant Trunk Access partment of Homeland Security, transmit- ance with title 10, United States Code, sec- Area Management Measures’’ (RIN0648-AV05) ting, the report of a legislative proposal to tion 777; to the Committee on Armed Serv- received on March 8, 2007; to the Committee authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 ices. on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. for the United States Coast Guard; to the EC–946. A communication from the Prin- EC–926. A communication from the Deputy Committee on Commerce, Science, and cipal Deputy, Office of the Under Secretary Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Pro- Transportation. of Defense (Personnel and Readiness), trans- grams, National Marine Fisheries Service, EC–935. A communication from the Sec- mitting, pursuant to law, the report of an of- Department of Commerce, transmitting, pur- retary of Transportation, transmitting, pur- ficer authorized to wear the insignia of the suant to law, the report of a rule entitled suant to law, a report relative to the Depart- grade of rear admiral in accordance with ‘‘Final Emergency Rule to Supersede the ment’s competitive sourcing efforts for fiscal title 10, United States Code, section 777; to Previously Published 2007 Summer Flounder year 2006; to the Committee on Commerce, the Committee on Armed Services. Specifications’’ (RIN0648-AT60) received on Science, and Transportation. EC–947. A communication from the Direc- March 8, 2007; to the Committee on Com- EC–936. A communication from the Sec- tor of Selective Service, transmitting, pursu- merce, Science, and Transportation. retary of Energy, transmitting, pursuant to ant to law, the Director’s Annual Report for EC–927. A communication from the Deputy law, a report entitled ‘‘Report to Congress on fiscal year 2006; to the Committee on Armed Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Pro- Renewable Energy Resource Assessment In- Services.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.041 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3063 EC–948. A communication from the Sec- ceived on March 8, 2007; to the Committee on the petition filed on behalf of workers from retary of the Navy, transmitting, pursuant Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Monsanto Chemical Company in Dayton, to law, a report relative to the Program Ac- EC–959. A communication from the Chair- Ohio, requesting their addition to the Spe- quisition Unit Cost and Procurement Unit man, Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety cial Exposure Cohort; to the Committee on Cost for the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle; Board, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. to the Committee on Armed Services. port relative to the status of significant un- EC–971. A communication from the White EC–949. A communication from the Assist- resolved issues with the Department of Ener- House Liaison, Department of Health and ant Secretary of Defense (Homeland De- gy’s design and construction projects; to the Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to fense), transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- Committee on Energy and Natural Re- law, the report of action on a nomination for port relative to assistance provided by the sources. the position of Commissioner of the Food Department for civilian sporting events in EC–960. A communication from the Deputy and Drug Administration, received on March support of essential security and safety at Chief Financial Officer, Department of En- 8, 2007; to the Committee on Health, Edu- such events; to the Committee on Armed ergy, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report cation, Labor, and Pensions. Services. relative to the Department’s carryover bal- EC–972. A communication from the White EC–950. A communication from the Sec- ances; to the Committee on Energy and Nat- House Liaison, Department of Health and retary of Defense, transmitting , pursuant to ural Resources. Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on the approved retirement of EC–961. A communication from the Sec- law, the report of action on a nomination for Admiral John B. Nathman, United States retary of Energy, transmitting, pursuant to the position of Administrator, received on Navy, and his advancement to the grade of law, a report relative to a Mixed Oxide Fuel March 8, 2007; to the Committee on Health, admiral on the retired list; to the Committee Fabrication Facility near Aiken, South Education, Labor, and Pensions. on Armed Services. Carolina; to the Committee on Energy and EC–973. A communication from the White EC–951. A communication from the Acting Natural Resources. House Liaison, Department of Health and Under Secretary for Industry and Security, EC–962. A communication from the Board Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to Department of Commerce, transmitting, pur- of Trustees, National Railroad Retirement law, the report of a nomination for the posi- suant to law, the Bureau’s Annual Report for Investment Trust, transmitting, pursuant to tion of General Counsel, received on March 8, fiscal year 2006; to the Committee on Bank- law, an annual report on its operations and 2007; to the Committee on Health, Education, ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. financial condition; to the Committee on Fi- Labor, and Pensions. EC–952. A communication from the Sec- nance. EC–974. A communication from the White retary of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant EC–963. A communication from the Chief of House Liaison, Department of Health and to law, a report relative to the Emergency the Publications and Regulations Branch, In- Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Program; to ternal Revenue Service, Department of the law, the report of a vacancy and designation the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the of an acting officer for the position of Dep- Urban Affairs. report of a rule entitled ‘‘LMSB Tier II uty Secretary, received on March 8, 2007; to EC–953. A communication from the Sec- Issue—Field Directive on the Examination of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, retary of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant IRC Section 172(f) Specified Liability Losses and Pensions. to law, a report relative to the Emergency Number 1—Industry Directive’’ (Document EC–975. A communication from the Sec- Steel Loan Guarantee Program; to the Com- Number: LMSB–04–0206–009) received on retary of Health and Human Services, trans- mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- March 8, 2007; to the Committee on Finance. mitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to fairs. EC–964. A communication from the Chief of the petition filed on behalf of workers from EC–954. A communication from the Direc- the Publications and Regulations Branch, In- the Allied Chemical Corporation Plant in tor, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Depart- ternal Revenue Service, Department of the Metropolis, Illinois, requesting their addi- ment of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the tion to the Special Exposure Cohort; to the to law, the report of a rule entitled report of a rule entitled ‘‘2007 Census Count’’ Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and ‘‘Inseason Action to Close the Small Coastal (Notice 2007–23) received on March 8, 2007; to Pensions. Shark Fishery in the Gulf of Mexico Region’’ the Committee on Finance. EC–976. A communication from the Sec- (ID No. 013107D) received on March 8, 2007; to EC–965. A communication from the Assist- retary of Health and Human Services, trans- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and ant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs, Depart- mitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to Transportation. ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to the the petition filed on behalf of workers from EC–955. A communication from the Direc- Case-Zablocki Act, 1 U.S.C. 112b, as amended, the Harshaw Harvard-Denison Plant in tor, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Depart- the report of the texts and background state- Cleveland, Ohio, requesting their addition to ment of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant ments of international agreements, other the Special Exposure Cohort; to the Com- to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Inter- than treaties (List 2007–26–2007–32); to the mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and national Services Surveys: BE–125, Quarterly Committee on Foreign Relations. Pensions. Survey of Transactions in Selected Services EC–966. A communication from the Assist- EC–977. A communication from the White and Intangible Assets with Foreign Persons’’ ant Secretary, Office of Legislative Affairs, House Liaison, Office of Planning, Evalua- (RIN0691–AA61) received on March 8, 2007; to Department of State, transmitting, pursuant tion and Policy Development, Department of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Inter- Education, transmitting, pursuant to law, Transportation. country Adoption—Reporting on Non-Con- the report of a nomination for the position of EC–956. A communication from the Direc- vention and Convention Adoptions of Emi- Assistant Secretary for Planning of Evalua- tor, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Depart- grating Children’’ (RIN1400–AC20) received tion and Policy Development, received on ment of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant on March 8, 2007; to the Committee on For- March 8, 2007; to the Committee on Health, to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Inter- eign Relations. Education, Labor, and Pensions. national Services Surveys: BE–120, Bench- EC–967. A communication from the Sec- EC–978. A communication from the Inspec- mark Survey of Transactions in Selected retary of State, transmitting, pursuant to tor General, Department of Labor, transmit- Services and Intangible Assets with Foreign law, a report relative to the current mili- ting, pursuant to law, a report relative to Persons’’ (RIN0691–AA60) received on March tary, diplomatic, political, and economic the Department’s competitive sourcing ef- 8, 2007; to the Committee on Commerce, measures that are being or have been under- forts for fiscal year 2006; to the Committee Science, and Transportation. taken to complete our mission in Iraq suc- on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. EC–957. A communication from the Acting cessfully; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- EC–979. A communication from the Regula- Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- tions. tions Coordinator, Health Resources and partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- EC–968. A communication from the Assist- Services Administration, Department of ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ant Secretary, Office of Legislative Affairs, Health and Human Services, transmitting, ‘‘Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Department of State, transmitting, pursuant pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Non-American to law, an annual report on U.S. Government ‘‘Organ Procurement and Transplantation Fisheries Act Crab Vessels Catching Pacific Assistance to and Cooperative Activities Network’’ (RIN0906–AA62) received on March Cod for Processing by the Inshore Compo- with Central and Eastern Europe; to the 8, 2007; to the Committee on Health, Edu- nent in the Central Regulatory Area of the Committee on Foreign Relations. cation, Labor, and Pensions. Gulf of Alaska’’ (ID No. 012307C) received on EC–969. A communication from the Sec- EC–980. A communication from the Regula- March 8, 2007; to the Committee on Com- retary of Health and Human Services, trans- tions Coordinator, Office of the Secretary, merce, Science, and Transportation. mitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to Department of Health and Human Services, EC–958. A communication from the Direc- the petition filed on behalf of workers from transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of tor, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Depart- General Atomics in La Jolla, California, re- a rule entitled ‘‘Claims Collection’’ ment of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant questing their addition to the Special Expo- (RIN0991–AB18) received on March 8, 2007; to to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Inter- sure Cohort; to the Committee on Health, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, national Services Surveys: BE–185, Quarterly Education, Labor, and Pensions. and Pensions. Survey of Financial Services Transactions EC–970. A communication from the Sec- EC–981. A communication from the Regula- Between U.S. Financial Services Providers retary of Health and Human Services, trans- tions Coordinator, Office of the Secretary, and Foreign Persons’’ (RIN0691–AA62) re- mitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to Department of Health and Human Services,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.049 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3064 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND bility of constructing dedicated ethanol a rule entitled ‘‘Salary Offset’’ (RIN0991– JOINT RESOLUTIONS pipelines to increase the energy, economic, AB19) received on March 8, 2007; to the Com- and environmental security of the United mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and The following bills and joint resolu- States, and for other purposes; to the Com- Pensions. tions were introduced, read the first mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. EC–982. A communication from the Direc- and second times by unanimous con- By Mr. SMITH (for himself, Mrs. CLIN- tor, Regulations Policy and Management sent, and referred as indicated: TON, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. BROWN, Ms. Staff, Department of Health and Human By Mrs. MURRAY: STABENOW, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the S. 847. A bill to extend the period of time LEAHY, Mr. SPECTER, Mr. NELSON of report of a rule entitled ‘‘Medical Devices; during which a veteran’s multiple sclerosis is Florida, Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. MENEN- Reprocessed Single-Use Devices; Require- to be considered to have been incurred in, or DEZ, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mr. DURBIN, ment for Submission of Validation Data; aggravated by, military service during a pe- Mr. KENNEDY, Ms. COLLINS, Mrs. LIN- Withdrawal’’ (Docket No. 2006N–0335) re- riod of war; to the Committee on Veterans’ COLN, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. BAYH, Ms. ceived on March 8, 2007; to the Committee on Affairs. SNOWE, Mr. SANDERS, and Mr. BINGA- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. By Mrs. MURRAY: MAN): S. 860. A bill to amend title XIX of the So- EC–983. A communication from the Direc- S. 848. A bill to amend title 38, United cial Security Act to permit States the option tor, Regulations and Policy Management States Code, to provide improved benefits for to provide Medicaid coverage for low-income Staff, Department of Health and Human veterans who are former prisoners of war; to individuals infected with HIV; to the Com- Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. mittee on Finance. report of a rule entitled ‘‘Medical Devices; By Mr. LEAHY (for himself and Mr. By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself and Reprocessed Single-Use Device; Require- CORNYN): ments for Submission of Validation Data’’ S. 849. A bill to promote accessibility, ac- Mr. HARKIN): S. 861. A bill to designate the Federal (Docket No. 2006N–0335) received on March 8, countability, and openness in Government building located at 131 East 4th Street in 2007; to the Committee on Health, Education, by strengthening section 552 of title 5, Davenport, Iowa, as the ‘‘James A. Leach Labor, and Pensions. United States Code (commonly referred to as Federal Building’’; to the Committee on En- the Freedom of Information Act), and for EC–984. A communication from the Dis- vironment and Public Works. other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- trict of Columbia Auditor, transmitting, pur- By Mr. HARKIN (for himself and Mr. suant to law, a report entitled ‘‘Letter Re- diciary. GRASSLEY): port: Audit of Advisory Neighborhood Com- By Mr. BURR (for himself and Mrs. S. 862. A bill to designate the Federal mission 2A for Fiscal Years 2004 Through DOLE): building located at 210 Walnut Street in Des 2006, as of March 31, 2006’’; to the Committee S. 850. A bill to improve sharing of immi- Moines, Iowa, as the ‘‘Neal Smith Federal on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- gration information among Federal, State, Building’’; to the Committee on Environ- fairs. and local law enforcement officials, to im- ment and Public Works. EC–985. A communication from the Dis- prove State and local enforcement of immi- By Mr. SESSIONS (for himself, Ms. gration laws, and for other purposes; to the trict of Columbia Auditor, transmitting, pur- LANDRIEU, Mr. VITTER, Mr. CORNYN, Committee on the Judiciary. suant to law, a report entitled ‘‘Fiscal Year and Mr. GRASSLEY): 2006 Annual Report on Advisory Neighbor- By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself, Ms. S. 863. A bill to amend title 18, United hood Commissions’’; to the Committee on CANTWELL, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. States Code, with respect to fraud in connec- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- BROWN, Mrs. MCCASKILL, Mr. BAYH, tion with major disaster or emergency funds; fairs. Mr. SALAZAR, Mr. TESTER, and Mr. to the Committee on the Judiciary. EC–986. A communication from the Direc- CASEY): By Mr. BUNNING (for himself and Mr. tor, Office of Personnel Management, trans- S. 851. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- MCCONNELL): mitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to enue Code of 1986 to provide a higher edu- S. 864. A bill to amend the Federal Power the implementation and effectiveness of the cation opportunity credit in place of existing Act to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal direct-hire authority to attract candidates education tax incentives; to the Committee Energy Regulatory Commission, and for with unusually high qualifications to the on Finance. other purposes; to the Committee on Energy Federal acquisition workforce; to the Com- By Ms. SNOWE: and Natural Resources. mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- S. 852. A bill to deauthorize the project for By Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Ms. mental Affairs. navigation, Tenants Harbor, Maine; to the SNOWE): Committee on Environment and Public EC–987. A communication from the Special S. 865. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Works. Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, the Army to carry out a project for the miti- By Ms. SNOWE: transmitting, pursuant to law, the Inspector gation of shore damages attributable to the S. 853. A bill to deauthorize the project for General’s quarterly report for the period project for navigation, Saco River, Maine; to navigation, Northeast Harbor, Maine; to the ending December 31, 2006; to the Committee the Committee on Environment and Public Committee on Environment and Public on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Works. Works. fairs. By Mr. LUGAR (for himself and Mr. By Ms. SNOWE: EC–988. A communication from the Admin- BINGAMAN): S. 854. A bill to modify the project for navi- S. 866. A bill to provide for increased plan- istrator, Environmental Protection Agency, gation, Union River, Maine; to the Com- ning and funding for health promotion pro- transmitting, pursuant to law, the Agency’s mittee on Environment and Public Works. grams of the Department of Health and Strategic Plan for 2006-2011 and its Perform- By Ms. SNOWE: Human Services; to the Committee on ance and Accountability Report for fiscal S. 855. A bill to deauthorize a certain por- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. year 2006; to the Committee on Homeland Se- tion of the project for navigation, Rockland By Mr. KENNEDY (for himself and Mr. curity and Governmental Affairs. Harbor, Maine; to the Committee on Envi- KERRY): EC–989. A communication from the Chair- ronment and Public Works. S. 867. A bill to adjust the boundary of man, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, By Ms. SNOWE: Lowell National Historical Park, and for transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commis- S. 856. A bill to terminate authorization other purposes; to the Committee on Energy sion’s Performance Budget for fiscal year for the project for navigation, Rockport Har- and Natural Resources. 2008; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- bor, Maine; to the Committee on Environ- By Mr. KENNEDY (for himself and Mr. rity and Governmental Affairs. ment and Public Works. KERRY): EC–990. A communication from the Deputy By Ms. SNOWE: S. 868. A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic General Counsel and Designated Reporting S. 857. A bill to redesignate the project for Rivers Act to designate segments of the Official, Office of National Drug Control Pol- navigation, Saco River, Maine, as an anchor- Taunton River in the Commonwealth of Mas- icy, Executive Office of the President, trans- age area; to the Committee on Environment sachusetts as a component of the National mitting, pursuant to law, a change in pre- and Public Works. Wild and Scenic Rivers System; to the Com- viously submitted reported information for By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Ms. mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. the position of Deputy Director for Supply SNOWE, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. ENZI, Mr. f Reduction, received on March 8, 2007; to the MENENDEZ, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. DURBIN, Committee on the Judiciary. and Mr. SANDERS): ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS EC–991. A communication from the Asso- S. 858. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- S. 5 ciate Administrator, Office of Management enue Code of 1986 to extend the transpor- At the request of Mr. REID, the name and Administration, Small Business Admin- tation fringe benefit to bicycle commuters; of the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. istration, transmitting, pursuant to law, a to the Committee on Finance. report relative to the Administration’s com- By Mr. HARKIN (for himself and Mr. DORGAN) was added as a cosponsor of S. petitive sourcing efforts for fiscal year 2006; LUGAR): 5, a bill to amend the Public Health to the Committee on Small Business and En- S. 859. A bill to require the Secretary of Service Act to provide for human em- trepreneurship. Energy to award funds to study the feasi- bryonic stem cell research.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.052 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3065 S. 21 hospital is an inpatient rehabilitation vania (Mr. SPECTER) was added as a co- At the request of Mr. REID, the name facility under the Medicare program. sponsor of S. 771, a bill to amend the of the Senator from Rhode Island (Mr. S. 573 Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to improve WHITEHOUSE) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the the nutrition and health of school- of S. 21, a bill to expand access to pre- name of the Senator from Montana children by updating the definition of ventive health care services that help (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor ‘‘food of minimal nutritional value’’ to reduce unintended pregnancy, reduce of S. 573, a bill to amend the Federal conform to current nutrition science abortions, and improve access to wom- Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the and to protect the Federal investment en’s health care. Public Health Service Act to improve in the national school lunch and break- S. 22 the prevention, diagnosis, and treat- fast programs. At the request of Mr. WEBB, the name ment of heart disease, stroke, and S. 803 other cardiovascular diseases in of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. DUR- At the request of Mr. ROCKEFELLER, BIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. 22, women. the name of the Senator from Wash- S. 585 a bill to amend title 38, United States ington (Ms. CANTWELL) was added as a Code, to establish a program of edu- At the request of Mr. DORGAN, the cosponsor of S. 803, a bill to repeal a cational assistance for members of the name of the Senator from Montana provision enacted to end Federal Armed Forces who serve in the Armed (Mr. BAUCUS) was added as a cosponsor matching of State spending of child Forces after September 11, 2001, and for of S. 585, a bill to require the Secretary support incentive payments. of the Treasury to mint and issue coins other purposes. S. 815 S. 261 in commemoration of Native Ameri- At the request of Mr. CRAIG, the At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the cans and the important contributions made by Indian tribes and individual name of the Senator from Alaska (Mr. names of the Senator from Washington STEVENS) was added as a cosponsor of (Mrs. MURRAY), the Senator from Mas- Native Americans to the development of the United States and the history of S. 815, a bill to provide health care ben- sachusetts (Mr. KERRY), the Senator efits to veterans with a service-con- from Michigan (Ms. STABENOW), the the United States, and for other pur- poses. nected disability at non-Department of Senator from Connecticut (Mr. Veterans Affairs medical facilities that LIEBERMAN) and the Senator from S. 615 At the request of Mr. LAUTENBERG, receive payments under the Medicare Maine (Ms. SNOWE) were added as co- program or the TRICARE program. sponsors of S. 261, a bill to amend title the name of the Senator from Lou- S. 827 18, United States Code, to strengthen isiana (Ms. LANDRIEU) was added as a prohibitions against animal fighting, cosponsor of S. 615, a bill to provide the At the request of Mr. KERRY, the and for other purposes. nonimmigrant spouses and children of name of the Senator from Massachu- nonimmigrant aliens who perished in setts (Mr. KENNEDY) was added as a co- S. 311 the September 11, 2001, terrorist at- sponsor of S. 827, a bill to establish the At the request of Ms. LANDRIEU, the tacks an opportunity to adjust their Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area names of the Senator from Michigan status to that of an alien lawfully ad- in the States of Massachusetts and (Ms. STABENOW) and the Senator from mitted for permanent residence, and New Hampshire, and for other pur- Maryland (Mr. CARDIN) were added as for other purposes. poses. cosponsors of S. 311, a bill to amend the S. 627 Horse Protection Act to prohibit the S. 831 At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the shipping, transporting, moving, deliv- At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the names of the Senator from Massachu- ering, receiving, possessing, pur- names of the Senator from Washington setts (Mr. KERRY) and the Senator from chasing, selling, or donation of horses (Mrs. MURRAY) and the Senator from Minnesota (Mr. COLEMAN) were added and other equines to be slaughtered for Ohio (Mr. BROWN) were added as co- as cosponsors of S. 627, a bill to amend sponsors of S. 831, a bill to authorize human consumption, and for other pur- the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency poses. States and local governments to pro- Prevention Act of 1974 to improve the hibit the investment of State assets in S. 474 health and well-being of maltreated in- any company that has a qualifying At the request of Mrs. HUTCHISON, the fants and toddlers through the creation business relationship with Sudan. name of the Senator from North Caro- of a National Court Teams Resource S.J. RES. 5 lina (Mrs. DOLE) was added as a cospon- Center, to assist local Court Teams, At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the sor of S. 474, a bill to award a congres- and for other purposes. names of the Senator from Arkansas sional gold medal to Michael Ellis S. 718 (Mr. PRYOR), the Senator from New DeBakey, M.D. At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the York (Mrs. CLINTON) and the Senator S. 522 name of the Senator from New Mexico from Massachusetts (Mr. KERRY) were At the request of Mr. BAYH, the (Mr. BINGAMAN) was added as a cospon- added as cosponsors of S.J. Res. 5, a names of the Senator from New Hamp- sor of S. 718, a bill to optimize the de- joint resolution proclaiming Casimir shire (Mr. GREGG) and the Senator livery of critical care medicine and ex- Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of from Mississippi (Mr. COCHRAN) were pand the critical care workforce. the United States posthumously. added as cosponsors of S. 522, a bill to S. 721 S. RES. 95 safeguard the economic health of the At the request of Mr. ENZI, the name United States and the health and safe- of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. At the request of Mr. SPECTER, the ty of the United States citizens by im- INOUYE) was added as a cosponsor of S. name of the Senator from Wyoming proving the management, coordination, 721, a bill to allow travel between the (Mr. ENZI) was added as a cosponsor of and effectiveness of domestic and United States and Cuba. S. Res. 95, a resolution designating international intellectual property S. 727 March 25, 2007, as ‘‘Greek Independence rights enforcement, and for other pur- At the request of Mr. LEAHY, his Day: A National Day of Celebration of poses. name was added as a cosponsor of S. Greek and American Democracy’’. S. 543 727, a bill to improve and expand geo- AMENDMENT NO. 299 At the request of Mr. NELSON of Ne- graphic literacy among kindergarten At the request of Mr. STEVENS, the braska, the names of the Senator from through grade 12 students in the United name of the Senator from Louisiana Missouri (Mr. BOND), the Senator from States by improving professional devel- (Mr. VITTER) was added as a cosponsor Massachusetts (Mr. KENNEDY) and the opment programs for kindergarten of amendment No. 299 proposed to S. 4, Senator from Arkansas (Mrs. LINCOLN) through grade 12 teachers offered a bill to make the United States more were added as cosponsors of S. 543, a through institutions of higher edu- secure by implementing unfinished rec- bill to improve Medicare beneficiary cation. ommendations of the 9/11 Commission access by extending the 60 percent S. 771 to fight the war on terror more effec- compliance threshold used to deter- At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the tively, to improve homeland security, mine whether a hospital or unit of a name of the Senator from Pennsyl- and for other purposes.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.043 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3066 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 AMENDMENT NO. 383 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for cials with the tools that they need to At the request of Mr. BIDEN, the all Americans. ensure that our government remains name of the Senator from Connecticut Last year, the Senate Judiciary Com- open and accessible. First, our bill re- (Mr. LIEBERMAN) was added as a co- mittee favorably reported an essen- stores meaningful deadlines for agency sponsor of amendment No. 383 proposed tially identical bill. Sadly, the full action by ensuring that the 20-day stat- to S. 4, a bill to make the United Senate did not consider this legislation utory clock runs immediately upon the States more secure by implementing before it adjourned last year. But, I receipt of the request and the bill im- unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 hope that the Senate will do its part to pose real consequences on Federal Commission to fight the war on terror reinvigorate FOIA this year, by agencies for missing statutory dead- more effectively, to improve homeland promptly passing this bill. lines. Our bill also clarifies that FOIA security, and for other purposes. During my three decades in the Sen- applies to agency records that are held AMENDMENT NO. 412 ate, I have devoted a considerable por- by outside private contractors, no mat- At the request of Mr. LIEBERMAN, his tion of my work to improving govern- ter where these records are located. name was added as a cosponsor of ment openness, to make our govern- In addition, our bill establishes a amendment No. 412 proposed to S. 4, a ment work better for the American FOIA hotline service for all Federal bill to make the United States more se- people. At times, this has been a lonely agencies, either by telephone or on the cure by implementing unfinished rec- effort. But, for the past 4 years, I have Internet, to enable requestors to track ommendations of the 9/11 Commission been delighted to have Senator CORNYN the status of their FOIA requests. Fi- to fight the war on terror more effec- as a partner on this important issue. I nally, our bill enhances the agency re- tively, to improve homeland security, thank him for his leadership on pre- porting requirements under FOIA and and for other purposes. serving and strengthening FOIA. improves personnel policies for FOIA Now in its fourth decade, the Free- officials to enhance agency FOIA per- AMENDMENT NO. 420 dom of Information Act remains an in- formance. At the request of Mr. BIDEN, the dispensable tool in shedding light on This legislation was drafted after a name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. bad policies and government abuses. long and thoughtful process of con- COLLINS) was added as a cosponsor of But, today, FOIA also faces challenges sultation with individuals and organi- amendment No. 420 intended to be pro- like never before. During the past 6 zations that rely on FOIA to obtain in- posed to S. 4, a bill to make the United years, the Bush administration has al- formation and share it with the public, States more secure by implementing lowed lax FOIA enforcement and a near including the news media, librarians, unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 obsession with secrecy to undercut the and public interest organizations rep- Commission to fight the war on terror public’s right to know. As we celebrate resenting all facets of the political more effectively, to improve homeland Sunshine Week this week, there is ur- spectrum. security, and for other purposes. gent need to update and strengthen our This legislation also reaffirms the AMENDMENT NO. 435 FOIA law. fundamental premise of FOIA—that At the request of Mr. PRYOR, the Chief among the problems with FOIA government information belongs to all names of the Senator from Maryland is the major delays encountered by Americans. Again, I thank Senator (Ms. MIKULSKI) and the Senator from FOIA requestors. According to a report CORNYN for the time and effort that he Minnesota (Mr. COLEMAN) were added by the National Security Archive, an has devoted to reinvigorating FOIA, as cosponsors of amendment No. 435 in- independent nongovernmental research and I urge all Senators to join us in tended to be proposed to S. 4, a bill to institute, the oldest outstanding FOIA supporting this important open govern- make the United States more secure by requests date back to 1989—before the ment legislation. implementing unfinished recommenda- collapse of the Soviet Union. And, tions of the 9/11 Commission to fight while the number of FOIA requests By Ms. SNOWE: the war on terror more effectively, to submitted each year continues to rise, S. 852. A bill to deauthorize the improve homeland security, and for our Federal agencies remain unable—or project for navigation, Tenants Harbor, other purposes. unwilling—to keep up with the de- Maine; to the Committee on Environ- AMENDMENT NO. 448 mand. Just recently, the Government ment and Public Works. At the request of Mr. ENSIGN, the Accountability Office found that Fed- By Ms. SNOWE: names of the Senator from Louisiana eral agencies had 43 percent more FOIA S. 853. A bill to deauthorize the (Mr. VITTER) and the Senator from requests pending and outstanding in project for navigation, Northeast Har- Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) were added as 2006, than they had in 2002. bor, Maine; to the Committee on Envi- cosponsors of amendment No. 448 pro- Although the Bush administration ronment and Public Works. posed to S. 4, a bill to make the United has taken modest steps to address the States more secure by implementing growing problem with FOIA delays, By Ms. SNOWE: unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 that effort has not done nearly enough S. 854. A bill to modify the project for Commission to fight the war on terror to correct lax FOIA enforcement by navigation, Union River, Maine; to the more effectively, to improve homeland Federal agencies. More than a year Committee on Environment and Public security, and for other purposes. after the President’s directive to Gov- Works. f ernment agencies to improve their FOIA services, Americans who seek in- By Ms. SNOWE: STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED formation under FOIA remain less like- S. 855. A bill to deauthorize a certain BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS ly to obtain it. For example, a recent portion of the project for navigation, BY Mr. LEAHY (for himself and study by the Coalition of Journalists Rockland Harbor, Maine; to the Com- Mr. CORNYN): for Open Government found that the mittee on Environment and Public S. 849. A bill to promote accessi- percentage of FOIA requestors who ob- Works. bility, accountability, and openness in tained at least some of the information By Ms. SNOWE: Government by strengthening section that they requested from the Govern- S. 856. A bill to terminate authoriza- 552 of title 5, United States Code (com- ment fell by 31 percent last year. These tion for the project for navigation, monly referred to as the Freedom of In- and other shortcomings with the Presi- Rockport Harbor, Maine; to the Com- formation Act), and for other purposes; dent’s FOIA policy demonstrate that mittee on Environment and Public to the Committee on the Judiciary. the Congress must play an important Works. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am role in preserving and strengthening pleased to join Senator CORNYN in re- FOIA. By Ms. SNOWE: introducing the Openness Promotes Ef- The legislation that Senator CORNYN S. 857. A bill to redesignate the fectiveness in our National Govern- and I introduce today takes several im- project for navigation, Saco River, ment Act’’, the ‘‘OPEN Government portant steps to help Americans obtain Maine, as an anchorage area; to the Act’’. This bill contains commonsense timely responses to their FOIA re- Committee on Environment and Public reforms to update and strengthen the quests and to provide government offi- Works.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.044 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3067 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise cities in the Mid-coast area. Like many install permanent pilings to secure a today to reintroduce a series of bills of the port cities on the eastern sea- set of new municipal floats, which that are important to economic devel- board, Rockland has been forced to would replace the current temporary opment along our long coastline. Most confront an assortment of financial float system. of these bills were either included in and environmental changes, but hap- My sixth bill for reintroduction the Water Resources Development Act pily, the city has been able to respond today is a bill for the City of Saco, (WRDA) of 2006 or has passed the Sen- to these challenges in positive and pro- Maine that concerns the town’s ability ate as a stand-alone bill. Unfortu- ductive ways. to allow the mooring of boats on the nately, much to my great disappoint- The City of Rockland has hosted the Saco River. The bill changes the turn- ment, the larger Corps of Engineers re- Windjammer fleet since 1955, earning a ing basin into an anchorage while man- authorization legislation did not see well-deserved reputation as the Wind- aging a 50-foot channel within the an- action before the Senate adjourned the jammer Capital of the World. Rock- chorage. The town was not aware that 109th Congress. My hope is that all of land’s Windjammers are now National it was in violation because of 21 moor- these noncontroversial bills will be in- Historic Landmarks, and as such, are ings located in the Saco River Federal cluded in the WRDA legislation in the vitally important to both the city and Navigational Project. In an effort to 110th Congress. the State. The image of The Victory eliminate this encroachment, city offi- Importantly, all of my bills are sup- Chimes, one of five vessels slated to be cials have requested a modification or ported by the various townspeople and berthed at the new wharf and a vessel de-authorization of the Federal Navi- their officials, and State officials, who whose historical designation I sup- gational Project to resolve the issue. view these harbor deauthorizations and ported, graces the Maine quarter. This The US Army Corps of Engineers sug- river improvements as engines for eco- beautiful fleet of windjammers symbol- gested language that re-designates the nomic development. The bills also have izes the great seagoing history of maneuvering basin into an anchorage the support of the New England Dis- Maine as well as the sense of adventure area that will meet the needs of the trict of the Corps of Engineers. that we have come to associate so community. The language will allow The first bill pertains to Tenants closely with the American experience. for the legal moorage of boats, the fair- Harbor, St. George, ME. Deauthorizing Lermond Cove is perfectly situated in way for which would be maintained by the Federal Navigation Channel (FNC) the Rockland Harbor to be the new and the city of Saco as is customary for would be of great help to the town in permanent home for these cherished towns with Federal anchorages. The appropriately managing the Harbor to vessels. The proposed Windjammer two mayors of the cities involved along maximize mooring areas. Over the Wharf will also provide a safe harbor with the Saco Yacht Club have agreed years there have been mounting prob- from storms, as it is tucked nicely near to the Corps’ language. lems with the Army Corps of Engi- the Maine State Ferry and Department It is my hope that all of these non- neers’ mooring permit process as peo- of Marine Resources piers. controversial provisions will be in- ple seeking permits for moorings that The State of Maine capitalizes on the cluded in the Water Resources Develop- have existed for 30 years continue to be visual impact of the Windjammers to ment Act of 2007 and I am writing Sen- ator BOXER, the new Chairwoman of notified that the mooring locations are promote tourism, working waterfronts the EPW Committee requesting inclu- prohibited because they fall within the and the natural beauty that distin- sion of my bills in the upcoming WRDA federal navigational channel. guishes our landscape. Over $300,000 is My second bill concerns Northeast spent yearly by the Maine Windjammer bill. I am pleased to hear that she is Harbor in Mt. Desert, ME. The lan- Association to advertise and promote also anxious for the WRDA bill to move guage will not only allow for more rec- these businesses. Deauthorizing that forward just as quickly as possible. It reational moorages and commercial ac- part of the Federal navigational chan- has been six long years since our last tivities, it will also be an economic nel will clearly trigger significant and WRDA bill was signed into law—much too long even for the patient people in boost to Northeast Harbor, which is unrealized economic benefits for the Maine who want to urgently move for- surrounded by Acadia National Park, region, providing many beneficial dol- ward on economic development for one of the Nation’s most visited lars to the local area and the State of their coastal communities. parks—both by land and by water. The Maine. According to the Longwood Also, I am pleased to be cosponsoring removal of the harbor from the FNC study, which uses a multiplier of 1.5, a bill with Senator COLLINS that ad- will allow the town to adapt to the the economic impact of this spending dresses the project for the mitigation high demand for moorings and will is 3.8 million dollars a year. Conserv- of shore damage at Camp Ellis, ME. allow residents to obtain moorings in a atively, the Windjammers spend over The bill authorizes the Secretary of the more timely manner. The Harbor has 2.5 million dollars a year in the state. Army to carry out the project, under I want to thank the New England now reached capacity for both moor- the River and Harbor Act of 1968, to ings and shoreline facilities and has a Corps of Engineers for their help in mitigate shore damage attributable to waiting list of over sixty people, along drafting the language and working the Saco River navigational project, with commercial operators who have with the Maine Department of Trans- waiving the funding cap requirement been waiting for years to obtain a portation, which runs the ferry line, for congressional authorization set mooring for their commercial vessels. and also the Rockland city officials, forth in that Act. The legislation is My third bill addresses the Union the Rockland Port District, and the needed to complete the project as it River in Ellsworth, ME. The bill sup- Captains of the Windjammer vessels— will cost more than authorized under ports the city of Ellsworth’s efforts to Mainers and business people with the current law, and is the preferred revitalize the Union River navigation vision and commitment needed to com- project by non-Federal interests. channel, harbor, and shoreline. The plete Windjammer Wharf and create a Studies have shown that the Army modification called for in my legisla- permanent home for this historic fleet Corps jetty, built over 100 years ago, tion will redesignate a portion of the of windjammers in Rockland Harbor. has contributed to beach erosion and Union River as an anchorage area. This I am reintroducing my fifth bill for the loss of more than thirty houses to redesignation will allow for a greater the Town of Rockport—this request the sea. The houses in danger currently number of moorings in the harbor came in after the Environment and were once six rows back from the without interfering with navigation Public Works Committee passed out water. When the mitigation project is and will further improve the City’s re- the WRDA bill in the last Congress. It completed, it is hoped that it will pro- vitalization efforts for the harbor area. would deauthorize a part of the Federal tect the residents, households, and My fourth bill, that passed the Sen- Navigation Channel in Rockport Har- businesses along the shoreline adjacent ate as a stand-alone bill last year, will bor. The town, located on the active to the Army Corps jetty in Saco. make the mooring of an historic wind- Mid-Coast of Maine, has requested that jammer fleet in Rockland Harbor a re- Congress decommission a 35 foot by 275 By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Ms. ality. Originally a strong fishing port, foot area directly adjacent to the bulk- SNOWE, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. ENZI, Rockland retains its rich marine herit- head at Marine Park. With this de- Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. age, and it is one of the fastest growing authorization, the Town will be able to DURBIN, and Mr. SANDERS):

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.043 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3068 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 S. 858. A bill to amend the Internal benefit payment up to a specified an amount provided to an employee for Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the amount. That way, employers and transportation on a bicycle if such transpor- transportation fringe benefit to bicycle their employees can decide how much tation is in connection with travel between commuters; to the Committee on Fi- of an incentive they need to stop driv- the employee’s residence and place of em- ployment.’’. nance. ing and start riding their bikes. Those (c) LIMITATION ON EXCLUSION.—Subpara- Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, about who currently ride the bus and/or sub- graph (A) of section 132(f)(2) of the Internal the most red, white and blue, patriotic way to work would also gain an extra Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to limitation action our Nation could take is to de- incentive to ride their bikes. Employ- on exclusion) is amended by striking ‘‘sub- velop a new energy policy that reduces ers can deduct the cost of their benefit paragraphs (A) and (B)’’ and inserting ‘‘sub- our Nation’s dependence on foreign oil. payments from their taxable income. paragraphs (A), (B), and (D)’’. (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments And the biggest source of our oil de- This reduces the taxes that they pay to made by this section shall apply to taxable pendence is transportation—the cars, the Federal Government. And, in turn, years beginning after December 31, 2007. trucks and sport utility vehicles employees will receive anywhere from (SUVs) that our citizens drive every $40–$110 per month as a non-taxable By Mr. HARKIN (for himself and day. benefit, to help them pay for the costs Mr. LUGAR): That’s why I am pleased to be intro- of riding their bikes. S. 859. A bill to require the Secretary ducing a bill that will help citizens who This is a fair and modest proposal of Energy to award funds to study the want to do their part to reduce oil de- that will reward employees who ride feasibility of constructing dedicated pendence by commuting to work by bi- their bikes to and from their jobs. ethanol pipelines to increase the en- cycle. I am joined in sponsoring the Bi- Our Senate bill is a companion bill to ergy, economic, and environmental se- cycle Commuters Benefits Act of 2007 a bill being introduced by my fellow curity of the United States, and for by Senators SNOWE, COLLINS, DURBIN, Oregonian, Congressman EARL other purposes; to the Committee on MENENDEZ, INOUYE, ENZI and SANDERS. BLUMENAUER. He has dozens of co-spon- Energy and Natural Resources. I know that many people in our coun- sors from both sides of the aisle and Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, today I try want to do something concrete every part of the United States eager am introducing the Ethanol Infrastruc- about our Nation’s dependence on oil to offer bicycle commuters the same ture Expansion Act of 2007. This bill di- rects the Department of Energy, DOE, and gas. As gas prices continue to incentive that I want to offer to those to study and evaluate the feasibility of climb again this spring, more and more who take mass transit or drive. people are going to be looking for ac- In addition, our bill is supported by transporting ethanol by pipeline. I am pleased that my colleague, Senator tions that they can take to free them- many regional and national bicycling LUGAR of Indiana, is joining me as a co- selves from this dependency. The bill I organizations such as Bikes Belong, am introducing today gives Americans sponsor of this bill. Cycle Oregon, the Bicycle Transpor- There is broad recognition that we more incentive to give up the cars and tation Alliance, the League of Amer- need to reduce our almost-complete de- trucks that they drive to and from ican Bicyclists, the Washington Area pendence on oil for energy in our trans- work every day and get on their bicy- Bicyclist Association, Transportation portation sector. We also understand cles instead. Alternatives and hundreds of Capitol According to recent Census reports, that there is not a single, simple solu- Hill employees who commute by bike tion to this dependence. I believe that more than 500,000 people throughout to work every day. we need to use energy more efficiently the United States commute to work by When you look around our cities, the and promote alternatives to petro- bicycle. They are freeing themselves taxpayers have paid millions of dollars leum-based fuels in transportation. from sitting in traffic. They are saving for bike trails in all of America’s urban The most promising liquid fuel alter- energy and overcoming their depend- areas and major job markets. Now, bi- native to conventional gasoline today ence on oil and gas. They are getting cycle commuters will have an extra in- is ethanol. Use of ethanol as an addi- exercise; avoiding obesity and helping centive to make greater use of this tive in gasoline and in the form of E85 us keep our air clean and safe to public investment to commute to and is expanding rapidly, and for good rea- breathe. from their jobs. sons. First of all, as a domestically- Yet, they are commuting by bicycle I look forward to working with our produced fuel, ethanol contributes to at their own expense. Their fellow em- colleagues to enact this legislation to our national energy security. As a gas- ployees who take mass transit to and reward citizens doing their part to put oline additive, ethanol provides air from work have an incentive created in us on the road to oil independence by quality benefits by reducing auto tail- the Transportation Equity Act for the biking to work. pipe emissions of air pollutants. Be- 21st Century that enables their em- I ask unanimous consent that the cause ethanol is biodegradable, its use ployers to pay for their bus or subway text of the bill be printed in the poses no threat to surface water or ride. And those who commute to work RECORD. groundwater. Finally, the production by car or truck can receive tax-free There being no objection, the text of of ethanol provides national and re- parking benefits provided by their em- the bill was ordered to be printed in gional economic and job-growth bene- ployers. These incentives are great for the RECORD, as follows: fits by using local resources and labor mass transit commuters or those who S. 858 to contribute to critical national drive to work. But they also create a Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- transportation energy needs. financial disincentive for those riding resentatives of the United States of America in My Congressional colleagues and I their bikes to and from their jobs. The Congress assembled, have recognized the benefits and poten- Bicycle Commuters Benefits Act of 2007 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. tial of ethanol and have promoted its will eliminate this financial disincen- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Bicycle expanded production and use in numer- tive and level the commuting field for Commuters Benefits Act of 2007’’. ous bills, including most recently in bicyclists. SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF TRANSPORTATION the 2005 energy bill. A key provision in The bill extends the fringe benefits FRINGE BENEFIT TO BICYCLE COM- MUTERS. that legislation is the renewable fuels that employers can offer their employ- (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (1) of section standard under which motor vehicle ees for commuting by public transit, 132(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 fuel sold in the United States is re- car or truck to those who ride their bi- (relating to general rule for qualified trans- quired to contain increasing levels of cycles to and from their jobs. Our bill portation fringe) is amended by adding at renewable fuels. Several other provi- amends the tax code so that public and the end the following: sions promote the production of eth- private employers can offer their em- ‘‘(D) Bicycle commuting allowance.’’. anol from a broad variety of plentiful ployees a monthly benefit payment (b) BICYCLE COMMUTING ALLOWANCE DE- and low-cost biomass including corn that will help them cover the costs of FINED.—Paragraph (5) of section 132(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to stover, wheat straw, forest industry riding their bikes, instead of driving definitions) is amended by adding at the end wastes woody municipal wastes and and parking their cars where they the following: dedicated energy crops. work. The bill also provides employers ‘‘(F) BICYCLE COMMUTING ALLOWANCE.—The The viability of ethanol is reflected the flexibility to set their own level of term ‘bicycle commuting allowance’ means in the rapid expansion of its production

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.055 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3069 and use, which has increased by more funding private sector studies or con- (11) having an ethanol pipeline study com- than 20 percent annually for the past ducting the studies on its own. The re- pleted in the very near term is important be- several years. Moreover, ethanol’s sults of these studies will provide a cause the construction of 1 or more dedi- longer-term potential to become a very clearer picture of the benefits and chal- cated ethanol pipelines would take at least several years to complete. significant energy source for transpor- lenges of pipeline transport of ethanol. SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY. tation is gaining attention. A number They will provide critical information, In this Act, the term ‘‘Secretary’’ means of studies have concluded that ethanol both for the ethanol industry as it con- the Secretary of Energy. can contribute 20 to 30 percent or more templates ethanol transport alter- SEC. 4. FEASIBILITY STUDIES. of our transportation fuel in the fu- natives, and for policy-makers seeking (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in coordi- ture. Several of my Senate colleagues to understand what policies or pro- nation with the Secretary of Agriculture and have joined me to introduce S. 23, the grams might be appropriate to promote the Secretary of Transportation, shall spend Biofuels Security Act of 2007, which the most cost-effective and environ- up to $1,000,000 to fund feasibility studies for calls for increased access to ethanol at mentally sound ethanol transport into the construction of dedicated ethanol pipe- lines. the pump and greatly expanded produc- the future. (b) CONDUCT OF STUDIES.— tion of flexible-fuel vehicles. The Act We have broad agreement on the need (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall— also provides a directive for domestic to do all that we can to reduce our de- (A) through a competitive solicitation production of renewable fuels to reach pendence on oil. We are promoting ex- process, select 1 or more firms having capa- 60 billion gallons a year by 2030. I am panding production and use of renew- bilities in the planning, development, and especially proud of the leadership role able fuels in many ways, but we need construction of dedicated ethanol pipelines that my State of Iowa and commu- to take into account the full range of to carry out the feasibility studies described infrastructure issues that broader eth- in subsection (a); or nities across rural America are going (B) carry out the feasibility studies in con- to play in this expansion. anol use entails. The rapid growth of junction with such firms. Given this outlook, it is time for us ethanol production and use neces- (2) TIMING.— to consider the full implications of sitates the very near-term study of (A) IN GENERAL.—If the Secretary elects to such a transition. One issue that de- transporting ethanol by pipeline. I urge select 1 or more firms under paragraph serves prompt attention is that of eth- my Senate colleagues to join me in (1)(A), the Secretary shall award funding anol transport. The volumes of ethanol passing this important and timely leg- under this section not later than 120 days to be shipped in the future strongly islation. I ask unanimous consent that after the date of enactment of this Act. suggest that pipeline transport should the text of the bill be printed in the (B) STUDIES.—As a condition of receiving funds under this section, a recipient of fund- be considered due to the potential eco- RECORD. There being no objection, the text of ing shall agree to submit to the Secretary a nomic and environmental advantages completed feasibility study not later than this alternative might offer as com- the bill was ordered to be printed in 360 days after the date of enactment of this pared to shipment by highway, rail the RECORD, as follows: Act. tanker, or barge. As production vol- S. 859 (c) STUDY FACTORS.—Feasibility studies umes increase, especially in the Mid- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- funded under this Act shall include consider- ation of— west, it is likely to be more economical resentatives of the United States of America in (1) existing or potential barriers to dedi- Congress assembled, to pump ethanol through pipelines cated ethanol pipelines, including technical, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. than to ship it in containers across the siting, financing, and regulatory barriers; This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Ethanol In- country. Pipeline shipping could pro- (2) potential evolutionary pathways for the frastructure Expansion Act of 2007’’. vide for reduced vehicle emissions and development of an ethanol pipeline transport SEC. 2. FINDINGS. system, such as starting with localized gath- superior energy efficiency compared to Congress finds that— ering networks as compared to major inter- rail or tanker shipment. (1) it is in the national interest to make state ethanol pipelines to carry larger vol- For all of these reasons, we should greater use of ethanol in transportation umes from the Midwest to the East or West begin to consider development of an fuels; coast; ethanol pipeline network. Given the (2) ethanol is a clean, renewable fuel that (3) market risk, including throughput risk, provides public health benefits in the form of pace of ethanol’s growth, it is likely and ways of mitigating the risk; reduced emissions, including reduced green- that our Nation could begin to benefit (4) regulatory, financing, and siting op- house gas emissions that cause climate from pipeline transport of ethanol as tions that would mitigate risk in these areas change; early as 2015. The current state of and help ensure the construction of dedi- (3) ethanol use provides economic gains to cated ethanol pipelines; knowledge regarding transport of eth- agricultural producers, biofuels producers, (5) financial incentives that may be nec- anol by pipeline is limited. Although it and rural areas; essary for the construction of dedicated eth- is being done in Brazil, a world leader (4) ethanol use benefits the national secu- anol pipelines, including the return on eq- in the production and use of ethanol, rity of the United States by displacing the uity that sponsors of the first dedicated eth- use of petroleum, much of which is imported challenges remain. The water solu- anol pipelines will require to invest in the from foreign countries that are hostile to the bility of ethanol introduces technical pipelines; United States; and operational issues that affect the (6) ethanol production of 20,000,000,000, (5) ethanol can reduce prices at the pump shipment of ethanol in multi-product 30,000,000,000, and 40,000,000,000 gallons per for motoring consumers by extending fuel year by 2020; and pipelines. Thus, the largest associated supplies and due to the competitive cost of (7) such other factors that the Secretary research costs will be in the planning, ethanol relative to conventional gasoline; siting, design, financing, permitting considers to be appropriate. (6) ethanol faces shipping challenges in (d) CONFIDENTIALITY.—If a recipient of and construction of the first ethanol pipelines that transport other liquid trans- funding under this section requests confiden- pipelines. This work may well take as portation fuels; tial treatment for critical energy infrastruc- long as a decade, perhaps longer. For (7) currently ethanol is shipped by rail ture information or commercially-sensitive that reason, we need to begin now to tanker cars, barges, and trucks, all of which data contained in a feasibility study sub- develop a solid understanding of this could, as ethanol production expands, en- mitted by the recipient under subsection counter capacity limits due to competing (b)(2)(B), the Secretary shall offer to enter ethanol transport option. use demands for the rail tanker cars, barges, This bill initiates that process by di- into a confidentiality agreement with the re- and trucks; cipient to maintain the confidentiality of recting the Department of Energy to (8) as the United States ethanol market ex- the submitted information. conduct ethanol pipeline feasibility pands in the coming years there is likely to (e) REVIEW; REPORT.—The Secretary studies. It calls for analyses of the be a need for dedicated ethanol pipelines to shall— technological, economic, regulatory, fi- transport ethanol from the Midwest, where (1) review the feasibility studies submitted nancial and siting issues related to ethanol generally is produced, to the Eastern under subsection (b)(2)(B) or carried out transporting ethanol via pipelines. A and Western United States; under subsection (b)(1)(B); and systematic analysis of these issues will (9) as of the date of enactment of this Act, (2) not later than 15 months after the date dedicated ethanol pipelines do not exist in of enactment of this Act, submit to Congress provide the substantive information the United States and will be challenging to a report that includes— necessary to assess the costs and bene- construct, at least initially; (A) information about the potential bene- fits of this transport alternative. The (10) Brazil has already shown that ethanol fits of constructing dedicated ethanol pipe- Act would allow DOE the option of can be shipped effectively via pipeline; and lines; and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.057 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3070 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 (B) recommendations for legislation that net programs like ADAP continue to ETHA. I also wish to thank all of the could help provide for the construction of struggle, ETHA gives States another organizations around the country that dedicated ethanol pipelines. way to reach out to low-income, HIV- have expressed support for this bill, in SEC. 5. FUNDING. positive individuals. particular, Oregon’s Cascade AIDS There is authorized to be appropriated to I believe ETHA represents a prom- the Secretary to carry out this Act $1,000,000 Project. The work they do on behalf of for fiscal year 2008, to remain available until ising opportunity to turn the tide individuals living with HIV/AIDS in my expended. against this devastating epidemic. In home State is truly commendable, and 2005, there were 220 newly infected HIV I appreciate the support they have By Mr. SMITH (for himself, Mrs. cases reported in my home State of Or- shown ETHA over the years. CLINTON, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. egon. If we were able to provide even a There being no objection, the mate- BROWN, Ms. STABENOW, Ms. fraction of those individuals access to rial was ordered to be printed in the CANTWELL, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. early treatment, we could prevent the RECORD, as follows: SPECTER, Mr. NELSON of Flor- progression of their condition to full- S. 860 ida, Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. MENEN- blown AIDS. Experience has shown Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- DEZ, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mr. DUR- that current HIV treatments are very resentatives of the United States of America in BIN, Mr. KENNEDY, Ms. COLLINS, successful in delaying the progression Congress assembled, Mrs. LINCOLN, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. from HIV infection to AIDS, and help SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. BAYH, Ms. SNOWE, Mr. SANDERS, improve the health and quality of life This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Early Treat- and Mr. BINGAMAN): for millions of people living with the ment for HIV Act of 2007’’. S. 860. A bill to amend title XIX of disease. SEC. 2. OPTIONAL MEDICAID COVERAGE OF LOW- the Social Security Act to permit Studies conducted by Pricewater- INCOME HIV-INFECTED INDIVID- States the option to provide Medicaid house Cooper (PWC) support providing UALS. coverage for low-income individuals in- early healthcare to individuals diag- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1902 of the Social fected with HIV; to the Committee on Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a) is amended— nosed with HIV because it has both the (1) in subsection (a)(10)(A)(ii)— Finance. potential to save lives and control (A) by striking ‘‘or’’ at the end of sub- Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise costs. Specifically, providing individ- clause (XVIII); today to introduce the Early Treat- uals coverage through ETHA could re- (B) by adding ‘‘or’’ at the end of subclause ment for HIV Act, or ETHA. I ask duce the death rate of persons living (XIX); and unanimous consent that the full text of with HIV by more than half. Similarly (C) by adding at the end the following: this bill, along with the numerous let- encouraging is the potential cost-sav- ‘‘(XX) who are described in subsection (dd) ters of support I have received from ad- ings ETHA could generate in the Med- (relating to HIV-infected individuals);’’; and vocacy organizations, be printed in the (2) by adding at the end the following: icaid program. Due to its preventive ‘‘(dd) HIV-infected individuals described in RECORD. I am pleased that Senator aim, ETHA is estimated to begin sav- this subsection are individuals not described CLINTON is joining me once again to in- ing the Medicaid program $31.7 million in subsection (a)(10)(A)(i)— troduce ETHA. I thank her for the each year after the effects of expanded ‘‘(1) who have HIV infection; steadfast support she has shown people access to care are fully realized. ‘‘(2) whose income (as determined under living with HIV. This terrible illness I believe ETHA is a key example of the State plan under this title with respect knows no party affiliation, and I am the type of reform Congress needs to be to disabled individuals) does not exceed the pleased to say that ETHA’s 20 cospon- implementing to the federal entitle- maximum amount of income a disabled indi- sors span both sides of the aisle. ments. The short term investment re- vidual described in subsection (a)(10)(A)(i) ETHA provides States the ability to may have and obtain medical assistance quired to expand Medicaid coverage under the plan; and extend Medicaid coverage to low-in- will ultimately result in significant ‘‘(3) whose resources (as determined under come, HIV-positive individuals before long-term savings to the program—at the State plan under this title with respect they develop full-blown AIDS. Today, no harm to the beneficiary. But most to disabled individuals) do not exceed the the unfortunate reality is that most importantly, ETHA takes an important maximum amount of resources a disabled in- patients must become disabled before step toward ensuring that all Ameri- dividual described in subsection (a)(10)(A)(i) they can qualify for Medicaid. Nearly cans living with HIV can get the med- may have and obtain medical assistance 50 percent of people living with AIDS ical care they need to lead healthy, under the plan.’’. who know their status lack ongoing ac- (b) ENHANCED MATCH.—The first sentence productive lives for as long as possible. of section 1905(b) of the Social Security Act cess to treatment. In my home State of One of the strongest features of (42 U.S.C. 1396d(b)) is amended by striking Oregon, there are approximately 5,700 ETHA is the enhanced Federal Med- ‘‘section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XVIII)’’ and insert- persons living with HIV/AIDS. It is es- icaid match rate it provides to encour- ing ‘‘subclause (XVIII) or (XX) of section timated that approximately 40 percent age States to expand coverage to indi- 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)’’. of these Oregonians are not receiving viduals diagnosed with HIV. This provi- (c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section care for their HIV disease. I believe it sion closely models the successful 1905(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. is our moral responsibility to do every- Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment 1396d(a)) is amended in the matter preceding thing we can to ensure that all people and Prevention Act of 2000, which al- paragraph (1)— (1) by striking ‘‘or’’ at the end of clause living with HIV—regardless of their in- lows States to provide early Medicaid (xii); come or their insurance status—have intervention to women with breast and (2) by adding ‘‘or’’ at the end of clause access to timely, effective treatment. cervical cancer. We can build upon this (xiii); and Unfortunately, safety net programs success by passing ETHA and extend- (3) by inserting after clause (xiii) the fol- across the country are running out of ing similar early intervention treat- lowing: money, and as a consequence, they are ments to people with HIV. ‘‘(xiv) individuals described in section generally unable to cover all of the HIV/AIDS touches the lives of mil- 1902(dd);’’. people who need assistance paying for lions of Americans from a variety of (d) EXEMPTION FROM FUNDING LIMITATION their medical care. For instance, Or- FOR TERRITORIES.—Section 1108(g) of the So- backgrounds. Some get the proper cial Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1308(g)) is amend- egon’s Ryan White funded AIDS Drug medications they need to keep healthy, ed by adding at the end the following: Assistance Program (ADAP) is experi- but far too many do not. The inability ‘‘(3) DISREGARDING MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR encing significant financial hardship to access life-saving treatment lit- OPTIONAL LOW-INCOME HIV-INFECTED INDIVID- due to years of inadequate funding. As erally creates a ‘‘life and death’’ situa- UALS.—The limitations under subsection (f) a consequence, the program has been tion for many of our most vulnerable and the previous provisions of this sub- forced to impose burdensome cost-shar- citizens. Fortunately, ETHA can give section shall not apply to amounts expended ing requirements and limit the scope of those individuals access to the care for medical assistance for individuals de- drugs it covers on its formulary. Fortu- scribed in section 1902(dd) who are only eligi- they need so they can look forward to ble for such assistance on the basis of section nately, Oregon’s ADAP has not had to a long, healthy life. 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XX).’’. resort to service waiting lists, a cost I again want to thank the strong (e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments control mechanism that many States group of bipartisan Senators that is made by this section shall apply to calendar have been forced to adopt. As safety joining me as original cosponsors of quarters beginning on or after the date of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:17 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.066 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3071 the enactment of this Act, without regard to vention, care and treatment programs fund- allow them to live a productive life with whether or not final regulations to carry out ed by state and federal governments. This their family and be a healthy contributing such amendments have been promulgated by legislation would give states an important member of society. ETHA would provide such date. option in providing care and treatment serv- states the option of amending their Medicaid ices to low-income Americans living with eligibility requirements to include uninsured HIV MEDICINE ASSOCIATION, HIV. and under-insured, pre-disabled poor and Alexandria, VA, January 30, 2007. The Early Treatment for HIV Act (ETHA) low-income people living with HIV. No state Hon. GORDON SMITH, would allow states to expand their Medicaid has to participate if they choose not to. As Russell Senate Office Building, programs to cover HIV positive individuals, all states have participated in the Breast and Washington, DC. before they become disabled, without having Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Hon. HILLARY CLINTON, to receive a waiver. NASTAD believes this Act, upon which ETHA is modeled, we be- Russell Senate Office Building, legislation would allow HIV positive individ- lieve all States would opt to choose this ap- Washington, DC. uals to access the medical care that is widely proach in treating those with HIV. States DEAR SENATORS SMITH AND CLINTON: I am recommended, can postpone or avoid the will opt into this benefit not only because it writing on behalf of the HIV Medicine Asso- onset of AIDS, and can enormously increase is the medically and ethically right thing to ciation (HIVMA) to offer our strong support the quality of life for people living with HIV. do, but because it is cost effective, as well. for the Early Treatment for HIV Act State AIDS directors continue to develop A recent study prepared by Pricewater- (ETHA). HIVMA represents more than 3,500 innovative and cost-effective HIV/AIDS pro- houseCoopers found that if ETHA was en- HIV medical providers from across the grams in the face of devastating state budget acted, over 10 years: United States. Many of our members serve cuts and federal contributions that fail to —the death rate for persons living with on the front lines of the HIV epidemic pro- keep up with need. ETHA provides a solution HIV on Medicaid would be reduced by 50 per- viding care and treatment in communities to states by increasing health care access for cent; ranging from the rural South to the large those living with HIV/AIDS. —there would be 35,000 more individuals urban areas on the east and west coasts of We would also like to commend the hard with CD4 levels above 500 under ETHA versus the nation. work of your staff, particularly Matt Canedy the existing Medicaid system; and it would As you know, ETHA would allow states to who has been extremely helpful on a myriad —result in savings of $31.7 million. expand their Medicaid programs to cover of HIV/AIDS policy issues. We look forward The AIDS Institute thanks you for your bi- people with HIV disease, before they become to working with him to gain support for the partisan leadership by introducing ‘‘The disabled and progress to AIDS. This impor- legislation. Early Treatment for HIV Act of 2006’’. It is tant program change would allow more peo- Thank you very much for your continued the type of Medicaid reform that is critically ple with HIV disease to benefit from the re- commitment to persons living with HIV/ needed to update the program to keep cur- markable HIV treatment available today— AIDS. rent with the Federal Government’s guide- treatment that has reduced mortality due to Sincerely, lines for treating people with HIV. We were very pleased the US Senate passed HIV disease by nearly 80 percent. JULIE M. SCOFIELD, Many of our members still report high per- Executive Director. an ETHA demonstration project during the centages of patients with HIV presenting at last Congress. In this Congress, we hope their clinics with advanced stage disease. ETHA will finally become a reality. We look THE AIDS INSTITUTE, These patients are often sicker; less respon- Washington, DC, January 29, 2007. forward to working with you and your col- sive to treatment and more costly due to the Re the Early Treatment for HIV Act (ETHA). leagues as it moves toward enactment. need for more intensive interventions, such Thank you very much. as inpatient hospitalization. With earlier ac- Senator GORDON SMITH, Sincerely, cess to medical care and treatment through U.S. Senate, DR. A. GENE COPELLO, Medicaid, these patients could remain rel- Washington, DC. Executive Director. atively healthy and enjoy longer and more Senator HILLARY CLINTON, productive lives. U.S. Senate, AMERICAN ACADEMY Now is the time to help these patients and Washington, DC. OF HIV MEDICINE, the many new ones that will enter HIV care DEAR SENATORS SMITH AND CLINTON: The Washington, DC, Jan. 22, 2007. systems as a result of the Centers for Disease AIDS Institute applauds you for your contin- Hon. GORDON SMITH, Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new rec- ued leadership and commitment to people Russell Senate Office Building, ommendations to make HIV testing a rou- living with HIV/AIDS in our country who are Washington, DC. tine component of medical care. While we in need of lifesaving healthcare and treat- Hon. Hillary Clinton, are strong supporters of routine HIV testing ment. While the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub- Russell Senate Office Building, as a tool to promote earlier diagnosis and Sahara Africa and other parts of the world Washington, DC. linkage to care, we are concerned that our often overshadow the epidemic in the United DEAR SENATOR SMITH AND SENATOR CLIN- current federal and state health care safety- States, we must not forget about the ap- TON: The American Academy of HIV Medi- net programs are ill-equipped to care for the proximately 1.1 million people living in the cine is an independent organization of HIV influx of patients that we expect to be iden- U.S. who have HIV or AIDS. specialists and others dedicated to pro- tified through routine HIV testing. Passage Those infected with HIV are more likely to moting excellence in HIV/AIDS care. As the of ETHA would be a critical step forward in be low-income, and the disease dispropor- largest independent organization of HIV the battle to ensure that all low-income tionately impacts minority communities. In frontline providers, our 2,000 members pro- Americans with HIV disease have the fact, the AIDS case rate per 100,000 for Afri- vide direct care to more than 340,000 HIV pa- healthcare coverage that will allow them to can Americans was 10 times that of whites in tients—more than two thirds of the patients benefit from the lifesaving HIV treatment 2006. According to a recent Institute of Medi- in active treatment for HIV disease. widely available in the U.S. today. cine report titled, ‘‘Public Financing and De- The Academy would like to thank and Thank you very much for your continued livery of HIV/AIDS Care: Securing the Leg- commend you for co-sponsoring the Early commitment to expand access to care for acy of the Ryan White CARE Act’’, 233,000 of Treatment for HIV Act (ETHA). We believe low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS the 463,070 people living with HIV in the U.S. this legislation would allow many HIV posi- and other vulnerable Americans. Please con- who need antiretroviral treatment do not tive individuals access to the quality med- sider HIVMA a resource as you move forward have ongoing access to treatment. This does ical care vital towards postponing or avoid- with the passage of this important legisla- not include an additional 82,000 people who ing the onset of AIDS, and be cost-effective tion. are infected but unaware of their HIV status in doing so. Sincerely, and are in need of antiretroviral medica- ETHA addresses a flawed anomaly in the DANIEL R. KURITZKES, tions. current Medicaid system—that under cur- Chair. One reason why there are so many people rent Medicaid rules people must become dis- lacking treatment is because under current abled by AIDS before they can receive access NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF STATE law, Medicaid, the single largest public to Medicaidprovided care and treatment that & TERRITORIAL-AIDS DIRECTORS, payer of HIV/AIDS care in the U.S., only cov- could have prevented them from becoming so Washington, DC, February 16, 2007. ers those with full blown AIDS, and not ill in the first place. The U.S. Public Health Hon. GORDON SMITH, those with HIV. The Early Treatment for Service guidelines have consistently rec- Russell Senate Office Building, HIV Act (ETHA), being re-introduced in this ommended for several years that the treat- Washington, DC. Congress under your leadership, would rec- ment of HIV patients, before their immune DEAR SENATOR SMITH: On behalf of the Na- tify an archaic mindset in the delivery of systems have been severely damaged by HIV, tional Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS public health care. No longer would a Med- will greatly or even prevent the disabling ef- Directors (NASTAD), I am writing to offer icaid eligible person with HIV have to be- fects of HIV disease. our support for the ‘‘Early Treatment for come disabled with AIDS to receive access to ETHA would bring Medicaid eligibility HIV Act.’’ NASTAD represents the nation’s Medicaid provided care and treatment. rules in line with the clinical standard of chief state and territorial health agency Providing coverage to those with HIV can care for treating HIV disease, which has staff who are responsible for HIV/AIDS pre- prevent them from developing AIDS, and changed dramatically over the last twenty

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:17 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.064 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3072 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 years due to the revolutionary and increas- healthy and productive for as long as pos- home State, we should do everything ingly more simplified life-saving drug regi- sible. we can to make sure 100 percent of the mens. The science of HIV medicine is clear We greatly appreciate your longtime ef- relief funds gets into the hands of real forts on behalf of people living with HIV/ on this point: Today, when appropriately victims. Taxpayers should not sustain treated, HIV can be managed as a serious AIDS. If there is anything we can do to help chronic illness; however, appropriate treat- you with your efforts to pass this legislation, a financial loss at the hands of scam ment requires early and continuous access to please do not hesitate to let us know. artists, and these wrongdoers should highly-active antiretroviral therapy Sincerely, not profit from exploiting the victims (HAART). Preserving an immune system is ANNE DONNELLY, of horrific events. Common sense re- much more effective, if even possible, than Director, Health Care quires that those who deceive the gov- rebuilding one already destroyed. Patients Advocacy. ernment and obtain emergency disaster who do not receive proper treatment until RYAN CLARY, funds by fraud be subject to criminal Associate Director, they are diagnosed with AIDS may not fully punishment. respond or benefit from treatment once it be- Health Care Advo- gins. cacy. I want to share some thoughts about The benefits of early treatment also extend the scope of the problem. Hurricane to the population at large. Good data (Quinn By Mr. SESSIONS. (for himself, Katrina produced one of the most ex- et al.; Porco et al.) now supports what we Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. VITTER, Mr. traordinary displays of loss, pain, and have long suspected—that successful and CORNYN, and Mr. GRASSLEY): suffering, and of scams and schemes consistent treatment of the infected indi- S. 863. A bill to amend title 18, that we have ever seen. The scope of vidual decreases a patient’s infectivity, fur- United States Code, with respect to the fraud and the audacity of the ther benefiting the health of the American fraud in connection with major dis- public and reducing the number of individ- schemers was astonishing. uals ultimately needing costly medical care. aster or emergency funds; to the Com- One of the most heinous examples is Beyond the public’s health, the cost-bene- mittee on the Judiciary. a woman who tried to collect Federal fits of this bill’s implementation are simi- Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I am benefits by claiming she watched her larly clear. States that adopt this option to pleased to introduce today the Emer- two daughters drown in the rising New their Medicaid program would likely see gency and Disaster Assistance Fraud Orleans waters. In truth, she did not cost-savings to Medicaid by limiting costly Penalty Enhancement Act of 2007. The hospital admissions and reducing unneces- even have children and she was living bill creates a specific crime of fraud in in Illinois at the time of the hurricane. sary, preventable illness. With reduced mor- connection with major disasters or bidity, mortality and inpatient costs as a re- Her outrageous claims are an affront to sult of state-of-the-art outpatient treatment, emergency benefits and increases the the many people who actually did lose receiving early, quality outpatient care is penalties currently available for such loved ones in that terrible storm. cost-effective (Valenti, 2001; Freedberg et al. acts. I am happy my good friends and Another example of blatant and wide- 2001) compared with the alternatives. colleagues, Senators LANDRIEU, VITTER, spread fraud after Katrina include, in Passage of the Early Treatment for HIV CORNYN, and GRASSLEY have joined me Texas, a hotel owner who submitted Act will save lives, increase the length and in this important effort. I commend quality of life for people living with HIV/ bills for phantom victims who never them for their leadership on this issue stayed at his hotel. Across the gulf AIDS, help ensure their medical coverage, and look forward to working with them and save money over time. coast, roughly 1,100 prison inmates col- We will work in vigorous support of this to pass this important piece of legisla- lected more than $10 million in rental legislation, and we appreciate your impres- tion. and disaster relief assistance by claim- As a former Federal prosecutor my- sive leadership in doing the same. ing they were displaced by the storm. self for 12 years on the gulf coast of Sincerely, People in jail were being sent checks. JEFF SCHOUTEN, Alabama, and one who has been in- You say: How can that happen? Well, Chair. volved in prosecuting fraud in the they are trying to get money out to aftermath of hurricanes, I can tell you people in a hurry. I think they could do PROJECT INFORM, that it goes on, unfortunately, and San Francisco, CA, February 28, 2007. a better job, frankly. I think FEMA there are some weaknesses in our laws Re Support for Early Treatment for HIV Act could do a better job in analyzing these that we can fix. Hon. GORDON SMITH, The ideas in my bill have received claims. But the truth is, in the rush to U.S. Senate, make sure that people who have lost Washington, DC. strong congressional support. In fact, the House of Representatives passed everything have money to find a room DEAR SENATOR SMITH: On behalf of Project to stay in so they are not out on the Inform, a national HIV/AIDS health care and this same bill last Congress, H.R. 4356. Last March, the House Judiciary Com- streets, it does require them to take treatment advocacy organization based in more risk than normally would be the San Francisco, we are writing to express our mittee approved the Emergency and strong support for the Early Treatment for Disaster Assistance Fraud Penalty En- case. People who take advantage of HIV Act (ETHA). We commend you for your hancement Act because both Demo- that to defraud the taxpayers and to leadership in reintroducing this important crats and Republicans wanted to move rip off the system ought to go to jail bipartisan legislation. as quickly as possible against disaster for it. ETHA would address a cruel irony in the In California, a couple posed as Red current Medicaid system. Currently most in- assistance fraud. The committee sub- mitted a report expressing its favor for Cross workers and fraudulently ob- dividuals with HIV must become disabled by tained donations, saying they were AIDS before they can receive access to Med- the bill and recommended it be passed icaid’s care and treatment programs that without amendment. working for the Red Cross. Also, in could have prevented them from becoming so Last June, the Department of Justice California, 75 workers at a Red Cross ill in the first place. sent a letter to members of the Senate call center were charged in a scheme to ETHA would modernize this system by al- Judiciary Committee in strong support steal hundreds of thousands of dollars lowing states to extend Medicaid coverage to of the bill, noting that it would ‘‘pro- from the Red Cross. One individual re- low-income, pre-disabled people living with vide important prosecutorial tools in ceived 26 Federal disaster relief pay- HIV. It would assure early access to care and the government’s efforts to combat ments by using 13 different Social Se- treatment for thousands of people living curity numbers. In my home State of with HIV across the country. It would also fraud associated with natural disasters help relieve the financial crisis facing many and other emergencies.’’ Alabama, FEMA, the Federal Emer- discretionary HIV/AIDS programs, such as The goal of my bill is to protect the gency Management Agency, paid $2,748 the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) real victims of disasters such as Hurri- to an individual who listed a P.O. box and other services funded by the Ryan White cane Katrina by specifically making it as his damaged property. CARE Act. a crime, under the existing fraud chap- As of January 3, the Hurricane Access to healthcare and treatment is a ter of title 18, USC chapter 47, to fraud- Katrina Fraud Task Force has charged high priority for Project Inform as it ranks 525 individuals in 445 indictments in the top concerns we hear from people ulently obtain emergency disaster through our treatment hotline and commu- funds. brought in 35 judicial districts around nity meetings. We need long-term solutions After an emergency or disaster, such the country. These numbers continue like ETHA to ensure that people have the as the recent tornadoes that dev- to grow every day. The Justice Depart- care and treatment they need to remain astated the city of Enterprise in my ment is aggressively prosecuting these

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:17 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.075 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3073 crooks, but they have asked us for this found in chapter 63 of title 18—title 18 By passing this legislation, the Sen- additional tool. They have asked us to sections 1341, 1343. Those are the bread- ate will send a strong signal that ex- pass this legislation so that the Fed- and-butter criminal statutes for most ploiting the kindness of the American eral statute adequately addresses and frauds. My bill, though, changes the people in times of crisis is a serious deters fraud in connection with emer- Federal mail and wire fraud statutes crime that will be treated with appro- gency disaster assistance. by adding emergency or disaster bene- priate severity. We will not tolerate The fact is, some people think in a fits fraud to the 30-year maximum pen- criminals stealing from the pockets of disaster they can run in and make any alties that are currently reserved for disaster victims. A vote for this bill is kind of bogus claim they desire—that cases involving fraud against banks or a vote to ensure that victims and the money will be given to them and people financial institutions. generous members of the American will be too busy to check. And if they My bill is timely. Just this month we public are not preyed upon by crimi- do, nothing is ever going to happen to have seen tornadoes that killed at least nals attempting to profit from these them. We need to completely reverse 20 people in the Southeast and Midwest disasters and emergencies. that mentality. We need to create a and damaged or destroyed hundreds of I think it is a reasonable piece of leg- mindset on the part of everybody that homes from Minnesota to the gulf islation. We worked hard, on a bipar- these disaster relief funds are sacred; coast. I recently toured many of the tisan basis, with members of the Sen- that they are for the benefit of people areas hit by the storms, and I was ate Judiciary Committee and the De- who have suffered loss, and only people shocked by the devastation. The loss of partment of Justice. Senator LEAHY who have suffered loss should gain ben- eight Alabama schoolchildren at En- has indicated he will bring the bill up efit of it. We need to make it clear that terprise High School was especially in the Judiciary Committee this week. those who steal that money are going heartbreaking. We are looking forward to an analysis to be prosecuted more vigorously and I had the opportunity to be with of it. punished more severely than somebody President Bush on the second day I was We will be glad to listen to any sug- who commits some other kind of crime there. He came down and met with the gestions for improvements that may be because I think it is worse to steal families of those eight young people made, and I think it is a piece of legis- from the generosity of the American who were killed. He spent almost an lation we should move forward with. people who intended to help those in hour with them—almost 10 minutes a need. person. It was a moving experience to By Mr. BUNNING (for himself The total price tag for the fraud com- be a part of that. I talked with each and Mr. MCCONNELL): mitted after Hurricanes Katrina and one of those families and felt the pain S. 864. A bill to amend the Federal Rita is not yet known, but the Govern- and loss they suffered. Power Act to clarify the jurisdiction of ment Accountability Office investiga- Of course, money is not an answer to the Federal Energy Regulatory Com- tors have testified that it will, at the their pain. But I would say this: People mission, and for other purposes; to the very least, be in the billions of dollars. do want to help. If people take advan- Committee on Energy and Natural Re- I am not talking about millions. This tage and steal from those who want to sources. is the GAO saying it will be, at the help families like that, who are in pain Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I very least, in the billions of dollars. and loss, it is a despicable crime, to am introducing the Access to Competi- Now I have seen people, I have been me. tive Power Act of 2007 with my friend The President has declared Enter- down to Bayou La Batre and Coden and and colleague, Senator MITCH MCCON- prise and several other Alabama local- areas in my home area of Alabama who NELL. were devastated by this storm, and it is ities Federal disaster areas, including I have spent years negotiating and Millers Ferry, AL, in my home county, heartbreaking to see people who have working with the Tennessee Valley Au- where one individual was killed. I knew lost everything. The day after the thority. I have long believed we could him and his family, and saw the people storm, my wife and I were there. The work together to address the problems there who I knew who suffered a total Salvation Army showed up and it was facing my customers in Kentucky. But loss of their homes, caused by this in- the only group there providing meals. every time I think I see the light at the credibly powerful tornado. Being de- There was a long line, and we walked end of the tunnel, representatives of clared a disaster area means victims down the line and just talked to the TVA change their offer or make up a will be eligible to receive Federal fi- people about what had happened to new rule. nancial aid. It is my responsibility to them. Repeatedly, we were told: I was optimistic that the expanded make sure the money goes to the right Senator, all I have is what is on my back. Board of Directors of the TVA Congress people and is not scammed off by authorized last session would be able to Now we want to help people like criminals posing as victims. that, but we don’t want to help people I know my colleagues share my deep change the problems of the past. But who are somewhere unaffected in Illi- sympathy for the families who lost after many meetings and negotiations, nois or somewhere in jail claiming loved ones and suffered injuries last I am convinced that TVA believes it they deserve displaced housing money. week, but it is simply not enough to has monopoly status and does not an- So it is an insult to the victims of have sympathy. We must ensure the swer to anyone. these natural disasters and an insult to full resources of the Federal Govern- Today, I am telling TVA that the the ultimate victim in this fraud, the ment are quickly deployed to the af- people of Kentucky deserve better. American taxpayer. Natural disasters fected States, and we must ensure For too long the TVA has acted and emergency situations often create these resources are protected and dis- against the best interests of the people an opportunity for unscrupulous indi- tributed only to real victims, not indi- of Kentucky. Five electric distributors, viduals to take advantage of both the viduals seeking to take advantage of Paducah, Princeton, Warren County, immediate victims of the disaster or the disaster. Glasgow and Monticello, gave their no- emergency, as well as those who offer It is disheartening that there was so tice to TVA to leave the system when financial and other assistance to the much fraud associated with the relief they realized they could get cheaper victims. The American people are ex- following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, electricity on the open market—and tremely generous in responding to dis- but it is not surprising. I have been save their customers millions of dol- asters, but they should not be expected there in the aftermath of hurricanes as lars. to tolerate the fraud of those who de- a prosecutor. I have seen such fraud During the past few years, they have ceitfully exploit their generosity. and abuse firsthand. negotiated in good faith for basic serv- In addition to creating a new Federal Our resources are not unlimited, and ices that are considered routine in the crime that specifically prohibits fraud it is critical that we ensure that every utility industry. But unfortunately, in connection with any emergency or relief dollar goes to legitimate victims. the electric customers of Kentucky are disaster benefit—including Federal as- It is important we give prosecutors the stuck on the TVA island. We forced sistance or private charitable contribu- tools they need to protect legitimate them onto that island 75 years when we tions—my bill would also update the victims and to protect American tax- created the Tennessee Valley Author- current mail and wire fraud statutes payers. ity. Their options are limited and they

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.068 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3074 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 are wholly reliant on TVA for genera- bill will not only give them that (3) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by tion and transmission service. TVA choice, but it will also create a more paragraph (1))— knows this—and that is why they have competitive environment among Ken- (A) by striking ‘‘(3) Notwithstanding’’ and continued to stall on providing reason- tucky distributors and allow our busi- inserting the following: ‘‘(3) PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINATIONS.—Not- able services. nesses and residential consumers to withstanding’’; But the distributors who still intend keep more money in their pockets. (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph to leave will now build hundreds of I ask unanimous consent that the (A), by inserting ‘‘of a Federal power mar- miles of new high voltage power lines text of the bill be printed in the keting agency’’ after ‘‘service’’; and to get access to the national electric RECORD. (C) in subparagraph (A)— grid. One may even need to run the There being no objection, the text of (i) by striking ‘‘when the Administrator of city on diesel generators. Despite these the bill was ordered to be printed in the Bonneville Power Administration ei- ther’’ and inserting ‘‘if the Administrator of costs, the numbers show that their cus- the RECORD, as follows: any Federal power marketing agency’’; and tomers will still save money. S. 864 (ii) by striking ‘‘on the Federal Columbia The legislation I am introducing Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- River Transmission System’’; today, with Senator MITCH MCCONNELL, resentatives of the United States of America in (4) in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by will give FERC full jurisdiction in rela- Congress assembled, paragraph (1))— tion to the Tennessee Valley Author- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (A) by striking ‘‘(4) Notwithstanding’’ and inserting the following: ity—the same jurisdiction that FERC This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Access to ‘‘(4) JUDICIAL REVIEW.—Notwithstanding’’; has over utilities throughout the coun- Competitive Power Act of 2007’’. (B) by striking ‘‘the Administrator of the try. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF EQUAL ACCESS AND Bonneville Power Administration’’ and in- Let me be clear—this legislation does TREATMENT WITH RESPECT TO FED- serting ‘‘the Administrator of a Federal ERAL POWER RESOURCES. not mandate contract language. It sim- power marketing agency’’; and Section 212(i) of the Federal Power Act (16 ply requires TVA to negotiate these (C) by striking ‘‘United States Court of Ap- U.S.C. 824k(i)) is amended— services in good faith. peals’’ and all that follows through the end (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through of the paragraph and inserting ‘‘United It defines the rights of two classes of (5) as paragraphs (3) through (6), respec- TVA distributors—those who provided States court of appeals of jurisdiction of the tively; Federal power marketing agency.’’; notice of termination prior to calendar (2) by striking the subsection designation (5) in paragraph (5) (as redesignated by year 2007 and those who did not provide and heading and all that follows through the paragraph (1)), by striking ‘‘(5) To the extent notice. end of paragraph (1) and inserting the fol- the Administrator of the Bonneville Power For distributors in Kentucky and lowing: Administration’’ and inserting the following: Tennessee who have previously given ‘‘(i) ESTABLISHMENT OF EQUAL ACCESS AND ‘‘(5) EXCEPTION.—To the extent that an Ad- notice that they would like to leave TREATMENT WITH RESPECT TO FEDERAL ministrator of a Federal power marketing POWER RESOURCES.— agency’’; TVA service, this legislation would put ‘‘(1) DEFINITION OF GENERATOR.—In this their rights into law. (6) in paragraph (6) (as redesignated by subsection, the term ‘generator’ means— paragraph (1))— Specifically, it would allow them to ‘‘(A) the Bonneville Power Administration; (A) by striking ‘‘(6) The Commission’’ and negotiate partial requirements serv- ‘‘(B) the Southeastern Power Administra- inserting the following: ices—making sure that TVA is not an tion; ‘‘(6) PROHIBITION.—The Commission’’; and all or nothing deal. For some cus- ‘‘(C) the Western Area Power Administra- (B) by striking ‘‘the Administrator of the tomers it may make sense to get some tion; Bonneville Power Administration’’ and in- power from TVA and some power from ‘‘(D) the Southwestern Power Administra- serting ‘‘the Administrator of a Federal tion; and power marketing agency’’. another generator. ‘‘(E) the Tennessee Valley Authority. It also requires TVA to provide SEC. 3. EQUITABILITY WITHIN TERRITORY RE- ‘‘(2) AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF COMMIS- STRICTED ELECTRIC SYSTEMS. transmission service for these cus- SION.— Section 212(j) of the Federal Power Act (16 tomers. Because of Federal law, TVA is ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Pursuant to sections U.S.C. 824k(j)) is amended— their only access point to the national 210, 211, and 213, the Commission— (1) by striking ‘‘With respect to’’ and in- electric grid. As such, they should pro- ‘‘(i) may order the administrator or board serting the following: vide reasonable transmission service. of directors, as applicable, of any generator ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in It prevents TVA from charging these to provide transmission service, including by paragraph (2), with respect to’’; customers for stranded costs or impos- establishing the terms and conditions of the (2) by striking ‘‘electric utility:’’ and all service; and that follows through ‘‘electric utility.’’ and ing a reintegration fee and provides the ‘‘(ii) shall ensure that— inserting ‘‘electric utility.’’; and customers the right to rescind their ‘‘(I) the provisions of otherwise applicable (3) by adding at the end the following: notice of termination if they ulti- Federal laws shall continue in full force and ‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—Paragraph (1) and sub- mately decide they would like to stay effect and shall continue to be applicable to section (f) shall not apply to any area served with TVA. the system; at retail by a distributor that— And lastly, it allows everyone who ‘‘(II) the rates for the transmission of elec- ‘‘(A) on October 24, 1992, served as a dis- enjoys the benefits of cheap, Federal tric power on the system of each Federal tributor for an electric utility described in power from the Power Marketing Ad- power marketing agency— paragraph (1); and ‘‘(aa) are administered in accordance with ‘‘(B) before December 31, 2006, provided to ministrations to retain a right to that applicable Federal law, other than sections the Commission a notice of termination of power regardless of whether or not 210, 211, and 213; and the power supply contract between the dis- they choose to be a customer of TVA. ‘‘(bb) are not unjust, unreasonable, or un- tributor and the electric utility, regardless For all those customers who would duly discriminatory or preferential, as deter- of whether the notice was later withdrawn or like to stay in TVA, this legislation mined by the Commission. rescinded. would give them the right to get par- ‘‘(B) TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY ‘‘(3) STRANDED COSTS.—An electric utility tial requirements service from outside RATES.— described in paragraph (1) that provides of TVA in an amount equal to TVA ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any transmission service pursuant to an order of other provision of law, the Commission shall the Commission or a contract may not re- load growth. have jurisdiction over the rates, terms, and cover any stranded cost associated with the I also believe that it is time the Gov- conditions of the provision of transmission provision of transmission services to a dis- ernment looks closely at the Tennessee service in interstate commerce by the Ten- tributor. Valley Authority. That is why my leg- nessee Valley Authority. ‘‘(4) RIGHTS OF DISTRIBUTORS.— islation asks for two important G.A.O. ‘‘(ii) TARIFF.—Notwithstanding any other ‘‘(A) NOTICE NOT PROVIDED.—A distributor studies. First, it commissions a com- provision of law, pursuant to sections 205 and described in paragraph (2) that did not pro- prehensive study on the privatization 206, the Board of Directors of the Tennessee vide a notice described in paragraph (2)(B) by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Sec- Valley Authority shall have on file with the December 31, 2006, may— ond, it requests an analysis of the debt Commission an open access transmission tar- ‘‘(i) construct, own, and operate any gen- iff that contains just, reasonable, and not eration facility, individually or jointly with level of the Tennessee Valley Author- unduly preferential or discriminatory rates, another distributor; and ity. terms, and conditions for the provision of ‘‘(ii) receive from any electric utility de- All Kentuckians deserve to choose transmission service in interstate commerce scribed in paragraph (1) partial requirements where they receive their power. This by the Tennessee Valley Authority.’’; services, unless the cumulative quantity of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13MR6.044 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3075 energy provided by the electric utility ex- submit to Congress a report that describes that an oversight hearing has been ceeds a ratable limit that is equal to a proxy the results of the study conducted under this scheduled before the Committee on En- for load growth on the electric utility, based section. ergy and Natural Resources. on— SEC. 5. STUDY OF DEBT LEVEL OF TENNESSEE The hearing will be held on Tuesday, ‘‘(I) the total quantity of energy sold by VALLEY AUTHORITY. March 20, 2007, at 10 a.m. in room SD– each affected agency, corporation, or unit of (a) STUDY.—The Comptroller General of the electric utility during calendar year 2006; the United States shall conduct a study of 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Build- and the financial structure of, and the amount of ing. ‘‘(II) a 3-percent compounded annual debt held by, the Tennessee Valley Author- The purpose of this hearing is to con- growth rate. ity, which (as of February 1, 2007) is approxi- sider the nomination of Stephen Jef- ‘‘(B) NOTICE PROVIDED.— mately $25,000,000,000. frey Isakowitz, of Virginia, to be Chief ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—A distributor described (b) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after Financial Officer of the Department of in paragraph (2) that provided a notice de- the date of enactment of this Act, the Comp- Energy. scribed in paragraph (2)(B) by December 31, troller General of the United States shall 2006, may— Because of the limited time available submit to Congress a report that describes for the hearing, witnesses may testify ‘‘(I) construct, own, and operate any gen- the results of the study conducted under this eration facility, individually or jointly with section. by invitation only. However, those another distributor; wishing to submit written testimony ‘‘(II) receive from any electric utility de- f for the hearing record should send two scribed in paragraph (1) partial requirements NOTICES OF HEARINGS/MEETINGS copies of their testimony to the Com- services; mittee on Energy and Natural Re- ‘‘(III) receive from any electric utility de- PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS scribed in paragraph (1) transmission serv- sources, United States Senate, Wash- Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I would ington, DC 20510–6150. ices that are sufficient to meet all electric like to announce for the information of energy requirements of the distributor, re- For further information, please con- gardless of whether an applicable contract, the Senate and the public that the Per- tact Sam Fowler at (202) 224–7571 or or any portion of such a contract, has been manent Subcommittee on Investiga- Amanda Kelly at (202) 224–6836. tions of the Committee on Homeland terminated under this section; and f ‘‘(IV) not later than 180 days after the date Security and Governmental Affairs will of enactment of this paragraph, elect to re- hold a hearing entitled ‘‘Medicare Doc- AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO scind the notice of termination of the dis- tors Who Cheat on Their Taxes and MEET tributor without the imposition of a re- What Should Be Done About It.’’ COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS integration fee or any similar fee. This is the fourth hearing to result ‘‘(ii) TREATMENT.—On an election by a dis- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I tributor under clause (i)(IV), the distributor from a three year investigation con- ask unanimous consent that the Com- shall be entitled to all rights and benefits of ducted by the Subcommittee into Fed- mittee on Foreign Relations be author- a distributor described in subparagraph (A). eral contractors that provide goods or ized to meet during the session of the ‘‘(5) RIGHT TO RETAIN ACCESS TO SERVICES.— services to the Federal Government, Senate on Tuesday, March 13, 2007, at 3 ‘‘(A) DEFINITIONS.—In this paragraph: but fail to pay their taxes. A 2004 hear- p.m. to hold a nominations hearing. ‘‘(i) AFFECTED DISTRIBUTOR.—The term ‘af- ing determined that 27,000 contractors The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without fected distributor’ means a distributor that with the Department of Defense had a receives any electric service or power from objection, it is so ordered. at least 2 generators. tax debt totaling roughly $3 billion. A COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, ‘‘(ii) GENERATOR.—The term ‘generator’ 2005 hearing determined that 33,000 AND PENSIONS means an entity referred to in any of sub- contractors doing business with civil- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I paragraphs (A) through (E) of subsection ian Federal agencies had unpaid taxes ask unanimous consent that the Com- (i)(1). totaling $3.3 billion. mittee on Health, Education, Labor, ‘‘(B) RETENTION OF SERVICES.—An affected In addition to examining contractors and Pensions and House Committee on distributor may elect to retain any electric for DOD and civilian agencies, the Sub- Education and Labor be authorized to service or power provided by a generator, re- committee has examined similar mis- gardless of whether an applicable contract, meet for a joint hearing on the No or any portion of such a contract, has been conduct by contractors for the General Child Left Behind Act during the ses- terminated under this section. Services Administration (GSA). A Sub- sion of the Senate on Tuesday, March ‘‘(C) EFFECT OF NOTICE OF TERMINATION.— committee hearing in March 2006 deter- 13, 2007 at 10 a.m. in room 2175 of the ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The provision or execu- mined that 3,800 GSA contractors col- Rayburn House Office Building. tion by an affected distributor of a notice of lectively owed $1.4 billion in unpaid The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without termination described in paragraph (2)(B) taxes. objection, it is so ordered. with 1 generator shall not affect the quan- The upcoming March 20th hearing COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY tity of electric service or power provided to will further explore the problem, focus- the affected distributor by another gener- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I ator. ing specifically on Medicare physicians ask unanimous consent that the Com- ‘‘(ii) PRICE.—The price of electric services and related suppliers that receive sub- mittee on the Judiciary be authorized or power provided to an affected distributor stantial income from the Federal Gov- to meet to conduct a hearing on ‘‘Judi- described in clause (i) shall be equal to the ernment but do not pay the taxes that cial Nominations’’ on Tuesday, March price charged by the applicable generator for they owe. 13, 2007 at 10 a.m. in Dirksen Senate Of- the provision of similar services or power to Witnesses for the upcoming hearing fice Building, Room 226. a distributor that did not provide a notice will include representatives from the described in paragraph (2)(B). Government Accountability Office, the Witness List: ‘‘(D) TRANSMISSION SERVICE.—On an elec- tion by an affected distributor under sub- Internal Revenue Service, the Centers Panel I: The Honorable THAD COCH- paragraph (B) to retain an electric service or for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as RAN, United States Senator, R–MS and power, the affected distributor shall be enti- well as the Financial Management The Honorable TRENT LOTT, United tled to receive from a generator trans- Service. A final witness list will be States Senator, R–MS. mission service to 1 or more delivery points available on Friday, March 16, 2007. Panel II: Halil Suleyman Ozerden to of the affected distributor, as determined by The Subcommittee hearing is sched- be U.S. District Judge for the Southern the affected distributor, regardless of wheth- uled for Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at 2:30 District of Mississippi; Benjamin Hale er an applicable contract, or any portion of p.m. in Room 342 of the Dirksen Senate Settle to be U.S. District Judge for the such a contract, has been terminated under this section.’’. Office Building. For further informa- Western District of Washington; and SEC. 4. STUDY OF PRIVATIZATION OF TENNESSEE tion, please contact Elise J. Bean, of Frederick J. Kapala to be U.S. District VALLEY AUTHORITY. the Permanent Subcommittee on In- Judge for the Northern District of Illi- (a) STUDY.—The Comptroller General of vestigations at 224–3721. nois. the United States shall conduct a study of COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the costs, benefits, and other effects of RESOURCES objection, it is so ordered. privatizing the Tennessee Valley Authority. SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE (b) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I the date of enactment of this Act, the Comp- would like to announce for the infor- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I troller General of the United States shall mation of the Senate and the public ask unanimous consent that the Select

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:52 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13MR6.072 S13MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with SENATE S3076 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 13, 2007 Committee on Intelligence be author- Mrs. MCCASKILL. Mr. President, I Mr. BOND. Mr. President, my col- ized to meet during the session of the join my colleague, the senior Senator league from Missouri is correct that no Senate on March 13, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. to from Missouri, in supporting this Federal funds will be used for either hold a closed hearing. much-needed legislation. Not only will construction or maintenance of this The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the road revive the economy of the road. Furthermore, this road will be- objection, it is so ordered. communities around Lemay, it will come a county road and it will not be SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT TO GOVERNMENT also support the restoration of part of the Federal-aid system. Under MANAGEMENT, THE FEDERAL WORKFORCE, brownfields sites, improve public safe- current law, which this bill does not AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ty, create new parks and riding trails, amend, the Lemay connector road is Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I and provide other recreational opportu- not an eligible use of Federal funding. ask unanimous consent that the Sub- nities. With all of these benefits, it is Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent committee on Oversight of Government not surprising then that the bill has that the bill be read a third time, Management, the Federal Workforce, broad bipartisan support from every passed, the motion to reconsider be and the District of Columbia be author- relevant State and local elected official laid upon the table, and any state- ized to meet on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 and also here in the Congress. It has ments relating thereto be printed in at 2:30 p.m. for a hearing entitled, A also been endorsed by the Missouri De- the RECORD. Review of U.S. International Efforts to partment of Transportation, the local The bill (H.R. 1129) was ordered to be Secure Radiological Materials. school district—Hancock Place School read a third time, was read the third The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without District and the local fire and police time and passed. objection, it is so ordered. departments. Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I vividly f f recall the devastation that was caused APPOINTMENT by the the flooding in 1993 and one of ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH the areas that was hardest hit was the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The 14, 2007 Chair, on behalf of the President pro community of Lemay. In response to Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent tempore, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 276n, as that tragedy, Congress enacted an that when the Senate completes its amended, appoints the following Sen- emergency supplemental appropria- business today, it stand adjourned ator as Vice Chairman of the U.S.- tions bill. As a new member of that until 10 a.m., March 14; that on China Interparliamentary Group con- committee, I worked to appropriate Wednesday, following the prayer and ference during the 110th Congress: the supplemental funds for HUD’s commu- nity development grants to compensate pledge, the Journal of proceedings be Honorable TED STEVENS of Alaska. homeowners for losses and to clear the approved to date, the morning hour be f area. Property acquired with the funds, deemed expired; that following the ROAD CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION however, was required to be main- time for the two leaders, there be 1 AND MAINTENANCE IN ST. LOUIS tained for uses consistent with open hour of debate prior to a vote on the COUNTY, MO space, recreation or wetlands manage- motion to invoke cloture on the mo- Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent ment. This was a one-time require- tion to proceed to S.J. Res. 9, with the that the Senate now proceed to H.R. ment, and no other property acquired time equally divided and controlled be- 1129, just received from the House and using CDBG funds before or since the tween the two leaders or their des- 1994 Emergency Supplemental Appro- at the desk. ignees; that the final 20 minutes prior priations Act has carried similar deed The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to the vote be controlled 10 minutes restrictions. Furthermore, I want to clerk will report the bill by title. each for the leaders, with the majority assure my colleagues that we are not The assistant legislative clerk read leader controlling the final 10 minutes. establishing any precedent by adopting as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without this legislation in part because of the objection, it is so ordered. A bill (H.R. 1129) to provide for the con- unique situation in which properties struction, operation, and maintenance of an became deed restricted and also be- arterial road in St. Louis County, Missouri. f cause exceptions have been made to There being no objection, the Senate allow for roads and public works devel- proceeded to consider the bill. ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. opment on deed restricted lands. TOMORROW Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise in Mrs. MCCASKILL. I also want to as- support of H.R. 1129. This important sure my colleages that no Federal Mr. REID. If there is no further busi- legislation is necessary to provide for funds will be used to construct or ness to come before the Senate and if the construction, operation, and main- maintain the Lemay connector road. the Republican leader has no further tenance of an arterial road in the Neither St. Louis County nor the State business to come before the Senate, I Lemay area of St. Louis County, MO. of Missouri is seeking or will seek Fed- would ask the Senate stand adjourned This road, the Lemay connector road, eral assistance to build, maintain, or under the previous order, but if my es- is the lynchpin of the long-term recov- operate the road. In fact, the County teemed colleague does wish to speak, ery of that community and will open has sent several letters to FEMA that there is ample time to do that. several abandoned industrial sites to it will not seek Federal funding for the Mr. MCCONNELL. I say to friend new industrial, commercial and retail road. Under terms reached by the St. from Nevada, I have nothing further to development and create thousands of Louis County and Missouri DOT, pri- add. new much-needed jobs. The road was vate developers will bear 100 percent of Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent identified as the highest priority for re- the cost of construction of the road, that the Senate stand adjourned. developing the area in a federally-fund- and the road will be maintained by St. There being no objection, the Senate, ed study conducted by the Missouri De- Louis County as part of its standard at 6:54 p.m., adjourned until Wednes- partment of Transportation. maintenance program, day, March 14, 2007, at 10 a.m.

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A TRIBUTE TO MARGARET YORK HONORING THE LIFE AND INTRODUCING A BILL TO EXTEND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE LATE THE TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DR. JOHN GARANG DE MABIOR TO BIKE COMMUTERS HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF OF CALIFORNIA SPEECH OF HON. EARL BLUMENAUER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL OF OREGON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, March 13, 2007 OF NEW YORK Tuesday, March 13, 2007 Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to honor Ms. Margaret York, of Pasadena, CA. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today Tuesday, March 6, 2007 Each year in March, in recognition of Wom- I am introducing a bill to extend the Transpor- tation Fringe Benefit to bicycle commuters. en’s History Month, we pay special tribute to Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today Currently employers may offer a Transpor- the contributions and sacrifices made by our in support of H. Res. 98 honoring the life and tation benefit to employees for certain costs Nation’s women. achievements of the late Dr. John Garang de incurred while commuting to work. Employees Mabior and reaffirming the continued commit- Margaret was born in Canton, OH, and has may receive up to $215/mth for parking ex- ment of the House of Representatives to en- resided in Pasadena, CA, for over 25 years. penses or $110/mth for transit or vanpooling suring peace in the Sudan. She received a bachelor’s degree from the costs. The Bike Commuter act aims to bal- University of Redlands and holds a master’s Born in 1945 to a poor family in Wagkulei ance the incentive structure by extending the degree in public administration from the Uni- village in Sudan, Dr. Garang was orphaned by benefit to include bicycling. versity of Southern California. Ms. York is also the age of ten. Described as charismatic and Communities across the Nation are seeking a proud graduate of the Federal Bureau of In- a natural leader, he joined the first Sudanese to reduce traffic congestion, improve air qual- vestigation National Academy. civil war in 1962 but, because of his youth, ity, save energy and enhance neighborhood was encouraged to pursue his education. After Ms. York is widely admired for her long ca- safety. The Federal Government can assist in obtaining a B.A. in economics in 1969 from those efforts by promoting bicycle use through reer with Los Angeles law enforcement. She Grinnell College, an M.A. and Ph.D. from Iowa began her career as a police ‘‘woman’’ and a small change to the tax code’s existing State University and studying East African ag- Transportation Fringe Benefit. There is great eventually became the first female deputy ricultural economics as a Thomas J. Watson chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. potential to increase the number of bicycle Fellow at the University of Dar es Salaam he commuters in the U.S., which would help re- In December 2003, Ms. York became chief returned home to join the Sudanese rebels. duce the number of trips made by automobile. of the Los Angeles County Police, the fourth A professional military man, Dr. Garang These changes will benefit all Americans largest police agency in Los Angeles County quickly rose through the ranks of the Suda- whether they ride their bikes or not. and one of the largest in the State of Cali- nese military, which he joined following the fornia. With her keen leadership ability serving Addis Ababa agreement of 1972. Peter f as her strongest asset, Chief York is respon- Moszynski, a writer and aid worker who cov- sible for 600 sworn police officers, 130 civilian ered the Sudanese war, describes Dr. Garang IN HONOR OF WILLIAM P. MAINEY, employees, and for nearly 800 private security as ‘‘an expert in survival: someone who knew RECOGNIZING HIS SERVICE TO officers. Their mission is to provide a safe and how to bend with the wind yet maintain his po- THE HOUSE secure environment for patrons, visitors, and litical objectives, someone who knew how to employees of Los Angeles County facilities. seem all things to all men.’’ This description not only captures the enigmatic nature of a HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD Ms. York lives by the motto ‘‘Dedicated to man who remained at the center of guerrilla OF CALIFORNIA the Community We Serve.’’ Indeed, it is be- warfare for more than 20 years, but also ex- cause of her unwavering dedication to the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES plains how Dr. Garang became the undisputed community that she volunteers her limited free leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Move- Tuesday, March 13, 2007 time to various community organizations. Ms. ment/Army (SPLM/A). Committed to obtaining York is a member and former vice chair of the Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Madam a just peace for his people he worked tire- Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement in Metropolitan Board of the Salvation Army and lessly and diligently to build support for a new is a founding member of the Army of Angels. March 2007, we rise to thank Mr. William P. Sudan, one that would be multi-ethnic, multi- Mainey for his long years of service and sup- She is also a founding member and vice chair religious, democratic and above all, united. of the Police Historical Society. Ms. York is a port to the United States Government, most of member of the LA5 Rotary Club, board mem- Dr. Garang was instrumental in the passage it here at the U.S. House of Representatives. ber of Women Against Gun Violence, and a of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Bill served proudly and honorably as a Ma- trustee of the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles. signed by the Government of Sudan and the rine. Following his military service, in 1973 Bill SPLM/A in 2005, which gave southern Sudan started his career as a technician with Xerox In addition to the plethora of professional the right to self determination and pushed for Corporation. He now retires as a Xerox Solu- accomplishments, Ms. York is the proud wife unity between the North and South. This tions and Sales Executive. As an employee of of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lance Peace Agreement is representative of Dr. Xerox, Bill has provided tireless support to Ito, a mother of three children, and a grand- Garang’s vision for a united Sudan, a Sudan countless House offices, spending his entire mother to seven grandchildren. committed to equity, democracy and peace. 34-year career in support of the U.S. House of Ms. York’s devotion to her career and her As we continue to work toward ending the Representatives. long-time commitment to the prosperity of our genocide throughout the region it is imperative On behalf of the entire House community, community serve as a true inspiration to us all. that we remember the work and life of Dr. we extend congratulations to Bill for his many I ask all Members of Congress to join me Garang. A man of true conviction and years of dedication and outstanding contribu- today in honoring an extraordinary woman of unfaltering courage; a man who believed, as I tions to the U.S. House of Representatives. California’s 29th Congressional District, Mar- do, that unity, peace and democracy are We wish him many wonderful years in fulfilling garet York. achievable in the Sudan. his retirement dreams.

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:31 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\E13MR7.REC E13MR7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E530 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 13, 2007 ACTIVE FINANCING BILL and finally make this a permanent part of the loan system. Competition within the student tax code. In the Senate today, Chairman BAU- loan system includes not only competition HON. DAVE CAMP CUS and Senator HATCH will also be filing among Federal Family Education Loan Pro- OF MICHIGAN identical legislation. gram (FFELP) providers, but also competition IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The U.S. financial services industry employs between the two Federal student loan pro- workers all across the U.S. The continued grams. Each of these programs should be run Tuesday, March 13, 2007 health and vitality of this industry depends on in a manner that provides the best products Mr. CAMP of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I the level of success of these U.S. companies and services to students, while being good am pleased to join Representative RICHARD in the global market. However, one important stewards of taxpayer funds. I hope that strong NEAL and introduce legislation to make perma- incentive expires at the end of next year, tradition continues and believe this bill will act nent the Subpart F exception for active finan- which allows these companies to defer U.S. as a catalyst for open and productive dialogue cial services income. Under current law, the tax on the active business financial services with the ultimate goal of ensuring students are provision will expire next year. income earned by foreign subsidiaries of U.S. provided the financial aid package that will I have long been an advocate for this legis- financial services companies. Other active meet their financial and customer service lation. While Congress has extended Subpart U.S. businesses enjoy this deferral for active needs. F for active financial services income on an ad business operations, so it just makes sense The simple fact is that education is the sin- hoc basis, such inconsistency does not make that financial services companies should as gle most important factor when it comes to for good tax planning or tax policy. Besides well. The deferred tax would be triggered equalizing opportunity and ensuring all stu- ensuring consistency, Congress must develop when that income is sent back as a dividend dents are able to achieve a better future. A policies that help businesses invest and keep to the U.S. parent. well educated society is paramount to our jobs here in the United States. Allowing tax While the U.S. financial services industry is global competitiveness and security here at benefits to expire is a direct tax hike on em- a global leader, the market is fiercely competi- home. Because education is so critical, I be- ployers, and it is a direct assault on every tive with every company searching for some lieve we have a duty to ensure it is available American job. advantage over another. If U.S. financial serv- to all our citizens and we have an obligation This legislation ensures that U.S. financial ices companies are unable to compete in to ensure we make thoughtful, careful and well services firms can continue to defer U.S. tax global markets, foreign firms will fill the void. informed decisions as the stewards of these on their earnings from their foreign active fi- In that case, the thousands of jobs necessary critical financial aid programs. nancial services operations until such earnings to support a global financial services operation f are paid as dividends back home. No other will be lost to foreign companies. developed country in the world imposes cur- Current law includes stringent safeguards to A TRIBUTE TO MARGARITA rent tax on financial services income earned ensure that the income eligible for deferral of CAMPOS outside their country. If the U.S. is to remain U.S. tax is real business income and is earned competitive in the global marketplace, the by local operations serving local markets. Im- HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF Federal Government must not put our compa- portantly, a qualifying business cannot be one OF CALIFORNIA nies at a tax disadvantage. Without the legis- that is based in a tax haven to serve other IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lation we are proposing, American financial markets. To qualify, a company must be ac- Tuesday, March 13, 2007 services companies will lose out on business tively engaged in a financial services trade or to foreign firms. When American companies business and must predominantly serve cus- Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today lose customers, American jobs are lost. tomers in the country in which it is located. to honor Ms. Margarita Campos, of Burbank, Overseas operations are important to Amer- These common-sense requirements ensure California. Each year in March, in recognition ican companies’ domestic success. For exam- that this exception works as intended. of Women’s History Month, we pay special ple, if North American profits dip, these com- Deferral for active financial services income tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made panies can use their global profits to offset has been the law for most of the history of the by our Nation’s women. losses. And, as I mentioned before, domestic corporate income tax. However, since 1997, it Born to Cuban parents, Margarita has been jobs are gained when a business has more has only been a temporary provision in the a resident of Burbank, California for over forty customers to sell to. Domestic jobs support code and extended many times. It is time for years. Margarita received her Associate of overseas operations, increased product ex- Congress to once again make this exception a Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Los Angeles ports, and product development. permanent part of the code providing the sta- Mission College and earned her Bachelor of Failure to make permanent this current law bility our U.S. financial services indistry needs Arts Degree in Business Law from the Univer- provision would be a critical mistake for the to remain the global leader. I urge you to join sity of West Los Angeles. U.S. economy. If U.S. financial services com- us in this effort. Since 2001, Margarita has been the elected panies have to pay current U.S. tax on the ac- f Burbank City Clerk and is responsible for tive financial services income they generate maintaining all official city records including: overseas, they will have higher costs than TO RAISE THE DIALOGUE WHILE keeping a complete and accurate record of all their foreign-owned competitors. Their cus- ENSURING COMPETITION AMONG City Council, Redevelopment Agency, and re- tomers will turn to non-U.S.-owned firms. THE FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN lated proceedings, maintaining the Burbank Given the thousands of U.S. jobs at stake, I PROGRAMS City Charter and Municipal Code, and con- do not believe our tax policy should allow this ducting all municipal elections. Prior to her to happen. HON. JON C. PORTER term as City Clerk, Margarita served as the I urge my colleagues to support this impor- OF NEVADA City of Burbank Community Assistance Coor- tant bill. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dinator and the Secretary to the Mayor. f Margarita is involved with various profes- Tuesday, March 13, 2007 sional organizations. She is a member of the INTRODUCTION OF ACTIVE Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, the Student International Institute of Municipal Clerks, the FINANCING BILL Aid Reward Act (STAR) was drafted to provide Association of Records Managers, and the additional funds for students to meet the ever City Clerks Association of California. HON. RICHARD E. NEAL rising costs of a higher education. Let me first In her spare time, Margarita dedicates her- OF MASSACHUSETTS note that I understand that there is a dif- self to volunteering with organizations that di- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ference of opinion as to the calculation of the rectly benefit the Burbank community. She is savings from this legislation and I hope we a member of the League of Women Voters, a Tuesday, March 13, 2007 can reach an agreement on how to assess the nonpartisan political organization that advo- Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Madam Speak- real and actual costs of both programs before cates for the improvement of government sys- er, today I am pleased to join my friend and its enactment. As always, I believe it is impor- tems and aspires to impact public policies Committee colleague Representative DAVE tant that all legislation needs to occur through through citizen education and advocacy. Mar- CAMP in introducing legislation to make perma- the regular Committee process where all sides garita served as the First Vice-President for nent the Subpart F provision for active finan- have the opportunity to participate. It is impor- the Zonta Club of the Burbank Area, a world- cial services income. It is time to end the tem- tant to know that I strongly support diversity wide organization comprised of a diverse porary extensions of this important incentive and competition within the Federal student membership working together to advance the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:31 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\E13MR7.REC E13MR7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E531 global status of women through service and The council reiterated ‘‘its utmost con- FIRST CLASS NAVY DIVER TIM- advocacy. demnation’’ of the killing, maiming, sexual OTHY ALEXANDER, THE NAVY Margarita enjoys spending time with her abuse, abduction and trafficking of girls and SEA SYSTEMS SAILOR OF THE family. She is a loving wife to husband Vince women and called on all warring parties to YEAR protect them, especially from rape and other and proud mother to two children, Natasha forms of sexual violence. and Vince. HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER Ms. Campos’ devotion to her career and her In a presidential statement read at a for- mal meeting, the council emphasized the re- OF OHIO long-time commitment to the prosperity of our sponsibility of all 192 U.N. member states IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES community serves as a true inspiration to us ‘‘to put an end to impunity and to prosecute all. I ask all Members of Congress to join me those responsible for genocide, crimes Tuesday, March 13, 2007 today in honoring an extraordinary woman of against humanity, and war crimes including Mr. BOEHNER. Madam Speaker, I am ex- California’s 29th Congressional District. those relating to sexual and other violence tremely proud to rise today in honor of First f against women and girls.’’ Class Navy Diver Timothy Alexander of Mid- The theme of International Women’s Day dletown, Ohio. On March 9, 2007 First Class RECOGNIZING INTERNATIONAL on Thursday and the two-week meeting of Navy Diver Alexander was awarded the Navy WOMEN’S DAY the Commission on the Status of Women Sea Systems Command Sailor of the Year that ends Friday is discrimination and vio- Award. HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL lence against girls—and ending the impunity for perpetrators. The Sailor of the Year Award program OF NEW YORK began 29 years ago in order to recognize the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Rachel Mayanja, the special adviser to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on gender top enlisted sailors in the United States Navy. Tuesday, March 13, 2007 issues and the advancement of women, told a The program provides recognition to out- Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker. I rise today news conference that girls and women are standing sailors through numerous presen- to recognize International Women’s Day and subjected to violence every day in every tations, awards, and meritorious advancement country—and the violence ‘‘transcends poli- to enter into the RECORD an article by Edith M. to the next pay grade. Sailors are judged on tics, culture and religion, race, class, income their performance for the past twelve months; Lederer appearing today in the Washington and age. Post, entitled ‘‘U.N. Seeks End to Violence performance over the course of their career to ‘‘In order to eliminate violence against date; and off-duty education, civic involvement Against Girls.’’ women and girls, we must take swift and Throughout the world, violence against and awards earned. Additionally, a selection concerted action to eradicate all forms of board of four Command Master Chiefs ques- women appears to be acceptable. According discrimination against them, and ensure to a 1997 World Health Organization study, in women’s equality with men,’’ she said. tion the finalists concerning Navy policies, eth- ics, guiding principles, and leadership. Fol- her lifetime, one in five women will be a victim Noeleen Heyzer, executive director of the of rape or an attempted rape. A separate 2003 U.N. Development Fund for Women, said the lowing this long process, First Class Navy report has shown that 147 women are raped U.N. Trust Fund to End Violence Against Diver Alexander was chosen as the Navy Sea every day in South Africa. According to the Women has granted more than $13 million to Systems Command Sailor of the Year. same study, in the U.S. a woman is raped more than 230 initiatives in more than 100 First Class Navy Diver Alexander enlisted in every 90 seconds. countries over the last 10 years and dem- the United States Navy on June 12, 1991. Darfur presents one of the most extreme ex- onstrated ‘‘that ending violence against Since his date of enlistment, Mr. Alexander amples of violence against women in the women is possible.’’ has proudly served our Nation and protected world. Currently, rape is used systematically ‘‘It is a pandemic that can be stopped . . . our interests throughout the world. In June of against women in this region of Sudan. While given the necessary political will and re- 1992, he was a vital member of the salvage sources,’’ she said. it is impossible to know exactly how many team that prevented the USS Ingersoll from women have been victims of sexual violence Heyzer said currently 89 countries have sinking in the Straits of Malacca. In November legislative provisions on domestic violence, since the armed conflict began; however, it is of 1999, as an experimental diver, he volun- 104 countries have made marital rape a teered for numerous experimental dives and believed that thousands of women have been crime, 90 countries have provisions against raped, many multiple times. The devastating sexual harassment, and 93 states prohibit was the lead technician on a groundbreaking effects of rape are ever lasting. Victims are trafficking of women and men. chemical re-breather, which has been instru- pariahs in their families and their communities. The number of countries adopting legisla- mental to seal operators’ safety and mission Women, in the Sudan, and in many places tion against violence is growing, she said, success. In January of 2002 he completed throughout the world cannot file complaints but implementation of the laws ‘‘is often in- several classified missions in support of Oper- against their attackers because no one cares sufficient.’’ ations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. or takes the time to listen. Heyzer urged ‘‘a real increase in resources These are only a few examples of many brave Sexual violence against women is not lim- if we are to end impunity,’’ including nearly actions taken by Mr. Alexander throughout his ited to the Sudan. Since the conflict in Coˆte tripling the trust fund’s annual budget from long and accomplished naval career. d’Ivoire began in 2002, thousands of women the current $3.5 million to $10 million. First Class Diver Tim Alexander is a testa- and girls have become victims of widespread, In Wednesday’s statement, the Security ment to the great commitment and courage of systematic rape committed by combatant Council also urged the secretary-general to all volunteer military. He has worked hard to forces or their civilian allies. Many women appoint more women as top envoys in U.N. further his education and training, and his ef- peacekeeping and peace-building missions, in have been sexually tortured, gang-raped or forts have been rewarded in being named the decision-making positions in U.N. field oper- Navy Sea Systems Command Sailor of the abducted and reduced to sexual slavery by ations, and especially among military ob- combatants. These women have little recourse servers, civilian police, human rights and hu- Year. I consider it an honor to represent him or access to health care, counseling or other manitarian staff. in Congress. support services. f The single most important factor that allows f HONORING MONSIGNOR JOHN violence against women to persist, whether in BRENKLE, HELAINE KATZ, AND times of peace or war, is the fact that those PERSONAL EXPLANATION MARIANNA DEWITT SCHMIDT who attack and rape women know that they can get away with it. I support International Women’s Day and its efforts to bring much HON. JIM COOPER HON. MIKE THOMPSON needed attention to this critical issue. OF TENNESSEE OF CALIFORNIA [From the Associated Press, Mar. 8, 2007] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U.N. SEEKS END TO VIOLENCE AGAINST GIRLS Tuesday, March 13, 2007 (By Edith M. Lederer) Tuesday, March 13, 2007 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam UNITED NATIONS.—On the eve of Inter- national Women’s Day, the U.N. Security Mr. COOPER. Madam Speaker, I was ab- Speaker, I rise today to recognize three resi- Council called Wednesday for an end to the sent on Monday, March 12 for personal rea- dents of St. Helena, CA. who were vital to the ‘‘pervasive violence’’ against girls and sons. Had I been present for votes, I would foundation and success of our Boys and Girls women during armed conflicts and demanded have voted ‘‘yea’’ on each of the three votes Club of my hometown. These three made vast that the perpetrators be punished. taken: H.R. 85, H. Res. 136, and H. Res. 89. contributions of time and energy to get the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:31 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\E13MR7.REC E13MR7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E532 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 13, 2007 Boys and Girls Club established with a sound TRIBUTE TO THE FRANKLIN D. University, Los Angeles. She worked for the financial backing. Their efforts, as well as the ROOSEVELT DEMOCRATIC CLUB Los Angeles Unified School District for 24 work of many others, have ensured the suc- years until she retired, in 2003, from her posi- cess of one of the most vital and enduring HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY tion as telecommunication manager. Sarah was instrumental in the opening of youth programs in the Napa Valley. OF INDIANA the Los Angeles City Child Care Center and My good friend Monsignor Brenkle is the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Pastor of the St. Helena Catholic Church, the Pasadena Coalition for Better Schools. where he has been for 22 years. During this Tuesday, March 13, 2007 She also represents William Blair High School time he has taken the lead on many projects Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with on the Pasadena Unified School District Su- in the community, and he is widely known great respect and admiration that I wish to perintendent’s Advisory Board and is a Merit throughout the Napa Valley for his activism congratulate the members of the Hammond, Badge Counselor for the Boy Scouts of Amer- with farm workers to ensure adequate housing Indiana Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic ica, Troop 40. conditions. Monsignor Brenkle, working closely Club as they celebrate the organization’s 75th Currently, Sarah is the president of the with Ms. Schmidt, provided space for the pro- anniversary. To commemorate this special oc- Pasadena City College Parent Teacher Stu- gram in the St. Helena Catholic School’s gym- casion, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Club will be dent Association. Pasadena City College is nasium during the summer of 1989, from having an anniversary banquet on March 24, proud to be the only community college in the which it subsequently expanded into the Ele- 2007, at Dynasty Banquets in Hammond. country with a Parent Teacher Student Asso- mentary School’s cafeteria. In 1992 the pro- The Franklin D. Roosevelt Club of Ham- ciation. This group is responsible for several gram returned to redeveloped facilities at the mond was founded on December 3, 1932, by tasks including hosting the Honors at Entrance Catholic School with Monsignor Brenkle’s 42 members of Polish ancestry. The mission Scholarship Program, supporting the Pasa- blessing, and has continued to expand ever of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Club is to ‘‘main- dena City College Child Development Center, since. tain high standards and secure the best pos- and recognizing exceptional service to Pasa- Ms. Mariatma Schmidt worked together with sible candidate for the Democratic Party.’’ The dena City College. Monsignor Brenkle to complete the many Franklin D. Roosevelt Club has selflessly Ms. Tramel is also the first vice-president of tasks necessary to open the Boys and Girls given its support to the northwest Indiana Women in Action, a group whose purpose is Club of St. Helena. She then took on the role community. In addition, the Franklin D. Roo- to work toward stimulating citizen participation, of president for 6 years, where she oversaw sevelt Club has had many members who have to increase community awareness, and to the establishment of permanent facilities and served or are currently serving as elected or make minority representation in government a took the lead in recruiting fundraisers and vol- appointed officials in our government. reality. She is an alumnus of the Gamma Phi unteers to help the young program grow. Her Throughout the past 75 years, the members Delta Sorority and has served at the local, re- vision left the Boys and Girls Club with a de- of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Club have offered gional, and national levels. She is a member voted network of supporters and financiers, their dedication and support to their noble of the Altadena United Methodist Church and and her efforts both with this program and cause of serving their local community, while volunteers on the Staff-Parish Relations Com- other youth education foundations have had a striving for a democratic government in their mittee and the Finance Committee. substantial impact on our St. Helena commu- cities for years to come. The Franklin D. Roo- Most importantly, Sarah is noted for her nity. sevelt Club has had 19 presidents over its 75 ability to ‘‘look after the unders of this world: Ms. Helaine Katz chaired the Fundraising year history. At this time, I would like to ac- the under-represented, the under-served, the Committee during the club’s early years, knowledge the 2007 Franklin D. Roosevelt under-privileged, the under-educated, and where her creative and exciting events raised Club officers. They are: President Kay Pucalik, more.’’ countless thousands of dollars to provide the First Vice President Wally Skibinski, Second Ms. Tramel’s devotion to her career and her club with the early capital it needed to develop Vice President Mary Fabian, Secretary Shirley long-time commitment to the prosperity of our facilities and programs for young people. Her Ridenour, Treasurer Mary J. Hildebranski, Ser- community serves as a true inspiration to us signature event for many years has been the geant of Arms John Stevens, Chaplain Bobbi all. I ask all Members of Congress to join me Rotary Club’s Winter Ball, which brings to- Costa, Membership Chairman Diana Beyer, today in honoring an extraordinary woman of gether St. Helena residents to benefit chil- and Trustees Tom Hildebranski, Brian California’s 29th Congressional District. dren’s programs in our area. Her fundraising Kupinski, and Bertha McCoy. f savvy and taste for a good party makes her Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my TRIBUTE TO LEONA ‘‘KAY’’ an invaluable member of our community, and other distinguished colleagues join me in con- HUTCHISON WILLIAMS the money raised over the last 16 years has gratulating the members of the Hammond brought a succession of new facilities to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic Club on the HON. IKE SKELTON club, culminating in the new superb facility 75th anniversary of their noble organization. OF MISSOURI they share with the St. Helena school district. These dedicated individuals continue to give IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize their time and unrelenting efforts to serve their all three of these individuals for the incredible local community, as well as all of northwest In- Tuesday, March 13, 2007 contributions they have made to the Boys and diana. It is their commitment to the democratic Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it has Girls Club of St. Helena, and to the community process that makes their organization and ef- come to my attention that a long and excep- at large. They are being recognized for their forts such a motivating force in the First Con- tionally distinguished career in public service foundational roles in the club, and I join all in gressional District, and I am proud to serve as is about to come to a close. Leona ‘‘Kay’’ our community in thanking them for the work their representative in Washington, DC. Hutchison Williams will retire from her position they have done on behalf of St. Helena’s f as city clerk of Versailles on March 31, 2007. youth. Leona ‘‘Kay’’ Hutchison Williams was born A TRIBUTE TO SARAH TRAMEL f on July 12, 1943, to Leo and Erma McBroom Hutchison in Latham, MO. She is a graduate PERSONAL EXPLANATION HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF of Morgan County R–II High School and went OF CALIFORNIA on to take classes at CMC in Warrensburg HON. TED POE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and SMC in Springfield. Kay has performed many valuable and nota- OF TEXAS Tuesday, March 13, 2007 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ble services for the community of Versailles. Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today She has served as chairman of the Versailles Tuesday, March 13, 2007 to honor Ms. Sarah Tramel, of Altadena, Cali- High School Alumni Association in 1965, 2006 Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, due to other fornia. Each year in March, in recognition of and 2007; is a member of the First Baptist congressional business, I unfortunately missed Women’s History Month, we pay special trib- Church; was appointed City Clerk in March of recorded votes on the House floor on Thurs- ute to the contributions and sacrifices made by 1973; was appointed water clerk, was ap- day, March 1, 2007. our Nation’s women. pointed purchasing agent; was appointed of- I ask that the RECORD reflect that had I Sarah was born in Johnson City, Ten- fice manager; was elected city collector in been able to vote that day, I would have voted nessee, and relocated to Altadena, California April of 1974; is a member of the Central Mis- ‘‘no’’ on rollcall vote No. 118, and ‘‘aye’’ on in 1981. She earned her bachelor of arts de- souri City Clerks and Finance Officers Asso- rollcall votes Nos. 114, 115, 116, and 117. gree in urban studies from California State ciation; is a member of the Missouri City

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:31 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\E13MR7.REC E13MR7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E533 Clerks and Finance Officer Association; Inter- Congress to applaud the aggressive ethics logging contributes to deforestation, the water national Institute of Municipal Clerk’s Board package we passed. balance and dynamics of fragile ecosystems Member of the Missouri Municipal League; At the time I noted my confidence that those are disrupted. Deforestation accounts for 20 and a member of the Morgan County Histor- ethics rules were the first of many steps that percent of annual global greenhouse gas ical Society. we would take to bring back trust and civility emissions—more than the entire global trans- In addition, Kay is a member of the Wom- to Congress. portation sector. en’s Civic Club; a member of the Gold Wing I’m proud that this week the Congress will In addition, illegal logging creates huge fi- Road Riders Association; a charter member of take several more steps forward to promote nancial losses to producing nations. By avoid- Missouri B–2 Gold Wing Riders Association; accountability and openness in government by ing export duties, timber royalties and taxes was awarded the B–2 Chapter of the Year strengthening protections for whistleblowers, on their profits, companies operating unlaw- Couple in 2000 & 2007; a member of West providing timely responses to Freedom of In- fully are robbing national governments of in Central Riders; has served on the Chamber of formation Act requests, restoring access to excess of $15 billion annually on public lands Commerce Board and Old Tyme Apple Fes- Presidential records, and limiting Federal no- alone. This loss in revenue decreases govern- tival for 23 years; was chosen Citizen of the bid contracts. ments’ ability to invest in the forestry sector to Year January, 1991; co-established the Adult I can think of nothing more important than promote sustainable forest management and Winter Volleyball league; a member of the assuring the people we are elected to serve conserve their natural forest resources. At the same time, given that as much as 30 1986 Co-Ed Volleyball Team that placed 2nd that this Congress—and indeed this govern- percent of hardwood lumber and plywood trad- in the Missouri Show-Me State Games; and ment—is open, ethical and accessible. The ed globally could be of suspicious origin, re- Chaired the Committee to enter The Old Tyme measures we will vote on this week continue sponsible U.S. companies lose an estimated Apple Festival into the Library of Congress for the important work we have already begun. I $460 million in export opportunities every year its Birthday Celebration. commend my colleagues in bringing forward because of displacement caused by illegally Leona ‘‘Kay’’ Hutchison Williams is a leader these important pieces of legislation. harvested timber. On top of that, the annual in her community. She was one of the first tell- f value of U.S. exports is between $500–$700 ers at the Morgan County Bank in 1963 and PERSONAL EXPLANATION million lower due to downward pressure on has served as secretary for the National Farm- prices from illegally harvested timber. As Or- ers Organization. Ms. Williams has also egon produces approximately 13 percent of served as city clerk, city collector, and deputy HON. DORIS O. MATSUI U.S. lumber, losses to Oregon are estimated city clerk working with 7 mayors and 35 dif- OF CALIFORNIA to be between $130–$150 million every year. ferent aldermen. Outside of public service, her IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I look forward to working with my colleagues greatest joy is time spent with her husband, Tuesday, March 13, 2007 and with all the stakeholders on this issue to Lonnie Joe, their two daughters, and one step pass this important bipartisan piece of legisla- grandson. Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I was un- tion. Madam Speaker, I wish Leona ‘‘Kay’’ avoidably detained Monday, March 12, 2007, f Hutchison Williams all the best in her retire- and missed three suspension votes. Please ment and I know the Members of the House note in the appropriate place in the CONGRES- A TRIBUTE TO PATRICIA ‘‘TRISH’’ will join me in thanking her for her commit- SIONAL RECORD that had I been present, I CALLAGHAN ment to her community. would have voted as noted below: f Rollcall vote 136: ‘‘yea.’’ HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF Rollcall vote 137: ‘‘yea.’’ OF CALIFORNIA PERSONAL EXPLANATION Rollcall vote 138: ‘‘yea.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON f Tuesday, March 13, 2007 OF ILLINOIS INTRODUCING THE LEGAL TIMBER Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PROTECTION ACT to honor Ms. Patricia ‘‘Trish’’ Callaghan, of Al- hambra, California. Each year in March, in Tuesday, March 13, 2007 HON. EARL BLUMENAUER recognition of Women’s History Month, we pay Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Madam Speaker, special tribute to the contributions and sac- OF OREGON unfortunately yesterday, March 12, 2007, I rifices made by our Nation’s women. was unable to cast my votes on H.R. 85, H. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Trish was born in San Francisco, California, Res. 136, and H. Res. 89 and wish the record Tuesday, March 13, 2007 and was raised in the San Gabriel Valley. She earned her undergraduate degree from San to reflect my intentions had I been able to Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, Diego State University and went on to receive vote. today, along with Congressman ROBERT her postgraduate degree from the University of Had I been present for rollcall No. 136 on WEXLER and Congressman JERRY WELLER, I the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. California, Los Angeles. am introducing the ‘‘Legal Timber Protection Ms. Callaghan is widely admired for her 85, the Energy Technology Transfer Act, I Act, LTPA.’’ The LTPA prohibits trade in ille- would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ long career with the Garvey Unified School gally harvested timber by extending the pro- District. As an educator, her goal was to make Had I been present for rollcall No. 137 on tections of the Lacey Act to timber, while en- the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. learning a joyful experience that would ‘‘come suring that legal timber trade isn’t harmed. alive’’ for over a thousand middle school stu- Res. 136, Commending the Girl Scouts of the Specifically, the LTPA bans the import, export, United States of America, I would have voted dents. Trish set high standards for all her stu- transport, purchase, sale, or possession of dents and created a stimulating, challenging ‘‘yea.’’ timber that has been taken, possessed, trans- Had I been present for rollcall No. 138 on and meaningful learning environment that met ported, or sold in violation of a foreign law or the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. the student’s diverse needs. international environmental treaty. It has been Res. 89, expressing the sense of the House of While working as a full-time teacher, Trish crafted to make sure that it will not prohibit Representatives that a day should be estab- participated in special committees and projects trade in legal timber or impose burdensome lished as Dutch-American Friendship Day, I at both the school and district levels. She was regulations on American timber companies. would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ a member of the Educational Technology Ad- Illegal logging threatens some of the world’s visory Committee and the Curriculum Planning f richest and most vulnerable forests. The illegal Committee. Trish was responsible for drafting COMMENDING OPENNESS AND removal of high-value threatened tree species grants and recruiting funds that supported the ACCOUNTABILITY LEGISLATION destined for international markets is often the school-site technology program. Trish also au- first step leading to forest clearance. The thored the applications for the California Dis- HON. JERRY McNERNEY tracks and roads built to access and remove tinguished School Award in 2006 and the Title OF CALIFORNIA timber become entryways for further illegal I Achieving School in 2004. cutting, hunting and burning. The easy acces- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Despite her busy career as an educator, sibility to the depths of the forest and frag- Trish has done an excellent job of following Tuesday, March 13, 2007 mentation further threatens already endan- her family’s motto of ‘‘giving back to the com- Mr. MCNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I took to gered plants and animals and leaves others munity.’’ She has been volunteering for Hun- the floor in the beginning days of the 110th vulnerable to achieving this status. As illegal tington Hospital for the past 21 years and she

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:31 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\E13MR7.REC E13MR7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 13, 2007 is currently a board member of the Fall Food was a commercial success and by the end of watching her kids play sports, going on vaca- and Wine Committee. Ms. Callaghan has also World War I black baseball had become the tion, and spending time with good friends. done extensive work with the Junior League of premier entertainment attraction for urban Ms. Acosta’s devotion to her career and her Pasadena where she was involved in a variety black populations. In 1920, under the leader- long-time commitment to the prosperity of our of community projects. Through the Junior ship of Andrew ‘‘Rube’’ Foster, owner of the community serves as a true inspiration to us League, she was able to assist in the produc- Chicago American Giants, the disparate black all. I ask all Members of Congress to join me tion of a foster family recruitment video and leagues of the National Negro League was today in honoring an extraordinary woman of worked on the Pediatric Play Therapy project. formed. California’s 29th Congressional District, Diane Now that she is retired, Trish intends to Throughout the history of the Negro League Acosta. spend more time with family and friends, and players filled stands, electrified fans and per- f continue her volunteer work. Trish is looking formed athletic feats that were previously un- A TRIBUTE TO JASIK ‘‘JASMEN’’ forward to working as a docent at the Japa- imaginable. The skills, spirit and dedication of JARAHIAN nese Garden in the Huntington Library, where players not only contributed to the viability of she will give tours to 4th–12th grade students. all-black teams but also helped integrate the Ms. Callaghan’s devotion to her career and sport of baseball. Players like Jackie Robin- HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF her long-term commitment to the prosperity of son, the first black player to play in the major OF CALIFORNIA our community serves as a true inspiration to league, Larry Doby, Leroy ‘‘Satchel’’ Paige IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES us all. I ask all members of Congress to join and so many others found their start in the Tuesday, March 13, 2007 me today in honoring an extraordinary woman Negro League and without the Negro League Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today of California’s 29th Congressional District, Pa- baseball might not be the consummate Amer- in honor of Ms. Jasik ‘‘Jasmen’’ Jarahian. tricia ‘‘Trish’’ Callaghan. ican sport it is today. Each year in March, in recognition of Wom- f f en’s History Month, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBU- A TRIBUTE TO DIANE ACOSTA Nation’s women. TIONS OF THE NEGRO BASEBALL Born in Iran, Jasmen received her master’s LEAGUES AND THEIR PLAYERS HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF degree in accounting and held various posi- OF CALIFORNIA tions with the York Shire Insurance Company SPEECH OF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in Tehran, Iran. In 1984, Jasmen moved to the HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL Tuesday, March 13, 2007 United States and settled in Glendale, Cali- OF NEW YORK fornia. She joined Group Services and Tax IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today Management Company, owned by her brother. to honor Ms. Diane Acosta, of San Gabriel, Since 1991, Mrs. Jarahian has been the Tuesday, March 6, 2007 California. Each year in March, in recognition general accountant/controller for the Armenian Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in of Women’s History Month, we pay special Relief Society of the Western United States of support of H. Res. 162, recognizing the con- tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made America (ARS). Mrs. Jarahian oversees a vari- tributions of the Negro Baseball Leagues and by our Nation’s women. ety of funds, orphan sponsorships, and the co- their players for their achievements, dedication Diane was born in Los Angeles, California, ordinating of assistance. Her efforts have and sacrifices to baseball and the Nation. and grew up in the San Gabriel Valley. She helped the Armenian Relief Society provide During the late 1800s, despite numerous at- attended Rosemead High School and then philanthropic assistance to isolated villages in tempts, viable, professional leagues, with play- went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in so- Armenia and Artsakh (Karabagh). For almost ers of color, had difficulty growing into large cial work from California State University Los 100 years, the Armenian Relief Society has professional enterprises. The Negro Baseball Angeles. ‘‘brought women together to laugh or cry, cook League grew out of both necessity, as seg- Ms. Acosta began her career as general or eat, learn or teach, always serving, always regation prevented players of color from par- partner for a marketing consulting company striving for something larger than ourselves.’’ ticipating in organized leagues, such as the where her clients included a regional shopping Mrs. Jarahian’s work in our community is an National Association of Base Ball Players, center, various hospitals, small and large busi- ideal illustration of that mission. which banned black athletes, and a love for nesses, and non-profit organizations. She cur- In addition to her work with the Armenian the game of baseball. During these times, al- rently is the development director for San Ga- Relief Society, Mrs. Jarahian is an active though few black players played alongside briel Union Church and Christian School member of Homenetmen (Armenian General white players most were subjected to regional where she is responsible for community out- Athletic Union). She is a founding member of prejudices and bans preventing black players reach, fundraising, volunteer coordination, and the Davtian-Meyramian Educational Founda- from playing, lodging or eating in segregated special event planning. She has been with the tion, a non-profit organization that organizes establishments. church and school for the last 5 years. after-school programs that promote education In the years following the American Civil Her involvement with the San Gabriel Union and multiculturalism for children in elementary War and the Reconstruction era, black base- Church has provided Diane with a new me- and middle school. Mrs. Jarahian also does ball emerged as a viable and exciting enter- dium for reaching out to those facing hardship. volunteer work with the Armenian Bone Mar- prise in the East and Mid-Atlantic states. One She is a member of the Deacon Ministry, a row Donor Registry Project, a group whose of the first baseball games between two all- group that strives to meet the emergency mission it is to recruit and provide matched black teams was held in September 1860 in physical, financial, health, and emotional unrelated donors for bone marrow or stem cell Hoboken, New Jersey. In the years that fol- needs of the church’s congregation. Diane is transplantation for patients that are suffering lowed, black teams played one another when also a member of the Outreach Ministry from leukemia or other blood related illnesses. they could, through informal networks. In the Teams, a group that develops new ways for She was named ‘‘Mother of the Year’’ by early 1880s there were some 200 all-black the church to become a more effective com- the North Hollywood ARS Meghri Chapter and independent teams that played one another munity partner. was deemed an ‘‘Honorary Artsakh Citizen’’ by throughout the country. It would take the col- Most notably, Diane is admired for her dedi- the Dzaghgatsogh Village. Jasmen became an laboration of three men: John W. ‘‘Bud’’ cation to the community she feels lucky to call honorary citizen after several years of leading Fowler, one of the first known professional home. She is a board member for both the efforts to renovate Dzaghgatsogh Village, in- black baseball players; Moses ‘‘Fleetwood’’ San Gabriel and Temple City Chambers of cluding the museum, the local hall, and Walker and Frank Grant to organize these Commerce and she is the president of the school. Jasmen spends her free time men- teams in what became known as the Negro San Gabriel Community Coordinating Council. toring women and enjoys inspiring others to League. She is also a board member of the San Ga- volunteer. The first all-black professional team was briel Community Foundation, a member of the Mrs. Jarahian’s devotion to her career and formed in 1885, when the Babylon Black Pan- San Gabriel Education Foundation, and has her long-time commitment to the prosperity of thers was sponsored by a white businessman held leadership positions with local Parent our community serves as a true inspiration to from Trenton, New Jersey. Renamed the Teacher Associations. us all. I ask all Members of Congress to join Cuban Giants, the team, along with 10 others, In addition to her many professional and me today in honoring an extraordinary woman formed the first Negro League, called the personal accomplishments, Ms. Acosta is a of California’s 29th Congressional District, southern League of Base Ballists. The league wife and mother of three children. She enjoys Jasik ‘‘Jasmen’’ Jarahian.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:31 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\E13MR7.REC E13MR7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E535 URGING REMAINING EUROPEAN tries of the International Commission have still tions and sacrifices made by our Nation’s NATIONS TO EXPEDITE OPENING yet to ratify these amendments. To date, only women. ACCESS TO HOLOCAUST AR- 4 out of the 11 Commission member coun- Born to Chinese parents, Dr. Cherng was CHIVES tries; the United States, Israel, Poland and the raised in Burma and Hong Kong. She at- Netherlands have ratified the treaty. Unfortu- tended Baker University in Kansas before HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS nately, many Holocaust survivors may be long transferring to Oregon State University, where OF FLORIDA dead before each country’s parliament ratifies she earned her bachelor of science degree in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the amendments. applied mathematics. Dr. Cherng then re- ceived her master’s degree in computer Tuesday, March 13, 2007 I ask: why has it taken over 60 years to allow for open access to these Holocaust science and a doctorate in electrical engineer- Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, records? There is no reason European gov- ing from the University of Missouri. I rise today to introduce a resolution urging the ernments should not give this issue the utmost Following graduation, Dr. Cherng married remaining member countries of the Inter- elevated attention, as this issue should be and settled in southern California, where she national Commission of the International Trac- made a top priority in their respective par- became a member of the technical team at ing Service (ITS) to expedite opening access liaments. McDonnell Douglas. Later, she worked at to the Holocaust archives located in Bad For the many years after the War’s after- Comtal–3M, where her highly technical back- ground allowed her to quickly move up the Arolsen, Germany. math, the survivors and their families who re- On March 8, 2007, a most important diplo- corporate ladder to become software develop- quested information have faced cumbersome matic meeting concluded in the Hague. Nine ment manager. During this time, her father delays and occasional unresponsiveness from out of the 11 International Commission of the and husband decided to open a restaurant the ITS. As a result of the harrowing experi- ITS member countries, which includes the they named Panda Inn—which featured gour- ence, many survivors had in past dealings United States, Belgium, France, Germany, met Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine—in with the ITS, many survivors now lack con- Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, the Nether- Pasadena, California. lands, Poland, and the United Kingdom, met fidence that new inquiries will be answered. While at Comtal–3M, the Panda Inn busi- to discuss opening up the world’s largest Hol- Although access to individual records may be ness grew steadily and in 1982, Dr. Cherng ocaust era archives. requested by Holocaust survivors and their decided to join the family business. As execu- Incredulously, 62 years after the end of the families, the millions of extensive records re- tive vice-president, Dr. Cherng’s leadership Second World War, the Holocaust archives lo- main inaccessible to researchers. Further- and skills played a vital role in creating the vi- cated in Bad Arolsen remain the largest more, it will likely still take years before the sion, mission, and value statements for the closed Second World War-era archives in the implementation of the distribution of the Panda Restaurant Group, and established a world. Inside the archives are 50 million digitized archival materials. solid foundation for future corporate growth. In records that disclose the fate of some 17.5 Those responsible for the progress made at 1997, Dr. Cherng served as president and in million individual victims of Nazism. the meeting in the Hague should be widely 1998, she also took on the role of CEO until These records are some of the last remains commended. The advancements made re- 2004. During the time she held both roles, the that the Allied forces seized when they liber- cently are largely due in part to the United company flourished and more than doubled in ated the death camps in 1945. Years later, States Holocaust Museum and the United size from about 250 locations to nearly 650. In documents were given to the Red Cross for States State Department. I am grateful for 2004, Dr. Cherng took the position of co-chair the purpose of tracing missing people and their diplomatic efforts which have proved so and CEO, and now focuses primarily on her later for validating compensation claims by vic- fruitful at the last meeting. co-chair responsibilities. tims or their relatives. Over the past 60 years, But much work still remains undone. With Dr. Cherng is a firm believer in giving back the ITS has handled more than 11 million in- the express acknowledgement of the variance to the community. The Panda Restaurant quiries. in each country’s internal procedures and the Group has supported the community and char- In order to allow for open access to these utmost respect for the letter of international itable causes such as United Way, City of important archives, each of the 11 members of law, I strongly encourage parliamentarians Hope, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the International Commission of the ITS must from other members of the ITS Commission to Children’s Miracle Network. In 1999, Dr. individually ratify through their respective par- ratify the ITS amendments promptly so that Cherng launched a company-wide community liaments the May 2006 amendments to the the Bad Arolsen archives can be opened at involvement initiative called Panda Cares, 1955 Bonn Accords. the earliest possible date. which gives back to the community and pro- For the past decade, Holocaust researchers The short time left for the remaining Holo- vides assistance for the care and education of and most survivors have sought and failed to caust survivors does not afford us time to children. Panda Cares has committed nearly access the Bad Arolsen archive because the delay any longer. $3 million to non-profit organizations nation- ITS Commission believed it would violate the As the few remaining survivors pass away, wide. privacy of the survivors and their families. they are being deprived of information con- Dr. Cherng is active in a number of organi- Slight progress has been made since last cerning their loved ones and the assets that zations including the National Restaurant As- May after the Commission recently amended were rightfully theirs. Let us not continue to sociation, the board of directors of the Meth- the Bonn Accords. The Bonn Accords were waste the precious time left for the remaining odist Hospital of Southern California, East amended to allow researchers to use the ar- survivors. After all of the horrific acts to which West Bancorp, Inc., the board of visitors for chives while granting each Commission mem- they have been subjected, they are completely the UCLA Anderson School of Management, ber a digitized copy of the archives and make justified in uncovering the truth about their and the board of trustees for Children’s Hos- them available to researchers under their own family and their loved ones without hassle or pital Los Angeles. Dr. Cherng’s devotion to her career and her country’s respective archival and privacy laws delay. long-time commitment to the prosperity of our and practices. Unfortunately, these measures In passing this legislation, Congress can put community serves as a true inspiration to us have not gone into practice because not all of itself on record saying, ‘‘Enough is enough.’’ I all. I ask all members of Congress to join me the member countries of the ITS have ratified urge my colleagues to support this resolution today in honoring an extraordinary woman of the amendments. and ask for its expeditious consideration. California’s 29th Congressional District, Dr. I support the progress made thus far by the f ITS and all Commission member countries. Peggy Tsiang Cherng. Just last week, technical specialists reviewed A TRIBUTE TO PEGGY TSIANG f plans for preparing the documents for elec- CHERNG A TRIBUTE TO MS. GINA tronic transfer and drafted recommendations WILLIAMS to be reviewed by the commission in advance HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF of the May 2007 ITS meeting. In fact, many of OF CALIFORNIA HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK the Commission’s member countries have IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF ILLINOIS taken significant steps since last May’s meet- Tuesday, March 13, 2007 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing in order to expedite the process of ratifica- tion and allow for the digitization of the Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today Tuesday, March 13, 2007 archived materials. to honor Dr. Peggy Tsiang Cherng. Each year Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor However, the facts remain the same. Gen- in March, in recognition of Women’s History Ms. Gina Williams, an art teacher at Lake For- erations after the Holocaust, 7 member coun- Month, we pay special tribute to the contribu- est Academy in Illinois. Ms. Williams is one of

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HIGHLIGHTS Senate passed S. 4, Improving America’s Security by Implementing Un- finished Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Senate Bond/Rockefeller Modified Amendment No. 389 Chamber Action (to Amendment No. 275), to provide the sense of Routine Proceedings, pages S3013–S3076 the Senate that the Committee on Homeland Secu- Measures Introduced: Twenty-two bills were intro- rity and Governmental Affairs and the Select Com- duced, as follows: S. 847–868. Page S3064 mittee on Intelligence of the Senate should submit a report on the recommendations of the 9/11 Com- Measures Passed: mission with respect to intelligence reform and con- Improving America’s Security by Implementing gressional intelligence oversight reform. Unfinished Recommendations of the 9/11 Commis- Pages S3019, S3031–33 sion Act: By 60 yeas to 38 nays (Vote No. 73), Sen- Stevens Amendment No. 299 (to Amendment No. ate passed S. 4, to make the United States more se- 275), to authorize NTIA to borrow against antici- cure by implementing unfinished recommendations pated receipts of the Digital Television Transition of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a na- more effectively, to improve homeland security, tional IP-enabled emergency network capable of re- withdrawing the committee amendment in the na- ceiving and responding to all citizen activated emer- ture of a substitute, after taking action on the fol- gency communications. Page S3019 lowing amendments proposed thereto: Lieberman (for Sununu) Amendment No. 291 (to Pages S3019–23, S3024–3058 Amendment No. 275), to ensure that the emergency Adopted: communications and interoperability communica- Lieberman (for Feingold) Amendment No. 441 (to tions grant program does not exclude Internet Pro- Amendment No. 357), to require appropriate reports tocol-based interoperable solutions. (By unanimous regarding data-mining by the Federal Government. consent, the amendment was agreed to, notwith- Page S3029 standing having been ruled not germane on Friday, Kyl Modified Amendment No. 357 (to Amend- March 9, 2007.) Page S3035 ment No. 275), to amend the data-mining tech- Lieberman (for Grassley) Modified Amendment nology reporting requirement to avoid revealing ex- No. 293 (to Amendment No. 275), to amend the isting patents, trade secrets, and confidential busi- Congressional Charter of The American National ness processes, and to adopt a narrower definition of Red Cross to modernize its governance structure, to data-mining in order to exclude routine computer enhance the ability of the board of governors of The searches. Pages S3019, S3029–30 American National Red Cross to support the critical Ensign Amendment No. 448 (to Amendment No. mission of The American National Red Cross in the 275), to establish a Law Enforcement Assistance 21st century. Pages S3035–37 Force in the Department of Homeland Security to Lieberman (for Coleman) Amendment No. 341 (to facilitate the contributions of retired law enforce- Amendment No. 275), to provide for an additional ment officers during major disasters. program requirement for the border interoperability Pages S3030–31, S3033–34 demonstration project. Page S3037 Schumer/Clinton Modified Amendment No. 337 Lieberman (for Feinstein) Amendment No. 323 (to Amendment No. 275), to provide for the use of (to Amendment No. 275), to provide for the inclu- funds in any grant under the Homeland Security sion of executive level training in certain curriculum Grant Program for personnel costs. Page S3019 for training. Page S3037 D317

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:28 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D13MR7.REC D13MRPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with DIGEST D318 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 13, 2007 Lieberman (for Salazar) Further Modified Amend- to implement democratic forms of government, to ment No. 290 (to Amendment No. 275), to require strengthen respect for internationally accepted a quadrennial homeland security review. (By unani- human rights standards and norms in foreign coun- mous consent, the amendment was agreed to, not- tries through increased United States advocacy, to withstanding having been ruled not germane on Fri- strengthen alliances of democratic countries, and to day, March 9, 2007.) Page S3037 increase support for programs of non-governmental Lieberman (for Carper) Amendment No. 368 (to organizations, individuals, and private groups that Amendment No. 275), to make funds available for promote democracy. Pages S3040–41 the activities of the Public Interest Declassification Lieberman (for Landrieu) Amendment No. 456 (to Board. Page S3037 Amendment No. 275), to require the Secretary of Lieberman (for Akaka) Amendment No. 392 (to Homeland Security to include levees in the list of Amendment No. 275), to provide for the Secretary critical infrastructure sectors. Page S3041 to ensure that chemical, biological, radiological, and Lieberman (for Coleman) Modified Amendment nuclear detection equipment and technologies are in- No. 414 (to Amendment No. 275), to establish a tegrated as appropriate with other border security demonstration project to conduct demonstrations of systems and detection technologies, and for other security management systems. Page S3041 purposes. Page S3037 Lieberman (for Inouye/Stevens) Modified Amend- Lieberman/Collins Modified Amendment No. 332 ment No. 412 (to Amendment No. 275), to provide (to Amendment No. 275), to establish the Emer- for model ports of entry and modify the inter- gency Management Performance Grants Program as national registered traveler program. Page S3041 a separate grant program. Pages S3037–39 Lieberman (for Inouye) Modified Amendment No. Lieberman/Collins Amendment No. 391 (to 423 (to Amendment No. 275), to revise sections 801 Amendment No. 275), to improve the guidelines for and 802. Pages S3042–44 fusion centers operated by State or local govern- Lieberman (for Inouye) Modified Amendment No. ments, to improve the awarding and administration 424 (to Amendment No. 275), to coordinate various of homeland security grants. Page S3039 reporting provisions with Senate Committee jurisdic- Lieberman/Collins Amendment No. 431 (to tional interests. Pages S3044–45 Amendment No. 275), to clarify the coordination of Lieberman (for Rockefeller) Amendment No. 340 the accreditation and certification program for the (to Amendment No. 275), to reinstate the State reg- private sector. Page S3039 istration fee system for commercial motor vehicles Lieberman (for Wyden) Amendment No. 348 (to until the Unified Carrier Registration System Plan Amendment No. 275), to require that a redacted Agreement is fully implemented. Page S3042 version of the Executive Summary of the Office of Lieberman (for Kerry) Amendment No. 307 (to Inspector General Report on Central Intelligence Amendment No. 275), to modify the criteria that Agency Accountability Regarding Findings and Con- the Secretary of Homeland Security will use to de- clusions of the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Com- velop a hazardous material tracking pilot program munity Activities Before and After the Terrorist At- for motor carriers. Page S3042 tacks of September 11, 2001 is made available to the Lieberman (for Murray) Modified Amendment No. public. (By unanimous consent, the amendment was 358 (to Amendment No. 275), to establish a pilot agreed to, notwithstanding having been ruled not program to identify technological solutions for re- germane on Friday, March 9, 2007.) Page S3039 ducing airport exit lane staffing. Page S3045 Lieberman (for Byrd) Amendment No. 404 (to Lieberman (for Lautenberg) Modified Amendment Amendment No. 275), to require the Secretary of No. 359 (to Amendment No. 275), to require the Homeland Security to notify Congress not later than Inspector General of the Department of Homeland 30 days before waiving any eligibility requirement Security to audit the Highway Watch grant program under the visa waiver program established under sec- and report to the Congress on its efficacy in pro- tion 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. viding security from terrorism. Page S3045 Page S3039 Lieberman (for Cardin) Amendment No. 394 (to Lieberman (for Pryor) Modified Amendment No. Amendment No. 275), to require Amtrak contracts 388 (to Amendment No. 275), to provide for annual and leases involving the State of Maryland to be reports on equipment technical assistance. governed by the laws of the District of Columbia. Pages S3039–40 Page S3042 Lieberman/McCain Modified Amendment No. 411 Lieberman (for Menendez) Modified Amendment (to Amendment No. 275), to advance and strengthen No. 354 (to Amendment No. 275), to require the democracy globally through peaceful means using Secretary to include in the reports on implementa- transformational diplomacy to assist foreign countries tion of 100 percent ocean-borne cargo scanning an

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:28 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D13MR7.REC D13MRPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with DIGEST March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D319 ongoing assessment of progress, including obstacles Iraq Resolution—Agreement: A unanimous con- and challenges. (By unanimous consent, the amend- sent agreement was reached providing that at 10:00 ment was agreed to, notwithstanding having been a.m., on Wednesday, March 14, 2007, Senate resume ruled not germane on Friday, March 9, 2007.) consideration of the motion to proceed to consider- Page S3041 ation of S.J. Res. 9, to revise United States policy Lieberman (for Dodd) Amendment No. 415 (to on Iraq; that there be 1 hour of debate prior to a Amendment No. 275), to amend title X, with re- vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion spect to critical infrastructure protection efforts by to proceed to consideration of the resolution, with Federal departments and agencies. Page S3042 the time equally divided and controlled between the Lieberman (for Kohl) Modified Amendment No. Majority and Republican Leaders, or their designees; 371 (to Amendment No. 275), to ensure that public provided further, that the final 20 minutes prior to transportation workers specifically take into account the vote be controlled by the two Leaders, with the Majority Leader controlling the final 10 minutes. the evacuation needs of the elderly. Page S3045 Schumer Further Modified Amendment No. 367 Page S3076 (to Amendment No. 275), to require the Adminis- Appointments: trator of the Transportation Security Administration U.S.-China Interparliamentary Group: The to establish and implement a program to provide ad- Chair, on behalf of the President pro tempore, pur- ditional safety measures for vehicles that carry high suant to 22 U.S.C. 276n, as amended, appointed the hazardous materials. Page S3019 following Senator as Vice Chairman of the U.S.- Reid Amendment No. 275, in the nature of a China Interparliamentary Group conference during substitute. Page S3019 the 110th Congress: Senator Stevens. Page S3076 Rejected: Messages From the House: Page S3061 Coburn Amendment No. 294 (to Amendment No. 275), to provide that the provisions of the Act Messages Referred: Pages S3061–62 shall cease to have any force or effect on and after Executive Communications: Pages S3062–64 December 31, 2012, to ensure congressional review Additional Cosponsors: Pages S3064–66 and oversight of the Act. (By 60 yeas to 38 nays Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: (Vote No. 70), Senate tabled the amendment.) Pages S3066–75 Pages S3019–23 Coburn Amendment No. 325 (to Amendment Additional Statements: Page S3061 No. 275), to ensure the fiscal integrity of grants Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S3075 awarded by the Department of Homeland Security. Authorities for Committees to Meet: (By 66 yeas to 31 nays (Vote No. 71), Senate tabled Pages S3075–76 the amendment.) Pages S3019–23 Record Votes: Four record votes were taken today. Biden Amendment No. 383 (to Amendment No. (Total—73) Pages S3023, S3046, S3058 275), to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop regulations regarding the transportation Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m., and ad- of high hazard materials. (By 73 yeas to 25 nays journed at 6:54 p.m., until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, (Vote No. 72), Senate tabled the amendment). March 14, 2007. (For Senate’s program, see the re- Pages S3019, S3024–29, S3046 marks of the Majority Leader in today’s Record on Withdrawn: page S3076.) Landrieu Amendment No. 321 (to Amendment No. 275), to require the Secretary of Homeland Se- Committee Meetings curity to include levees in the list of critical infra- (Committees not listed did not meet) structure sectors. Page S3019 Schumer/Clinton Amendment No. 336 (to APPROPRIATIONS: ENVIRONMENTAL Amendment No. 275), to prohibit the use of the PROTECTION AGENCY peer review process in determining the allocation of Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the In- funds among metropolitan areas applying for grants terior, Environment and Related Agencies concluded under the Urban Area Security Initiative. Page S3019 a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for St. Louis County, Missouri Arterial Road: Senate fiscal year 2008 for the Environmental Protection passed H.R. 1129, to provide for the construction, Agency, after receiving testimony from Stephen L. operation, and maintenance of an arterial road in St. Johnson, Administrator, William Wehrum, Assistant Louis County, Missouri. Page S3076 Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:28 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D13MR7.REC D13MRPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with DIGEST D320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 13, 2007 Susan Bodine, Assistant Administrator, Office of J.K. Stratford, Director, Office of Nuclear Energy, Solid Waste and Emergency Response, all of the En- Safety and Security, Bureau of International Security vironmental Protection Agency. and Nonproliferation, Department of State; Andrew Bieniawski, Assistant Deputy Administrator, Office NOMINATIONS of Global Threat Reduction, National Nuclear Secu- Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded rity Administration, Department of Energy; Janice a hearing to examine the nominations of James R. Dunn Lee, Director, Office of International Pro- Kunder, of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator, grams, United States Nuclear Regulatory Commis- Douglas Menarchik, of Texas, to be an Assistant Ad- sion; Gene Aloise, Director, Natural Resources and ministrator, Paul J. Bonicelli, of Virginia, to be an Environment, Government Accountability Office; Assistant Administrator, and Katherine Almquist, of Brian Dodd, Health Physics Society, McLean, Vir- Virginia, to be an Assistant Administrator, all of the ginia; Charles D. Ferguson, Council on Foreign Rela- United States Agency for International Development, tions, New York, New York; and Joel O. Lubenau, Margrethe Lundsager, of Virginia, to be United Lititz, Pennsylvania. States Executive Director of the International Mone- tary Fund, Eli Whitney Debevoise II, of Maryland, NOMINATIONS to be United States Executive Director of the Inter- Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a national Bank for Reconstruction and Development, hearing to examine the nominations of Halil and Curtis S. Chin, of New York, to be United Suleyman Ozerden, to be United States District States Director of the Asian Development Bank, Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi, who with the rank of Ambassador, after the nominees tes- was introduced by Senators Cochran and Lott, Ben- tified and answered questions in their own behalf. jamin Hale Settle, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington, and Fred- RADIOLOGICAL MATERIALS erick J. Kapala, to be United States District Judge Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- for the Northern District of Illinois, who were both fairs: Subcommittee on Oversight of Government introduced by Senator Durbin, after the nominees Management, the Federal Workforce, and the Dis- testified and answered questions in their own behalf. trict of Columbia to examine international action by the United States to secure radiological materials, fo- INTELLIGENCE cusing on Department of Energy and Nuclear Regu- Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed latory Commission efforts through the International hearings on intelligence matters, receiving testimony Atomic Energy Agency and the other multilateral from officials of the intelligence community. organizations, after receiving testimony from Richard Committee recessed subject to the call. h House of Representatives Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she Chamber Action appointed Representative Meeks to act as Speaker Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 27 pub- pro tempore for today. Page H2439 lic bills, H.R. 1486–1512; and 3 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 91; and H. Res. 240–241 were intro- Recess: The House recessed at 10:55 a.m. and re- convened at 12 noon. Page H2441 duced. Pages H2485–86 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules Additional Cosponsors: Pages H2486–87 and pass the following measures: Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows: H. Res. 239, providing for consideration of H.R. Amend the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restruc- 985, to amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify turing Act of 1998 to reauthorize the United which disclosures of information are protected from States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy: prohibited personnel practices; to require a statement H.R. 1003, to amend the Foreign Affairs Reform in nondisclosure policies, forms, and agreements to and Restructuring Act of 1998 to reauthorize the the effect that such policies, forms, and agreements United States Advisory Commission on Public Di- are consistent with certain disclosure protections (H. plomacy; Pages H2444–45 Rept. 110–48). Page H2485

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:28 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D13MR7.REC D13MRPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with DIGEST March 13, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D321 Calling for the immediate and unconditional re- house located at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, lease of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and New York, as the ‘‘Conrad Duberstein United States Hezbollah: H. Res. 107, amended, to call for the Bankruptcy Courthouse’’; and Pages H2459–60 immediate and unconditional release of Israeli sol- Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ‘‘To des- diers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah; ignate the United States bankruptcy courthouse lo- Pages H2445–47 cated at 271 Cadman Plaza East in Brooklyn, New Expressing the sense of the House of Representa- York, as the ‘Conrad B. Duberstein United States tives that the Government of Bangladesh should Bankruptcy Courthouse’.’’. Page H2460 immediately drop all pending charges against Neal Smith Federal Building Designation Act: Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib H.R. 1045, to designate the Federal building located Choudhury: H. Res. 64, amended, to express the at 210 Walnut Street in Des Moines, Iowa, as the sense of the House of Representatives that the Gov- ‘‘Neal Smith Federal Building’’. Pages H2460–61 ernment of Bangladesh should immediately drop all Quorum Calls—Votes: Three yea-and-nay votes de- pending charges against Bangladeshi journalist Salah veloped during the proceedings of today and appear Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote on pages H2461, H2462, H2462–63. There were no of 409 yeas to 1 nay, with 4 voting ‘‘present’’, Roll quorum calls. No. 139; Pages H2447–50, H2461 Adjournment: The House met at 10:30 a.m. and Recognizing the 186th anniversary of the inde- adjourned at 6:15 p.m. pendence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy: H. Res. 228, to recognize the 186th anniversary of the independence of Greece and Committee Meetings celebrating Greek and American democracy, by a 2/ FOOD STAMP PROGRAM REVIEW—IMPACT 3 yea-and-nay vote of 413 yeas with none voting ON CHILDREN’S HEALTH ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 140; Pages H2450–53, H2461–62 Committee on Agriculture: Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Treaty Subcommittee on Depart- of Rome signed on March 25, 1957: H. Res. 230, ment Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of held a hearing to review the federal food stamp pro- Rome signed on March 25, 1957, which was a key gram and its impact on children’s health. Testimony step in creating the European Union, and reaffirming was heard from Nancy Montanez-Johner, Under Sec- the close and mutually beneficial relationship be- retary, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, USDA; and public witnesses. tween the United States and Europe; Pages H2453–55 Expressing the support of the House of Rep- AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, resentatives for the Good Friday Agreement, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES signed on April 10, 1998, as a blueprint for a APPROPRIATIONS lasting peace in Northern Ireland: H. Res. 222, to Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agri- express the support of the House of Representatives culture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Admin- for the Good Friday Agreement, signed on April 10, istration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on 1998, as a blueprint for a lasting peace in Northern Secretary of Agriculture. Testimony was heard from Ireland; by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 419 yeas to 1 the following officials of the USDA: Chuck Conner, nay, Roll No. 141; Pages H2455–57, H2462–63 Deputy Secretary; Keith Collins, Chief Economist; Scott Reed Federal Building and United States and Scott Steele, Budget Officer. Courthouse Designation Act: H.R. 478, to des- COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE AND ignate the Federal building and United States court- RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS house located at 101 Barr Street in Lexington, Ken- tucky, as the ‘‘Scott Reed Federal Building and Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Com- United States Courthouse’’; Pages H2457–58 merce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies on NASA. Testimony was heard from Michael D. Grif- Hugh L. Carey United States Courthouse Des- fin, Administrator, NASA. ignation Act: H.R. 429, to designate the United Hearings continue tomorrow. States courthouse located at 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York, as the ‘‘Hugh L. Carey United ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, States Courthouse’’; Pages H2458–59 AND RELATED AGENCIES Conrad Duberstein United States Bankruptcy APPROPRIATIONS Courthouse Designation Act: H.R. 430, amended, Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy to designate the United States bankruptcy court- and Water Development, and Related Agencies held

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:28 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D13MR7.REC D13MRPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with DIGEST D322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 13, 2007 a hearing on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Testi- for Veterans Claims; and Daniel L. Cooper, Under mony was the following officials of the Department Secretary, Benefits, Department of Veterans’ Affairs. of the Army: John Paul Woodley, Assistant Sec- STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND retary, Civil Works; and LTG Carl A. Strock, USA, RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Chief of Engineers. Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Home- hearing on the Millenium Challenge Account. Testi- land Security held a hearing on the Secret Service. mony was heard from Ambassador John Danilovich, Testimony was heard from Mark Sullivan, Director, CEO, Millenium Challenge Corp. U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Secu- TRANSPORTATION, AND HUD, AND rity. RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Trans- AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS portation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Status Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Inte- of Public Housing and HOPE VI. Testimony was rior, Environment and Related Agencies held a hear- heard from Orlando J. Cabrera, Assistant Secretary, ing on Arts Panel. Testimony was heard from public Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing witnesses. and Urban Development. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the So- cial and Economic Status of Native Americans, the ACCOUNTABILITY IN CONTRACTING ACT Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of the Special Trust- Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported, as ee. Testimony was heard from a public witness. amended, H.R. 1362, Accountability in Contracting Act. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS MILITARY RESALE PROGRAMS REVIEW Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Mili- Health and Human Services, Education and Related tary Personnel held a hearing on overview of military Agencies held a hearing on Department of Edu- resale programs. Testimony was heard from the fol- cation: Elementary and Secondary Education, and lowing officials of the Department of Defense: Mi- Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. Testi- chael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Secretary, mony was heard from Raymond Simon, Deputy Sec- Personnel and Readiness; MG Paul Essex, USAF, retary, Department of Education. Commander, Army and Air Force Exchange Service; RADM Robert E. Cowley, III, USN, Commander, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Navy Exchange Service Command; Patrick B. Nixon, Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legisla- Director and CEO, Defense Commissary Agency; and tive Branch held a hearing on Capitol Visitor Center. Michael P. Downs, Director, Personal and Family Testimony was heard from Stephen T. Ayers, Acting Readiness Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Architect of the Capitol; Terry Dorn, Director, Phys- Corps. ical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; Robert Hixon, READINESS NEEDS Project Executive; and Douglas Jacobs, Design Man- Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readi- ager, both with the Capitol Visitor Center. ness held a hearing on the adequacy of the Fiscal MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS’ Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES Request to meet readiness needs. Testimony was APPROPRIATIONS heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: GEN Richard Cody, USA, Vice Chief of Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Mili- Staff, Department of the Army; GEN John D. W. tary Construction, Veterans’ Affairs, and Related Corley, USAF, Vice Chief of Staff, Department of Agencies held a hearing on the Navy Budget. Testi- the Air Force; GEN Robert Magnus, USMC, Assist- mony was heard from the following officials of the ant Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps; and ADM Department of the Navy: ADM Michael G. Mullen, Robert F. Willard, USN, Vice Chief of Naval Oper- USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and GEN James T. ations, Department of the Navy. Conway, USMC, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Vet- MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES erans’ Claims Process. Testimony was heard from Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on William Greene, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals Health approved for full Committee the following

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bills: H.R. 477, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Pre- MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES vention Act; H.R. 727, amended, Trauma Care Sys- Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on tems Planning and Development Act of 2007; H.R. Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans held a hearing on the 545, amended, Native American Methamphetamine following bills: H.R. 50, Multinational Species Con- Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2007; H.R. servation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2007; and 1132, amended, National Breast and Cervical Cancer H.R. 465, Asian Elephant Conservation Reauthoriza- Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act of tion Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Ken- 2007; and H.R. 493, amended, Genetic Information neth Stansell, Acting Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Nondiscrimination Act of 2007. Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. POST KATRINA HEALTH CARE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSE VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled Committee on Oversight and Reform: Ordered reported, ‘‘Post Katrina Health Care: Continuing Concerns as amended, H.R. 1433, District of Columbia House and Immediate Needs in the New Orleans Region.’’ Voting Rights Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Leslie Norwalk, Acting WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2007 Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a Fred Cerise, M.D., Secretary, Department of Health structured rule providing for consideration of H.R. and Hospitals, State of Louisiana; and the following 985, Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of officials of the Department of Health, City of New 2007. The rule provides 1 hour and 20 minutes of Orleans: Kevin U. Stephens, M.D., Director; and general debate, with 1 hour equally divided and con- Evangeline R. Franklin, M.D., Director, Clinical trolled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Services and Employee Health; and public witnesses. Member of the Committee on Oversight and Gov- HEDGE FUNDS AND SYSTEMIC RISK IN ernment Reform and 20 minutes equally divided and FINANCIAL MARKETS controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing enti- The rule waives all points of order against consider- tled ‘‘Hedge Funds and Systemic Risk in the Finan- ation of the bill except those arising under clauses cial Markets.’’ Testimony was heard from E. Gerald 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that an Corrigan, former President, Federal Reserve Bank of amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting New York, Federal Reserve System; and public wit- of the text of the bill, modified by the amendments nesses. recommended by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform now printed in the bill, shall TIBET; STATE OF SINO-TIBETAN be considered as an original bill for the purpose of DIALOGUE amendment. Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Tibet: The rule waives all points of order against the Status of the Sino-Tibetan Dialogue. Testimony was amendments printed in the report except for those heard from Paula J. Dobriansky, Under Secretary, arising under clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. Finally, Democracy and Global Affairs, Department of State; the rule provides one motion to recommit with or and public witnesses. without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Waxman and Representatives Tom Davis HAITI’S DEVELOPMENT NEEDS of Virginia, Shays and King of Iowa. Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on West- SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP ern Hemisphere held a hearing on Haiti’s Develop- IN A 21ST CENTURY GLOBAL ECONOMY ment Needs. Testimony was heard from Adolfo A. Committee on Science and Technology: Franco, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Latin Held a hearing on America and the Caribbean, U.S. Agency for Inter- Science and Technology Leadership in a 21st Cen- national Development, Department of State. tury Global Economy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. RAIL AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION U.S./MEXICAN TRUCKING SAFETY SECURITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Sub- Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as committee on Highways and Transit held a hearing amended, H.R. 1401, Rail and Public Transpor- on U.S./Mexican Trucking: Safety and the Cross Bor- tation Security Act of 2007. der Demonstration Project. Testimony was heard

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:28 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D13MR7.REC D13MRPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with DIGEST D324 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 13, 2007 from the following officials of the Department of the Business Coalition for Student Achievement, Reg Transportation: John H. Hill, Administrator, Federal Weaver, National Education Association, and Ches- Motor Carrier Safety Administration; and Calvin L. ter E. Finn, Jr., Thomas B. Fordham Foundation, all Scovel, III, Inspector General; and public witnesses. of Washington, D.C. VETERANS’ MEASURES f Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Dis- COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, ability Assistance and Memorial Affairs approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 797, MARCH 14, 2007 Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act; and (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) H.R. 1284, Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007. Senate The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Im- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense, pact of OIF/OEF on the VA Claims Process. Testi- to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates mony was heard from Dan Bertoni, Acting Direc- for fiscal year 2008 for the Army, 10:30 a.m., SD–192. tor—Education, Workforce, and Income Security Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Issues, GAO; Ronald R. Aument, Deputy Under Education, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to ex- Secretary, Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs; amine federal funding for the No Child Left Behind Act, 2:30 p.m., SD–124. and public witnesses. Committee on the Budget: business meeting to consider VETERANS’ MEASURES the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for the fiscal Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on year 2008, 2 p.m., SD–608. Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine chart- Health approved for full Committee action the fol- ing a course for health care moving toward universal cov- lowing bills: H.R. 612, Returning Servicemember erage, 10 a.m., SD–215. VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007; and H.R. Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on East 327, Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act. Asian and Pacific Affairs, to hold hearings to examine KATRINA REDEVELOPMENT TAX ISSUES strategies to end the violence relating to extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, 2:30 p.m., SD–419. Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: busi- Oversight held a hearing on Katrina Redevelopment ness meeting to consider S. 624, to amend the Public Tax Issues. Testimony was heard from Milton Bailey, Health Service Act to provide waivers relating to grants President Housing Finance Agency, State of Lou- for preventive health measures with respect to breast and isiana; and a public witness. cervical cancers, S. 657, to amend the Public Health Service Act to add requirements regarding trauma care, FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE S. 845, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in execu- Services to expand and intensify programs with respect to tive session to hold a hearing on Facilities and Infrastruc- research and related activities concerning elder falls, and tures. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. the nomination of W. Craig Vanderwagen, of Maryland, to be Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Joint Meetings Department of Health and Human Services. (New Posi- tion), Time to be announced, SD–430. NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine enhanc- Joint Hearing: Senate Committee on Health, Edu- ing patient access and drug safety relating to Prescription cation, Labor, and Pensions concluded a joint hear- Drug User Fees, 10:15 a.m., SD–430. ing with the House Committee on Education and Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Labor to examine improving No Child Left Behind to hold hearings to examine the threat of Islamic radi- to close the achievement gap, relating to the Ele- calism to the homeland, 9:30 a.m., SD–342. mentary and Secondary Education Act reauthoriza- Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine reinvigorating the Freedom of Information Act relating to tion, after receiving testimony from Georgia Gov- open government, 10 a.m., SD–226. ernor Roy E. Barnes, Co-Chair, Commission on No Committee on Rules and Administration: to hold hearings Child Left Behind, Marietta; Elizabeth Burmaster, to examine S. 223, to require Senate candidates to file Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruc- designations, statements, and reports in electronic form, tion, Madison, on behalf of the Council of Chief 10 a.m., SR–301. State School Officers; and Mike Casserly, Council of the Great City Schools, Wade Henderson, Leadership House Conference on Civil Rights, Edward J. McElroy, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Com- American Federation of Teachers, Arthur J. merce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, to continue Rothkopf, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of on NASA, 10 a.m., and 2 p.m., 2362A Rayburn.

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Subcommittee Energy and Water Development and Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emer- Related Agencies, on Science Research, 10 a.m., 2362B gency Communication, Preparedness, and Response, hear- Rayburn. ing entitled ‘‘Public Safety Interoperable Communications Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Gov- Grants: Are the Departments of Homeland Security and ernment, on National Archives and Records Administra- Commerce Effectively Coordinating to Meet our Nation’s tion, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn. Emergency Communications Needs?’’ 10 a.m., 311 Can- Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Gulf Coast non. Rebuilding, 3 p.m., 2358 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Science and Technology, hearing entitled ‘‘Countering the Agencies, on Bureau of Land Management, 9:30 a.m., Nuclear Threat to the Homeland: Evaluating the Procure- B–308 Rayburn. ment of Radiation Detection Technologies,’’ 2 p.m., 1539 Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Rayburn. Education, and Related Agencies, on Department of Edu- Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, cation: Student Financial Aid, Higher Education, Insti- and Terrorism Risk Assessment, hearing entitled ‘‘The tute of Education Sciences, 10 a.m., 2358 Rayburn. Department of Homeland Security State and Local Fusion Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans’ Af- Center Program: Advancing Information Sharing While fairs and Related Agencies, on Long-Term Challenges for Safeguarding Civil Liberties,’’ 3:30 p.m., 311 Cannon. Military Construction and Budget Overview, 10:30 a.m., Committee on the Judiciary, hearing on H.R. 1433, Dis- and on VA Research, 2 p.m., H–143 Capitol. Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban trict of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007, Development and Related Agencies, on Secretary of 10:15 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Transportation, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, hearing on H.R. 1328, Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Ter- To amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to rorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities, hearing revise and extend that Act, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. on harnessing technology innovation: challenges and op- Committee on Rules, to consider H.R. 1362, Account- portunities, 3 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. ability in Contracting Act, 2 p.m., H–313 Capitol. Committee on Education and Labor, to mark up H.R. Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on 1429, Improving Head Start Act of 2007, 10:30 a.m., Energy and Environment, hearing on the Environmental 2175 Rayburn. Protection Agency Fiscal Year 2008 Research and Devel- Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on En- opment Budget Proposal, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn. ergy and Air Quality, hearing entitled ‘‘Climate Change Committee on Small Business, hearing entitled ‘‘Chal- and Energy Security: Perspectives from the Automobile lenges and Solutions to Health Insurance Coverage for Industry,’’ 2 p.m., 2123 Rayburn. Small Businesses,’’ 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Inter- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sub- net, hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight of the Federal Commu- committee on Aviation, hearing on the Administration’s nications Commission,’’ 9 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Pro- Committee on Financial Services, oversight hearing of the posal, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 10 Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, a.m., 2128 Rayburn. to mark up the Water Resources Development Act of Committee on Foreign Affairs, hearing on the American 2007, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn. Red Cross Governance Reform, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Ways and Means, hearing on the Revenue Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Increasing Measures in the Small Business and Work Op- Rights, and Oversight, hearing on Global Polling Data portunity Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth. on Opinion of American Policies, Values and People, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on Genetic Non- 2:30 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Discrimination, 2 p.m., B–318 Rayburn.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:28 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D13MR7.REC D13MRPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with DIGEST D326 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 13, 2007

Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 14 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Wednesday: Senate will resume consider- Program for Wednesday: Consideration of H.R. 985— ation of the motion to proceed to consideration of S.J. Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2007. Res. 9, Iraq Resolution, and vote on the motion to in- voke cloture thereon at approximately 11 a.m.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Johnson, Timothy V., Ill., E533 Porter, Jon C., Nev., E530 Kirk, Mark Steven, Ill., E535 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E529, E531, E534 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E529, E533 McNerney, Jerry, Calif., E533 Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E529, E530, E532, E533, E534, Boehner, John A., Ohio, E531 Matsui, Doris O., Calif., E533 E534, E535, E536 Camp, Dave, Mich., E530 Millender-McDonald, Juanita, Calif., E529 Skelton, Ike, Mo., E532 Cooper, Jim, Tenn., E531 Neal, Richard E., Mass., E530 Thompson, Mike, Calif., E531 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E535 Poe, Ted, Tex., E532 Visclosky, Peter J., Ind., E532

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